Episodes
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Part 2 of a 3 part series: "The Menopause Series"
Episode 2: Menopause + Work — Opal's Nutrition Director and Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN speaks with Janie Stuart, PhD, about the intersection of menopause and workplace experiences. Drawing from her research in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Janie describes how menopause often occurs during pivotal career years and how workplace norms—like "work-first" cultures, ageism, and gender expectations—can shape how symptoms and transitions are perceived. Building on our previous conversation about the biological aspects of menopause, this episode explores the social and psychological dimensions of the transition. Julie and Janie also discuss practical ways individuals, leaders, and organizations can foster more inclusive workplaces that support employees through menopause and other major life transitions.
Connect with Janie: LinkedIn.com/in/stuartjanie
Janie is a consultant at Re-center Consulting
Menopause Resources: National Menopause Foundation
Menopause at Work
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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When injury sidelines an athlete—or performance outcomes fall short—it has a way of revealing growth edges within us. Tune in to The Appetite as Opal Co-Founder and Director of the Exercise + Sport Program, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with high school distance runner and podcaster Nicholas Macha. In this powerful conversation, Nicholas shares how his injuries and performance disappointments led him to a deeper exploration of identity, relationships, faith, and the constant balancing act between sports, school, and social life. His honesty and insight as a young male athlete offer a refreshing and inspiring look at navigating challenges while maintaining a perspective of growth, clarity and hope.
Macha's podcast: Opening Up About 2026 & What t… - The Sunday Shakeout - Apple Podcasts @thesundayshakeoutConnect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios -
Missing episodes?
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Part 1 of 3 part series: "The Menopause Series" ---
Episode 1: Menopause + Eating Disorders — In this episode, Opal's Nutrition Director, Julie Church, RDN, speaks with Naomi Busch, MD, about menopause through the lens of an eating disorder physician. Together they explore the biological changes of peri-menopause and menopause, common symptoms, and current treatment approaches. The conversation also highlights parallels between menopause care and eating disorder treatment—particularly around body changes, medical support, and navigating vulnerability during major life transitions. Dr. Busch shares insights especially those with a history of eating disorders, as well as guidance for loved ones who want to offer meaningful support. This reflective conversation invites listeners to better understand menopause and approach it with compassion, curiosity, and informed care. 🎙️
Find Naomi @seattlemenopausedoc and Seattle Menopause Medicine
Other links: SWAN– Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Study
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Does better education around period health, proper fueling, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport actually lead to healthier behaviors in female athletes? In this episode, Opal's Director of Exercise + Sport, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with seasoned provider Heather Caplan, RDN to share what they're seeing firsthand in their clinical work. Together, they unpack the systemic pressures that push teen and young adult athletes to prioritize performance over long-term health.
Heather also shares how she supports young athletes in restoring their period health—and speaks candidly about what still needs to change in our culture to truly protect and empower them in today's increasingly intense, professionalized youth sports environment. Coaches, parents, athletes—this conversation is for you.
Links:
Lane 9 project Lane 9 Project - Clinician Directory
Heather's website Heather Caplan | Weight-Inclusive Dietitian
Stanford FASTR Stanford FASTR Program
Link to article I read: Built for Someone Else: Why Female Athletes Are Still Pushing Through Systems That Don't Support Them - JRN | The World's Leading Rowing Platform
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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In this episode, Gabe and Hank courageously open up about vulnerable moments through a process of group self-inquiry. Gabe explores the bitterness that arises from receiving positive affirmations after dance performances, while Hank examines the feelings of stupidity and pointlessness that surfaced when anger was physically expressed. Together with Opal Co-Founders Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Gabe and Hank offer each other the gift of provocative questions that elicit new learning. You are invited to kick back, notice what questions you might have asked and what questions hit something spicy for your own growth.
To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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In this episode, Johanna Kandel, founder of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, joins Julie Church, RDN, Co-Founder of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom, for an honest and inspiring conversation. Johanna shares how her own eating disorder recovery led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to care, support, and education in the eating disorder field.
Listeners will hear more about the Alliance's impactful support groups, recent policy shifts shaping treatment access, and ways to get involved in advocacy (see links below). Johanna's grounded presence and humble passion bring recovery to life in a conversation filled with hope, insight, and practical ways to support healing for yourself and others.
Find Johanna:
The Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/team/
Here book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/life-beyond-your-eating-disorder-johanna-s-kandel?variant=39308848562210
Advocate with your local lawmakers for The Nutrition CARE Act and/or Kids Online Safety Act:
https://eatingdisorderscoalition.org/email-your-legislators/
Register for Eating Disorder Coalition Advocacy Day on April 15, 2026 (virtual or in person in Washington DC):
https://secure.everyaction.com/KEt8EKlzMUq5DoFK-CouzQ2
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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GLP-1 medications are everywhere in the conversation about weight—but how much do we really understand? In this episode, Dr. Lexi Giblin, Executive Director of Opal, sits down with Meredith Blumenthal, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice, to unpack the most common misconceptions surrounding GLP-1s and body weight. Together, they explore what these medications actually do, what they don't do, and how changes in nutrition, metabolism, and food relationship occur for those taking GLP-1s. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or just curious, this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based look beyond the headlines.
Connect with Meredith: Nutrition with Meredith
@nutritionwithmeredith
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Listen in to this one-of-a-kind episode of The Appetite as Opal's co-founders, Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sit down with Opal client Koa to explore her experience receiving in-person care at Opal. With honesty and vulnerability, Koa shares how her relationships with fellow clients and Opal staff became a pivotal part of her recovery, ultimately leading to profound and transformative change.
Whether you're considering a higher level of care, currently in treatment, or hoping to better understand a loved one on their recovery journey, this episode offers meaningful insight and connection. Koa bravely invites listeners into an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at what in-person, intensive treatment can offer someone who is truly suffering.
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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How does your story with food from childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood impact your current relationship with food? Opal Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN interviews Jessica Setnick, RDN the creator of the "Healing Your Inner Eater" workshop and workbook which invites individuals to look back in order to move forward in one's relationship with food. Listen in to Jessica's passionate story telling to learn about the three parts of your inner eater and how learning about your eating legacy could help heal your current eating concerns. This episode is like a buffet– there is something in it for everyone!
Connect with Jessica:
www.jessicasetnick.com
Healing the Inner Eater Workbook – coupon code "podcast"
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Want to hear a secret? In this episode, Opal Co-Founders Julie Church, RDN, and Lexi Giblin, PhD, reveal Opal's unique approach to therapeutic meal support. Tune in to learn how the Opal team stepped beyond traditional meal support methods and embraced radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RODBT) to guide their work. This innovative approach has helped create a supportive community where eating becomes an experience of connection, curiosity, and courage—less about rigid rules and more about trust, play, and the belief that recovery is possible.
To learn more about RODBT go here.
or listen to some of our self-inquiry series podcasts, like:
The Appetite episode 134 or The Appetite episode 124
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Join Lexi Giblin, PhD (Opal Co-Founder) for a heartfelt conversation with mother-daughter duo Kara Bazzi, LMFT (Opal Co-Founder and Director of Opal's Exercise+Sport Program) and Sophia, a soon-to-be collegiate athlete. Together, they walk down memory lane to explore the stand out intersections of parenting and running in Sophia's high school career. With honesty and vulnerability, Kara and Sophia reflect on the joys and tensions of sharing a passion for the same sport, the challenges of navigating high-performance environments, and the influence of Kara's own eating disorder recovery on her parenting.
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Eating disorders don't exist in isolation—they are deeply connected to relationships. From the "why" behind disordered eating and movement patterns to the healing process, relationships have the power to either support or harm recovery.
In today's episode of The Appetite, Opal's Co-Founder & Clinical Director, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with therapist Nikki Wolf, LMHCA, to explore the role of relationship therapy in eating disorder treatment. They dive into what support people should (and shouldn't) do when walking alongside a loved one struggling with food, body, and movement concerns.
Learn more about Opal's Family+Relationship Therapy, including our curated list of resources for family and loved ones of those struggling with eating disorders.
To reach Nikki Wolf you can find her at Opal and at Wolf Heart Counseling, which gives details about her Family + Relationship Support Group - for loved ones of people with eating disorders.
F.E.A.S.T. --Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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In this episode, Delancey and Makaila wrestle with the gaze of others as their bodies change in eating disorder recovery. Off the mark, well-intentioned comments from others leave them flooded with shame and confusion. Delancey wishes others would not perceive her while Makaila is in conflict, on one hand desiring to be "fetishized" and on the other hand, not wanting to be objectified at all. Opal Co-Founders, Lexi Giblin, PhD and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, join Delancey and Makaila in drumming up the most provocative self-inquiry questions they can muster. Tune in to see which of these questions land with Delancey and Makaila while noticing what their work elicits in you.
To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Join us for a trip down psychedelic lane! Temple Morris, LCSW-C and Dr. Brian Pilecki, PhD throw down their expertise in conversation with Opal Co-Founders, Kara Bazzi, LMFT and Dr. Lexi Giblin, PhD. Temple and Brian put to words what is often experienced as "beyond language" and help us understand the potential therapeutic value of psychedelics in "clarifying what matters" and fostering psychological flexibility. To name just a few of the topics we cover, we touch on qualities of the psychedelic experience, the importance of integration work, risks of psychedelic use, and, of course, how psychedelics may treat eating disorders and body image.
For more information on Temple and Brian:
Perspective Retreats
True North
Entropia
Brian Pilecki's email: [email protected]
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Mary Cain all share something powerful in common: they've bravely opened up about their mental health journeys, using their platforms as elite athletes to advocate for change. Their courage is paving the way for a healthier, more supportive sports environment—especially for those facing mental health challenges.
On today's episode of The Appetite, Kara Bazzi, LMFT—co-founder and Clinical Director of Opal's Exercise+Sport program—chats with Katie Steele, former Division I runner at the University of Oregon and now a mental health therapist and co-author of The Price She Pays. Together, they dive into Katie's new book and the critical conversation about athlete mistreatment and mental health.
Links:
Katie's book: The Price She Pays
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Phoebe and Asha, friends who are both in eating disorder recovery, join Opal Co-Founders Lexi Giblin, PhD and Kara Bazzi, LMFT in studio for some self-inquiry action. It is Phoebe's last day in higher level of care and she wonders about her guilt related to nostalgia for her time in eating disorder treatment. Phoebe says treatment has been one of the "most connecting experiences of my life" and opens to exploration about her longing for her treatment days. Asha feels embarrassed for the high anxiety she experiences after a difficult dinner and gets curious about how her vulnerable emotions came to be a place of shame. Listen in and enter our on-air challenge network as we help Phoebe and Asha learn from their unwanted emotions.
To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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"Even within the male-centric model, women have accomplished incredible feats of athleticism, smashing long-held beliefs about what women can or cannot achieve. Imagine what would happen if everyone had access to better information and guidance." These are the words of Christine Yu, in the introduction of her book "Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes". In this episode of The Appetite, Opal's Director of Exercise+Sport and Co Founder, Kara Bazzi, LMFT talks with Christine about her reflections on the intersection of sport and gender through the lens of her work as a journalist and author. Christine is working to disseminate much needed information (and highlighting the work that is still needed) to better understand gender differences in sport in an effort to support all athletes in their similar and differing experiences.
Links:
Up to Speed
The Price She Pays
Christine's Instagram
Christine's newsletter
Alyssa's instagram
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Dr. Lisa Erlanger returns to the podcast for a conversation with Julie Church, RDN, CD on GLP-1 agonists, medications widely prescribed for weight loss. Through a weight-inclusive lens, Lisa explains GLP-1 agonists history, current use, and side effects with a special attention given to the unique considerations for individuals with current or past eating disorders. Spoiler alert--- these medications are not game changers, bodies still need food and nourishment to thrive! Despite what the shiny marketing says about these being "miracle drugs", safe and long-term weight suppression is not possible.
To find Lisa: Dr. Lisa Erlanger's website
As mentioned on show: GLP-1 Agonist Medications: Informed Consent Resource
Medical Students for Size Inclusive Medicine
Dr. Lisa Erlanger's Appetite Podcast interview, A Physicians Journey to Weight Inclusive Medicine
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Human stories are a powerful force in influencing the way we see the world and how we can expand or shift our perspective on any given subject matter. Rosalie Fish, a collegiate athlete and activist, has just that- an impactful story as a Native American distance runner who has used her sport to enact social change. Listen in as Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Opal's Co-Founder and Clinical Director, and Rosalie talk about how Rosalie's cultural identity has shaped her experiences as an athlete- from advocacy work with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, to how her cultural heritage impacts her relationship to food and mental health as an athlete.
Find Rosalie @rosaliefishx
Missing and Murdered Indigenious Women
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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Aleta Storch, MS, RDN, LMHC joins Julie Church, RDN to discuss how ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can lead to different feeding and eating challenges. Her personal story highlights the benefit of understanding how the brain works for everyone, especially those desiring to heal from disordered eating and eating disorders. Listen in for a sneak peek of a few practical tips from her model of care for ADHDers and expect this episode to give you a full dose of information about the brain, ADHD and neurodivergence.
To learn more about Aleta:
Website: https://www.wiseheartnutrition.com/
Membership: https://www.wiseheartnutrition.com/neurished
Free FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eatingwithadhdofficial
@the_adhd_rd
@wiseheart_nutrition
Connect with Opal:
www.opalfoodandbody.com
@opalfoodandbody
@Opal.Movement
Thank you to our team...
Editing by David Bazzi
Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/
Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios
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