PODCAST · society
Impossible Beauty
by Melissa Louise Johnson
The brand of beauty we are so often sold is way too small. It divides and dis-integrates us. Melissa Louise Johnson is on a mission to re-discover authentic beauty. Not the counterfeit kind reserved for the toned and airbrushed, but a lasting kind of beauty. Eternal and sacred. Living and moving all around us. Join Melissa as she interviews men and women who exude internal and eternal beauty in order to reshape cultural scripts. It's time we re-discover what beauty truly is.
Episodes
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Episode 198: Jeremy Sims-Noticing God’s Movement in Your Life
What if the Life of God, His very Spirit, is actively at work in our lives, our hearts, and in the world around us right now? And what might it be like to cultivate an attentiveness and language for such movement in our lives? These are the topics I dive into on today’s episode with Jeremy Sims....
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Episode 197: Andrew Camp- Can Meals Transform Us?
Diet and wellness culture often lead us to fear or restrict certain foods or amounts. Food is often seen as something to be optimized or controlled. But what if we began viewing food from a completely different lens-one of gratitude, abundance, enjoyment, and even deep meaning? That is the...
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Episode 196: Stephanie Rousselle- Awaken Delight
To “delight” in something or someone is to experience deep joy or to turn toward something with great affection and priority. But what does it mean to delight in God and why does it matter for our faith, for our lives? Those are the questions we tackle in today’s episode with Stephanie Rousselle…
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Episode 195: Dr. Liz Hall-Can Suffering Lead to Flourishing?
Dr. Elizabeth or Liz Hall is Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University in La Mirada, California, where she researches and teaches at the intersection of suffering, meaning-making, and Christian spirituality. For over 30 years she has been exploring how faith and...
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Episode 194: Lisa Diers RDN, LD, E-RYT-Is Diet Culture Disconnecting You from Your Body?
Diet and wellness culture have a way of disconnecting us from our bodies and a life-giving relationship with food. Thankfully, professionals like Lisa Diers are working to help people heal their relationship with their bodies and with food. Lisa Diers is a registered dietitian nutritionist and...
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Episode 193: Lanta Davis-The Power of Your Imagination
The truth is what our minds dwell on forms us. The stories and images we behold imprint themselves on us, shape who we become, and impact how we see the world. In this way, our imaginations are powerful. In today’s episode, Lanta Davis helps us better understand the power of our imaginations and...
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Episode 192: Kelsey McGinnis-The Dangers of Christian Diet and Wellness Culture
It seems like wellness influencers are everywhere these days: often touting diet and exercise habits, alongside a certain aesthetic, as the pathway to health and self-optimization. But what happens when this cultural trend gets conflated with Christian ideas, or as Kelsey McGinnis says it, when...
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Episode 191: Emma Ward, LCMFT- Love as the Path to Emotional Healing
Emma Ward is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in trauma and relationships, helping people name what they feel so they can heal what they carry. Emma is an Irish immigrant, living in the U.S. for 12 years, who integrates theological depth into her clinical work. She helps...
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Episode 190: Deb Benfield- Unapologetic Aging
After turning 60, Deb Benfield began questioning societal messages around aging, vitality, and beauty, and quickly realized how many resources still centered weight loss and youth as ultimate goals. In response, she created what she couldn’t find: a framework for nourishing the body that honors...
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Episode 189: Donnie Berry-What is the Glory of God?
As we enter Holy Week, I can’t imagine a more appropriate conversation than the one I recently had with author and pastor, Donnie Berry. Donnie is an instructor of New Testament and biblical theology with Training Leaders International and the author of The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical…
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Episode 188: Winfield Bevins-How Beauty Will Save the World
It was an encounter with beauty that changed Winfield Bevins’ life. As a result, Winfield quit his job and founded Creo Arts, a non-profit that exists to bring beauty, goodness, and truth to the world through the arts. Dr. Winfield Bevins is an internationally recognized author and artist. He is...
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Episode 187: Tara Beth Leach- Connecting with the Origin of Beauty
How might our days and conception of beauty change, if we started our morning with God, the author and origin of beauty itself? This is the exact topic we tackle in today’s conversation with Tara Beth Leach. Tara Beth is an author, speaker, and the senior pastor at Good Shepherd Church in...
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Episode 186: Anna Rollins- Lent, Self-Control, & Diet Culture
Anna Rollins is the author of Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl. Anna’s debut memoir examines the rhyming scripts of diet culture and evangelical purity culture, both of which direct women to fear their own bodies and appetites. Anna is an award-winning instructor who taught...
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Episode 185: Dr. Chinwe Williams-Building Emotional and Body Image Resilience in Kids and Teens
Kids and teens these days face all kinds of stressors, including pressures around beauty and body image. In today’s episode I talk with Dr. Chinwé Williams all about the power of connection in building both emotional resilience and body image resilience in kids and teen. Dr. Chinwé Williams is a...
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Episode 184: Oona Hanson-Raising Girls Who Are Always On Show
On this week’s episode, we talk about current societal trends impacting women and girls, leading them to believe that they are always on show and that the way they look is the most important thing about them. Thankfully, we have a trusted companion to do so in Oona Hanson. Oona Hanson is an...
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Episode 183: David Taylor-God’s Spirit in Beauty and the Arts
On this podcast, I am committed to helping listeners (and myself) understand beauty in its truest, most life-giving sense. And that is why I am so excited to start the new year with David Taylor as today’s guest. David Taylor is a theologian, author, speaker, priest, and director of initiatives…
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Episode 182: Trillia Newbell- How Christmas Changes Everything
Amidst the busyness of the Christmas season, it can be hard to take the time to slow down and contemplate the breadth and depth of Jesus’s birth. In today’s episode, Trillia Newbell helps us do just that. Trillia is the author of numerous books, including Bible studies, children’s books, and...
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Episode 181: Joyce Rupp- The Gifts of Aging
Amidst the inreasing pressures of beauty culture to run from any hint of aging, it makes sense that cosmetic procedures and skincare products are surging in popularity. And, yet I wonder if we might meet aging in a different way. And that’s where Joyce Rupp comes in. Joyce Rupp is the author of...
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Episode 180: Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDRD-When 'Healthy Eating' Becomes Unhealthy
In 2013, after 16 years of hospital and community work, Registered Dietician and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Jessica Setnick, closed her private practice to fulfill her mission of educating primary care professionals about eating disorders, dysfunctional eating behavior, and how to best...
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Episode 179: Courtney Ellis-How Birds Can Lead Us to Hope
On this podcast I seek to redefine beauty as “the life of God at work in us and all around us.” In today's episode, Courtney Ellis helps us experience the life of God at work in nature, specifically among birds. Courtney Ellis is an author, speaker, pastor, and host of The Thing with Feathers...
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Episode 178: Gretchen Andrew-The Invisible Scars of AI-Driven Beauty Standards
Gretchen Andrew left Silicon Valley for the art world and now refers to herself as a “Search Engine Artist.” Gretchen uses her experience as a former computer scientist at Google and her artist training in London with Billy Childish to “hack systems of power with art, code, and glitter,” as she...
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Episode 177: Ellen Wildman- Your Body Is Not an Enemy
Ellen Wildman decided she didn’t want to hate her body anymore. So, she set out on a journey to heal and change that relationship. In today’s episode, Ellen tells us about her journey of healing and self-acceptance and the book that she wrote as a result. Ellen Wildman holds an MA in Biblical and...
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Episode 176: Leslie Schilling, MA, RDN, CSCS, CEDS-C-What to Know About Clean Eating, Sugar, & Artificial Dyes
The tricky part about diet culture is that it oftentimes masquerades as health and wellness. Given that, in today’s episode, Leslie Schilling and I discuss and even debunk some of today’s most prevalent wellness trends. Leslie Schilling is a registered dietitian, sports nutritionist, nutrition...
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Episode 175: Zach Windahl- Beauty and the Bible
After struggling with doubt for years, Zach Windahl committed to an intensive Bible study program in Australia that completely transformed his life and changed his thoughts on the Bible. Since then, he has written The Bible Study, which has since sold over 500,000 copies, and launched The Brand...
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Episode 174: Eric Pothen- Food & Body Image Struggles Among Men
Most often, this podcast focuses on struggles with beauty and body image among women. Today, however, I want to give us a glimpse into the widespread nature of struggles around food, exercise, and body image among men. Eric Pothen is a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach who works primarily...
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Episode 173: Kimberly Stuart-Letting Go of Striving
American culture is full of striving: hustling at work, pushing ourselves in the gym, working to be beautiful or good enough. In today’s conversation, I have the gift of talking with Kimberly Stuart about the concept of grace; how to apply it amidst our culture and why it’s entirely miraculous…
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Episode 172: Michelle Keener- When Life Isn't Beautiful
When discussing the topic of true beauty, it’s also important to talk about the times when life isn’t so beautiful. In today’s discussion, with Michelle Keener, that’s exactly what we tackle. Michelle K. Keener (PhD, Liberty) is an adjunct professor of Christianity at Houston Christian…
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Episode 171: Elise Hu- The Rise of Skin Care and AI in Beauty Culture
About ten years ago, Elise Hu moved to Seoul, South Korea and took a deep dive into the world of K-Beauty culture. Elise is a journalist, podcaster, and the author of Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital. She is the host of TED Talks Daily, a co-host of Forever 35, a...
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Episode 170: Naeem Fazal- How Beauty Conquers Fear
Do you ever struggle with fear or anxiety? In today’s episode, author and pastor, Naeem Fazal shares how beauty can help us overcome fear in our lives. Naeem Fazal is the founding and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in...
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Episode 169: Bruce Herman- Made to Be Makers
Bruce Herman is a painter, writer, speaker, and the author of Makers by Nature: Letters from a Master Painter on Faith, Hope, and Art. Bruce also taught studio art for nearly four decades at Gordon College and his art has been exhibited internationally and is in public and private collections...
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Episode 168: Trevor Hudson- Your Life Has Great Purpose
Have you ever asked the question, “what is God’s will for my life?” or “does my life have purpose?” If so, today’s episode is for you. And, thankfully, I couldn’t think of a better conversation partner for these topics than Trevor Hudson. Trevor Hudson is an ordained minister in the Methodist...
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Episode 167: Rasa Troup, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, OLY- Your Body Does Not Need to Be 'Fixed'
Rasa Troup, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, OLY is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with over 20 years of experience. She also owns Rasa Nutrition where she helps clients create a healthy relationship with food. Rasa also competed in the Beijing Olympics and has served as a trusted voice regarding nutrition...
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Episode 166: Jennifer Tucker-Abiding in God's Presence
The truth is that our soul is always being formed by something. In today’s inspiring interview with Jennifer Tucker, she shares how Christian meditation on Scripture has formed her soul in profound ways. Jennifer Tucker is a bestselling author, artist, graphic designer, follower of Jesus, and an...
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Episode 165: Dr. Merry Lin- Rebecoming Your Essential Self
Each of us reflects a unique beauty in the world. In today’s episode, Dr. Merry Lin invites us into the process of embodying our truest essential self in the world. Dr. Merry is a clinical psychologist, author, and podcaster with over 30 years of clinical experience. She is also the Executive...
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Episode 164: Melanie Penn- Reframing Aging
Melanie Penn is a Nashville based songwriter at the crossroads of faith and culture. Melanie was a mainstay in the theatre scene in New York City for several years, most notably playing Sandy on the Broadway national tour of Grease! After Broadway, Melanie transitioned to songwriting and has...
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Episode 163: Amy Orr-Ewing- Remembering Your Unique Beauty
Because of our unique identities, passions, and gifts, each one of us embodies a unique beauty in the world. Each of us is a limited edition. In today’s episode, international speaker, theologian, apologist, and author, Amy Orr-Ewing unpacks the beauty of authenticity and encourages us to find…
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Episode 162: Dr. Charlotte Markey- Building Body Confidence Amidst Diet and Wellness Culture
I am so grateful to be welcoming Dr. Charlotte Markey back to the podcast today. Dr. Markey is a body image expert, professor of psychology and director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University-Camden. She has authored several books, including her latest release, Adultish: The Body…
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Episode 161: Alastair Sterne-Recovering Joy
Alastair Sterne’s invitation to joy was an unexpected one. Ironically, it was while struggling with depression that he started to pay attention to the full array of his emotions, including joylessness. In this fascinating conversation with creative director turned pastor, Alastair Sterne, he...
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Episode 160: Tara Beth Leach- Hope in Turbulent Times
In a turbulent world filled with so much darkness, where and how can we find hope? Furthermore, what role might we play in embodying real hope in a very broken world. These are the kinds of questions I tackle on the podcast today with Tara Beth Leach. Tara Beth is an author, speaker, and the…
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Episode 159: Dawn Mann Sanders- Rebuilding After Loss
After having two miscarriages, followed by the sudden loss of her husband, Dawn Mann Sanders felt like it was the end of her world as she knew it. Dawn is a Bible teacher and author of When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life. In her book, and in today’s conversation…
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Episode 158: Michael Ulloa- Calling Out Nonsense in the Fitness Industry
So often the fitness industry can feel intimidating, while messages around health and wellness can be confusing or fuel fear and anxiety. And that’s where Michael Ulloa comes in. Michael is an online personal trainer and performance nutritionist. In his online platforms, and in his work with...
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Episode 157: Jodi Grubbs- Invitation to Slow Living
After leaving her childhood home on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, author, slow-living guide, and podcaster, Jodi Grubbs, had assumed the rapid pace and hustle culture in the U.S. Soon, she realized that burnout had crept in, and God was inviting her to a return to the "island time" of…
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Episode 156: Oona Hanson- Parenting Without Diet Culture
Amidst the pressures and messages of diet and wellness culture, it can be hard to know how to help the next generation establish a healthy relationship with food. And that’s where Oona Hanson comes in. Oona Hanson is an educator and parenting coach. Through her writing, workshops, and private...
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Episode 155: Dieula Previlon- Does God See Me?
Given the pain and suffering in the world, when life isn’t so beautiful, it can be hard to know how to interact and relate with God. In today’s episode, Dieula Previlon helps us see how leaning into our questions with God can bring about healing and transformation in our lives. Dieula is a…
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Episode 154: Micha Boyett- Living Into the Dream of God
Words have the power to form us. And that has indeed been the case for author, youth pastor, and podcaster, Micha Boyett. In today’s conversation with Micha, she explains how living with the beatitudes, while raising her son with Down syndrome and autism, has deeply formed her. In our time...
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Episode 153: Molly LaCroix, LMFT- Love Lives in Us
In today’s conversation, I was blown away by how a popular therapy model demonstrates the image of God in each of us. More specifically, author and marriage and family therapist, Molly LaCroix helps us see the relevance of the Internal Family Systems therapy model on the journey to healing and...
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Episode 152: Alice Baker, MSRD CEDS-C LMHC LPC LDN - Living Counter to Diet Culture
So often diet culture disconnects us from our bodies and from having a peaceful relationship with food. In today’s episode, I talk with registered dietitian and therapist, Alice Baker, MSRD CEDS-C LMHC LPC LDN, about shedding unhelpful beliefs from diet culture. Alice Baker has over 27 years’...
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Episode 151: Dr. Jason Nagata- Why the Rise in Eating Disorders Among Boys and Men?
Dr. Jason Nagata is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, and is an expert in eating disorders, particularly in boys and men. He has published over 300 articles in academic journals and serves as...
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Episode 150: Joy Marie Clarkson- You Are Not a Machine
Joy Marie Clarkson has learned the art of seeing goodness, truth, and beauty in our midst and she helps us do the same. In case you are new to Joy, she holds a PhD in theology from the University of St. Andrews and is the author of two books, Aggressively Happy and, most recently, You Are a Tree....
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Episode 149: Heather Creekmore- Worshipping Thinness
Heather Creekmore is a podcaster, mom of four, body image coach, and author. In our time together, Heather describes what inspired her to write her latest book, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, as well as why she’s so passionate about guiding women out of diet culture and into truth. Heather also...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The brand of beauty we are so often sold is way too small. It divides and dis-integrates us. Melissa Louise Johnson is on a mission to re-discover authentic beauty. Not the counterfeit kind reserved for the toned and airbrushed, but a lasting kind of beauty. Eternal and sacred. Living and moving all around us. Join Melissa as she interviews men and women who exude internal and eternal beauty in order to reshape cultural scripts. It's time we re-discover what beauty truly is.
HOSTED BY
Melissa Louise Johnson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Impossible Beauty have?
Impossible Beauty currently has 198 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Impossible Beauty about?
The brand of beauty we are so often sold is way too small. It divides and dis-integrates us. Melissa Louise Johnson is on a mission to re-discover authentic beauty. Not the counterfeit kind reserved for the toned and airbrushed, but a lasting kind of beauty. Eternal and sacred. Living and moving...
How often does Impossible Beauty release new episodes?
Impossible Beauty publishes regularly with 198 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Impossible Beauty?
You can listen to Impossible Beauty on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Impossible Beauty?
Impossible Beauty is created and hosted by Melissa Louise Johnson.
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