Why it's time to stop blaming our bodies: How weight stigma harms us

In this episode of Let’s Talk we’re diving into the mind-blowing world of weight stigma with two very authentic and vocal fat activists. You may also laugh out loud and decide you want these women as your new best friends. Demi Lynch is a researcher and journalist from Kaleidoscope News. April Helene-Horton, aka The Bodzilla, is a body diversity advocate and well-known content creator. They’ll be sharing their no-holds-barred views on stigma and stereotyping, dating and relationships, the disconnect between health and health care, and what it really means for a person to take up space. It may be tough to hear, but if you don’t know what it’s like to live in a larger body, this conversation will help you to get it. If you do live in a larger body, Demi and April are here to let you know you’re not alone in your experience — and with them in your corner, there are things you can do to keep going with hope. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online The Butterfly referral database can be found Information on the Weight Stigma Conference can be found You can find Demi on Instagram here and April on Instagram Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Let's Talk we're diving into a topic that will impact young people and any adults who love, work with, or educate them: We're talking about the incoming social media age restrictions, otherwise known as "the social media ban". There's been a lot of discussion and even confusion about what these changes mean, why they're happening, and how they might affect the wellbeing of teens as they navigate a world increasingly shaped by online connection. Australia is leading the world in this space, and the whole world is watching. Joining Yvie today is Danni Rowlands, the Director of Education Initiatives at Butterfly, who has spent nearly two decades working with young people, their families, sports clubs and schools. Danni brings a deep understanding of how digital environments shape identity, mental health, and the ways young people relate to their bodies. The ban was initiated, in part, because of the negative impact social media can have on their body image. Danni will explain how body image, mental health, and online safety more broadly, is not only about the platforms or algorithms. It's about people, community, belonging, and the pressures young people face as they grow up in a world that is constantly asking them to compare, perform, and keep up. More importantly, she'll share how adults can support the next generation through this major transition. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Tips around the social media ban for under 16s Find out more about BodyKind Online Education Find professional support for your teen's body image and eating  Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let’s Talk  we are diving into the realities of living with, and managing, a longstanding eating disorder. So many of us live in that space between acute illness and full recovery, we wanted to know what that means for our lives. Yvie is joined by Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of "Slip, Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery”. Mallary shares her own lived experience with a long-term eating disorder, her ongoing recovery full of slips and setbacks and advice on what others can do when they encounter similar circumstances. Also joining Yvie is Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, an expert in treating complex eating disorders and author of "Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders" . She’ll be sharing how clinicians can create a sense of unified purpose with their clients in order to support long-term health and wellbeing. Recovery isn't about perfection, it's about progress, patience, and self-compassion. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Butterfly Referral Database You can find Mallary’s book You can find Dr. Jennifer’s book Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Let’s Talk dives into one of the most important parts of mental health and wellbeing: sleep. Yvie is joined by Dr Sumedha Verma, a sleep psychologist dedicated to helping people understand and improve their sleep in holistic, person-centred ways. Sleep problems affect around two-thirds of people in Australia. Sleep isn’t just a biological process – it’s also shaped by social and societal pressures, human connections, and personal experiences. Dr Verma explains how good sleep strengthens mental and physical health, and supports your relationship with yourself, your body, and your external environment. She and Yvie also discuss why sleep health is highly personal, and how cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a proven but often overlooked treatment. In this episode, you’ll discover why holistic, individualised support for sleep matters so much, especially for people living with mental health, eating, or body image concerns. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online You can find Dr Sumedha’s website Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Let’s Talk explores how art therapy can be a powerful recovery tool for people with eating disorders. Yvie speaks with clinician Serena Hill about the healing potential of this approach, including how creative expression can provide a safe space to explore emotions and support mental health. Through her work as an art therapist, including at Wandi Nerida Residential Treatment Centre in Queensland, Serena combines her background in mental health nursing, her lived experience of an eating disorder, and her passion for creativity. Art therapy is a surprisingly effective way for people to express and understand themselves. Yvie and Serena discuss the importance of compassionate, skilled support in mental health treatment, and how art therapy complements traditional approaches, especially when talk therapy isn’t enough. Whether you're struggling with body image or eating yourself, or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers hope and insight into recovery through creative means. Resources: Association of Art Therapists in Australia Wandi Nerida Residential Treatment Centre Inner Expressions Art Therapy Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones is joined by Matildas star and Butterfly Foundation ambassador Katrina Gorry, who opens up about her personal journey with developing an eating disorder, and how she learned to treat her body with compassion, care and respect, even when it felt hard. Katrina shares how a period of personal turmoil led her to seek control of her life by controlling her food, and how that struggle affected her career as an athlete. With honesty and insight, Katrina also discusses how becoming a mother transformed her relationship with her body and what daily practices now help her to treat it with kindness and respect. This is a story about recovery, resilience, and rewriting the way we think, act and speak about bodies, both for ourselves and for others. Resources: Butterfly’s BodyKind August campaign Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Register for Butterfly’s free resources to help you be more BodyKind here. Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones explores an often-overlooked topic: the experience of body image in people living with disabilities. To help us understand, Yvie is joined by Juliette McAleer, a writer, researcher and disability advocate from regional Queensland. Juliette shares how she navigates the complexities of living with physical and psychosocial disabilities, all while recovering from an eating disorder. Yvie and Juliette discuss how ongoing medical issues, the system of care, and prejudice around difference can impact body image. Juliette shares how she learned to challenge societal standards and cultivate body kindness even when feeling good about her body was especially challenging. She also talks through how allies can better support disabled bodies with genuine inclusivity, understanding, and respect. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Check out the blog about research that looked at body image in women living with disabilities that was supported by Butterfly and conducted by WHISE, Women’s Health in the South East here. Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here. Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here. Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it’s OK to seek a second opinion. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Evie Jones explores the complex realities of body image among young people, with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. Featuring insightful conversations with Finn Sterling, a trans youth advocate; Jeanette Chan, a young, queer lived experience researcher; and Francesca Beilharz, a clinical psychologist, the episode delves into societal pressures, media influences, and personal identities that can shape body perceptions. The guests discuss the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, including issues of dysphoria, access to affirming care, and community influences. They emphasise the importance of inclusive, affirming support and systemic change to foster acceptance, safety, and empowerment for all bodies. Plus, Finn shares how social media can both support and challenge body acceptance. This episode offers vital insights and compassionate advice for anyone navigating body image struggles, especially within traditionally marginalised communities. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online For information about Butterfly’s Body Kind Youth Survey that includes findings with LGBTQIA+ youth see here. For resources for the LGBTIQA+ community, including young people, see If you are professional working the LGBTQIA+ youth, there’s a tip sheet for you here. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones delves into the complex journey of eating disorder recovery through the powerful lenses of lived experience. She is joined by TJ, Keely, Beth, and Grace, who share their personal stories and professional insights as they navigate the challenges and breakthroughs associated with eating disorders. TJ opens up about his journey with anorexia and bulimia, highlighting how cultural and gender factors influenced his experience and recovery. Keely reflects on her challenging pathway to recovery, emphasising the importance of reconnecting with loved ones and finding joy in life beyond the eating disorder. Beth provides a unique perspective as a peer support facilitator, revealing the healing power of connection and community in the recovery process. Grace, a clinical program manager at the Butterfly Foundation, discusses the significance of incorporating lived experience into treatment programs, shedding light on the gaps often faced when transitioning from inpatient care to home. Throughout the episode, our guests reinforce that recovery is not a linear process but a continual journey shaped by personal growth, community support, and resilience. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the individual nature of recovery, the importance of representation in mental health services, and practical tips for navigating the path to healing.   Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders For treatment after in patient care in a hospital or residential treatment centre, see Next Steps. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones engages in a heartfelt conversation about body image and self-acceptance as she speaks with broadcaster Myf Warhurst, research psychologist Professor Navjot Bhullar, endocrinologist Dr. Yvonne Chow, and actor and singer Mia Morrissey. Together, they delve into the complexities of body image in women, and why women are disproportionately impacted by body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. This discussion looks at various areas across a woman’s life span, including Myf's personal journey with aging and relationships, the psychological impact of societal standards as explained by Navjot, and Yvonne's insights on the role of hormones in a woman’s experience of her body over time. Mia shares her own experience with an eating disorder, and how physical health challenges alongside appearance ideals influenced her well-being. In the end, the episode calls for more understanding and kindness towards ourselves and our bodies. For the sake of all women, it’s time to resist toxic social prescriptions by basing our value on the way that we look. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online For more information and resources for women go to Butterfly’s dedicated page here. Read the full findings of the Butterfly Foundation and KPMG Appearance Ideals report Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.