Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women — Christianity
Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!

Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?

Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)

If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!

Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.

I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.

Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.

Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

Latest Episodes:

Why Do We Want to Control Everything? Feat: Jennifer Dukes Lee Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Do you ever feel like life would be easier if you could just control everything? Or, perhaps you'd say you're not controlling...as long as everything goes the way you want it to! Friend, I understand both of those concepts--too well! That's why I invited my friend, author Jennifer Dukes Lee on the show today to talk candidly about it. Jennifer offers some great insights that will encourage your heart if this is an area in which you are wrestling. Here are a few things we talk about today.

Why Do We Want to Control Everything?

The connection between our desire for approval and control.
How it can be very subtle.
How high achieving, high capacity women may be more likely to have this challenge.
How control keeps us from connection!
Why being a 'control freak' is actually an asset in certain professions--but how it may not be an asset at home.
How to have a mindset shift in this arena.
Why being capable doesn't always equal being called.
And so much ore!

Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of several books mentioned in today's show including (Amazon affiliate links):

Love Idol: https://amzn.to/34qPFs5
It's All Under Control: https://amzn.to/3stBLOa
It's All Under Control Bible Study: https://amzn.to/3ovXbIZ
Growing Slow: https://amzn.to/3shDQfQ
Find freebies Jennifer mentioned here: https://jenniferdukeslee.com/itsallundercontrol
Connect with Jennifer at Jenniferdukeslee.com

If you enjoyed this episode and want more ideas to answer the question: Why do we want to control everything? Check out this episode of the podcast called How to Stop Being a Controlling Woman or this one on the connection between eating disorders and control.

You may also enjoy these posts from the archives: How a Control Freak Almost Ruined My Marriage and What to Do When You Feel Out of Control with Body Image Issues.

Connect with Compared to Who? take the free body image quiz and get your free "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison" Walking Workout Download here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Support the show by joining our NEW Patreon Community here. We'll have exclusive monthly virtual get-togethers starting in March and so much more. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/comparedtowho

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How to Stop Being a Controlling Woman Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

I know all about battling control and so does today's guest, Shannon Popkin, author of the book, "Control Girl." Today, Shannon and I talk about all things related to how to stop being a controlling woman. We talk about: why women control, how we control, and what some of the antidotes are for control. If you're looking for help on how to stop being this kind of controlling woman, I hope you'll tune in to this delightful and informative conversation.

Here are some of the highlights from How to Stop Being a Controlling Woman:

Shannon and I share our stories of trying to control our husband's clothing choices (and not in a helpful way!).
We talk about where this whole struggle with control began, biblically, and how women have been wrestling control since the days of Eve.
We talk about becoming aware of the things we are trying to control and then becoming realistic about what is within our control and what is outside of our control.
Controlling our bodies, our food, our families, and other things can have a real (and damaging) impact on our lives. We discuss some of the effect of control.
We end with some encouragement for moms who have a prodigal child, are trying to raise "healthy" daughters, and more.
You may want to check out Heather's confession of being a controlling woman and how it affected her marriage in this blog post.

Mentioned in today's show:

Shannon's book, Control Girl - Find it here on Amazon (Amazon affiliate link). https://amzn.to/3oo2URc

Shannon's first episode with Heather on comparison. LIsten here. https://comparedtowho.me/podcast-quitting-the-comparison-girl-game-with-shannon-popkin/

Erin Davis's book, Grafitti for girls. (Amazon affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3rpbUYh

Get freebies from Shannon here: https://www.controlgirl.com

Connect with Shannon here: https://www.shannonpopkin.com or on Instagram or Facebook.

Offers from Compared to Who? Connect with Heather:

Connect with Compared to Who? take the body image quiz and get the free walking workout here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Ready to support Compared to Who? on Patreon and join our Patreon community? Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/comparedtowho

Loving the show? Leave a review! Find out more here: https://www.comparedtowho.me/podcast

Ready for coaching? Learn more here: https://www.comparedtowho.me/coaching

Leave a voice message with a question for the show or a comment about how the show has blessed you. Use the speak pipe link at the bottom of this page: https://www.comparedtowho.me/podcast

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

7 Minutes of Scripture Esther: Beauty Didn't Lead to a Fairy Tale Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

You asked for more 7 minutes of scripture episodes...so today we'll tackle Esther chapter 2 in about seven minutes (or 17 minutes...it's a full chapter!) Today we look at how for Esther beauty didn't lead to a fairy tale. Too often the story of Esther is presented as a rags-to-riches, inspirational tale--like the Cinderella story of the Bible. But the reality of Esther's story is much harder than that. And, though Esther had tremendous beauty--she had beauty for a purpose. God gave her great beauty but that didn't make her life easy. Instead, it got her thrown into what we'd now call a form of slavery where she was used and tossed aside at the king's pleasure. She had no freedom or autonomy, even after she was named his queen.

In this episode we talk about the reality that beauty doesn't always lead us to easy places. In fact, for Esther, it was quite the opposite. But, God gave her everything she needed to accomplish his purpose for her life--and that purpose was to save the Jewish people. Read the entire book of Esther after you listen for even greater insight into the story.

Esther: Beauty Doesn't Always Lead to a Fairy Tale

Listen and learn about the reality of Esther's story and stay tuned to the end where we explore some takeaways to apply to your life and struggles today.

Are you on Compared to Who's exclusive email list? Join here and take the free body image quiz and download the free "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison."

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How to Stop the Brain from Overthinking and Rest Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

Who has a brain that just won't turn off? I do! Today we talk with the Mindset Makeover Coach, Alicia Michelle about how to find rest by focusing on what we're thinking (and overthinking) about. If you've wondered how to stop the brain from overthinking, today will be a super helpful show for you. In this series on habits that will actually change our year, we talk about how important it is to rest. But, instead of talking about getting more sleep or turning off Netflix, Alicia talks about how in order to truly experience rest we have to first address what's going on in our brains and we have to help them rest. If you are an over-thinker or a "brain won't stop" kind of person, today's show will be a huge help to you!

Alicia and I talk about:

Why our brains compare us to others.
Why we can't rest when we're relying on old patterns of thinking to tell us how to be or act.
How our desire for approval can prohibit us from resting.
How to deal with disappointment.
How finding a healthy definition of success is vital.
How to find peace so we can rest!

If you've ever struggled with overthinking, lying in bed with a brain that won't turn off, or you feel like you're constantly going because your brain won't give you a rest--this show is for you.

Want more information on how to stop the brain from overthinking?

Connect with Alicia and get her free goodies here: https://www.vibrantchristianliving.com

Connect with Compared to Who? and get on the insiders list, take the body image quiz, and get the free walking download here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Check out Heather's book, The Burden of Better referenced in today's show. You can start reading the first two chapters free!

Listen to other shows with similar topics here:

How to Transform Your Thought Life

How to Hush the Hustle

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daniel Fast, Sugar Fasts, and the Truth About Biblical Fasting Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

This is part 2 of a conversation with Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD on the topic of fasting. In the last episode we discussed whether or not someone with an eating disorder or recovering from an eating disorder should try fasting and what the dangers and challenges are surrounding that. Today, we dig deeper into scripture. We look at the Daniel Fast, Sugar Fasts, and uncover the truth about biblical fasting and answer the question: Should Christians who have had an eating disorder or disordered eating fast?

Yes, fasting is a spiritual discipline and a biblical concept.

Listen to part one of this interview here titled: Should I fast if I had an eating disorder or suffer from disordered eating?

Should Christians With An Eating Disorder Past Do the Daniel Fast or a Sugar Fast?

But, today Amy and I look at the ways in which we may have distorted the beauty of fasting to seek God's face and replaced it with fasting to get skinny or have smoother skin. We discuss the ways in which fasting has been co-opted by Diet Culture and how there are better words and concepts we should use if we want to talk about cutting certain items out of our diets or lives--words that don't obstruct the sacredness of the concept of fasting.

Amy and I start this episode by digging in where we left off last time -- examining Daniel 1:15 in the ESV that talks about how Daniel and friends were "fatter in appearance" after their 10 day fast. We look at the miracle of this, what we misinterpret about this passage, and why Christians should think twice before trying to eat like Daniel or interpreting this passage as a biblical instruction for how to eat now.

We also talk about sugar fasts and how they may make your body look good but can be harmful for those who still don't have a healthy relationship with all foods. If you're trying to recover from an eating disorder or stuck in the rut of feeling afraid of certain foods, a sugar fast could put you on the wrong track.

Here are some of the passages we look at in today's show about fasting, Christians and the practice of fasting, and biblical fasts:

Isaiah 58 - the whole chapter is on fasting but Amy digs in to verses 5-11 especially.

Daniel 1 - the entire story of Daniel and his friends in the palace and their experience with refraining from the king's food.

Matthew 6:16 - a verse on how to not look like the Pharisees when you fast.

Link to the book Heather referenced on fasting, Fasting by Scot McKnight (Amazon affiliate link)

Connect with Compared to Who? by joining the Compared to Who? insiders email list here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

If you're on Facebook, join the new Compared to Who? insiders group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/comparedtowho

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Should I Fast if I Had an Eating Disorder? A Look at Fasting Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

Sugar fasts. Daniel fasts. Lenten fasts. Churchwide fasts. Intermittent fasting. There is so much talk about fasting in our culture today, that it can become confusing to figure out what the Bible says about fasting versus what our culture (and Diet Culture) teaches about its role. Today, Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD - a registered, non-diet dietician and I talk about all things fasting. We tackle some BIG questions and leave you to do some heart searching and questioning too. Heather shares her hilarious adventures with sugar fasting and Lent, but also talks about what happens when she tries to fast with her church because of her eating disorder history.

This is a must-listen, paradigm changing episode.

The big topic in this episode (part 1 of 2) is the question: Should I fast if I had an eating disorder?

Amy and Heather also talk about the following:

What is the biblical definition and purpose for fasting.
Why much of what we call "fasting" may actually be dieting for Jesus
How to know if fasting is triggering you to go back to ED behaviors
How to know if you can fast after recovery and ways to make sure it doesn't trigger a relapse
What the Bible REALLY teaches us about fasting (especially in Daniel)

Learn more about Amy Carlson, get the Peace with Food App, or connect with her here: https://www.hellopeacewithfood.com

Connect with Compared to Who? to take the Body Image Quiz and download your "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison" walking workout here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Have you read Heather's 10 Day Reading Plan on You Version yet? Learn more here: https://comparedtowho.me/read-plans-from-heather-creekmore-on-youversion-the-bible-app/

Do you have a question you'd like to have tackled on the show? Send it to Heather at heather @ compared to who (dot) me.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Changing How You Think About Your Body with Barb Raveling Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

If you're familiar with scripture, you've likely heard the instruction to be transformed by the renewing your mind--an instruction from Romans 12. But how do we renew our minds? What does it look like to renew our minds in the body image arena? Is changing how you think about your body even possible?

Today Heather talks with Barb Raveling about all sorts of helpful things in this arena. Barb instructs us how to renew our minds from a macro perspective, and from a micro-perspective. Barb even walks Heather through an exercise of how she would change what she thinks and the action she takes after she feels like she's been overeating and gained weight.

Here are a few other things we talk about in relation to changing how you think about your body:

How do we stop condemning ourselves for the way our bodies look.
What practical habits do we need to change or add so we can be in the regular practice of renewing our minds.
How we have to capture our thoughts before we can change them.
What do you do when your brain defaults to, "I'm horrible unless I look like that" mode.
Why most people don't really care what we look like (even if we're obsessing over it.)
How the "high school cheerleader" scenario may teach us something about our value and our bodies.
Asking the question: "Can I believe that what God says about me is what's most important?"
How to have weapons prepared to fight before you go in the spiral and once it starts!

There's so much good stuff in this episode, you just may want to listen twice. Learn more about Barb and check out her renewing the mind tools or learn more about her Renewing of the Mind book here: https://amzn.to/3Fqi65U (Amazon affiliate link. A tiny portion of your purchase goes to Compared to Who's ministry.)

Plus check out Barb's brand new Bible study on the book of James here.

Want to really get into scripture this year? Check out Heather's new Compared to Who? plan on You Version.

Have you taken the Body Image Quiz and gotten your free Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison workout yet? Sign up here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What Do I Do About My Mindless Eating? Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

Today I'm inviting you to eaves drop on my very first intuitive eating coaching call. Today, my coaches are Erin Todd and Char-Lee Cassel, hosts of the Intuitive Eating for Christian Women podcast. They've been on the show before and now they're back to help ME figure out how to become a more intuitive eater. My biggest struggle, as we talk about today, is: What do I do about my mindless eating?

Erin and Char-Lee guide me through a process of thinking about my habits and examining them in a non-judgmental, grace-filled way. We talk about my mindless eating while I work or tackle "hard tasks" on the computer. Stick around to the end of the show if your mindless eating happens in front of the television or at other times--we discuss this too.

If you're new to Intuitive Eating or are wondering if Intuitive Eating would be good for you, I hope you'll give it a listen.

Do you struggle with mindless eating too? Have another question about intuitive eating?

Drop Heather a line so you know you're not alone. Plus, she may be able to get your question answered in an upcoming coaching call. Heather @ Compared to Who (dot) me.

Want to learn more about Erin and Char-Lee?

Listen to their podcast or read about them here. Listen to the other episodes I recorded with Erin and Char Lee here (https://comparedtowho.me/all-roads-lead-to-intuitive-eating-what-we-learned-about-dieting/ ) and here (https://comparedtowho.me/dieting-causes-weight-gain-other-truths-about-eating/ )

Want to connect with Compared to Who? Sign up for our email list so you know what episodes are coming! Plus you can take the free body image awareness quiz and download your free "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison" walking workout. Learn more here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Make Bible Reading More Interesting (and Spicy!) Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

This month we're talking about resolutions that will actually change your year and your life. One of the most important things we can decide to pursue each year is growth with God through Bible reading. But, it's not always easy. Let's be honest, sometimes it's hard to get into God's word. It may feel boring, it may be hard to understand, or we may not even know where to begin. Today we'll talk about how to make Bible reading more interesting, or shall I say, spicy!

Today's guest brings the spice! Stephanie Rousselle leads an organization called Gospel Spice and she has a podcast also called Gospel Spice. Stephanie helps people make their relationships with God "spicier" but shining light on the truth of the Gospel and uncovering just how flavorful that really is.

Today Stephanie and I talk about how to make Bible reading more interesting. Specifically we chat about:

Why being in God's word everyday is important but how to change your perspective from thinking about it as a duty.
Why it can be hard for us to feel like the Bible is interesting to read.
How to reframe the way we think about reading the Bible so we can't wait to dig in.
The reality of how distractions will happen when you try to read your Bible.
The importance of setting up a routine that works for your season and stage in life.

If you're ready to start reading the Bible daily but aren't sure where to start, check out Heather's 10 day Bible Reading Plan on You Version, the Bible App. It's a great place to start.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What Journey Are You On: Why Thin is Not A Destination Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

I always get revved up at the beginning of the new year for a fresh start, a new journey. But in today's show I explore how, many years, I put myself on the wrong path. Looking at the classic story from John Bunyan's, "A Pilgrim's Progress" we take a deeper look at how easy it is for us, as Christians, to get distracted from the one path we should be on. You'll be encouraged by this allegory and how it applies to our lives as we approach a new year!

Today Heather asks: "What journey are you on?"

Is it a journey to be healthier? A journey to be more organized? A journey to be a better mom, wife, friend, or sister? No matter what your journey, it's important to not forget the ultimate journey that every Christian is on.

I know, personally, I spent most of my life on a journey to be thinner. I treated "thin" like a destination, like a magical place I'd arrive at and everything would be better in my life. Through the ups and downs of my weight struggle, I've recognized that thin is not a destination and that over-focusing on it distracts me from my true path.

Mentioned in Today's Show:

Pilgrim's Progress Movie 2019: https://amzn.to/32P5wjk (affiliate link)
ReFOCUS21 online body image and food freedom course: https://comparedtowho.me/refocus-christian-body-image-course-online/
Compared to Who? the blog
Compared to Who? book
Get on the Compared to Who? Insiders list and take the body image quiz (and get a free walking workout)
The Burden of Better Book: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest

Other Episodes and Podcast Series Mentioned Today:

30 Days to Pray for Your Body Image: https://comparedtowho.me/category/30-days-to-pray-for-body-image/

Spring Break Free - 30 Day Series to Break Free from Body Image Issues: https://comparedtowho.me/category/spring-break-free-body-image-course/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Related Podcasts