UNBOTHERED

Building the Courage to Be Fully Seen in Your Business

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

If you’re an entrepreneur, influencer, or small business owner who wants to show up online - but still feels afraid to be fully seen - this episode is for you.

Let’s be real: putting yourself out there is scary. Whether it’s sharing your true opinions, posting a full-body pic, recording that first video, or letting your audience get to know the real you… there’s a fear of rejection that can hold even the most driven person back.

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of moving through that fear including the photo shoot that pushed me way outside my comfort zone and how I’ve built the muscle of being unbothered by what people think online.

If you want to stop hiding, connect more deeply with your audience, and grow your confidence as you grow your business, you’ll love this conversation.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why waiting until you “feel ready” will keep you stuck, and what to do instead
The #1 mindset shift that helps you show up even when you’re scared
Why posting uncomfortable content is the best way to build courage and connection
How to intentionally build an audience who loves the real you
How being vulnerable online gives your audience powerful permission to do the same
Practical ways to baby-step your way into being more visible and authentic

Bottom line: Your people are out there and they want to see you. The more you let them in, the more connection, impact, and growth you’ll create. Let’s flex that courage muscle together.

Are you ready to join the movement and become unbothered? Visit https://stan.store/theerikaz and subscribe to Unbothered and follow me on TikTok and on Facebook to stay connected. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this message and let’s spread the revolution together.

Thank you for listening!

When You’re Bothered By Your Body (And Don’t Wanna Be)

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hey, welcome back to Unbothered, where we remind ourselves again and again that our worth is not measured by mirrors—even though sometimes we catch a glimpse of ourselves and start spiraling. I had one of those moments yesterday, in the grocery store of all places, and I wanted to walk you through it while it’s still fresh. This episode is for those days when you don’t want to care about your body, but the little voice in your head starts being a real bitch anyway.

What I talk about in this episode:

What happened when I caught a glimpse of myself in the meat case mirror at the store
The thoughts that spiraled in (bags, dull skin, frizzy hair—ugh)
The power of interrupting the pattern and choosing a different belief
Why the first thought is usually the conditioned one
What I used to do when this happened vs. what I do now
How I’ve trained myself not to treat these thoughts as facts
The difference between acknowledging what you see and labeling it a flaw
Why we can’t expect to never have negative body image moments
What to say to yourself in real time to pull yourself out of it
How to move through these moments faster without making yourself wrong for having them

My takeaway for you:

You’re allowed to have “I feel gross” moments. They don’t make you a failure in your healing or self-worth journey. They make you human. The work is in how you respond. Can you interrupt the spiral? Can you treat yourself with love even when you don’t love how you look that day? That’s the real practice. That’s how we stay unbothered—even when we’re bothered.

Thank you for listening!

Unlearning the Summer Body BS

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Summer’s knocking, and no—we’re not talking about “getting beach ready.” In this episode of Unbothered, I’m diving into how to truly enjoy summer in your body as it is. This isn’t about loving your body or flaunting it for attention. It’s about living your life without letting body shame keep you on the sidelines. If the thought of putting on a bathing suit or shorts makes you cringe, I’ve got you. I’ve been there, and I want to help you move through it—not by fixing your body, but by unlearning the BS you’ve been taught about it.

What I cover in this episode:

Why we’re ditching the idea of a “summer body” for good
The absurd pressure diet culture puts on us this time of year
My personal journey of not wearing shorts for 20+ years—and finally reclaiming that choice
How to desensitize yourself to wearing shorts or a bathing suit (starting at home!)
Why loving the way you look isn’t the goal—but living your life is
What it looks like to push past the inner critic and choose comfort over shame
How to talk back to those body-shaming thoughts in the mirror
The importance of collecting new evidence that it's safe to exist in your body now

You don’t need to wait to like your body to start living in it. Your body is not the most interesting thing about you—it’s just the vessel for this one wild, beautiful life. So if you’re tired of missing out, let this episode be your permission slip. Wear the damn shorts. Put on the bathing suit. Get in the pool. You are allowed to take up space, to feel the sun on your skin, and to live fully—right now, as you are.

Thank you for listening!

Why I’m Done With Bounce-Back Culture

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode of Unbothered, I’m talking directly to my fellow moms — especially those of us who have felt crushed under the pressure of “bouncing back” after having a baby. This episode is a real, raw conversation about the harm of bounce-back culture, the way it robs us of presence in the postpartum period, and how it completely dismisses what we’re actually going through — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I get fired up in this one, because I’ve lived it. I’ve felt the shame. I’ve obsessed over my pre-baby body. I’ve even convinced myself not to have more kids just to avoid gaining weight again. And I know I’m not alone in that. If you’ve ever struggled with your postpartum body or felt like you had to earn your worth by “snapping back,” this episode is for you.

What I cover in this episode:

What “bounce-back culture” really is — and why it’s so toxic
How media, social pressure, and old narratives fuel body shame after birth
My personal experience with pregnancy, body image, and postpartum depression
The internal battles I fought — trying to control weight gain during pregnancy
How society sets us up to grieve our pre-baby bodies, but never supports us through it
The emotional toll of trying to reclaim your “old self” in the middle of new motherhood
Why we need to stop preying on new moms with weight loss messages and “Hey girl” DMs
The deeper fear behind our obsession with looking the same — fear of rejection and abandonment
What’s actually more supportive than trying to go back
Why acceptance — not “body love” — is the first step toward healing

I know this stuff runs deep. I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and feel like a stranger in your own skin. And I also know that we deserve more than a culture that tells us our value lies in how fast we can erase the evidence of motherhood from our bodies. You are not alone in these feelings. You’re allowed to grieve, to be angry, and to not love your body every second. But you also deserve support, grace, and a whole lot of compassion.

Let’s challenge bounce-back culture together — for ourselves, for each other, and for every new mom who deserves more than pressure to shrink.

Thank you for listening!

Perfectionism Is Killing Your Dreams — And Your Soul

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back, my loves!

Today’s episode of Unbothered is one you’re going to feel in your bones because we’re diving into something that so many of us struggle with: perfectionism. Yep, that constant pressure to have everything just right — in our work, our appearance, our homes — is doing way more harm than good. Honestly, it’s exhausting, it’s soul-sucking, and it’s probably keeping you stuck.

I’m sharing real talk about how perfectionism shows up, why it’s such a sneaky dream-killer, and how we can start letting that shit go. I even tell you a little story about the time I almost scrapped an entire course video because of some laundry in the background — spoiler alert: I didn’t, and it ended up being exactly what someone needed to see.

In this episode, I cover:

Why perfection is a straight-up illusion (and totally subjective)
How perfectionism amplifies your inner critic and keeps you stuck
The ways perfectionism shows up in our work, appearance, and even how we run our homes
How my messy house became a permission slip for other women
Why waiting for the “perfect time” is just procrastination in disguise
The power of celebrating mistakes instead of shaming yourself for them
Why self-compassion is way more important (and freeing!) than chasing perfection
How to start flexing your courage muscle and trust yourself to handle whatever comes
Real-life reminders that being messy, imperfect, and human is the whole point

Your biggest takeaway?

Perfectionism is not serving you. It’s keeping you from doing the things you want to do — whether that’s starting a business, launching a podcast, or just living your damn life. The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to show up, be human, and give yourself permission to be messy AF.

Ask yourself this:

What would you do if you stopped waiting to be perfect?

What could you start today if you trusted yourself to handle the outcome — messy and all?

Life After Divorce: How I Met Myself Again

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Hey, hey welcome back to Unbothered. Today’s episode is a little different, a little deeper. I’m talking about divorce- not from a place of pain, but from a place of growth. I’m coming up on five years separated and three years officially divorced, and I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. Not just on what ended, but on what began when I decided to prioritize me. This isn’t just for folks who’ve been through a divorce-this is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in a relationship or afraid to be alone. I’m sharing how I met myself again, how I stopped chasing love just to feel worthy, and how I rebuilt my confidence from the ground up.

What I cover in this episode:

Why I believe divorce isn’t a failure—it’s a courageous choice
The pressure women face to be partnered and the stigma of being single
How I started dating as “market research” for my desires (yes, really)
My journey from self-abandonment to radical self-trust
How motherhood and career shifts cracked open my identity
What choosing myself actually looked like in real life
Why I needed space—emotionally, physically, financially—to rebuild
The power of trusting yourself to figure it the f*ck out
What I’ve learned after three years of living on my own, free of outside influence

Whether you’re divorced, considering it, or just navigating life after a major change, this episode is a reminder that choosing yourself is not selfish. It’s powerful. And it's necessary. I hope my story gives you permission to slow down, listen in, and meet you again. You are not broken. You are becoming.

Thank you for listening!

Let’s Talk About Rest — Without the Guilt

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Hey hey welcome back to Unbothered! Today, I’m diving into something that's been coming up a lot lately not just with my clients, but in my own life too: rest. Specifically, why so many of us feel guilty when we slow down, and why it’s time to flip the script. Rest is not laziness. Rest is not a reward you have to earn. Rest is a radical act of self-love and we’re going to unpack exactly why in today’s episode.

What I Talk About in This Episode:

Why we feel guilty about resting (hint: capitalism and hustle culture)
How rest is an act of self-love, not laziness
My personal experiences around rest — from being a hairstylist to co-parenting
How internalized "productivity = worth" messages keep us stuck
Recognizing when rest is needed vs. when it’s slipping into avoidance
A simple strategy to allow rest and still show up for yourself (without the shame spiral)
Why you don't have to "earn" your rest — ever
Giving yourself permission to recharge, guilt-free
How to gently shift your inner dialogue when the guilt creeps in

Rest is not a luxury. It’s necessary. It’s your birthright. You don’t have to hustle for it, you don’t have to justify it, and you don’t have to beat yourself up when you need it. I’m giving you (and myself) full permission to rest without guilt, and I hope after this episode, you feel empowered to do the same. Next time that inner critic starts up, just say it out loud: "I'm not doing that today."

You deserve peace. You deserve rest. Always.

Thank you for listening!

Becoming Unbothered By The Camera

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a big ol’ love note to everyone who’s been hiding from the camera. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll get in the photo once I lose weight,” or avoided pictures because you didn’t like how you looked, this is for you. I’m breaking down how to get more comfortable being seen, how to stop picking yourself apart in every photo, and how to start creating memories with you in them.

Because trust me—someday, you (and your people) are going to want those pictures.

What we cover in this episode:

Why you don’t have to love the way you look in every picture (and that’s okay)
How to stop waiting for confidence and start building it instead
The story behind the “One Pic Challenge” (thanks to my 3-year-old!)
Why taking one unfiltered, unedited photo matters more than 25 “perfect” ones
How selfies can be a powerful tool for healing (yes, even if they’re just for you)
Tips to stop over-editing and start normalizing what you actually look like
The importance of booking a photo shoot just for you—not for the ‘gram, not for your partner, but because you’re worth celebrating exactly as you are

Let this episode be a reminder:

You don’t have to look flawless to be in the frame. Your body is not the problem. And you deserve to be seen and remembered—not just for how you looked, but for who you were.

Next steps if this resonated:

Try the One Pic Challenge this week, just take one photo and let it be enough
Post it (if you feel safe to), or keep it just for you. But take it.
Consider booking that photo shoot you’ve been putting off,no “perfect” weight, season, or style required

You’re not here to take up the least amount of space- you’re here to be seen.

Unbothered by Aging: I'm Not Doing That Anymore

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In honor of my 39th birthday (yep last year of my thirties!), I’m diving into a conversation I wish more of us were having: aging, beauty standards, and choosing not to participate in the bullshit anymore. This episode is for anyone who’s ever caught their reflection and started nitpicking wrinkles or gray hairs. I’m talking about what it actually means to feel unbothered not because those thoughts never come up, but because we get to decide not to let them run the show.

What I cover in this episode:

Why I’m genuinely excited to turn 40 (and beyond)
The toxic messaging around aging, especially for women
My go-to response when I start picking myself apart in the mirror
How to start unlearning the belief that wrinkles or gray hair are "problems"
The connection between body neutrality and aging unbothered
Why I stopped wearing makeup and buying anti-aging products
What modeling self-acceptance means to me as a mom
How choosing not to fight aging has felt like freedom
The sneaky ways the beauty industry profits off our insecurities—and how we can opt out
A few real questions to ask yourself if aging still feels hard

My favorite reminder in this episode:

Saying “I’m not doing that today” out loud can be such a powerful pattern interrupt. Whether it’s picking yourself apart in the mirror or buying into anti-aging messaging we don’t have to keep doing it just because we’ve always done it.

I don’t think aging is something to fear. In fact, I think it’s a privilege. I’m not here to shame anyone for their choices, but I am here to remind you that you have a choice. You don’t have to participate in the story that aging makes you less valuable. You can unsubscribe from that noise, any time you’re ready.

Thank you for listening!

The Return of “Skinny at All Costs” And What It's Really All About

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to Unbothered. Today’s episode is kind of a continuation of the first episode this season, where I talked about decentering weight loss in the Ozempic era — but I wanted to go deeper. Let’s talk about how beauty standards, body rules, and anti-fatness have always been used as tools (or honestly, weapons) against us.

I’ve been seeing a lot on my scroll lately that sparked this conversation — the return of “skinny is in” and the rise of things like SkinnyTok. It feels like we’re right back in the 90s and early 2000s, when it was all about being thin no matter the cost. I lived through that era — magazines in the salon, before-and-after celebrity photos, the constant shaming — and it’s wild to see it being repackaged and sold to Gen Z now.

In this episode, I’m unpacking how all of this isn’t just about personal choices or preferences — it’s about control. It's about distraction. And it’s about keeping us focused on shrinking ourselves instead of expanding our power.

What I talk about in this episode:

The return of “heroin chic” and how beauty standards are always shifting — because they’re made up
Why the cultural obsession with thinness is a weapon, not just a trend
How shame is used to keep us small — literally and mentally
My own past with dieting, overexercising, and the false promises of “miracle” weight loss solutions
Why Ozempic and other shots aren’t the enemy, but the messaging around them is
What fat liberation actually means and how body positivity got co-opted
How anti-fat bias shows up in everyday life, especially in places like the doctor’s office
A reminder that you can make personal choices without reinforcing harmful narratives
The bigger picture — and why divesting from diet culture gives you your power back

This isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s about awareness. It’s about making choices from a place of clarity, not cultural pressure. And it’s about recognizing that this obsession with being skinny isn’t random — it’s intentional, it’s systemic, and it keeps us distracted.

We deserve to live full, rich, expansive lives in the bodies we have now. And while it’s not always easy to push back against the messages we’ve absorbed for decades, it’s powerful work. Curate your feed. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. And remember — your body is not the problem.

Thanks for listening. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend or on your IG story. And if you’re ready to keep unlearning and reclaiming your energy, stay tuned — there’s more to come.

Thank you for listening!

Breaking The Cycle For The Next Generation

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hey, hey! Welcome back to Unbothered. Today, I’m diving into something really close to my heart—why we have to break the cycle of body shame, not just for ourselves but for the next generation.

I’ll be honest with you—my aha moment came when I looked at my daughter as a baby and thought, “If I’m not careful, I’m going to teach her how to hate herself.” That hit me hard. It didn’t matter how many times I told her she was beautiful or perfect—the way I treated myself would be the lesson she actually learned. And that was the moment I knew: I had to do the work.

What I Cover in This Episode

The harsh realization that my self-talk could influence my daughter’s self-worth
How intergenerational body shame and anti-fat culture have plagued women for decades
The importance of modeling self-love through actions, not just words
My personal journey with postpartum depression and how it made self-acceptance even harder
Why deciding to break the cycle is the first and most powerful step
The impact of social media on beauty standards, especially for young girls
Practical steps I took—like being discerning about the activities and environments my kids are in
How stopping negative self-talk out loud can shift your inner voice over time

This isn’t just about me or my kids—it’s about all of us. Whether or not you’re a parent, you likely have young people in your life watching how you treat yourself. And trust me, they’re picking up on it.

I share how I made the decision to stop talking sh*t about my body out loud—even when the thoughts were still there. It wasn’t easy. But over time, my inner dialogue softened too. The words we say to ourselves matter, and they shape the next generation's relationship with their own bodies.

This work is bigger than just us—it’s about creating a healthier, more self-compassionate world for the kids coming up behind us. So, if you’ve been stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, I want to challenge you: Start with your words. Even if you don’t believe them yet, practice speaking kindly about yourself. The kids in your life will notice—and they’ll learn from your example.

Thanks for being here with me today. Let’s keep doing this work, for ourselves and for the ones watching us.

Thank you for listening!

Decentering Weight Loss in the Ozempic Era

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hey, hey! Welcome back to Unbothered season two! Honestly, I can’t believe we’re already here, but I’m so glad you are. Today, I’m diving into something that might be a little uncomfortable at first or it might feel like a breath of fresh air. Either way, we’re going there.

In this episode, I’m talking about decentering weight loss and the pursuit of thinness, especially now in the Ozempic era. It feels like we’re slipping right back into that ‘90s and early 2000s heroin chic obsession, and honestly? I’m not here for it.

For many of us,myself included, pursuing thinness was a lifelong mission. It shaped so much of how we saw ourselves, how we measured our worth, and how we moved through the world. But what happens when you decide you’re done with that? What if you stop making weight the main character of your life? That’s what we’re exploring today.

What I cover in this episode:

Why decentering weight loss is so damn hard (and why it’s worth it)
The emotional rollercoaster of weight cycling—and how it messes with your self-worth
Letting go of the scale and why it’s one of the most freeing things you can do
Shifting your focus from weight loss to actual well-being—strength, mobility, and feeling good in your body
Why I don’t allow weight loss talk in my spaces—and how it creates freedom for my clients
Navigating the discomfort of breaking free from diet culture and building true self-compassion

Decentering weight loss doesn’t mean you’ll never have the desire to be smaller again. That’s human. We live in a looks-obsessed world—it’s bound to happen. But the difference is, you don’t have to let that desire run the show. You get to choose where you take action from.

So, if you’re ready to stop letting your weight hold so much power over you, know this: it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. And I’m right here with you every step of the way.

Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, stay unbothered.

Thank you for listening!

Building A Positive Relationship with Exercise and Movement

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Unbothered! We’re on episode 12, and this one is extra special because I’m joined by my best friend, my client, my coach, and just an all-around badass—Amanda Towns. She’s a relationship and intimacy coach who specializes in helping people build healthy relationships after trauma.

And today, we’re diving into something that so many of us have struggled with—building a positive relationship with exercise and movement after breaking up with diet culture and body hate.

What We Cover in This Episode:

How to shift your mindset around exercise from obligation to enjoyment
The difference between discipline and punishment in fitness
Finding movement that works for you (and ditching the “all or nothing” approach)
Ways to stay consistent without burning out
Overcoming guilt and pressure around workouts
The toxic messages we internalized from diet culture (like the infamous “nothing tastes as good as being slim feels” sign on the fridge).
The real reasons we think we want to lose weight—and why those reasons often have nothing to do with the number on the scale.
How we can shift our goals away from weight loss and toward things like strength, mobility, and feeling good in our bodies.
The power of movement when it’s rooted in self-care rather than punishment.

This conversation is such a powerful reminder that our bodies are not working against us, even when it feels that way. And when we shift from punishing our bodies to actually listening to them, everything changes.

If you’ve ever felt like you were at war with your own body, this episode is for you. Movement doesn’t have to be about shrinking yourself—it can be about expanding your life. Take what resonates from this conversation, and if you’re in a place where you’re trying to heal your relationship with exercise, know that you’re not alone.

Thank you for listening!

Dressing for Dopamine: Wearing What Brings You Joy

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hey, hey! Welcome back to Unbothered! We’re on episode 11, and today, we’re flipping the script on what it means to dress in a way that’s “flattering.” Because let’s be real—flattering has always been code for “what makes you look the smallest.” And I don’t know about you, but I’m done with that.

So, let’s talk about dressing for dopamine—choosing clothes that make you feel good, bring you joy, and actually feel comfortable. Because what’s the point of an outfit that makes you miserable?

What We Cover in This Episode:

The old belief that “flattering” means “looking smaller” (and why we’re throwing that out)
How I used to avoid colors and patterns because I thought they weren’t “for me”
The moment I realized my wardrobe was all black and gray—and what I did about it
How stepping into color, patterns, and comfort changed my relationship with fashion
The importance of comfort (spoiler: no more Spanx, no more high heels)
Why dressing for joy is a form of reclaiming your power
Small ways to start experimenting with your style (without freaking out)
The connection between personal style, self-expression, and unlearning beauty standards
How even something like wearing a crop top can be a radical act of self-acceptance

At the end of the day, you get to decide what feels good on your body. No more rules about what’s “appropriate,” what’s “flattering,” or what’s “for you.” If you love it, wear it. If it brings you joy, keep it. If it makes you feel restricted, miserable, or self-conscious? Let it go.

So, take a peek at your closet. What’s in there that truly sparks joy? And if there’s not much—maybe it’s time to change that.

See you next time, and remember: wear the damn crop top.

Thank you for listening!

AI Images in Branding – The Good, The Bad, and The Unfiltered Truth

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Unbothered! We’re diving into a conversation today that I kicked off on social media last week because, honestly, I’m still in the process of forming my own opinion on it. I want to stay open, curious, and critical, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

The topic? AI-generated images in branding.

If you’re in the online business space, you know how important visuals are—branding photos, content images, all of it. I’ve done my fair share of branding shoots over the years, and while I’ve learned to enjoy them, I know many people find them awkward or uncomfortable. Enter AI-generated photo shoots, which are becoming more and more popular. I see them all over my feed, and I have thoughts.

What We Cover in This Episode:

The mixed reactions I got when I brought this up on social media—some people love AI images, others find them inauthentic.
Why you’ll probably never see an AI-generated image of me and how that aligns with my brand and values.
How AI images, like filters, can reinforce unrealistic beauty standards and impact body image.
The way filters mess with our perception of self and how AI takes that to another level.
My concerns about the potential for AI images to further amplify perfectionism and body dissatisfaction.
The real pros of AI-generated branding images—accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and creative flexibility.
Why transparency is key if you’re using AI images in your branding.
The ethical considerations of AI in branding and whether we should be calling them “photos” at all.
The importance of being mindful about how AI-generated images might impact your self-perception and mental health.
How to approach AI images with self-awareness so they don’t end up making you feel worse about yourself or your life.
Why diversifying your feed with real, unedited, diverse body representation is more important than ever.

I’m not here to tell you what to do, but I am here to encourage you to check in with yourself before diving into AI-generated images. If you’re using them, be transparent about it. If you’re struggling with body image, be mindful of how these tools might affect you. And most importantly, make sure the content you’re consuming reflects real, diverse bodies so we can all move toward a healthier perception of beauty and self-worth.

Let’s keep the conversation going—DM me or tag me on social media with your thoughts. Are AI images something you’d use in your branding? Where do you stand on this? I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening!

The F Word—And No, Not That One

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Hey there! Welcome back to Unbothered. We're diving into episode 9 today, and I've got a big topic for you—the F word. No, not that F word (though you know I say it sometimes). I’m talking about the word fat.

Just hearing that word might have made you feel something, right? That’s because it’s been used as a weapon for so long—as a punchline, an insult, and something we’re taught to fear. But here’s the truth: it’s not that serious.

In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to become unbothered by the word fat—how that shift can transform your relationship with yourself, your body, and even how you see other people’s bodies.

What We Cover in This Episode:

The Weight of the Word "Fat": How society has turned it into an insult and why it shouldn’t hold that power.
My Personal Story: The struggle with weight gain during pregnancy and unlearning the fear of being fat.
Thin Privilege and Body Diversity: Recognizing the privilege I have and understanding the systemic dehumanization of fat people.
Neutralizing the Word: Why becoming unbothered by the word fat can create change—for yourself and for the collective.
Teaching Body Neutrality to Kids: How I handle conversations about bodies with my children in a healthy, neutral way.
Getting Curious About Your Own Beliefs: Practical steps to explore what fat means to you and why it might trigger certain feelings.
The Danger of Tying Worth to Beauty: How our fear of being fat is often rooted in a fear of rejection and a need to belong.

The goal here isn’t just about changing how you see yourself—it’s about shifting the collective narrative. What if fat was just a descriptor, like tall or short? What if we accepted body diversity as natural and stopped attaching shame to it?

If this conversation resonates with you, or if it challenges you, take a moment to reflect. Grab a journal, ask yourself what you’re making fat mean about you, and start unlearning those beliefs.

And if you want to dig even deeper, I highly recommend the book Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings. It’s a powerful read that really breaks down the historical and systemic roots of anti-fatness and diet culture.

Thanks for hanging out with me today. Stay unbothered, and I’ll see you next time!

Thank you for listening!

Breakup With Makeup? Getting Real About Your Relationship With Makeup

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Unbothered, we dive into my personal journey with makeup and why I ultimately chose to stop wearing it. Whether you're someone who loves makeup or feels obligated to wear it, this conversation will help you explore your own relationship with beauty standards. Tune in as we discuss societal pressures, self-confidence, and what it truly means to make makeup a choice rather than a requirement.

What We Cover in This Episode:

My journey from wearing a full face of makeup daily to choosing not to wear it at all
The pressure I felt as a hairstylist and makeup artist to always look flawless
How questioning my reasons for wearing makeup in front of my daughter shifted my perspective
The societal expectations that reinforce the idea that makeup is necessary, especially in professional settings
The importance of making beauty choices from a place of joy rather than insecurity
How I approach makeup with my kids—allowing it to be fun and empowering rather than a requirement

Remember that makeup should be a choice, not an obligation. Whether you love wearing it or prefer to go without, the key is understanding your reasons and feeling empowered in your decision. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! See you next time.

Thank you for listening!

Rejecting Beauty Standards As A Form Of Resistance – Part 2

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to Unbothered! Last week’s episode was just the beginning—I had so much more to say, so here we are with part two of why rejecting beauty and body standards is a form of resistance.

In the last episode, I talked about how obsessing over our bodies is a distraction—one that drains our time, energy, money, and mental real estate. But today, we’re zooming out and looking at the bigger picture: how the beauty and body industries thrive on our insecurities and put profit over people.

Here’s what I’m diving into in this episode:

The beauty and weight loss industries are multi-billion dollar machines designed to keep us in a cycle of self-loathing and spending.
The way shame is baked into marketing—whether it’s weight loss ads or anti-aging products—and how it keeps us chasing an unattainable ideal.
The importance of being intentional about where we spend our money in a capitalistic system that thrives on our dissatisfaction.
My own wake-up call in 2023 and how financial challenges forced me to re-evaluate my consumption habits.
The unrealistic, ever-changing standards that keep us feeling like we’re never “good enough” and how opting out is an act of personal and collective power.
A conversation I had at a recent retreat about how common Botox and fillers have become—and what that says about our distorted self-perception.

At the end of the day, it’s all made up. Capitalism? Made up. Beauty standards? Made up. The idea that wrinkles, cellulite, and aging are problems to be fixed? Also made up. And if we can collectively shift our mindset and stop seeing our bodies as projects in need of constant fixing, we can start reclaiming our time, money, and energy for things that actually matter.

Take what resonates, get curious about your own habits, and remember—you don’t have to buy into any of it.

See you next time, and sending you all so much love!

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

Thank you for listening!

Rejecting Beauty Standards as a Form of Resistance Part 1

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hey there! Welcome back to Unbothered. This episode wasn’t originally planned, but with everything happening in the world right now, I knew we needed to have this conversation.

We’re talking about beauty standards—how they’re used as a tool to keep us distracted, ashamed, and disconnected from our power. And more importantly, how rejecting them is an act of resistance.

I know so many of us are feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and wondering, what can I do? The truth is, they want us stuck in fear. They want us preoccupied with our insecurities. But when we free up our mental space and energy, we can show up in bigger, bolder ways for the change we want to see in the world.

What We Cover in This Episode:

How beauty and body standards keep us distracted and dysregulated
The mental, emotional, and financial cost of trying to conform
Why rejecting beauty standards doesn’t mean opting out entirely, but making intentional choices
My personal journey with makeup, hair dye, and questioning my motivations
How beauty norms are deeply ingrained in the workplace and beyond
The power of normalizing our real, unfiltered selves
Practical ways to start challenging beauty standards in your own life

This is about reclaiming our energy and focus so we can fight for what truly matters. It’s about stepping into our power and refusing to see ourselves as a problem that needs fixing.

So my invitation to you: get curious. Why do you engage in certain beauty practices? Are they bringing you joy, or are they rooted in shame? Start small—skip the makeup for a day, let your hair do its thing, challenge the “rules” you’ve always followed. See how it feels.

Because the more we free ourselves from these distractions, the more we can pour into shaping the world we actually want to live in.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Let’s continue this conversation—DM me your thoughts or experiences. Remember: You are already enough. Right now. As you are.

Until next time, stay unbothered and stay in your power.

Thank you for listening!

Why Food Doesn't Define Your Worth

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hey there! Welcome back to Unbothered. In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s so deeply ingrained in our lives—food morality. You know those moments when you’ve said, “I’m so bad for eating this” or “I’m trying to be good by avoiding that”? Let’s unpack where those beliefs come from and why they’re so harmful.

Here’s what I cover in today’s conversation:

What is food morality?
I explain how we’ve been conditioned to tie our worth as humans to what we eat (or don’t eat)—and how damaging that can be.

Shifting your language and mindset:
I share actionable steps to move away from labeling food as “good” or “bad” and start embracing food neutrality. Words matter, and this shift can change everything.

The role of systemic issues in food choices:
It’s not just about personal responsibility—there’s a bigger system at play. Access to food isn’t equal, and it’s time we stop blaming individuals for systemic failures.

Breaking the cycle of restriction and shame:

I talk about the forbidden-fruit effect and why unrestricted permission to eat is key to healing your relationship with food.

Fed is best:
Whether it’s a McDonald’s cheeseburger during tough times or the “nutrient-dense” meal you’ve been striving for, the goal is to meet your needs without judgment.

This episode is packed with personal stories, hard truths, and practical advice to help you reclaim your power, let go of shame, and see food for what it really is—just food.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode hit home for you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! DM me on Instagram or leave a review. And remember, becoming unbothered isn’t about perfection—it’s about liberation.

Until next time, stay unbothered and well-fed. 💛

Thank you for listening!

Does this tone align with what you're envisioning?

Why Your Inner Mean Girl Needs to Go—and How to Start

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hello, hello! Welcome back to Unbothered. It’s episode four, and today, I’m diving into a topic I think we can all relate to—how we’re such mean girls to ourselves. Sound familiar? I’m not here to tell you how to eliminate your inner critic (because let’s be real, she’s not going anywhere), but I am here to show you how to quiet her down and totally transform your inner dialogue.

In this episode, I’ll share how you can go from being your own worst enemy to your own biggest cheerleader. We’ll explore why we’re so hard on ourselves in the first place (spoiler: we weren’t born this way!), how to unlearn those toxic patterns, and why it’s so important to rewrite that inner script.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

Why self-criticism feels like second nature (and how to unlearn it).
The connection between body image and self-worth—and how to separate the two.
Real-life strategies to stop the self-deprecation spiral, like receiving compliments without deflection and celebrating every win (yes, even getting out of bed).
Why modeling self-love, especially for the next generation, is one of the most transformative things you can do.

I also share a personal story about a moment with my daughter that changed everything for me. It was a wake-up call to stop normalizing self-criticism and start modeling self-acceptance—for her benefit and my own.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to make one simple yet life-changing decision: stop talking shit about yourself. It’s not about pretending you love everything about yourself overnight—it’s about treating yourself with kindness and starting to see yourself as the whole, worthy human you are.

You don’t need to love how you look to treat yourself with love. You’re worthy of your own kindness, right now, exactly as you are.

Thank you for listening!

How We Got "Body Positivity" All Wrong

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to Unbothered! In this episode, I take a deep dive into how the body positivity movement got completely derailed from its original purpose. We explore:

The roots of the movement in the 1960s, advocating for respect and equality for marginalized bodies—specifically fat and disabled bodies—not a focus on beauty or self-love.
How the rise of social media twisted the movement into a self-centric practice of "loving your flaws," reinforcing harmful beauty standards instead of dismantling them.
Why body neutrality is a healthier, more freeing approach. It’s not about loving what you see in the mirror every day—it’s about realizing your worth isn’t tied to your appearance.
How letting go of judgment (towards your own body and others) creates space for presence, compassion, and joy in life.

I also share why being unbothered by your body is transformative, reclaiming time, energy, and mental space for what truly matters. Remember: You are so much more than a body, and your worth has nothing to do with your appearance.

Let’s call BS on beauty standards together. Tune in, and let’s flip the script. See you next time!

Thank you for listening!

My Journey to Body Acceptance

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Episode 2 of Unbothered! Today, I’m opening up about my journey from self-doubt and body image struggles to a place of true self-acceptance. If you’ve ever felt the weight of beauty standards or wrestled with feeling at odds with your body, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Growing Up in the Era of “Thin is In”

I talk about the toxic messages of the '90s and early 2000s—low-rise jeans, diet shakes, and being told to shrink ourselves. From awkward pre-teen years to the challenges of adolescence, these formative experiences shaped my relationship with my body.

Diet Culture and Disordered Eating

My first “official” diet in eighth grade was just the start of years battling disordered eating under the guise of “health.” I discuss how deeply ingrained beauty standards perpetuate shame and self-loathing—and how I started to break free.

Pregnancy and Body Image

Motherhood brought a new layer of complexity to my body image struggles. From navigating weight gain to facing the pressure of “bouncing back,” I share how these moments pushed me toward a critical turning point.

The Catalyst for Change

The moment everything shifted: seeing my daughter in her high chair and realizing I couldn’t let her grow up hating her body like I had. This revelation spurred actionable steps to stop the cycle of self-criticism, both for myself and for her future.

Changing how I viewed my body wasn’t just for me—it was for my kids. I reflect on the legacy of body positivity I want to leave and how small, intentional changes can have a ripple effect.

Thank you for listening!

1. Self-Worth Beyond Mirrors: Redefining Beauty Standards

Erika Zebedeo — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the very first episode of Unbothered, the podcast where self-worth isn’t measured by mirrors. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of being "unbothered"—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform your relationship with your body and your life. Host [Your Name] shares her personal journey from self-consciousness to self-acceptance and invites listeners to join a movement of liberation from toxic beauty standards.

Being unbothered is about freeing yourself from the societal expectations to look, act, and be a certain way. It’s about focusing on how you feel and what truly matters in your life, rather than how you appear to others.

Toxic beauty ideals perpetuate self-doubt and body shame while lining the pockets of industries profiting from our insecurities. Recognizing and rejecting these systems is the first step toward liberation.

Breaking free from body shame not only will imporve your life but also disrupts systems of oppression, creating a more equitable world for future generations.

Being unbothered isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a revolutionary act. By rejecting the toxic narrative around beauty, we create space for deeper connections, greater joy, and a more just world.

Thank you for listening!

Welcome To Unbothered

Erika Zebedeo — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

"Unbothered" is a podcast that challenges the exhausting cycle of body hatred and diet culture that many millennial and midlife women have experienced. Instead of promising to help you love your reflection, this show offers something more liberating: freedom from being consumed by thoughts about your appearance. With a look into the big picture, social justice aspect of doing this work.

From replacing meals with shakes to obsessing over wrinkles, if you've spent years at war with your body, Unbothered will help you redirect that energy toward actually living your life. The host guides listeners to develop a peaceful and respectful relationship with their bodies, not by learning to love every physical feature, but by recognizing that they are so much more than their appearance.

This isn't about achieving body positivity – it's about becoming genuinely unbothered by society's beauty standards so you can focus on loving who you are, not just what you look like. Join us to flip the script on diet culture and discover what's possible when you stop letting your reflection define your worth