A Deep Dive into Body Neutrality (with Jessi Kneeland)

In this episode, we explore the endlessly interesting and controversial topics of body image, body positivity and so-called "body neutrality." Body Neutral is an elusive and important concept that happens to be the title of a book just published in June 2023 by author Jessi Kneeland, who joins us in our Zoom podcast studio today. With Jessi's help, we unpack the systematic, step-by-step blueprint she offers in her book for overcoming the weight of body image issues in one's life. No stranger to identity cultural politics, Jessi-–who identifies as both non-binary and queer-–tackles head-on the trap of believing that the appearance of one's body determines one's worth in society. Elizabeth first interviewed Jessi while doing a YouTube series called way back in 2015. The title of that episode fittingly was "How to Love Your Body." You can watch it here at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ALBbEE2EaU It's so exciting to congratulate Jessi in the time warp of 8 years later, to review the substance of her brand new book and discuss how her ideas have evolved since that original conversation. You can learn more about Jessi Kneeland here: Jessi's Website: https://www.jessikneeland.com/ *** SHOW NOTES [ 00:00 ] Intro [ 02:42 ] Starting in the fitness industry, Victoria's Secret models and weekend warriors; body image commands an "inflated and inappropriate amount of power" [ 04:00 ] Body Neutrality versus Body Positivity [ 05:20 ] "Another should" – being required/expected to love your body [ 07:30 ] Dismantling the concept that your appearance dictates your worth in society [ 09:20 ] Elizabeth's childhood struggle with body image [ 10:15 ] Confronting the FANTASY: A certain number on the scale does NOT fix everything [ 15:15 ] Four Categories of Body Image Avatars discussed in book [ 18:45 ] Body Neutrality: Is there a "middle way" with regard to one's body image that is not radical? [ 21:35 ] The usefulness of "groutchy acceptance" - permission to feel irritable about how you look at times [ 22:13 ] How "body positivity" can turn into body "toxicity" [ 22:45 ] Meaning of "Drop the Weight" – What are we dropping? [ 23:15 ] The magic of neuroscience and trauma resolution [ 26:20 ] Original YouTube Interview with Jessi & Elizabeth from 2015 - How Jessi's ideas have evolved since that "How to Love Your Body" discussion [ 29:00 ] Identifying as both non-binary and queer/bisexual [ 33:55 ] Defining and moving beyond "beauty privilege" [ 37:20 ] Breaking a mold, shaving her head, wearing men's clothes, occasionally going bra-less; Going completely off of make up and then back to it at times without attachment [ 42:51 ] "If you want to look queer, there are ways to look queerer." [ 45:15 ] Freedom to verbally tell people how you identify, not simply by how you look [ 48:25 ] Body issues/dysmorphia exist for a reason–get curious about what those reasons are [ 50:00 ] Body Neutral offers a systematic blueprint to overcome body image issues piece by piece Get Connected with Elizabeth McGann: Coaching Website: http://www.ElizabethMcGann.com Instagram: http://www.instragram.com/elizabethmcgann Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMcGannWellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmcgann Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizabethMcGann