Megan in her own words:
“I’m Megan (she/her) and I live in Portland, OR. I’m on a mission to inspire people to live their life without limits. I want to show people that you can do, be and live however you want AND that you can change your mind about what that means any time you want. Your mind has the power to climb whatever mountains your facing and I’m here to help guide you.
I fell in love with rock and mountain climbing 4 years ago and struggled to find my place at first. Instagram played a huge role in helping me step into my power when I started following other plus size adventurers. I want to increase representation of plus size people in the outdoors, especially in leadership/guide roles. I want to see more people who look like me in marketing from outdoor gear companies. And I REALLY want to get better technical gear for bigger bodies so we can keep doing all the things outside safely (and even fashionably? What a dream).”
Dr. Megan Banker practices from a Health at Every Size model meaning she teaches her patients how to improve their health without focusing on weight. Megan is a co-founder of Climb Big, an initiative to increase representation of plus size rock climbers.
“My body is not an object for your actions or feelings to be directed.
My body is not a thing that receives action or inaction.
It does not exist for your fantasy, ridicule, attitudes, judgements, lust, admiration or hatred.
My body is a subject. It is. It does. It moves. It breathes. It experiences. It loves. It is so much more than an object.
My body is a subject.”
- Shared by Megan on IG - 3rd April 2021.
Content Warning: We talk about bullying and dieting at a young age.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.
Listen to Dr. Megan Now!
Click here if you can't see the link below.
Show notes
31 years old, Living in Portland, Oregon
Being a plus sized climber
Growing up in Central California
Being the oldest of 3 girls
Growing up in a bigger body
Starting swimming at 4 years old
Going to an academically intense prep school
Taking up rugby in college
Deciding to become a Doctor…
Reflecting back on her teenage years
Being put on a diet at 8 years old
Yo-yo dieting
Living in a bigger body
Building self confidence through sport
Why rugby is such an inclusive sport
Stepping into her power as a bigger bodied woman
Loving the physicality of rugby
Joyful movement
Getting into hiking in her late 20s
Moving to Portland after Grad School in 2015
Joining Meet Up to connect with others
Gaining new skills in climbing
The Mazamas 8 week Course (Portland)
Solo hiking and wild camping for the first time
The biggest challenge Megan has had to face in the outdoors
Being competitive with herself
Putting pressure on herself
Fat is not a feeling
Becoming her own best friend
Being kind to herself
Not having a good experience while Snowboarding
Feel the feelings
Balancing the stresses of life
Meeting husband
The power of role models
The women who inspire Megan in the climbing and hiking space
Unlikely Hikers - A diverse outdoor community🌲, hiking group 🥾 & podcast 🎧 for the underrepresented hiker
Jenny Bruso - @jennybruso
Sam Ortiz - @samortizphoto INFJ 🦖PlusSize Latinx Mountaineer🗻Founder of @climb.big Adventure Photographer 📸She/Her 🏕 Sharing beginner tips for new hikers
Mirna Valerio @themirnavator
What PDX stands for
Words she would have wanted to hear when she was younger
“Choose to be brave”
Social Media
Climb Big Website - A community for fat and plus size rock climbers. Stories, Events & Education
Feeling inspired week after week?
You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast!
Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode
If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment!
Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.
Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you!
Want to do more?
Please become a Patron and donate US$5 a month to help fund the runnings costs. Thank you.
