Representation Reflected

Zac Terry
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  • Social Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

Representation Reflected explores how the stories we see shape the way we see ourselves. Hosted by Zac Terry, the podcast dives into media, culture, and identity - asking who gets seen, who gets left out, and why it matters. Each episode blends personal reflection with cultural critique: individuals share how representation has shaped their present day relationship with particular themes, from body image and chronic illness to ethnicity and self-worth. This is about the joy of breakthroughs, the impact of missteps, and the power of visibility that reflects authentic reality.

  1. 12/17/2025

    Reflection #11: Experiences of sexuality and representation

    In the final episode of series one, the roles are reversed as Jess steps into the interviewer’s seat and invites me to reflect on my own experiences of representation. This conversation focuses on my journey as a queer person — from growing up with a near-complete absence of representation, to gradually recognising, embracing and finding meaning in the representation that didexist, often in subtle or unexpected ways. Together, we explore how representation isn’t always about overt visibility, but about the small markers thatquietly shape how a person understands themselves. We talk about how absence can be just as influential as presence, and how subtle representation can build or limit confidence and self-acceptance over time. This episode is a reflection on identity, visibility, and the power of recognising yourself in the world around you — even when that recognition arrives slowly or imperfectly. If you’ve been listening along throughout Series 1, this conversation offers a chance to reflect back on the themes explored across the series and consider how representation has shaped your own journey too. Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and leave a rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for podcast updates and ongoing reflections on representation. Thank you for listening, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #11: Experiences of sexuality and representation

  2. 12/10/2025

    Reflection #10: Representation in books

    In this special episode, we’re exploring the powerful ways books can serve as mirrors, anchors and companions throughout our lives. Instead of focusing on a single theme — such as identity or values — this conversation looks at how representation naturally emerges in reading. I’m joined by Cema and Mel, who share their journeys with reading and the moments when books made them feel recognised and what's still missing in this representation. Together, we reflect on how stories can hold us through difficult times and make space for parts of ourselves we haven’t always known how to articulate. We also talk about our in-person book club, London Book Lovers, and how community reading offers its own form of representation — not just in the books we choose, but in the conversations they spark. If you’d like to follow the book club or come along to a meet-up, you can find us on Instagram at @london_book_lovers. Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever found yourself in a character, discovered unexpected comfort in a story or realised how deeply books shape who we become. Make sure to follow the podcast and leave a rating or review if you’re enjoying the series — it really helps us grow this community. And, share your thoughts on this or other episodes by emailing in to queeroverthinker@gmail.com. Thank you, Zac x _ Music by ⁠Breakz Studios⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Sound Effect by ⁠ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM⁠ from ⁠Pixabay

    Reflection #10: Representation in books

  3. 12/03/2025

    Reflection #9: Imposter syndrome as a creative

    This time I chat with Amy to explore what representation looks like when you’re navigating education and early career choices as a creative professional. Amy reflects on growing up with a strong creative identity, yet receiving mixed signals about what a “realistic” or “acceptable” future should look like. Together, we talk about the subtle ways these early messages shape confidence, self-worth, and the careers we feel allowed to pursue — especially when creative ambitions are often dismissed or treated as impractical. We look at the moments and influences that helped Amy lean into a career in design, as well as the kind of representation that made that pathway feel possible: teachers who took creativity seriously, designers who modelled meaningful careers, and stories that showed creativity as something valuable rather than secondary. This episode explores how representation in education, media, and professional spaces can expand or restrict our sense of what’s achievable, and why visibility matters so much for anyone trying to build a life in the creative world. Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever questioned your own path, or if you’re curious about how creative identities are shaped long before we reach the workplace. You might just find a mirror of possibility in Amy’s reflections. Make sure you follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow along on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for more podcast updates and representation reflections. Stay safe, Zac x_ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #9: Imposter syndrome as a creative

  4. 11/26/2025

    Reflection #8: Self-worth

    I chat with Adam about the deep, often quiet workings of self-worth - what shapes it and the ways early environments can leave long shadows on how we see ourselves. Adam shares a thoughtful and generous reflection on growing up in a space where value was often tied to expectations. We talk about how those messages can stay with us well into adulthood, influencing confidence,relationships and the belief that being yourself is enough. We also look at the moments of representation that help challenge those early narratives — whether through therapy or stories in entertainment that offer a sense of recognition and reassurance. These are the kinds of mirrors that help us rethink what we deserve, and what a grounded sense of self-worth can look like. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Adam’sperspective as a parent, and the commitment to passing something different on - a message rooted in the idea that happiness doesn’t have to be earned. Give this episode a listen if you’re curious about how early messages about value shape our adulthood, and how representation can help us carve out a kinder relationship with ourselves. You may just find a mirror of possibilityin Adam’s story, or in the reflections we share together. Share your thoughts on this episode of Representation Reflected by emailing queeroverthinker@gmail.com, and make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also find me on Instagram at @queeroverthinker for more updates and reflections on representation. Stay safe,Zac x - Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #8: Self-worth

  5. 11/19/2025

    Reflection #7: Representation beyond lived experience

    In this episode of Representation Reflected, I’m joined onceagain by Jess - this time exploring the kinds of representation that sit outside our lived experience and still shape who we become. Together, we look at the role models, stories, and figures who have inspired us not because they share our identities, but because they reflect our values, the way we want to live our lives, or the aspirations that guide us. Jess shares the influences that have shaped her confidence, creativity, and sense of possibility, while I open up about the examples that helped me imagine a fuller version of myself — even when they came from totally different worlds. We also talk about how meaningful it can be to find mirrors in places we don’t expect: in someone’s resilience, their approach to life, or the way they give us permission to be more ourselves. Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever found inspiration in someone whose life looks nothing like yours — and want to explore how that, too, can be a powerful form of feeling seen. Share your thoughts on this episode by emailing queeroverthinker@gmail.com, and make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also and follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for podcast updates and more reflections on representation. Stay safe, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #7: Representation beyond lived experience

  6. 11/19/2025

    Reflection #6: Self-understanding and queer identity

    This time on Representation Reflected, I chat with Sophie to explore a journey of queer self-discovery shaped by years of limited representation. We talk about what happens when the stories around us never reflect the relationships and how found family can change your perspectives. Sophie shares reflections on realising queerness later in life, the early assumptions that formed in the absence of authentic examples, and how more nuanced portrayals have helped reframe. If you’re interested in how self-understanding unfolds when visibility comes late, and how representation can reshape beliefs formed years earlier, this episode offers a grounded and thoughtful look at that journey. Share your thoughts on this episode by emailing queeroverthinker@gmail.com, and make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram via ⁠@queeroverthinker ⁠for more updates, reflections, and behind-the-scenes notes. Stay safe, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #6: Self-understanding and queer identity

  7. 11/05/2025

    Reflection #5: Chronic illness and authenticity

    For this episode of Representation Reflected, I reconnect with Jess, who first appeared earlier in the series to share her experiences of living with a chronic illness and navigating visibility in spaces that weren’t built with that in mind. Together, we reflect on how representation of chronic illness has evolved since that first conversation - in media, workplaces, and everyday life - and where it still falls short. Jess opens up about what’s changed for her personally, and the moments of progress she’s noticed around authentic representation. We also talk about the quiet realities of living with a chroniccondition, the balance between strength and exhaustion, and the importance of seeing stories that show both. This episode looks at how far we’ve come in acknowledging chronic illness, and how much further there is to go if we want representation that truly reflects lived experience. Give this episode a listen to explore what authentic visibility can look like and maybe find a mirror of possibility for your own experiences, too. Make sure you follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker, with lots more podcast updates and representation reflections over there. Stay safe, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #5: Chronic illness and authenticity

  8. 10/29/2025

    Reflection #4: Ethnicity and perceptions of home

    This episode of Representation Reflected explores Cema and Heidi’s experiences with ethnicity as they've moved between cultures. Cema and Heidi share great personal examples of entertainment, media and personal situations that highlight important representation can be in a 'home from home'. Give this ep a listen to learn about how perceptions of home can change and be redefined as you move around and the role of representation within this. I found this an eye-opening conversation, and hope it provides you with a mirror of possibility for your own experiences and reflections. Make sure you follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening and give the pod a 5-star rating/review! You can also follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker, with lots more podcast updates and representation reflections over there. Stay safe, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios from Pixabay Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM from Pixabay

    Reflection #4: Ethnicity and perceptions of home
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About

Representation Reflected explores how the stories we see shape the way we see ourselves. Hosted by Zac Terry, the podcast dives into media, culture, and identity - asking who gets seen, who gets left out, and why it matters. Each episode blends personal reflection with cultural critique: individuals share how representation has shaped their present day relationship with particular themes, from body image and chronic illness to ethnicity and self-worth. This is about the joy of breakthroughs, the impact of missteps, and the power of visibility that reflects authentic reality.

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