TRIGGER WARNING: this episode discusses eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, weight loss, body comparison, celebrity bodies and potentially triggering content around food and appearance. Please take care of yourself while listening. if you’d prefer to skip our highs and lows, our main conversation starts at 19:30. in this episode we address the recent conversation surrounding Ariana Grande and, more broadly public body criticism, celebrity culture and the way we talk about people’s appearances online. we get into why we feel so uncomfortable commenting on someone else’s body, even when those comments come from a place of genuine concern. we talk about the difference between expressing concern and contributing to harmful body discourse, whether celebrities have any responsibility for the images they put into the world, and whether the public has any right to expect an explanation about someone’s health. we also talk about our own experiences with body image and why seeing certain content online can affect us differently depending on where we are in our own journeys. we also chat about the potential impact of seeing this kind of content when you’re younger, whether trigger warnings actually help, and what we can do when we notice the internet starting to negatively affect our own relationship with our bodies. It’s a messy, nuanced conversation, and we’re very aware that there isn’t one “right” way to talk about something this complicated. we’re sharing our own thoughts and experiences rather than pretending to have the answers, and, as always, we’d love to hear yours. USEFUL RESOURCES 🤍 If anything discussed in this episode brings something up for you, please take care of yourself. You don’t have to be struggling with a diagnosed eating disorder to reach out for support. 🇬🇧 UK Beat Eating Disorders information, support and resources for anyone affected by an eating disorder. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to contact them.https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/Beat Helpline confidential support via phone, email and webchat.https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/NHS Eating Disorders information about eating disorders and accessing support through the NHS.https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/🇺🇸 US National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) information, a free confidential screening tool, treatment-finding resources, support groups and resources for loved ones.https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/NEDA Get Help a useful starting point if you’re worried about yourself or someone else and aren’t sure what to do next.https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/🇩🇪 Germany ANAD Essstörungen support and information for people affected by eating disorders and their loved ones, including free and anonymous initial consultations and telephone/online support.https://www.anad.de/beratung/ANAD Telephone Support confidential and free support for people affected by eating disorders, family members and professionals.https://www.anad.de/beratung/betroffene/telefonberatung/PODCASTS WE MENTION Shameless we mention their discussion around Ariana Grande and the ethics of talking publicly about another person’s body and health.Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! leo’s current Greek mythology obsession, which she recommends after watching The Odyssey.as always, we’re not experts or professionals. Please take what feels helpful, leave what doesn’t, and be kind to yourself 🤍
