Heavy Conversation

Heavy Conversation
  • 4.9 (50)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Heavy Conversation

Join Bruce Sturgell of Chubstr and co-host Jody Koenig for Heavy Conversation, a podcast that dives into topics that matter to the plus-size community. From finding clothes that actually fit to challenging stereotypes around body size, fitness, and lifestyle, Bruce and Jody bring humor, honesty, and real-world advice to every episode. It’s a candid, supportive space for anyone navigating life in a bigger body.

  1. JUN 4

    Closing Time: Johnny Bigg Says Goodbye to the US Market

    This week, we're diving deep into the news that Johnny Big is closing its U.S. website. What does this mean for the big & tall fashion industry? Bruce and Jody discuss this and more! Read Bruce's Article at Chubstr: https://chubstr.com/industry/johnny-bigg-us-shutdown/Johnny Bigg's Going Out of Business Sale: https://johnnybigg.com Beer of the Week: Bruce: Patagonia x Deschutes Kernza Lager: https://bit.ly/kernza-lagerJody: Begyle Blonde Ale: https://bit.ly/begyle-blonde-ale

    32 min

  2. MAY 27

    Did We Just Find The Best Big & Tall Office Chair?

    This week on Heavy Conversation, we’re talking comfort, commutes, and craft beer. Bruce shares his review of the Staples Randolph Big & Tall Office Chair after weeks of testing it out (spoiler: it’s actually built for bigger bodies). Jody talks about how he’s using the Imprint app during his daily commute—an educational platform that makes self-help and nonfiction feel more like a game than a chore. Plus, we’ve got new drinks to share: Bruce is sipping on Lindemans Framboise, and Jody’s cracking open Big Doinks from Fair State Brewing. Read the Randolph Chair Review: chubstr.comGet an Exclusive Discount on the Chair: https://prf.hn/l/aWPQa2M/Imprint App: imprintapp.comLindemans Brewery: lindemans.beFair State Brewing Big Doinks: fairstate.coop

    26 min

  3. APR 15

    We're Back! Let's Talk About Weight Bias (and How We Deal with It)

    After a six-month break, Heavy Conversation is back—and we’re jumping right into it. This week, we’re talking about weight-based discrimination: what it looks like, where we’ve experienced it, and how we’ve learned to push back. From being overlooked in public to dealing with bias in the workplace, we’re sharing our strategies for speaking up, staying confident, and setting boundaries. We also highlight a few organizations doing important work in this space, including NAAFA.org, ASDAH.org, and WorkplaceFairness.org. Plus, Bruce got an interesting new TV from Telly—a free smart television with a built-in second screen that plays ads while you watch.

    30 min

  4. 11/19/2024

    Who Makes the Best Big & Tall Suits?

    We take a look at Chubstr's new list of the best big and tall suit brands. The holidays are coming up—do you need a new suit? Whether you want to rent a tux or pick up a new suit for work, this list has what you're looking for, with sizes up to 72 jackets. Best Big & Tall Suits List: https://chubstr.com/resources/best-big-tall-suit-brands/ Drinks:  Jody broke out the Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, and Bruce hydrated with his new smart water bottle from LARQ: Skrewball Whiskey: https://www.skrewballwhiskey.com/en/ LARQ Smart Water Bottle: https://chubstr.com/go/lars-smart-water-bottle-heavy-convo/

    35 min

  5. 10/29/2024

    Here's to New Beginnings

    This episode was recorded a few days before Jody's big move to Chicago. We talk about the mix of excitement and never that come with moving to a new city, the unpredictable world of Facebook Marketplace, and the fact that this will be our list in-person recording session for a while. Don't worry, Heavy Conversation will be back next week - we're just recording via Zoom. PLUS: We talk about the new "Best Big & Tall Suit Brands" article at Chubstr.com.

    14 min

  6. 10/14/2024

    From Portland to Chicago: Jody's New Adventure

    In this episode of Heavy Conversation, Jody shares some big news—he’s leaving Portland and moving to Chicago to start a new chapter of his life. We dive into the challenges of building meaningful friendships, what he’ll miss most about the city, and the excitement (and nerves) that come with a fresh start. Jody talks about his plans to be proactive in meeting people and exploring his new surroundings in Chicago. Plus, we reassure listeners that Heavy Conversation isn’t going anywhere—we’ll keep the conversations going remotely. Beer: We shared Killer Green (Fresh Hop IPA), by Double Mountain Brewery, Hood River Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

    49 min

  7. 10/08/2024

    Amazon's Best Prime Day Big & Tall Deals

    Another Amazon Prime Day is here and we're taking a look at the best big & tall deals the company has to offer. Should you shop during Prime Big Deal Days? Listen in and find out.  Beer:  Jody: Paulaner Munchner Lager Bruce: Hopworks Fresh Hop Abominable Beer list: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

    37 min

  8. 10/01/2024

    Is it Still Okay to Put Actors in Fat Suits?

    Are you watching The Penguin on Max? Is it still okay to put thin actors in fat suits? PLUS - Bruce went on a group hike with the body-liberating hiking group Unlikely Hikers! Find out how it went! Shop the Gregory x Unlikely Hikers Backpack Collab: https://imp.i185592.net/AWxrvj Beer: Bruce - Cranberry Tank 7, by Boulevard Brewing Co Jody - Gaijin Dream, by Stickmen Brewing Co. Untappd Beer List: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

    1h 5m
See All (259)

4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Join Bruce Sturgell of Chubstr and co-host Jody Koenig for Heavy Conversation, a podcast that dives into topics that matter to the plus-size community. From finding clothes that actually fit to challenging stereotypes around body size, fitness, and lifestyle, Bruce and Jody bring humor, honesty, and real-world advice to every episode. It’s a candid, supportive space for anyone navigating life in a bigger body.

Information

  • Creator
    Heavy Conversation
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Heavy Conversation
  • Show Website
    Heavy Conversation

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