Good Bodies

This week, Aleen and Sami are joined by registered dietitian Colleen Christensen (@no.food.rules on IG) to talk about what it means to be a “non-diet” dietitian. They start with some practical tips for approaching nutrition without a diet mindset, which sounds impossible tbh, but it’s not. She tells us how to focus more on what makes our bodies feel good, not just what might make us lose weight. They talk about being honest with yourself about what you actually enjoy eating, and examine the urge to rebel against diet culture by consuming things we don’t actually want (like the 10 brownies we shoved in our mouths at 2AM). Plus, they discuss why perfectionists are often drawn to dieting and being “that girl” amongst their friends. Next, they share some of the food rules that you may not even realize you’re following. Finally, they read a listener Non Scale Win and offer their own wins of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Dear DST episode starts with a recap of Sami and Aleen’s weekend getaway and a story about stargazing that resulted in an embarrassing fall. Then they respond to a listener who had been working with a diet coach but transitioned to intuitive eating, even though the people close to her have continued with their hardcore diets. How do you maintain your intuitive eating journey if you’re constantly being inundated by triggering comments from dieters? They offer some strategies for staying on course (including tips for writing things down) and discuss how to take in those messages without getting derailed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back and talking all about the reactions people have to the anti-diet culture conversation. They start out with their response to a social media post about feeling inundated by anti-diet messaging and why being told to “listen to your body” doesn’t work for everyone. Is this a genuine backlash or simply a misunderstanding of the intuitive eating message? They discuss the most common misconceptions about intuitive eating and share more about their progress. Next, they talk about buying the cookies you never let yourself buy and working towards food neutrality, especially with Oreos. Finally, they dive into their Non Scale Wins of the week all about how letting yourself keep food in the house is a form of self care. Thanks to our sponsors: Plush Care: PlushCare makes it easy for you to get the excellent care you need, when you need it. Start your membership today. Go to PlushCare.com/dst to start your FREE 30-day trial. Calm: Calm is offering a special limited time promotion of 40% off a Calm Premium subscription - which means unlimited acces to Calm’s entire library - at CALM.COM/DST Ship: Update Ship today and let your friends take control of your dating life – because let’s be honest, we all could use a little help in that department. Download Ship in the app store to start getting matched today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Dear DST, an emailer asks why it has become so hard to carve out time for herself to work out during the pandemic. They discuss the way we all have adjusted to the new free time we each have (or lack thereof) and how that has changed in the past few months. They also talk about not beating yourself up for the habits you’ve formed during quarantine, and share some strategies for getting motivated without it coming from a place of “should”. Finally, they remind us that we’re only working out for ourselves and don’t owe it to anyone else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Aleen and Sami are joined by Sarah Nicole Landry (aka @thebirdspapaya) to talk about learning to love your body and leaving diet culture behind. They talk about early experiences with having your body commented on by others and unlearning the lessons of that trauma. They discuss Sarah’s transition from dieting to embracing body positivity and what that recovery process feels like. Plus, they talk about basing your self-worth on something other than how your body looks in front of others. Next, they explore the impact of pregnancy on our bodies and our self-image, how your own body issues can impact your children, and the value of being vulnerable with your kids. Finally, they finish the show with their Non Scale Wins and a conversation about choosing clothes that fit your body, not trying to change your body to fit your clothes. Thanks to our sponsors: Curology: Get a powerful skincare treatment made for you today! Go to Curology.com/dst for a free 30-day trial, just pay for shipping and handling! Tushy: You use water to clean your body. Time to do that to your butt. Go to HelloTushy.com/DST to get 10% off Home Chef: Home Chef is the #1 customer rated meal kit company. Go to HomeChef.com/dst for $60 off your first month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Dear DST episode, a listener writes in to ask why she’s suddenly afraid of the number on the scale for the first time in her life. They talk about the factors that lead to this change, including living in a time when we’re all less active than ever before. Plus, they discuss the pressures to go back to dieting, and how to actually confront the emotions surrounding the scale. Finally, they reflect on what that number represents for each of us, beyond simply a measure of our weight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are joined by Helen Phelan, fitness instructor and founder of Helen Phelan Studio, to talk all about intuitive exercise. They start with a conversation about why it’s time to cancel “shedding for the wedding” and the cultural context that pressures us into wedding norms. Next, they discuss the concept of intuitive exercise, how it relates to intuitive eating, and why it might be the workout answer you’ve been looking for. Plus, they talk about why people exercise to punish themselves and how that leads to unhealthy outcomes. Finally, they read an insightful listener Non Scale Win and share their own wins of the week. Thanks to our sponsors: BOTM: Book of the Month is a fun, commitment-free book subscription, you get to choose a new book each month. Get your first month for just $9.99 with code BETCHES. Brideside: Brideside was founded by women, for women. Visit brideside.com where you can sign up for a free stylist or book a showroom appointment if you’re in NY, Chicago, Charlotte & Boston! And don’t forget to use promo code BETCHESBRIDE for $20 off towards your bridesmaid dress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Dear DST email features a question about body positivity, and whether or not our insecurities are a bigger turn off than our actual flaws. A listener writes in to ask how to project confidence when you struggle with your own body image. Plus, they read a listener Non Scale Win all about moving on from monitoring and restricting food, then share their own NSWs, which leads to a conversation about avocado toast and letting yourself have that second slice of bread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are back and talking all about confronting our body image issues. They start the show with their thoughts on the passing of RBG and the troubling state of the world. Then they discuss a personal story about stepping on the scale for the first time in months, and how a mental shift away from dieting actually worked. Plus, they talk about the 100 calorie snack rule and why no diet company actually cares about your mental health. Next, they talk about obsessing over photos (especially after your wedding) and the impulse to look back at how your body looked in the past. Are photos actually the opposite of mindfulness? Finally, they take a deeper look at current events and how they impact us emotionally. Thanks to our sponsors: Curology: Get a powerful skincare treatment made for you today! Go to Curology.com/dst for a free 30-day trial, just pay for shipping and handling! HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/80dst and use code 80dst to get $80 off on your first box, including free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Dear DST, Sami and Aleen are talking all about confiding in a loved one about your own personal struggles. A listener writes in to explain how she opened up to her boyfriend about her eating disorder, and asks how to tell him that some of the words he uses are triggers for her. They share their own experiences with confiding in their significant others, and tell us how to open up without pushing someone away. Plus, they talk about the difference between being vulnerable and being clingy, and discuss how to communicate your feelings clearly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are joined by Alexis Barber (@wellnessalexis on Instagram) to talk about getting pulled into the F-Factor drama last week. They start with her feelings on trying the diet, how it made her fear certain foods without even realizing it, and what led her to become a public participant in the conversation. They talk about moving away from diet culture, including how the diet world is tied to race and privilege, and what she realized about her own disordered habits. Next, they discuss the latest controversy surrounding the All In by Teddi “accountability” program. This leads to a conversation about why you have to figure things out for yourself before you can shift your attitude toward dieting. Finally, they each share a Non Scale Win of the week, including a series of wins about embracing the pasta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Thursday’s episode of DST, Sami and Aleen are joined once again by Jared Freid (of the U Up? podcast) for a game of Red Flag or Deal Breaker: DST Edition. They debate everything from obnoxiously giant water bottles to working out in total silence, and tell us where their limit lies when it comes to weird behaviors from your partner. Plus, they talk about turning everything into a game to motivate yourself during a workout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are back and start the show with a post-honeymoon reflection and a conversation about Fall vacationing. Then they discuss the urge to change your body to fit in certain outfits, and explain how the clothes we choose are often tied to the thin self that could potentially wear them. Plus, they examine where these self-imposed rules (about food and otherwise) really come from. Next, they talk about all the things that go into being healthy, why it’s not all about dieting to fit into a smaller body, and how calorie count is not the same as nutrition. Finally, they share a listener Non Scale Win and talk about a bikini breakthrough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Thursday’s episode Sami and Aleen are back with an impromptu podcast responding to the F-Factor IG Live that took place last night. They talk about the non-apology that was begrudgingly offered to viewers, and explain what went down as soon as the comments were turned back on. Plus, they react to the attempted use of a wellness influencer to help with damage control, share their latest feelings on the controversy, and explain why this story isn’t going away any time soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are joined this week by Jared Freid, comedian and host of the U Up? podcast. They start with Jared’s take on the F-Factor drama and a conversation about acknowledging your critics gracefully. Next, they talk about adjusting your eating patterns (and even paying for a food schedule) but still snacking at 2am. Plus, they discuss the challenge of finding a shirt that you feel comfortable wearing. Finally, they go into Jared’s Twitter feed and break down his recent food tweets, leading to a debate about leaving half the fries untouched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back and ready to dive even deeper into the F-Factor drama discussed earlier this week. They share all their thoughts on the backlash to the diet, how this story gained so much attention, and where it goes from here. Plus, they share their own experience with F-Factor and tell some stories from behind the scenes (including one about a very awkward post-interview conversation). Finally, they talk about how people can find closure in this story and top things off with a convo about unsatisfying frozen yogurt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are joined once again by Emily Gellis Lande to talk about the overwhelming reaction to her recent social media posts about F-Factor. They start with a timeline of how Emily even got involved with talking about F-Factor in the first place, how the story gained so much traction, and eventually ended up in the NY Times. Plus, Emily shares how people tried to pressure her into silence by shaming her for past mental health struggles. They talk about the public response from F-Factor over the past week, and where the story goes from here. Finally, they close the show with their Non Scale Wins of the week and a great listener submission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are back to answer another Dear DST email, this time with a question about dealing with toxic reactions from others. A listener writes in to share her experience with feeling judged by her mom’s comments when she reaches for the bread. How do you stand your ground with a parent and explain that you don’t want to hear the commentary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are joined by nutrition therapist and originator of the Intuitive Eating movement, Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, Fiaedp, FADA, FAND. They start with an explanation directly from the source about what intuitive eating actually means, and dispel the myths associated with it. They also talk about the fear of gaining weight we inevitably feel when trying intuitive eating, and share the concept of “radical acceptance” of our bodies. Plus, they talk about the getting started, how its a process, and why there’s no perfect way to intuitively eat. Next, they answer some listener questions including one about the nature of cravings and whether or not you’re allowed to go in for another bite (and finish that package of Oreos). They talk about Sami’s wedding this weekend, which leads to a conversation about moving on from diets. Then they finish the show by talking about keeping your kitchen stocked so you can eat when you’re actually hungry, and the best way to ease into your intuitive eating journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are joined by DST listener and wellness influencer @FreckledFoodie, aka Cameron Rogers. They begin by discussing Cameron’s journey from working in the world of finance to becoming a wellness influencer. Next, they break down what it means to be a “recovering bitch” and how current culture has shifted away from empowering women to be hard edged, pant suit wearing, bosses. Later, they talk about why social media filters are toxic for your mental health and how they literally alter reality and f*ck with your own self esteem. Finally, they analyze the normalization of wedding diets and why Sami and Cameron refused to go on one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back for another DST bonus episode. This week a listener writes in wondering how to handle feeling like her husband’s active lifestyle is affecting her relationship with food and body image. They give advice on ways to bring up the conversation with the listener’s husband, and lend their thoughts on productive ways to not let his behavior affect her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back to answer another listener-submitted ‘Dear DST’ question all about how to respond to compliments you receive after losing weight, even if you’re not dieting. How do we overcome diet culture when these comments reinforce our desire to be skinny? Plus, they talk about the challenge to accept compliments in general, even when they’re not the best thing for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami return to share some recent food stories and talk about the urge to count calories. They start with a convo about food sensitivities limiting what you can have, and hate-eating in the run up to a wedding. They also talk about the pitfalls of calorie counting and how to kick the habit. Next, they dive into a listener-submitted question all about maintaining mindfulness when you’re feeling angry. Plus, they talk about difficult experiences early in life preparing you for challenges that come later, leading to a conversation about embracing your imperfections. Finally, they close things out with a listener Non Scale Win of the week and some wins of their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode presented by Midol®, Sami and Aleen are joined by Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a practicing gynecologist who provides care to women of all ages and has delivered thousands of babies, to talk about how your cycle might be different in a pandemic. They start with a conversation about the stress of quarantine, and why it’s a factor in the severity of symptoms. They also talk about the value of tracking your cycle, how hormones drive our cravings, and why exercise might help with cramping. Next, they ask whether or not there’s such a thing as a “normal period” and discuss the value of using an app for your cycle. Finally, they close the show with some advice for managing your own symptoms, including what you should and shouldn’t be eating depending on how close you are to your period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are joined once again by registered dietician (and fan-favorite) Lisa Hayim, aka @thewellnecessities, to talk all about mindfulness. They start with a reflection on the overwhelming anxiety many of us are feeling right now, and share some emotional tools to deal with these feelings. They talk about connecting with resources to help you, including breathing techniques and physical touch, and share how to use these tools in your own life. Next, they discuss staying in the moment, why it’s impossible to always stay as mindful as we’d like to be, and why Lisa takes a week (yes, a week!) off from her phone. Plus, they talk about identifying real danger vs perceived danger in order to gain perspective on your own thoughts. Finally, they finish out the show with a conversation about gently untangling your own emotions the way you would a piece of jewelry. Thanks to our sponsors: Brideside: Brideside was founded by women, for women. Get started on Brideside.com and sign up for a free bridal or bridesmaid stylist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami return to answer a listener ‘Dear DST’ question all about balancing an anti-diet intuitive eating lifestyle with losing weight for her wedding. Is it possible to both practice intuitive eating and also actively try to lose weight? Sami shares her own experience with the final stretch of planning for her wedding, and how it’s getting in the way of her pizza eating. Then they share their Non Scale Wins of the week and preview an upcoming episode all about mindfulness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are back to talk all about intuitive eating. They start with an explanation of what exactly intuitive eating means, including how Aleen first gave it a chance after returning from her honeymoon. They talk about the lack of pressure involved, and describe what an intuitive eating therapy session is like. Plus, they discuss the role of fatphobia in our eating habits, and how important it is to acknowledge that role before you can make a mental shift. Next, they discuss what it’s like to stop checking yourself in the full-length mirror (even if you grew up in a house of mirrors). They talk about the overuse of the term “mindfulness” and why it doesn’t seem to have any real meaning anymore. Finally, they close the show with a conversation about how to eat less by simply giving your body exactly as much as it wants. Thanks to our sponsors: Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market at ThriveMarket.com/DST and get up to $20 in shopping credit toward your first order. Brideside: Brideside was founded by women, for women. Get started on Brideside.com and sign up for a free bridal or bridesmaid stylist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back to talk about Sami’s upcoming wedding ceremony and how to plan a wedding in a pandemic. They start with a recap of her original wedding plans, how they got disrupted by coronavirus, and why it’s so difficult to plan a normal-sized event right now or possibly even in the next couple of years. They talk about how she settled on a backyard wedding, and explain the precautions in place for ensuring guest safety. Next, they discuss the pressure to lose weight for your wedding and how you carry yourself differently when you’re confident in your body. Then Aleen gives Sami her best wedding advice, which leads to a conversation about living in the moment and being mindful of your experiences. Finally, they close the show with their NSWs of the week, including a great listener win and a conversation about a delicious bowl of pasta. Thanks to our sponsors: Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Stitchfix: Stitch Fix is a personal styling company that brings you the world of fashion and style. Get started today at StitchFix.com/DST and you’ll get 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix! Brideside: Brideside was founded by women, for women. Get started on Brideside.com and sign up for a free bridal or bridesmaid stylist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are joined by Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine doctor and health policy expert from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. They start by talking about how she got into obesity medicine, both as a researcher and practitioner, and just how new the field really is. They discuss the definition of obesity, whether or not BMI is a useful measurement, and why it’s important where you’re carrying weight on your body. Next, they talk about the ‘health at every size’ movement, and what the medical evidence tells us about the level of control we actually have over our own bodyweight. Plus, they discuss the gaps in our healthcare that are influenced by race, income, and opportunity, and just how hard it is to see those gaps when they’re right in front of you. Finally, they finish out the show with their Non Scale Wins, leading to conversation about not stressing over bikini season. Thanks to our sponsors: Future Fitness: Sign up for Future today at tryfuture.com/dst and get your first two weeks with your personal trainer for just $1! Nextdoor: Nextdoor is THE hub for everything happening in your neighborhood. Go to Nextdoor.com/DST to sign up and see what’s happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are joined by Chrissy King, fitness coach and creator of the Body Liberation Project, to talk about anti-racism in the wellness industry and why a woman’s self-worth should not be tied to how her body looks. Chrissy starts with the story of how she got into fitness and eventually found self-acceptance by hitting rock bottom, inspiring her body liberation philosophy. They discuss the #takeupspace movement and explain why you shouldn’t shrink yourself for the comfort of other people; plus, the impact of white male mediocrity on the available space for women, and women of color in particular, to thrive. Next, they discuss the role of fat phobia in our daily lives, including the historical connection with racism followed by answering a listener email about setting boundaries with friends. Finally, they close out the show with their Non Scale Wins, including a story about literally turning your back on the scale, and another about not judging yourself for not working out. Thanks to our sponsors: Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Book of the Month: Book of the Month is a fun, commitment-free book subscription, you get to choose a new book each month. Get your first month for just $9.99 with code BETCHES. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami return to share some positivity about how they’re making the most of the summer during the pandemic. They react to Jameela Jamil’s message about a f*cking crazy insta post that Kim Kardashian recently shared, and how to free yourself from allowing celebrity diet culture to damage your self esteem. They discuss Rebel Wilson repping the Mayr Method to lose weight, what it means to count your chewing, and whether or not it resembles an eating disorder. Next, they dive into a series of listener questions, starting with an update from Aleen about intuitive eating and why her apartment has BDE: Big Diet Energy. They talk about what it would take for them to feel safe enough to go back to restaurants and workout classes during the pandemic. Plus, they talk about how much the podcast has changed since the show first launched, how they manage to get along with each other as best friends and business partners, and share their Non Scale Wins of the week. Thanks to our sponsors: Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Sun Basket: Right now, Sun Basket is offering $35 off your order when you go to SunBasket.com/DST and enter promo code DST at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Aleen and Sami are back to read some ‘Dear DST’ emails about quarantine, race, wellness, and how these all relate to one another. They start with a reflection on how drastically life has changed since quarantine began and the exhaustion that comes from our current day-to-day. Plus, they discuss the pressures to start dieting again and the ways we criticize ourselves, including feeling sorry for how we look. Then they respond to a listener who is struggling to find fitness motivation and give their own tips, like working out for mental health not to burn calories and how big of a difference that can make. Another listener writes in to share her story of grappling with body image and how expectations differ based on race. Plus, they talk about toxic behavior from parents and read an email from a listener who’s father criticizes her food choices. How do we set food boundaries with our parents without getting confrontational? Do we scream, like Sami, or calmly ignore it, like Aleen? Finally, they finish out the week with some great book recommendations and a Non Scale Win about joining the protests. Thanks to our sponsors: Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market at ThriveMarket.com/DST and get up to $20 in shopping credit toward your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back and ready to talk about some of the biggest lessons they have learned since the nationwide protests began. They start with a conversation about sitting in your discomfort, how to improve yourself right now, and feelings of shame over why it took so long for us to reach this conclusion. They also discuss the question of what you’re supposed to do in the moment, and how best to make real progress. They cover their implicit biases, common pitfalls that lead to committing microaggressions, and dive deeper into the lessons they’re focused on learning. Plus, they discuss how diet culture is deeply rooted in racism, including the surprisingly troubling origin story behind BMI. Finally, they close the show with a conversation about where we go from here and why we need to implement these lessons in our daily lives. Thanks to our sponsors: Book of the Month: Book of the Month is a fun, commitment-free book subscription, you get to choose a new book each month. Get your first month for just $9.99 with code BETCHES. Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Aleen and Sami are joined by Betches Media’s own Dana Samuel to have an open conversation about race and wellness. They start with Dana’s experience as a person of color during this time of social upheaval, and she shares stories from childhood about experiencing racism at an early age. Then they dive into a conversation about the ways in which race and white privilege play a role in the fitness industry. Why is it so hard to find a black fitness instructor? They also talk about the lack of mental health resources available to the black community. Next, they discuss microaggressions, give examples of how your compliments can feel like insults, and Dana explains what she hopes we get out of this much needed movement. Finally, they read some listener-submitted stories about racism in the fitness world and respond to a listener question about dealing with an insensitive family member. Thanks to our sponsors: Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial SunBasket: Right now, Sun Basket is offering $35 off your order when you go to SunBasket.com/DST and enter promo code DST at checkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are joined once again by DST favorite and registered dietician Tracy Lockwood Beckerman to talk about quarantine pregnancy (yes- Tracy’s pregnant!) and maintaining proper nutrition in a global crisis. They start with details on Tracy’s pregnancy, how she applied the knowledge from researching her book to help her to conceive, and what it’s like to be pregnant in a pandemic. Plus, they talk about why you shouldn’t lie to your therapist and reveal which one of them actually has (take a guess who). Then they dive into a ton of listener-submitted quarantine questions, including whether or not we should eat less in the morning vs. at night, what TF is the deal with the warm water and lemon trend, and how gluten impacts your skin. Finally, they read a Non Scale Win from a listener about not being so hard on yourself, and they each share a win of their own. Thanks to our sponsors! Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Solid Gold: Give your pet the best for their immune system! Go to SolidGoldPet.com/DST to see the deal of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are back to share some of their most controversial unpopular opinions. Carlie Rice (the girl behind DST’s Instagram) joins in to share some of the DST audience’s best (or worst, depending on if you agree) unpopular opinions. Are coed classes really better than all-female ones? And does choosing to stand in the front of the class really make you workout harder? They debate listener opinions about Sex and the City characters, the flavor of Nutella (kinda gross, tbh), and which Kardashian is the most likeable. Then Sami and Aleen take turns sharing some unpopular opinions of their own, including controversial takes on rosé, Adam Driver’s hotness, and more. Finally, they offer some Non Scale Wins and read a listener story all the way from England about learning to enjoy running again. Breyer’s: Go to Breyers.com/DST to get a coupon to try Breyer’s CarbSmart! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Ship: If you haven’t tried it out, now is the time to get on and start #DFH (dating from home). Ship users have been matched by friends over 1 million times and we’ve had thousands of couples get shipped. So download Ship in the app store to start getting matched today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are joined this week by NYC influencer Emily Gellis to talk about her own personal health journey. They start out talking about her childhood and eating like a kid (which, aren’t we all in quarantine tbh). She tells us which fad diets she’ll never do again, and how yo-yo dieting has been a constant issue in her life. Next, they talk about the ways social media affects us mentally and emotionally, and discuss the stigma around taking antidepressants. Why are people so hesitant to share their mental health struggles publicly? Emily gives some tips for dressing to feel good about yourself, especially during quarantine, and how it impacts your self esteem and confidence. Then they talk about the allure of a “goal weight” and why we need to just let that whole concept go. Finally, they each share a Non Scale Win of the week and talk about why we need to make a collective mental shift in the way people use their public platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami and Aleen are joined by dreams expert Dr. Deirdre Barrett, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, to talk about why our dreams have gotten so f*cking weird since the pandemic took over our lives. They start with a chat about how dreams actually work, and why keeping a dream journal could unlock the meaning behind your anxiety. Dr. Barrett shares her opinion on the representation of dreams in movies like Inception, and tells us where some of our dreams actually come from… turns out you’re not the only one thinking about bugs while you sleep (and not the murder hornet kind). Plus, she fills us in on just how many times we dream each night and what it all means. Then Aleen and Sami take over and reflect on their own quarantine anxieties of late. Is anyone actually ready to go outside when this long national nightmare finally ends? They tell us why enjoying your food during lockdown is actually more gratifying than obsessing over it, and close the show with a DST-community Non Scale Win of the week. Thanks to our sponsors! Daily Burn: Get fit, they say. Stay active, they say. But the gyms are closed! Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial Noom: Noom is the habit-changing solution that helps users learn to develop a new relationship with food through personalized courses. What do you have to lose? Visit noom.com/DST to start your trial today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this surprise Friday episode, Sami and Aleen are back to share their instant reaction to Adele’s recent Instagram post and the viral response to her weight loss. Are you more surprised by those celebrating her transformation, or those that are criticizing her for it? They speculate about the weird IG photo setup (was this for a wedding or a birthday) and discuss how a compliment reveals what you inherently value in a person. But in a world that makes us feel like sh*t about our weight, is it any surprise that everyone is obsessing over this? Plus, they talk about the so-called miracle diet that’s already marketing itself as the secret behind her weight loss, discuss their reaction to this photo in comparison to how they might’ve reacted in the past, and sing for us one of their favorite Adele songs of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami return for PART TWO of the favorite things episode, featuring your questions (some of which are random AF) and a few exciting updates. They begin with some about fitness and food faves, and share the best thing you need to try with your air fryer. Next, Aleen give an honest Peloton review, they admit just how much they’re drinking in quarantine, and tell us about the best makeup advice they’ve ever received. We get an exciting update about Sami’s wedding re-planning process. Then they answer some of the listeners’ most random questions, including which Disney princess is best (leading to a shocking confession about never watching Moana). Plus, they debate one of the most important dessert questions of all: is ice cream better served hard or soft? Finally, they discuss a thoughtful Non Scale Win about the pursuit of perfectionism. Thanks to our sponsors! Nextdoor: Go to Nextdoor.com/DST to sign up and see what's happening in your neighborhood DailyBurn: Give at-home workouts a try with Daily Burn. Sign up at dailyburn.com/DST for a free 30-day trial. Noom: Small steps make big progress when it comes to building healthier habits. Sign up for your trial today at Noom.com/DST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back this week for PART ONE of the favorite things episode. They start the show by telling us what it means to be “all caked out”. Is it possible to kick a dessert addiction? Then they dive into a list of audience-submitted questions about Sami and Aleen's favorite things, starting with the one thing you should splurge on for your home, and we learn how Sami made a questionable purchase of a kit of scent samples in a quest to find the "right scent" for her home. Blame it on quarantine. Next, they share the books that changed their lives, their go-to recipes, and they try and fail to get through a conversation about what they're watching without going deeper on the Sopranos than anyone asked them to. Next, they talk about what the future will be like with everyone wearing masks, what masks they're buying, and describe how they’re approaching quarantine safety precautions. Finally, they share their nighttime routines and admit to some strange tendencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are joined by fan favorite Dr. Shari Marchbein to talk about skincare during quarantine and why some people’s skin issues have been worse than normal. They start things off with a conversation about doing consultations from home, the importance of maintaining a routine, and Dr. Shari’s own experience with coronavirus. Next, they talk about healthcare workers breaking out under their protective masks, and what products you can use to help fix the problem. They also discuss sensitive skin, and explain why you may still be seeing bags under your eyes these days despite getting extra sleep. Then Dr. Shari answers some listener questions, including whether or not sheet masks are actually helpful to your skin, and what the upper limit is for exfoliation. The Noom DST Email of the Week is from a listener who wants to know whether or not her quarantine food habits are what’s causing an uncharacteristic acne breakout. Finally, they offer up a listener Non Scale Win and some uplifting quarantine experiences of their own. Thanks to our sponsor! Noom: Sign up for your trial today at noom.com/DST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back to answer your questions and talk about how this crisis is affecting us all emotionally. They start with a conversation about the ways in which this quarantine is finally making them face their disordered eating habits, and why calorie counting really is a problem. They discuss the conversations they’ve each had with their therapists and speculate on whether or not there will be a mental health revolution when this is all over. Then they dive into a series of listener questions, including how to not snack all day, what skin routines everyone is doing, and whether or not they’re getting along with their significant others. Plus, they discuss the pressure to be productive during the crisis and why it’s time to stop worrying about bullsh*t. Finally, they share some heartfelt listener emails and finish the show with a Non Scale Win of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are joined this week by licensed marriage and family therapist Liz Earnshaw to talk about maintaining mental health and keeping your anxiety under control during this crisis. They start with a conversation about the valid reasons we’re all feeling anxious, and how to limit your information intake to avoid getting overwhelmed. Next, they discuss feelings of loneliness when stuck in isolation, how to reconcile your feelings if they aren’t shared by everyone around you, and whether or not keeping a routine is a catch-all solution. Then they talk about fighting with your significant other in this stressful time, and Liz offers tools for communicating with your partner in a way that limits conflict. Plus, they talk about how to bounce back if this crisis confirms your worst fears and you’re worried about a lasting impact on your mental health. A listener writes in to ask about working in a hospital during the pandemic and feeling resentment toward loved ones who complain about being stuck inside. Finally, they share a listener Non Scale Win and Liz tells us how she’s managing to care for a toddler while everyone is stuck at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back to talk about all the complex emotions that have begun to flare up during quarantine, including food fears of the present and trauma from the past. They start with The Weirdest Thing I Do and a revelation about frosting. Next, they discuss the way this crisis will impact people now and in the future. Is this a turning point for the culture, or will we just go back to our old ways? Then they dive into a series of listener-submitted questions, including whether or not we should feel guilty about focusing on eating healthy and looking good when there are bigger problems in the world right now. Sami’s mom calls in with some words of encouragement, and we get an update on Sami’s derailed wedding plans. Finally, they tell us how they’re keeping busy during the lockdown (hint: it involves playing Mario Kart) and share some Non Scale Wins of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are joined by Dr. Mike to talk about how to stay safe during the coronavirus crisis and answer all your most pressing questions. They start with the basics, including whether or not the virus hangs in the air after you cough, and if it’s safe to go for a run. They talk about lack of tests in our country, just how long it will be before we get more, and whether or not people can get reinfected. Plus, Dr. Mike tells us just how hard it has been to get enough masks for his hospital and why you shouldn’t go buying masks if you’re not infected. Next, they dive into the questions some of us are too afraid to ask: Should I be cleaning my takeout bags with Lysol wipes? Is my face the only place where I can get infected? Will this go away in the Summer? Finally, Dr. Mike tells us the number thing you can do to help keep your immune system optimized, then they close things out with their Non Scale Wins of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Aleen are back together to talk about coronavirus anxiety and how the pandemic is affecting our daily lives. They start with a conversation about the increased measures to stop the spread, working from home, and tools for dealing with the mental stress of the situation. Plus, Sami tells us about having to postpone her April wedding and how she's searching for a new venue closer to home. They answer some listener questions about coronavirus anxiety, including whether or not it’s safe to go to the gym, take public transportation, or even go outside. Next, a listener writes in to ask about the prospect of getting married in Italy and how to handle the disappointment and fallout if everything gets cancelled. Finally, they talk about the prospect of developing bad fitness habits during a self-quarantine and share the Non Scale Wins of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen is joined once again by science journalist and author Max Lugavere, to talk about his new book The Genius Life. They begin with a conversation about moving to a new home, getting out of your comfort zone, and how it can help you find a healthier lifestyle. They share the “Weirdest Thing I Do” and talk about a new red-light therapy that Max tried. Next, they dive into Max’s new book and talk about the value of eating whole foods to help create a calorie deficit. Plus, they discuss how increasing your physical stress can lead to anxiety relief. Then they talk about detox culture, all the bullshit products people want to sell you, and how to detox naturally. Then Max shares one of the things he was most shocked by while researching the book, telling us why food addiction and porn addiction seem to have a lot in common. Finally, they finish things out with a listener Non Scale Win and some wins of their own. Thanks to our sponsors! Ritual: Visit ritual.com/DST to start your ritual today, and get 10% off your first 3 months Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/DST to grab a variety pack and try it today! Use our promo code DST at checkout to save five dollars off your order Ship: Download our dating app at betches.co/SHIP to start finding matches today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Sami are back together this week and are joined by Anne Mahlum, founder and CEO of Solidcore. They start with a conversation about what makes for a good workout class, exercising in the dark, and Sami’s love for Solidcore. Then Anne shares her own story, including challenges from her childhood, turning to running as a coping mechanism, and struggling with disordered eating. Plus, she tells us how she expanded her business and overcame a difficult breakup in the process. Then they talk about Anne’s amazing marathon-running achievement, getting sidetracked by a devastating injury, and how she’s getting back to reaching her goals. Finally, they close out the show with a listener Non Scale Win and some wins of their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami is joined by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Emmalee Bierly to talk about body image, relationships, and how your feelings toward your own body affect your sex life. They start with a conversation about the ideal body type throughout history, and why we are often taught to value thinness over all else. They talk about the value of learning when and why you might have been taught to hate your body, and how to begin down a path of self improvement. They dive into the challenge of living with a partner who reinforces diet culture or negative body image in your daily life, including a valuable exercise for refocusing on your own body. Plus, they tell us how often you should be having sex with your partner. Next, they share Emmalee’s own fertility journey and discuss the post-baby body. Then a listener writes in to ask about feelings of jealousy for a roommate with an eating disorder. Finally, they close out the show with their Non Scale Wins of the week. Thanks to our sponsors! Perfect Bar: Right now, Perfect Bar is offering 15% off your online order. Just go to PerfectBar.com/DST Billie: Go to MyBillie.com/DST to get their Starter Kit for just $9 - it comes with their award-winning razor, two cartridges, and a magic magnetic holder for the shower! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices