“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Liberate Yourself From the Scale: A Refreshing Take on Body Positivity with Ronald Young Jr. (Episode #163)
Ronald Young Jr. is an emerging voice in the body positivity movement, leading us to new places on this old topic. His insights on common sense and honesty are like piano wire stretched tight between two important pins, and his boundless good humor is a hammer striking a beautiful note of wisdom for us to carry forward. If you or someone you love struggles with their weight, this conversation will provide leaps of insight, and plenty of smiles.
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About Our Guest:
In a world inundated with societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, producer and podcast host Ronald Young Jr.’s observations are a welcome detour from the path many of us have been on when it comes to struggling to become the ideal body size for “desirability.”
Ronald’s podcast, Weight For It, serves as a beacon of empathy, ‘aha’ moments, and empowerment, and he himself is emerging as a notable figure in the realm of podcasting. At a time when others are amplifying the anger around topics that can trigger intense emotions, he helps take someone else’s lived experience and not only makes it a real pleasure to listen to, but also to truly understand. Ronald Young Jr. possesses a rare and precious talent in our negative noisy media landscape; He can provoke curiosity in others.
He captivates his audiences with his poignant—and often head-scratching—exploration of body image and self-acceptance. I use the word “head-scratching” specifically, because that’s exactly what Ronald caused me to do so many times throughout our conversation. He is one of those amazing people who can point out the obvious from such an oblique angle that he leaves you thinking, “Why didn’t I see that?!”
As a multi-talented professional, Ronald Young Jr. wears many hats. On top of being an incredible podcaster—not just on the subject of body image, but also film, on his podcast Leaving the Theater—he is also a performer, a producer, and sought-after storyteller. All that experience gives him unique insights, forming a bridge between common sense truth that will resonate profoundly with anyone who has walked through life in a body that is not the “ideal weight.”
Ronald is shining a light on the often overlooked or inadequately addressed parts of the journey for people struggling with their body size. During this conversation, we elevate often challenging concepts, such as:
- How we tell children they can be anything…except fat
- The parallels between thinking about your weight and thinking about your race
- How being heavy tends to make you scrutinize every interaction
- Feeling like you have to maintain a “flawless” personality if you are fat
- How the “romantic stakes” of a break-up can feel much higher if you are fat
This is a fascinating (and often fun) conversation about self-awareness, validation, and agency that you won’t want to miss, especially if you or someone you know struggles with their weight. Ronald’s ability to traverse this sensitive terrain with grace and unwavering honesty is a delight.
As the body positive movement gains momentum, Ronald Young Jr. stands at the forefront, wielding his podcast as a catalyst for change. His infectious enthusiasm, coupled with his ability to merge humor and profound truths, ensures that his voice will continue to resonate and inspire countless individuals seeking solace and empowerment.
References Mentioned:
- Weight for It Podcast
- Ronald’s Website: OhItsBigRon.com
- Ronald’s Other Podcast: Leaving the Theater
- Follow Ronald on Instagram: @ohitsbigron
- Navigating the World Without Sight with Daniel Kish (Episode #153)
- Nate Robinson’s Episode: A Brain in Each Leg? Follow Your Curiosity to the Bottom of the Ocean with Nathan Robinson
- Maysoon Zayid’s TED Talk: I Got 99 Problems… Palsy is Just One
Support Resources:
If you need support for disordered eating or your body image, please check out the links below:
- Crescent Counseling Center
- Intuitive Growth Counseling
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- Project Heal
- Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders
- Eating Recovery Center
Or check out some of these books:
- What We Don’t Talk about When We Talk about Fat – Aubrey Gordon
- Heavy – Kiese Laymon
- Belly of the Beast – Da’shaun L. Harrison
- The Body is Not an Apology – Sonya Renee Taylor
Chapters:
- 00:00 – Intro and Welcome
- 03:53 – Family and Genetics
- 06:55 – Media Stereotypes
- 11:28 – Healthcare Experiences
- 17:33 – Marginalization Issues
- 26:46 – Coping and Change
- 27:00 – Break
- 30:12 – Microaggressions
- 34:44 – Issues with The Biggest Loser
- 41:50 – Perception and Limiting Beliefs
- 45:50 – Personal Coping Skills
- 51:15 – Seeking Validation
- 55:00 – Development of Situational Awareness
- 01:02:00 – Final Thoughts
- 01:08:40 – What Ronald Wishes People Knew
- 01:09:40 – Conclusion
