#27 - 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/

 

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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

 

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