About this episode

Lana Poulson discusses the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards and aging, emphasizing the disconnect between perceived perfection and reality.

Lately, it feels like aging is treated as a personal failure and perfection is something we’re all expected to chase. Wrinkles aren’t just lines anymore — they’re seen as flaws. Bodies aren’t allowed to change. Faces aren’t allowed to move. In this chapter, I talk honestly about how beauty standards have gotten out of control — from fillers and plastic surgery to filters, Instagram, TikTok, and the pressure to look young no matter the cost. I get into the disconnect between the “perfect” faces and bodies we see online and what’s often happening behind the screen, including anxiety, addiction, burnout, and self-destruction. This isn’t about shaming anyone or judging personal choices. It’s about questioning a system that thrives on insecurity, unpacking our fear of aging, and remembering that bodies are meant to be lived in — not constantly fixed. Perfection isn’t peace. And the illusion is real.

People in this episode

Host: Lana Poulson

Topics covered

• beauty standards
• aging
• perfection
• mental health
• social media
• self-acceptance

Keywords

• perfection
• aging
• beauty standards
• social media
• mental health
• self-acceptance
• filters
• plastic surgery
• anxiety
• burnout

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Instagram, TikTok

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