The Appetite

Opal: Food+Body Wisdom
  • 4.9 (129)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Monthly

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.

  1. 22h ago

    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

  2. Sep 4

    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

  3. Aug 23

    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

  4. Aug 17

    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

  5. Jul 30

    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

  6. Jul 16

    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

  7. Jul 16

    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

  8. Jul 1

    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

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4.9
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Opal: Food+Body Wisdom
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Appetite

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