In this first season, I explore the idea of “Happiness at every size”. I struggled with my weight for almost as longs as I can remember. I have come to love who I am; this is not dependent on my size. I gave up on the constant fight with my body and surprise: I am loved, I have a great job, I am accepted... and most importantly I accept myself most of the time. I invite you to do the same, let's reflect: how can we be happy at any size?

Welcome to The Fat Psychologist Podcast. Join me to decode wellbeing research so it can have a real impact in our lives. Let's make decisions based on information we understand, not based what others say we should think of ourselves. I will explore themes that have been important in my life, as I search for happiness and belonging. This is our journey, I would love you to contribute too!

The Fat Psychologist Podcast

Season 1

Teaser transcript

Hi, I’m Ninna Makrinov. I’m a psychologist. And, yes I am fat. I am The Fat Psychologist.

I struggled with my weight for almost as longs as I can remember. As a child, my family had me on a calorie restricted diet since I was 8. I was told no-one would ever love me unless I lost weight, no-one would ever hire me, no-one would ever accept me.

But over the years I have come to love who I am. I gave up on the constant fight with my body and surprise: I am loved, I have a great job, I am accepted... and most importantly I accept myself most of the time.

Saying all of this sounds easy, doing it has been hard. There is where this podcast comes in. Join me to decode wellbeing research so it can have a real impact in our lives. Let's make decisions based on information we understand and question, not based what others say we should think of ourselves.

In this first season, I explore the idea of “Happiness at every size”. I want to share the somehow crazy idea that thinness does not create happiness. That we can be happy however we look like. I will invite guests to discuss a theme as it relates to happiness: health, belonging, service, sex, contentment, laughter. I will share my passion for research, my stories, my fears, my goals.

I would love to hear about you too. Do you have stories to share? Questions to ask? Would you like to co-host or share your research? Read the show notes for links to how you can contribute.

Look out for The Fat Psychologist Podcast on our website TheFatPsychologist.com and your favourite podcast app.

Episodes

2 minute Teaser: Meet Ninna

Episode 1

I am fat: Identity with Nina Robinson and Faith Stadnyk

My secret to happiness: “If I’m a Staffy, why try to look like a Greyhound?”

Episode 2

"Don't say fat": fat activism, fatphobia and allyship

People tell me to not say fat. I say it is time to reclaim fat as a superpower.

Episode 3

Coming out of a dark place: resilience with Angela Morrison

When I am down, I say to myself: "I can do this"

Episode 4

Bouncing back: rethinking resilience and wellbeing

It is not only the help of our friends, but knowing that they are there to help.

Episode 5

Laugh out loud: stand-up comedy with Sheri Sankey

 Laugh when everybody is sad, laugh for laughter's own sake.

Episode 6
Be your authentic self: courage, self-esteem and self-efficacy

The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself as accepted.

Episode 7
Activism: Fat bodies are political with Erica Sosa

If we really cared about health, we’d look at systems, not individuals.

Episode 8
Revolutionary Hotness: Reclaiming pleasure with Erica Sosa

Pleasure is going to be my ultimate beacon in this life

Episode 9
Feel It to Heal It: Emotions with Juan Pablo Kalawski

We can all fool ourselves, but we don’t have to. We can pay attention. The unmistakable answer is going to be inside.

Episode 10
Diet Culture as Religion: Faith and Fatness with Amanda Martinez Beck

I believe that God accepts us all as we are. If you’ve ever been excluded by the church, I’m really, really sorry.

Episode 11
Happiness at Every Size: Thrive by Being You

Happiness is not about being happy all the time. It’s about being content, accepting our current circumstances, and having moments of joy.

Episode 12
Fat Counselling: Therapy and Fat Liberation with Jo Reader and Cat Chappell

Therapy should be one of the safest places to go. But if therapists haven’t done the work, fat bias seeps in, even in subtle, well-meaning ways.