Today Jessica Hottle and I dig into the concept of trauma and how unhealed trauma can keep us stuck in body image issues. Whether it's trauma from a car accident or the mean girls in high school, or something much bigger that's shaped your life in unimaginable ways--underlying and unacknowledged trauma keeps us stuck in bondage believing lies about our worth. Jessica helps me unpack this through sharing her story.

Connect with Jessica here.

Support Compared to Who? here.

Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz here.

Today Jessica Hottle and I dig into the concept of trauma and how unhealed trauma can keep us stuck in body image issues. Whether it's trauma from a car accident or the mean girls in high school, or something much bigger that's shaped your life in unimaginable ways--underlying and unacknowledged trauma keeps us stuck in bondage believing lies about our worth. Jessica helps me unpack this through sharing her story. <a href="https://www.jessicahottle.com">Connect with Jessica here.</a> <a href="https://www.pateron.com/comparedtowho">Support Compared to Who? here.</a> <a href="https://www.comparedtowho.me/follow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz here.</a>

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!

Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?

Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)

If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!

Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.

I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.

Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.

Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!
Are you a Christian woman who&rsquo;s tired of measuring yourself by the world&rsquo;s standards? Have you tried to &ldquo;fix yourself&rdquo; with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clich&eacute;s&mdash;but still feel like you&rsquo;re falling short?Do you know the truth of God&rsquo;s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?
Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret&rsquo;s safe here.)
If you answered yes, then&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;is the show for you!
Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face&mdash;comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more&mdash;through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You&rsquo;ll find encouragement to trust God&rsquo;s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
I&rsquo;m Heather Creekmore&mdash;best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.
Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck&mdash;and start living free in Jesus.
Find out more about me and the ministry of&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.improvebodyimage.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CbbfkEG9w0k4Z9QBqp5C5">https://www.improvebodyimage.com</a>
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw08LV1DuGuu8Nv6oa8m3RKp">https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024</a>

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Body Image & Trauma: Discovering Hope & Healing with Jessica Bottle

Why do we want our clothes to be forgiving? In this thought-provoking episode, Heather Creekmore unpacks the deeper meaning behind the fashion world’s favorite words—like "forgiving" and "flattering"—and explores why so many of us feel pressure to make our bodies fit a narrow standard. Do our clothes really have the power to absolve us, or is there something bigger at play?

Join Heather Creekmore as she examines the surprising links between fashion lingo, theology, and our sense of self-worth. How does the language we use about our bodies sneak shame and judgment into our closets? What does it mean to break free from the idea of having "problem areas," and where can we look for true acceptance?

Whether you struggle with body image or have ever hesitated in the dressing room mirror, this episode will challenge what you believe about your body, your clothes, and what it truly means to be "good enough."

Tune in for powerful questions, real-life stories, and a fresh perspective that might change the way you get dressed tomorrow. Don’t miss it!

Ready to transform the way you think about food and your body? Join us for the next 40-Day Journey starting June 3rd. Learn more here. 

Why do we want our clothes to be forgiving? In this thought-provoking episode, Heather Creekmore unpacks the deeper meaning behind the fashion world&rsquo;s favorite words&mdash;like "forgiving" and "flattering"&mdash;and explores why so many of us feel pressure to make our bodies fit a narrow standard. Do our clothes really have the power to absolve us, or is there something bigger at play?
Join Heather Creekmore as she examines the surprising links between fashion lingo, theology, and our sense of self-worth. How does the language we use about our bodies sneak shame and judgment into our closets? What does it mean to break free from the idea of having "problem areas," and where can we look for true acceptance?
Whether you struggle with body image or have ever hesitated in the dressing room mirror, this episode will challenge what you believe about your body, your clothes, and what it truly means to be "good enough."
Tune in for powerful questions, real-life stories, and a fresh perspective that might change the way you get dressed tomorrow. Don&rsquo;t miss it!
Ready to transform the way you think about food and your body? <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">Join us for the next 40-Day Journey starting June 3rd. Learn more here.&nbsp;</a>

Forgiving Clothes? The Gospel of Good Bodies and Combatting Body Shame by Exposing a Misuse of Religious Language

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/c8e2f66b-32d9-4fa8-91e1-b43b012c355d/transcript

Are you curious about how diet programs sneak religious language into their sales pitch? Ever wondered why joining a weight loss plan at church can feel surprisingly similar to joining a church itself? On today’s episode, Heather Creekmore continues her powerful series, "The Gospel of Good Bodies," and exposes the insidious ways that popular diet programs like Optavia and the old Weigh Down Workshop blur the line between faith and food.

Heather Creekmore digs deep into:


How diet culture borrows the architecture of salvation: Learn how programs diagnose a “fallen state,” promise transformation, offer coaching “saviors,” and tout communities that eerily resemble church groups.


Shocking religious-sounding language from Optavia: Hear actual letters written to "brothers and sisters in Christ," urging members to “kick sugar in the face” as if it’s a spiritual battle; one equal to a believer's battle with pride!


The tragic path of Weigh Down Workshop: How Gwen Shamblin’s transformative biblical dieting program morphed into a bona fide cult—with spiritual harm to match.


Dangers of mixing body goals with spiritual worth: Why these messages distract from the true gospel and what Scripture actually says about food and the body.


A word of hope if you feel trapped by religious diet culture: Heather Creekmore encourages you—there’s a better, grace-filled way to see your body through Jesus.

If you’ve ever joined a diet program because “a Christian was leading it,” or if you just want to protect your faith from diet hype, you can’t miss this episode!

Love this episode?

Check out other deep-dives with Heather Creekmore into:


The Biggest Loser and its impact on our view of salvation


Past episodes about what the Bible actually says about food and dieting


The Weigh Down Workshop documentaries on Netflix and HBO Max


Plus, Heather Creekmore references insightful books like David Zahl's Seculosity.
Check out Heather's 40-Day Body Image Workbook or join us on the 40-Day Journey.

Let’s uncover the truth—together. Press play now!

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode helps you, share it with a friend and check out our other episodes on faith, body image, and the gospel of good bodies. 

Next up: Why do we expect our clothes to forgive us? Don’t miss the next thought-provoking discussion!

Are you curious about how diet programs sneak religious language into their sales pitch? Ever wondered why joining a weight loss plan at church can feel surprisingly similar to joining a church itself? On today&rsquo;s episode, Heather Creekmore continues her powerful series, "The Gospel of Good Bodies," and exposes the insidious ways that popular diet programs like Optavia and the old Weigh Down Workshop blur the line between faith and food.
Heather Creekmore digs deep into:
<ul>
<li>
How diet culture borrows the architecture of salvation: Learn how programs diagnose a &ldquo;fallen state,&rdquo; promise transformation, offer coaching &ldquo;saviors,&rdquo; and tout communities that eerily resemble church groups.
</li>
<li>
Shocking religious-sounding language from Optavia: Hear actual letters written to "brothers and sisters in Christ," urging members to &ldquo;kick sugar in the face&rdquo; as if it&rsquo;s a spiritual battle; one equal to a believer's battle with pride!
</li>
<li>
The tragic path of Weigh Down Workshop: How Gwen Shamblin&rsquo;s transformative biblical dieting program morphed into a bona fide cult&mdash;with spiritual harm to match.
</li>
<li>
Dangers of mixing body goals with spiritual worth: Why these messages distract from the true gospel and what Scripture actually says about food and the body.
</li>
<li>
A word of hope if you feel trapped by religious diet culture: Heather Creekmore encourages you&mdash;there&rsquo;s a better, grace-filled way to see your body through Jesus.
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;ve ever joined a diet program because &ldquo;a Christian was leading it,&rdquo; or if you just want to protect your faith from diet hype, you can&rsquo;t miss this episode!
Love this episode?
Check out other deep-dives with Heather Creekmore into:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/4-ways-the-biggest-loser-hurt-us-a-christians-perspective-on-fit-for-tv">The Biggest Loser and its impact on our view of salvation</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/colossians-2-does-the-new-testament-endorse-food-r">Past episodes about what the Bible actually says about food and dieting</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/starving-for-salvation-diet-culture-gwen-shamblin">The Weigh Down Workshop documentaries on Netflix and HBO Max</a>
</li>
<li>
Plus, Heather Creekmore references insightful books like <a href="https://amzn.to/4tJo100">David Zahl's Seculosity.</a>
</li>
<li>Check out Heather's <a href="https://amzn.to/4tOwb7u">40-Day Body Image Workbook </a>or join us on the <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">40-Day Journey.</a></li>
</ul>
Let&rsquo;s uncover the truth&mdash;together. Press play now!
Subscribe &amp; Share: If this episode helps you, share it with a friend and check out our other episodes on faith, body image, and the gospel of good bodies.&nbsp;
Next up: Why do we expect our clothes to forgive us? Don&rsquo;t miss the next thought-provoking discussion!

Is Your Food Plan a Religion? How Optavia & Weigh Down Workshop Promote the Religion of Worshipping Good Bodies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/6c58bce4-0897-4f39-8a85-b43b012c2d1a/transcript

Are you "being bad" for eating cake or looking for "guilt-free" foods? In this eye-opening episode, Heather Creekmore uncovers how modern diet culture has borrowed religious language—like sin, guilt, and temptation—and transformed eating into a moral battleground. Discover why labels like "clean eating" or "cheat days" aren't just diet lingo but clues to a whole alternate religion we unknowingly follow.

You’ll walk away with a new perspective on the words and rules you’ve absorbed about food and body, and a biblically grounded reminder that God’s table is about grace, not judgment. Don’t miss this liberating conversation that will help you stop comparing and start living with joy and freedom at the dinner table.

Join us as we:


Break down the roots of food guilt and temptation language


Examine what Scripture really says about food, pleasure, and purity


Challenge the diet culture religion and reclaim the grace and freedom God intended

Listen now—you’ll never hear the words "guilty pleasure" the same way again!

This is part one of a brand new series looking at religious language we use around food, body, diets, and even fashion!

 

References & Resources


Books referenced:


"Health, Money and Love, and Why We Don't Enjoy Them" by Robert Farrar Capon


"Seculosity" by David Zahl


The 40 Day Body Image Workbook
Heather Creekmore's book is discussed throughout the series. The next group journey starts Wednesday, June 3rd. More info at improvebodyimage.com.

Notable Quotes


"Diet culture is not just like a religion—it literally operates like one, complete with sin and temptation and confession and atonement and a promise of salvation if you can just get all the food and exercise rules right." (04:21)


"The Bible says eat with gladness. God has already approved." (32:32)


"Clean eating has borrowed its central metaphor, cleanliness, from a religious tradition that...the New Testament has moved on [from]." (27:32)

Mentions of Other Episodes


Upcoming in the Series:


Episode 2: Analysis of religious language in diet programs such as Optavia and Gwen Shamblin's Weigh Down Workshop and their impact on true Christian faith.


Episode 3: Discussion on forgiving fashion—why we talk about clothes as "forgiving" and unpacking this language.

Connect & Learn More


Join the 40-Day Journey or get more resources: improvebodyimage.com

Are you "being bad" for eating cake or looking for "guilt-free" foods? In this eye-opening episode, Heather Creekmore uncovers how modern diet culture has borrowed religious language&mdash;like sin, guilt, and temptation&mdash;and transformed eating into a moral battleground. Discover why labels like "clean eating" or "cheat days" aren't just diet lingo but clues to a whole alternate religion we unknowingly follow.
You&rsquo;ll walk away with a new perspective on the words and rules you&rsquo;ve absorbed about food and body, and a biblically grounded reminder that God&rsquo;s table is about grace, not judgment. Don&rsquo;t miss this liberating conversation that will help you stop comparing and start living with joy and freedom at the dinner table.
Join us as we:
<ul>
<li>
Break down the roots of food guilt and temptation language
</li>
<li>
Examine what Scripture really says about food, pleasure, and purity
</li>
<li>
Challenge the diet culture religion and reclaim the grace and freedom God intended
</li>
</ul>
Listen now&mdash;you&rsquo;ll never hear the words "guilty pleasure" the same way again!
This is part one of a brand new series looking at religious language we use around food, body, diets, and even fashion!
<hr>
&nbsp;
References &amp; Resources
<ul>
<li>
Books referenced:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://amzn.to/491oCSi">"Health, Money and Love, and Why We Don't Enjoy Them" by Robert Farrar Capon</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://amzn.to/48xnNk9">"Seculosity" by David Zahl</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian">The 40 Day Body Image Workbook</a> Heather Creekmore's book is discussed throughout the series. The next group journey starts Wednesday, June 3rd. More info at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">improvebodyimage.com</a>.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
"Diet culture is not just like a religion&mdash;it literally operates like one, complete with sin and temptation and confession and atonement and a promise of salvation if you can just get all the food and exercise rules right." (04:21)
</li>
<li>
"The Bible says eat with gladness. God has already approved." (32:32)
</li>
<li>
"Clean eating has borrowed its central metaphor, cleanliness, from a religious tradition that...the New Testament has moved on [from]." (27:32)
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Mentions of Other Episodes
<ul>
<li>
Upcoming in the Series:
<ol>
<li>
Episode 2: Analysis of religious language in diet programs such as Optavia and Gwen Shamblin's Weigh Down Workshop and their impact on true Christian faith.
</li>
<li>
Episode 3: Discussion on forgiving fashion&mdash;why we talk about clothes as "forgiving" and unpacking this language.
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Connect &amp; Learn More
<ul>
<li>
Join the 40-Day Journey or get more resources: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/">improvebodyimage.com</a>
</li>
</ul>

Gospel of Good Bodies: Listening for the Religious Language in Dieting, Wellness and Fashion

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/aac8c804-4926-4461-b4df-b43b012c04c4/transcript

Body Image & Trauma: Discovering Hope & Healing with Jessica Bottle

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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