Closet Philosophy

• Ep. 26: Beyond body positivity—A conversation about body liberation with Chrissy King

  In this episode, Jennine and Kristen speak with writer, speaker, and educator Chrissy King, author of The Body Liberation Project. Chrissy dives deep into how fashion, fitness, and wellness intersect with social justice, race, and body image. The conversation moves beyond “body positivity,” exploring body liberation as systemic social change—not just self-love. Listeners will learn why true inclusion requires rethinking everything from clothing access to medical practices, and how concepts of beauty and thinness are tied to politics and control. Chrissy merges expertise in social justice, sociology, and fitness coaching. With work published in Shape, Health South, and POPSUGAR, Chrissy empowers all bodies to take up space and redefines wellness as collective liberation. We discuss: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The limits of body positivity vs. body liberation p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Systemic oppression and body-based bias p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Fatphobia and its cultural/political roots p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Health misconceptions and lived experience p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Serena Williams, Lizzo, and representation p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Age, menopause, and changing bodies p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Inclusion in fashion and fitness industries p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Social justice and intersectionality p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Coping strategies in today’s culture wars p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Books and accounts for further reading Quotes: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> “Body liberation is less about loving everything you see in the mirror, and more about understanding the vessel you live in is always worthy of respect.” p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> “Thinness and beauty standards are less about health, and more about control.” p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> “Representation helps people of every size, age, and identity give themselves permission to be seen.” Takeaways and resources: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Follow Chrissy King’s work for deeper dives into intersectionality and body acceptance. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Recommended reads: The Body Liberation Project by Chrissy King, The Beauty Mythby Naomi Wolf, Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Explore body-positive and size-inclusive influencers, and seek supportive communities both online and offline for healing.

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• Ep. 25: Plus size representation, photography, and finding beauty in every body with Lydia Hudgens

  In this episode, Kristen and Jennine talk with photographer Lydia Hudgens, whose new book Plus: Expanding the Frame features 100% plus-size models and is the first of its kind. Lydia shares her journey from street-style photographer to celebrating body diversity through her lens, the state of plus-size representation in fashion today, and how posing can empower confidence for every body type. They also explore how the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, post-pandemic beauty standards, and internalized fatphobia are reshaping conversations about body image and inclusivity. Lydia discusses her modeling classes, why she believes representation matters across generations, and how her work helps people see the beauty in themselves that they might have forgotten was there. We discuss: The inspiration behind Plus: Expanding the Frame How fashion’s body inclusivity has backslid in recent years The impact of GLP-1 drugs on representation and body image “Aspirational plus size,” and why it’s problematic How age, tattoos, and size intersect in modeling Why posing can help you feel more confident and connected to your body The message Lydia hopes her book will leave with readers Guest: Lydia Hudgens — photographer, model, and advocate for body diversity. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, and more, and her clients include Anthropologie, Reformation, and Rent the Runway. Her book Plus: Expanding the Frame is available now. Follow Lydia: Instagram: @lydiahudgens (photography) @lydiaoffduty (modeling) Lydia’s  website Buy Lydia’s book: Plus: Expanding the Frame

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• Ep 24: Jennine and Kristen explore beauty, aging, and authenticity

  Ep. 24: Exploring beauty, aging, and authenticity In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complicated relationship between beauty standards, aging, and authenticity. The conversation weaves together personal stories, cultural analysis, and feminist perspectives to unpack the pressures women face to look younger, thinner, or more polished—and the freedom that can come from rejecting those expectations. From hair extensions and Botox to the social media anti-aging industrial complex, the hosts examine how personal choices intersect with social norms, capitalism, and patriarchy. They reflect on when beauty practices can feel empowering and when they cross into performative territory. The discussion expands into history and culture, touching on icons like Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Madonna, and Serena Williams, as well as how older women are represented—or erased—in media and literature. Ultimately, Jennine and Kristen underscore the power of visibility and authenticity: showing up as yourself not only challenges beauty standards but also gives others permission to do the same. If you’ve ever questioned where the line lies between self-expression and societal pressure, this episode will resonate. Notes:  This is the YouTube video about Lolita that Jennine mentions. 

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• Ep. 23: Midlife career reinvention, authentic style, and navigating change with Dilara Casey

  In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with career consultant Dilara Casey to explore what it takes to reinvent your career and style in midlife. Even if you've taken a decade out from your career, Dilara has tops for everything from making confident pivots to navigating ageism. She shares practical strategies for reframing your story, updating your resume, and embracing change with authenticity. She also opens up about reclaiming personal style during challenging times and why staying true to your look can be a source of power. The conversation touches on AI’s impact on the workplace, the importance of human creativity, and how Equipped Women is helping close the gender gap. What you’ll learn: First steps for successful career pivots How to position volunteer work and nontraditional experience as strengths Concrete strategies to combat ageism and claim your value Why authentic personal style fuels confidence and reinvention Follow Dilara:  TikTok LinkedIn Check out her novel, Wherever You Go Subscribe for weekly new episodes packed with style, strategy, and real-life encouragement for authentic self-expression!  

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• Ep. 22: Menopause, perimenopause, and personal power with 'The M Factor' producer Denise Pines

  In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Denise Pines, an influential filmmaker and leader in the effort to normalize conversations about perimenopause and menopause.  She’s a Peabody-winning filmmaker, health advocate, founder of Tea Botanics and WisePause Wellness, and president of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Together, they unravel the cultural silence around menopause and perimenopause, discuss Denise’s influential documentaries (The M Factor and upcoming Before the Pause, and explore how personal style, society, and women's health intersect. Highlights Denise’s personal and professional journey in women’s health, filmmaking, and advocacy The impact of The M Factor and the new focus on perimenopause in Before the Pause Why perimenopause and menopause remain so misunderstood—and what has to change in medicine and culture The legislative fight to improve menopause training for doctors in California (AB 360 and beyond) Common but rarely discussed menopause symptoms, and why early education matters How Denise balances her multifaceted career and the wellness routines that keep her energized When Denise met Prince (!) How aging changes personal expression, style, and purpose Connect with Denise: LinkedIn The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause If this episode resonated, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Closet Philosophy with your friends!  

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