Story & Lesson Highlights with Melanie Gottfried of Neighborhood

We recently had the chance to connect with Melanie Gottfried and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
The moment I felt most loved was at the Radical Body Transformation event in Toronto, which my company, Our Sleeved Life Podcast, sponsored. The event went off without a hitch, and I was so proud of every single person who walked across that stage, showing their transformations, from the most vulnerable moments to their best selves.

Being surrounded by men and women who genuinely care for each other, without judgment, was incredibly inspiring. That entire weekend, I experienced kindness, understanding, and love in a way I had never felt before.

At first, I wasn’t sure I deserved it, but as the days went by, being in that space with these amazing people made me realize that I did. It’s okay to accept love, and I truly deserved it. That trip is unforgettable, and the love I felt there will stay with me forever.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mel! I’m the host of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, where I share real, raw, and often hilarious stories about my journey from losing 130 pounds after vertical sleeve surgery and GLP-1s to navigating life, wellness, and personal growth along the way. I started the podcast because I wanted a space to share my story, connect with others on similar journeys, and create a community where people could feel supported, understood, and inspired without judgment. Today, the podcast has reached over 1 million downloads and continues to grow every week.

What makes what I do special is the way I blend education, entertainment, and connection. Beyond podcasting, I create content across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Patreon, and Facebook to engage and inspire a vibrant community of over 50,000 followers. I’ve also had the opportunity to go on tour to meet other weight loss surgery and GLP-1 patients, connecting with people in person and celebrating their transformations, courage, and the incredible bonds that form when people lift each other up. Since I am 10 years post-op, I also work with people one on one to help them navigate their journeys, offering guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my content, hosting more live expert calls, and sharing tools, tips, and stories that help people thrive on their weight loss and wellness journeys because life is better when you have a cheerleader in your corner and I aim to be that for my community every day.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a kid who loved to dream, but I was taught not to dream too big. I was told that things like success, happiness, or transformation didn’t really happen for people like us, so I kept my dreams small and my voice quieter. Even at a very young age, I was full of energy and wanted to help others. I followed the rules, tried to fit in, and often doubted that I could create a life that felt truly mine. I would find out later in life that I will live my Dream.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. One of the biggest was losing my father at 59 to liver cancer. That moment shook me to my core and made me realize how fragile life can be. It became a wake-up call for me to take my health seriously and start reclaiming my life. Losing him sparked the determination to transform my body and my well-being, ultimately leading me to lose 130 pounds and embrace a healthier, more empowered version of myself.

Another defining wound was the end of my 15-year marriage. It was a relationship that had become toxic in ways that were harmful not only to me but also to my son. Making the decision to walk away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was necessary for our safety, happiness, and future. Healing from that required setting boundaries, seeking support, and learning to trust my own strength and instincts again.

Through both of these experiences, I’ve learned that healing isn’t about forgetting or pretending the pain didn’t exist. It’s about honoring it, learning from it, and using it as fuel to create a life that reflects your worth, your values, and the love you deserve.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is helping people truly embrace their health and their worth. That’s why I created OSLP to build a community where people feel seen, supported, and inspired on their weight loss and wellness journeys. I’m committed to showing up for this community in every way I can, whether it’s through my content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Patreon, or through one-on-one guidance with people who need support navigating their own transformations.

No matter how long it takes to reach every person who could benefit from this, I will keep creating, teaching, and lifting others up. I believe that every story, every win, and every lesson matters, and I’m here to make sure people know they are not alone and that they are worthy of a life they love.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my community and audience would probably miss the energy, honesty, and real-life perspective I bring to their weight loss and wellness journeys. They would miss someone who celebrates their wins, shares the struggles without judgment, and reminds them that progress is personal and worth showing up for every single day. They would miss the content that educates, entertains, and connects them to a bigger community of people who truly get it. They would miss having a cheerleader in their corner, someone who’s been through it, understands the highs and lows, and isn’t afraid to keep it real while lifting others up.

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