Episode Details

40. Body image and self love with Diane Gottlieb author of Awakenings: Stories of Body and Consciousness.

Season 1 Episode 40 Published 2 years, 4 months ago

Description

Diane Gilman, the queen of jeans, engages in a candid conversation with the insightful Diane Gottlieb, author of the anthology, "Awakenings: Stories of Body and Consciousness." Featuring 49 individuals sharing their unique stories about body image, join them as they delve into the diverse narratives that challenge societal norms and encourage women over 50 to embrace every facet of themselves.

Embracing Curves and Emotions

Diane Gottlieb kicks off the discussion by sharing her motivation behind compiling "Awakenings." Fueled by the realization of the pervasive negativity surrounding body image, she gathered 49 writers to contribute their perspectives. She emphasizes how every story in the book touched her personally, fostering a profound learning experience.

Like a Kardashian

One humorous tale, "Like a Kardashian," stands out as an ode to self-love. Diane Gottlieb reveals how the author learned to appreciate her curvy figure, thanks to Kim Kardashian.

Overcoming Challenges

Diane dives into a poignant story about a writer with dwarfism who shares the struggles including being disrespected in public. This narrative sheds light on the importance of empathy and respect, challenging preconceived notions about beauty.

Reflecting on Body Image

The two Dianes reflect on their own experiences shaping their body images. Diane Gottlieb shares the introductory reflections she wrote for the book, and Diane Gilman opens up about childhood struggles with body acceptance, highlighting the impact of societal beauty standards.

Pushing Against the Narrative

Diane Gottlieb highlights that most contributors in the anthology are actively pushing back against societal narratives ingrained since their youth, challenging the stories told about their bodies.

Diane Gilman addresses the misrepresentation of older women in the media— often portrayed as whiny and unattractive. The discussion underscores the need for realistic representations of older women and the importance of breaking free from age-related stereotypes.

Perspectives and Reflections on Body Image

Diane Gottlieb reflects on the transformative journey of curating "Awakenings," emphasizing the shift in perspectives it has afforded her. Diane Gilman echoes these sentiments, expressing frustration with physical limitations but finding solace in mental and intellectual well-being.

Final Message

Diane Gottlieb leaves listeners with a resonating message: love must originate from within, and acceptance needs to come from within, echoing the powerful themes encapsulated in "Awakenings: Stories of Body and Consciousness."