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.
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Closing Time: Johnny Bigg Says Goodbye to the US Market
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32:16
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32:16This 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 Wee…
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Did We Just Find The Best Big & Tall Office Chair?
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25:44
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25:44This 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-hel…
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We're Back! Let's Talk About Weight Bias (and How We Deal with It)
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29:30
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29:30After 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, stay…
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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: …
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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 ju…
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From Portland to Chicago: Jody's New Adventure
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48:59
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48:59In 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…
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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…
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Is it Still Okay to Put Actors in Fat Suits?
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1:05:04
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1:05:04Are 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…
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Fall is finally here and it's time for a wardrobe change. Join us as we share the big & tall clothing on our list. Beer: Jody: Rogue Ginger Yuzu CBD Seltzer Water Bruce: 1983 Lager, Mcmenamins Heavy Conversation Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753By Heavy Conversation
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Halloween is upon us and we're telling you about the best big & tall costumes of the year. Find out what's on our list and where to get your favorite! Beer: Jody: Best Day Brewing Kolsch Bruce: Best Day Brewing Hazy IPA https://chubstr.com/best-big-tall-halloween-costumesBy Heavy Conversation
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There aren't enough examples of positive male role models. We made a very incomplete list of men making positive change in the world today. Check out the big (and not-so-big) guys on our list. Beer: Jody - Galaxy Gazer IPA, by Crux Fermentation Project, Bend, Oregon Bruce - Guinness 0 Non Alcoholic Draught, by Guinness I read an article discussing …
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It's the end of summer, and Heavy Conversation is back on a regular weekly schedule! Look for new episodes each Tuesday. This week, we're talking about encountering baby goats, epic beer tastings, and big men's clothing. Beer Bruce: Is Fast Fashion Old News? dry Irish stout by Fast Fashion Brewing Company, Seattle, WA Jody: Pranqster, by North Coas…
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Wait, There Were Plus-Size Male Models at Fashion Week?
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31:15There were less plus-size male models at Milan and Paris Fashion Week this year. We discuss the state of big men's fashion and why the outlook isn't so pretty right now. https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/the-vogue-business-spring-summer-2025-menswear-size-inclusivity-report Beer: Jody - Hazy IPA, by Best Day Brewing Bruce - Summer Shandy,…
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Big & Tall Bike Shorts, Wardrobe Revamps, and Beer for a Cause
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50:16We're talking about finding big & tall bike shorts IN AN ACTUAL STORE, how we're approaching our wardrobe revamps, and Paulaner USA's Big Cans for Big Heroes National Campaign in support of Operation Homefront. Paulaner USA: https://www.paulaner.com Operation Homefront: https://operationhomefront.org Beers: Bruce & Jody: Paulaner Munchner Lager, fr…
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This week, we’re talking about learning to shuck oysters, the new big & tall work shirt from 100 Brawn, and our favorite new beers from Best Day Brewing. Listen in! Shop 100 Brawn: https://100brawn.com/ Beer: Bruce - Kolsch, by Best Day Brewing Jody - West Coast IPA, by Best Day Brewing https://bestdaybrewing.com Heavy Conversation Beer List: https…
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This week on the Heavy Conversation Podcast, Bruce goes full Travolta and shaves his head. Plus: Did you know it's Masturbation May? Neither did we! We share the list of the top 10 most sex-confident states in the U.S. Links Get Yourself Some Bear Skn Swimwear: https://www.bearskn.com/collections/swim New arrivals in the Chubstr Shop: https://chubs…
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This week, we talk about getting older and how that translates into how they feel about their bodies. Listen in as we share what we love and don't love about our bodies, and how we deal with feelings of negative self image. PLUS: We talk massages for big bodies AND Bruce was nominated for an award from the FFIAS! Full Figured Industry Awards: https…
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A Pants Malfunction, New Swimwear for Big Guys, and a Lesson on Hydration
26:53
26:53
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26:53This week, Bruce tells the story of almost losing his pants on stage that the 2023 FFIAS. Jody talks about the new Bear Skn Swimwear releases, and we discuss how HydrateSpark makes drinking more water fun. New Bear Skn Swimwear: https://www.bearskn.com Chubstr $500 Gift Card Giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4q36CDsO3z/ HydrateSpark: https://h…
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We're back! The guys talk about what they've been up to, and share a few new brands you need to know about. Links and info from the episode: Bear Skn: NEW: Beartooth Camo print: https://bearskn.com Towel: Bath towels made for plus size people w/ sizes 3X, 5X, 7X. Get 15% off your 1st purchase with code: CHUBSTR at checkout: https://wearetowel.com/C…
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Shop these Big & Tall Brands on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday '23
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45:25We're back after a long break with a few big and tall brands you should shop for Small Business Saturday. We also talk about what we've been up to this fall. NOTE: Heavy Conversation is releasing new episodes every other Tuesday. Our next episode drops Tuesday, December 5th. Bear Skn Black Friday Deals www.bearskn.com Get all the best big & tall bl…
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Will Technology Fix Big & Tall Clothing Fit Issues?
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35:40An article in the Wall Street Journal takes a look at some of the companies trying to solve clothing fit problems by creating apps to help customers get their exact measurements. We take a look at these options and discuss our past fit app experiences. WSJ Article: https://www.wsj.com/style/fashion/clothing-size-perfect-fit-tech-59ff9984 Bruce's Be…
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On a Very Special Episode of Heavy Conversation
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29:12This week, we're discussing ways to take care of yourself by prioritizing your mental health. PLUS: Bruce shares the coolest beer in his beer fridge. Anxiety Resources: https://www.bswhealth.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-anxiety Massive Face Artist Page: https://massivefaceart.com Beer: Bruce: Smile More, by Anchorage Brewing Co. https:…
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We're taking a look at what's new and what you need to know about from the world of big & tall clothing! Find out what needs to be in your closet right now. - Bear Skn Jerseys: https://www.bearskn.com/collections/jersey - BRIC Socks for Big Feet: https://tidd.ly/3qTE8gk - One Bone Everywear Pant V2: http://shrsl.com/47i34 - Wide the Brand: New Deni…
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Good Counsel Gives Big & Tall Guys More Options
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28:08
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28:08Good Counsel recently changed up their business plan, letting customers shop for stylish clothes with sizes to 8XL. We talk about Chubstr's recent review of the changes and what Good Counsel has to offer. Links: - Good Counsel in-depth review: https://chubstr.com/resources/good-counsel-big-tall-shop-review/ Beer: Jody: Meteor Shower Pale Lager, by …
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Heavy Convo Live at the Body Positive Block Party
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25:22
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25:22We're recording live from the Chub Hub PDX Body Positive Block Party! This week, Jody talks about attending Lazy Bear Week in Guerneville, CA, and Bruce talks about doing some international big & tall modeling. Listen in for some special guests! Links: Chub Hub PDX: http://chubhubpdx.com Whole Foods Beer: https://www.instagram.com/wholefoodsmarketb…
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