Navigating Love at Any Size: Why SwipeFat is the Podcast You Need

A few months back, while scrolling through my TikTok feed, I stumbled upon a captivating video featuring a charming plus-size woman enjoying a glass of wine and addressing the glaring absence of body diversity in ABC’s The Bachelor. She candidly expressed her frustration, mentioning her long-standing loyalty to the show while lamenting that she had never seen anyone resembling her on screen. Her assertion that this lack of representation perpetuates the myth that plus-size women are unworthy of love and happy endings resonated deeply with me.

This woman turned out to be Alex Stewart, a body-positive lifestyle influencer from the Chicago area, alongside her “fat best friend,” Nicci Nunez, who works as a restaurant brand manager. Together, they host the podcast “SwipeFat,” which delves into the complexities of dating while fat.

To be honest, I haven’t given dating much thought; I’ve been happily married for many years and met my husband when I was just eighteen. However, the warmth and relatability of Alex and Nicci’s TikTok drew me in, prompting me to check out their podcast on Apple Podcasts. Despite my lack of dating experience, I found their discussions so relatable and engaging that I often felt a pang of envy for their real-life friendship. They embody the honest, humorous “fat best friends” that I wish I had.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Alex and Nicci about their journey, their bodies, their friendship, and the dating scene in 2021.

On Why Alex Made That Viral TikTok:

“We’re starting to see more representation in media, but reality TV still lacks fat bodies. How is that realistic? It’s crucial to see yourself represented in those fairytale scenarios. Essentially, we all desire a happy ending, and when we don’t see ourselves in those situations, it becomes harder to envision that happiness in our own lives,” Alex explained.

On Finding Confidence in Fat Bodies:

Nicci shared, “I’ve been fat my entire life. My background in radio exposed me to public bullying, which left me traumatized. I lost weight but still wasn’t content. Eventually, I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to my size and embarked on a journey of self-love.” Alex added, “I wasn’t always confident, but I recognized I had a great personality. My body positivity journey began on Instagram as a food blogger, which is rare for someone my size. The positive feedback I received fueled my confidence.”

On the Use of the Word “Fat”:

“It’s just a descriptor like ‘thin.’ We’ve demonized the term by associating it with laziness or unhealthiness, which needs to change. You can be fat and healthy or thin and unhealthy,” Alex remarked. She noted the backlash they received from friends and family when naming their podcast “SwipeFat.”

On Dating as a Plus-Size Individual:

Nicci stated, “Dating is challenging for everyone, but being fat adds another layer. We often feel compelled to put a warning label on our profiles, even when we’re showing our bodies. We worry about being perceived as catfish. It’s a lot of navigation.” Alex added, “It requires a lot of effort to figure it all out.”

On Rejection and Resilience:

“Rejection teaches you resilience. Once you experience it, you realize it’s not as catastrophic as you imagined. It takes time to grow that thick skin. Now, we both understand that the dating process is a two-way street,” Alex shared.

Advice for Dating While Fat:

Just Go For It: Nicci encourages starting somewhere, emphasizing that the fear of dating is often scarier than the act itself. “Know your worth; you’re beautiful and have so much to offer beyond your body.”
Create Your Profile with Friends: Make it a fun night with friends, sipping wine while building your dating profile. “It really boosts your confidence,” Nicci said.
Use Honest Photos: “Choose images that reflect how you look and make you feel confident,” Alex advised.

Besides their podcast, “SwipeFat,” Alex and Nicci also feature in a FreebieTV series titled “Dating in the Modern Age,” showcasing their dating experiences during the pandemic. They run a private Facebook group where women can share their dating experiences and seek advice.

Alex and Nicci are two inspiring women who empower others to embrace their bodies and know their worth in relationships. “Being fat doesn’t diminish your value in a meaningful relationship,” Nicci stated.

For more insights on navigating love and relationships as a plus-size individual, explore this blog post, and check out resources like Healthline for quality information regarding insemination.

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In summary, the “SwipeFat” podcast is a refreshing space that addresses the realities of dating while fat, encouraging listeners to embrace self-love and authenticity. Through humor and honesty, Alex and Nicci create a community that reminds us all of our worth, regardless of size.