Aging, Body Image & Real Talk with Comedian Debbie Scheer
When I came across an old photo of Debbie Scheer and me on stage together, I was immediately filled with joy…and then insecurity.
The photo captured us in a moment of pure happiness, but I hadn’t shared it before. Why? Because I was seated. It was a side view. And because internalized weight bias still sneaks up, even for those of us who speak out against it.
That one image led me to reconnect with Debbie, a brilliant auctioneer, comedian, advocate, and all-around extraordinary human. We’ve known each other for over a decade, and reconnecting reminded me just how much I appreciate her authenticity, humor, and heart.
I invited Debbie on the show for an open, real conversation about aging, body image, sobriety, showing up authentically, and how we navigate all of it, especially as we grow older.
From Unexpected Divorce to the Comedy Stage
Debbie’s story is one of transformation through vulnerability. After working in the nonprofit world and staying home with her children, life took an unexpected turn with a sudden divorce. Searching for something to anchor herself, she tried stand-up comedy for the first time in 2013, and instantly fell in love.
While she didn’t love the late-night lifestyle of comedy clubs, she found her sweet spot in using humor for connection. This evolved into emceeing events and eventually becoming a licensed auctioneer, combining her passions for nonprofits, connection, and comedy.
Our Bodies, Our Biases—Even Our Own
That old photo sparked a deeper conversation between us. I’ve worked hard to unpack weight bias, and I fiercely advocate for body acceptance and autonomy. But even still, that side-angle photo made me pause.
Debbie, who exists in a smaller body, shared that she, too, has wrestled with body image, especially in midlife. She’s experienced changes in her body that have led her to reflect more deeply on how she feels in her skin.
“I have moments where I feel great and others where I just don’t like looking at my body,” she shared honestly. “Even though I have a partner who loves all of me, it’s still a very personal relationship—one that’s sometimes the most challenging.”
It’s a powerful reminder that body image struggles are not limited by size, and that as we age, our relationships with our bodies continue to evolve.
Aging, Ozempic, and What Doctors Don’t Ask
As we discussed how our bodies change with age (hello, perimenopause), Debbie shared her frustration with medical providers who quickly offer weight loss drugs without deeper conversations.
“I mentioned gaining weight, and the first response was, ‘Have you heard of Ozempic?’ No one asked how I feel in my body. No one asked about how I move or what my day-to-day looks like,” Debbie shared.
We talked about the broader implications of this—how normalized weight-loss medication has become, and the real harm of skipping over conversations about health, lifestyle, and well-being.
Debbie acknowledged that while these medications can be life-changing for some, the lack of nuance in how they’re offered is concerning.
As someone who champions body autonomy, I’ve felt torn too, supporting people’s choices while grieving how quickly society has shifted back to “smaller is better” narratives. It’s not about the medication itself; it’s about the pressure, the assumptions, and the loss of the progress we were making in fat acceptance and body liberation spaces.
Sobriety, Self-Acceptance & Showing Up
Another powerful part of our conversation was about sobriety. Debbie has been sober since 2018, and she shared openly about what it’s like to be a sober woman in her 50s, navigating social spaces that often revolve around alcohol.
“There’s this myth that the more people drink at fundraising events, the more they give,” she said. “But what actually builds connection is authenticity, not alcohol.”
We also talked about what it’s like to experience intimacy without alcohol, and the vulnerability that comes with truly showing up without a buffer. Her honesty was so refreshing—and a reminder that growth is often uncomfortable, but worth it.
Giving Thoughtful F*cks as We Age
One of my favorite moments was when Debbie said, “I meet people who say, ‘I give zero fcks.’ And I think that’s not it. The real gift of aging is being selective with the f*cks you give.”
That perfectly captures the heart of this episode. We talked about learning to care deeply—but intentionally. About stepping back from the need for constant approval. About honoring our bodies, energy, and boundaries as we grow older.
Safe Spaces, Advocacy & The Importance of Showing Up
We also talked about the very real fears many LGBTQIA+ people are experiencing right now. Debbie and her partner Wendy have had hard conversations about what it means to stay safe in today’s political climate—and how heartbreaking it is to see protections stripped away.
“I think one of the most powerful things we can do is just check in with our people,” Debbie said. “Ask if they’re okay. Ask how you can support them. And when it feels safe, speak up.”
Whether it’s offering sober-friendly spaces at events, creating inclusive healthcare environments, or just standing up for your friends, there’s always something we can do to make the world more compassionate.
Learning, Listening & Living Authentically
As we wrapped up, Debbie shared how much joy she gets from her work as an emcee and auctioneer, especially when she’s raising money for causes she cares about.
“I show up as authentically me,” she said. “And then I come home and sit on my porch in silence to recharge. That balance keeps me going.”
That authenticity, and her ability to navigate vulnerability with humor and heart, is exactly why I wanted to have her on the show, and why I’m so glad to share her voice with you.
Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 237
Transcript happily provided upon
- Check out Debbie Scheer’s podcast: Aging with Pride
- Learn more about her work: Debbie Scheer Speaks
This episode is brought to you by the Size-Friendly Birth Course—an online training for birth and postpartum professionals ready to provide size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies.
You’ll get:
- 🎥 Over 6 hours of video lessons
- 📘 A 115-page editable PDF workbook with guided activities
- 🕒 6 contact hours for professional development
- 📜 A certificate of completion
- 🌐 Bonus: Access to the Plus Size Birth Circle—our exclusive online platform
