What We Now Know About Body Image, Self-Image & Seeing Yourself Through Internal (& External) Mirrors

About this episode

The episode explores the relationship between body image and self-image, emphasizing the importance of internal perception over external appearance.

In the final episode of our "Outweigh: What We Know in 2026" mini-series, Amy and Leanne dive deep into body image and self-image, revealing why healing how you see yourself has far more to do with your brain and internal mirror than anything reflected back at you externally. Amy introduces the common struggle of trying to fix body image from the outside in, while Leanne shares what the research keeps showing us: body image doesn't live in the mirror—it lives in the brain. This is why people can change their body and still feel miserable inside if the internal story about who they are never changes. Together, they explore what shapes our internal mirror—how we see ourselves, how safe we feel in our bodies, how we anticipate judgment or rejection—and why external changes won't bring peace until this internal mirror shifts. Leanne explains the brain wiring and identity work required to actually create lasting change in how you see yourself, offering hope that healing is possible when you address the root cause rather than just trying to change what you see in the external mirror. This episode provides compassion and clarity for anyone who has struggled with body…

People in this episode

Hosts: Amy Brown, Leanne Ellington

Topics covered

• body image
• self-image
• internal mirror
• mental health
• identity
• healing

Keywords

• body image
• self-image
• internal mirror
• mental health
• identity work
• healing
• judgment
• rejection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RadioAmy.com, StresslessEating.com