Welcome back to another powerful episode of the SHINE Stories Podcast. Please note this episode contains discussions of body image, PCOS, medical weight loss surgery, and self-esteem.
In this episode, Jess sits down with SHINE FIT member Raven to talk about her extraordinary 2-year journey—from avoiding movement entirely to reclaiming her confidence, health, and joy.
Before SHINE, Raven didn’t believe she belonged in fitness spaces. She had been dismissed by doctors for years, told to “just lose weight,” and internalized the shame around her body. But the moment she walked into SHINE, everything changed.
With the support of her coaches, her new friends, and a lot of self-love, Raven advocated for her health and received a long-overdue PCOS diagnosis, found the courage to undergo gastric bypass surgery, from a place of love, not shame, rebuilt her confidence one class at a time, and rediscovered the joyful, radiant version of herself she thought was long gone.
“It feels like I’m back to that little girl who used to love herself—and believed she could have more.”
Raven’s story is emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
💬 The emotional impact of being overlooked in fitness and healthcare
💬 Why SHINE felt different from the moment she walked in
💬 Her decision to pursue surgery—and how SHINE helped her get there
💬 Healing body image and reclaiming joy after years of shame💬 Overflowing self-love, post-op recovery, and what’s next for Raven