Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

• The Overacheiver's Secret: Healing After Addictions and Bulimia Featuring Cheri Garcia

  This powerful episode of the Compared to Who? podcast dives deep into the story of Cheri Garcia, a nationally recognized recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cornbread Hustle. Cheri joins Heather Creekmore to share her extraordinary journey through addiction, bulimia, and the relentless pursuit of approval and achievement. What You’ll Hear: Cheri’s Hidden Struggles: From a “typical” all-American upbringing to battling addiction, reveals how her father’s meth use triggered a desperate search for approval, leading her down her own path of substance abuse. She opens up about her history with meth, alcohol, and bulimia, as well as the shame that hid behind her achievements. Entrepreneurial Escape: Despite her addictions, Cheri became a successful entrepreneur, starting businesses—even while still in high school. Listen as she describes how workaholism became a new kind of drug, and why success could never satisfy her underlying wounds. Rock Bottom & Surrender: Cheri’s story takes a pivotal turn after a DWI arrest, propelling her toward sobriety. She shares the moment on Christmas Day when she chose to give herself the “gift of sobriety” and the spiritual awakening that followed, including a haunting worship song, a powerful Bible verse, and a deep confrontation with God. Breaking the Shame Cycle: The conversation explores the difference between guilt and shame, the importance of vulnerability vs. mere transparency, and why secrets keep us sick. Cheri explains how confessing your struggles—no matter how dark—can set you free. Mental Health and Medication: In a refreshingly honest discussion, Cheri talks about her journey with mental health and the complexities of accepting help, including medication, after years of trying to "pray harder" through her pain. Community & True Friendship: Hear how authentic community, especially among women in recovery, helped Cheri finally accept herself without needing to "offer" anything. Key Takeaways: Recovery is often a journey of switching unhealthy fixes for healthier, but sometimes still unsatisfying, ones. Healing from shame requires bringing secrets into the light and embracing community. Vulnerability—not just transparency—is where true transformation happens. Sometimes faith and mental health treatment go hand-in-hand, and there’s no shame in seeking help. You are worthy of love, friendship, and community, apart from your achievements. Resources & Links: Connect with Cheri on Instagram: @luminous_cheri Find out about We Share: weshare.org/heather A Note from Heather: If you find yourself struggling with addiction, body image, or feeling like you have to achieve to be worthy, let this episode remind you: You’re not alone. There is hope, healing, and community waiting for you. Listen & subscribe for more honest stories that help you stop comparing and start living! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• The Role of Confession in Healing: Featuring (Auntie) Anne Beiler

  This deeply moving episode of Compared to Who? features Anne Beiler, the original creator of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, as she shares her powerful personal story of trauma, loss, and ultimately, healing. Host Heather Creekmore guides a vulnerable discussion on the profound role confession plays in emotional and spiritual recovery, especially after devastating events. What’s Inside: Anne's humble beginnings growing up Amish and lessons on hard work that later inspired Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. The tragic loss of her young daughter and how this event marked the beginning of her struggle with spiritual confusion, grief, and “the life of pretense.” Anne Beiler honestly recounts the pain and consequences of being taken advantage of by a pastor, the isolation of living with secrets, and the burden of shame and guilt. The breaking point: how years of carrying trauma and secrecy led her to the brink, and how her journey shifted the moment she bravely confessed the truth to her husband. Practical steps and biblical wisdom around confession, including Anne Beiler's “new view of confession” based on James 5:16—confessing faults to one another as a path toward true healing. The three types of confession: Anne identifies as keys to lasting freedom: private (bedside) with God, journaling, and verbal confession to another trusted person. Encouragement and actionable advice for anyone carrying burdens, trauma, or secrets: You are not meant to walk alone. Key Takeaways: Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it’s about reclaiming connection, authenticity, and health—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Secrets and shame fester in isolation, but openness (even when terrifying) is the beginning of transformation and hope. Healing from trauma often requires courage to take responsibility, to stop blaming others, and to believe you’re worthy of freedom and forgiveness. The body truly does “keep score”—emotional pain can manifest physically, but light begins to pierce the darkness the moment you step into honesty and connection. Resources Mentioned: James 5:16 and 1 John’s call to “walk in the light as He is in the light” Book recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Amazon affiliate link) Connect & Learn More: Find more about Anne Beiler, one of the WeShare ambassadors, and her advocacy for healing and wholeness. Looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance? Visit weshare.org/heather for a free quote and exclusive enrollment benefits. Final Encouragement: If you are struggling with secrets, shame, or trauma, let today be the day you take a courageous step. Find someone to connect with, be brutally honest about your pain, and embrace the freedom that comes from confession and community. **This episode was part of a paid partnership with WeShare: Healthcare by UHSM. Visit: weshare.org/heather for a free quote or to learn more about this Christian healthshare company. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Fear of Weight Gain & Other Little Everyday Fears: How to Trust God With Our Fears

  Are you tired of letting fears—big or small—shape how you live and see yourself? In this powerful wrap-up to our "Fear Free Fall" series, Heather Creekmore tackles one of the most common (and sneaky) fears: the fear of gaining weight. But that's just the beginning. This episode goes deep, unearthing all the little day-to-day worries that seem so normal… until you realize they’re holding you back. Heather asks tough questions: Where do our fears about weight really come from? Are our fears about gainign weight about health…or worth? What does the Bible actually teach about bodies, value, and holiness—and are we prioritizing “taking care of our temple” over what God specifically asks of us? Heather shares surprising biblical truths, eye-opening cultural stories, and practical steps to trade fear for faith—even if your fear is “just how I am.” Whether you find yourself obsessing over the scale, or caught in smaller worries that never seem to quit, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable advice. Don't miss Heather’s candid encouragement and the very real invitation to find freedom, trust, and joyful expectancy… starting today. 🔗 Referenced Episodes: What Is Gluttony (And What Isn’t)? The Daniel Fast: Surprising Truths ✨ If you’re interested in further steps, check out Heather’s 40 Day Body Image Workbook, or join an upcoming group for community encouragement. Ready for less comparison and more joy? Hit play and start living free from fear! For more helpful resources and to join Heather’s weekly email, visit improvebodyimage.com. And if this episode helps you, leave a review and share it with a friend—it makes all the difference! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Fear of Gluttony: Why Defining Gluttony as Overeating Misses the Point

  What is gluttony really? If you’ve ever worried about overeating, obsessing about food, or wondered whether enjoying that extra slice of cake is a spiritual failure, this episode is for you. Best-selling author and host Heather Creekmore dives deep into the true heart behind gluttony—exploring why our modern definitions miss the mark and how diet culture and church culture have distorted our understanding. Heather reframes gluttony, drawing on biblical insight, church history, and thought-provoking examples from C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller. She challenges the idea that gluttony is simply about having seconds or what’s on your plate and asks powerful questions about cravings, control, and where we derive our satisfaction. Plus, Heather explores how misplaced fears about food can keep us stuck and why true freedom comes from surrender—not self-denial. Whether food has become a source of stress or you’re striving for perfect control, this conversation will open your eyes to new ways of understanding your desires and finding satisfaction. Ready to rethink gluttony and experience food freedom? Listen now for practical encouragement, spiritual wisdom, and a fresh take you won’t want to miss! Episodes Mentioned: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gluttony? (Heather references this episode where she goes through the whole Bible on this topic) Craving Jesus vs. Craving Food (with Erin Todd) More on body image: The 40 Day Body Image Workbook Tim Keller's sermon on Gluttony: The Case of Achan For links and more resources, visit improvebodyimage.com or find Heather’s books on Amazon! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Faith Over FOMO: Biblical Truths for Contentment in a Comparison World

  In this encouraging episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, host Heather Creekmore delves deep into the ever-present fear of missing out—aka FOMO. As part of the “Fear Free Fall” series, Heather unpacks the spiritual roots of FOMO, exploring how it impacts our faith, contentment, and even our relationship with God. Heather explains that FOMO isn’t just a modern phenomenon brought on by social media; it goes back as far as the Garden of Eden. Through honest reflection and biblical truth, she challenges listeners to consider whether FOMO is really about doubting God’s goodness and wondering if He’s holding out on us. You’ll learn: Why FOMO can reveal a lack of “little faith” in your daily life The connection between social media envy and spiritual insecurity How the story of Adam and Eve perfectly illustrates our struggle with FOMO Why God’s timing isn’t the same as God’s favor, and what that means for you The myth of competition and the futility of trying to “win” at life through comparison How to stop chasing others’ dreams and dig into your unique, God-given calling What true abundance and blessing really look like—and how it differs from what social media promises Heather encourages listeners to stop focusing on someone else’s life and instead trust that God’s plan for YOU is personal, intentional, and truly satisfying. If comparison has kept you feeling “less than,” this episode offers authentic hope and practical gospel wisdom to help you stop comparing and truly start living. Resources & Links: Heather Creekmore’s Website & 10 Days of Encouragement The Book: The Comparison Free Life Coaching with Heather Creekmore Connect with Heather: Instagram Facebook If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and help others find gospel-based encouragement! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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