In this raw, revelatory conversation, fitness icon and truth-teller Susan Powter joins the show for a deep dive into life after fame, motherhood, resilience, and the cost of authenticity in a world that prefers polished over powerful. Susan became a household name in the 90s with her platinum buzz cut and explosive call to “Stop the Insanity!” But behind the bestselling books, national TV appearances, and cultural stardom lies a fierce, intelligent, and deeply self-aware woman who defied the odds, dismantled the fitness industry’s toxic myths, and reclaimed her v...
In this raw, revelatory conversation, fitness icon and truth-teller Susan Powter joins the show for a deep dive into life after fame, motherhood, resilience, and the cost of authenticity in a world that prefers polished over powerful. Susan became a household name in the 90s with her platinum buzz cut and explosive call to “Stop the Insanity!” But behind the bestselling books, national TV appearances, and cultural stardom lies a fierce, intelligent, and deeply self-aware woman who defied the odds, dismantled the fitness industry’s toxic myths, and reclaimed her voice after being “produced out of herself.”
In this wide-ranging discussion, Susan opens up about her meteoric rise, the fallout of being commodified, and the painful—but ultimately empowering—return to her core purpose: wellness, truth, and community. From battling industry gatekeepers to raising three sons solo, from launching her new book to delivering UberEats to stay afloat, Susan proves once again she is a force of nature who doesn’t just survive—she reinvents.
"You don’t need permission to own your truth—just the guts to say it out loud."
What You’ll Learn
- The real story behind Stop the Insanity and Susan’s grassroots rise from single mom to fitness icon.
- Why lean muscle and oxygen still matter more than any diet fad.
- How Susan reclaims wellness as a political act in a world poisoned by processed food and patriarchal systems.
- The personal cost of celebrity, exploitation, and creative silencing—and why she walked away.
- Susan’s thoughts on aging, invisibility, and the radical power of elder women.
- The truth about raising three sons alone, the art of walking away from toxic deals, and the power of starting over—again and again.
- Why she believes the most dangerous creature on Earth is a pissed-off woman armed with truth.
Susan Powter is a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and former TV host who gained fame in the early 90s with her no-nonsense approach to fitness and health. Known for her buzzcut and signature catchphrase "Stop the Insanity!", Susan challenged diet culture head-on, advocating for sustainable wellness rooted in facts, food, and female empowerment.
Her influence spanned books, infomercials, speaking tours, and a syndicated talk show. After stepping away from the spotlight, she’s reemerged with a powerful new memoir, a forthcoming documentary, and a podcast titled If You Live in a Human Body. She remains a fierce voice for truth, freedom, and holistic living.
Connect with Susan & Check Out her Books!
Instagram: @susanpowter
Facebook: @susanpowteronline
Her current memoir: And Then Em Died… Stop the Insanity!
Check out the rest of her books.
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