Today I talk with my friend Erin Todd a "Ginger in Progress" about how God set her free from body image issues, restrictive eating habits (including Orthorexia), and how he has showed her how to embrace freedom when it comes to food. Listen as Erin shares her story and the hope she's found.

Connect with Erin here.

Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz.

Support Compared to Who? through Patreon.

Today I talk with my friend Erin Todd a "Ginger in Progress" about how God set her free from body image issues, restrictive eating habits (including Orthorexia), and how he has showed her how to embrace freedom when it comes to food. Listen as Erin shares her story and the hope she's found. <a href="https://erinltodd.com">Connect with Erin here.</a> <a href="http://www.comparedtowho.me/follow">Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz.</a> <a href="https://www.pateron.com/comparedtowho">Support Compared to Who? through Patreon.</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

Real Women, Real Hope: Erin Todd on Freedom From Unhealthy Food Rules and Restrictions 

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 &nbsp;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!

The Overacheiver's Secret: Healing After Addictions and Bulimia Featuring Cheri Garcia

This deeply moving episode of Compared to Who? features Anne Beiler, the original creator of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, as she shares her powerful personal story of trauma, loss, and ultimately, healing. Host Heather Creekmore guides a vulnerable discussion on the profound role confession plays in emotional and spiritual recovery, especially after devastating events.

What’s Inside:
Anne's humble beginnings growing up Amish and lessons on hard work that later inspired Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
The tragic loss of her young daughter and how this event marked the beginning of her struggle with spiritual confusion, grief, and “the life of pretense.”
Anne Beiler honestly recounts the pain and consequences of being taken advantage of by a pastor, the isolation of living with secrets, and the burden of shame and guilt.
The breaking point: how years of carrying trauma and secrecy led her to the brink, and how her journey shifted the moment she bravely confessed the truth to her husband.
Practical steps and biblical wisdom around confession, including
Anne Beiler's “new view of confession” based on James 5:16—confessing faults to one another as a path toward true healing.
The three types of confession: Anne identifies as keys to lasting freedom: private (bedside) with God, journaling, and verbal confession to another trusted person.


Encouragement and actionable advice for anyone carrying burdens, trauma, or secrets: You are not meant to walk alone.

Key Takeaways:


Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it’s about reclaiming connection, authenticity, and health—spiritually, mentally, and physically.


Secrets and shame fester in isolation, but openness (even when terrifying) is the beginning of transformation and hope.


Healing from trauma often requires courage to take responsibility, to stop blaming others, and to believe you’re worthy of freedom and forgiveness.


The body truly does “keep score”—emotional pain can manifest physically, but light begins to pierce the darkness the moment you step into honesty and connection.

Resources Mentioned:


James 5:16 and 1 John’s call to “walk in the light as He is in the light”


Book recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Amazon affiliate link)

Connect & Learn More:


Find more about Anne Beiler, one of the WeShare ambassadors, and her advocacy for healing and wholeness.


Looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance? Visit weshare.org/heather for a free quote and exclusive enrollment benefits.

Final Encouragement: If you are struggling with secrets, shame, or trauma, let today be the day you take a courageous step. Find someone to connect with, be brutally honest about your pain, and embrace the freedom that comes from confession and community.

**This episode was part of a paid partnership with WeShare: Healthcare by UHSM. 

Visit: weshare.org/heather for a free quote or to learn more about this Christian healthshare company.

This deeply moving episode of Compared to Who? features Anne Beiler, the original creator of Auntie Anne&rsquo;s Pretzels, as she shares her powerful personal story of trauma, loss, and ultimately, healing. Host Heather Creekmore guides a vulnerable discussion on the profound role confession plays in emotional and spiritual recovery, especially after devastating events.
What&rsquo;s Inside:
<ul>
<li>Anne's humble beginnings growing up Amish and lessons on hard work that later inspired Auntie Anne&rsquo;s Pretzels.</li>
<li>The tragic loss of her young daughter and how this event marked the beginning of her struggle with spiritual confusion, grief, and &ldquo;the life of pretense.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Anne Beiler&nbsp;honestly recounts the pain and consequences of being taken advantage of by a pastor, the isolation of living with secrets, and the burden of shame and guilt.</li>
<li>The breaking point: how years of carrying trauma and secrecy led her to the brink, and how her journey shifted the moment she bravely confessed the truth to her husband.</li>
<li>Practical steps and biblical wisdom around confession, including</li>
<li>Anne Beiler's &ldquo;new view of confession&rdquo; based on James 5:16&mdash;confessing faults to one another as a path toward true healing.</li>
<li>The three types of confession:&nbsp;Anne identifies as keys to lasting freedom: private (bedside) with God, journaling, and verbal confession to another trusted person.</li>
<li>
Encouragement and actionable advice for anyone carrying burdens, trauma, or secrets: You are not meant to walk alone.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it&rsquo;s about reclaiming connection, authenticity, and health&mdash;spiritually, mentally, and physically.
</li>
<li>
Secrets and shame fester in isolation, but openness (even when terrifying) is the beginning of transformation and hope.
</li>
<li>
Healing from trauma often requires courage to take responsibility, to stop blaming others, and to believe you&rsquo;re worthy of freedom and forgiveness.
</li>
<li>
The body truly does &ldquo;keep score&rdquo;&mdash;emotional pain can manifest physically, but light begins to pierce the darkness the moment you step into honesty and connection.
</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>
James 5:16 and 1 John&rsquo;s call to &ldquo;walk in the light as He is in the light&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
Book recommendation: <a href="https://amzn.to/486S9cd">The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk</a> (Amazon affiliate link)
</li>
</ul>
Connect &amp; Learn More:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.weshare.org/faith-based-healthcare/">Find more about Anne Beiler, one of the WeShare ambassadors, and her advocacy for healing and wholeness.</a>
</li>
<li>
Looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance? Visit <a href="https://weshare.org/heather">weshare.org/heather</a> for a free quote and exclusive enrollment benefits.
</li>
</ul>
Final Encouragement: If you are struggling with secrets, shame, or trauma, let today be the day you take a courageous step. Find someone to connect with, be brutally honest about your pain, and embrace the freedom that comes from confession and community.
**This episode was part of a paid partnership with WeShare: Healthcare by UHSM.&nbsp;
Visit: <a href="http://weshare.org/heather">weshare.org/heather</a>&nbsp;for a free quote or to learn more about this Christian healthshare company.

The Role of Confession in Healing: Featuring (Auntie) Anne Beiler

Are you tired of letting fears—big or small—shape how you live and see yourself? In this powerful wrap-up to our "Fear Free Fall" series, Heather Creekmore tackles one of the most common (and sneaky) fears: the fear of gaining weight. But that's just the beginning. This episode goes deep, unearthing all the little day-to-day worries that seem so normal… until you realize they’re holding you back.

Heather asks tough questions: Where do our fears about weight really come from? Are our fears about gainign weight about health…or worth? What does the Bible actually teach about bodies, value, and holiness—and are we prioritizing “taking care of our temple” over what God specifically asks of us? Heather shares surprising biblical truths, eye-opening cultural stories, and practical steps to trade fear for faith—even if your fear is “just how I am.”

Whether you find yourself obsessing over the scale, or caught in smaller worries that never seem to quit, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable advice. Don't miss Heather’s candid encouragement and the very real invitation to find freedom, trust, and joyful expectancy… starting today.

🔗 Referenced Episodes:


What Is Gluttony (And What Isn’t)?


The Daniel Fast: Surprising Truths

✨ If you’re interested in further steps, check out Heather’s 40 Day Body Image Workbook, or join an upcoming group for community encouragement.

Ready for less comparison and more joy? Hit play and start living free from fear!

 

For more helpful resources and to join Heather’s weekly email, visit improvebodyimage.com. And if this episode helps you, leave a review and share it with a friend—it makes all the difference!

Are you tired of letting fears&mdash;big or small&mdash;shape how you live and see yourself? In this powerful wrap-up to our "Fear Free Fall" series, Heather Creekmore tackles one of the most common (and sneaky) fears: the fear of gaining weight. But that's just the beginning. This episode goes deep, unearthing all the little day-to-day worries that seem so normal&hellip; until you realize they&rsquo;re holding you back.
Heather asks tough questions: Where do our fears about weight really come from? Are our fears about gainign weight about health&hellip;or worth? What does the Bible&nbsp;actually teach about bodies, value, and holiness&mdash;and are we prioritizing &ldquo;taking care of our temple&rdquo; over what God specifically asks of us? Heather shares surprising biblical truths, eye-opening cultural stories, and practical steps to trade fear for faith&mdash;even if your fear is &ldquo;just how I am.&rdquo;
Whether you find yourself obsessing over the scale, or caught in smaller worries that never seem to quit, you&rsquo;ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable advice. Don't miss Heather&rsquo;s candid encouragement and the very real invitation to find freedom, trust, and joyful expectancy&hellip; starting today.
🔗 Referenced Episodes:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/fear-of-gluttony-why-defining-gluttony-as-overeating-misses-the-point">What Is Gluttony (And What Isn&rsquo;t)?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/fasting-daniel-fasts-sugar-fasts-and-an-eternal-pe">The Daniel Fast: Surprising Truths</a>
</li>
</ul>
✨ If you&rsquo;re interested in further steps, check out Heather&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">40 Day Body Image Workbook</a>, or join an upcoming group for community encouragement.
Ready for less comparison and more joy? Hit play and start living free from fear!
<hr>
&nbsp;
For more helpful resources and to join Heather&rsquo;s weekly email, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://app.castmagic.io/Insert_Link_Here">improvebodyimage.com</a>. And if this episode helps you, leave a review and share it with a friend&mdash;it makes all the difference!

Real Women, Real Hope: Erin Todd on Freedom From Unhealthy Food Rules and Restrictions

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