Love Yourself Thin Podcast
Love Yourself Thin Podcast is where quilters come to create the life they truly want—on and off the sewing machine. Hosted by life coach Dara Thomason, this show helps you ditch the overwhelm, understand your habits, and build a healthier relationship with yourself and with food. Whether you want more confidence, more energy, or more joy in your quilting and everyday life, you’ll learn practical tools, mindset shifts, and empowering strategies that help you feel better in your body and in your mind. It’s the same heart and mission you loved from The Quilter’s Coach Podcast—now with a name that reflects Dara’s lifetime program and her belief that transformation begins with loving yourself first. If you’re a quilter ready to live intentionally, feel lighter emotionally and physically, and design a life you love, this podcast is for you. For more visit daratomasson.com
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235. Become Your Own Weight Loss Ally
01/15/2026
235. Become Your Own Weight Loss Ally
Mid-January is when most women feel the inner critic ramp up. If you’re feeling the pressure, the comparison, the self-judgment — this episode will set you free. You’re about to learn: My personal story of losing 50 pounds by becoming my own ally Why fighting with yourself guarantees that everyone loses Kristin Neff’s research on the brutal things we say to ourselves The Connie Rice story: 20 years of lawsuits vs. one compassionate question Why you cannot legislate behavior change — in yourself or anyone else How compassion led to a 70% drop in homicides in Watts The critical mindset shift from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What do I need?” How collaboration with yourself unlocks solutions you couldn’t see before Key Takeaway: Compassion isn’t weakness — compassion is power. When you stop being your own enemy, everything gets easier. Ready to stop the internal war? Inside Love Yourself Thin, you get lifetime access to tools that transform you from critic to collaborator so change finally sticks. Learn more: Take my self-assessment quiz to find out what subconscious food thoughts are holding you back from your weight loss goals - Follow me on Instagram - Watch this episode (and more!) on my YouTube channel -
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234. Weight Loss is a Symptom - What You're Really Solving
01/08/2026
234. Weight Loss is a Symptom - What You're Really Solving
One week into the new year and you’ve probably been bombarded with diet ads. But here’s the truth no one says out loud: The food isn’t the problem. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why weight loss is a symptom — not the root problem The client story that exposes what’s actually driving overeating The “gunman story” that explains why unmet needs escalate everything The four fundamental human needs your overeating may be trying to meet Why diets fail: you accidentally become your own enemy The bullseye model: separating actions from needs How to skip behavior battles and go straight to the underlying need The magical, life-changing question: “What do I need right now?” Key Takeaway: When your real needs are met — safety, comfort, connection, control — the urge to overeat dissolves. Watch Stephen Trzeciak's TED Talk - Stop treating symptoms. Start solving the real problem. Inside Love Yourself Thin, you’ll learn how your brain, emotions, and body actually work together so permanent transformation feels possible… and peaceful. Learn more: Watch this episode, and more, on Dara's YouTube channel - Follow Dara on Instagram -
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233. Weight Loss Foundations
01/01/2026
233. Weight Loss Foundations
Happy New Year! If you’re starting January thinking, “Why does this feel exactly like last year?” — this episode will change how you see yourself forever. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why you don’t have a knowledge problem — you have a thinking problem The neuroscience behind follow-through (hint: it’s not about willpower) How your reptilian brain’s threat-defense system quietly sabotages you How self-criticism triggers cortisol and shuts down motivation How to activate the mammalian caregiving system so change feels easier A powerful father/son example that proves compassion fuels real progress The pivotal shift from “What should I do?” to “What do I need?” Watch Kristen Neff's Key Takeaway: When you meet your needs with compassion instead of criticism, action stops feeling like a battle — and starts feeling natural. If you’re done blaming yourself and ready to finally understand why you struggle with follow-through, come join me in Love Yourself Thin. This is where the “great dilemma” finally ends. You get lifetime access to the tools that help you understand your brain, meet your needs, and create permanent weight loss without force, shame, or burnout. Kickstart your weight loss this January with my new course! Details here - Grab my new freebie to help you understand why you can't lose weight - Watch this episode on
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232. My Christmas Gift To You - Permanent Weight Loss
12/25/2025
232. My Christmas Gift To You - Permanent Weight Loss
The black girdle hanging in your closet. The jeans you promise yourself you'll wear "this Christmas." The drive to your family's house wearing shapewear so tight you can't breathe, feeling ashamed the entire night because you're not "good enough" to wear those jeans. If this story sounds painfully familiar, this special Christmas episode is my gift to you—because you deserve to stop hiding behind Spanx and start actually enjoying your life. After struggling with my weight since my early twenties, I finally cracked the code of permanent weight loss in a way I never expected. On my 52nd birthday, I tried on my wedding dress and weighed 12 pounds less than on my wedding day. I also fit into the bridesmaid dress I wore at 16. But here's what nobody tells you: weight loss isn't the goal. Weight gain is a symptom of unaddressed emotional issues. Until you dig into the real patterns—the loneliness that makes you reach for baked goods, the fear of being kicked out of the tribe if you don't eat chocolate with your coffee group, the perfectionism that keeps you paralyzed—no app or diet will ever work long-term. This week, I'm sharing the most vulnerable stories from my Conquer Emotional Eating class: the retired woman who's "really good all day" but needs that cookie every night (spoiler: it's not about the cookie), the coffee group that bonds over complaining about weight while eating chocolate (what happens if you break the pattern?), and the perfectionist who couldn't start her workbook because she was afraid to use pen instead of pencil. Plus, I'm getting deeply honest about my own Christmas Eve girdle story—the shame, the uncomfortable drive, the shadow of "not good enough" that ruined what should have been joyful family time. My Christmas gift to you: Stop wasting time on Pinterest boards and apps. Join my January course (starts January 9th) where I teach the same content I'm doing inside my Love Yourself Thin lifetime membership program—how to make goals out of love, not shame in a condensced way. Get all the details . Or join the lifetime program itself and pay once for life. Your worth has nothing to do with your pants size. Let's prove it together. Join . Want to see Dara's girdle 😅 Watch this episode on ! Follow Dara on social media @dara_tomasson
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231. Achieving Weight Loss Goals at the Holidays
12/22/2025
231. Achieving Weight Loss Goals at the Holidays
You know exactly what you should eat. You know you need eight hours of sleep. You know you should move your body. Yet here you are at 10 PM with a pint of ice cream, wondering why you can follow through on work deadlines and family responsibilities but can't stick to your own health goals. The disconnect isn't about willpower—it's about how you talk to yourself when things don't go according to plan. This week, I'm breaking down how to have actual peace during the holidays with your weight loss goals—not the fake "I'll start in January" peace that's really just procrastination wrapped in holiday lights. You'll discover why your approach to failure determines everything about whether you'll succeed, how the same encouragement you'd give a five-year-old learning to tie shoes is exactly what you need to give yourself, and why your battlefield-like inner self-talk is the real reason you sabotage your own goals. I'll share Brené Brown's marble jar concept and how I adapted it for building self-trust with urges, plus my own vulnerable story about catching myself in diet mentality last Friday even after years of doing this work. Tune in as I walk you through the three pillars of peaceful goal-setting: making goals with possibility instead of fear, understanding the real science of how your brain and body connect, and implementing practical strategies that actually create change. You'll learn why 99% of diets fail (and why beating yourself up guarantees you'll be part of that statistic), discover the power of accountability partnerships inside my program, and understand why all the Pinterest boards and saved recipes in the world won't create permanent change without addressing your unique baggage. Ready to stop saying "I'll start in January" and actually mean it? My January course starting January 9th teaches you how to make goals without the failure spiral, or join my lifetime membership program for ongoing support and accountability. Details are ! What You'll Learn in this Episode: How your experience with failure shapes your ability to make goals The five-year-old shoe-tying analogy: when did you stop letting yourself learn? Why your inner dialogue sounds like screaming at a child (and how to stop) The connection between Christmas anticipation and post-holiday letdown How negative self-talk creates procrastination, people-pleasing, and perfectionism Brené Brown's marble jar concept adapted for building self-trust with urges Why feelings only come from thoughts (even when circumstances feel urgent) Peace-building thoughts: "I can do hard things" and "I haven't figured this out yet" Dara's vulnerable Friday story: catching diet mentality after years of coaching Why 99% of diets fail and how to be in the 1% The power of accountability partners and real-time coaching Why Pinterest boards and saved recipes won't create permanent change How program connections help women through devastating losses Stay in touch! January goal-setting course (starts January 9th) - Love Yourself Thin lifetime membership - Email us your questions - support@daratomasson.com Watch this episode (and more!) on Follow me on Instagram - @dara_tomasson
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230. Enjoy Food Without Overdoing It!
12/18/2025
230. Enjoy Food Without Overdoing It!
You can quit alcohol. You can quit drugs. You can delete the apps and walk away. But you can't quit food—which is exactly why weight loss feels so impossibly hard. You need to eat multiple times a day, every single day, for the rest of your life. So how do you navigate holiday eating without gaining weight or feeling deprived when "just don't eat it" isn't an option? This week, I'm tackling the biggest misconception about food and addiction. Unlike substances you can eliminate completely, food requires a completely different strategy because you can't go cold turkey. You'll discover why your "it's go time" thoughts during the holidays trigger cortisol that makes you crave carbs, why 95% of your subconscious thoughts are sabotaging your best intentions, and how to redirect yourself when you can't just walk away from food forever. I'll share my German chocolate cake story—how I enjoyed my favorite birthday cake all week without guilt by planning 24 hours in advance, proving you can have your cake and lose weight too. Tune in as I break down the five pillars to permanent weight loss (spoiler: it starts with understanding simple hormone science), reveal why sneaking food feels thrilling at first but destroys self-trust long-term, and explain the Santa's elves analogy that shows exactly what happens when you overload your body with flour and sugar. You'll learn why flour and sugar need a six-week break, how to become the traffic controller of your own holidays, and the critical difference between numbing negative thoughts with food versus actually feeling your feelings. Ready to stop making false promises about January? My January course starting January 9th teaches you how to actually keep resolutions instead of breaking them by February. Details are What You'll Learn in this Episode: ✔️Why you can't go cold turkey with food (and what to do instead) ✔️How "it's go time" thoughts trigger cortisol and carb cravings ✔️Why 95% of your thoughts are subconscious and sabotaging you ✔️The traffic controller strategy: taking charge of your own holidays ✔️Why we turn to certain foods (numbing, stress, avoiding feelings) ✔️The six-week flour and sugar break strategy (and why it works) ✔️How to plan food 24 hours in advance and enjoy it guilt-free ✔️The German chocolate cake story: birthday cake all week without guilt ✔️Why sneaking food is like having an affair (thrilling but destructive) ✔️The Santa's elves analogy: what happens when you overload your body ✔️Five pillars to permanent weight loss (weight loss science, your eating plan, feeling feelings, taking responsibility, building confidence) ✔️How to stop blaming others and take your power back For more support, jump into Dara's program where you will get weekly coaching calls and encouragements from her. Details If you haven't checked out Dara's free masterclass to help you create your peaceful, productive Christmas, get in on it
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229. Handling Grief While Honoring Loved Ones at the Holidays
12/11/2025
229. Handling Grief While Honoring Loved Ones at the Holidays
The picture of your grandmother holding your baby. The lifesaver candies that remind you of Grandpa. The empty chair at Christmas dinner. The holidays magnify grief in ways that send you straight to the kitchen at midnight, eating to fill a void that food can never actually fill. If you've lost someone close to you and the holidays feel impossible—caught between wanting to honor happy memories while drowning in sadness—you're navigating something most people won't talk about. We've been conditioned like Pavlov's dogs to associate food with love, celebration, and connection. When someone dies, especially around the holidays, those associations become a tangled mess that feels impossible to unravel without abandoning the memories altogether. This week, I'm breaking down what's really happening when grief and food become intertwined during the holidays. You'll discover why your brain defaults to emotional eating when you miss someone (hint: it's pure conditioning, not a character flaw), learn the difference between honoring someone's memory and using food to avoid feeling sad, and hear practical examples of how real families have transformed grief into meaningful traditions that don't require eating your feelings. I'll share the "Mike and Hazel Bowie" story from my own family and how one client processes her father's passing through daddy-daughter photo time instead of emotional eating. Ready to stop letting grief sabotage your health goals? Join my Conquer Emotional Eating class where you'll get real tools to navigate the holidays without using food to fill emotional voids. Check it out Plus, my January class on making goals without beating yourself up starts January 9th—because this year can actually be different. Details are HERE What You'll Learn in this Episode: 🎄Why food and family memories are enmeshed (and how to separate them) 🎄The Pavlov's dog effect: how we've been conditioned to associate food with love and celebration 🎄How to feel sadness appropriately without being afraid of the emotion 🎄The critical question: What do you actually miss about that person? (This reveals how to fill the void) 🎄Why filling emotional voids with food leads to devastating health consequences 🎄Real examples of honoring loved ones through meaningful traditions (not food) 🎄The "Mike and Hazel Bowie" golf and bowling tradition that keeps memories alive 🎄How one 65-year-old client handled job loss and hip replacement surgery completely differently than four years ago 🎄Why taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's the legacy you're creating If you are ready to take the next step in creating the life you want with Dara's help, join her lifetime membership program, Love Yourself Thin. Because loving yourself is the first step to lasting change. Details are Follow Dara on Instagram @dara_tomasson
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228. Managing Holiday Triggers Like a Pro
12/04/2025
228. Managing Holiday Triggers Like a Pro
The holidays arrive with the best intentions. You have a vision—homemade gifts, a beautifully decorated home, healthy eating habits maintained through January. Then your husband loses his job. You're told you need a new hip. The test results come back concerning. And suddenly it's 10 PM and you're eating ice cream straight from the container, wondering why you can't just stick to the plan like everyone else seems to. This week, I'm breaking down why the holidays create the perfect storm for emotional eating, overspending, and complete overwhelm. But here's the twist: generic "holiday stress hacks" won't solve your problem because you don't know YOUR unique trigger pattern. Most women are following someone else's playbook instead of understanding what actually sends them into the kitchen at 3 PM or keeps them scrolling Pinterest until midnight. Tune in as I walk you through identifying your personal coping strategies when life throws curveballs (because it will), introduce the game-changing concept of "bare minimum Christmas," and share how one of my clients catered an entire guild party—two days of cooking and serving—without stressing once. You'll discover why the highs and lows of your holiday experience reveal everything about your emotional regulation, and learn the exact framework for building resiliency so December doesn't derail you every single year. Want to cut your emotional eating in half this holiday season? Join my Conquer Holiday and Emotional Eating class starting now. You'll get all the modules, office hours to ask questions, and lifetime access for two years. Real tools, real help, real transformation—one Christmas cookie at a time. Check it out here - What You'll Learn in this Episode: 🎄Why the holidays are a perfect storm for triggers (nostalgia, pressure to perform, family dynamics, and lack of self-trust) 🎄The "straight line vs. reality" of holiday planning and why your highs and lows reveal your emotional regulation 🎄How to identify YOUR unique coping strategies when life doesn't go according to plan 🎄The "bare minimum Christmas" exercise that diffuses overwhelm immediately 🎄Why spreading your joy across 9 life categories (not just relationships or food) creates resilience 🎄How one client transformed from holiday stress to catering a guilt party without any anxiety 🎄The real reason you can't follow through on your plans (spoiler: it's not willpower) If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow my YouTube channel for more. And keep up with me on Instagram @dara_tomasson
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227. How to Break Free From Emotional Eating Patterns
11/27/2025
227. How to Break Free From Emotional Eating Patterns
Discover why the same thinking patterns that create relationship problems also drive emotional eating. Through the story of Tammy, a program member stuck in a cycle of resentment and people-pleasing, learn how to stop living in other people's imaginary thoughts and start expressing your own needs clearly and kindly. What You'll Learn ✔️The Resentment-Food Connection: Why unexpressed relationship frustration drives emotional eating ✔️Creating "Cases" Against People: How we decide what others think without asking them ✔️The Exhausting Cycle: Resentment → Rebellion → Guilt → People-pleasing → More resentment ✔️Story vs. Reality: Why Tammy felt guilt about quilting but not about attending a funeral ✔️Breaking Free: Practical tools to distinguish your thoughts from others' thoughts Key Teaching Points 1. Same Patterns, Different Areas: The thinking that creates relationship problems also drives emotional eating - we create stories instead of dealing with reality. 2. Living in Others' Heads: When we try to manage others' feelings and predict their reactions, we lose access to our own wisdom. 3. The Lawyer Analogy: We create "cases" against people, spending all our mental energy looking for evidence to support our predetermined story. 4. You're Not Responsible for Others' Emotions: Your job is to express your needs kindly and clearly, not to manage how others respond. Remember: You're not responsible for managing other's emotions. Their reaction is information about their ability to self-soothe, stay in your own emotional lane while being loving and kind! For more support on this, join my membership where you will get the tools you need to break your cycle of feeling obligated to please everyone around you at the expense of yourself! - Also, if you are interested in learning why you keep purchasing fabric (don't worry you aren't alone!) get this free course - Connect with Dara on Instagram - @dara_tomasson
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226. Change Your Relationship With Eating and Watch Yourself Transform
11/20/2025
226. Change Your Relationship With Eating and Watch Yourself Transform
Discover the fascinating science behind gratitude and how it can literally change your brain chemistry to help you make better food choices. In this episode, Dara explores research from Harvard, UCLA, and other major universities showing how gratitude releases the same feel-good chemicals as comfort food - without the calories. Key Takeaways 🔑Willpower is Limited: Like a cell phone battery, willpower depletes throughout the day 🔑Gratitude Replenishes: Shifts you from depletion to abundance state Three Before Three: Practice gratitude 3 times daily before eating 🔑Savoring Matters: Notice and appreciate good moments as they happen 🔑Foundation Change: You're not just changing one behavior, but the foundation all behaviors spring from Try This Week The "Three Before Three" Practice: Three times a day, before you eat anything, take 30 seconds to think of three things you're genuinely grateful for. They can be tiny things: That you have food That you have taste buds to enjoy it That you have people to share it with (or peace to enjoy alone) That you have electricity, a house, warmth Get on the waitlist for the Black Friday Offer - Cut Your Emotional Eating in Half. Hurry, spots will fill up fast! - Ready to join the lifetime membership with exclusive coaching access with Dara? Check it out here - Follow Dara on IG and Pinterest for more: Instagram: @dara_tomasson Pinterest: https://pin.it/6DkwKmfTp
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225. How to Enjoy Holiday Meals Without Overeating or Guilt
11/13/2025
225. How to Enjoy Holiday Meals Without Overeating or Guilt
Feeling that familiar knot in your stomach about Thanksgiving dinner (or any upcoming event)? Not just about family dynamics, but about the actual food? This episode gives you practical tools to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without the emotional food hangover - the shame, regret, and "I can't believe I did it again" feeling that can last for days. Dara walks you through her proven 4-step process to prepare for any eating event from a place of self-compassion instead of self-control. Key Topics Covered 🗝️Why "Being Good" Before the Event Backfires 🗝️How restricting before dinner triggers scarcity mode in your brain 🗝️The "I've been good, now I can be bad" mentality trap 🗝️Why showing up hungry makes balanced eating nearly impossible Practical Strategies Shared Before the Event: Eat normally - don't try to "save" calories Remember: this is one meal, not your last meal During the Event: Put food on a plate instead of grazing while standing Check in with hunger and fullness during the meal Give yourself permission to enjoy foods you want AND skip foods you don't Have a plan for what to do with your hands during conversations Connect with Dara Website: Instagram: @dara_tomasson
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224. What Your Fabric Purchases Are Telling You
11/06/2025
224. What Your Fabric Purchases Are Telling You
Ever wonder why you keep buying fabric when you already have enough for three lifetimes? This isn't about budgeting or organizing your stash - it's about understanding what you're really shopping for. In this episode, Dara explores the emotional drivers behind fabric shopping and how the same patterns that create overflowing fabric stashes also drive emotional eating and other distracting behaviors. Key Topics Covered The Real Problem: Thinking, Not Knowledge Why you don't have a knowledge problem - you have a thinking problem How emotional distraction shows up as shopping, eating, scrolling, and staying busy The connection between fabric shopping and emotional eating patterns Four Emotions That Drive Fabric Shopping: ✔️Stress Relief - That gorgeous new collection feels like a promise of peace ✔️Excitement Management - Buying fabric feels like taking action on excitement ✔️Boredom/Emptiness - Shopping gives us something to focus on when feeling restless ✔️Connection Seeking - Buying what others have feels like joining the community Are you ready to dive deeper into this? Then get in on Dara's FREE Mini Course: Special November offering: Emotional Eating Course - Connect with Dara: Website: daratomasson.com Instagram: @dara_tomasson
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223. Feel Your Feelings Instead of Eating Them
10/31/2025
223. Feel Your Feelings Instead of Eating Them
In this episode, Dara addresses the root cause of weight struggles: our inability to process emotions healthily due to childhood conditioning that taught us feelings were dangerous or weak. Key Topics Covered: • Childhood emotional suppression: How messages like "If you wanna cry, I'll give you something to cry about" create adults who lack healthy emotional coping strategies • Unhealthy vs. healthy coping strategies: Recognition that we all developed coping mechanisms - they just weren't serving us • Body wisdom and emotional storage: Where emotions land in the body according to ancient wisdom traditions (Ayurvedic, Chinese medicine) • Personal breakthrough story: Dara's vulnerable sharing about discovering inherited fear of success through body awareness • The feeling process: Understanding that emotions are just vibrations from thoughts that take 10-20 seconds to process when done correctly The Coping Strategy Revelation: 🧠A successful client realized she didn't lack coping strategies - she had many unhealthy ones: ✔️Saying yes when wanting to say no ✔️Self-criticism after mistakes ✔️Food rewards and numbing ✔️Exhausting people-pleasing ✔️Late-night phone scrolling ✔️Overeating until uncomfortable Main Takeaways: Weight struggles aren't about food - they're about missing emotional life skills never taught in childhood Feelings are safe - they're just temporary body vibrations that process quickly when allowed Your emotional style is unique - don't compare your way of feeling to others The body keeps score - unexpressed emotions can manifest as physical symptoms and weight retention Action Step: Notice where you feel tension or discomfort in your body and get curious about what emotion or situation might be stored there, without judgment. Join Dara for Cut Emotional Eating in Half Over the Holidays (and Beyond) — a 2-week live experience to calm your brain, stop stress-eating, and feel confident around food. Join here -
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222. Thought Downloads Are the Key to Your Transformation
10/23/2025
222. Thought Downloads Are the Key to Your Transformation
In this deeply vulnerable episode, Dara explores why we resist the very tools that could transform our lives, using a client's confession about avoiding thought downloads as the starting point for understanding our patterns of self-sabotage. Key Topics Covered: 🗝️The paradox of resistance: Why we rebel against ourselves by buying unnecessary fabric, saying yes when overwhelmed, or avoiding helpful practices 🗝️Family history revelation: Dara's discovery of her great-grandfather's traumatic childhood and how it illuminates our tendency to run from difficult emotions 🗝️The boogeyman effect: How avoidance makes problems seem bigger and more frightening than they actually are 🗝️Shame as a mushroom: Understanding how shame grows in darkness and secrecy, but loses power when brought into the light 🗝️The five pillars framework: Weight loss science, making your own eating plan, feeling feelings instead of eating them, taking 100% responsibility, and building self-confidence Key Insights: 🔑Resistance is information - When we avoid something, it's usually because we're afraid of what we might discover 🔑Worth isn't tied to results - Your value remains 100% regardless of weight loss success or failure 🔑Vulnerability neutralizes shame - Speaking our fears aloud removes their power over us 🔑Avoidance amplifies problems - Whatever we resist grows bigger in our minds Action Step: Identify one tool or practice you've been avoiding and ask yourself: "What am I afraid I might find?" Then gently explore that fear with curiosity rather than judgment. Special Offer: 25-minute free coaching sessions (5 slots available in one session) to help identify sabotage patterns and create holiday success plans. Book Check out my free webinars happening in October -
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221. When Food Becomes Your Most Reliable Relationship (And How to Change It)
10/16/2025
221. When Food Becomes Your Most Reliable Relationship (And How to Change It)
In this episode of the Quilter's Coach Podcast, Dara explores why food has become the "old faithful" in so many women's lives and provides a roadmap for changing this dynamic. Key Topics Covered: 🗝️The reliability factor: Unlike relationships with people that can be unpredictable or disappointing, food provides consistent comfort and never "abandons" us 🗝️Childhood coping strategies: How early experiences with scarcity, emotional neglect, or family dysfunction create patterns where food becomes our primary emotional outlet 🗝️The counterfeit friend concept: Understanding how we use food to fill emotional needs that should be met through self-compassion, presence, and healthy coping strategies Member success story: A powerful example of learning to eat mindfully after spousal loss, including a touching moment with a Red House Finch that appeared as a symbol of good fortune Main Takeaways: ✔️You don't have a knowledge problem - you have a thinking problem. Most women know what to eat; they struggle with why they eat. ✔️Diets fail because they address the wrong problem. Restricting food without addressing the emotional relationship will always lead to rebounds. ✔️Food relationships are unique to each person. Whether it's the crunch of chips, the comfort of ice cream, or the companionship of popcorn during TV time, each person has specific emotional connections. Struggling with the snacking and want some healthy alternatives? Try this Want to try a coaching call? Dara is offering free coaching calls this month so you can get a taste of what is possible. There are a limited number of spots available so be sure to book your time slot now! This free opportunity doesn't happen often so don't miss out. Book
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220. How Hating Math Will Guarantee Your Next Breakthrough (Yes, Really)
10/09/2025
220. How Hating Math Will Guarantee Your Next Breakthrough (Yes, Really)
In this deeply personal episode, Dara reveals how her childhood struggle with mathematics became the foundation for her revolutionary approach to weight loss coaching. Key Topics Covered: ✔️The French immersion math disaster: How ambitious goals without proper fundamentals led to years of struggle and self-doubt ✔️The memorization trap: Why trying to follow steps without understanding concepts creates frustration in both math and weight loss ✔️Emotional self-preservation modes: How trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, people-please) keep us stuck in cycles of avoidance ✔️The teaching breakthrough: How becoming a math teacher finally revealed the missing fundamentals and transformed Dara's relationship with the subject The Weight Loss Connection: Dara draws powerful parallels between struggling with math and struggling with weight loss: ✨Both involve missing fundamental skills (emotional regulation vs. mathematical concepts) ✨Both trigger shame and "I'm broken" narratives ✨Both can be solved by going back to build proper foundations ✨Both require self-compassion during the learning process Main Takeaways: 🗝️You're not broken - you're missing fundamentals. Weight loss isn't about willpower; it's about building emotional regulation skills. 🗝️Avoidance keeps you stuck. Just like avoiding math homework, avoiding difficult feelings maintains the problem. 🗝️Curiosity beats perfectionism. The member who keeps asking for help with bread is making more progress than someone who gives up. 🗝️Small traumas create big patterns. Childhood experiences of feeling "not smart enough" can drive decades of self-sabotage. Perfect for: Anyone who feels "broken" around food, women who've tried every diet without lasting success, and those ready to address the emotional fundamentals of weight loss rather than just the surface behaviors. Action Step: Identify one area where you feel defeated and ask yourself: "What fundamentals might I be missing?" instead of "What's wrong with me?" Ready to take it the next step further? Book a call with Dara or jump into her program and discover your next breakthrough! Check out all the support options Also, don't forget to sign up for the Quilter's Life Summit - a free virtual summit that runs from October 21-23, 2025. Sign up Watch this episode on How Hating Math Will Guarantee Your Next Breakthrough (Yes, Really)
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219. The Golden Pen: Writing your Weight Loss Story
10/02/2025
219. The Golden Pen: Writing your Weight Loss Story
In this transformative episode, Dara introduces "The Golden Pen" - a powerful tool for rewriting the stories that keep us stuck in cycles of self-sabotage and weight regain. The Golden Pen Process: Step 1 - Raw Writing: Write out your current story without judgment. Let all the victim language flow onto paper. Step 2 - Curious Questioning: Why might others behave the way they do? Is there any truth worth examining in criticism? How would different people interpret this situation? Step 3 - Intentional Rewriting: Consciously choose how you want to think about your circumstances, putting yourself back in the driver's seat of your life. Main Takeaways: ✒️Everything is a story - and you get to choose which version serves you best ✒️You always get the last word because it's your life and your interpretation ✒️Perspective is power - changing how you see situations changes how you respond to them ✒️Success must be self-created - following someone else's plan won't create lasting change Perfect for: Women who feel like victims of their circumstances, anyone stuck in repetitive self-sabotage patterns, and those ready to take ownership of their transformation journey. Ready for more? Check out all my happening in October! You don't want to miss them And...the Quilter's Life Summit returns this fall, October 21-23, 2025! With 30 presenters, prizes and exclusive offers, you won't want to miss this event. Sign up now - Watch this episode on
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218. Resentment, Regret, and Disillusionment: What to Do When You Feel Let Down
09/25/2025
218. Resentment, Regret, and Disillusionment: What to Do When You Feel Let Down
Have you ever bought something — a class, a program, a tool — full of hope… Only to feel regret, resentment, or disillusionment when it didn’t work the way you thought it would? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dara explores what’s really going on when we feel let down by something we’ve invested in — and how those emotions are often rooted in a misunderstanding of what we expected from ourselves. From quilting tools to coaching programs, from parenting regrets to free-motion quilting frustration, Dara walks you through a powerful reframing: Why resentment is a sign of unmet expectations How to label your emotions honestly so you can move through them The sneaky way perfectionism and victimhood can keep you stuck What Elizabeth Gilbert, chocolate chip cookies, and Christmas planning all have in common Why your emotional weight must be addressed before lasting physical change can happen If you want to stop abandoning yourself every time something feels hard — this episode will help you turn pain into perspective, and regret into power. Want to see the power of coaching in a free live coaching call? Grab your spot (this is a limited time offer!) - Or if you want to take the next step and see if Dara is the right coach for you, book a free curiosity call with her -
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217. How Greed & Trusting Others Keeps You from Trusting Yourself - Be Your Own Expert
09/18/2025
217. How Greed & Trusting Others Keeps You from Trusting Yourself - Be Your Own Expert
Stop outsourcing your power! Learn why constantly asking "just tell me what to do" keeps you stuck in weight loss and life goals. Discover how to become your own expert and trust yourself for lasting results. 🔑 Key Topics The "How Greed" Problem - Why expert dependency kills results Good vs Bad Pressure - Diamonds or crushed cans? Member Win - From Starbucks rewards to real connection 5 Pillars of Permanent Weight Loss - Build your own foundation 💡 Main Takeaways Stop asking "just tell me what to do" - Build foundational knowledge instead You already know how to learn - Look at your quilting/hobby skills Pressure can create or destroy - Internal motivation vs external shame Become your own scientist - Test, adjust, repeat with YOUR results 🎯 The 5 Pillars Framework Weight Loss Science (simple basics) Make Your Own Eating Plan Feel Your Feelings Instead of Eating Them Take Responsibility (no shame/blame) Build Self-Confidence "The more you outsource answers, the less you actually learn for yourself. When you trust others more than yourself, you never get the results you want." 📞 Ready to Stop Expert Dependency? Book a with Dara Join and start your transformation! Subscribe & Share if this resonated with you! New episodes every week on weight loss mindset for quilters and creative women. Watch this episode on
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216. Why Your Low Failure Tolerance Is Keeping You Stuck (And How to Fix It)
09/11/2025
216. Why Your Low Failure Tolerance Is Keeping You Stuck (And How to Fix It)
Do you know what to do… but still fall short of your goals, again and again? In this episode, Dara breaks down a concept that might just change everything: failure tolerance — your ability to try something, not get it quite right, and keep going without making it mean something terrible about you. Using her own vulnerable story of struggling with Instagram (yes, even as a coach), Dara reveals the emotional trap so many of us fall into: showing up like “good students” instead of empowered women. She shares what finally shifted for her, how she’s applying this mindset to her current goals, and how you can build your own tolerance to failure — the essential skill for lasting weight loss, creative growth, and real life transformation. You’ll hear: Why being “a good student” doesn’t guarantee results How perfectionism sneaks in as resentment, shame, and powerlessness Why failure is not personal — it’s essential The difference between diet thinking and growth thinking How to start failing forward instead of spiraling If you want to stop living on autopilot and start rowing your own boat — this is your episode. Ready to change the way you think about weight loss? with me to find out why you aren't seeing the results you want. Or better still, jump into my for the full transformation! And...my webinar about working WITH your hormones (not against them) is happening Septmeber 17, sign up for free
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215. Why a Masterclass Can Truly Change Your Life
09/04/2025
215. Why a Masterclass Can Truly Change Your Life
What’s the big deal about a masterclass? Can an hour a day really make a difference? In this powerful episode, Dara walks you through exactly what happens inside her masterclasses — and why the experience can shift your thinking, your self-awareness, and even your identity. You’ll learn: Why real change starts with understanding your brain, not just your habits How journaling, community, and coaching combine to unlock powerful insights What makes women finally stop blaming their past and start owning their future This isn’t just education. It’s excavation. If you’ve been circling the idea of attending a training, this episode will help you see exactly what’s possible — and why staying “safe” might be costing you the life you actually want. And if you're ready to jump in, join my next on September 17, I can't wait to see you there 🩵 And for more about me and what I offer, check out my ! Don't forget to check out this episode and more on my .
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214. Fall Planning Isn't Just for School Kids: How to Plan Your Identity Shift
08/28/2025
214. Fall Planning Isn't Just for School Kids: How to Plan Your Identity Shift
Back-to-school season isn’t just for kids — it’s the perfect time for women to hit refresh and redefine who they want to be. In this powerful episode, Dara dives into five identity myths from Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s Personality Isn’t Permanent and how believing these myths keeps women stuck in old patterns of people-pleasing, overeating, overspending, and playing small. You’ll learn how to: Debunk the myth that your personality is fixed or defined by your past Reclaim authorship over who you’re becoming Use autumn energy to commit to growth and emotional rewiring You’ll also hear real stories of Dara and her clients who are making brave changes — like saying no to people-pleasing and sugar, and yes to connection, calm, and courage. 👉 If you’re craving a reset and want to stop feeling like a failure every time fall rolls around, this is your episode. Ready to do some personality growth? with me to talk about how I can help! Don't delay, sign up for my free webinar "
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213. How to Celebrate Without All the Food
08/21/2025
213. How to Celebrate Without All the Food
When every celebration feels like a food fest, the aftermath—guilt, bloat, weight gain—can overshadow the joy. In this episode, Dara shares how to shift the spotlight off food and onto true connection, belonging, and meaning. You’ll hear stories of clients who broke free from the emotional grip food had on their celebrations and finally learned to belong to themselves instead. Dara also shares her own story of navigating her anniversary trip while sticking to a personal goal—not out of restriction, but from love and self-respect. She'll guide you through: Why food has become the default celebration tool—and how to change that The simple swaps and mindset shifts that actually work How to honor yourself and stay committed to goals without shame Why connection, not calories, is what we’re really hungry for You don’t need to villainize food to stop using it for false connection. You just need to rewire your relationship with celebration—and this episode will show you how. Sign up for my free webinar -
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212. Losing Weight for a Wedding (or Other Event)
08/14/2025
212. Losing Weight for a Wedding (or Other Event)
Have a wedding, anniversary, or big event coming up and want to feel amazing in the pictures—but without falling into the shame spiral of diet culture? In this episode, Dara shares a refreshing, no-nonsense 5-step approach to weight loss that actually sticks. She’ll show you why the “how” matters more than the number on the scale, and how chasing validation through weight loss never leads to lasting peace. You’ll learn: Why liking your reason is step one (and why that’s NOT selfish) The power of getting the right kind of help (hint: not your fudge-pushing friends) What 100% commitment really looks like How discomfort is the price of real transformation Why coaching, not criticism, is the game-changer Whether you’re walking down the aisle, celebrating 30 years, or just want to feel proud of how you show up in life—this episode is your loving, firm push in the right direction. Follow Dara on social media for more @dara_tomasson Sign up for Dara's free webinar "Why Weight Loss is Harder After 40" - As a bonus, grab her to help you in making food choices! Watch this episode on
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211. Identity Shifts That Make Weight Loss a Side Effect
08/07/2025
211. Identity Shifts That Make Weight Loss a Side Effect
How would you describe yourself? How would you describe your identity if someone asked you? In this episode, we explore how the way you think about yourself affects the successes you have in life. If you're ready to look at how you can change your identity and have the results you want, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: The shocking story of a young man who received the wrong SAT score and how it changed his entire life trajectory Why personality tests are a $2 billion industry (and what that tells us about human nature) The difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset - and which one leads to transformation How to create powerful identity shifts that make lasting change inevitable Why your personality isn't permanent (and how to use that to your advantage) Member Spotlight: Celebrating a member who quit her day job to go all-in on her quilting business! She knows she has the support from Dara and the entire membership community, and more importantly, she understands that she's the one who was keeping herself from being successful. Challenge Questions to Ask Yourself: Why do I weigh what I weigh? Why do I have as much fabric as I have? Why do I watch as much TV as I do? What is it about me that's so fixed on over-consuming? Research & Resources Mentioned: Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University - Growth Mindset research The concept "Personality Isn't Permanent" Henry Ford's famous mindset quote Next Steps: Ready to explore how identity shifts can transform your life? Dara challenges you to book a call and discuss where you want to go and how to get there. Book a call with Dara Connect with Dara: Website: Instagram: @dara_tomasson Watch this episode on (and follow Dara there!) Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to The Quilter's Coach Podcast and leave a review! Your reviews help other quilters and creative women find the show.
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210. Why You Keep Starting Over and What to Do Instead
07/31/2025
210. Why You Keep Starting Over and What to Do Instead
Ever feel like you’re halfway through summer and already thinking, “I blew it... I need a do-over”? Whether it’s a new quilt project, a wellness goal, or just trying to keep life on track — the pattern of starting strong, falling off, and wanting to restart can feel never-ending. In this episode, Dara unpacks: Why the urge to “start over” is often a form of self-sabotage How perfectionism and fear of failure sneak into your creative process What happens when you ditch judgment and embrace curiosity How one member used these tools to stand up for herself and rewrite her story Dara also shares her 90-day process and how simple, consistent actions can change the way you approach food, goals, and even relationships. 🎯 If you’re tired of all-or-nothing thinking and want lasting results, this episode is for you. with Dara to find out if her program is right for you! Follow Dara on social media @dara_tomasson
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209. Cravings Aren't the Enemy - Here's What to Do Instead
07/24/2025
209. Cravings Aren't the Enemy - Here's What to Do Instead
In this episode, Dara redefines what cravings actually mean — and shows you how they’re not a signal to eat, but a signal to connect. With yourself. With your emotions. With what you actually need. Through heartfelt coaching stories (including a member navigating the death of her spouse with grounded self-leadership), Dara helps you unpack the difference between desire and distraction. You’ll learn how to stop reinforcing unhelpful patterns and how to develop a new internal dialogue that creates peace, not panic, around cravings. In this episode, you’ll discover: What your cravings are really trying to tell you Why trying to "resist" or ignore cravings backfires How to rewire your brain to want connection over food A simple coaching question that transforms late-night eating Why discomfort isn’t the enemy — disconnection is You don’t need more willpower. You need more understanding. This episode will give you both. Don't wait, book a call with Dara to find out more about how she can help you! Book your free call Watching this episode on Follow Dara on social media @dara_tomasson Bonus! Feeling those cravings coming on and want some healthy alternatives to chips, pretzles and ice cream? Grab Dara's free guide for !
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208. What to Do Instead of Starting a New Diet
07/17/2025
208. What to Do Instead of Starting a New Diet
In this episode, Dara shares her personal journey through emotional eating, perfectionism, and body image, uncovering the real reason diets don’t work: they bypass the emotional and identity-based roots of our patterns. Drawing inspiration from "Personality Isn’t Permanent" by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and timeless movie quests like "The Hobbit" and "Harry Potter," Dara reveals how true change comes from becoming the person who can handle discomfort—not avoiding it with food, clutter, or control. She breaks down the four levers of identity change, explains why chasing “authenticity” can be misleading, and makes a powerful case for life coaching as a tool to claim your future self. Key Takeaways: Why self-help and organizing tools can keep you stuck in the same cycle The 4 identity levers that truly shape personality and permanent change The myth of the “authentic self” — and why it can actually stunt your growth Why emotional resilience—not discipline—is the path to a peaceful relationship with food A quilter's real-life win that proves mindset tools beat meal plans every time Ready to lose weight without starting a new diet? with Dara to find out how! Watch this episode on
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207. The Myth of the Summer Bod – Let’s Talk About Shame & Self-Worth
07/10/2025
207. The Myth of the Summer Bod – Let’s Talk About Shame & Self-Worth
Tired of the pressure to “fix” your body before you can enjoy summer? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Dara tackles the harmful myth of the “summer bod” and why shame is keeping so many women stuck — mentally, emotionally, and physically. She shares how to shift from body hate to body connection, how to use neuroscience-backed visualization tools like Mind Movies, and how members of her program are losing weight and gaining confidence without relying on guilt. You’ll learn: The difference between guilt and shame (and why one’s helpful, the other isn’t) How shame keeps you stuck in sabotage Why pursuing weight loss from a place of fear backfires What to do instead — using curiosity, connection, and care Also in this episode: 💬 A personal story about my son’s comment on an old photo… and how I handled it 🧠 A brain hack called “Mind Movies” to help you visualize the life (and body) you want — without shame ❤️ Why one member in her 70s is finally loving herself while losing weight — without dieting If this episode speaks to you, don’t keep struggling on your own. Book a free 20-minute call with me and let’s get to the bottom of your biggest block. 📞 You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just not using the right tools yet. Let’s change that.
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206. Summer Bucket List and Wonder to Create
07/03/2025
206. Summer Bucket List and Wonder to Create
Do you find yourself dreading summer because you're unsure what to do with it—or yourself? When was the last time you made a goal and actually followed through? In this episode, Dara dives into the power of summer bucket lists—not just as a fun checklist, but as a tool for intention, growth, and creativity. Whether you're navigating emotional eating, dreaming of more meaningful experiences, or just want to feel something again, this episode will help you reconnect with yourself and your goals. You’ll discover: Why most women stop setting goals (and how to shift that) How wonder and curiosity lead to real, lasting transformation The creative energy that comes from delight—not discipline The connection between purposeful goals and sustainable weight loss A moving story of a member breaking through the 200-lb mark (without counting calories or tracking steps) Plus: Dara also shares a behind-the-scenes look at her coaching calls, where she can spot your #1 self-sabotaging pattern in just 7 minutes — and how to book a free call with her this week. 📞 Book your free call: This episode is a celebration of intentional living, gentle curiosity, and what becomes possible when you give yourself permission to want more and do something about it. 🪣 Want to join the Summer Bucket List Challenge? We're doing it now inside the membership—and it's not too late to join. Let’s make this summer meaningful, together. Book your call and rediscover joy and wonder this summer! Follow Dara on Instagram for more inspiration Learn more about Dara and her program on her website Watch this podcast episode on
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