Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

How can you tell if your pursuit of a better body, better schedule, better finances, or better life is quietly pulling your focus away from Jesus? As the "Over the Influence" series continues, this episode features host Heather Creekmore discussing the differences between self-improvement, self-optimization, and scripture's self-improvement plan: sanctification.

The conversation examines the Christian messages that add Bible verses to familiar self-help promises, from “become your best self” to “invest in yourself,” and asks what those goals are really producing.

You’ll hear why Jesus isn’t a self-improvement hack, why transformation means becoming new rather t...

In this second episode in the "Over the Influence" series, Heather Creekmore explores the difference between being less influenced and becoming Spirit-led. Outside voices from family, culture, social media, and comparison shape us early, often turning learned assumptions into deeply held beliefs. But awareness alone doesn’t bring freedom. The Holy Spirit must become the voice guiding our thoughts, decisions, and desires.

In this episode:

Influence begins before we’re fully aware of it. Heather Creekmore explains how family, culture, geography, and socioeconomic context teach us what feels “normal” and valuable 05:21.

Not every belief w...

Are you making your own spirit-led choices, or are influencers, algorithms, trends, and other people quietly making them for you?

In the first episode of a new series called "Over the Influence," Heather Creekmore takes an honest, funny look at the everyday decisions shaped by outside voices. From mushroom coffee and vibration plates to the “it” water bottle, a dress recommended by Instagram, and a restaurant she suddenly doubted because other people didn’t love it, the details reveal something bigger: we’re influenced far more than we realize.

Heather Creekmore explores:

Why a 10-sec...

Procrastination often looks like laziness, but Dana K. White says the real problem is usually overthinking. We try to solve the entire project in our heads before taking the first step, turning a manageable task into an imaginary maze of problems.

In this episode, Dana sits down with Heather and explains how to start when a project feels too big, why “project brain” causes us to fizzle out, and how working with your actual brain is more effective than trying to become a completely different person. They also talk about a really profound discovery about why we don...

Should you take a GLP-1? Is self-love really the key to loving others or feeling loved? And what do you do when another woman’s seemingly perfect life makes you feel like you’re losing?

In this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore tackles three questions that show up again and again:

Whether GLP-1s can be used wisely, especially when you have a history of disordered eating

Why “love yourself before you can love others” doesn’t come from Scripture

How to respond when you feel intimidated, inferior, envious, or competi...

Negative thoughts can feel relentless, especially in a dressing room, in front of a mirror, or anywhere body-image fears get loud. But today Heather Creekmore explains why simply telling yourself to “take your thoughts captive” often doesn’t work.

In this episode, Heather explores 2 Corinthians 10:5 and clarifies that taking thoughts captive isn’t thought suppression, positive thinking, "Jedi mind tricks," or a battle of willpower. The deeper issue is often the belief beneath the thought.

In this episode

Why taking thoughts captive is not step one 02:19

What “captive” means in the context of s...

You replay the conversation, reread the text 100 times, re-analyze the comment, Google the symptom, or fixate. The loop promises that if you think hard enough, you can prevent the bad outcome and finally feel safe. But Heather Creekmore explains that the real issue usually isn’t the topic of the thought. It’s the grip it has on your brain. Overthinking often reveals a deeper desire for control and safety, especially when life feels uncertain.

In this episode:

Why overthinking can feel productive, responsible, or even spiritual at 06:08

How body-image obsession can become an at...

Ella Langley's country song "Be Her" describes a woman who seems to have it all figured out — grounded, secure, at peace — and an aching desire to become her. At first blush it sounds like a song about envying someone else. Yet, the lyrics aren't describing another woman; Langley sings about the version of herself she wishes she could become. In this episode, we use that ache as a lens on one of the sneakiest idols we build: not comparing ourselves to an influencer or a stranger, but to an idealized version of ourselves. It's a "her" that stays just out...

Today’s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT—what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you.

Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Gospel Spice ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant—not bland, boring, or stale. You’ll learn why delight isn’t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to...

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture!

Ke...

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 actually looks like when it emerges from being already loved, rather than striving to earn it...

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” mindset
00:00:09

Parallels with the biblical story of Rachel & Leah’s...

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 into our perception of others—even when we think we’re showing only ourselves the harshness. <...

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, to adulthood struggles with shame, perfectionism, and even suicidal thoughts. Hear how finally rece...

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: driven by rigid self-imposed goals, little room for compassion, and a tendency t...

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. How does the language we use about our bodies sneak shame and judgment into our closet...

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 borrows the architecture of salvation: Learn how programs diagnose a “fallen state,” promise transformation, offer coachi...

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 and body, and a biblically grounded reminder that God’s table is about grace, not judgment. Don’t miss this...

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 eating for biblical discipline and how the message of grace, identity in Christ, and true freedom changed her life. Now serving as a coach with Co...

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 Morgan Krueger explore themes such as the fear of man, the dangers of self-focus, and the liberating practice of self-forgetfulness inspired by Tim Keller's The Fr...

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 ministry and studying God’s word. She addresses the vulnerabilities women face, both physically and socially, and how Western and global cultur...

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 ever felt “not good enough” in comparison to those perfect morning routines you see online, this e...

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 happened 2,000 years ago?

Discover why lasting contentment isn’t found in achieving earthly goals or hitt...

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 body-focused thoughts become overwhelming, including:

Recognizing when your obsession with your appearance is...

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 cookie season temptations!) and biblical truth, Heather Creekmore explains how condemnation shames and separates us, while co...

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-worth, growth, and sanctification

What real spiritual, emotional, mental...

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 pool and fighting the urge to compare and compete with other women.

The...

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 you to reflect on your own relationship with beauty and identity.

Join...

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, she explains that this is a heart issue, not just a body issue—one rooted in expecting rest, security, an...

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 long run. She encourages listeners to shift focus toward habits that will support lifelong health—mentally, physically, and spiritually—rather than falling for every...

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 offers uplifting truth and encouragement for changing how you view fitness, rooted in freedom and grace, not guilt.

**Heather goes LIVE in the community 3/17 at...

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 that encourage us to receive food with gratitude rather than guilt or suspicion. Discover why enjoying food isn’t indulg...

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 encourages us to shift our mindset from focusing on what we "can't" have to what we can "add" to our lives for better health. She sh...

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, grace-filled advice on:

Buying clothes that fit and flatter your body today, not...

In Episode 8 of the "Compared to Who?" podcast, host Heather Creekmore dives into the theme of patience during the weight loss journey. She shares personal stories, including memories from her childhood, and discusses how impatience often leads us into unhealthy cycles of extreme dieting and disappointment. Heather highlights why slow and steady progress is not only more sustainable but ultimately more fulfilling. Emphasizing patience as a fruit of the Spirit, she challenges listeners to reflect on their motives and to extend the same grace and patience toward themselves that God does. The episode wraps up with practical encouragements for...

Ready to tackle one of the most confusing topics on your body image journey? In this powerful episode of the Waiting for Weight Loss series, host Heather Creekmore breaks down the critical difference between body issues and body image issues—and why this distinction can completely shift how you approach your weight loss and self-acceptance goals.

Drawing from 15 years of experience teaching fitness classes coast-to-coast, Heather Creekmore shares real-life observations about the rarity of dramatic, sustainable "before and after" transformations—and why even those success stories might not provide true happiness. She encourages listeners to look beyond the...

In this powerful episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore takes a deep dive into one of the most important (and personal) topics discussed in our community—negative self-talk. Are you your own harshest critic? Do you find it easy to be kind to others but unbearable when it comes to your own reflection? This episode is for you!

Heather openly explores the critical inner dialogue that many of us experience, especially on our journeys toward body image freedom. She addresses where negative self-talk comes from, why it's so hard to stop, and shares practical steps to st...

Welcome back to the "Compared to Who?" podcast! In today’s episode, host Heather Creekmore continues the Waiting for Weight Loss series, taking us through the third "exhale": Establishing Your Purpose.

Episode Highlights:

Heather Creekmore gets real about her longtime struggle with believing that she needed to “fix” her body before stepping into her God-given purpose.

She addresses the misconception that physical appearance is necessary for spiritual effectiveness, referencing Biblical truths and reflecting on Jesus’ own earthly life.

Do you ever feel like your body is an accident or a barrier to God’s...

Welcome back to the Compared to Who? podcast and our ongoing series, Waiting for Weight Loss. In today’s episode, Heather Creekmore shares a powerful story about a time when her identity—literally—was stolen, setting the stage for an honest discussion about our true identity in Christ.

Episode Highlights:

Heather Creekmore opens up with a personal experience of being mugged and losing her physical identification, making the connection to how many of us “lose” our spiritual identity while chasing the approval of others or pursuing body goals.

She asks: Has your identity been stole...

In this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore invites listeners to take a deeply-needed exhale from the relentless messages around body image and self-worth that the world sends our way. Building on the "Waiting for Weight Loss" series, Heather opens up about her own struggles with feeling valuable through fitness and body changes, and the letdown that follows when external goals don’t bring the internal peace we’re promised.

Heather dives into the concept of "monetized insecurity"—the way industries profit from our feelings of inadequacy—and breaks down why finding your worth in God, not in w...