If our body image and comparison issues are rooted in fear, then friends, we aren't living in joy. The Bible tells us fear and joy can't co-exist. Learn how to find joy through the stories and practical exercises suggested in this podcast!

Helpful links:

Comparedtowho.me

Compared to Who? the book

God Calling Book

Mari Kondo's "Spark Joy" book

Nehemiah 8:10

Kay Warren, "Choose Joy"

If our body image and comparison issues are rooted in fear, then friends, we aren't living in joy. The Bible tells us fear and joy can't co-exist. Learn how to find joy through the stories and practical exercises suggested in this podcast! Helpful links: <a href="http://www.comparedtowho.me/follow">Comparedtowho.me</a> <a title="Compared to Who? the book" href="https://www.amazon.com/Compared-Who-Proven-Improve-Image-ebook/dp/B07256S4W9/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compared to Who? the book</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Calling-Inspirational-Library-Russell/dp/1557481105/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549311698&sr=8-1&keywords=God+Calling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">God Calling Book</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2UHoYVt">Mari Kondo's "Spark Joy" book</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a> <a href="http://kaywarren.com/choosejoy/">Kay Warren, "Choose Joy"</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

Do you have joy? Here's how to get more of it!

Finding Joy & Overcoming Body Image & Comparison Issues

Are you feeling crushed by the pressure to lose weight? You’re not alone. In this honest and compassionate episode, Heather Creekmore tackles the overwhelming desire so many women carry to lose weight—even when we know the struggle all too well.

Heather Creekmore dives deep into the real reasons why our culture is fixated on shrinking our bodies, the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, and what it means now that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US have tried these weight-loss shots. Whether you use them, are considering them, or tried them and now feel even more burned by diet culture, this episode is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode:


Why so many of us feel pressured to be thinner, especially during the holiday season


How body image struggles are magnified by social media, holiday events, and cultural expectations


What the Gospel teaches us on humility, worth, and where our true value is rooted (hint: it’s not in the scale or in being the “thinnest one in the photo”)


Real talk about the cost—mentally, physically, and spiritually—of making weight loss your primary goal


Encouraging reminders that your struggle is not a “you problem,” but a symptom of a wider issue in our society


Practical steps for what to do when the desire to lose weight feels overwhelming

If you’re tired of wrestling with disappointment from the latest weight loss trends, or you need encouragement to find freedom from the idol of body image, tune in for wise, compassionate truth that will point you to lasting hope.

Special Invitation:
Ready for a new way—one that invites more freedom, less comparison, and true worth? Don’t miss the announcement about the next 40-Day Body Image Journey (starts January 20th)! Head to improvebodyimage.com to learn more.

Share this episode with a friend or leave a review if it encourages you—your support helps others find hope and healing too.

Stop comparing. Start living. Listen now to “When the Want to Lose Weight Is Overwhelming” on Compared to Who?

Are you feeling crushed by the pressure to lose weight? You&rsquo;re not alone. In this honest and compassionate episode, Heather Creekmore tackles the overwhelming desire so many women carry to lose weight&mdash;even when we know the struggle all too well.
Heather Creekmore dives deep into the real reasons why our culture is fixated on shrinking our bodies, the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, and what it means now that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US have tried these weight-loss shots. Whether you use them, are considering them, or tried them and now feel even more burned by diet culture, this episode is for you.
What you&rsquo;ll hear in this episode:
<ul>
<li>
Why so many of us feel pressured to be thinner, especially during the holiday season
</li>
<li>
How body image struggles are magnified by social media, holiday events, and cultural expectations
</li>
<li>
What the Gospel teaches us on humility, worth, and where our true value is rooted (hint: it&rsquo;s not in the scale or in being the &ldquo;thinnest one in the photo&rdquo;)
</li>
<li>
Real talk about the cost&mdash;mentally, physically, and spiritually&mdash;of making weight loss your primary goal
</li>
<li>
Encouraging reminders that your struggle is not a &ldquo;you problem,&rdquo; but a symptom of a wider issue in our society
</li>
<li>
Practical steps for what to do when the desire to lose weight feels overwhelming
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re tired of wrestling with disappointment from the latest weight loss trends, or you need encouragement to find freedom from the idol of body image, tune in for wise, compassionate truth that will point you to lasting hope.
Special Invitation: Ready for a new way&mdash;one that invites more freedom, less comparison, and true worth? Don&rsquo;t miss the announcement about the next 40-Day Body Image Journey (starts January 20th)! Head to <a href="http://improvebodyimage.com/">improvebodyimage.com</a> to learn more.
Share this episode with a friend or leave a review if it encourages you&mdash;your support helps others find hope and healing too.
<hr>
Stop comparing. Start living. Listen now to &ldquo;When the Want to Lose Weight Is Overwhelming&rdquo; on Compared to Who?

All I Want for Christmas is Weight Loss: When the Desire to Be Thinner Overwhelms You 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e73bd791-8005-409d-8530-b3af0138596e/transcript

On this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore sits down for a candid conversation with Nicole Warren Renard, also known as Nicole the Nomad. Nicole’s journey has taken her through pageants, the Miss America stage, social media influence, and even to competing on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. But beneath the highlight reel, Nicole opens up about the ever-present challenge of comparison—whether it's sizing herself up against others, herself from different seasons of life, or the high-pressure environments of televised competitions and motherhood.

What’s Inside:


Facing Comparison in High-Pressure Environments: Nicole reflects on feeling like the "least experienced, least qualified" contestant on Next Level Chef, and how self-doubt and comparison can trip us up—even in the most exciting opportunities.


Identity and Confidence: Discover how grounding her worth in Christ empowered Nicole to compete in both pageants and cooking shows without letting failure or criticism define her.


Comparison in Motherhood: Nicole shares honestly about the struggles of comparing herself to other moms on social media, and even to her pre-mom self. She offers practical ways to keep your heart and mind anchored in truth during big life transitions.


Practical Tips for Freedom from Comparison:


Breath prayers and staying in constant conversation with God


Practicing gratitude to shift focus away from “not enough”


Setting healthy boundaries with social media


Keeping an eternal perspective during mundane or behind-the-scenes seasons


Life Skills and Pageant Myths: Nicole debunks stereotypes about the pageant world, explains how it developed her confidence and skills, and how she focused on the positive outcomes rather than just winning.


Holistic Health & Rhythms: Nicole shares the value of consistency and structure in daily routines for mind, body, and soul health.


Faith in the Everyday: Learn how Nicole incorporates prayer and scripture into her daily life, even as a busy new mom, modeling an abiding relationship with God for her daughter.

Favorite Quotes:


“At the end of the day, if all of that was stripped away, nothing I do or don't do changes the fact that I'm a human created with purpose and that I have value that is given to me through Christ.”


“I'm quick to give up on myself and say, well, I don’t know what else it could be… And I compare myself to that.”

We Talk About:


The mental game of competition and why comparison can knock out even the most talented contestants


How gratitude can’t coexist with complaining, and practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart


Why embracing every season—including the “unseen” work of motherhood—is building an eternal legacy

Sponsored by:
WeShare Christian Medical Health Sharing — health care designed with your peace of mind. Get a free, no-obligation quote and waive the $149 application fee by going to: www.weshare.org/heather

Connect:
Find Nicole on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more as Nicole the Nomad. Get recipes, travel guides, and more at Nicole the Nomad’s website.

Next Steps:


Sign up for Compared to Who?'s 40 Day Journey or grab the 40 Day Body Image Workbook on Amazon.


Leave a 5-star review and share this episode if it encouraged you!

Remember:
You can stop comparing—and start living!

 

On this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore sits down for a candid conversation with Nicole Warren Renard, also known as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolethenomad">Nicole the Nomad</a>. Nicole&rsquo;s journey has taken her through pageants, the Miss America stage, social media influence, and even to competing on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. But beneath the highlight reel, Nicole opens up about the ever-present challenge of comparison&mdash;whether it's sizing herself up against others, herself from different seasons of life, or the high-pressure environments of televised competitions and motherhood.
What&rsquo;s Inside:
<ul>
<li>
Facing Comparison in High-Pressure Environments: Nicole reflects on feeling like the "least experienced, least qualified" contestant on Next Level Chef, and how self-doubt and comparison can trip us up&mdash;even in the most exciting opportunities.
</li>
<li>
Identity and Confidence: Discover how grounding her worth in Christ empowered Nicole to compete in both pageants and cooking shows without letting failure or criticism define her.
</li>
<li>
Comparison in Motherhood: Nicole shares honestly about the struggles of comparing herself to other moms on social media, and even to her pre-mom self. She offers practical ways to keep your heart and mind anchored in truth during big life transitions.
</li>
<li>
Practical Tips for Freedom from Comparison:
<ul>
<li>
Breath prayers and staying in constant conversation with God
</li>
<li>
Practicing gratitude to shift focus away from &ldquo;not enough&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
Setting healthy boundaries with social media
</li>
<li>
Keeping an eternal perspective during mundane or behind-the-scenes seasons
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Life Skills and Pageant Myths: Nicole debunks stereotypes about the pageant world, explains how it developed her confidence and skills, and how she focused on the positive outcomes rather than just winning.
</li>
<li>
Holistic Health &amp; Rhythms: Nicole shares the value of consistency and structure in daily routines for mind, body, and soul health.
</li>
<li>
Faith in the Everyday: Learn how Nicole incorporates prayer and scripture into her daily life, even as a busy new mom, modeling an abiding relationship with God for her daughter.
</li>
</ul>
Favorite Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
&ldquo;At the end of the day, if all of that was stripped away, nothing I do or don't do changes the fact that I'm a human created with purpose and that I have value that is given to me through Christ.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
&ldquo;I'm quick to give up on myself and say, well, I don&rsquo;t know what else it could be&hellip; And I compare myself to that.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
We Talk About:
<ul>
<li>
The mental game of competition and why comparison can knock out even the most talented contestants
</li>
<li>
How gratitude can&rsquo;t coexist with complaining, and practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart
</li>
<li>
Why embracing every season&mdash;including the &ldquo;unseen&rdquo; work of motherhood&mdash;is building an eternal legacy
</li>
</ul>
Sponsored by: WeShare Christian Medical Health Sharing &mdash; health care designed with your peace of mind.&nbsp;Get a free, no-obligation quote and waive the $149 application fee by going to: <a href="https://www.weshare.org/heather">www.weshare.org/heather</a>
Connect: Find Nicole on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more as Nicole the Nomad. Get recipes, travel guides, and more at <a href="https://nicolethenomad.com">Nicole the Nomad&rsquo;s website</a>.
Next Steps:
<ul>
<li>
Sign up for <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">Compared to Who?'s 40 Day Journey</a> or grab the 4<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian">0 Day Body Image Workbook on Amazon.</a>
</li>
<li>
Leave a 5-star review and share this episode if it encouraged you!
</li>
</ul>
Remember: You can stop comparing&mdash;and start living!
&nbsp;

Overcoming Comparison, Identity in Christ, and Confidence with Nicole Renard (Nicole the Nomad): From Pageants and Next Level Chef to Motherhood

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/198a5517-c33b-4ac1-9b13-b3ad00f4d6f7/transcript

This powerful episode of the Compared to Who? podcast dives deep into the story of Cheri Garcia, a nationally recognized recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cornbread Hustle. Cheri joins Heather Creekmore to share her extraordinary journey through addiction, bulimia, and the relentless pursuit of approval and achievement.

What You’ll Hear:


Cheri’s Hidden Struggles: From a “typical” all-American upbringing to battling addiction, reveals how her father’s meth use triggered a desperate search for approval, leading her down her own path of substance abuse. She opens up about her history with meth, alcohol, and bulimia, as well as the shame that hid behind her achievements.


Entrepreneurial Escape: Despite her addictions, Cheri became a successful entrepreneur, starting businesses—even while still in high school. Listen as she describes how workaholism became a new kind of drug, and why success could never satisfy her underlying wounds.


Rock Bottom & Surrender: Cheri’s story takes a pivotal turn after a DWI arrest, propelling her toward sobriety. She shares the moment on Christmas Day when she chose to give herself the “gift of sobriety” and the spiritual awakening that followed, including a haunting worship song, a powerful Bible verse, and a deep confrontation with God.


Breaking the Shame Cycle: The conversation explores the difference between guilt and shame, the importance of vulnerability vs. mere transparency, and why secrets keep us sick.

Cheri explains how confessing your struggles—no matter how dark—can set you free.


Mental Health and Medication: In a refreshingly honest discussion, Cheri talks about her journey with mental health and the complexities of accepting help, including medication, after years of trying to "pray harder" through her pain.


Community & True Friendship: Hear how authentic community, especially among women in recovery, helped Cheri finally accept herself without needing to "offer" anything.

Key Takeaways:


Recovery is often a journey of switching unhealthy fixes for healthier, but sometimes still unsatisfying, ones.


Healing from shame requires bringing secrets into the light and embracing community.


Vulnerability—not just transparency—is where true transformation happens.


Sometimes faith and mental health treatment go hand-in-hand, and there’s no shame in seeking help.


You are worthy of love, friendship, and community, apart from your achievements.

Resources & Links:


Connect with Cheri on Instagram: @luminous_cheri


Find out about We Share: weshare.org/heather

A Note from Heather:

If you find yourself struggling with addiction, body image, or feeling like you have to achieve to be worthy, let this episode remind you: You’re not alone. There is hope, healing, and community waiting for you.

Listen & subscribe for more honest stories that help you stop comparing and start living!

This powerful episode of the Compared to Who? podcast dives deep into the story of Cheri Garcia, a nationally recognized recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cornbread Hustle. Cheri joins Heather Creekmore to share her extraordinary journey through addiction, bulimia, and the relentless pursuit of approval and achievement.
<hr>
What You&rsquo;ll Hear:
<ul>
<li>
Cheri&rsquo;s Hidden Struggles: From a &ldquo;typical&rdquo; all-American upbringing to battling addiction, reveals how her father&rsquo;s meth use triggered a desperate search for approval, leading her down her own path of substance abuse. She opens up about her history with meth, alcohol, and bulimia, as well as the shame that hid behind her achievements.
</li>
<li>
Entrepreneurial Escape: Despite her addictions, Cheri became a successful entrepreneur, starting businesses&mdash;even while still in high school. Listen as she describes how workaholism became a new kind of drug, and why success could never satisfy her underlying wounds.
</li>
<li>
Rock Bottom &amp; Surrender: Cheri&rsquo;s story takes a pivotal turn after a DWI arrest, propelling her toward sobriety. She shares the moment on Christmas Day when she chose to give herself the &ldquo;gift of sobriety&rdquo; and the spiritual awakening that followed, including a haunting worship song, a powerful Bible verse, and a deep confrontation with God.
</li>
<li>
Breaking the Shame Cycle: The conversation explores the difference between guilt and shame, the importance of vulnerability vs. mere transparency, and why secrets keep us sick.
Cheri explains how confessing your struggles&mdash;no matter how dark&mdash;can set you free.
</li>
<li>
Mental Health and Medication: In a refreshingly honest discussion, Cheri talks about her journey with mental health and the complexities of accepting help, including medication, after years of trying to "pray harder" through her pain.
</li>
<li>
Community &amp; True Friendship: Hear how authentic community, especially among women in recovery, helped Cheri finally accept herself without needing to "offer" anything.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Recovery is often a journey of switching unhealthy fixes for healthier, but sometimes still unsatisfying, ones.
</li>
<li>
Healing from shame requires bringing secrets into the light and embracing community.
</li>
<li>
Vulnerability&mdash;not just transparency&mdash;is where true transformation happens.
</li>
<li>
Sometimes faith and mental health treatment go hand-in-hand, and there&rsquo;s no shame in seeking help.
</li>
<li>
You are worthy of love, friendship, and community, apart from your achievements.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources &amp; Links:
<ul>
<li>
Connect with Cheri on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luminous_cheri/">@luminous_cheri</a>
</li>
<li>
Find out about We Share: <a href="https://weshare.org/heather">weshare.org/heather</a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
A Note from Heather:
If you find yourself struggling with addiction, body image, or feeling like you have to achieve to be worthy, let this episode remind you: You&rsquo;re not alone. There is hope, healing, and community waiting for you.
<hr>
Listen &amp; subscribe for more honest stories that help you stop comparing and start living!

Finding Joy & Overcoming Body Image & Comparison Issues

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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