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The Appetite

Opal: Food+Body Wisdom

The Appetite is a podcast by the founders of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom, an eating disorder treatment center in the University District of Seattle, WA. Psychologist Lexi Giblin, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapist Kara Bazzi, LMFT, and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Julie Church, RDN, CD, will meet every other week to discuss all things food, body, movement, and mental health.

Learn more about us at www.opalfoodandbody.com.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 40 min
  • English

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  • S1 · E138
    Tuesday · 47 min

    #154: Changemakers in Sport: An Interview with Researcher Valerie Gruest, PhD, OLY

    Part 3 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport At just 17 years old, Valerie Gruest, PhD, OLY made history as the first Guatemalan swimmer to compete in the Olympic Games. Fast-forward to today, and Valerie is using her lived experience in sport to make an even bigger splash—this time through academia. As an Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University, she is helping people become more informed, empowered, and embodied media users while raising awareness about the potential harms of "fitspiration" content. In today's episode, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Clinical Director and Co-Founder of Opal, sits down with Valerie as part of our 3-episode series featuring changemakers in sport. Valerie's passion, dedication, and drive to create meaningful, lasting change are truly inspiring. Tune in—you won't want to miss this conversation! #ChangemakersInSport #Fitspiration #MediaLiteracy #SportsAndMentalHealth #BodyImage #SportPsychology #Olympics #Swimming #Guatemala #Opal Find Valerie: Faculty bio LinkedIn Instagram Website (currently under construction) Other links: Lifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis by Valerie Gruest The 'fitfluencer' community is growing. What are the dangers? | NPR Illinois Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team… Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E153
    September 4 · 42 min

    #153: Changemakers in Sport: An interview with Coach Liza Rickey

    Part 2 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport What makes a great sports coach? Someone you'd want in your corner—and someone you'd be thrilled to have coaching your child? We think we've found one worth learning from. In the latest episode of our three-part "Changemakers in Sport" series, Opal's Director of Exercise + Sport, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with Liza Rickey, Head Cross Country and Assistant Distance Track & Field Coach at Issaquah High School. Liza has led athletes to multiple State titles—but that's not what makes her story so compelling. Her real success lies in how intentionally she coaches the whole athlete, weaving mental health, nutrition, mental skills, and creative, athlete-centered practices into the sport experience. She's also a true changemaker—willing to challenge long-standing norms and reimagine systems to create a healthier, more supportive experience for all athletes. Tune in for a conversation about what it looks like to coach with intention, courage, and the whole athlete in mind. You won't want to miss this one! #ChangemakersInSport #SportsCoaching #WholeAthlete #MentalHealthInSport #YouthSports #AthleteWellbeing #SportsPsychology Contact Liza: lizarickey@gmail.com @coachlizarickey Links: Stanford FASTR Project RED-S Red in Sport Wildwood Lane 9 Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team… Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E152
    August 23 · 35 min

    #152: Changemakers in Sport: An interview with athlete Hannah Bazzi

    Part 1 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport What does it look like for a teenage athlete to step outside the "rules" of diet culture and toxic fitness culture? You're in luck—tune in to today's episode of The Appetite, part of our three-episode "Changemakers in Sport" series. In this episode, Hannah Bazzi, an incoming high school senior, speaks honestly and thoughtfully about her relationship with food, sport, and injury—and what it means to navigate these experiences with an informed understanding of diet culture and its impact. Hannah is joined by her mom, Opal Co-Founder and Clinical Director Kara Bazzi, LMFT. Together, they explore Hannah's journey and the ways she uses her voice to create positive change within her community. Hannah is a true Changemaker in Sport—and we can't wait for you to hear her story. 💛 Links: Our Space in Sport - Aug 30th, Federal Way, WA Starting Early on Body Wisdom:… - The Appetite - Apple Podcasts Quick Comebacks: How to Deal w… - The Appetite - Apple Podcasts Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team… Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E151
    August 17 · 15 min

    #151: The Story Behind Sideways: Opal's August 29 Variety Show

    In this special episode of The Appetite, Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, share the story behind Sideways: A Variety Show About OCD, Eating Disorders and Being Human—a one-night-only event hosted by Opal on August 29 at Fremont Abbey Arts Center in Seattle. Sideways benefits The Busyhead Project, the nonprofit mental health organization founded by Noah Kahan that works to reduce the stigma around mental health and expand access to mental health resources. Lexi and Kara share how the variety show began in Opal's partial hospitalization program and is an opportunity to bring the healing power of creativity to the broader community. Sideways features live performances from artists with lived experience of eating disorders and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. At its heart, Sideways is a celebration of community, a balm for shame, and an exploration of creativity as a powerful tool for healing. Tune in to hear Lexi and Kara share the story behind the show, the inspiration that brought it to life, and what Sideways has in store for the audience. Get your tickets on Eventbrite today and get ready to show the love to these brave humans! Shout out to our sponsors: Greenwrld, Mansion Creek Cellars, House of Smith Wines, Kobayashi Winery and Pecado Bueno Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E150
    July 30 · 43 min

    #150: Menopause + Mental Health : A Therapist's Perspective

    Part 3 of a 3 part series: "The Menopause Series" Episode 3: Menopause + Mental Health -- Opal's Nutrition Director and Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN, speaks with therapist Katie McKenna, LMHC, about the connection between perimenopause, menopause, and mental health. Katie explores how hormonal changes can affect mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, body image, and identity, while increasing vulnerability to eating disorder relapse or new onset. Building on our previous conversations about the biological and workplace aspects of menopause, this episode focuses on the emotional and psychological dimensions of this transition. Julie and Katie discuss common misconceptions about menopause, the impact of cultural messages about aging, and invites listeners to approach menopause not only as a transition, but also a time of increased self-awareness, renewal and growth. Connect with Katie: McKenna Counseling --- Integrative Psychotherapy and Nutrition Menopause Talks @katie.mc.kenna Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E149
    July 16 · 38 min

    #149: Menopause + Work: A Researcher's Perspective

    Part 2 of a 3 part series: "The Menopause Series" Episode 2: Menopause + Work — Opal's Nutrition Director and Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN speaks with Janie Stuart, PhD, about the intersection of menopause and workplace experiences. Drawing from her research in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Janie describes how menopause often occurs during pivotal career years and how workplace norms—like "work-first" cultures, ageism, and gender expectations—can shape how symptoms and transitions are perceived. Building on our previous conversation about the biological aspects of menopause, this episode explores the social and psychological dimensions of the transition. Julie and Janie also discuss practical ways individuals, leaders, and organizations can foster more inclusive workplaces that support employees through menopause and other major life transitions. Connect with Janie: LinkedIn.com/in/stuartjanie Janie is a consultant at Re-center Consulting Menopause Resources: National Menopause Foundation Menopause at Work Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E146
    July 16 · 41 min

    #146: A Teen Male's Perspective on Sport and Identity: An Interview with Nicholas Macha

    When injury sidelines an athlete—or performance outcomes fall short—it has a way of revealing growth edges within us. Tune in to The Appetite as Opal Co-Founder and Director of the Exercise + Sport Program, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with high school distance runner and podcaster Nicholas Macha. In this powerful conversation, Nicholas shares how his injuries and performance disappointments led him to a deeper exploration of identity, relationships, faith, and the constant balancing act between sports, school, and social life. His honesty and insight as a young male athlete offer a refreshing and inspiring look at navigating challenges while maintaining a perspective of growth, clarity and hope. Macha's podcast: Opening Up About 2026 & What t… - The Sunday Shakeout - Apple Podcasts @thesundayshakeout Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E148
    July 1 · 52 min

    #148: Menopause + Eating Disorders: A Physician's Perspective

    Part 1 of 3 part series: "The Menopause Series" --- Episode 1: Menopause + Eating Disorders — In this episode, Opal's Nutrition Director, Julie Church, RDN, speaks with Naomi Busch, MD, about menopause through the lens of an eating disorder physician. Together they explore the biological changes of peri-menopause and menopause, common symptoms, and current treatment approaches. The conversation also highlights parallels between menopause care and eating disorder treatment—particularly around body changes, medical support, and navigating vulnerability during major life transitions. Dr. Busch shares insights especially those with a history of eating disorders, as well as guidance for loved ones who want to offer meaningful support. This reflective conversation invites listeners to better understand menopause and approach it with compassion, curiosity, and informed care. 🎙️ Find Naomi @seattlemenopausedoc and Seattle Menopause Medicine Other links: SWAN– Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Study Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E147
    June 8 · 51 min

    #147: Reorienting Priorities with Period Health and Sport Performance: A Conversation with Heather Caplan, RDN

    Does better education around period health, proper fueling, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport actually lead to healthier behaviors in female athletes? In this episode, Opal's Director of Exercise + Sport, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with seasoned provider Heather Caplan, RDN to share what they're seeing firsthand in their clinical work. Together, they unpack the systemic pressures that push teen and young adult athletes to prioritize performance over long-term health. Heather also shares how she supports young athletes in restoring their period health—and speaks candidly about what still needs to change in our culture to truly protect and empower them in today's increasingly intense, professionalized youth sports environment. Coaches, parents, athletes—this conversation is for you. Links: Lane 9 project Lane 9 Project - Clinician Directory Heather's website Heather Caplan | Weight-Inclusive Dietitian Stanford FASTR Stanford FASTR Program Link to article I read: Built for Someone Else: Why Female Athletes Are Still Pushing Through Systems That Don't Support Them - JRN | The World's Leading Rowing Platform Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E145
    April 2 · 26 min

    #145: Self Inquiry Series: Performance Validation and Anger Expression

    In this episode, Gabe and Hank courageously open up about vulnerable moments through a process of group self-inquiry. Gabe explores the bitterness that arises from receiving positive affirmations after dance performances, while Hank examines the feelings of stupidity and pointlessness that surfaced when anger was physically expressed. Together with Opal Co-Founders Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Gabe and Hank offer each other the gift of provocative questions that elicit new learning. You are invited to kick back, notice what questions you might have asked and what questions hit something spicy for your own growth. To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E144
    March 19 · 46 min

    #144: Turning Recovery Into Advocacy : Interview with Johanna Kandel of National Alliance for Eating Disorders

    In this episode, Johanna Kandel, founder of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, joins Julie Church, RDN, Co-Founder of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom, for an honest and inspiring conversation. Johanna shares how her own eating disorder recovery led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to care, support, and education in the eating disorder field. Listeners will hear more about the Alliance's impactful support groups, recent policy shifts shaping treatment access, and ways to get involved in advocacy (see links below). Johanna's grounded presence and humble passion bring recovery to life in a conversation filled with hope, insight, and practical ways to support healing for yourself and others. Find Johanna: The Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/team/ Here book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/life-beyond-your-eating-disorder-johanna-s-kandel?variant=39308848562210 Advocate with your local lawmakers for The Nutrition CARE Act and/or Kids Online Safety Act: https://eatingdisorderscoalition.org/email-your-legislators/ Register for Eating Disorder Coalition Advocacy Day on April 15, 2026 (virtual or in person in Washington DC): https://secure.everyaction.com/KEt8EKlzMUq5DoFK-CouzQ2 Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E143
    February 23 · 44 min

    #143: GLP-1s and Body Weight: Common Misunderstandings

    GLP-1 medications are everywhere in the conversation about weight—but how much do we really understand? In this episode, Dr. Lexi Giblin, Executive Director of Opal, sits down with Meredith Blumenthal, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice, to unpack the most common misconceptions surrounding GLP-1s and body weight. Together, they explore what these medications actually do, what they don't do, and how changes in nutrition, metabolism, and food relationship occur for those taking GLP-1s. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or just curious, this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based look beyond the headlines. Connect with Meredith: Nutrition with Meredith @nutritionwithmeredith Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E142
    January 23 · 34 min

    #142: Community at the Heart of Eating Disorder Recovery: A Conversation with an Opal Client

    Listen in to this one-of-a-kind episode of The Appetite as Opal's co-founders, Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sit down with Opal client Koa to explore her experience receiving in-person care at Opal. With honesty and vulnerability, Koa shares how her relationships with fellow clients and Opal staff became a pivotal part of her recovery, ultimately leading to profound and transformative change. Whether you're considering a higher level of care, currently in treatment, or hoping to better understand a loved one on their recovery journey, this episode offers meaningful insight and connection. Koa bravely invites listeners into an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at what in-person, intensive treatment can offer someone who is truly suffering. Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E141
    Oct 1, 2025 · 46 min

    #141: Healing Your Inner Eater – Looking Back to Move Forward

    How does your story with food from childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood impact your current relationship with food? Opal Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN interviews Jessica Setnick, RDN the creator of the "Healing Your Inner Eater" workshop and workbook which invites individuals to look back in order to move forward in one's relationship with food. Listen in to Jessica's passionate story telling to learn about the three parts of your inner eater and how learning about your eating legacy could help heal your current eating concerns. This episode is like a buffet– there is something in it for everyone! Connect with Jessica: www.jessicasetnick.com Healing the Inner Eater Workbook – coupon code "podcast" Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E139
    Oct 1, 2025 · 43 min

    #139: From Rules to Trust: Opal's Meal Support Approach

    Want to hear a secret? In this episode, Opal Co-Founders Julie Church, RDN, and Lexi Giblin, PhD, reveal Opal's unique approach to therapeutic meal support. Tune in to learn how the Opal team stepped beyond traditional meal support methods and embraced radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RODBT) to guide their work. This innovative approach has helped create a supportive community where eating becomes an experience of connection, curiosity, and courage—less about rigid rules and more about trust, play, and the belief that recovery is possible. To learn more about RODBT go here. or listen to some of our self-inquiry series podcasts, like: The Appetite episode 134 or The Appetite episode 124 Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E140
    Aug 11, 2025 · 47 min

    #140: Parenting the Competitive Athlete: A Mother-Daughter Conversation

    Join Lexi Giblin, PhD (Opal Co-Founder) for a heartfelt conversation with mother-daughter duo Kara Bazzi, LMFT (Opal Co-Founder and Director of Opal's Exercise+Sport Program) and Sophia, a soon-to-be collegiate athlete. Together, they walk down memory lane to explore the stand out intersections of parenting and running in Sophia's high school career. With honesty and vulnerability, Kara and Sophia reflect on the joys and tensions of sharing a passion for the same sport, the challenges of navigating high-performance environments, and the influence of Kara's own eating disorder recovery on her parenting. Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E138
    Jun 5, 2025 · 54 min

    #138: The Role of Relationships in Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders don't exist in isolation—they are deeply connected to relationships. From the "why" behind disordered eating and movement patterns to the healing process, relationships have the power to either support or harm recovery. In today's episode of The Appetite, Opal's Co-Founder & Clinical Director, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with therapist Nikki Wolf, LMHCA, to explore the role of relationship therapy in eating disorder treatment. They dive into what support people should (and shouldn't) do when walking alongside a loved one struggling with food, body, and movement concerns. Learn more about Opal's Family+Relationship Therapy, including our curated list of resources for family and loved ones of those struggling with eating disorders. To reach Nikki Wolf you can find her at Opal and at Wolf Heart Counseling, which gives details about her Family + Relationship Support Group - for loved ones of people with eating disorders. F.E.A.S.T. --Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E137
    May 22, 2025 · 23 min

    #137: Self Inquiry Series: Crop Top Bravery and Back into Dating

    In this episode, Delancey and Makaila wrestle with the gaze of others as their bodies change in eating disorder recovery. Off the mark, well-intentioned comments from others leave them flooded with shame and confusion. Delancey wishes others would not perceive her while Makaila is in conflict, on one hand desiring to be "fetishized" and on the other hand, not wanting to be objectified at all. Opal Co-Founders, Lexi Giblin, PhD and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, join Delancey and Makaila in drumming up the most provocative self-inquiry questions they can muster. Tune in to see which of these questions land with Delancey and Makaila while noticing what their work elicits in you. To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E136
    Apr 1, 2025 · 54 min

    #136: Clarifying What Matters: An Overview of Psychedelics

    Join us for a trip down psychedelic lane! Temple Morris, LCSW-C and Dr. Brian Pilecki, PhD throw down their expertise in conversation with Opal Co-Founders, Kara Bazzi, LMFT and Dr. Lexi Giblin, PhD. Temple and Brian put to words what is often experienced as "beyond language" and help us understand the potential therapeutic value of psychedelics in "clarifying what matters" and fostering psychological flexibility. To name just a few of the topics we cover, we touch on qualities of the psychedelic experience, the importance of integration work, risks of psychedelic use, and, of course, how psychedelics may treat eating disorders and body image. For more information on Temple and Brian: Perspective Retreats True North Entropia Brian Pilecki's email: pilecki@gmail.com Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

  • S1 · E135
    Mar 4, 2025 · 40 min

    #135: The Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports: A Conversation with Author and Therapist Katie Steele

    Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Mary Cain all share something powerful in common: they've bravely opened up about their mental health journeys, using their platforms as elite athletes to advocate for change. Their courage is paving the way for a healthier, more supportive sports environment—especially for those facing mental health challenges. On today's episode of The Appetite, Kara Bazzi, LMFT—co-founder and Clinical Director of Opal's Exercise+Sport program—chats with Katie Steele, former Division I runner at the University of Oregon and now a mental health therapist and co-author of The Price She Pays. Together, they dive into Katie's new book and the critical conversation about athlete mistreatment and mental health. Links: Katie's book: The Price She Pays Connect with Opal: www.opalfoodandbody.com @opalfoodandbody @Opal.Movement Thank you to our team... Editing by David Bazzi Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/ Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

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