In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, host Karolina Howie and guest Libby Nelson discuss the cultural impact of the movie Mean Girls, particularly its portrayal of body image and fatphobia. Libby shares her journey as a plus-size content creator and the importance of representation in media. They analyze the evolution of body positivity and the societal expectations surrounding women's bodies, comparing the original Mean Girls film to its recent musical adaptation. In this conversation, K...
Jun 04, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, host Karolina Howie discusses the representation of fat characters in the TV show Euphoria, focusing on Kat Hernandez. She explores themes of body image, the sexualization of young girls, and the impact of media on self-perception. Karolina critiques the portrayal of Kat's character across seasons, highlighting the challenges of fat representation in media and the societal pressures surrounding body image. Podcast Socials: Instagram TikTok Facebook Pe...
May 21, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, host Karolina Howie and guest Rebecca Agosta delve into the themes of plus-size representation, the significance of fat friendships, and the exploration of the film 'Every Secret Thing.' They discuss the impact of childhood experiences on identity, the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, and the pervasive body politics in media. They explore the implications of fat villainization, character morality, and the impact of trauma on relationships. G...
May 07, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of Big, Blonde, and Beautiful: The Podcast, Karolina Howie discusses the 2019 horror film 'Ma', focusing on its representation of fat characters and the implications of fatphobia and race in media. She critiques the portrayal of fat villains versus heroes, emphasizing the need for more positive representations of fat individuals in film. The conversation also delves into the character of Ma, exploring her backstory and motivations, and how societal perceptions of race and body im...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, host Karolina Howie and guest Hannah Ogilvie-Young discuss fat representation in the TV show The Office. They explore personal experiences with fat representation, the importance of diverse representation in media, and analyze various characters from The Office, including Kevin Malone, Stanley Hudson, and Phyllis Vance, and Darryl Philbin. The conversation delves into themes of body positivity, workplace culture, and the impact of media on societal pe...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In the season four premiere of 'Big Blonde and Beautiful,' host Karolina Howie shares personal updates, including her health struggles, and introduces the episode's focus on the musical 'Chicago.' She discusses the Broadway history of the show, its adaptations, and the significance of diversity in casting, particularly with Ashley Graham's recent announcement as Roxie. The conversation delves into the representation of fat characters in musicals, highlighting Queen Latifah's portrayal of Matron ...
Mar 26, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this season finale of Big Blonde and Beautiful, my guest Stephanie Lexis, founder of the Broadway Body Positivity Project and myself discuss the evolution of body representation in Broadway. We explore the impact of a new bill prohibiting size discrimination in New York City and the ongoing challenges of accessibility in theater. The conversation also touches on the recent film adaptation of Wicked and its portrayal of body diversity, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the arts. In...
Dec 18, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 18
In part two of our episode on This Is Us Alyssa and I delve into the intricacies of romantic relationships, self-worth, and the importance of setting boundaries within family dynamics. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we highlight the ongoing struggle against societal norms and the hope for a more accepting future. Guest Socials- Instagram TikTok The Fab Fatties Podcast Podcast Socials- Instagram TikTok Facebook Personal Socials- Instagram TikTok Website...
Nov 27, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 18
In part one of our episode on This is Us join me and my guest Alyssa Theobalt as we explore themes of body image, the impact of diet culture, and the importance of inclusivity in the performing arts. The conversation delves into personal experiences with dance, bullying, and navigating healthcare as fat individuals. In this conversation, Alyssa and I explore the complex themes surrounding body image, cultural perceptions, and the generational shifts in attitudes towards body positivity while foc...
Nov 20, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 17
In this episode of Big, Blonde, and Beautiful, my guest Kelbi McKinley and I dive into the animated classic Shrek. We discuss Chris Farley's influence on Shrek and the film's impact on adult and child audiences. Throughout, we emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and the complexities of identity as portrayed in media. And why even in animation accurate and positive fat representation is SO important!
Nov 06, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 16
In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, my guest Alex Stewart and I dive into the beloved Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. We explore the nostalgia surrounding the film, the characters, particularly Mary Sanderson, and the cultural implications of fat representation in media. The conversation touches on the evolution of how fat characters are portrayed, the stereotypes associated with them, and the importance of diverse representation in film. We conclude with thoughts on the future of Hocus ...
Oct 24, 2024•43 min
In this episode of Big Blonde and Beautiful, I discuss the film Paul Blart: Mall Cop, exploring its themes of representation, the use of fat jokes, and the portrayal of the main character, Paul Blart. I critique the reliance on physical comedy and stereotypes associated with fat characters, and how I believe that the film's humor is outdated and one-dimensional.
Sep 25, 2024•16 min
In this episode, my guest Angela Alba and I discuss the various iterations of the movie Matilda and the problematic representation of fat characters. We talk about the use of fat suits in the movies and how it perpetuates fatphobia. The conversation highlights the importance of casting fat actors in fat roles and the need for better representation in media. Angela and I discuss various aspects of the movie Matilda and its representation of fatness. We touch on topics such as fat jokes, fatphobia...
Sep 11, 2024•50 min
In this episode, I discuss the character Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, and addresses the misconception that Nicola is plus-size. I highlight the importance of accurate representation and the desire for positive plus-size romantic representation. I also mention the overall season of Bridgerton, the portrayal of body image, and the negative article written about Nicola's appearance. And I address the real question: is this plus size representation??
Aug 28, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode, I talk with my first repeat guest (my mom) Ellen Howie about the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and its representation of body size. We explore the idea of what it means to be 'fat' and how industry standards and societal expectations influence our perception of body size. The conversation also touches on the impact of media on body image and the need for more diverse representation in movies.
Aug 19, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, I review the movie 'Isn't It Romantic?' and discusses the representation of plus-size actresses in romantic comedies. I talk about Rebel Wilson's claim of being the first plus-size lead in a rom-com, highlighting the contributions of black fat women in the industry. I also explore the film's portrayal of fatphobia, lack of diversity, and the trope of needing to hit one's head to feel beautiful as a fat woman.
Jul 17, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this epsiode, my guest Grayson Gilcrease and myself discuss the TV show Shrill and our personal experiences with representation and body image. We talk about the importance of accurate and positive representation in media, the challenges of finding fashionable clothing in plus sizes, and the harmful stereotypes and comparisons we face as plus-size individuals. We also highlight the importance of setting high standards in relationships and not settling for less. Guest Socials- Instagram Podcas...
Jul 03, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of the Big Blonde and Beautiful podcast, special guest Ann Kathleen Williams and I discuss the John Waters movie Cry-Baby. We explore topics from diverse casting to the satire and social commentary in the movie. We also discuss the portrayal of fat women in media, the impact of weight loss on body positivity, and the invasive nature of fame.
Jun 24, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode, my guest Christina Wells and I discuss body positivity, representation in theater, and the challenges faced by plus-size individuals in the entertainment industry. We explore the musical 'Six' and its portrayal of the six wives of Henry VIII. Our conversation explores the challenges and experiences of plus-sized individuals in the theater industry, focusing on representation, inclusivity, and the impact of body size on casting and costume design. Christina Wells shares personal ...
Jun 05, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode, I discuss the TV series Young Sheldon and its representation of fat and mid-size bodies. While the show does a good job of showing everyday bodies, it falls into harmful stereotypes and tropes when it comes to bigger bodies with characters like Billy Sparks and George Cooper.
May 22, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On this week’s episode of the podcast I discuss the new documentary featuring the author, blogger, and content creator Aubrey Gordon. This documentary follows Gordon as she unmasks herself on the internet and gives up her anonymity as your fat friend and what follows.
May 08, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Listen this week as I talk about Tess Holliday’s memoir from 2017. In her book Tess recalls her childhood growing up fat in a tumultuous environment. As well as her not so simple rise to becoming a successful model and mother!
Apr 24, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This week me and my guest Ally Hunt (@lightscameraally) and I talk about one of our favorite sitcoms Parks and Recreation (2009-2015). Tune in as we have our own city council meeting and give our verdict on positive or negative fat representation.
Apr 10, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Join me for our second episode of the season on the Lifetime movie To Be Fat Like Me starring Kaley Cuoco. Today we will talk about fat suits and sympathy porn.
Mar 27, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Join me for our first episode of season 3! It is absolutely cracker to be back! This week I’m talking about fat representation in the tv series Derry Girls!
Mar 13, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Enjoy our last mini episode before season 3 on Kathy Bates!!!
Mar 06, 2024•3 min
Enjoy this mini episode on fat model Tess Holliday!!
Feb 28, 2024•2 min
Enjoy our mini episode on the country artist Jelly Roll!!
Feb 21, 2024•4 min
Enjoy this bite size episode on Chrissy Metz!
Feb 14, 2024•2 min
Enjoy this mini episode on the life and career of Melissa McCarthy!
Feb 07, 2024•4 min
