Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life

Kyla Holley
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is a straight-talking, compassionate podcast about the real journey with  weight loss surgery or life on a GLP-1 Medication. Hosted by bariatric therapist, and award winning podcast host, Kyla Holley,  this show goes beyond the scale to explore mindset, emotions, habits, identity, relationships, and long-term success. Each episode blends practical guidance, psychological insight, and honest conversations about the wins, the struggles, and the surprises no one warns you about. If you’re preparing for surgery or navigating life years after it, this podcast is your reminder that the goal isn’t just a smaller stomach — it’s a bigger, fuller life. Kyla Holley was the winner of the Best Psychology Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards 2024. *The content shared on Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is based on the personal experiences, professional observations, and opinions of the host and any guests. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s medical situation is unique. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own qualified medical practitioner before making any changes to their health care, diet, exercise, medication, or treatment plan. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship with the host. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult your healthcare provider promptly. In case of a medical emergency, please contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

  1. Jul 23

    The Stories You Tell Yourself: Rewriting Your Identity

    In this episode, Kyla Holley returns after a break to explore the powerful stories we tell ourselves—about our bodies, intelligence, relationships and worth—and how those narratives shape behaviour and identity. She gives practical steps to change these stories: write and name them, externalize thoughts, spot confirmation bias, and reframe negatives into more balanced, believable beliefs to support lasting change on a weight-loss or recovery journey. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  2. May 25

    Tell or Keep Quiet? The Bariatric & GLP‑1 Disclosure Dilemma

    One of the biggest emotional decisions before bariatric surgery has nothing to do with food, vitamins, or recovery… It’s deciding who — if anyone — you want to tell. In this episode, we explore the very real pros and cons of sharing your bariatric surgery journey with friends, family, coworkers, and social circles. From fear of judgment to the desire for support, this conversation dives into the emotional complexity behind disclosure, privacy, boundaries, and vulnerability. Whether you’re completely open about your surgery or planning to keep it private, this episode will help you make a decision that feels aligned with your wellbeing — not other people’s expectations. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  3. May 4

    Dump the Diet Mindset!

    Kyla Holley explains why decades of dieting rules often hold people back after bariatric surgery or while on GLP-1s, and why letting go of rigid rules is essential to long-term success. We explore why the dieting mindset was never designed for long-term success, and why carrying it into life after weight loss surgery can keep you feeling trapped, frustrated, and disconnected from your body. You’ll learn why diet rules fail, how they impact your relationship with food after bariatric surgery, and what a more sustainable, empowering approach actually looks like. This is your invitation to shift from restriction to self-trust—and finally create food freedom that lasts. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  4. Apr 28

    The Single Most Important Thing To Do During Surgical or GLP-1 Weight Loss

    If you’ve had bariatric surgery or started a GLP-1 medication, you already know… the physical changes are only part of the journey. In this episode, we dive into the mental and emotional shifts you must make to truly transform your relationship with food—so you can create lasting results without falling back into old patterns. You’ll learn how to: Break free from emotional eating habits Rewire your thoughts around food and control Understand the difference between physical fullness and true satisfaction Let go of all-or-nothing thinking Step into a new identity that supports long-term success This isn’t about restriction—it’s about food freedom, self-trust, and lasting transformation. 🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to change the way you think about food… forever. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  5. Apr 20

    Turn Down The Volume : Silencing Food Noise

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life we explore “food noise” — the looping, urgent thoughts about eating that many people experience. Kyla Holley explains how food noise is a learned brain response, not a character flaw, and contrasts it with a relaxed relationship to food. She breaks down why evenings are often the hardest time for food thoughts and introduces a practical approach to enjoy silence instead of chatter. Four simple steps help you observe cravings without treating them as commands and gradually reprogram the brain. The episode offers realistic encouragement: unlearning food noise takes time but is possible, and changing your relationship with food can free mental space and reduce guilt.  The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  6. Mar 30

    Why Before & After Photos Can Mess With Your Mind

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life we explore the impact of before-and-after photos on people on bariatric or GLP-1 weight-loss journeys, and how social media comparisons can mislead and harm. Kyla Holley explains why two snapshots don’t tell the full story, offers practical tips—take private before photos, avoid unhealthy comparison, curate your feed—and encourages focusing on personal progress and lasting change rather than surface images. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  7. Mar 23

    Enjoy Nights Out Without the Overwhelm

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life, Kyla Holley offers practical tips for socialising, dining out and going on holiday after bariatric surgery or while using GLP‑1 medications. Advice includes reviewing menus ahead, prioritising protein, sharing or taking leftovers, choosing accommodating venues (tapas, sushi), setting boundaries, and being cautious with alcohol and body changes. Listeners will learn mindset strategies and actionable planning to enjoy parties, work dinners and travel confidently while maintaining long‑term success. If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

  8. Mar 17

    When Obesity Begins in Childhood: A Bariatric Surgery Perspective - Dr Evan Nadler

    Join our host Kyla Holley and guest Dr. Evan Nadler Childhood obesity is one of the most complex and misunderstood health issues of our time—and the conversation often misses the bigger picture. In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life, I sit down with a bariatric surgeon to explore what really happens when obesity begins in childhood. We move beyond the usual narratives of “eat less and move more” to talk about genetic, environment, stigma, and the long-term impact of growing up in a larger body. Is there an ethical question that needs to be addressed? Listen to find out more ... Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon   Evan P Nadler MD, MBA Obesity Explained | Evan P Nadler MD, MBA www.youtube.com/@obesityexplained Evan Nadler MD, MBA | LinkedIn

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is a straight-talking, compassionate podcast about the real journey with  weight loss surgery or life on a GLP-1 Medication. Hosted by bariatric therapist, and award winning podcast host, Kyla Holley,  this show goes beyond the scale to explore mindset, emotions, habits, identity, relationships, and long-term success. Each episode blends practical guidance, psychological insight, and honest conversations about the wins, the struggles, and the surprises no one warns you about. If you’re preparing for surgery or navigating life years after it, this podcast is your reminder that the goal isn’t just a smaller stomach — it’s a bigger, fuller life. Kyla Holley was the winner of the Best Psychology Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards 2024. *The content shared on Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is based on the personal experiences, professional observations, and opinions of the host and any guests. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s medical situation is unique. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own qualified medical practitioner before making any changes to their health care, diet, exercise, medication, or treatment plan. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship with the host. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult your healthcare provider promptly. In case of a medical emergency, please contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

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