#167: “There Is More to Life Than Hunger” + Exposing Diet Culture Through Fiction with Author Paulette Stout
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by author Paulette Stout, who opens up about her own healing journey — one that moved her from self-judgement and secrecy to self-compassion and rebellion.
Her act of radical defiance this year? Buying clothes that fit now. Not in May. Not “once she shrinks.” But in the body she has today. That shift alone says: I deserve to take up space. Right here, right now.
Paulette’s new novel centers a character healing from an eating disorder, but it’s not just about the food — it’s about rejoining life.
In our conversation, we talk about the deep loneliness that often accompanies body shame and disordered eating — the eating in the dark, the secrecy, the fear of being “found out.” We also talk about the sacred power of story: how fiction can be a mirror, a soft place to land, and a spark for change.
Tune in to hear more about:
Paulette's journey with body image and dieting
How diet culture creates a constant pressure to conform to societal standards
Food as a source of joy, not shame
Writing as a powerful tool for advocacy and change
How cultural backgrounds shape perceptions of food and body image
Isolation that accompanies disordered eating
How to stand up against diet culture in everyday life
“It's a them problem, not a me problem.”
Navigating social situations while recovering from an eating disorder
Whether to “educate” others about anti-fat bias
Self-acceptance as a journey
Setting boundaries after healing from diet culture
Using literature and story telling to challenge cultural norms
Why Paulette wrote this book and this story
About Paulette:
Read in 43 countries, Paulette Stout is the 17-time award-winning author of fast paced contemporary women’s fiction that tackles social issues often ignored. Fans call her work “Brave”, “Spicy”, and a “Mesmerizing tapestry of realism.” Her stories feature brave characters finding their voices and transforming into their best selves, while finding love along the way. Paulette is also the co-host of The Best of Book Marketing Podcast and works by day as the Director of Brand & Content Strategy at a global software company. Her fourth novel, What We Give Away, released in February.
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Group program:
Good news! Enrollment is open for Abbie's next group program:
Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching
Group membership:
Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group
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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
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