As summer approaches, have you noticed some old narratives starting to resurface about your body, your appearance, comparisons to others, or pressure to look a certain way?

In this episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn begin May’s new theme by exploring why summer can intensify these body image struggles, and why so many people postpone fully living until they feel better about how they look.

Together, they discuss:

• Why summer often amplifies body shame and self-criticism
• The cultural pressure to become “summer ready”
• Fear of being seen in swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, and social settings
• How trying to “fix” the body can actually reinforce shame
• The emotional aftermath of visibility and vulnerability
• Why avoidance strengthens anxiety
• The difference between body positivity and body acceptance
• How meaningful experiences become possible when we stop waiting to feel perfect
• Practical ways to gently take up space in the body you have right now

This episode is a compassionate conversation about visibility, discomfort, self-acceptance, and learning to participate in life now, not someday when your body changes.

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This week, Dr. Danielle Colborn and Dr. Maria Christina Stewart explore the nuanced difference between being seen and being truly known. As they close out April’s theme of “taking up space,” they examine why visibility alone doesn’t always lead to meaningful connection—and how authenticity plays a central role in bridging that gap.

Through personal reflection and clinical insight, they unpack the internal and relational factors that lead us to edit ourselves, people-please, or present curated versions of who we are. The conversation invites listeners to consider what it might look like to move toward being more fully known—gently, intentionally, and in ways that feel safe.

• The difference between being visible and being authentically seen
• Why we often edit, soften, or reshape ourselves in social spaces
• How people-pleasing and performance can create disconnection
• The role of self-awareness in authentic expression
• Why knowing your own thoughts, needs, and feelings is foundational
• How shifting attention toward genuine curiosity about others can ease social anxiety
• The impact of social media and curated identity on feeling “seen”
• The importance of presence vs. being in your thoughts about the moment
• How authenticity fosters deeper, more meaningful connections

• Being seen doesn’t guarantee being known—authenticity is the bridge
• You can’t fully see others if you’re not allowing yourself to be seen
• Self-connection comes before authentic connection with others
• Awareness of when you’re “editing yourself” is the first step toward change
• Small, intentional shifts toward authenticity can lead to more fulfilling interactions

This conversation sets the stage for May’s theme: Embodiment—exploring what it means to feel at home in your body and connected to yourself. Because being fully seen starts with being fully connected within.

As you move through your week, notice moments where:

• You hold something back
• You shift away from what feels true
• You present a more “acceptable” version of yourself

Not as something to judge—but simply to observe. Awareness is where change begins.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified provider.

What happens after you take the brave step of showing up more fully? For many of us, that’s when the real challenge begins.

In this episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn explore the often overlooked aftermath of vulnerability: the anxiety, self-doubt, and urge to retreat that can arise after we put ourselves out there. Whether you've spoken up, reached out, worn something that feels more like you, or taken a meaningful risk, the discomfort that follows can be intense—and it's deeply human.

Together, they discuss why our brains naturally scan for threat after moments of exposure, how anticipatory anxiety differs from actual danger, and why the goal isn't to eliminate fear, but to learn that we can stay with ourselves through it.

This conversation offers practical strategies for navigating the emotional aftermath of visibility, including:

• Why feeling anxious after taking a risk is normal
• How retreat reinforces fear—and how staying teaches safety
• The importance of self-compassion in moments of vulnerability
• Physical tools for calming the nervous system
• How to let go of post-event rumination and self-criticism

If you've ever found yourself wanting to disappear after being seen, this episode is for you. Growth isn't just about stepping forward—it's about learning to remain present after you do.