Heavy Conversation

Latest Episodes:

Closing Time: Johnny Bigg Says Goodbye to the US Market Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're diving deep into the news that Johnny Big is closing its U.S. website. What does this mean for the big & tall fashion industry? Bruce and Jody discuss this and more!

Read Bruce's Article at Chubstr: https://chubstr.com/industry/johnny-bigg-us-shutdown/
Johnny Bigg's Going Out of Business Sale: https://johnnybigg.com

Beer of the Week:

Bruce: Patagonia x Deschutes Kernza Lager: https://bit.ly/kernza-lager
Jody: Begyle Blonde Ale: https://bit.ly/begyle-blonde-ale

Did We Just Find The Best Big & Tall Office Chair? May 27, 2025

Show notes

This week on Heavy Conversation, we’re talking comfort, commutes, and craft beer. Bruce shares his review of the Staples Randolph Big & Tall Office Chair after weeks of testing it out (spoiler: it’s actually built for bigger bodies). Jody talks about how he’s using the Imprint app during his daily commute—an educational platform that makes self-help and nonfiction feel more like a game than a chore. Plus, we’ve got new drinks to share: Bruce is sipping on Lindemans Framboise, and Jody’s cracking open Big Doinks from Fair State Brewing.

Read the Randolph Chair Review: chubstr.com
Get an Exclusive Discount on the Chair: https://prf.hn/l/aWPQa2M/
Imprint App: imprintapp.com
Lindemans Brewery: lindemans.be
Fair State Brewing Big Doinks: fairstate.coop

We're Back! Let's Talk About Weight Bias (and How We Deal with It) Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

After a six-month break, Heavy Conversation is back—and we’re jumping right into it. This week, we’re talking about weight-based discrimination: what it looks like, where we’ve experienced it, and how we’ve learned to push back. From being overlooked in public to dealing with bias in the workplace, we’re sharing our strategies for speaking up, staying confident, and setting boundaries.

We also highlight a few organizations doing important work in this space, including NAAFA.org, ASDAH.org, and WorkplaceFairness.org.

Plus, Bruce got an interesting new TV from Telly—a free smart television with a built-in second screen that plays ads while you watch.

Who Makes the Best Big & Tall Suits? Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

We take a look at Chubstr's new list of the best big and tall suit brands. The holidays are coming up—do you need a new suit? Whether you want to rent a tux or pick up a new suit for work, this list has what you're looking for, with sizes up to 72 jackets.

Best Big & Tall Suits List: https://chubstr.com/resources/best-big-tall-suit-brands/

Drinks:

Jody broke out the Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, and Bruce hydrated with his new smart water bottle from LARQ:

Skrewball Whiskey: https://www.skrewballwhiskey.com/en/

LARQ Smart Water Bottle: https://chubstr.com/go/lars-smart-water-bottle-heavy-convo/

Here's to New Beginnings Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

This episode was recorded a few days before Jody's big move to Chicago. We talk about the mix of excitement and never that come with moving to a new city, the unpredictable world of Facebook Marketplace, and the fact that this will be our list in-person recording session for a while. Don't worry, Heavy Conversation will be back next week - we're just recording via Zoom.

PLUS: We talk about the new "Best Big & Tall Suit Brands" article at Chubstr.com.

From Portland to Chicago: Jody's New Adventure Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Heavy Conversation, Jody shares some big news—he’s leaving Portland and moving to Chicago to start a new chapter of his life. We dive into the challenges of building meaningful friendships, what he’ll miss most about the city, and the excitement (and nerves) that come with a fresh start. Jody talks about his plans to be proactive in meeting people and exploring his new surroundings in Chicago. Plus, we reassure listeners that Heavy Conversation isn’t going anywhere—we’ll keep the conversations going remotely.

Beer:

We shared Killer Green (Fresh Hop IPA), by Double Mountain Brewery, Hood River

Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Amazon's Best Prime Day Big & Tall Deals Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Another Amazon Prime Day is here and we're taking a look at the best big & tall deals the company has to offer. Should you shop during Prime Big Deal Days? Listen in and find out.

Beer:

Jody: Paulaner Munchner Lager

Bruce: Hopworks Fresh Hop Abominable

Beer list: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Is it Still Okay to Put Actors in Fat Suits? Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Are you watching The Penguin on Max? Is it still okay to put thin actors in fat suits? PLUS - Bruce went on a group hike with the body-liberating hiking group Unlikely Hikers! Find out how it went!

Shop the Gregory x Unlikely Hikers Backpack Collab: https://imp.i185592.net/AWxrvj

Beer:

Bruce - Cranberry Tank 7, by Boulevard Brewing Co

Jody - Gaijin Dream, by Stickmen Brewing Co.

Untappd Beer List: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Our Big & Tall Fall Fashion Picks 2024 Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Fall is finally here and it's time for a wardrobe change. Join us as we share the big & tall clothing on our list.

Beer:

Jody: Rogue Ginger Yuzu CBD Seltzer Water

Bruce: 1983 Lager, Mcmenamins

Heavy Conversation Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

The Best Big & Tall Costumes of 2024 Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Halloween is upon us and we're telling you about the best big & tall costumes of the year. Find out what's on our list and where to get your favorite!

Beer:

Jody: Best Day Brewing Kolsch

Bruce: Best Day Brewing Hazy IPA

https://chubstr.com/best-big-tall-halloween-costumes

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