In this episode I dive into one of the most pervasive and exhausting beliefs I see in my coaching practice: the idea that your body is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Even for those of us who reject diet culture or adopt intuitive eating, this belief often runs deep and unconsciously influences how we perceive ourselves.

I explore the systems of belief that reinforce the "fix-it" mentality—from diet culture and patriarchy to wellness culture and emotional avoidance.

Plus, I share a client story that beautifully illustrates what it looks like to break free from this cycle. If you're ready to get relief from feeling like you're always falling short and start approaching your health and wellbeing in a more productive way, this one's for you.

Timeline Summary

[1:28] - Unpacking the deeply ingrained belief that your body is a problem to fix
[5:11] - The fantasy of a "fixed" body and why it keeps us stuck
[8:45] - A client story: shifting from self-fixing to self-care without drama
[12:22] - How diet culture, patriarchy, and wellness culture fuel body shame
[17:36] - The emotional roots of the fix-it cycle and why action often comes from avoidance
[22:50] - How self-compassion breaks the cycle and fosters genuine confidence
[26:10] - A next step to bring clarity: The Midlife Body Image Self-Assessment + Audio Guide

Links & Resources:
🎧 Download the Midlife Body Image Assessment + audio guide. It helps you see what’s really driving your food and body noise — and what to do to get relief.

Curious about working together?
I’m currently taking private clients. Book a no-cost consultation where we’ll talk about your goals and see if I’m the right coach to support you.

Closing Thoughts:
If this episode gave you that “oh-my-god-it’s-not-just-me” feeling, share it. Text it to a friend. Post it in your group chat. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show — it helps this work reach more women who are ready to quiet their internal narratives and feel more calm and confident in themselves.

Let’s stay connected:
🌐 Emma's Website
📬 Join the Talking with Emma newsletter
📱 Follow on Instagram, and LinkedIn

If your mind feels like a battlefield between “I hate diet culture” and “I wish I felt better in my body,” this episode is for you.

Emma shares a heartfelt invitation to her FREE online masterclass —
How to Stop Food and Body Noise Without Giving Up on Health

Monday 18 August | 7:30–8:30 PM NZT | Online (recording available)

This isn’t another plan, protocol, or reset.

It’s a practical session where you’ll learn:

- Why your brain gets stuck in food/body battles
- A simple, effective tool to quiet the noise
- How to take action from care — not control

You’ll walk away with the ability to quieten down the noise when it gets louder than you want it to. The relief!

Register here (it's free)

If you’re tired of swinging between trying really hard and giving up entirely, if you’re worn out by the idea that more discipline is the answer — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

In this episode, I unpack one of the most common (and most damaging) myths midlife women carry: that they’re the problem. That if they could just get more willpower, they’d finally be able to eat better, move more, and feel good in their skin. Spoiler alert: You’re not the problem. You’re smart. You’re capable. You’re also a human being — not a machine in need of better programming. What you need isn’t more force. It’s more respect.

I’ll introduce you to the 3Rs — a practical, powerful tool that helps you move from self-criticism to self-respect. This isn’t another health plan. This is how we actually make health habits stick — with care, not control.

Timeline Summary:

[1:18] - The seductive lie of willpower — and why it’s not working
[4:44] - The hidden cultural conditioning behind “sticking to the plan”
[8:32] - Why control feels safe — but leaves us exhausted
[12:15] - Sarah’s story: from burnout to sustainable change
[18:47] - Step 1: Recognise — see your thoughts for what they are
[23:20] - Step 2: Respect — listen to the need underneath the pattern
[28:30] - Step 3: Rechoose — act from care, not coercion
[32:10] - Why this work is simple — but not easy (and totally worth it)

Links & Resources:
🎧 Download the Midlife Body Image Assessment + audio guide. It helps you see what’s really driving your food and body noise — and what to do to get relief.

Curious about working together?
I’m currently taking private clients. Book a no-cost consultation where we’ll talk about your goals and see if I’m the right coach to support you.

Closing Thoughts:
If this episode gave you that “oh-my-god-it’s-not-just-me” feeling, share it. Text it to a friend. Post it in your group chat. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show — it helps this work reach more women who are ready to quiet their internal narratives and feel more calm and confident in themselves.

Let’s stay connected:
🌐 Emma's Website
📬 Join the Talking with Emma newsletter
📱 Follow on Instagram, and LinkedIn