In this bite-sized Sturdy Short, Jess spills the tea on three surprisingly simple things that seriously improved her body image—starting with breaking fashion “rules,” turning down the mind chaos with mindfulness, and learning that self-compassion isn’t just cozy vibes, it’s a power move. If you've been wondering where to start or just need a nudge, there’s a no-pressure “choose one” challenge at the end to help you get out of your head and back into your body—because healing doesn’t have to be ...
May 09, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Do you ever feel like you’re doing all the right mindset work around body image, but something’s still…missing? This week, we’re exploring embodiment —not as a buzzword, but as a powerful, research-backed tool to help you feel more at home in your body. We’ll break down: ✨ What embodiment actually is (and isn’t) 🧠 The difference between self-objectification and body connection 🔬 The science behind how embodiment improves body image, eating habits, and emotional resilience 🛠️ Practical, doable...
Apr 25, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, the focus is on breaking free from the mindset of waiting for the 'perfect' moment to start living fully. It challenges listeners, especially women, to stop delaying their dreams until they feel better about their bodies or circumstances. Key points discussed include the pitfalls of waiting for the ideal time, the illusion of waiting for motivation, and the importance of taking small steps aligned with one's values to build momentum. The episode encourages immedia...
Apr 12, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In episode 58 of Sturdy Girl, host Jess delves into the concept of body image flexibility as an empowering alternative to positive body image. She critiques the limitations of the 'love yourself' mantra and emphasizes the importance of accepting body image fluctuations. Jess explains how body image flexibility can reduce distress and disordered eating while improving mental health. She outlines practical ways to develop this skill, such as noticing and naming negative thoughts, using diffusion t...
Apr 05, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In episode 57 of Sturdy Girl, host Jess delves into the pressure of loving every aspect of our bodies and instead promotes the more attainable goal of body acceptance. Key points include the unrealistic standards set by social media, the harmful effects of forced self-love, and practical steps such as curating social media feeds, using realistic affirmations, and practicing sensory awareness to cultivate a healthier body image. Jess emphasizes that our bodies are vessels for experiencing life, r...
Mar 21, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In episode 56 of Sturdy Girl, Jess delves into understanding the difference between thoughts and beliefs and how they shape our body image. She introduces a game to identify these and explains the influence of media, personal experiences, and cultural norms on our perceptions of our bodies. Jess provides practical steps to unlearn harmful body image beliefs, including becoming aware of negative thoughts, challenging them, and replacing criticism with curiosity. She emphasizes the importance of q...
Mar 14, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In episode 55 of Sturdy Girl, host Jess guides listeners through a reflective journey, imagining themselves at age 96, contemplating life's meaningful moments rather than daily tasks and regrets. Key points include prioritizing experiences over perfection, finding joy and connections, and the importance of living authentically. She references insights from 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying' by Brony Ware and '4,000 Weeks' by Oliver Berkman, and shares a personal anecdote about learning to balan...
Mar 07, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In episode 54 of Sturdy Girl, host Jess emphasizes the importance of setting goals that are meaningful, personally tailored, and aligned with your core values. She guides listeners through performing a 'goal audit' to ensure their goals are intrinsically rewarding and not influenced by external pressures. Key points include making goals personally meaningful, ensuring they are your own, aligning them with your values, and performing a gut-check to confirm they reflect your true intentions and de...
Feb 28, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This episode explores the concept of body image and provides research-backed keys to improve how we perceive our bodies. Key points include: Body image is more about our thoughts than our physical bodies. Personal anecdotes from Jess about her journey from obsessive running to powerlifting. Defining and differentiating the four types of body image: perceptual, affective, cognitive, and behavioral. The importance of awareness in recognizing and reframing negative thoughts. Self-compassion and vis...
Feb 21, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this Valentine's Day special episode of Sturdy Girl, host Jess challenges the conventional notion that self-love should be the end goal in building a relationship with oneself. Jess discusses the idea of finding a middle ground, focusing on self-respect, self-trust, and self-compassion as more practical and attainable alternatives. She explains the concept of body image flexibility and the importance of function over appearance, providing actionable tips like reframing self-talk and setting n...
Feb 14, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Let’s welcome Hannah Silva Breen, a PhD candidate in sports exercise and performance psychology and a practitioner in clinical mental health counseling. Jess and Hannah discuss Hannah's educational and professional journey, her focus on embodiment and mental performance consulting, and her personal experiences with body image, disordered eating, and athletic identity. Hannah elaborates on her research around embodiment in athletes and offers insights on maintaining a healthy mental and physical ...
Dec 20, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, Jess welcomes Sabrina Del Duca, a confidence coach and dancer, to discuss body image, body dysmorphia, and mindset tools for building confidence. Sabrina shares her journey from a 10-year career in advertising to becoming a dance teacher and confidence coach. They delve into the impact of constant self-evaluation in the mirror, experiences with body image growing up, and the importance of accepting one's body. Sabrina also provides actionable tips for building con...
Dec 13, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Join Jess as she chats with Alissa Rumsey, a registered dietitian, intuitive eating counselor, and author of 'Unapologetic Eating: Make Peace with Food and Transform Your Life'. Alyssa shares her journey into nutrition, starting from her high school years filled with diet culture to discovering intuitive eating and recognizing the social justice components of her work. They discuss the process of unlearning diet culture, the impact of allowing and feeling emotions, and the concept of power throu...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, Jess interviews Kristen, a mental performance coach who works with athletes, coaches, and parents to improve confidence, focus, and motivation. Kristen shares her journey from being a strength and conditioning coach to specializing in mental performance, emphasizing the importance of preparation and control. She discusses her methods for helping athletes of all ages, from youth to adult women's leagues, and provides valuable insights on visualization, self-talk, a...
Nov 29, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, Jess welcomes Claire, a counselor and parent educator, to discuss the challenges and joys of early parenthood. Claire shares her mission to make early parenthood enjoyable and less overwhelming through her online program, Beyond Birth. She discusses the unrealistic societal pressures of 'bounce back culture,' emphasizes the importance of postpartum support, and introduces the concept of 'bouncing forward.' Claire also shares her personal experiences with pregnancy...
Nov 22, 2024•56 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, host Jess welcomes Rachel, a women's wellness coach and yoga/meditation teacher. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing burnout as a family nurse practitioner to finding new purpose in coaching women to appreciate and empower their bodies. The discussion covers the impacts of yoga, particularly yin yoga, on body image and mental health, the significance of mindfulness and meditation, the power of gratitude, and the principles of the law of attraction. They al...
Nov 15, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, the host introduces Kelsey Wiebe, a NASM certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and holistic life coach. Kelsey shares her journey from personal struggles with disordered eating to becoming an empowering coach for women. They discuss her transformation, the principles of her 'Rediscover You' coaching program, and the importance of food freedom, mindful eating, growth mindset, and self-compassion. The episode also highlights the significance of focusing on ho...
Nov 01, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, Jess and life coach, Melissa Lowe, delve into the essential strategies and tips for enhancing productivity. We explore various methods to optimize your workflow, manage your time effectively, and achieve your goals efficiently. Whether you're looking to boost your personal or professional productivity, this episode offers practical advice and actionable steps to help you succeed. Connect with Melissa HERE . Check out Sturdy Girl apparel HERE . Send Us A Message! PodMatch PodMatc...
Oct 25, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Join Jess and Kira, a licensed therapist and founder of Pearl Wellness, to discuss the importance of body image, self-care, and community engagement. This episode delves into Kira's journey from Florida to D.C., her work with human trafficking victims, and her collaborative practice promoting mental health and eating disorder awareness. The episodes emphasize the significance of body image flexibility, the impact of early influences, and the need for self-awareness. They explore various strategi...
Oct 18, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of Sturdy Girl, host Jess welcomes guest Dana Donnelly, a podcast host, motivational speaker, and author, to discuss empowerment and authentic living. Dana shares her journey from an abusive relationship to self-discovery and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive community for women, especially entrepreneurs. They delve into concepts like 'driftwood' and 'expanders'—terms for seeing others' success as inspiration rather than competition. Dana highli...
Oct 11, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Come chat with Jess and NSCA's personal trainer of the year, Tara DeLeon, as they cover how to get started lifting heavy things, weight neutral coaching, navigating parenthood and reclaiming our identities. Connect with Tara on IG. Send Us A Message! PodMatch PodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HERE . Stay Sturdy, friends....
Oct 04, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Ever wondered how mental resilience can transform your athletic performance? Join us in an inspiring conversation with Erin, a dedicated sports psychologist, as she shares her unique journey from traditional psychology to the specialized world of sports psychology. Learn about Erin's academic path, her personal battles with self-care and body image, and how running and endurance sports became a turning point in her life. Erin now focuses on the mental health of female, trans, and non-binary athl...
Sep 27, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Jess had a little extra coffee for the episode and wants to tell you all the ways it's actually good for you to PLAY, to laugh, to stop taking life so seriously all the dang time. As mentioned in the episode: The Comfort Crisis, by Michael Easter PLAY by Stuart Brown MD Send Us A Message! So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HERE . Stay Sturdy, friends....
Aug 23, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 12
This is the episode you download to revisit on bad body image days. It's 8 minutes of your friend, who cares deeply, giving you a pep talk when your feels about your body are causing your brain to spiral. REMINDER: Sturdy Girl shirts (our limited edition summer shirts AND the OG's) are on sale! Use code SGSUMMER for 20% off! Send Us A Message! So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HERE . Stay Sturdy, friends....
Aug 16, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 11
We all go through hard seasons and we all cope with them differently. This episode give you Jess's 3 habits that helped her get through a hard season and how to apply them in our lives. You'll learn about nonnegotiables (something she works on with every client) and what her current recommended read is. As always, send us a message. We're forever in your corner. Send Us A Message! So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HER...
Aug 09, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 10
To go from a powerlifting competition to a trail marathon at elevation in 7 months. That's what this week's guest did as she embraces her mission to stop letting her body hold her back from living the life she wants. Send Us A Message! PodMatch PodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HERE . Stay Sturdy, friends....
Aug 02, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 9
What if I told you that I don' want you to stop comparing yourself to others? *insert side eye emoji* What if I told you that you can use comparison in a way that is actually beneficial? Friend, tune in to this week's episode to learn all about the types of comparison, the harm that it can cause, and 5 actionable tips for getting out of the comparison trap. Send Us A Message! So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday. Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE . Connect with Jess HERE . S...
Jul 26, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Ready to transform your relationship with your body? Join me, Jess, on this solo episode of Sturdy Girl as I uncover the secrets to feeling good in our bodies, especially during those summer months. Fresh from a rejuvenating girls' retreat in Lake Tahoe and inspired by a client's marathon in Colorado, I dive deep into the importance of internal work for achieving true body confidence. We’ll explore the concept of body image flexibility, a powerful tool that helps us maintain a positive view of o...
Jul 19, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Could finding joy in the mundane transform your life? Join us for an enriching discussion on how to romanticize your life with our special guest host, Lexi, in this episode of Sturdy Girl. We explore the art of appreciating small, often overlooked moments that add magic and meaning to our everyday routines. From the comforting aroma of fresh coffee to the serene tranquility of a sunrise walk with your dog, Lexi offers her valuable insights on cultivating presence and gratitude. We highlight how ...
Jul 12, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Traveling has a way of reshaping our views on body image and confidence, doesn’t it? Picture this: my grandparents, who come from a tiny town of just a thousand people, joined us on a whirlwind three-week adventure through France, Greece, and a brief stop in London. Observing my grandma's reactions to the diverse styles, body types, and self-assuredness of people we encountered was nothing short of enlightening. It made me realize that confidence and fashion are incredibly subjective – a truth a...
Jul 05, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 5
