New year, new mindset. It’s time to “un-[expletive] your food” with “Your Diet Sucks” (YDS), the podcast that isn’t afraid to overhaul toxic diet culture.
Cohosted by Carbondale locals Kylee Van Horn and Zoë Rom, YDS brings a refreshing perspective to the health and wellness community that is often plagued by confusing and potentially harmful content. Coupling data-driven research and historical context, Van Horn and Rom use their platform to brilliantly debunk common nutrition myths while exploring the cultural narratives that have dictated our connection to food.
“In the society we live in, food, fitness and nutrition are complicated, which can drive people to become ‘f*cked’ when they try to make a decision about how they should approach health and wellness,” said Van Horn, a registered dietician nutritionist. “We try to help people dig through the noise so they can make their own informed decisions.”
Launched in July 2024, the bimonthly podcast has already released 15 episodes that cover a breadth of topics. Most recently, YDS has unpacked orthorexia (an obsession with healthy eating), the vitamin and supplement industry, common and uncommon causes for gastrointestinal distress, the reality of superfoods and the rise and impact of social media health influencers. Despite the gravity of some themes, original artwork by Clio Rom vibrantly depicts each episode’s topic to create a playful and approachable tone for the podcast.
This approachable energy continues as each conversation showcases Van Horn and Rom’s relatable and humorous friendship that shines as they break down the topics using their extensive expertise. Van Horn, founder and chief executive of Fly Nutrition, a sports nutrition coaching business, decodes the complicated nutritional science research; while Rom, an award-winning journalist, offers rich, in-depth historical and cultural details alongside witty quips that keep the stories engaging.
“YDS strikes a unique balance between scientific rigor and friendly, approachable banter,” said Rom. “We make the evidence accessible without dumbing it down, creating a space where listeners can engage with serious topics in a way that feels relatable. What really sets us apart is how we weave culture and history into the conversation.”
With this multifaceted approach, invigorating conversations emerge as the duo investigates popular nutritional advice and the “why” behind toxic diet culture trends. Specifically, YDS delves into the biochemical impact of sugar, and why its cultural role as a “villain” might not be true; they examine fasting’s historical roots based in religious practice and how that narrative appears in current wellness trends; and how systemic modern issues, like marketing, policy and societal norms, have influenced personal choice.
In episode nine, “The Dangers of Social Media and Influencers,” YDS investigates the possibility that an expensive healthcare system might sway individuals toward online influencers practicing pseudoscience. Crash diets, outdated science and overpriced, unproven supplements lurk in these corners which, according to Van Horn, can become dangerous for people both physically and mentally.
Recognizing that many of these episodes feature sensitive topics, Rom said relevant trigger warnings are included as needed to help create a “psychologically safe place.” She added that these stories, while drawn from personal experience, are “grounded in journalistic research” so that evidence-based truths can come to light to stop the toxic narrative put forth by diet culture — narratives that tie one’s worth to size and debilitating body control. With this approach, listeners can potentially move through their discomforts to make decisions about their health free of guilt and shame.
“I hope listeners walk away from every episode feeling both challenged and empowered,” said Rom. “Our goal is to give people the tools they need to interrogate the cultural narratives that surround food, fueling and health.”
Since November, YDS has seen a significant increase in listeners, and currently has an overall five-star rating on various platforms. For Van Horn and Rom, this incredible response motivates them to continue advocating for a more positive and inclusive health and wellness community. By reshaping the cultural food narratives, the pair hopes listeners across the fitness spectrum can slow down, enjoy their food and ultimately feel more confident and connected to the stories and meals that bind us together.
“If we can help even one person break free from harmful narratives and embrace a healthier relationship with food, their body and their goals, then we’ve done something meaningful,” said Rom. “Because at the end of the day, the most radical thing you can do is accept yourself as you are and focus on what truly lights you up.”
Sponsored by Microcosm Coaching, Fly Nutrition and Janji, “Your Diet Sucks” airs bimonthly on all podcast platforms. To keep up with the latest details, check out @yourdietsuckspod on Instagram.