Episode 121: A Body to Die For with Lori Brand

Wellness In Every Season

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In Episode 121 of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn Carter sits down with Lori Brand, author of the gripping thriller Bodies to Die For, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about the often invisible yet deeply damaging war women wage on their bodies—and each other. Lori brings a fascinating perspective drawn from her journey as a former gymnast, stripper, bodybuilder, and fitness writer turned engineer and novelist. Her lived experience weaves through every part of this episode as she unpacks how diet culture, societal expectations, and the pursuit of unattainable beauty ideals leave lasting scars, even on those who appear to have “made it.”

Together, Lori and Autumn dig into the quiet cruelties women endure and perpetuate—often without even realizing it. They talk about the haunting impact of early body shame, the power of strength training to reclaim self-worth, and the internal shifts that come when we stop chasing someone else’s version of beauty and finally come home to our own power. Lori shares the chilling inspiration behind her novel, revealing how real-life internet comment wars sparked her fictional body war thriller, and how the story speaks to the deeper truth that getting strong is the answer—not shrinking.

This episode is more than just a conversation about a book. It’s a call to examine how we talk to ourselves, how we model self-worth to our children, and how healing begins when we stop measuring our value by a number on a scale or likes on a post. Whether you’ve struggled with body image, are trying to raise body-positive kids, or just want to be part of changing the culture for the next generation, this conversation will stir your heart and awaken something fierce and liberating within you.

To follow Lori Brand’s work, you can find her on Instagram at @loribrandwritesandlifts and visit her website at LoriBrandWrites.com. Her book Bodies to Die For is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Lori is also happy to join your book club—in person for Chicagoland readers or virtually everywhere else.

One last thing to cover the show legally. I am a certified life coach giving general advice. So think of this more like a self-help book. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed therapist. So this podcast shouldn't be taken as a replacement for professional guidance from my doctor therapist. Or any other qualified expert? If you want personal one-on-one coaching for my certified coach. Go to my website, wellness and every season.com.

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