Get Marla’s new book here - https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/book

In this empowering episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Marla Mervis-Hartmann, acclaimed speaker and body image expert, for an honest, transformative conversation about how we see ourselves - and how to finally break free from the patterns that shape our self-worth.

From childhood conditioning to cultural beauty standards, this discussion uncovers how family, media, and diet culture influence how we relate to our bodies, food, and confidence. Marla opens up about her personal journey of healing from food obsession and body shame, revealing what it really takes to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.

Together, Steve and Marla explore:

• How childhood messages shape lifelong body image struggles
• The link between food, emotion, and control in our self-worth
• Why diet culture and thin privilege distort what “health” truly means
• How to build a positive relationship with your body and inner dialogue
• Practical tools for self-acceptance, confidence, and healing
  

Whether you’re struggling with body image, raising children in a comparison-driven world, or simply wanting to feel more at peace in your skin, this conversation will leave you inspired to redefine beauty - and reclaim your worth from the inside out.

🎧 Listen now to start healing your relationship with your body, your food, and yourself.

Key Moments:

01:12 Breaking Free from Body Pressures

04:18 "Breaking Judgment, Embracing Empathy"

06:57 Body Acceptance Against Discrimination

12:32 Avoiding Harmful Chemicals in Food

13:27 "Choosing Real Food, Simplified"

17:45 "Addressing Bullying With Compassion"

20:30 "Cycle of Food and Body Obsession"

About the guest :

Marla Mervis-Hartmann is the creator of Love Your Body Love Yourself and a leading voice in women’s body image healing. After overcoming her own struggles with food, self-worth, and body relationship, Marla transformed her journey into a mission to help women honor, trust, and appreciate their bodies.

A TEDx speaker and Best-Selling Author of BE-Friend Yourself, Marla brings decades of training in women’s wellness - including somatic trauma therapy, sexual wellness, postpartum care, Tantra, yoga, and core restoration. Her work has been featured on ABC, NBC, and FOX, and she is widely respected for her grounded, compassionate approach to self-acceptance.

Now based in Maui with her husband and son, Marla works full-time as a coach, speaker, facilitator, and Reiki Master, empowering women to feel at peace in their bodies and to live with confidence, freedom, and joy.

How to connect Marla:

Website: https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbodyloveyourselfalways/