When You Don’t Like What You See in Photos & Showing Up Anyway

Summer is full of joyful moments—vacations, pool parties, sunshine—but sometimes, one photo can pull us out of the memory and into self-judgment. In this episode, Jess shares how to navigate body image triggers that pop up in pictures and social settings, and how to shift from insecurity to empowerment.

With a personal story from Water World, a relatable lesson from her son’s soccer tryout, and science-backed insights on emotion regulation and perception, this episode reminds you that you are more than what a photo captures—and you're probably farther along than you think.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• Why body image tends to flare during summer—and what to do about it

• How to use post-photo emotions as feedback, not failure

• What Jess’s son’s soccer experience taught her about expectations vs. effort

• The power of naming your emotions (backed by neuroscience!)

• How hydration, food, and rest impact how we see ourselves

• Why you should zoom out and take a fuller look at your progress

🧠 Biofeedback Boss Tip:

Sometimes frustration comes from not being fully honest with ourselves. Zoom out, get curious, and look at both what you have done and what’s still in progress.

🧪 Nerdy Nutrition Nugget:

Naming emotions reduces emotional reactivity.
Research shows that labeling feelings like shame or insecurity can calm the brain and help us move through the moment with more clarity and compassion.

🧭 Value Compass:

Life is happening—don’t miss it trying to ‘fix’ your face or body.
Beauty isn’t just what you see in the mirror. It’s the energy, the laughter, and the lived experience behind the image.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

💌 Submit a question for the podcast here! 

 

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about the Empowered Eating Model™ and connect with the Empowered Eating Team at The Well Collective.
• Free Empowered Eating Masterclass! 
• Connect with Jess @jessbrownrd or learn more about her at jessbrownrd.com