Hello lovely, I’m so happy you’re here.
I’m Sophia, creator & host of the podcast Fat Joy with Sophia Apostol, a podcast that centers the voices of fat people sharing their stories of what it’s like to live in a world filled with anti-fatness, fatphobia, and diet culture. And and how we still dare to have the audacity & courage to reach towards our collective liberation and embrace our joy.
While the podcast began from a rage-fueled desire for change, I witnessed how quickly it grew (ranked in the top 2% of global podcasts within one year!) and realized that there is a community out here yearning for connection.
I, too, have that longing and feel a strong pull to do more in collaboration with the Fat Joy community…to share more of my own experiences, to co-create opportunities for deeper connection, and to invite us all to claim joy as our birthright.
A Substack community is a great way to do just that. I love writing (I’m a writing coach at Firefly Creative Writing), and I love engaging with people in both their struggles and their strengths (I’m also a leadership development coach who works with people leaders at companies all over the world).
Free or Paying?
First, thank you for subscribing, no matter at which level you choose. Our inboxes are often crammed, so your choice to invite me into yours is a sweet gift.
Both free subscribers and paying subscribers receive content such as:
Thought pieces exploring themes related to living in a fat body. The rebel in me enjoys writing about the stuff that we often don’t talk openly about, like things that causes us shame or feel taboo. So, what I’ll be sharing will likely push on some edges and invite you into contemplation about any discomfort that shows up. I also love sharing tools & strategies to help us navigate our lives, so you can expect a lot of practical bits as well. I’m hoping you’ll find the vibe to be earnest, playful, and juicy.
Some Extra Fat Joy: 10 Qs from the first year of the Fat Joy podcast. These are video mini-episodes that were recorded after the main podcast conversation where I ask each guest 10 questions they didn’t know in advance. You’ll receive a link to the private YouTube playlist when you become a subscriber.
Fat Joy virtual workshops led by me, Sophia, where we’ll explore a fat joy related topic through written reflection, discussion, and actionable strategies.
Questions to ask Fat Joy podcasts guests. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes details about upcoming guests and other goodies related to the Fat Joy podcast.
Other fun surprises like exclusive podcast episodes, Ask-Me-Anything discussion threads, etc.
Why choose a paying subscription?
Your subscription supports all of the work I do to bring more fat joy into the world via the podcast, this substack, and workshops.
Subscribing is $5/month or $50/year. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can become an All The Joy Member which is $200 (or any amount over that). Thank you!
While you’re here…
You may have found your way to this cozy corner of the interwebs through my podcast, Fat Joy. Maybe someone who likes you shared something connected to Fat Joy (website, IG, etc.), or maybe you found us by serendipity (hat tip to the Universe). However you’ve arrived, thank you for co-creating this little constellation of community.
My hope is that when you’re here in the Fat Joy community, you feel a little less alone and a little more seen. And, perhaps most importantly, a lot more equipped with the courage and audacity to rebel against unjust systems and contribute to making our world a gentler, kinder, more liberated place for everyone…but especially for those of us who are living in marginalized bodies and with marginalized identities.
