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In this episode of the Science of Slink podcast, host Dr. Rosy Boa engages in an enlightening conversation with researcher and pole dancer Nadia Ahadi (@psychpoleogy on IG) from the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne. They delve into Nadia's recent qualitative study on body image among competitive women pole dancers, discussing key findings such as the emphasis on body functionality over appearance, the sense of community within the competitive pole space, and the role of autonomy and self-expression in empowerment. The episode also touches on the challenges of standardizing skill levels in pole dance, the complexities of body comparisons, and the impact of competition environments on body image. Nadia's insights draw from her own experiences as a pole dancer and her academic work at the University of Melbourne.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:23 New Membership Announcement: Essentials of Slink

02:11 Introducing Nadia Ahadi and Her Research

02:42 Nadia's Background in Pole Dancing and Research

05:12 Exploring the Competitive Pole Dance Scene in Australia

10:23 Research Methodologies and Theoretical Frameworks

22:13 Key Findings: Body Functionality and Community Support

37:46 Empowerment Through Autonomy and Personal Agency

44:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts