Conjuring Up Courage artwork

Conjuring Up Courage

146 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 85 ratings

Join Shohreh Davoodi, a self-trust coach for queer folks, for a podcast that celebrates what’s possible when you commit to being brave. Conjuring Up Courage navigates the complexities of power, privilege, and personal growth to explore how to build a more fulfilling life and create a better world for everyone. Through educational solo episodes and vibrant interviews with diverse guests from the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups, Shohreh engages in conversations about identity, sexual orientation and gender, self-doubt and shame, boundaries, vulnerability, resilience, self-care and community care, social justice, and more. This podcast invites you to stop living according to "shoulds" and step into your motherf*cking magic instead. New episodes are released every other Tuesday.

Nutrition Health & Fitness Fitness self-trust courage self-compassion brave shame self-doubt self-care social justice vulnerability resilience
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Episodes

Thin Privilege, Fat Oppression, and PCOS with Kimmie Singh | #37

March 17, 2020 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

Kimmie Singh, a fat dietitian of color, joined me on the podcast to discuss thin privilege (including how having it doesn't mean you don't struggle with body image issues) and some ways Health At Every Size® practitioners who hold more privilege can better support marginalized practitioners. We also talked about PCOS and why weight loss and restrictive diets aren't the answer to managing it. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/37.

Tracking Your Progress Without the Scale | #36

March 10, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

In a weight-centric world, the number on the scale is treated like a proxy for health, well-being, fitness, nutrition, and more. In this episode, I argue that we shouldn't be relying on the scale as a measure for such complex parts of our lives. I also provide alternative ways to track your progress if you're trying to improve your health and wellness. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/36.

The Girl Gang Talks Mental Health | #35

March 03, 2020 08:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

The Girl Gang takes on a more serious topic in this episode as we share our personal experiences with mental health in an effort to combat stigma and normalize these discussions. We chatted about missed diagnoses in childhood, going to therapy, medication, access issues, building the tools in our mental health toolboxes, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/35. TW: Discussion of suicide, self-harm, and symptoms of mental d...

Surprising Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with Krystyna Holland | #34

February 25, 2020 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Everyone has a pelvic floor, but it's safe to say that not everyone knows what their pelvic floor does. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Krystyna Holland fills us in. As a pelvic health expert, she helps people with leaking, painful sex, postpartum bodily changes, and more. Been wondering about kegels and Yoni eggs? We cover that too. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/34.

What You Can Do If You Think You Hate Exercising | #33

February 18, 2020 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

As much as I'm a proponent of finding and doing exercise you love, I know that some people absolutely despise it. In this episode, I explore several reasons why a person might hate exercise and what they can potentially do about it. I also give some of my favorite tips for making exercise suck less for those who may never truly enjoy it but still want to reap the benefits. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/33.

How To Have a Healthy Gut with Beth Rosen | #32

February 11, 2020 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Gut health solutions are all the rage right now, but can they actually improve your gut issues? Beth Rosen, a non-diet dietitian and digestive disorders expert, joins the podcast to fight back against fads and tell us what we really need to know about having a healthy gut. We talked about probiotics, how to eat intuitively with gastric issues, the low-FODMAP diet, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/32.

5 Ways Perfectionism is Stealing Your Joy | #31

February 04, 2020 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

Whether you personally struggle with perfectionism or have people in your life who do, it can be helpful to understand more about the motivations behind perfectionist tendencies. In this episode, I share details of my own history with perfectionism and five specific ways perfectionism makes life harder. I also give ideas for how to take your joy back by learning to lean into the imperfect nature of being human. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehd...

5 Ways Perfectionism Is Stealing Your Joy | #31

February 04, 2020 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MB

Whether you personally struggle with perfectionism or have people in your life who do, it can be helpful to understand more about the motivations behind perfectionist tendencies. In this episode, I share details of my own history with perfectionism and five specific ways perfectionism makes life harder. I also give ideas for how to take your joy back by learning to lean into the imperfect nature of being human. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shoh...

The Girl Gang Gets Unladylike | #30

January 28, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

The Girl Gang is back and more ridiculous than ever. In this episode, we tackle tons of topics that "ladies" are not supposed to speak openly and honestly about, from periods to farts to orgasms. Societal conditioning has taught us that it's inappropriate to talk about our own weird and wild bodies, so this episode is our way of calling bullshit on that and extinguishing some of the shame we learned growing up. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shoh...

Pleasure, Masturbation, and Ethical Porn with Jamie J. LeClaire | #29

January 21, 2020 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

There’s a good chance today’s episode with sex educator Jamie J. LeClaire will answer at least one question you’ve always wanted to ask about sex but have been too embarrassed to. We chatted about pleasure, sexual boundaries, masturbation, sex toys, ethical porn, and even butt stuff (yep, we went there). You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/29. TW: Some discussion of Jamie's eating disorder

HAES-Friendly Fitness with Karen Preene | #28

January 14, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

Mainstream fitness culture got you down? Thank goodness non-diet, Health At Every Size-aligned personal trainers like Karen Preene exist. Karen and I talked about the value of taking intentional breaks, what joyful movement actually is, and how to have a healthier relationship with exercise. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/28.

Rape Culture, Rejection, and Consent with Sharon Hoefer | #27

January 07, 2020 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

Sharon Hoefer works with college students to create campus communities that value consent and healthy relationships. In this episode, she and I discussed ways to build a culture of care to combat the rape culture we’re currently living in, the importance of learning to both deal with and dole out rejection, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/27. TW: Discussion of interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and rape culture

Tips for Setting Better Goals in the New Year | #26

December 31, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

Every year, millions of people eagerly set New Year's resolutions only to abandon them shortly thereafter. In this episode, I attempt to help you avoid that fate by explaining how to set more effective goals for yourself. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://www.shohrehdavoodi.com/26.

How To Soothe Stress and Trauma through Meditation with Neathery Thurmond | #25

December 24, 2019 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MB

If you think that meditation and mindfulness are trendy wellness fads not worth pursuing, psychotherapist Neathery Thurmond might just change your mind. She and I talked about the effects of stress and trauma in the body, how meditation helps us integrate our brains, and the many different forms mindfulness can take in our lives. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/25.

How To Soothe Stress and Trauma Through Meditation with Neathery Thurmond | #25

December 24, 2019 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

If you think that meditation and mindfulness are trendy wellness fads not worth pursuing, psychotherapist Neathery Thurmond might just change your mind. She and I talked about the effects of stress and trauma in the body, how meditation helps us integrate our brains, and the many different forms mindfulness can take in our lives. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/25.

How To Soothe Stress and Trauma Through Meditation with Neathery Falchuk | #25

December 24, 2019 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

If you think that meditation and mindfulness are trendy wellness fads not worth pursuing, psychotherapist Neathery Falchuk might just change your mind.  We talked about the effects of stress and trauma in the body, how meditation helps us integrate our brains, and the many different forms mindfulness can take in our lives. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/25.

The Personal is Political with Ani Mirasol | #24

December 17, 2019 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

’Tis the season for heated political conversations around the holiday dinner table. Thankfully, trauma therapist Ani Mirasol is on the podcast to help us get through it. We talked about strategies for fruitful discussions, the political nature of being a marginalized person, how to avoid activist burnout, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/24.

The Personal Is Political with Ani Mirasol | #24

December 17, 2019 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MB

’Tis the season for heated political conversations around the holiday dinner table. Thankfully, trauma therapist Ani Mirasol is on the podcast to help us get through it. We talked about strategies for fruitful discussions, the political nature of being a marginalized person, how to avoid activist burnout, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/24.

Weight-Inclusive Medical Care with Jess Campbell | #23

December 10, 2019 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

Jess Campbell, a New Zealand-based non-diet nutritionist and medical student, joins the podcast this week. We chatted about BMI, what the science really says about body size and weight loss, how doctors can better support their patients in larger bodies, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/23.

Diabetes Myth Busting with Lauren Newman | #22

December 03, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Think sugar causes diabetes? Think again. Lauren Newman, a weight-inclusive registered dietitian, tackles this and other diabetes myths on today's episode. We discussed how diabetes works in the body, what the heck "pre-diabetes" means (and whether the diagnosis is useful), why the advice to lose weight is bad for diabetics, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/22.

Disability, Death, and Subverting the Dominant Culture with Alejandra Spector | #21

November 26, 2019 08:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

Alejandra Spector, co-host of the Latinx Mental Health Podcast, shares her experiences with rheumatoid arthritis on the podcast this week. We chatted about the effect her autoimmune disease has had on her body image, capitalist work culture, issues with our for-profit healthcare system, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/21.

The Nuances of Intuitive Eating in Black Communities with Ayana Habtemariam | #20

November 19, 2019 08:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Nutrition therapist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Ayana Habtemariam, joined me to chat about her approach to teaching intuitive eating in Black communities. We discussed the necessity of understanding where your clients are coming from, why being "healthy" isn't the only important quality of the foods we eat, and ways to make intuitive eating more accessible. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/20.

Size-Inclusive Clothing with Superfit Hero Founder Micki Krimmel | #19

November 12, 2019 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

Micki Krimmel, founder of the body-positive activewear brand Superfit Hero, is on a mission to make fitness more inclusive. She and I talked about her inspiration for launching the brand, the truth about creating clothing in larger sizes, why the brand has decided to stick with body positivity even as others are abandoning it, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/19.

Redefining How You Relate to Money with Ian Libardo Tennant | #18

November 05, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

Financial planner Ian Libardo Tennant joins the podcast to help us redefine money in an empowering way. We talked about wealth disparity, the direct role income plays in our health and well-being, how to think about money, budgeting, and so much more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/18.

What to Expect and How to Thrive in Menopause with Michelle Viña-Baltsas | #17

October 29, 2019 07:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

This week I'm conversing with coach Michelle Viña-Baltsas. Michelle specializes in helping people through menopause, and her clients call her the "self-compassion queen." If you've ever been curious about what menopause may be like or if you're going through it now and could use some tips to survive and thrive, this is the episode for you. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/17.

What To Expect and How To Thrive in Menopause with Michelle Viña-Baltsas | #17

October 29, 2019 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

This week I'm conversing with coach Michelle Viña-Baltsas. Michelle specializes in helping people through menopause and her clients call her the "self-compassion queen." If you've ever been curious about what menopause may be like or if you're going through it now and could use some tips to survive and thrive, this is the episode for you. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/17.

The Damaging Effects of Diet Culture | #16

October 22, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

Diet culture is all around us, influencing the way we eat, speak, dress, think, and more. In this episode, I break down what diet culture is, why it matters, and some steps you can take to move away from it for good. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/16.

Raising Intuitive Eaters with Gina Mateer | #15

October 15, 2019 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Gina Mateer, a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian Supervisor and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, spoke with me about strategies parents can use to help kids and teens have a healthy relationship with food. We covered the problems with black-and-white approaches like the WW Kurbo app, why parents shouldn't focus on weight, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/15.

Self-Expression and Healing Through Tattoos with Cora Mylene | #14

October 08, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

In this episode, tattooer Cora Mylene chats with me about the intimate connection she has with her clients, the different ways people use tattoos, including for self-expression and to improve body image, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/14.

Self-Expression and Healing through Tattoos with Cora Mylene | #14

October 08, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

In this episode, tattooer Cora Mylene chats with me about the intimate connection she has with her clients, the different ways people use tattoos, including for self-expression and to improve body image, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/14.

Fat-Positive Fertility and Pregnancy with Nicola Salmon | #13

October 01, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Fat-positive and feminist fertility coach, Nicola Salmon, joined me to discuss the unique barriers people in larger bodies face when it comes to getting pregnant. Nicola shared strategies for how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office, how to work on overcoming internalized weight stigma, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/13.

The Girl Gang Talks Bisexuality Myths and Misconceptions | #12

September 24, 2019 07:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

The Girl Gang, made up of Ally Ridnour, Tiffany Cunningham, and myself, blasts bisexuality myths and misconceptions in honor of Bi Visibility Day. From our bi origin stories to our queer crushes to issues of bisexual erasure and biphobia, this episode will make you laugh and may change the way you think about bisexual people (it’s also extra explicit, so don’t listen to this one around kiddos!). You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/12.

Burlesque and Aerials for All Bodies with Ginger Snaps | #11

September 17, 2019 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Award-winning burlesque and aerial performer, Ginger Snaps, chats with me about her experiences as a plus-size athlete. We discuss the empowering sexuality of burlesque, fatphobia, self-doubt, stigmatizing studio weight limits, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/11.

Why I No Longer Coach Intentional Weight Loss | #10

September 10, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

I tell my story about shifting from a traditional weight-centric paradigm in my coaching to a weight-inclusive one. I detail what I'm no longer doing (including taking on intentional weight loss clients, centering my body in my social media, and taking client progress measurements) and why. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/10.

Presence in Body Positivity and Shame-Free Storytelling with Dr. Kate Browne | #9

September 03, 2019 07:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

Dr. Kate Browne brings her views on body positivity and shame-based marketing to the show this week. We discuss fitness and wellness marketing tactics that don't fall into the trap of before-and-after weight loss stories, the difference between body positivity as a political movement and the "love yourself" version of it, as well as Kate's band and her upcoming book on The Golden Girls. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/9.

Self-Care and Community through Fandom with Jessica | #8

August 27, 2019 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MB

Jessica joined me to talk about the transformative power of participating in fandoms, issues of sex, race, and class in fandom spaces, and practical strategies for making time for hobbies in your busy life. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/8.

Self-Care and Community Through Fandom with Jessica | #8

August 27, 2019 07:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

My friend Jessica joined me to talk about the transformative power of participating in fandoms, issues of sex, race, and class in fandom spaces, and practical strategies for making time for hobbies in your busy life. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/8.

Self-Care and Community through Fandom with Jessica Verran-Lingard | #8

August 27, 2019 07:00 - 49 minutes - 46 MB

Jessica Verran-Lingard joined me to talk about the transformative power of participating in fandoms, issues of sex, race, and class in fandom spaces, and practical strategies for making time for hobbies in your busy life. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at www.shohrehdavoodi.com/8.

Exercising Without Mirrors and Moving Beyond Weight Loss with Kim Gould | #7

August 20, 2019 07:01 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

I spoke with therapist and fitness instructor Kim Gould about the power of having a fitness studio with no mirrors or scales, what exercise has to offer us outside of weight loss, and why Kim thinks we need to change the way we think about exercise in eating disorder recovery. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/7.

Life Through the Lens of Cancer with Maegan Brundage | #6

August 20, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

Maegan Brundage chated with me about what it's been like living with recurrent ovarian cancer, including the experience of getting misdiagnosed and how cancer has affected her body image, diet, and the way she looks at the world around her. You can find the show notes and a full transcript for this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/6.

Purity Culture and Sexual Health with Erica Smith | #5

August 13, 2019 09:02 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Sex educator Erica Smith and I speak about myths surrounding sex, the harmful effects of purity culture, the construct of virginity, and what good sexual health entails. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/5.

Weight-Inclusive Eating Disorder Treatment and Body Image with Jess Sprengle | #4

August 13, 2019 09:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

Jess Sprengle and I discuss treating eating disorders from a weight-inclusive lens, the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder, before and after photos in recovery, body image, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/4.

Diet Culture in the Fitness Industry with Christina Montalvo | #3

August 05, 2019 22:41 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Christina Montalvo and I chat candidly about what she wouldn't be caught dead doing now as a fitness coach, how coaches can make the move away from diet culture, and how clients can be informed consumers of the fitness industry. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/3.

Health At Every Size and Weight Stigma with Ashley M. Seruya | #2

August 05, 2019 22:40 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

In this episode, I talk with Ashley M. Seruya about what Health At Every Size© (HAES©) is, and just as importantly, what it is not. We delve into healthism, weight stigma, thin privilege, Ashley's amazing HAES©-inspired art, and more. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/2.

What Does It Mean To Redefine Health and Wellness? | #1

August 05, 2019 22:39 - 13 minutes - 9.1 MB

In the very first episode of the Redefining Health & Wellness podcast, I talk about who I am, why I started this podcast, and what I'm hoping to accomplish with it. You can find the show notes and a full transcript of this episode at https://shohrehdavoodi.com/1.

What Does It Mean to Redefine Health and Wellness? | #1

August 05, 2019 22:39 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

In the very first episode of the Redefining Health & Wellness podcast, I talk about who I am, why I started this podcast, and what I'm hoping to accomplish with it. Get the show notes for this episode here: https://shohrehdavoodi.com/1