Stay ConnectedAppearance Matters: The Podcast! Is the official podcast of the Centre for Appearance Research – a world leading research centre investigating body image and appearance psychology research, based at the University of the West of England in Bristol, UK.
Hosted and produced by Maia Thornton, Abbi Mathews, Ella Guest, and Kat Schneider.
Music by Sian Evans & John Landau (https://toplinefilm.com)
How does supporting a child with a visible difference affect parents and carers? In the third episode of our Visible Difference Matters mini-series, Professor Diana Harcourt and Dr Maia Thornton explore the impact of supporting a child with a visible difference. They also share tools for parents and carers developed by the Centre for Appearance Research, including the Visible Difference Parenting Toolkit, a free, evidence-based e-book for parents and carers of children with a visible difference. 🔗 Find out more and access free support resources at the Visible Difference Support Hub: https://visibledifferencesupporthub.com/ 🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode was recorded as part of the Visible Difference Matters vodcast series, and you can watch every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQbLgdlWgdxo Visible Difference Matters is a vodcast series from the VTCT Foundation Team at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) and was produced by New Wave (newwave.uwe.ac.uk) at UWE by Indie Riley and Jenny Brumme. Listener survey: the podcast team are running a short listener survey to help shape our future episodes. We would really love to hear your thoughts so that we can make sure that the episodes we're putting out are as interesting as possible for you. Please complete the short survey here: go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest
What's it like growing up with a visible difference? In the second episode of our Visible Difference Matters mini-series, Professor Diana Harcourt and Dr Ella Guest talk about what it's really like to have a visible difference as a young person, and the support available to help young people navigate it. 🔗 Find out more and access free support resources at the Visible Difference Support Hub: https://visibledifferencesupporthub.com/ 🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode was recorded as part of the Visible Difference Matters vodcast series, and you can watch every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQbLgdlWgdxo Visible Difference Matters is a vodcast series from the VTCT Foundation Team at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) and was produced by New Wave (newwave.uwe.ac.uk) at UWE by Indie Riley and Jenny Brumme. Listener survey: the podcast team are running a short listener survey to help shape our future episodes. We would really love to hear your thoughts so that we can make sure that the episodes we're putting out are as interesting as possible for you. Please complete the short survey here: go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest
What support is available for adults living with a visible difference? In the first episode of our Visible Difference Matters mini-series, Dr Maia Thornton and Dr Emma Waite discuss support for adults with a visible difference. This includes free, evidence-based interventions developed at the Centre for Appearance Research, from apps to podcast-based programmes. 🔗 Find out more and access free support resources at the Visible Difference Support Hub: https://visibledifferencesupporthub.com/ 🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode was recorded as part of the Visible Difference Matters vodcast series, and you can watch every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQbLgdlWgdxo Visible Difference Matters is a vodcast series from the VTCT Foundation Team at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) and was produced by New Wave (newwave.uwe.ac.uk) at UWE by Indie Riley and Jenny Brumme. Listener survey: the podcast team are running a short listener survey to help shape our future episodes. We would really love to hear your thoughts so that we can make sure that the episodes we're putting out are as interesting as possible for you. Please complete the short survey here: go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode produced by Ella Guest
In this month’s episode, we bring you Phyllida Swift’s Keynote speech from the Appearance Matters 11 Conference, which took place in Bristol in June 2026. Phyllida is CEO of Face Equality International, a global alliance of NGOs, charities, and support groups who are on a mission to end visible difference related stigma and discrimination. Phyllida's keynote explores how she came to be the CEO of Face Equality International, how she's grown the organisation, and also what she's learned along the way, including how to build partnerships with major global brands, influence policy at an international level, and champion the facial difference community on a global scale. Phyllida spoke more about Face Equality International, her career journey so far, and goals for the future in episode 105 of the podcast. Find out more about Face Equality International and Phyllida’s work here: https://faceequalityinternational.org/ Listener survey: the podcast team are running a short listener survey to help shape our future episodes. We would really love to hear your thoughts so that we can make sure that the episodes we're putting out are as interesting as possible for you. Please complete the short survey here: go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest #Appearance #VisibleDifference #FacialDifference #FaceEquality #AM11#Advocacy
Welcome back to Appearance Matters: The Podcast. Earlier this year, we spoke with Dr Zali Yager ahead of her keynote at Appearance Matters 11, where she shared insights into her career, the Embrace Collective, and the themes she would be exploring at the conference. In this special episode, we’re delighted to bring you Zali’s keynote presentation, recorded live at Appearance Matters 11 in Bristol. Drawing on her extensive experience in body image research, health promotion, and community partnerships, Zali explores how researchers, practitioners, and communities can work together to create meaningful, sustainable change. Her keynote reflects on the importance of collaboration, translating research into practice, and reimagining the future of body image research. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also listen to our earlier conversation with Zali, where we discuss her career journey, the Embrace Collective, and the inspiration behind this keynote. Resources and links: Learn more about The Embrace Collective: https://theembracehub.com/ Listen to our earlier conversation with Zali: https://soundcloud.com/appearance-matters/106-in-conversation-with-zali-yager-am11-keynote-speaker Learn more about the Centre for Appearance Research: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance We’d love your feedback! We’re currently gathering feedback from our listeners to help shape future episodes of Appearance Matters: The Podcast. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, we’d really appreciate you completing our short listener survey. You’ll find the survey link here: https://go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to subscribe, rate, and review Appearance Matters: The Podcast. It really helps us reach more people interested in appearance psychology and body image research. Cover image by Trevor James Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Kat Schneider
How does not being able to find clothes in your size affect body image? In this episode of Appearance Matters: The Podcast, Kat speaks with Dr Sharon Haywood about her research exploring the relationship between clothing size availability, body image, and eating disorder behaviours among adolescents in Argentina. Together, they discuss why shopping for clothes is much more than a practical experience, how difficulty finding clothing in your size can affect body esteem and the internalisation of appearance ideals, and what young people shared about navigating fashion in a world where not every body is catered for. Drawing on both survey data and in-depth interviews, the conversation explores the psychological impact of clothing environments, the role of the fashion industry, and why changes to clothing size availability could have important implications for public health and body image. Resources and links: Learn more about the Centre for Appearance Research: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance Find out more about AnyBody Argentina: https://anybodyargentina.org/ Connect with Dr Sharon Haywood: Sharon.Haywood@uwe.ac.uk We’d love your feedback! We’re currently gathering feedback from our listeners to help shape future episodes of Appearance Matters: The Podcast. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, we’d really appreciate you completing our short listener survey. You’ll find the survey link here: https://go.uwe.ac.uk/qufkk If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to subscribe, rate, and review Appearance Matters: The Podcast. It really helps us reach more people interested in appearance psychology and body image research. Cover image by Trevor James Episode image by Becca McHaffie Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Dr Kat Schneider
Welcome back to Appearance Matters: The Podcast! To mark Women’s Health Month, Ella speaks to Dr Sophie Williams, Assistant Subject Lead for Psychology at University of Derby, and Trainee Health Psychologist, Dr Laura Falconer, UK-based Health Psychologist at Reed Wellbeing, and Dr Melissa Pehlivan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the InsideOut Institute, University of Sydney, Australia about their research into the conditions PMOS (formerly PCOS) and endometriosis. They talk about how these conditions affect far more than just the reproductive system, including how they can lead to feeling a lack of control, impact quality of life and a person's relationship with their body. The conversation also covers the renewed NHS Women's Health Strategy, and how its proposed changes aim to improve research and move towards more integrated, holistic care. Finally, they discuss what approaches can help with the psychological impact of PMOS/PCOS and endometriosis, and how health professionals can best support patients by making them feel validated. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Appearance Matters Conference, hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research (9th – 11th of June 2026), click here: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance/news-and-events/am-conference • Renewed NHS Women’s Health Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewed-womens-health-strategy-for-england • Guardian article on PCOS name change: https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/may/12/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-new-name-polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos Find out more about Laura, Melissa and Sophie’s research: • https://www.derby.ac.uk/staff/sophie-williams/ • https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/about-us/team/melissa-pehlivan • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura-Falconer-2 Support with PCOS/PMOS and endometriosis: • Verity PCOS: https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/ • PCOS AA: https://www.pcosaa.org/ • Endometriosis UK: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ • BSGE (British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy): https://www.bsge.org.uk/ Cover image made using Canva Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest
Welcome back to Appearance Matters: The Podcast! In this month’s episode, Ella speaks to Dr Helena Lewis-Smith, Associate Professor at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), along with Fiona and Lucy, who have lived experience of breast cancer and are expert advisors for Helena’s research. They update us on the findings from Helena’s feasibility trial of the Accepting Your Body After Cancer (ABC) intervention, discuss why many women look for psychosocial support after their cancer treatment has finished, and talk about how younger women might have different experiences and support needs. If you, or someone close to you is affected by breast cancer, you can find information and support here: https://breastcancernow.org/ If you’re interested in finding out more about the Appearance Matters Conference, hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research (9th – 11th of June 2026), click here: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance/news-and-events/am-conference #psychology #HealthPsychology #VisibleDifference #BreastCancer #BodyImage #BreastReconstruction #WomensHealth From the show: - Helena’s ACB intervention protocol paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39843373/ - Episode 20: Breast Cancer and Body Image (https://soundcloud.com/appearance-matters/ep-20-breast-cancer-body-image?si=144c118177704910b80c0f26d1ba5624&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) - Summer shorts Series: Breast Cancer and Body Image episode where co-host Maia Thornton talks about a paper she published looking at positive body image in women with breast cancer (https://soundcloud.com/appearance-matters/summer-shorts-series-breast-cancer-and-body-image). Cover image by Armin Rimoldi via Pexels Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest
Welcome back to Appearance Matters: The Podcast! In this month’s episode, Kat speaks to Dr Aisha Sobey. Aisha is a Research Associate at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, where she studies the ethical implications of Generative AI and digital health systems, especially focusing on the impacts on non-normative bodies, employing Political Economy, Science and Technology Studies, Fat Studies, and Disability Studies theories in her work. Read more about Aisha’s work here: https://www.lcfi.ac.uk/people/aisha-sobey Read Aisha’s study on GenAI and weight bias here: Sobey, A. (2025). The thinness of GenAI: Body size in relation to the construction of the normate through GenAI image models. AI and Ethics, 5(4), 4181–4196. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-025-00684-x If you’re interested in hearing more about the Appearance Matters Conference, hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research (9th – 11th of June 2026), click here: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance/news-and-events/am-conference Cover image by Trevor James Episode image by Yutong Liu & Digit / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Kat Schneider
Welcome back to Appearance Matters: The Podcast! In this month’s episode, Ella speaks to Research Fellow Dr Emma Waite and Visiting Professor Dr Amy Slater from the Centre for Appearance Research about their work on social media and visible difference as part of the VTCT Foundation Programme of Research at CAR. They are also joined by Laure Dedecker, a PhD student at the Media Psychology Lab at KU Leuven in Belgium who researches the role of social media in body image development among young individuals with a visible difference. They talk about the social media experiences of people with visible differences, how social media might be used in a positive way, and discuss Australia’s new social media ban for under 16s. The social media resources discussed will be coming soon to the Visible Difference Support Hub: https://visibledifferencesupporthub.com/ Journal article (Guest et al., 2025) exploring the experiences of adults with visible differences in relation to social media: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0324938 Journal article (Dedecker et al., 2025) examining content and responses to influencers with visible different: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1740144525000725?via%3Dihub If you’re interested in finding out more about the Appearance Matters Conference, hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research (9th – 11th of June 2026), click here: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance/news-and-events/am-conference Cover image by Armin Rimoldi via Pexels Music by Sian Evans & John Landau: toplinefilm.com Episode developed and produced by Ella Guest
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
