Do you ever feel anxious, depressed, or stressed about life to the point where you don't know what to do about it? Heather Creekmore interviews neurospychologist and author, Dr. Michelle Bengtson on body image, comparison, depression, anxiety. Find out how identity issues are central to all of these struggles and hear Dr. B give a prescription for hope no matter what your struggle! 

Listen to Dr. Michelle's Podcast

Visit DrMichelleBengtson.com and get your free downloadable study guide!

Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression on Amazon.

Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises on Amazon

Take the body image quiz: www.comparedtowho.me/follow

Read Dr. Michelle's Post on Compared to Who about the bucket list and the perfect pair of shoes here.

(Affiliate links)

Do you ever feel anxious, depressed, or stressed about life to the point where you don't know what to do about it? Heather Creekmore interviews neurospychologist and author, Dr. Michelle Bengtson on body image, comparison, depression, anxiety. Find out how identity issues are central to all of these struggles and hear Dr. B give a prescription for hope no matter what your struggle!  <a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com/podcast/">Listen to Dr. Michelle's Podcast</a> Visit <a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com">DrMichelleBengtson.com</a> and get your free downloadable study guide! <a href="https://amzn.to/2qqywKK">Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression</a> on Amazon. <a href="https://amzn.to/33Su9Xc">Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises on Amazon</a> Take the body image quiz: <a href="http://www.comparedtowho.me">www.comparedtowho.me/follow</a> <a href="https://comparedtowho.me/when-words-hurt/">Read Dr. Michelle's Post on Compared to Who about the bucket list and the perfect pair of shoes here.</a> (Affiliate links)

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

Identity, Depression & Anxiety: How to Find Freedom with Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Have you ever felt completely stuck when it comes to body image, or really ANY area where you just can’t get unstuck, no matter what boxes you check? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the underlying reasons we stay stuck and offers a biblically-rooted path toward true freedom.

Episode Highlights

Why Do We Get Stuck?


Exploring the feeling of desperation and stuckness, especially around body image or life circumstances
Heather Creekmore shares the real-life struggle and the “one thing” mindset
00:00:09


Parallels with the biblical story of Rachel & Leah’s desperate longing
00:03:01

The Root of Stuckness: Envy and Comparison


How envy eats us alive—what Rachel and Leah were really longing for, and how this shows up in our own lives
00:03:51


The dangerous pattern of “Give me _ or I’ll die!” and how this mindset affects our faith and contentment
00:05:10

False Solutions and Chasing Idols


Why achieving our desires (like Rachel’s longed-for baby) doesn’t satisfy in the end
00:10:17


How “self-improvement” can actually lead to more pride and stuckness instead of freedom
00:25:17

The Call to Pure Humility


A deep dive into biblical humility vs. pride; why humility is about focusing less on ourselves
00:13:15


The example of Mary (mother of Jesus) and her response of true humility and worship
00:24:35

Getting Unstuck: Practical Steps


Why you can’t do it alone—why Christian community, confession, and honest conversations are crucial
00:31:19


How zooming out (not magnifying your own issues) can change everything
00:30:26

Final Encouragement


Reminder: body image healing isn't just mental...it’s spiritual. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to heal in isolation or alone.
00:35:29

Mentioned Episodes and Resources

The following episodes and resources are referenced and would be linked in the show notes:


Episode: “What if I Just Want a Body I'm Proud Of?”
(Heather Creekmore discusses the pitfalls of longing for body satisfaction through surface change.
Episode: “I'm Sorry I Got it Wrong: Why Leaning On Your Own Understanding Isn't the Answer”
(Discussed at 00:20:35)


“Waiting for Weight Loss” Series
(A series reframing how we view weight loss and its relationship to body image freedom)


“YouVersion Bible Reading Plans” (Summer Body Image Issues and More)
(Find Bible-based reading plans tailored to body image struggles)


Book: The Comparison Free Life
(Learn more about chasing idols and biblical freedom)
Book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook
Book: Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women in Midlife
Book: Heather's story- Compared to Who?

Stay Connected


Take the free body image quiz and access all resources at improvebodyimage.com


Interested in one-on-one, bible-based coaching (nouthetic counseling)? Visit the “Work with Me” and “Beyond Body Image” sections of the site.

If you’re struggling, don’t walk the road alone! Share the episode with a friend or invite someone to join the next 40-Day Journey for Christian women.

Have you ever felt completely stuck when it comes to body image, or really ANY area where you just can&rsquo;t get unstuck, no matter what boxes you check? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the underlying reasons we stay stuck and offers a biblically-rooted path toward true freedom.
Episode Highlights
Why Do We Get Stuck?
<ul>
<li>
Exploring the feeling of desperation and stuckness, especially around body image or life circumstances Heather Creekmore shares the real-life struggle and the &ldquo;one thing&rdquo; mindset 00:00:09
</li>
<li>
Parallels with the biblical story of Rachel &amp; Leah&rsquo;s desperate longing 00:03:01
</li>
</ul>
The Root of Stuckness: Envy and Comparison
<ul>
<li>
How envy eats us alive&mdash;what Rachel and Leah were really longing for, and how this shows up in our own lives 00:03:51
</li>
<li>
The dangerous pattern of &ldquo;Give me _ or I&rsquo;ll die!&rdquo; and how this mindset affects our faith and contentment 00:05:10
</li>
</ul>
False Solutions and Chasing Idols
<ul>
<li>
Why achieving our desires (like Rachel&rsquo;s longed-for baby) doesn&rsquo;t satisfy in the end 00:10:17
</li>
<li>
How &ldquo;self-improvement&rdquo; can actually lead to more pride and stuckness instead of freedom 00:25:17
</li>
</ul>
The Call to Pure Humility
<ul>
<li>
A deep dive into biblical humility vs. pride; why humility is about focusing less on ourselves 00:13:15
</li>
<li>
The example of Mary (mother of Jesus) and her response of true humility and worship 00:24:35
</li>
</ul>
Getting Unstuck: Practical Steps
<ul>
<li>
Why you can&rsquo;t do it alone&mdash;why Christian community, confession, and honest conversations are crucial 00:31:19
</li>
<li>
How zooming out (not magnifying your own issues) can change everything 00:30:26
</li>
</ul>
Final Encouragement
<ul>
<li>
Reminder: body image healing isn't just mental...it&rsquo;s spiritual. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to heal in isolation or alone. 00:35:29
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Mentioned Episodes and Resources
The following episodes and resources are referenced and would be linked in the show notes:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-if-i-just-want-a-body-im-proud-of">Episode: &ldquo;What if I Just Want a Body I'm Proud Of?&rdquo;</a> (Heather Creekmore discusses the pitfalls of longing for body satisfaction through surface change.
</li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/im-sorry-i-got-it-wrong-learning-not-to-lean-on-my-own-understanding">Episode: &ldquo;I'm Sorry I Got it Wrong: Why Leaning On Your Own Understanding Isn't the Answer&rdquo;</a> (Discussed at 00:20:35)</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/are-you-waiting-for-weight-loss-new-lent-series">&ldquo;Waiting for Weight Loss&rdquo; Series</a> (A series reframing how we view weight loss and its relationship to body image freedom)
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/youversion-bible-reading-plans-on-body-image-by-heather-creekmore">&ldquo;YouVersion Bible Reading Plans&rdquo; (Summer Body Image Issues and More)</a> (Find Bible-based reading plans tailored to body image struggles)
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">Book: The Comparison Free Life</a> (Learn more about chasing idols and biblical freedom)
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian">Book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/aging-gratefully">Book: Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women in Midlife</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">Book: Heather's story- Compared to Who?</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
Stay Connected
<ul>
<li>
Take the free body image quiz and access all resources at <a href="https://improvebodyimage.com/">improvebodyimage.com</a>
</li>
<li>
Interested in one-on-one, bible-based coaching (nouthetic counseling)? <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-courses-and-coaching">Visit the &ldquo;Work with Me&rdquo; </a>and &ldquo;Beyond Body Image&rdquo; sections of the site.
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re struggling, don&rsquo;t walk the road alone! Share the episode with a friend or invite someone to join the next <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">40-Day Journey</a> for Christian women.

The Real Reason You're Still Stuck in Body Image or Other Issues for Christian Women

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/59931e1a-f1af-4cc1-9f64-b45f010ae967/transcript

Are you tired of shouldering the weight of impossible standards and harsh self-judgment? This week on the podcast, Shannon Popkin returns for an honest conversation about judging—especially the way perfectionists measure themselves with a critical, merciless scoop.

In this compassionate and insightful episode, you’ll hear:
- Why “judge not” is more nuanced than you might think, and how the Bible calls us to both discernment and humility.
- How the standards we use to judge ourselves often seep into our perception of others—even when we think we’re showing only ourselves the harshness. 
- The trap of perfectionism: when striving to be flawless turns into wounded pride and a subtle resistance to receiving grace.
- The difference between external rule-keeping and the biblical invitation to “walk with God”—not just check every box.
- How admitting our need for mercy—rather than clinging to “good girl” status—actually brings us closer to Jesus and frees us from the courtroom in our heads.
- A vulnerable story of how Shannon realized she’d been harshly judging a friend’s motives, and the freedom that came with confession and restored relationship.

Resources & Next Steps:

- Check out Shannon's latest book here: Kinda Judgy on Amazon (Amazon affiliate link)
- Take Shannon’s “Kind of Judgy” Quiz and download the heart check at: http://shannonpopkin.com/judgy
- Explore stories from Shannon’s new book for practical ways to deal with self-judgment and embrace mercy!
- Share this episode with a friend who struggles to be gentle with herself!

**Let this episode be your invitation to step out of self-condemnation, walk in mercy, and embrace the freeing truth of the gospel—for yourself, not just everyone else.**

Listen now for hope and honest insight!

Are you tired of shouldering the weight of impossible standards and harsh self-judgment? This week on the podcast, Shannon Popkin returns for an honest conversation about judging&mdash;especially the way perfectionists measure themselves with a critical, merciless scoop.
In this compassionate and insightful episode, you&rsquo;ll hear: - Why &ldquo;judge not&rdquo; is more nuanced than you might think, and how the Bible calls us to both discernment and humility. - How the standards we use to judge ourselves often seep into our perception of others&mdash;even when we think we&rsquo;re showing only ourselves the harshness.&nbsp; - The trap of perfectionism: when striving to be flawless turns into wounded pride and a subtle resistance to receiving grace. - The difference between external rule-keeping and the biblical invitation to &ldquo;walk with God&rdquo;&mdash;not just check every box. - How admitting our need for mercy&mdash;rather than clinging to &ldquo;good girl&rdquo; status&mdash;actually brings us closer to Jesus and frees us from the courtroom in our heads. - A vulnerable story of how Shannon realized she&rsquo;d been harshly judging a friend&rsquo;s motives, and the freedom that came with confession and restored relationship.
Resources &amp; Next Steps:
- Check out Shannon's latest book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/4dKVVe7">Kinda Judgy on Amazon</a> (Amazon affiliate link) - Take Shannon&rsquo;s &ldquo;Kind of Judgy&rdquo; Quiz and download the heart check at: http://shannonpopkin.com/judgy - Explore stories from Shannon&rsquo;s new book for practical ways to deal with self-judgment and embrace mercy! - Share this episode with a friend who struggles to be gentle with herself!
**Let this episode be your invitation to step out of self-condemnation, walk in mercy, and embrace the freeing truth of the gospel&mdash;for yourself, not just everyone else.**
Listen now for hope and honest insight!

Stop the Self-Judgment Shame Cycle: For Perfectionists Who Tend to Be Hard on Themselves

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/79ece851-e2d2-409e-9f8c-b45501024a40/transcript

Are anxious thoughts stealing your peace? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry, perfectionism, or rigid control—sometimes without even realizing it? You're not alone, and you don't have to face this struggle in silence.

In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the pervasive reality of anxiety—what it feels like, why so many of us miss the signs, and how faith intersects with mental health. Nichole Suvar shares her own journey, from childhood panic attacks no one could name, to adulthood struggles with shame, perfectionism, and even suicidal thoughts. Hear how finally receiving a diagnosis for anxiety and depression brought relief, clarity, and a path to healing—and how opening up about her struggles helped others around her do the same.

A key theme that emerged was how many in our generation grew up lacking language for anxiety ("just calm down" or "don't worry" was the advice), while younger generations often recognize these feelings sooner. The discussion explores practical steps for those overwhelmed by worry—from identifying anxious patterns hiding in everyday life, to learning how to relinquish false control and invite God into the struggle.

One concept discussed is the illusion that peace can be earned through achieving the "perfect" body, success, or image. Instead, lasting peace is something we cultivate—not manufacture—by returning to God's original design and practicing true stewardship, not unhealthy control (18:48).

If you've ever felt ashamed of your anxiety, doubted your faith because of your mental health battles, or wondered when worry crosses the line into something more serious, this episode will meet you with wisdom, compassion, and hope. You'll come away with fresh insight, tangible tools for daily surrender, and the freeing reminder: You don’t have to hold it all together.

Listen in to discover:


How to spot hidden anxiety—even if you think it’s “just your personality”


The practical differences between worry, concern, and clinical anxiety


Why control feels soothing, but never truly delivers peace


What “cultivating Eden” looks like in a modern world


Why God’s peace isn’t achieved, but received—and how to start seeking it today

Connect with Nichole Suvar:


Website: livewithintent.org


Instagram: @nicolejsuvar


Book: I Don’t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed (Amazon affiliate link: Tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who? ministry.)

If you are ready to release shame, deepen your faith, and discover a new way to walk through anxiety, hit play now.

Ready to feel less anxiety around your body image and food issues? Join the next 40-Day Journey which starts June 3rd. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

 

Are anxious thoughts stealing your peace? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry, perfectionism, or rigid control&mdash;sometimes without even realizing it? You're not alone, and you don't have to face this struggle in silence.
In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the pervasive reality of anxiety&mdash;what it feels like, why so many of us miss the signs, and how faith intersects with mental health. Nichole Suvar shares her own journey, from childhood panic attacks no one could name, to adulthood struggles with shame, perfectionism, and even suicidal thoughts. Hear how finally receiving a diagnosis for anxiety and depression brought relief, clarity, and a path to healing&mdash;and how opening up about her struggles helped others around her do the same.
A key theme that emerged was how many in our generation grew up lacking language for anxiety ("just calm down" or "don't worry" was the advice), while younger generations often recognize these feelings sooner. The discussion explores practical steps for those overwhelmed by worry&mdash;from identifying anxious patterns hiding in everyday life, to learning how to relinquish false control and invite God into the struggle.
One concept discussed is the illusion that peace can be earned through achieving the "perfect" body, success, or image. Instead, lasting peace is something we cultivate&mdash;not manufacture&mdash;by returning to God's original design and practicing true stewardship, not unhealthy control (18:48).
If you've ever felt ashamed of your anxiety, doubted your faith because of your mental health battles, or wondered when worry crosses the line into something more serious, this episode will meet you with wisdom, compassion, and hope. You'll come away with fresh insight, tangible tools for daily surrender, and the freeing reminder: You don&rsquo;t have to hold it all together.
Listen in to discover:
<ul>
<li>
How to spot hidden anxiety&mdash;even if you think it&rsquo;s &ldquo;just your personality&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
The practical differences between worry, concern, and clinical anxiety
</li>
<li>
Why control feels soothing, but never truly delivers peace
</li>
<li>
What &ldquo;cultivating Eden&rdquo; looks like in a modern world
</li>
<li>
Why God&rsquo;s peace isn&rsquo;t achieved, but received&mdash;and how to start seeking it today
</li>
</ul>
Connect with Nichole Suvar:
<ul>
<li>
Website: <a href="https://livewithintent.org/">livewithintent.org</a>
</li>
<li>
Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/nicolejsuvar">@nicolejsuvar</a>
</li>
<li>
Book: <a href="https://amzn.to/4uyKIo7">I Don&rsquo;t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed&nbsp;</a>(Amazon affiliate link: Tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who? ministry.)
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
If you are ready to release shame, deepen your faith, and discover a new way to walk through anxiety, hit play now.
Ready to feel less anxiety around your body image and food issues? Join the next 40-Day Journey which starts June 3rd. Learn more here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
&nbsp;

Cultivating Peace: Understanding Anxiety, Control, and God's Design feat: Nichole Suvar

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/49d7184d-26c5-4640-86ab-b45500eec2e0/transcript

Identity, Depression & Anxiety: How to Find Freedom with Dr. Michelle Bengtson

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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