Episodes

We've all done it — the new plan, the new resolve, the "this time I mean it." So why does it never stick? In this episode, we dig into why willpower and self-discipline can't fix a body image struggle, because the real issue was never really about the body at all. In this episode best-selling author and podcast host, Heather Creekmore discusses the distinction between managing behavior and addressing the root, why trying harder can subtly become its own idol, and what practical, lasting change a...

Have you ever felt completely stuck when it comes to body image, or really ANY area where you just can’t get unstuck, no matter what boxes you check? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the underlying reasons we stay stuck and offers a biblically-rooted path toward true freedom. Episode Highlights Why Do We Get Stuck? Exploring the feeling of desperation and stuckness, especially around body image or life circumstances Heather Creekmore shares the real-life struggle and the “one thing...

Are you tired of shouldering the weight of impossible standards and harsh self-judgment? This week on the podcast, Shannon Popkin returns for an honest conversation about judging—especially the way perfectionists measure themselves with a critical, merciless scoop. In this compassionate and insightful episode, you’ll hear: - Why “judge not” is more nuanced than you might think, and how the Bible calls us to both discernment and humility. - How the standards we use to judge ourselves often seep ...

Are anxious thoughts stealing your peace? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry, perfectionism, or rigid control—sometimes without even realizing it? You're not alone, and you don't have to face this struggle in silence. In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the pervasive reality of anxiety—what it feels like, why so many of us miss the signs, and how faith intersects with mental health. Nichole Suvar shares her own journey, from childhood panic attacks no one could name,...

Have you ever noticed how your Apple Watch pushes you to “close your rings” no matter what kind of day you’re having? It’s always about hitting the goal, finishing the task, and sometimes leaving no room for hard days, stress, or life’s natural fluctuations. Now, compare that to the Oura Ring, which considers your context—how much sleep you got, your stress levels, and even suggests you prioritize rest on tougher days. Heather Creekmore unpacks how we often treat ourselves like the Apple Watch:...

Why do we want our clothes to be forgiving? In this thought-provoking episode, Heather Creekmore unpacks the deeper meaning behind the fashion world’s favorite words—like "forgiving" and "flattering"—and explores why so many of us feel pressure to make our bodies fit a narrow standard. Do our clothes really have the power to absolve us, or is there something bigger at play? Join Heather Creekmore as she examines the surprising links between fashion lingo, theology, and our sense of self-worth. ...

Are you curious about how diet programs sneak religious language into their sales pitch? Ever wondered why joining a weight loss plan at church can feel surprisingly similar to joining a church itself? On today’s episode, Heather Creekmore continues her powerful series, "The Gospel of Good Bodies," and exposes the insidious ways that popular diet programs like Optavia and the old Weigh Down Workshop blur the line between faith and food. Heather Creekmore digs deep into: How diet culture borrow...

Are you "being bad" for eating cake or looking for "guilt-free" foods? In this eye-opening episode, Heather Creekmore uncovers how modern diet culture has borrowed religious language—like sin, guilt, and temptation—and transformed eating into a moral battleground. Discover why labels like "clean eating" or "cheat days" aren't just diet lingo but clues to a whole alternate religion we unknowingly follow. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on the words and rules you’ve absorbed about food an...

In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore introduces listeners to Tara, a real woman whose life has been radically transformed by putting God at the center of her struggle with body image and food. Tara shares her deeply personal journey—from coping with anxiety and depression in childhood, wrestling with perfectionism and body image in competitive gymnastics, battling addiction, and eventually, overcoming the religion of dieting. Through her story, Tara reveals how she mistook disordered eati...

In this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore welcomes Morgan Krueger to discuss the idea of living for something greater than ourselves, particularly through a Christ-centered lens. Morgan Krueger shares her personal journey from seeking the approval of others and wrestling with identity, to finding freedom in magnifying the Lord above all else—even during seasons of major life transition, including job changes, moving, and motherhood 00:53-03:16. Together, Heather Creekmore and Morga...

In this deeply honest and theologically rich episode, Heather Creekmore welcomes Jen Oshman—author, missionary, and mom of four daughters—to tackle a question many women silently struggle with: Is it good that I was born a woman? Together, they candidly explore how issues of body image, shame, and the cultural pressures of womanhood can lead to deep-seated doubts and frustration. Drawing from global and biblical perspectives, Jen Oshman shares insights gathered from years of cross-cultural mini...

Do you struggle with your mornings? Are you tired of feeling behind before your day even begins? In this inspiring episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, Heather Creekmore welcomes bestselling author Jennifer Dukes Lee to discuss her newest book, "How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time." * Together, they unpack the powerful connections between morning routines, spiritual health, body image, and God's design for a fresh start each day. If you’ve...

In this powerful Easter episode of Compared to Who?, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and explore what it means for our weight-loss journey—and for our whole lives. Heather wraps up the Waiting for Weight Loss series by challenging listeners to rethink the stories they tell themselves about body image, freedom, and fulfillment. Are you waiting for a "glorious day" when the scale reflects your "enoughness"? Or are you ready to embrace the truth that the day that changes everything already ...

Heather Creekmore continues the "Waiting for Weight Loss" series with a vulnerable conversation about our emotions, body image, and why those days we wake up feeling "fat" are almost never about our bodies at all. As Lent comes to a close, Heather Creekmore challenges the popular notion that "fat" is a feeling, digging into the reasons behind bad body image days, body checking, and the emotional chaos we often project onto our appearance. You'll learn practical strategies for what to do when bo...

Heather Creekmore dives deep into the commonly misunderstood difference between condemnation and conviction—especially when it comes to food, eating habits, and our journeys around body image and weight loss. Drawing from her 40-Day Body Image Workbook, Heather Creekmore unpacks why so many of us feel trapped in shame and guilt over our choices and how to discern whether the voices in our heads are actually leading us closer to God or away from Him. Using relatable stories (like Girl Scout cook...

In this inspiring episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore tackles a powerful question: Are you focusing on growing or shrinking? As part of the Waiting for Weight Loss series and with Easter just around the corner, Heather invites listeners to rethink their priorities and reminds us that our purpose isn't centered around our body size or weight loss journey. Key Topics Covered: Why your main purpose in life is much bigger than your quest to lose weight The Biblical perspective on self-w...

In this episode, Heather Creekmore continues the “Waiting for Weight Loss” series and dives deep into the challenge of getting out of your own head when it comes to body image struggles. Heather Creekmore shares a real, recent experience from her 20th wedding anniversary trip, revealing how old patterns of comparison, insecurity, and the “body image contest” can still crop up—even after years of working through these issues. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: A personal story of sitting by the p...

In this episode of Compared to Who? Heather shares a personal poem called, "Just a Little More Beauty, Lord," that highlights her journey of recognizing the idolatry of seeking physical beauty. She opens up about how God showed her that her pursuit of a smaller body stemmed from idolatry. Heather's poem is a powerful reflection of her growth and transformation, as she learns to find her worth in God's love rather than external measures of beauty. Join Heather as she shares her story and invites ...

This may be the most important episode in the Waiting for Weight Loss Series. Today, host Heather Creekmore dives deep into the topic of body idolatry and the spiritual dynamics behind an over-desire for weight loss and body change. Raised in a Christian home, Heather Creekmore shares how her pursuit of body transformation became a central idol in her life, promising fictitious "salvation" that only led to disappointment and frustration. Drawing from her work with women across all body sizes, sh...

Today, Heather Creekmore explores the concept of sustainability in our approach to weight loss, health, and spiritual growth. She unpacks how our cultural obsession with quick fixes and urgent physical transformation is often driven by fear, impatience, and even greed—rather than lasting, loving stewardship of our bodies. Heather Creekmore shares her own experiences with unsustainable health practices, lessons learned through her journey, and why so many common diet strategies fizzle out in the...

Today, host Heather Creekmore dives into the topic of exercise—addressing our complicated relationships with movement, why we often see exercise as punishment or penance for our eating habits, and how to shift towards a healthier, more joyful perspective. Heather Creekmore shares personal experiences and practical questions to help listeners honor their bodies, keep priorities straight, and embrace movement that feels both realistic and enjoyable. Whether you love or hate exercise, this episode ...

Today, Heather Creekmore guides listeners through a transformative conversation about our mindset toward food, rooted in biblical truth. If you’ve ever felt trapped by diet culture’s rules or found yourself struggling with your relationship with food and body image, this episode is for you. Heather addresses the core fears and misconceptions many women face—seeing food as an enemy rather than a good gift from God. She shares personal stories about disordered eating and reveals scriptural truths...

In today’s episode, "Small Supportive Habits for Lasting Change," Heather Creekmore continues the Waiting for Weight Loss series, focusing on how small, supportive choices can lead to healthier habits and lasting transformation. Learn why quick fixes and restrictive diets rarely deliver long-term results, and how gentle, health-promoting habits—like adding a daily walk, drinking more water, or including an extra vegetable at meals—are the real keys to sustainable wellness. Heather Creekmore enc...

Welcome back to the "Waiting for Weight Loss" Lenten series on the Compared to Who? Podcast! In this heartfelt episode, host Heather Creekmore dives deep into the challenge so many face: How can we desire body change or weight loss while still honoring, loving, and accepting the bodies we have—right now? Episode Highlights: Heather Creekmore unpacks why self-hatred is NOT a biblical motivator for change, and what healthier (and more effective) alternatives look like. You’ll hear practical, gra...