Episode 8: Why Does Body Image Feel Worse Than Ever? Social Media, Comparison & Self-Worth

In this episode of Too Sober For This, recovery advocate Shell Righini and comedian Iain Anderson discuss…What does it actually mean to feel “good” in your body… and why is it still so hard?From 90s diet culture to Instagram “looksmaxxing,” body image has evolved… but the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it’s louder, more constant, and now coming from every direction.Shell and Iain explore what it’s like navigating body image in sobriety; when you can’t numb out, distract, or escape the way you used to. They talk about growing up around dieting, disordered eating, and unrealistic standards, and how those patterns don’t just disappear when you get sober.They also get into the newer wave of body pressure online, from men literally trying to “fix” their faces with hammers to the rise of optimisation culture, and ask whether any of it is actually about confidence… or just another form of self-rejection.  Because the truth is you can change your habits, your lifestyle, even your entire life... and still wake up feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.In this episode: • Body image in recovery: what changes… and what doesn’t• Growing up in 90s/2000s diet culture and its long-term impact• Disordered eating, control, and addiction crossover• Looksmaxxing, social media, and modern beauty standards• Masculinity, appearance, and pressure on men• Fitness, health, and finding a middle ground• Chronic illness, identity, and feeling disconnected from your body• The “inner critic” and why it’s so hard to switch off• Self-worth, comparison, and learning to exist without constant judgementIf you’ve ever felt like your relationship with your body is complicated, exhausting, or constantly shifting then this episode will probably hit.Expect honesty, uncomfortable self-awareness, dark humour, and a conversation that doesn’t pretend to have a neat answer. Connect With Us@toosoberforthispodcastShell Righini - @shell_righini  Iain Anderson - @iainanderson.comedyTraumedy Show - https://iainandersoncomedy.com/Listen to Shell’s podcast We Recover Loudly here on Spotify  This Podcast Is Brought to You By We Recover Loudly MerchBold recovery slogans and wearable reminders that recovery doesn’t have to be quiet.Shop here: www.werecoverloudly.com@werecoverloudlyMastered and edited by Unmuted Studios.  Podcast production, editing, and creative support.www.unmutedstudios.com