In today’s diet-culture society, food issues and body hatred have become the norm.
But you were created to be FREE.
Join FINDINGbalance Executive Director and Old School Food Freedom podcast host Chrissy Kirkman as she interviews a wide range of Biblically-sound clinicians, experts, thought-leaders, and everyday overcomers who will inspire you on your journey toward eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and food freedom. Together, we'll interrupt negative cultural soundtracks and get back to the old-school basics of God's original design for our relationship with food and our bodies.
Kickin' it old school
Kickin' it old school
Season 8
If you've been told to trust your body but don't know how to get there, and diet culture has been the only language you've ever been taught, press play on this one.
If eating disorder recovery feels like progress some days and a fight against yourself on others, this episode is for you.
If movement has always felt complicated, tangled up with body image, or the pressure to do more and look different, this episode is for you.
If you have ever dreaded swimsuit season, felt that familiar wave of shame when the layers come off, or spent another summer hiding from your own life because of how you feel about your body, you’ll want to hear this episode.
If you have ever felt trapped in the same exhausting thought loops, the impatience, the resentment, the frustration, no matter how hard you try to think your way out, you'll want to hear this episode.
If you know the verse "Take every thought captive," but still feel completely at the mercy of the thoughts that won't stop coming, this episode is for you.
What if the story you've been telling yourself about your body was never the true story to begin with?
"I'm pregnant, and I don't know if what I'm feeling is my eating disorder talking, or just my body changing." If that's the question you're carrying right now, friend, this episode was made for you.
If you've been told you need a higher level of care for your eating disorder and you don't know what that means or whether you're ready, this episode is for you.
If you've been hiding your eating disorder because you think you're too far gone, or too deep in the binging and purging cycle to bring God into it, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
If you've heard the term body dysmorphia on social media and you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is actually body dysmorphic disorder or body image struggles, this conversation will finally help you understand the difference, and know if you need help.
In this episode of Old School Food Freedom, Grace joins Chrissy to discuss navigating singleness and dating during eating disorder recovery. Discover when you're ready and why both people's priorities matter.
Season 7
In this episode of Old School Food Freedom, Angela joins Chrissy to discuss the long-term effects of eating disorders on your body. Discover what's left behind physically and the hope God brings for healing.
Dr. Kari Anderson is a licensed eating disorder counselor who gets it; she's walked through binge eating recovery herself. In this conversation, we're talking about how the scale has become a false idol, why body neutrality is the missing piece in healing your relationship with food, and the science behind why afternoon bingeing and overeating are actually an energy problem.
Kristin Fickes’ story is relatable, and her experience is a gift. She’s someone we're linking arms with at FINDINGbalance in this fight against eating disorders. It's a Kingdom campaign and we're on it together!
Chrissy sits down with podcast growth strategist (and our incredible producer) Leah Bryant for an honest conversation about food freedom, body image, faith, and healing. Leah shares her story of growing up in 90s diet culture, the moment God began shifting how she saw herself, and why freedom in Christ isn’t achieved...it’s received.
It can be incredibly challenging for moms and daughters to talk about body image and food at home. The topics feel emotionally charged and overwhelming to say the least. But with God’s grace, there is a way to speak about these things in a very loving and empowering way.
Today, we’re diving into the sensitive yet powerful topic of movement, from a blessing to a burden. But more than that, how we can get back to it being a blessing by learning to find freedom in Christ.
Organization is a process, not a destination. Jesus meets us in the mess, whether it’s body image issues, disordered eating, or even clutter in the home.
When you first hear the phrase “somatic treatment,” maybe you raise your eyebrow. But then you find yourself getting curious. Is this something that’s Christ-centered? Is God ok with this kind of approach? The short answer… yes.
![People-Pleasing, Codependency & Grace [Part 2] with Travis Stewart](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66a86c5b3d46793a178d5883/1759868033484-71AKE6X5PF1IDBK0QP5K/people-pleasing-codependency-and-grace.png)
This is Part 2 of the conversation about the Three Chairs Framework, and it’s all about recognizing and working with the different “selves” we carry: the Child Self, the False Self, and the Wise, Trusting, Beloved Self.
![Understanding Your Habits & Behaviors [Part 1] with Travis Stewart](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66a86c5b3d46793a178d5883/1757340551755-B0349DEYXQNWQZTUYCOZ/Understanding-Your-Habits-and-Behaviors-Part-1-with-Travis-Stewart.png)
In the first part of a two-part conversation, listener favorite, Travis Stewart, a licensed professional counselor, returns to guide us through an easy way to understand ourselves, our struggles, and why we exhibit the behaviors and habits we do.
Season 6
After Allie’s last visit to the podcast, Chrissy decided to try the 30-day social media reset challenge. Now? Allie is back with Chrissy to discuss everything—what made Chrissy say yes, what it was like, and how it’s impacted her life.
Break free from diet culture and reclaim food and fitness with Christ at the center. In this episode, Amia Freeman shares how God helped her shift from fear-driven goals to grace-led freedom.
Feeling worn out or burdened by life? In this episode, Ruth Harper joins us to explore Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 and how understanding yokes and attachment styles can help us experience His rest. Discover how to walk with Jesus in a way that’s healing, not heavy.
Discover the signs, symptoms, and recovery path for Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) with Ashley Smith of The HA Society—where “healthy habits” may be harming your hormones.
Finding in-person eating disorder treatment as a Christian can be tough. Amie Shields of Charis Eating Disorder Care joins Chrissy to share how her Christ-centered nonprofit in Florida is helping women find true hope and healing.
Struggling to break the habit of constant scrolling? Allie Marie Smith joins Chrissy to talk about finding freedom from social media overload and her new book, Social Media Reset.
Jordan and Marie Foote are back to help us understand how spiritual roots connect to agreements and how identifying and breaking those agreements with the enemy leads to freedom through Christ.
Jordan and Marie Foote join Chrissy to dig into how roots of bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, fear, idolatry, envy, and more take hold—and how Jesus wants to help us identify and uproot them for true healing and freedom.
Amy Connell joins Chrissy to discuss her top 5 lessons for her teenage self, alarming statistics on young women's body image, and advice for teens. They reflect on simpler times, explore social media's pros and cons, and offer tips for handling loneliness and negative self-talk.
Kirsten Schmidt returns to the podcast to share what information pollution is, why we’re in such a season of information overload, and what God wants us to do in those moments.
This episode is to help anyone who is supporting someone they love through their journey to freedom from an eating disorder. That could include parents navigating the role as as a caregiver for their children, supporting a spouse or a parent through their struggles, a sibling, a friend—it’s very encompassing.
Season 5
There are times where we just feel broken. Overwhelmed. Hopeless. And it is in those moments that turning to the Lord is the best, most supportive thing to do. God wants to be there for us! He’s always there waiting—waiting for us to turn to Him and ask Him for support. So, what practices can we begin to add in?
Mealtime can be such a challenge for so many of us! From being single and feeling mentally drained, to having a household of picky eaters, to recovering from an eating disorder—the challenges are real. The noise is real. The pressure is real. So how can we make mealtime easier? And… is that even possible?
On this healing journey, we all need relationships we can show up exactly how and where we are. Which means we need those people who are willing to sit with us in the dirt, and the pain, and just be with us in our journey. But where can we go to find those kind, compassionate space holders that help you rebuild that secure attachment?
Diet culture is mentioned a lot on this podcast and for good reason! Today, Chrissy is joined by sports nutritionist, Leslie Schilling. They go deep into how an underfed believer is easy prey for the enemy—and how diet culture is at the root of that evil.
90s diet culture was all about low fat, no fat. But what else was happening in society? Chrissy found a 1995 issue of Shape Magazine stored away in her old closet and with Amy Carlson by her side, she flips through the pages, reads through headlines, and dives deeper into the times.
Diet culture in the 80s greatly impacted body image for many women. But the fact that there was straight-up body image propaganda placed on the desks of young girls nationwide—how rude! From skincare to haircare to “delicious dieting” (no, we’re not making this up), this pamphlet packed a punch. But to what end? And what was the impact of this messaging?
Season 4
We’re digging into the Health at Every Size® principles and seeing what the Bible has to say about them. Dr. Alisa Shanks reveals the 5 principles of Health at Every Size® providing context and examples. Amy Schaller guides us through the discussion of the Biblical nature—or lack thereof—of each principle. You won’t want to miss this insightful roundtable or the podcast update!
What does the Bible reveal about body shame and image? Quite a lot it turns out! Travis Stewart is here to walk us through various scriptures and real-life examples.
Aging is a journey filled with wisdom, beauty, and profound growth, and there’s no need to fear or stigmatize it. In this episode, Chrissy engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Creekmore about transforming our perceptions of aging. Together they attack the cultural messages and unrealistic expectations placed on women to maintain a youthful appearance, and how these pressures intersect with body image issues.
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy being with friends and family, and there’s no need to continue waiting until you’re a certain size to enjoy it. Heather Creekmore chats with Chrissy about transforming the way we see our bodies this summer including the pressures of altering our bodies for the season, the toxic messages of diet culture, and the benefits of improving the quality of the content we consume.
In this episode, guest Kaitlyn Cey and Chrissy discuss the transformative power of personal testimonies. Kaitlyn courageously shares her journey of battling body image issues and chronic illness, revealing how God met her in her darkest moments. Through their conversation, they explore the profound connection between “calling” and “testimony,” emphasizing how sharing our stories can foster authentic community and bring hope and transformation to others.
Our good friend, Rebecca Feere, shares a deeply personal conversation about her journey of overcoming an eating disorder and finding freedom through God’s grace. Rebecca navigated feelings of inadequacy, body image dissatisfaction, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. But by opening herself up to help and following the guidance of the Lord, she embarked on a transformative journey marked by God’s grace and the power of His Word.
In this sweet episode, guest Liesel Maddox & Chrissy discuss a topic that’s close to their hearts: tearing down the lies of diet culture within the Church. As they dive into the intersection of faith and food, Liesel highlights the importance of aligning our understanding of food and nutrition with biblical principles and rejecting the harmful message of diet culture for the freedom of God’s people.
In this second half of a two-part conversation about nutrition, hormonal balance, and freedom from food issues in the midst of perimenopause, host Chrissy Kirkman and special guest Wendie Taylor, MBA, RDN talk about how to better support your body with nourishment and self-compassion.
Host Chrissy Kirkman invited her personal dietitian, Wendie Taylor, MBA, RDN to talk through the variety of changes women face during the fabulous perimenopause phase of life when diet culture and food struggles can feel even more overwhelming to navigate. They also touch on topics like infertility, miscarriage, and grieving what might have been.
Healing prayer has a powerful impact on breaking free from the bondage of past negative experiences and trauma. As a certified health, life, and mental health coach, Kassandra Baker has much to share on how our brains work when it comes to healing and how we can navigate our thoughts and emotions to “blaze new trails” that lead to freedom.
Tracy Brown joins Chrissy in this heartfelt episode to discuss a recent personal experience. Chrissy’s story highlights that, despite our progress in overcoming food and body image issues, we all face challenges that test our limits and growth, even when we have the right tools. While no one is free from these trials, with Jesus by our side we can resist the negativity and discouragement they bring.
In this episode, guest Kristen Bunger, MS, RD sheds light on how body image issues and the influence of diet culture are intricately tied to distorted perceptions. You’ll discover the transformative potential of “story work” to gain insights that will empower you to see yourself with renewed accuracy and grace.
Season 3
At the beginning of each new year, there’s an influx of societal pressures telling us what we should or should not be doing for our bodies. It can be challenging enough to navigate, but what if you’re affected by a health condition or limitation on top of it all?
Our enemy, Satan, has tried to steal WAY too much territory from us… and sometimes we forget that we have the power in Christ to take it back. In this conversation, Chrissy and guest Amia Freeman unravel the complexities of finding freedom in movement and explore the transformative journey of embracing “grace mode” over “beast mode”. (RED FLAG! We don’t want to do ANYTHING in his mode.)
Chrissy Kirkman and Amy Schaller chat about the transformative journey of healing and freedom from food and body image challenges. This special episode of the Old School Food Freedom podcast features compelling personal testimonies from listeners and members of the FINDINGbalance community!
In this exclusive solo episode, our host, Chrissy Kirkman, shares profound insights drawn from her personal journey. Diving into ten pervasive lies perpetuated by the enemy, Chrissy counters each with transformative truths anchored in scripture.
Chrissy and her team share their transformative experiences from the 2023 Holy and Whole Women’s Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. This episode captures the heartbeat of the FINDINGbalance mission to provide Christ-centered resources to those battling food and body image issues. Join us to hear heart-felt moments and plenty of laughs!
Gina shares from her journey of battling body image issues and pride to embracing true freedom through faith and biblical truth. She also discusses the importance of helping the next generation fight societal pressures.
Explore the question, “Have you been misled about gluttony?” with Chrissy and Char-Lee Cassel, MS, RDN, ACSM-CEP. They unpack cultural and biblical perspectives on gluttony, revealing where common beliefs may not align with God’s truth, and invite listeners to discover a more Christ-centered understanding of this often-misunderstood topic.
Chrissy Kirkman and Kirsten Schmidt are back for the second part of their engaging conversation. This time, they dive deeper into crucial topics like body image and self-worth. Kirsten shares profound insights on how our perception of our bodies relates to broader cultural issues.explore how to become better stewards of our bodies and play a role in helping others recognize God’s original and beautiful design for our bodies, free from shame.
In this first part of a two-part series, host Chrissy Kirkman collaborates with certified health coach Kirsten Schmidt to explore body objectification in today’s culture. Kirsten highlights the dangers of idolizing health, which can lead to harmful comparisons and pressures, and explains how shame can hinder our ability to view our bodies as unique gifts that merit respect and care.
Megan Becker, MPH, RD shares with host Chrissy Kirkman how seemingly small life experiences and innocuous comments, often referred to as “micro-shame moments,” can significantly impact our self-perception. Megan emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the body-image fixation passed down through generations and discusses how grace is the key to overcoming guilt and shame narratives.
Season 2
In the final installment of our “Hello, Freedom! Summer Road Trip” series, author and blogger Grace McCready, shares how she overcame her battle with anorexia, with the support of her family and treatment team, on a journey that wasn’t easy.
FINDINGbalance Grant Writer, Taylor Coote, shares her journey to freedom from 'Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder' (OSFED). She shares how dysfunctional childhood experiences allowed negative beliefs about her worth and identity to take root. Taylor recounts how God intervened, her college counselor guided her to treatment, and the support of her boyfriend-turned-husband during recovery.
In the first episode of our “Hello, Freedom! Summer Road Trip” series, Liesl Dunlap and her son Rece and share their family's experience with God helping Rece overcome Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). During this journey, Liesl realized how much food and negative body image affected her life, prompting her to seek help. Liesl shares her story of finding hope for freedom from disordered eating, the challenges of seeking help, and how a Christ-centered community and biblical truth played a vital role in her journey to true freedom.
In the first episode of “Hello, Freedom! Summer Road Trip,” Rece Dunlap, a Lee University student and son of FINDINGbalance's Liesl Dunlap, talks about his Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) experience. This mother-son duo shares their family's honest and humorous journey. Listen to learn about ARFID, hear Rece's treatment story, enjoy laughs, and feel inspired by how God guided them to freedom.
If you’ve ever turned to food instead of God for comfort, you’re not alone. Join host and FINDINGbalance Executive Director, Chrissy Kirkman in her conversation with Brittany Wilson, RDN, LN as they explore the challenges of processing grief and trauma, overcoming triggers, and shifting focus towards positive experiences and memories instead of negative cycles.
Join FINDINGbalance Executive Director Chrissy Kirkman and Travis Stewart, MA, LPC, NCC, as they explore how shame, negative body image, and binging contribute to this cycle. Travis offers insights on developing a healthier relationship with food and body through truth-telling, supportive communities, and understanding how God sees you, paving the way to healing and freedom.
On The Old School Food Freedom Podcast, we aim to help you find truth and freedom in Christ. In this Q&A Mix Tape episode with Chrissy Kirkman, Amy Schaller, and Dr. Alisa Shanks, we address listener questions from a biblical viewpoint. We discuss topics such as why some people have strong food and body image struggles, concerns about the Health At Every Size approach, tips to stop checking your body in the mirror, and the consequences of sharing before-and-after weight loss or muscle gain photos.
Chrissy chats with Kassandra Baker - a certified health, life, and mental health coach who specializes in helping people break free from the negative cycle of disordered eating. Together, they discuss the challenges of living with and overcoming an eating disorder – and the many negative thoughts and behaviors that often accompany disordered eating.
Brittany Braswell, MS, RDN, LD discusses recovery from eating disorders and 3 common mistakes made along the way. She offers insights on overcoming challenges and achieving lasting recovery. This conversation is helpful for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food and their body, whether they are just beginning or have been recovering for some time.
Chrissy and Dr. Megan Osborne discuss raising emotionally healthy kids in a diet-focused society. Dr. Osborne shares insights from children's books on teaching kids about food, body image, and fostering a positive relationship with food. This conversation is vital for parents and caregivers seeking to support kids' emotional well-being and protect them from harmful diet culture.
Host Chrissy Kirkman interviews registered dietitian Tracy Brown to discuss how trauma influences our lives, the connection between early experiences and trauma responses, and the link between eating disorders and past experiences. Tracy emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues.
Join host Chrissy Kirkman and Nashville artist Laurel Taylor for an engaging conversation. Experience laughter and tears as they discuss pursuing God’s calling amidst struggles like body image, comparison, and shame. Hear Laurel’s touching testimony, the stories behind her music, including her song “Old House,” and be encouraged in finding victory and freedom in Christ.
Chrissy and guest Kasey Shuler of The Joyful Health Co. explore how movement can bring joy into our lives. They discuss overcoming movement burnout, breaking mental barriers, and small steps to embrace an active lifestyle for the joy of living in God’s design, regardless of where you start.
Host Chrissy Kirkman and guest Dr. Alisa Shanks continue their discussion from episode 9. Dr. Shanks shares actionable strategies for upholding your values amidst diet culture, offering practical advice on setting intentions and making mindful choices that respect your body and faith.
Dr. Alisa Shanks talks with Chrissy about the importance of caring for your heart during the January diet rush. As the new year starts, many people set weight loss goals and follow strict diets. Instead, we encourage you to focus on nurturing your body with Jesus rather than meeting societal expectations. Dr. Shanks shares her insights and offers practical tips on prioritizing self-care and protecting your heart throughout this process.
Season 1
How do you practice nourishing yourself in a way that honors God and cares for your body? Have you considered that more than one body type reflects His image? Host Chrissy Kirkman talks with private practitioner and speaker, Jessica-Lauren Newby, drive home what the Bible says about caring for our bodies– and celebrating them according to His perfect and diverse design.
If you finally got out of diet culture and now you are watching your family stay stuck in it, or someone you love keeps telling you that you need to lose weight, this Q&A mixtape’s got your name on it. Chrissy sits down with Dr. Alisa Shanks and Amy Schaller to answer listener questions about what it looks like when one person in the family stops dieting and everyone else is still in it.
If you have spent so long managing your hunger and fighting your body that you can't remember what eating without a running commentary felt like, we hope this conversation meets you right where you are. Amy Carlson joins Chrissy to explain what intuitive eating is and how you can find your way back to the rhythms God built into your body from the start.
If you have been fighting food, your body, or the trauma underneath both for so long that you can't remember what freedom was supposed to feel like, we think you'll find something here worth holding onto. Angelica Gonzalez joins Chrissy to take women back to the Garden of Eden, where God's design for how we live in our bodies and walk with Him was already good before the world told us otherwise.
If you have spent years chasing a better version of yourself and still can't find the finish line, the Lord might have something in this episode just for you. Heather Creekmore joins Chrissy to talk about what drives Christian women to keep climbing the comparison ladder, and why rest feels so impossible to reach when better is always one rung away.
If you have ever sat in a church pew, scrolled past a before-and-after post, or stepped on a scale and felt like your body was evidence of something wrong with you, this episode is going to name what has been happening.
If you have spent years trying to get right with God, with yourself, or with the world through the food you eat or the body you're trying to fix, you were never meant to carry that weight. There is a way forward, and this conversation points to it.
If you have ever felt trapped by food struggles, cycled through restricting and overeating, or carried the quiet shame of a relationship with food you've never told anyone about, this podcast is for you.
Listener
Shout-Outs
“I LOVE the podcast! The topics are current and relatable; and there is also some comedy thrown in there as well. They keep it light hearted at times, because ED can be heavy.”
— Marissa M.
“I LOVE the podcasts, you do an awesome job. I cannot stop listing them. FINDINGbalance has been a blessing to me!”
— B.C.
“I love listening to each podcast episode and this show has been such a blessing to my life!”
— Megan G.
“The FINDINGbalance ministry and the podcast have helped me daily in my own recovery. You're an inspiration, Chrissy! Thank you for being brave enough to do His work. He's using you to reach so many women and men. And that is worth far more than attaining a particular body size or weight.”
— Jill P.
“When I listen to the Old School Food Freedom podcast, not only are they a reminder of truth but they are encouraging and most of all I appreciate that you are real about your journey. Thank you! At times, I can be upset with myself because I think “why” am I still dealing with “whatever” so hearing the podcast is so helpful.”
— Cathy E.
“Through prayer groups and the podcast, FINDINGbalance helps take away the shame and hopelessness that ED brings and helps us to look at our bodies and food fears through the Gospel lens. God made us in HIS image… how wonderfully unburdening and comforting is that?!”
— Melissa C.
