The Conversationalist Podcast

The Conversationalist Podcast

By The ConversationalistEducationSelf-Improvement
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The Conversationalist Podcast episodes

  • Authenticity: Highlighting the REAL
    What does authenticity mean to you? Are you guilty of using a “finsta” or hiding your emotions behind a screen? The battle between real and fake is not a new one, but for our generation, it’s been amplified due to social media. Most people’s profiles are a carefully curated highlight reel of our best moments, and some use social media to embody their ideal persona. Do either of these make us inauthentic, or are we just putting our best foot forward? For today’s conversation, we sat down with Larry Milstein  and Rich Keller  to discuss what it means to be authentic and how to be the best version of yourself possible. Read more about our guests below and their amazing work!
    Meet Larry Milstein, a Gen Z entrepreneur and creative. Larry is the co-founder of PRZM, a next-gen consultancy and community highlighting Gen-Z perspectives on art, music, tech, & fashion. The PRZM team works to connect influential youth with brands and companies to enhance their outreach and marketing strategies to fit a Gen-Z audience. Larry is also the co-founder of The Millennial Pink Party, an event created to promote inclusion within the generation, as well as raise money for human rights. Apply to join the PRZM collective here and follow PRZM on Instagram! 
    Meet Rich Keller! With an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and 25 years of branding experience at powerhouse companies such as Nabisco, Kraft Foods and Godiva, Rich now applies his marketing expertise to personal branding. With CATALYST, as his ‘One Word’ personal brand, Rich Keller is on a mission to transform one million lives, ‘One Word’ at a time. Rich Keller helps young entrepreneurs understand that their personal brand’s core value and their business venture’s core value are one-and-the-same. Why? Because people buy human connection, making the young entrepreneur the brand (Think Howard Schultz and his success with Starbucks and Sara Blakely with Spanx). Rich travels the country as a motivational speaker showing young entrepreneurs how crafting their personal brands and their business ventures around their core value, using just ‘One Word’, is the pathway to Stand-out, Conquer Obstacles, Reach Excellence, and SCORE! Follow Rich on social media here.
    Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we cover. If you want your voice to be heard on topics that matter to you, join our Gen Z community today by texting “UNIFY” to +1 (877) 222 1119. Thank you for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next time!
    What does authenticity mean to you? Are you guilty of using a “finsta” or hiding your emotions behind a screen? The battle between real and fake is not a new one, but for our generation, it’s been amplified due to social media. Most people’s profiles are a carefully curated highlight reel of our best moments, and some use social media to embody their ideal persona. Do either of these make us inauthentic, or are we just putting our best foot forward? For today’s conversation, we sat down with Larry Milstein  and Rich Keller  to discuss what it means to be authentic and how to be the best version of yourself possible. Read more about our guests below and their amazing work!
    Meet Larry Milstein, a Gen Z entrepreneur and creative. Larry is the co-founder of PRZM, a next-gen consultancy and community highlighting Gen-Z perspectives on art, music, tech, & fashion. The PRZM team works to connect influential youth with brands and companies to enhance their outreach and marketing strategies to fit a Gen-Z audience. Larry is also the co-founder of The Millennial Pink Party, an event created to promote inclusion within the generation, as well as raise money for human rights. Apply to join the PRZM collective here and follow PRZM on Instagram! 
     
    Meet Rich Keller! With an MBA from the
    43 min
  • Should We Kick Kurbo to the Curb?

    Diet culture has taken a toll on the minds and bodies of many. The weight loss and dieting industry’s presence has caused so many young people to spend their lives hyper-focused on reaching their goal weights or curating the perfect meal plans, rather than practicing holistic health and showing themselves love at whatever size they may be. 

    On today’s episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, we sat down with three amazing guests, all of which have been negatively impacted by diet culture, but have used their platforms to shift the narrative towards body kindness.

    Carmen Rene is a model, activist, speaker and Lymphedema Warrior on a mission to help others on their journeys towards body acceptance. Carmen realized her true purpose in helping others challenge our notions of beauty by empowering women around the world to feel beautiful in their own skin. Born with primary lymphedema, a rare, long-term condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling in the legs and feet, Carmen wanted to share her own experiences and insecurities on her path to self-acceptance and self-love. 

    Hayley Herms is a plus size entertainer & content creator, including but not limited to modeling, acting, songwriting, and more! Hayley is an entrepreneur with a love for life and she shows her community how to change the world by FIRST changing themselves through unconditional love & fearlessness! Earlier this year, Hayley starred in an episode of Khloe Kardashian’s hit tv-show, Revenge Body, and is determined to let everyone know that her size does not determine her worth. 

    Alexis Conason, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice in New York City. Her practice specializes in the treatment of overeating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, and sexual functioning. She is the founder of The Anti-Diet Plan, an online mindfulness-based program to help people stop dieting, start eating with more attunement to their bodies, and live lives filled with joy, peace, and pleasure. Dr. Conason is a fierce advocate for helping people recognize and question the societal norms that encourage feeling not good enough about themselves so that they can live their most fulfilling lives-- at any size! 

    Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist Rate our podcast and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app. DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed steps one and two and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured!

    Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next week! 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  • #SophieSix: Is There a Diet to Get Rid of Diet Culture?

    Did you know that disordered eating, body image, and holistic health are all impacted negatively by diet culture? 

    Diet culture is a multi-billion dollar industry which says that self worth is equivalent to a smaller body size. In return, this culture plants the seeds in consumer’s heads that they need to go on intense fitness and diet journeys to achieve that particular body size. What effect is this culture having on us and the way we see health? Six questions, six answers, all in six minutes. Welcome to the #SophieSix! 

    As always, this is a conversation, so if you have an opinion or a perspective to add to the mix, send us a DM on Instagram @theconversationalist.  Make sure you follow along with us on social media to participate in all of the action and reach out to us if you want to get more involved by applying to become a Brand Ambassador or joining our Online Community!

    Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist, rate our podcast, and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app! DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed these steps and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured! Thanks for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next week!  

    Episode Resources: Click here to learn more about the Kurbo app. Click here to learn more about diet culture and get access to helpful resources. 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min
  • Body Image and Eating Disorders: Serving Up the Right Message

    Too often do we dismiss mental health struggles as problems that plague one group. But these problems can plague anyone - black or white, young or old, rich or poor. Eating disorders in particular are something that greatly affect Gen-Z, as we are continuously bombarded with talk of fast diets, weight loss fixes, and displays of what the “perfect body” looks like. 

    On today’s episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, we sat down with three amazing guests, all of which have had their own personal struggles with eating disorders/disordered eating, and have used their careers and platforms to change the conversation surrounding them. 

    Domenica Feraud is a playwright and professional actress having starred in popular shows such as Law & Order: SVU. Feraud received formal education at the TIsch School of Arts at NYU and recently developed and starred in the production Rinse, Repeat (2019). Rinse Repeat is a play that focuses on the relationship between a mother and her daughter and the dangers of diet culture. Utilizing her own personal struggle with an eating disorder and her mother’s battle with orthorexia, Feraud hopes to bring about more of an inclusive awareness and break down the myths surrounding disordered eating through more creative projects. Read more about Rinse Repeat in this article featured in Vogue and follow Domenica on social media. 

    Misha Osherovich is an actor, writer, filmmaker, producer, and mental health advocate. He stars in The Goldfinch, NOS4A2, and the play A Clockwork Orange. Misha has struggled with an eating disorder since adolescence and still considers himself to be on an ongoing journey with recovery. Osherovich, along with co-producer Angelica Santiago, created and starred in the independent film, E.very, D.ay, to reflect the lives of two individuals struggling with an active eating disorder. Misha hopes that this project and future ones will help highlight the secretive nature of this disease. Connect with Misha on Instagram and watch the trailer for his film, E.very D.ay. 

    Dr. Jennifer Rollin is a licensed therapist who specializes in helping clients deal with their eating disorders and disordered eating habits. Jennifer is also the founder of The Eating Disorder Center, a group practice located in Rockville, Maryland. Having dealt with her own personal struggles with disordered eating, Rollin is now on a mission to combat the destructive messages being pushed onto young people by today’s media. Jennifer has carefully crafted recovery coaching programs and trainings for those who suffer from disordered eating. She is also a writer for The Huffington Post and Psychology Today. Be sure to check out her personal blog for more updates and helpful tips and follow Jennifer on Instagram here.  

    Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next week! 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  • #SophieSix: Mom Jeans, Skinny Jeans, Favorite Jeans - Oh My!

    Skinny is everywhere -- even with the global push for diversity in all spaces, one body type still remains prevalent. With this, it’s not hard to believe that eating disorders are just as prevalent as ever before, no matter what race or tax bracket you exist under. To do our part in ridding the world of harmful diet culture and halting the promotion of disordered eating habits, we need to start with educating ourselves. So, what do we need to know when it comes to eating disorders, our body image, and the impacts society has on these things? Six questions, six answers -- all in six minutes. Welcome to the #SophieSix! 

    As always, this is a conversation, so if you have an opinion or a perspective to add to the mix, send us a DM on Instagram @theconversationalist.  Make sure you follow along with us on social media to participate in all of the action and reach out to us if you want to get more involved by applying to become a Brand Ambassador or joining our Online Community!

    Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist, rate our podcast, and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app! DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed these steps and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured!

    Episode Resources: Click here to learn more about the Macy’s plates. Click here to learn more about eating disorders and get access to helpful resources. Click here to learn more about suicide prevention, resources, and suicide warning signs. 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  • Body Image and Social Media: And That’s The Tea
    Social media is one of the biggest definers of our generation. Whether we mean it to or not, social media shifts our view of the world, and our view of the relationships we have with others and with ourselves. This week, as we continue our conversation series on body image, it’s important to consider the role that social media plays in how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we view our bodies. Today, we have three awesome guests to help us unpack this topic. 
    Iman Hariri-Kia is an Iranian-American, New York-based writer, editor, and musician. Iman was the 2017 recipient of the Annabelle Bonner Medal and is now a nationally acclaimed journalist. Iman serves as the Sex & Relationships editor of Bustle and has had several pieces published in Man Repeller, Teen Vogue, Bustle, and The Huffington Post.  Her writing explores various topics including sex, dating, relationships, singledom, sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, and consent. She’s also appeared as a speaker, panelist, and performer on the TODAY Show, DailyMailTV, NY1 News, and more. Iman’s journey with disordered eating and the usage of detox teas lead her now to advocacy work surrounding the banning of the promotion of these harmful, yet well-marketed products. Be sure to follow Iman on Instagram, check out her writing across multiple platforms, and be on the lookout for her latest articles.
     
    Jonathan Ignatius Green is a writer, director, and partner at the content agency Conscious Minds. After years of first-hand experience with the rise of influencer culture, Green set out to create the documentary, Social Animals, which focuses on the unforgivable nature of social media in following the lives of three teenagers. The film first debuted at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2018 and is now on Netflix for public viewing. The storyline focuses on three individuals: Kaylyn Slevin, the daughter of wealthy socialites, who has built an Instagram influencer career by showcasing her beach lifestyle; Humza Deas, an urban photographer who, quite literally, climbs to the top for the best shots; and typical teen from Ohio Emma Crockett. All three are burnt – to a greater or lesser extent – by social media’s dark side. Ultimately Green aimed to utilize the documentary as a platform for the teens to vulnerably share their experiences with social media as well as to build empathy for his subjects. Be sure to follow Jonathan on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates on his upcoming projects. 
    Rebecca Scritchfield is a registered dietician nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. She is the creator of the The Body Kindness philosophy, which has become a podcast called Body Kindness, as well as a book called Body Kindness: Transform your health from the inside out and never say diet againnow on sale at most major retailers. Rebecca is on a mission to help people reject diets and body shaming and help people achieve better lives with workable self-care goals that fit their needs and preferences, not society’s unrealistic weight and beauty standards that are constantly being pushed through mainstream media. Rebecca has a private practice based in D.C., where she sees clients virtually and in person. Be sure to like her page on Facebook, follow her on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. Lastly, Rebecca has a free Facebook group called Body Kindness insiders and has a free mini course that you can take right now to get started on your body kindness journey. Find the course on her website and make sure to watch Rebecca’s videos about why we need body kindness and why she gave up on dieting.
    Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we cover! Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you next week.
    Are you an avid social media user? Have you ever bought a
    46 min
  • #SophieSix: With Great Influence Comes Great Responsibility

    Are you an avid social media user? Have you ever bought a product from a sponsored post? 

    Social media and influencing are multi-billion dollar industries, giving everyday people the opportunity to share their missions and stories on a large scale. But as this industry grows, there are bound to be some unexpected impacts, whether positive or negative, on our bodies and our minds. So, what do we need to know about social media, body image, and the impact of influencing on our self-esteem? Six questions, six answers -- all in six minutes. Welcome to the #SophieSix! 

    As always, this is a conversation, so if you have an opinion or a perspective to add to the mix, send us a DM on Instagram @theconversationalist.  Make sure you follow along with us on social media to participate in all of the action and reach out to us if you want to get more involved by applying to become a Brand Ambassador or joining our Online Community!

    Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist, rate our podcast, and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app! DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed these steps and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured!

    Episode Resources: Click here to learn more about fast fitness supplements. Click here to learn about Instagram and influencer marketing. Click here to learn more about eating disorders and useful resources. Many of these edits are simply self conscious—destructing how you talk to be synthetic perfect version. 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
  • Body Image & Representation: All Bodies, Represent!

    Do you feel represented in the media? Did you know that almost 80% of teen girls display body dissatisfaction by the age of 17, and about 25% of teen boys display the same? 

    This week we’re tackling the topics of body image and representation. Join our host and founder, Sophie Beren, as she welcomes Katie Sturino and Bruce Strugell to the podcast. Together Sturino and Sturgell dive deep into what it’s like living in a world where representation for their bodies was virtually non-existent before they began their advocacy work. Katie and Bruce let us in on how they have utilized their skills and knowledge to start their own inclusive communities with Megababe and Chubstr. Later in the show, Sophie speaks with with expert Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs, a passionate research psychologist and professor, working towards creating environments that support others and accept diversity in appearances.  Read more about our guests here and follow our guests on social media to continue the conversation about body image & representation: 

    Katie Sturino a tried and true New Yorker, podcaster, influencer, blogger, and entrepreneur who founded Megababe beauty. Katie utilizes her platforms to help plus-size women find the right fashion and beauty products that fit their needs. Katie is on a mission to bring about more body inclusivity in the media, beauty, and fashion industries, and is known for calling out brands with her #MakeMySize movement. As a force on social media, Katie has helped pave the way for many brands to be more size-inclusive and hopes more will join her in her efforts. Listen to Katie’s podcast, Boob Sweat, today!  

    Bruce Sturgell hails from Portland, Oregon, and is the founder Chubstr, an online community that offers tips and styling advice for big and tall men. Sturgell started the site in 2010 out of frustration of not being able to find stylish clothing that fit his body type. Now almost a decade later, Sturgell is making waves as a model and as an entrepreneur, as more companies are starting to carry plus-size options for big and tall men. Bruce will continue fighting for more size inclusivity in the men’s fashion industry, so make sure to listen to Bruce’s podcast, Heavy Conversation and follow Chubstr on social media. 

    Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs is aprofessor of psychology at the Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England in Bristol, UK. She has dedicated her research to creating environments where there is body acceptance for every shape and size. Diedrichs has been researching the topic of body image ever since a class presentation in the 8th grade and has officially been researching the topic since 2006. Phillippa has also consulted on the popular Cartoon Network show Steven Universe which focuses primarily on positive body image and representation for a young audience. In the show, Phillippa references a few of her favorite body positive accounts to follow on Instagram. Here they are: @gabifresh @bodyimage_therapist @theembodiedfatactivist @thebodyisnotanapology @virgietovar and make sure to follow Phillippa on Twitter and Instagram! 

    Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you next week! 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  • #SophieSix: One Size Does Not Fit All

    Body positivity has become a buzzword in recent years, but for different reasons. While most are all for the push to love all bodies and have all body types in the limelight, others have the belief that in doing so, we are glorifying unhealthy standards on either end of the spectrum. While we all strive for self-love, but also utmost physical health, what do we need to know about representation, body image, and the body positivity movement? Listen in to hear the six questions I researched and the answers I found for this week’s #SophieSix. 

    As always, this is a conversation, so if you have an opinion or a perspective to add to the mix, send us a DM on Instagram @theconversationalist. Make sure you follow along with us on social media to participate in all of the action and reach out to us if you want to get more involved by applying to become a Brand Ambassador or joining our Online Community!

    Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist, rate our podcast, and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app! DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed these steps and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured! Thanks for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next week!  

    Episode Resources: Click here to learn more about the body positivity movement. Click here to learn about representation in culture and entertainment. Click here to learn more about suicide prevention, resources, and suicide warning signs. 

    Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  • Body Image and Gender Identity: Bye Bye Binary
    How would you define your gender identity? Do you think a genderless future is possible? Gender identity refers to how we experience our own gender, whether shown through labels and pronouns, your appearance, or how you act and dress. Despite what we’ve previously been taught, the possibilities are wide when it comes to gender, and today, we’ll discuss some of the questions that may have come up when you first heard about gender identity or if you are still working to figure out your own. Join Sophie in her conversation with Aydian Dowling, Julian Van Horne, and Dara Hoffman-Fox. 
    Want to learn more about our guests and the amazing work they're doing? Read below!
    Aydian Dowling (he/him) is a transgender rights activist and new father who is on a mission to redefine masculinity. He is the Co-Founder and President of Point of Pride, a non-profit organization that serves the transgender community worldwide. Aydian also founded his own clothing company, Point5cc, to bridge the gap between the trans community and cis allies to make people feel good about themselves. Aydian has documented his transition on social media and he received national attention when he was became first ever transgender man featured on the front page of a mainstream publication. Today, Aydian understands the struggles associated with body image and gender identity and is utilizing his platform to be a voice and advocate for the trans community in his ongoing journey. Be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with all of his latest projects. 
    Julian Van Horne (he/him) is a life coach, model, and entrepreneur who’s work centers around advocacy for the disabled, trans, and LGBTQ+ communities. He has spent a great deal of his life practicing listening and being in-tune with himself and his needs and Julian hopes he can inspire others to do the same. Julian believes that by fighting for what he is passionate about, it can encourage others to share their own stories so that, in turn, it allows for a bigger platform for the world to listen to, learn from, and understand. Be sure to follow his personal Instagram and if you’re interested in life coaching you can follow his business Instagram here. You may also support Julian by purchasing an item from his online store.  
    Dara Hoffman Fox (they/them) is a licensed professional counselor and gender therapist who specializes in working with gender-questioning, transgender, and nonbinary clients. They also provide training sessions for other mental health professionals to help equip them to work with similar clientele. Outside of their private practice, Dara is dedicated to providing as much education, resources, and support possible out to the trans and gender questioning communities. Be sure to pick up a copy of Dara’s book, You and Your Gender Identity: A Guide to Discovery, which they wrote to help others navigate their gender identity. For more updates on Dara make sure to like their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. You can also watch Dara’s informative videos on Youtube, like An Introduction to Non-binary Gender Identities or Ask a Gender Therapist: Confusion Around Gender & Sexuality.
    Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we cover! If you want to get more involved with The Conversationalist, join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next week! 
    Episode Resources:
    Click here to learn more about gender identity and the terms surrounding gender identity.
    Click here to learn with the Genderbread Person.
    Click here for an LGBTQ+ perspective on pronouns.
    Click here to learn more about suicide prevention, resources, and suicide warning signs
    47 min

About The Conversationalist Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Conversationalist is a non partisan educational platform empowering Gen Z to break out of their echo chambers, have difficult conversations & unify together. Break YOUR echo chamber right now…