Spicy Fat is a new podcast hosted by Psychotherapist, Sexologist, best-selling author, and international speaker, Carlen Costa. A recent weight-loss surgery reversal uncovered her late-diagnosed ADHD and sent her on a journey of radical self-love. This sparked Carlen’s mission; to help other women entering their 40s better understand their bodies, brains, and hearts. With new episodes every other Thursday, Carlen will cover a variety of topics including mental health, relationships, body image, and alternative medicine.
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November 25th: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 01:25:39
*Episode disclaimer: today's episode contains discussions about violence against women, including sensitive topics which some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.*
According to the UN, Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.
Annually, November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and this year, the date marks the launch of the global UNiTE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative which kicks off the annual 16 Days of Activism. This is an opportunity to revitalize commitments and call for accountability and action from decision-makers, concluding on the day that commemorates International Human Rights Day on December 10th.
All of the panelists you’ll be hearing from have lived experience as it relates to violence against women, as survivors or loved ones of survivors, and those who are in supporting roles within their communities. While this panel is based in Southwestern Ontario, the topics and themes that will be discussed are far reaching here in Canada, and around the world.
More about the panelists:
Carlen Costa will moderate this discussion, but brings a lot of support to this conversation as a registered psychotherapist who has herself, been a victim of violence. She is the host of the Spicy Fat Podcast on the Women in Media Network.
https://www.carlencosta.com/
https://www.spicyfat.com/
Amy Birtch is a Sergeant with London Police and the At Risk Coordinator. She had been in that role since 2016 and has 22 years of service with London Police Service. Sergeant Birtch has experience in patrol, community-based policing, and criminal investigations.
https://slwar.ca/meet-the-team/
Fartumo Kusow is the mother of the late Sahra Bulle, who was found dead in Windsor on June 6, 2023. She is one of the honourees of this year's Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign. She is the host of the Break the Silence, Build a Future Podcast.
https://fartumokusow.com/about/
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/break-the-silence-build-a-future/id1726679190
Jennifer Dunn is the Executive Director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, a feminist, abolitionist agency that provides abused and exploited women and children over the age of 12 with hope and help.
https://www.lawc.on.ca/
https://www.lawc.on.ca/shine-the-light-on-woman-abuse-campaign
RESOURCES:
Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Find family violence resources and services in your area:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html
Shelter Safe: A resource to finding all shelters across Canada
https://www.sheltersafe.ca/
Resources in Canada for Family and Intimate Partner Violence
https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/resources/family-and-intimate-partner-violence
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline: A free, anonymous telephone line for women in Ontario experiencing any form of abuse.
https://www.awhl.org/donate
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Why The Fuck Do I Have to Be Thin?
Season 1 · Episode 12
Thursday, July 18, 2024 • Duration 38:56
In this episode, host Carlen Costa explores the question she senses many women grapple with: Why do we feel the need to be so thin? She reflects on societal expectations and the lack of representation of fuller-figured women in the media. She discusses how she came to have a better understanding of her body and the impact of ADHD and executive dysfunction on her relationship with food. She also shares her experience with histamine intolerance and the importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Chapters
(00:00) Exploring the Need to Be Thin
(03:28) The Impact of Societal Expectations and Media Representation
(08:30) The Cumulative Effects of Societal Pressure
(12:11) ADHD and Executive Dysfunction in Relation to Food
(34:50) Embracing Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance
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What is ADHD and Who Else Has It?
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, March 14, 2024 • Duration 32:08
Disclaimer: Host Carlen Costa is a certified health care professional, but she is speaking about her personal experience and you should still consult a doctor or your own health care team while making decisions about your health. Find out more about today’s topics from the resources listed below.
In this episode, Carlen touches on her journey discovering her neurodivergence, and specifically ADHD. She explores the concept of hiding behind a ‘mask’ and hiding from your symptoms. She explains the concept of neurodiversity and neurotypicality, highlighting the differences in brain function. She also provides an overview of various neurodivergent conditions and their prevalence. She shares a list of famous people with ADHD, emphasizing that ADHD is not a disability but a different ability. She concludes by expressing pride in her journey of reclaiming her life and invites listeners to stay curious and embrace their own neurodiversity before part two on this topic, where she talks about her diagnosis while living in Toronto.
Takeaways
Neurodiversity is a framework for understanding different brain functions and the spectrum of mental challenges.
ADHD is a common neurodivergent condition that affects both children and adults.
Many famous individuals, such as Simone Biles and Emma Watson, have ADHD.
ADHD is not a disability but a different ability, and it is important to embrace and accommodate neurodivergent individuals
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and the Mask of Fine
(03:28) Discovering Neuro Spiciness
(07:57) Neurodiversity and Neurotypicality
(10:19) Understanding Neurodivergence
(13:19) Neurodivergent Conditions
(14:04) ADHD Prevalence and Famous People with ADHD
(25:05) ADHD Awareness and Misconceptions
(26:02) ADHD as a Genetic Difference
(28:55) ADHD as a Different Ability
(29:43) Upcoming Episode and Conclusion
Works Cited:
ADDitude Editors. “Famous People with ADHD.” ADDitude, 28 Nov. 2016, www.additudemag.com/slideshows/famous-people-with-adhd/.
“Is ADHD Hereditary or Genetic? Yes and No.” ADDitude, ADDitude, 15 Jan. 2009, www.additudemag.com/is-adhd-hereditary-yes-and-no/.
“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Chhabra, Sameer. “Adults Who Don’t Know They Have ADHD Can Struggle. Here’s How a Diagnosis Can Help.” CBC, 20 Jan. 2024, www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/adults-undiagnosed-adhd-1.7087547.
Vear, Emily. “New Manulife Data Shows Spike in Adult ADHD Diagnosis | Manulife.” Www.manulife.ca, 21 Sept. 2023, www.manulife.ca/business/news/group-benefits-news/health-insights-press-release.html#:~:text=According%20to%20CADDRA%2C%20the%20Canadian.
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The Weight Loss Surgery That Almost Took My Life
Friday, March 8, 2024 • Duration 41:15
*Disclaimer* Carlen Costa will speak about a near-death experience related to a weight-loss surgery in this episode, and she is certified as a psychotherapist. In no way is this health advice for anyone else, she's simply sharing her story. Consult your health care team if you're going through something similar, listener discretion is advised.*
In this episode, Carlen shares her the complicated feelings she held as the 'fat kid' and the story of her decision to undergo laparoscopic gastric band surgery. She discusses the process and risks of the surgery, as well as the emotional and physical challenges she faced afterward. Carlen explores the dark side of weight loss surgery, including the development of an eating disorder. She also speaks about having the surgery reversed, removing the lap band and finding a happier ending to her story. Carlen discusses the challenges she faced before and after the surgery including her struggle to reconcile 'being fat' or being dead, and the long-term results of gastric banding. Carlen also talks about the guilt she felt watching others struggle with the same procedure, the changes in her eating habits, and the impact on her body image and self-acceptance. She closes with some hopeful takeaways about her healing journey and self-discovery. Carlen has more to say about the ADHD diagnosis she mentions for the next episode.
Topics:
The Decision to Have Weight Loss Surgery
The Process and Risks of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Surgery
The Dark Side of Weight Loss Surgery
The Journey to Removing the Lap Band
The Concerns of Others
Reconciling Being Fat or Being Dead
Long-Term Results of Gastric Banding
Guilt and Watching Others Struggle
Changed Eating Habits
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Health Complications and Hospitalization
Traumatic Experience and Recovery
Choosing Happiness and Self-Love
The Journey After Surgery
Shutting Out the Noise and Healing
Discovering ADHD and Embracing Self
Feeling Lighter and Reconnecting with Self
Anger and Healing Betrayal
Journey of Self-Discovery
Advocating for Others
Choosing Oneself and Finding Happiness
ADHD Diagnosis and Advocacy
Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth
Works Cited:
Canada, Obesity. “Bariatric Surgery.” Obesity Canada, obesitycanada.ca/managing-obesity/bariatric-surgery/.
Pearce, Nicole. “Connected 2020: Perspective on Living with Obesity.” Obesity Canada, 28 Aug. 2020, obesitycanada.ca/oc-news/connected-2020-perspective-on-living-with-obesity/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2024.
Public. “Obesity in Canada - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2011, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/obesity-canada.html.
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Meet the Host, Carlen Costa
Season 1 · Episode 1
Friday, March 8, 2024 • Duration 15:06
On the first episode of the Spicy Fat Podcast, you'll meet the host, Carlen Costa as she explores self-discovery, self-love, and personal growth. As the host, Carlen shares her intentions for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of fun and laughter while navigating life's challenges. She introduces herself as a psychotherapist, clinical sexologist, bestselling author, and cannabis educator. Carlen discusses her work in private practice, her foundation for women, and shares how a weight loss surgery changed her life. She outlines topics she'll cover on the Spicy Fat podcast like mental health, relationships, body image, and the weight loss industry. Carlen also touches on her late ADHD diagnosis.
New episodes publish every other Thursday! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to check out Carlen's swag shop and book Love: The Women's Guide to Not Fucking Settling.
Find out more about Carlen at https://www.carlencosta.com/
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The Spicy Fat Podcast Trailer
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • Duration 01:40
SpicyFat is a new podcast hosted by Psychotherapist, Sexologist, best-selling author, and international speaker, Carlen Costa. A recent weight-loss surgery reversal uncovered her late-diagnosed ADHD and sent her on a journey of radical self-love. This sparked Carlen’s mission; to help other women entering their 40s better understand their bodies, brains, and hearts. With new episodes every other Thursday, Carlen will cover a variety of topics including but not limited to mental health, relationships, body image, and alternative medicine. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts!
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Meredith Shaw: Embracing All Bodies
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, July 4, 2024 • Duration 29:05
Host Carlen Costa welcomes Meredith Shaw, a television and radio host, style expert, and advocate for all bodies, to discuss her career and inspirations. Shaw shares her morning routine, including a gratitude practice, and her experience working on Breakfast Television. She also talks about her admiration for role models like Jann Arden and other female music heroes who inspired her as a singer-songwriter. They discuss the significance of fashion and style in empowering individuals and shares her excitement about designing a fashion-forward line for fuller-sized bodies. She highlights the importance of inclusivity and body positivity in the fashion industry through her experience designing inclusive fashion and her collaboration with Penningtons.
As a host of Canada’s most popular morning show, Breakfast Television, Meredith wakes up the country with her signature wit, warmth, and wardrobe. She has graced magazine covers, appeared in the pages of Vogue, walked Toronto Fashion Week’s runways and worked alongside global supermodels such as Ashley Graham. At the heart of everything she does, Meredith is fiercely passionate about inspiring and motivating people of all sizes to embrace their power and feel sexy, confident, and fabulous in their own skin.
Check out Get Dress'd with Meredith for Pennington's here:
https://www.penningtons.com/en/as-seen-on-social-media/meredith-shaw
Get to Know Meredith, Breakfast Television:
https://www.breakfasttelevision.ca/videos/get-to-know-our-new-cohost-meredith-shaw/
Produced by: Sarah Burke, The Women in Media Network https://www.womeninmedia.network/
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Pride Month: More Than Just a Party
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, June 20, 2024 • Duration 26:06
Host Carlen Costa discusses the significance of Pride and its historical roots in the LGBTQ+ community. She explains the difference between gender and sex, and highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse gender identities while addressing current issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, such as proposed legislation in Alberta that would require parental consent for transgender kids to use their preferred names and pronouns. She emphasizes that Pride is not just a celebration, but a political movement for equality and inclusivity.
Some Resources you can explore in reference to today's episode:
Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/pride-season.html
Pride Toronto: https://www.pridetoronto.com
Stats Canada: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/4192-pride-canada
Queer Events: https://www.queerevents.ca/canada/pride/history
History.com: https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots
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Dr. Riley Kirk: The Fight for Cannabis Freedom
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, June 6, 2024 • Duration 01:04:31
Host Carlen Costa interviews Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator. They discuss the intentional and informed use of psychedelics and cannabis for mental health and wellness. Dr. Kirk shares her experiences as a cannabis researcher and the challenges she faces in obtaining funding and conducting research. They also explore the importance of communication and education in the cannabis industry, particularly in relation to women's health and pregnancy, wellness, and healing. They touch on topics such as the safety of cannabis use, the importance of harm reduction, and the potential benefits of cannabis and psychedelics for neurodivergent individuals. They also discuss the importance of understanding one's own body and using plant medicine intentionally. Riley shares her ongoing research on the chemistry of cannabis smoke and the factors that contribute to the smokeability of cannabis. They emphasize the need for education and informed decision-making when it comes to using cannabis and psychedelics.
More about Dr. Riley Kirk:
She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry where she studied the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, currently is an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island and has worked in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke.
Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and hosts an educational podcast called Bioactive which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. Riley is the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). NAP is using science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm.
Listen to Dr. Riley Kirk's Bioactive Podcast: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
Follow Dr. Riley Kirk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannabichem/
Follow Dr. Riley Kirk on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cannabichem?si=LF7p_KOkCXcaOoZK
Chapters
(00:00) Exploring the Intentional and Informed Use of Psychedelics and Cannabis
(04:31) Challenges and Opportunities in Cannabis Research
(11:53) The Importance of Communication and Education in the Cannabis Industry
(33:43) Exploring the Use of Cannabis and Psychedelics for Wellness and Healing
(41:30) Cannabis and ADHD
(49:38) Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
(53:07) Set and Setting for Psychedelic Experiences
(57:41) Hormones and Cannabis Use
(01:02:08) The Science of Smokeability
(01:05:14) Connecting with Riley Kirk and Additional Resources
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WTF is 'the Authentic Self' Anyway?
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, May 23, 2024 • Duration 30:26
Have you ever been sold a course or experience that promises to connect you to your authentic self? In this episode, Carlen reflects on the grifting culture that can often convince you that you aren’t good enough and need to be more authentic. She discusses the concept of "finding one's authentic self." While exploring her own journey, she reflects about authenticity in society; it is not just about when we feel happy or powerful. She concludes that when it's implied that people aren’t authentic in their everyday lives, it can negatively impact our mental health. Carlen explores some common themes that seem to be recurring in recent sessions within her psychotherapy practice. Carlen challenges the idea that authenticity is something to be sought after, emphasizing that we are already authentic in our responses and experiences. She encourages listeners to embrace all aspects of themselves and make choices that align with who they are. Carlen leaves listeners with a few exercises for embracing your already authentic self.
Takeaways
Authenticity is not something to be sought after; we are already authentic in our responses and experiences.
Embrace all aspects of yourself, including the uncomfortable and vulnerable parts.
Make choices that align with who you are and what you truly want.
Normalize discomfort and make room for the tough stuff in relationships and personal growth.
Practice self-compassion and acceptance in times of uncertainty.
In this episode, Carlen mentions her book: https://www.carlencosta.com/thelovebook
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