The Out of the Cave Podcast

In Chapter 5 of this ongoing series, Lisa slows things down to focus on the groundwork that must come before true integration and lasting change. She explores radical acceptance, surrender, grief, and self-compassion as essential prerequisites for sustainable healing and intentional weight loss. She unpacks why integration and even fear of self-compassion demand a foundational understanding of our...

In this solo episode, Lisa explores the spiritual and psychological practice of “following the call”—learning to live, decide, and heal without needing full certainty. She unpacks how fear-driven control blocks co-creation with life, the body, and spirit, and why true change begins with radical acceptance and self-compassion rather than force. Through tender and fierce self-compassion, embodied em...

In this solo episode, Lisa examines radical acceptance as the foundation for change: acceptance is not approval, agreement, or resignation, but the willingness to be fully with “what is” without fighting reality. Drawing on Danielle LaPorte’s quote and the paradoxical theory of change—transformation begins by fully being where you are—Lisa emphasizes that acceptance reduces suffering and grounds o...

In this episode, Lisa offers a deep dive into intuitive living and the practice of self-compassion. Beginning with intuitive living as an everyday spiritual practice, Lisa explores how learning to recognize and trust intuitive “hits” naturally extends into intuitive eating as a form of soul-level guidance, not just hunger management. At the heart of this practice is the balance of tender and fierc...

In this series opener, Lisa shares a pivotal shift in her work and identity—from offering high-level insights to teaching the deeper foundations behind why her approach creates lasting change. Drawing from her doctoral studies and lived experience, Lisa introduces this new series that explores self-compassion (both tender and fierce), discipline through doing less, intentional weight loss, intuiti...

In this second series episode, Lisa continues to discuss her personal transformation, attributing her positive state to a consistent spiritual practice, including meditation and mindful exercise. She explores the importance of connecting with one's "higher self" to overcome social pressures and make authentic life choices. She addresses listeners who feel they lack time for self-care...

In the first episode of this series, Lisa shares her journey from skepticism to a deep spiritual awakening that transformed every part of her life. Rooted in childhood trauma and years of using food for comfort, Lisa’s story unfolds into one of healing, discipline, and self-trust; culminating in a five-hour morning ritual fueled not by obligation, but genuine inspiration. She bridges science and s...

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Offie, an alum of the Out of the Cave (OOTC) group coaching program, to explore her powerful, trauma-informed journey of healing. As the conversation unfolds, Lisa and Offie reflect on her adolescence marked by shame, peer pressure, and disconnection — and how sobriety in her twenties transformed coping into control. Through the challenges of marriage, secrecy,...

In this episode, Lisa and group coaching alum, Diane, explore her  journey from religiously shaped body image and emotional eating to trauma-informed healing. They discuss the cycles of restriction and shame, leaving a rigid church, identity reframing, somatic practices, mindful eating, acceptance, and setting boundaries. Through the coaching program, Diane learned reconnection, safety, empowermen...

This episode features a conversation between Lisa and Jenny, a former OOTC client, about her long-term journey of healing her relationship with food and her body. Together, Lisa and Jenny cover the integration of mind-body practices, shifting from outcome-based goals to behavior-focused intentions, and the importance of self-compassion. They explore finding a balanced, individual approach to healt...

In this follow-up episode, Lisa returns to further discuss what was left unsaid — the complicated truths about losing weight and intentional weight loss. Together with Theresa, Lisa explores the messy middle between diet culture’s false promises and anti-diet absolutes. Lisa and Theresa confront how weight loss can bring both relief and complications, revealing a more holistic path toward healing,...

In this episode, Lisa is interviewed by Out of the Cave (OOTC) community member, Theresa. Lisa discusses her professional and academic work, including her doctorate in social work and upcoming programs. The core of the conversation focuses on healing one's relationship with food through self-reparenting, applying the Division of Responsibility framework, and the evolution of eating disorder treatm...

In this episode, Lisa and guest expert Jenn Trepeck break down some of the most common myths and challenges around food and health. Together they dive into practical ways to make intentional eating feel less overwhelming, from writing meals down to using alarms as training wheels for new habits. Jenn also clarifies the role of carbohydrates, highlighting the importance of fiber-rich fruits and veg...

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Ann, a 71-year-old artist, dancer, and healer, who opens up about her lifelong journey with food, body image, and emotional healing. Ann takes us through the ups and downs of living in a body that often felt like both a battleground and a refuge. Through movement, dance, and the support of the OOTC community, she has found profound transformation—especially thr...

In this podcast, Lisa meets with Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Manya Ronay. Together they discuss a comprehensive approach to nutrition that integrates balanced dietary practices with emotional well-being. They address emotional eating, stress management, and the use of Internal Family Systems to balance dietary choices. Topics Include...

In this podcast, Lisa explores trauma-informed, holistic approaches to food, eating, and body image, focusing on the psychology of shame, internalized sexism, and somatic experiences in therapy with David Bedrick. Together they discuss the importance of compassionate inquiry, critique mainstream treatment methods, and personal and professional journeys. Their conversation highlights the integratio...

In this final episode of the exercise series, Lisa steps out of theory and into lived experience — sharing a personal essay written during her senior year of college. Titled  “Inside the Box,”  the piece chronicles one intense day inside a CrossFit gym. Topics Include : CrossFit  Exercise Enthusiasts Community Personal Transformation [1:05] Lisa explains her intention to wrap up the conversation o...

In this third episode, Lisa unpacks how movement can become a powerful act of self-care — not self-control. Drawing on her own healing and trauma-informed expertise, she challenges some mainstream fitness narratives and reclaims exercise as a tool for reconnection, resilience, and radical self-acceptance. Topics Include : Mind-body Connection Exercise Intensity Intentional Movement Self-Acceptance...

In the second episode of this series, Lisa unpacks what it means to reclaim exercise as an act of self-care, not self-control. Drawing from her own journey and trauma-informed expertise, she explores how mindful, functional movement can reconnect us to our bodies, build emotional resilience, and support holistic well-being. With compassion and clarity, Lisa challenges the myths we’ve inherited abo...

In the first solo episode of this series, Lisa dives into what it takes to build a healthy, lasting relationship with movement and exercise. She explores how tuning into your body — not punishing it — is the key to sustainable exercise, and how self-inquiry and experimentation help you discover what truly feels good. Lisa reframes movement as essential care, not a chore — something our bodies are...

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Danielle Harel, PhD and cofounder of the Somatica Institute. Together, they discuss healing through embodied pleasure, mindful sensory engagement, and personal growth strategies to counteract societal conditioning and rebuild self-worth. Topics Include : Embodied Pleasure Self Empowerment Pleasurable Experiences [1:06] Lisa welcomes Danielle Harel, PhD in human s...

In this episode, Lisa is joined by group coaching alumni, Jen. They discuss Jen’s personal journey of healing from childhood family dynamics, body image struggles, and emotional challenges, highlighting the importance of community, self-responsibility, and ongoing support in achieving self-acceptance and well-being. Topics Include : Family Dynamics Body Image Emotional Healing [0:31] Lisa announce...

In this episode, Lisa is joined once again by group coaching alumn, Theresa and together they explore Theresa’s journey of personal growth. They focus on her evolving relationship with food, emotional awareness, and the continuous process of recovery and behavior change. Topics Include : Recovery Emotional Awareness Behavior Changes [2:51] Theresa introduces herself as a mother, a wife, a friend,...

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Jasmine Hormati, a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor, who founded Mendinground Nutrition in NYC. Jasmine shares her insights on a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition, focusing on eating disorders and disordered eating. She discusses her journey into the field, the challenges of working in a non-diet space, and the importan...

In this episode, Lisa and Lara Days discuss the controversial topic of pursuing intentional weight loss during eating disorder recovery. They explore different perspectives, emphasizing the importance of first achieving a stable relationship with food before considering weight loss.  Topics Include : Eating Disorders and Recovery Intentional Weight Loss Fat Phobia [0:06] Lisa begins this episode b...