Trying to conceive can feel isolating, especially in a plus-size body. In this heartfelt episode, Jen McLellan sits down with Veronica, a cherished member of the Plus Mommy community, to talk candidly about TTC, pregnancy loss, and the impact of weight stigma in healthcare. Veronica’s story offers powerful messages every care provider needs to hear, while reminding those on their own TTC journey that they’re not alone.
Jul 01, 2025•42 min•Ep. 236
Originally aired in 2018, this episode with Chaya Milchtein of Mechanic Shop Femme is too good not to share again—especially in celebration of Pride! Chaya is a powerhouse automotive educator who keeps it real about what it’s like to navigate cars in a larger body. From seatbelts that don’t fit to car shopping with confidence, she answers the questions many of us are too nervous to ask.
Jun 24, 2025•45 min•Ep. 235
Mary Lambert’s voice has moved millions, from her iconic performance at the Grammys with Madonna to her raw, honest lyrics about love, mental health, and body liberation. In this heartfelt conversation, Mary shares her journey from bartending to becoming a triple-platinum artist and outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, fat liberation, and mental health. This episode first aired in 2022, and in honor of Pride Month, we’re bringing it back. Mary’s story is one of courage, creativity, and c...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 234
Amy came on the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her family’s beautiful story. She and her husband, Chris, each carried one of their children into the world. Their journey to parenthood is full of love, strength, and resilience. This episode first aired in 2019, and in honor of Pride Month, we’re bringing it back. At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack, uplifting queer stories like Amy’s feels more important than ever. Representation matters. Visibility matters. And sharing stories like this...
Jun 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 233
Being pregnant in a larger body comes with unique emotional challenges, and your mental health matters every step of the way. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Linda Baggett joins Jen to talk about therapy, trauma, body image, and how to plan ahead for postpartum wellness. Whether you're navigating anxiety, setting boundaries, or simply seeking validation, this conversation offers real tools and heartfelt support for being fat and pregnant—and beyond.
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 232
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating pregnancy in a larger body, considering home birth, or simply searching for more respectful, personalized care. Cheryl Furer, a seasoned home birth midwife, joins host Jen McLellan for episode 231 of the Plus Mommy Podcast. Together, they explore what it truly means to support people in larger bodies through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and how weight bias continues to undermine standard midwifery support.
May 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 231
Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant nurse, is being kept on life support after a medical emergency left her brain dead. Due to restrictive state laws, her family has no say in what happens next. While an advance directive can’t change Adriana’s heartbreaking situation, her story is a powerful reminder of why these documents matter. This episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast explores what advance directives are, how they work, and why every adult, especially those who are pregnant or parenting, sho...
May 20, 2025•38 min•Ep. 230
You’ve read the parenting books, survived the toddler years, and maybe even thought, “I’ve got this.” Then the teen years hit, and suddenly, everything changes. In this honest and heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 7 things I wish I knew before my child became a teenager. From the quiet grief of losing snuggles to the surprising magic of car rides, this episode is for every parent navigating the messy, beautiful, and often confusing world of raising a teen. If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or...
May 13, 2025•49 min•Ep. 229
When your baby needs NICU care, everything changes—physically, emotionally, and unexpectedly. NICU nurse, doula, and lactation consultant Rebecca Servoss joins Jen McLellan to share what she wishes every parent knew about navigating the NICU and postpartum recovery. From practical tips to emotional support, this heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone preparing for birth or healing after it.
May 06, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 228
In Episode 227, I sit down with Certified Nurse Midwife Elizabeth Muñoz for a powerful conversation about body image, midwifery care, and dismantling weight bias in maternity care. Elizabeth shares her deeply personal journey—from overcoming harmful body messages to creating real change within healthcare systems. Together, we explore how compassionate, individualized care can spark a ripple effect of healing, not just for one pregnancy, but for families and communities for generations to come....
Apr 29, 2025•50 min•Ep. 227
What does liberation really look like in birth work—and how can we move beyond burnout and bias to create true change? In this bold and heartfelt episode, Jen McLellan speaks with Sabia Wade—Black queer CEO, full-spectrum doula, author of Birthing Liberation, and founder of Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings. Together, they unpack the deep systemic harm within maternity care, especially for Black birthing people and those in larger bodies. From medical gaslighting and BMI discrimination to stress...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 226
In this powerful episode, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress Chrissy Metz opens up about her path from childhood pain to Hollywood success. Best known for her role as Kate Pearson on This Is Us , Chrissy shares her journey with raw honesty, humor, and heart. She reflects on the moments that shaped her, the importance of faith, and what it means to show up as your full, authentic self—even when it’s hard. It’s a conversation filled with laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of truth that sta...
Apr 15, 2025•54 min•Ep. 225
Join us as we delve into the mysteries of perimenopause with Laurel Wilson, an esteemed author, speaker, TEDx presenter, and IBCLC. Discover the hormonal changes, symptoms, and challenges faced during this transitional phase. Laurel provides expert insights and practical advice to help you navigate perimenopause with confidence and support. Whether you're experiencing it firsthand or supporting a loved one, this episode offers valuable information for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Jul 23, 2024•48 min•Ep. 224
Lara Proud, a registered nurse, lactation consultant, and founder of Beyond the Bump Education based in Canada, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to explore the intricacies of the Canadian maternity care system. In this episode, Laura discusses the challenges of accessing midwifery care, effective strategies for informed consent and advocacy, and the critical role of Health at Every Size® practitioners in supporting positive birth outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...
Jul 21, 2024•57 min•Ep. 223
Samantha Venn is a certified professional midwife, VBAC mom (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), surrogate, and bereaved parent. She shares her powerful journey from facing fatphobia during her first pregnancy to becoming a home birth midwife dedicated to providing size-inclusive care. Discover the transformative impact of compassionate, evidence-based midwifery care, and gain valuable insights into navigating plus size pregnancy and home birth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
Jul 10, 2024•58 min•Ep. 222
Sabrina, a nurse, shares her empowering journey through plus size pregnancy. She underscores the importance of self-advocacy and informed decision-making, recounting her experience with using semaglutide and then discovering her pregnancy, navigating healthcare with religious beliefs that impact care, addressing racial biases, and health concerns during pregnancy. Sabrina's story is a powerful reminder of the need for size-inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive maternity care. Learn mor...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 221
Let’s jump straight into the nitty-gritty of postpartum tips, covering things many people want to know but might be afraid to ask. Shari Stamps, a postpartum educator, doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, and cranial sacral therapist, shares essential tips for navigating the postpartum period. Whether you're a new parent or a birth professional, this episode is packed with practical advice for a smoother, more comfortable postpartum recovery. Tune in to learn how to nurture your body, seek...
Jun 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 220
Join us as Lilly Schott, a nurse in reproductive and community health, shares invaluable advice on preparing for labor induction. With nearly 20 years of experience, Lilly provides insights into the induction process, highlighting the importance of informed consent, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. Don’t miss this episode filled with essential tips and expert guidance for navigating labor induction in a larger body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jun 18, 2024•56 min•Ep. 219
Size-inclusive doula Heidi Snyderburn, with over 20 years experience, addresses often overlooked challenges that plus size families face throughout maternity care. Heidi discusses the use of inclusive language, supporting those with a history of disordered eating, and the importance of size-inclusive equipment. She also emphasizes disclosing past trauma for comprehensive support and a positive birthing experience. We dive deep in this episode, covering important yet sensitive topics with strong ...
Jun 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, we hear Karen's queer plus size fertility story—a compelling tale of resilience, advocacy, and finding the right support during a challenging five-year journey. Supported by a loving partner, Karen's story highlights the unique challenges faced by plus size and queer individuals during fertility treatments, emphasizing the biases and obstacles encountered. Through determination and self-advocacy, Karen overcame these challenges and achieved their dream of parenthood. Join us to ...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 217
Dana Abraham, founder of Lemon Lime Adventures and author of Calm the Chaos, has supported thousands of families. She shares transformative strategies for parenting, emphasizing connection, understanding, and empowerment. Discover practical tips to create a harmonious family environment and confidently navigate the most challenging parenting moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 216
During this episode, we explore how to build your birth and postpartum support team with expert insights from author and elite certified birth and postpartum doula Kristen Revere. Discover the benefits of having a doula, the importance of postpartum support, and practical tips for finding and affording essential support services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 215
Are you wondering how to raise kids to have a healthy relationship with food while repairing your own? Learn from parenting expert Oona Hanson as she shares insights on breaking the cycle of diet culture, fostering body positivity, and supporting your child’s intuitive eating journey. Join us for practical tips and empowering advice to help your family thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 14, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 214
Tune into episode 213 for a deep dive with the magnetic Dr. Elliot Berlin on how chiropractic care tailored for all body sizes can enhance pregnancy wellness. Dr. Berlin shares crucial tips on improving comfort and preparing for a smoother delivery, specifically geared towards plus size individuals seeking supportive care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 07, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 213
Hi friends! Life threw us a curveball with a medical emergency, so we had to hit pause for a bit. But guess what? We’re back! And not just back—we have a solid plan to keep bringing you new weekly episodes. This mini-episode is a cozy catch-up session where I spill the tea on what happened, share the awesome stuff we achieved during our break, and discuss our plans moving forward. I can’t wait to be back in your ears weekly! Hit play now, and let’s dive back into our journey together—I’ve missed...
Apr 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 212
We're back! After a little break, we hit the ground, recording an all-heart, no-holds-barred deep dive. In this super raw episode, my better half and I unpack the wild ride of our 15-year marriage. We're getting real about everything — the heart of our love story, the chaos of parenting, the hurdles we've jumped, and how we're rocking the body changes that come with age — all through the unfiltered lens of our life as a plus size couple. Hit play for real talk, tough truths, a lot of love, and a...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 211
Join us for a moving and impactful conversation as host Jen McLellan interviews her mother, Kathryn. At 71, Kathryn has turned an encounter with weight bias at the doctor's office into a lesson on self-advocacy. Despite visiting a doctor for an eye infection, Kathryn found herself in an uncomfortable situation where the focus was shifted to her weight, overshadowing her immediate health concern. Determined to change this narrative, Kathryn shares her story. Then, she talks with Jen about strateg...
Jul 26, 2023•55 min•Ep. 210
Are you interested in navigating the path to size-friendly, trauma-informed healthcare? Special guest Mandy Irby is a board-certified labor nurse, educator, and expert in trauma-informed care. Throughout this episode, we share our experiences interacting with healthcare professionals, providing you with beneficial self-advocacy strategies. Mandy also offers insights into her proficient use of peanut balls during labor and birth. By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain the knowledge and confide...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 209
Renowned Health At Every Size® and weight stigma expert Ragen Chastain debunks diet myths and exposes the dangers of weight loss medications. We also uncover startling truths about the American Academy of Pediatrics support for weight loss interventions in children. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking and eye-opening episode that will challenge your perspective on weight loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 208
Let's celebrate fitness for all! As a plus size fitness instructor and the founder of Body Positive Barre, Natalie Sanders shares her top tips for starting or continuing your movement journey, connecting with size-friendly fitness instructors, and wholeheartedly embracing body positivity. With Natalie's expertise and warmth, you're all set for a fitness journey that suits your unique body and fills you with joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 05, 2023•47 min•Ep. 207
