From Pop Princesses to Pinterest: the origins of Millennial body image struggles, with Pam Gocobachi
Release Date: 10/23/2024
What we get wrong about healthy summer eating
Millennial Body Image Project
In this episode, we dive into the myths about 'healthy' summer eating and why you don't need to fall for the “detox, light, and grilled” trifecta if you don’t want to. You'll get practical tips on how to enjoy the season's bounty, stay hydrated, and tackle the confusing messages around diets and nutrition. Plus, we discuss how to handle food noise, perfectionism, and how NOT to get stressed about food at every summer event. Thanks so much to Hungryroot for sponsoring today’s episode! For a limited time, or the code to get 40% off your first box, and a free item of your choice...
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Summer Reads 2025: from banned books to feel-good favorites
Millennial Body Image Project
Welcome to our semi-annual episode where we talk about books, just for fun! All the books we talked about in this episode are listed here. Check out our previous episodes here: (, , ) Full list of recommendations from this episode To learn more about banned books in the US: Join our Patreon community to get access to our end-of-month episodes and “after the episode” deep dives! Plus, you’ll get TWO years of bonus episodes and deep dive content. Find your hosts: Find Kara: Instagram: @kara_mccartney Website: karamccartney.com
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Your body is not a summer project
Millennial Body Image Project
Struggling with body image this summer? You’re not alone. In this pep talk-style episode, we’re digging into the summer body pressure that tends to creep in—and what to actually do when you’re having a tough body image day. You’ll get practical body neutrality tips, real talk about the summer bodies scam, and simple ways to stop the shame spiral before it starts. If you’re looking for support in coping with body image so you can enjoy your summer without guilt, this episode is for you. Additional body image support resources: for bonus episodes and resources,...
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"Summer bodies" are a scam
Millennial Body Image Project
On today's episode, we dive into the concept of the 'summer body’ and its roots in cultural and historical marketing strategies. (It’s a scam, we tell you!) We unpack the origins of the term “summer body” and provide tangible ways for you to opt out and embrace body neutrality. From the rise of beach culture post-World War II, to the modern-day pressures perpetuated by GLP-1’s and social media, we explore the evolution of body standards.Most importantly, we're giving you practical tips to opt out and feel good in your own skin all summer long. Additional body image support...
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Inside ADHD: the perfectionism and dysregulation connection with Sarah Kesty
Millennial Body Image Project
On today’s episode, we chat with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. Sarah dives into her journey and how ADHD, burnout, and invisible illnesses have shaped her work with clients. We discuss the connection between perfectionism and executive function, and how dysregulation makes ADHD and eating behaviors a lot more difficult to manage. Sarah also shares brain-friendly strategies for task paralysis and self-compassion for ADHD’ers. From Sarah: "I'm thrilled to share that "Growing Executive Function" is...
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Burnout is wrecking your body image. (Here's why)
Millennial Body Image Project
A lot of people are feeling burned out and dysregulated right now - but let’s talk about what it’s doing to your body image! If you’re in the camp of “everything hurts and I’m dying”, this episode is for you. On today's episode, we delve into the rampant issue of nervous system dysregulation and how it exacerbates body image issues and body checking tendencies. Plus, what can you do about it? How can you recognize signs of dysregulation, what can you do about body checking during this time, and how can we feel a little better? Tune in to find out! Resources mentioned: Episode: ...
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How much influence does your influencer have on your body image and wallet?
Millennial Body Image Project
Let’s talk about influencer shenanigans, and how they influence your body image, self-esteem, and wallet. From the subtle ways influencers shape our perceptions to the more overt manipulations of influencer marketing, we lift the veil on how much power we unwittingly give them. Because, come on - renting a house to film your content in, and then pretending it’s where you live? Returning all their hauls, but still making commissions on your LTK? Let’s talk about it. Grab your free influencer audit guide here! - for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month,...
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Why is everyone so obsessed with protein right now??
Millennial Body Image Project
Everyone is freaking out about protein - so let’s dive into the hype to talk fact vs. fiction and fearmongering. If you’re a millennial woman, you’re probably hearing all about protein right now - whether you’re perimenopausal (or wondering!), have hormonal imbalances, or are just trying to figure out how to eat to support your body. Join us for protein, protein, protein (part 1!) as we navigate through the conflicting information and provide guidance on finding a balance without falling for marketing gimmicks. This is part 1 of a 2-part series discussing protein! In this part one,...
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Are you looking for permission to restrict?
Millennial Body Image Project
Many of us constantly outsource information about our own bodies because we’ve been taught not to trust them our whole lives. Whether you know it or not, this may lead you to look for permission to restrict your food in many sneaky places. From 'What I Eat in a Day' posts to therapeutically designed protocols for specific health conditions, this episode explores the thin line between health-promoting behaviors and restrictive diets. We’ll also touch on the mental and physical implications of these kinds of restrictions. for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode...
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Decoding perimenopause and body image
Millennial Body Image Project
We’re back to dive into the complexities of perimenopause and how to wade through the confusing flood of information online. If you've been overwhelmed by social media advice on how to navigate perimenopause, this one's for you. We'll break down practical, realistic steps to support your body without going into old perfectionist, restrictive, or diet culture ways. You’ll learn how to decode your symptoms and incorporate tools like balanced nutrition (without restriction) and sustainable movement, we're here to offer guidance without the stress or judgment. We’re also tackling low energy...
info_outlineIn this episode, we sit down with pop culture and entertainment journalist Pamela Gocobachi to explore the intricate web of body image influences that have shaped millennials. We delve into iconic moments from the '90s heroin chic era to the rise of social media, discussing how these cultural touchpoints have contributed to our collective psyche. Pam shares her invaluable insights on the pressures and expectations set by pop culture, the impact of celebrity diets, and the evolution of beauty standards. Tune in as we unravel the complex narrative of body image, humor, trauma, and empowerment.
Find Pam:
- Twitter/Instagram/Threads: @pamelagocobachi
- TikTok: @_pamelag
- Podcast - #Millennial: millennialshow.com
- What The Hype: whatthehypepodcast.com
Pamela is an entertainment journalist and podcast host based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the course of her career, she has written for Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, E!'s People's Choice Awards, and more. Currently, you can catch her breaking down all aspects of pop culture on the podcasts #Millennial and What The Hype?!
Find your hosts:
Reminder: the last episode of every month is available exclusively in our Patreon community and for apple podcasts subscribers - check it out at patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject