Hello and welcome to another episode of let me finish with myself Thomas Vecchio where each time I'm joined by a very special guest to chat about a topic that we get. So passionate about that. There's no choice but to let us finish. The idea of this podcast is to document some of the interesting inspiring and funny conversations. I've had with people I've met so that I can share them with you. I hope you have as much fun listening to this as I did recording it. I'm super super excited about this episode. I joined by someone who I met him a couple of weeks ago and we just got involved in a really really interesting and quite intense conversation about body positivity and she is hosting a really really exciting event in a couple of weeks and I'm really excited to have this conversation and chat about it. And it's Bex. Hi Mickey. Hi. I love it. Hello. How are you doing? Yeah, really good. I'm like super pumped about the event and like I said, I've got the retreat as well. Yeah smart and so it's just like there's a lot going on. You know, I love going on. Yeah, and we'll definitely cover all of it. And rice was like you can definitely just start with telling the listeners a bit more about yourself because I mean we're right now with sat in a really nice apartment in London, but obviously you how long have you been in the UK? Where did you come? Um, where were you before intro? Oh, okay. So actually quite quite the journey. Yeah, but in summary, basically I moved to the side of the world. I was actually not intending on moving to London because all I'd ever heard about it was that it was gray and rainy and just full of buildings and overpopulated so heard all this bad stuff. So I actually never wanted to come to London. Yeah, and then I was actually Moving to France. Yeah, what am I in French and like drink good wine and have to you know, it's all the good reasons very much. So anyway, then I moved to France but whilst I was there. I visited a friend here in London and I just like fell in love with London. Yeah, and I was like, wow, it's so good like the vibrancy. It's so rich in culture like it's so Progressive. I was like, oh my gosh, I have to live here in the future. So it was I was in working in Monaco as a nanny and then I move Moved back to London. This is about six years ago. Okay, and then as well, yes, I was in Monaco for a year and then moved to London and I was doing nannying and graphic design. And yeah, and then it was a year ago. Actually that I just moved into being an entrepreneur and entrepreneur. Yeah also and what was like the step for that? Like, how did you was like the Click moment that you Okay, I really like this is something I found. I'm really interested in and I want to pursue it further. I think that like I just saw a real need for. Exercise to be fun. Yeah, I'm quite a social person. Some people might call me next about some I just love being around people and I just thought oh my gosh, like exercise should be so fun. It's so important and it's so good for like mental well-being. Yeah, and I've had such a way like fun and interesting Journey with it myself and I was just like actually I want to share the love for this and I would I've been in New Is James here in London? And that's it's very serious? Yeah, and like you can't talk to the person next to you. Like obviously you could close on the wall. Yeah also like with English culture as well. You don't have you like that person is just like it's probably will be bright. Yeah. It's like you can't talk to people. Otherwise, you're weird. No smiling. No eye contact not yeah. It's like yeah, exactly and I'm like, oh my God, this is so big. And so I guess that kind of like birth the idea. Here and I was like, I just love Fitness then I think it needs to be more fun. Yeah, and I was like, you know, I'm just going to start a business and make Fitness more fun and more social and something that people can actually be excited about rather than like. Oh so grueling like a child. Oh, yeah, like a chore, you know, it should literally be for our pleasure not for punishment and it's like, oh I didn't go on my run this week. Um, such a like bad person. I haven't like achieved like my goals or whatever and it's like well no like About if you reword it, so it's like you want to go on a run because you're doing it with a friend and then you're going out for brunch afterwards and all of a sudden everyone's fun, you know and it with all these different events that I've been running. It's like well, you know, I want to make sure that there is this fun social playful element to it. Yeah. So I mean I've different I've always sort of got plans in the pipeline of like a fun thing. Yeah, you know, but that's kind of how I stepped into it's just like seeing a need for fitness and exercise to just be more fun and accessible to everyone no matter if they can, you know do 50 burpees or yeah, how many chin up? So whatever it is, it's like that so not what it's about. It's just actually about like, you know, releasing their dolphins and they're like feel good. You know, I like looking after your well-being and thing. Yeah. Yeah, that's awesome. And then so it was from the beginning. I was always like let me I'm set up events or how like, what did you kind of start up at the beginning? And of because we'll talk about the event that you've set up in a while but kind of what has kind of build up to that. Yes, I guess the dream to know what actually it did start when I read the 4-Hour workweek. So that's actually where I should start start from sure. So with that's of Timothy Ferriss and I don't know if you've read it, but I'm not ready, but I'm aware of it. Yeah. Yeah, and it's like what four hours and then you can be earning like yeah. Are hundreds of thousands a year, whatever. Yeah, I know my um, yeah. So anyway, I read that book and there was the section there. It talks about, you know, like what do you actually want and it's like as it experiences is a having Financial Security and like what is it that you want to do? And then I was like, I really want to I want to own my own fruit tree. Yeah, and so I guess I sort of worked backwards from there and I was like, okay. Well first of all, You know before I can owner a trait I've got actually just like start my own. Yeah, and without owning the physical British Frazier just run those tree and then before that to actually get people to trust me and to know me and to get understand my vibe and what babes balances all about. Yeah, you know and then to actually do events and get to know people and like build a community of fit curious woman. Yeah. And yeah, so So I started these events. So the first one was actually it was at the bridge at London Bridge. Yeah, and it was basically yeah, it was a real MVP really I was doing the startup accelerator with escape the city and yeah, they're all about doing these in VPS that your minimum viable product. Okay. And so, you know, you basically do like the minimum so it's sort of like a test and fail thing. Okay, so see. See if it works. You know, what have you got to lose like there's no point. I literally was going to go and guns blazing look at properties and France by it. You know. Wow like big picture. Here we go. I'm sorry my princess would ready. Yeah, I really was and it's funny because I'm like, I'm such a big picture like dream big if you can dream it. You can do it like in those I literally would have that on my screen saver on my laptop. Yeah, if you can dream it you can do it. I wish it as well. Yeah, I was so down for that. I mean He's kind of growing up. I played a lot of competitive Sports and was like really really into like these kind of big motivational like like you have to have your bigger picture know what you working up to anything. So I completely appreciate like all this. Yeah, definitely, but then I guess I got talking to a few people. Yeah that had actually had that experience and then they were like, well, you know, okay, that's all well and good great that you're they have these dreams. But really you need to test it to see if it's going to work first and that's sort of what Was I okay go so I rented out this room for a couple of hours at the bridge gym. And so it was called sweats in learn and whatever sweats and learn. So yes, we are. Yes then and then you learn okay. So the sweet part was doing like a hit workout. Yeah. So that was a fake Kevin McCallister who's become a really good friend and he's just like he's a really nice guy. He's actually a while being Coach as well. Okay, and he's also the while being coach and fitness instructor at stay off it he's just like, you know, and someone just got like really good vibes and you're like, yep, I like him. Yeah good even Jay. He's not like a twig transformation. He's more about like the sustainable lifestyle change, which I think is really really important. I was actually gonna that's one thing I do when I'm address of a laser. But yeah, I know. Yeah, so that is so here. That's what he's about even though he's you know also about like the adrenaline hit but that If it makes you feel good, right sure. So anyway, so we were doing the hip and then we did yoga with Victoria so I know they're so and she actually used to run creativemornings. Not sure if you're being there but that's another amazing community. And then we were doing the learning part was a nutritional Workshop. So we had Kathy Williams talking about got house and how that can affect us and like a stress and now and like it's like with brain health. It's all like, Interlinked and things. So anyway, so it was sort of this sort of three-part morning and then everyone like seemed to really enjoy it and I was like a sellout of Ian and I just loved it. I don't care. Of course at first I was like so nervous. I was like, oh shit, like I was like, I don't know how this is gonna go like this is like really big. You know, whenever anything is that your first day. You just don't know you're like, oh my gosh, what if it doesn't work? What if I can't remember what to say? What if I don't know what to think of it everything they go wrong. Yeah, but it went really well and I was like really vibing off it like I always did knowingly buzzing and I was like this must be like this must be where I meant to be like actually like in your element like my element and I was like, hmm. So could you explain a bit more about kind of what your event is kind of when it is how you kind of got there who else is getting involved? Sure. I understand and yes, I basically what the event is so it's no blow yoga. And I always have to clarify that for people. So yes, no glow Yeah Yeah. So basically what it is is it's all about body positivity and female empowerment. Yeah, and the night will look very much like, you know, so Laura felon who's a body image coach and eating disorder specialist. So she'll be there like talking to us all and sharing her journey of self love and light what she's been through and just giving us tools and tips. The traps to live like happy healthy lives and just actually like body acceptance. So anyway, so she's going to be talking about that and she'll be leading Us in and I'm dressing and then we'll be painted up and UV body paint. Yeah, which is just something that is a real reflection that we are literally living works of art and I think it's so easy to forget that and like, you know, we are also unique and we so different and I think that's so beautiful. I think there's absolutely nothing wrong with that and it's it's so frustrating to see that there is so much like fat shaming and body shaming you know with that. So anyway this the event new glow yoga is all just about embracing your uniqueness and it's you know, you're going to be surrounded with like by a whole bunch of real woman with real bodies, you know, and I think that nude aspect as a real It's a real way of actually embracing you and your War State. Yeah, because you can't be wearing a push-up bra or a tummy sucking I don't least Yandex, you know, it's like it's you and in all your raw Beauty and I think just allowing women the opportunity to embrace that I think is a really powerful thing and then we'll also be doing yoga which will be like a really empowering. Powering flow to just and yet having these poses that you feel like yes. I'm actually incredible. My body can do amazing thing and I think we too often actually forget that yeah, like, you know, I did a Half Marathon this year and I'm like, oh my God, my body is incredible that it's like 21k running non-stop. I'm like a big thing for me, you know, but even just You know the fact that we can like that we can like hug people and yeah, like all that we can do with our hands and create art and it's just with so our bodies are so amazing and I think we actually I think we just need to remember that more often. And so this evening is a real reminder that we are so unique and so beautiful and like so blessed to have these functioning bodies. Yeah that can do so much for us and it's just a in a way. It's like showing gratitude and just in a fun and creative way, you know, like I said, like I say, it's it's not super serious. It's just like I really want women to just have fun and just remember that like moving their body feels good. Yeah and just being surrounded by a whole lot of positivity. Yeah. So yeah, that's sort of what the event is dying to self. Ominous is truly amazing, I think. It's especially in this kind of societal climate. I suppose you could say is that's a really big really big kind of message to spread. I really an important message to spread as well as yeah, of course this event is focused for women only but I mean it's for like men as well. There's kind of something you can take from that as well. Well, it's funny actually because I got an email from a guy through Eventbrite and he said oh is this For men as well, even though it obviously Spears on the blue. Yeah, and he see I think you should make it. You know that men are included. Yeah, and actually I've had other men that have said I would love to go to this. Yeah, and so it's something I'm keeping in the back of my mind, you know, like but how to how that would actually work. Yeah, you know, that would be a whole another thought but for now, I'm just focusing on the woman and your to be a safe place. Yeah, obviously, you know, there is a lot of I don't know if there's a hot there's a whole whole nother topic when is this event? And where is it and where can people get tickets for it? All right. So so it's at the Ministry of Sound which is an awesome club. I'm pretty sure like everyone knows about Ministry of Sound Club and it's like their music is like renowned worldwide. Yeah, so it's a real honor to be there. It's huge for us as well at Sell it so it's like oh my God, it's super exciting. So anyway, so it's at Ministry of Sound which is embarrassed. Yeah and so much Thursday night the 29th of August at the end of this month and it's 6:30 to 9:30 so they can get tickets going on a vent. But I believe going on a very bright and typing and no glow yogurt. Yeah. I'm almost certain that. It's like the first one that comes up. I mean, I kind of motion a lot of new glow yoga. Yeah. I'm pretty sure I'm quite unique you guys. Yeah, I feel like this is the thing. I was like I've never seen this before I've seen, you know and glow yoga, but you're so close and you put it's like somebody paints like on your arm so sure face but never actually know so that's a whole new elements. I've never seen that before and I've seen naked jogger, but there's no like David actually kind of silly. Yes. I love exactly I'll say oh, this is a very nice overlap. Like actually super Niche. But yeah really aligns with my values. I was like, wow, this would be a really cool thing to do. So. Yeah, and also if you can't find it there then even if you go on the Ministry of Sound Fitness events, okay, I'm paid. Yeah website and then Novo Yoga should be the one that comes up. Anyway, yeah or just on my Instagram babes balance. Yeah, and then if you follow the link in my bio, then you'll get to it that way so that way several different way. Yeah, I will put the link in the description of this. Glasses well, yeah find that it also known as That's so exciting and I can't wait to see here goes Yeah, you sort of be there - no. No, I think will be really interesting to see when people first get there being kind of bit nervous kind of like not showing how it goes and see how it transformed and become a law. Comfortable and then how they feel when they leave. Yeah, and just how it'd be interesting to kind of just like do a little I got how you feeling for how you feeling after its kind of just get rid of yeah because they're just the I think it's just that's definitely like a comfort zone that a lot of people would not be like, yeah, like a lot of people would not be comfortable with pushing out of that comfort zone. Yeah, and I think it's one of those it's quite liberating that as soon as you kind of push out that you're like, oh, it's actually not bad. Yeah, it's funny isn't it? And they actually have been like a number of people that have approached. Been through it like really nervous about it and even had friends that they have booked tickets, but they just like Todd like this is really out of my comfort zone and one girl. It's it was actually on her before 30th bucket list. I really trust like that's a really cool idea for 30th. Oh my God, I need to get on to that one more yet again, and I was like, oh I really like that. So anyway, he doing nude. Yoga is on her for 30th. But less so she's like I'm I'm super nervous, but I'm gonna do it and I'm like, that's awesome because I really believe that there is going to be something powerful happening. Yeah, and the evening where women will actually feel that body confidence boost. And yeah, I know there are some women that don't even like getting changed and you know, the gym changing rooms are rather just go straight home because they don't want to get node in front of other woman and like for me I'm like that such a shame like it's just shouldn't be like that. Like we should be proud of our bodies like regardless of any so So called floors or what shape and size and color and all this and whether we'd have a wax or not. You know, that's actually another big one. Yeah asking me I'm like, I'm like babe. I think it's okay. Well I was going to ask about these are kind of questions if you get because I mean as long as that like it is what it was really like you go there because it's like, okay. This is you and your natural self. But also you're like, let me present myself in a certain way and it's like, where's that line between actually no just come like shove like however it is all you. To present yourself. Yes. I've literally said I've seen her number of girls. You know, I like don't even worry about getting away. Like this isn't something you're doing for show. This is the perfect opportunity for you to embrace your natural state. Yeah, and like who says that you need to be waxing, you know, like that's all a personal preference, of course and again at the sort of a whole nother thing about shaving and it's actually quite it's trending at the moment. It's my Moment for women and I don't know if you've seen it but for women to not be shaving and the underarms, I don't know if you've seen that. Okay? Yeah, but also like their legs and so when he said I don't need this, you know, so we're trying to save and I've actually seen it organic Basics. So they have also got models that have got like here I am puts. Yeah, and I might awesome. I think it's great and I think we need to see more diversity in the media and advertising. It's with mottos, you know, and I'm like I know there's it's slowly but surely happening, but I'm like man, it could happen faster and it would be awesome because I feel like it's sewn as woman are if they if they can really connect and see themselves with someone in from you know, a model or someone in the news or whoever it might be if they're like, yeah, I really see myself as that figure or that shape or whatever it might be. B and that's okay, they're accepting themselves and it almost gives them the permission. Yeah to love themselves and have the acceptance for their own body as well. And there are quite a number of women that actually doing that, you know, like Megan crab whose body posi Panda. She's like huge about late body positivity and like, you know Brandi Gordon and there are just so many woman that and even Laura felon who is our body image coach. So, you know, they're all incredible woman that are Embracing yeah bodies and like giving other people permission to do the same giving them the power to do so as massive element, like once you've gotten kind of wind that power back. Yeah exactly. I can probably like feeds off to like lose it at different areas of your life as well. Yeah, because I think who sit, you know, just going back to the wax and but who says that like being you know being Heelys is sexier or that's the way that Society is shaped us. And so then we've sort of felt okay being here less and being with in is and being lighter and being I don't know more tanned or whatever. It might be. That's more beautiful and that's more sexy, but it's like I don't think that's true at all. I don't think shape is like being a size 8 is necessarily what you should be aiming for, you know, I think it's you know to be thin isn't doesn't equate to being sexy. Yeah and to being hairless doesn't equate to that. You know, like I think six is an attitude. Okay, I like that. Yeah, and it's you know, because then that's not just it's because it's also to do with your your mental well-being and how you perceive yourself how you perceive life. And so there's wrapped up. Yeah a lot with in there. But anyway, that's that's sort of like I could go down that rabbit hole. But yeah, that's don't even know how we got there. But yeah, just about any way so people coming along. You know don't even worry about getting it works don't like whatever it is that you feel most yourself and your natural state. It's like come along. Yeah, I'm like, well, I haven't shaved my legs for weeks now. So initiation is initiation don't like no hair from like the neck. Own money to my legs were so smooth is amazing. Like I was just like growing back was so itchy. So yeah, I have heard guys say that about like that because it like gets a virgin's like pro cyclist as well. They always take the legs off. Yeah Transformers. It's like my best friend's husband. He's a pro cyclist. Yeah, and so he's always got like super super smooth. I'm sure my legs are dead. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, but who decided that it's kind of unfair? Yeah, why do we have to shape and guys are fine. This isn't fair. But like, you know with like it is it is true like who decided a lot of things like being a certain shape or 60 or you know, because it changes all the time. I was even thinking about eyebrow shapes the other day how be like really thin eyebrows used to be in. Yeah. Yeah and then I was like, okay, it's like, you know now it's sort of a lot thicker. Yeah, and actually I've seen recently how it looks it's almost like the feathery unplucked look the okay coming back in now, right? So there's always these Trends and I'm like God if you always trying to just match whatever the trend is, this is exhausting. That's I think that's such a big thing like to say as well as more Is it yeah, if you're gonna have to keep up with like the trend of what's in at a time when you're guessing like changing in order to like stick to what some random person decides what like desire what is desirable or not. Then you just like never because it conflicts changes. You never going to be satisfied then like the goalposts are constantly moving. Yeah, and it's just there's no there's no end point which I know this is like a massive statement, but I can same way that a lot of like marketing and a lot of like companies if they do kind of advertising and They're not necessarily that represented that they really back they base it on the fact that people are not comfortable themselves. Yeah, therefore therefore if we if you're not comfortable Yourself by this product and you'll feel better. Yeah. Oh by this is like changer like do this hairstyle. You'll feel better about yourself. Yeah. Go. Join this I know this club would like to society you feel better by yourself and it's like it's always this is you're not good enough, but this is how you can be better. Yeah, and I think that that kind of mindset kind of just been like drilled in. Yeah then and it's one of those that's That which I think it comes on like four guys as well. I mean there's loads of different situations like this is like the ultimate band alpha male. This is like what you should be aspiring to and for a lot of people it's not even I mean, there's like there's like a subset of the population who can potentially achieve that and also the elements of yeah, if you try hard enough then like you can do it that but if your if your drive is to be that yeah, and then yeah you like 1% of the population. Hey, I like books or is it for tomatoes right or like this big deal? Oh black. Yeah, honestly, that's the thing and then it's got has I mean like at least like a person as well in terms of I think body image stuff as well as my experience with it there. I think that there's always like you can do better. There's never like an endpoint as like, this is good enough because then there will always be someone who's like just like a bit more like tone a bit bigger. But yeah, there's always someone there's always someone else's a bit more something. Yeah, and then also kind of moving to to the UK from like South Africa like this seems like such a petty thing but like universities are completely look weird culture in terms of where there's this like I'm pulling mentality of yeah, and then and then that kind of like infiltrates in terms of what now, if you're not pulling then you're not desirable and therefore what do I need to change and they're like you're competing with all these different people from all over the like yeah completely different like body shapes and sizes and then it's like oh, yeah, you're not tall enough nothing. I fear not this enough. Yeah, and then I think it kind of works. Because it's a weird mentality that like males kind of adopt. Yep. That's I think it's all part of like adolescence, isn't it? Is that whole like, you know, you look at the media and you're like, oh well there, you know and then you like he say, oh, you need to be like six foot and yeah, it muscles like is a guy or like as a girl might be like, you know to be big Buster - yeah, but to have a thin waist to make maybe a perky ass, you know, like whatever it might be, you know, and then that's what you see in the media on this ads and And you know with all these like models or whatever and then so that's what you aspire to but then the thing is is like a sort of how I say. It's like, well you slowly learn that actually and like your attitude and who you are is the sexiest thing kind of like, yeah, but I think it's definitely started with marketing. Oh, yeah. Just having a little rant about yeah. I was that I can't remember what food festival it was. But anyway, this girl tried to she was you know, I think it was some sort of Bridgette Crespo something and she was saying as a good guilt free snack and I'm thinking I don't have guilt when I eat. Yeah like yes, and you know, there's like all this labeling and I'm like you just need to stop that right now. Yeah, like why so you're insinuating that I should have guilt when I'm eating. Yes, you know, and I'm like that's such a negative way of putting it and looking at it and I think a lot of the it's I think you know it is It is these companies. Yeah actually responsible when we need to hold them responsible Joe the fact that they are making us feel guilty. Like, oh I should be actually eating this next because it's like guilt-free when it's like no, do you know what you could eat? I I would have like dark chocolate. Yeah, not every day. But now on then and I know people do have it every day and I'm like, that's fine. It's not like you're going to eat the whole block. It's all about like mindful eating and that's again, you know when you're actually Conscious of what you're eating? Yeah. No, I mean I got it's definitely like really important. I think it's just like a whole narrative that you build around it because if you if you if you're building this whole kind of this this idea of you're only doing it because you like you okay the motivation for why you do something shouldn't be guilt. Yeah. It should be I'm doing this because I enjoy like I'm not rushing you. Yeah, it's good for you. I'm going for a run because I enjoy going for a run not because like a shit like any girlfriend. I'm like, I'm such a slob. Yeah kind of like this like like I just had like a whole pizza last night. I didn't run it off kind of thing. Yeah, and it's like no like honestly eat your pizza go for your I'm like Andre like do the most Um, yeah. So basically I think you sort of had talked about, you know, the impact across culture in ages and things like that. And I think it's actually really interesting. There was a gives a Harvard study in Fiji quite some years ago. I think one night 1993 or something like that anyway, so I have done the study and basically since the introduction of TV's teenagers and women have actually started to have body confidence issues and whereas previously they didn't and they were all set now. They're all saying that they think they're too fat. They're too big and I'm like that just breaks my heart that like again just taking it back to like, what are we allowing an hour mind? Yeah, you know and I'm like where is in the Fijian culture? It was actually like The guy and robust was seen as strong and it was seen as a positive thing. Yeah, we're sort of I guess in the more withstand world. It's like no you want to be like a size 8 or whatever like small and petite but then still with big boobs and a big butt. And so how do you win a that's yeah because definitely like across cultures. Yeah. No, that's really interesting. Yeah, and I think what that reminded me of is even in I don't want to say I don't remember exactly which African culture this is but I mean the same way that a larger women are seen as more desirable. Yeah that I think the Caribbean I think yeah, and then I think once you kind of break it down or at least this is explanation of any to find the exact the exact Source, but I think the idea was that because you're more resourceful and you're more like you're part of like a normal family, especially in the area where like food is scarce for instance then obviously if you're bigger, it means you've got more resource more power. So your Kind of desirable. Yeah, I'm in that element. So this is like it's like a screwing likes crony. Yeah person in comparison. Yeah, and so probably similarly in Fiji and culture but possibly and then what does that mean in terms of like that's the other thing like we were like our kind of westernize approach we have to go and like tell everyone about like no. No, this is what you should be aiming for. This is what everyone wants but then I don't know. There's also like a whole like element of I reckon this will be a part of like on this whole kind of Damsel in Distress. Yes, you need to be smaller smaller scale. So like some like big I can come save you and then like yeah, I do. That's more. Yeah, I like that's a narrative that people build and then definitely but like it's it's just so funny because it's like well, you know, like why why does it have to be the case, you know, and especially I mean especially now what worst like same-sex marriages and relationships and the whole lgbtq+. Yeah Community. It's Well, I think that's awesome to be breaking those sort of stereotypes and shaking it up and making us look at hang on. Why is this our narrative? Yeah. Why does the man have to be the one that's like super strong and super bath and like tall and whatever it is, you know, and then why is it the woman has to be like small, you know, and like like I was mentioning with the Fijian culture actually, you know that I think it was the like a model. And she was saying that you know, it's actually again much more desirable to be bigger because if you're if you're thinner you're saying is weak. Yeah, and it's like it is just interesting like where you're getting your information from sure that one point HC did want to say and I think it's potentially like quite controversial. Yeah, you know is that people talk about like and I don't know if you recently saw but there is like the whole Nike The whole Nike scandal with viewers, which ones like last. Yeah. Well, oh, yeah that size models. And you saw that yeah, and it was I just can't believe the amount of hate there was for this mannequin. Yeah, it was plus-size I think size 20 or something. Yeah, and then it was like people getting up in arms like you're promoting a be City and you're like this woman wouldn't even be able to run and I might Jeepers like all these nasty fat shamers just coming out of the Woodworks and I was like that is not cool. You know, it's also so not true. Like that's such a narrow way of looking at it because I actually I actually think that you're much better to be living like a really like if you're genuinely happy fulfilled and satisfied with your life. Yeah. I think you're better to be, you know, all of those. Is and to be overweight. Yeah, which again might might be controversial to a lot of people in the fitness industry. Yeah, but I think you'll beat it to have all of that then to be deeply dissatisfied really miserable and unhappy and yet be a size 8 and tones yet have the perfect everything. Yeah, if you're unhappy what is the plane like a ginger? I'm just like this. So it's so funny that we put so much emphasis on being this. Excise and shape and looking a certain way. Yeah and yet if that's compromising our happiness then what's the point and actually Tamarind Brown bramford. She's an Australian and she's done a documentary called Embrace and he sort of embrace. Yeah or embrace you and and anyway, she's just she did this before and after and her you know, and you've seen the before and after photos, right you people before where it's like before they're, you know size. And then after be like a size 8, yeah, but hers was actually before she was a size 8 and then after she was I think she's maybe a size 14. Yeah, and that was her before-and-after. Okay, and it was such a different spin on it. Yeah, and it went viral and now she's created documentary out of it and and it's gaining this huge momentum and it's actually like become a worldwide movement now of just woman actually being like yeah, like what's to say that actually when your size 8 you're happy and she was just You saying that like she became a she was doing like bodybuilding and things and she was like, I'm in the best physical shape that I've ever been in. Yeah, but I'm also deeply unhappy and I just couldn't I can't continue this. I'm thinking every moment about I'm counting calories. I'm thinking about what I'm eating. I'm exercising like crazy. Like it consumes my mind. I am so unhappy and she's just like it's not worth it. Yeah, and so now she's just like she's living It's really fulfilled life. Yeah, and she's sharing her love and her body acceptance with other people. Yeah, and I think that that's like really beautiful and I think it's I mean obviously like, you know, I think you can have both. Yeah, but I think it's a real beautiful thing to actually be really expecting it to break the mold into the obstetric accepting of who you are like, maybe you're born bigger bones. Yeah. Or smaller bones, you know for everybody as well both ways. It's like oh you're too thin. You should eat more kind of thing. You need a sandwich. Yeah. Yeah exactly. I've never had that problem. Like I can put on as much weight as you people or like or so on and then exactly what you said like some people just born different and you're like, okay. This is now everyone needs to like fit into this prototype and then just like there's no way you could do that because there's so many variations of what everyone imagine everyone is exactly the same. How boring would that be? Yeah time and this is what I always say, I'm like if everyone's like Cookie Cutter Ripley, yeah. Oh my God because I can I like that. Yeah, so boring. Yeah. I might I love the diversity and that's like, you know, it's like you've got curly hair. Here, it's different. Like Brendan's blond like wavy come here. Yeah, and it's like that I think differences keep it so interesting and keep it beautiful and different like store actives as well. Because if everyone just if everyone was just the same narrative everyone just like like Jimmy LeBlanc repeat and then but like on from buying driven from a negative place of motivation, then you're just like everyone's just saying it's like you just kind of going around in circles. Yeah. Not because it's about with the with the Nike mannequin story. That was I was I saw on Twitter and I was kind of scrolling through the comments and then like the thing is like it's there's Twitter and then you go through the comments and then like you just got like extremes. You haven't got the people who are just like so far again something. Yeah, you just like you're so how do you think like that? How do you think that that way and still go? Let me put this out in public because I think other people and then sometimes I controversial things get like a lot of like response you just like that see many people that shouldn't be A agreeing with us. Yeah one common was like what do you someone they put that up and they're like, oh, yeah. No, this is promoting like obesity or whatever and then someone was like what what do you think people of this eyes are going to like Jim in like, yeah. Well you think I'm gonna go to the giving Jean j like you need to make it for them so that they can wear something to go to the gym. I know and you're just like, what do you think? Oh, you are like the only make it this size because you can't gym until you decide but I'm like, I'm gonna run around in jeans until I get to that point then I can like then I qualify. Yeah, and just like I know it's a process that's like the whole thing was just so mind-boggling. I was just thinking like I like he's houses like well, what are they mean to be hearing exactly. I'm like, they're just trying to support woman. Yeah of every shape and size. Yeah good on them, you know, and then yeah and then like if for them yeah, like you said if they're happy with himself, that's the worst thing people like people can't stand people who are happy like and comfortable with them. Yeah, especially if they're saved I felt fit this mold then and they like you feel that you have some you can like dig at them for something and they don't retaliate then but that's funny when people aren't comfortable in their own exactly. They need to bring someone else down. Yeah, and then and but like a really and that like just eats him up inside. They're like, oh you're like that you're happy. But like you should be happy because of this. I just like listen like there's no firstly that like you just said if I'm completely happy there's nothing like you don't I don't need to change for your because what you've told me. Yeah, because I'm your insecurities. And it's and it goes like but like both ways. I that's what I think a lot of these comments are from and then yeah, not just like oh like women should be this men should be this is like know just like do what like no like according to him because I like literally everyone has their own kind of like different preferences. Everyone has a different Comfort levels and all that kind of stuff and if you're just happy if you just like comfortable then yeah, there you go. You've reached it and how to do with it though, like because obviously there's the whole like Fitness thing because I'm I really enjoy working out. Yeah. In because for me like I love nature and so I really value hiking and that's what makes me truly happy and feel truly fulfilled as when I go hiking and I can be in the nature, but I've actually got overweight free and I've got a friend in particular she's overweight and you know, because whenever she's gone for a hike she's had real real ankle issues knee issues back issues. And so she stopped hiking. Yeah, and I thank God that Breaks my heart because that's stopping her doing something that she loves ya. So in that sense. Yes, when it gets to a point where you're you know where your weight is actually inhibiting you yeah from doing what you really love and feeling fulfilled. Yeah. Well, then you're neither you're not you're not winning view. Yeah, I mean because if you're feeling really dissatisfied, it's like Okay cool. So then you can you know, then maybe that's the time where it is good to address it. Yeah that you can actually live this like four. Feel like yeah for sure. But again, it's not to focus on like, oh, you've got to be a certain shape to be happy, you know, maybe someone actually generally couldn't give two craps about going out liking and then find that's that's not their own. Yeah, that's not their agenda. So that's that's totally fine. But I think efforts stopping you then that's the time where you know, it's good to look at it and to have your own personal goals like yes, I like Snow glow yoga, so I actually started with the idea. You know, I like a really wanted because all of my events, you know, I'm like, oh, I want them to be like fun and creative and to just create this magical experience for woman sure, and you know, like and clear who's a good friend of mine actually met her last year and you know, she's just like one of those too. She's just one of those people that you're like love her energy. Yeah connect with her so much like such a good vibe and she's just got so much love and time for people. Yeah, and and I was like, yeah, we I definitely want to do something with their you know, and there are lots of people that I'm like wow vehicle. I needed some how ya going because I was like, I don't actually know like, you know in terms of like where the idea came from. Yeah. It's just thinking I really want to With her, you know something to do with body painting something to do with Fitness, you know, and like exploring our like our bodies and ask that like, oh, you know just almost like created this event because I really wanted to work with her. Okay because she is so awesome and she's doing such incredible things as value know. She's painting 365 woman and 365 days. So this is and clear and you know, and she's got This real passion and it's like woman that are you know, that might have cancer or they've had different Eating Disorders or they've been scarred or different disabilities. So she's painting all these woman with all these incredible stories that's amazing and it's so beautiful and you're just like, wow, you know when you just say inspired by someone and you're just like, okay. I've got to work with you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I'm gonna make it happen. Posture posture. Yeah, it's like well, what do you think about no glow yoga? Like I know it's kind of crazy. Right? Like do you think people would go for it? And she's like, oh my God, I love it. You know, she's like, we're going to find a way to make it happen, you know, and it just like it's sort of like grow because I was thinking oh, it's such a different concept, you know, like should we start doing it small and then actually kind of grew into something bigger and well actually it would be so cool to do this. Us a like I think there's something really powerful. Yeah in a big group of women where you feel like there's more there's more women to be bouncing it energy off, you know, and it's like well, we're all in this together. I think there is something really powerful and that so I'm really excited to see what it looks like as well II can't yeah. Yeah, we're like doing all the prep now and I had a pain testing day this week with anchor. I think I saw that on your Instagram. Yeah. It was just so it was just so much fun. You know, like of course it lying. She's just finding I mean as a caveat they will be like people will be wearing underwear. So it's not like fully fully made but you know, it's like something that is super different. You know, it's not something you do, you know and your everyday and I think it's it's an awesome opportunity for people to do something that is outside of their comfort zone and to really push themselves and experience something that that is really unique and it's going to give them these long-term benefits rather than another night of drinking. Do you know what I may or like another, you know the same old yoga class. It's like this is something super different. Yeah, but it's going to leave you with maybe your you know, you feel empowered to wear the bikini to the beach for the first time in a long time. Maybe you've only worn a one piece because or maybe you've not even gone to the beach because you've been so embarrassed and you know, I I want women that have had breast cancer to be there. You know, they might have one boob. Honestly that would warm my heart so much for them to be there and to just see women of every shape and size actually represented and the glow yoga. Yes. So that's really my that's like my real heart for no glow. Yoga is just that everyone and anyone feels comfortable and even people that are new to yoga. You know, it's like yeah. Well, yeah, we've got to have a DJ and so, you know, she'll be doing like this also having this really incredible empowering set where she's taking us on this journey because I think music is super powerful and it actually Really draws people together and it's actually there's been multiple studies that have shown that you know, when you when you're playing live music with a room full of people and you're all you actually have this real sense of connection. Okay, and it's actually quite cool like this happening in the brain like your brain. Your chemicals are all aligned. Right? Do you feel this community? And I think it is like this this connection and I think I'm really excited to see ya what it's going to what it's going to look like. Like so yeah, I'm like hope that you know, everyone just has an incredible time and I think May well it's going to be a night to remember. That's for sure. Yeah. It's so exciting. I'll definitely be putting like the links in the bayou and sharing that I'm around as well with it when the episodes finished too. Yeah, and I'll keep you in the loop. Yeah, that's truly amazing. It's also like The cool thats how you've brought lots of different people in from different areas to work together on like this whole like bring this episode together. So it's not just so you've got like your element of the fitness you got someone else in the painting someone else doing the body positivity. Yeah. I'm gonna like a DJ I guess just like loads of people coming together with a similar mindset similar attitude and it's like creating such a unique event as well. Yeah, so and I think that's also what I like I think people being exposed to that then I'm sure people who show up would be like, how can I get involved as well? They've got their own elements to as well. They Can ya that's easily and London is full of so many talented. Yeah inspiring people and I just get such a buzz of meeting them and I am always like so excited to see what what talents people have. Wow, it never ceases to amaze me know. I mean even I had no idea with you that you know, when we were chatting and having a good old. Yeah. Yeah, you know that you do podcasts and yeah, you know that this is a passion of yours back on this has been It's awesome. Yeah to be a part of it and to just chat. I think you can have so much like this so many interesting conversations to be had and you know, yeah, thank you so much for joining me in this podcast. I'm Brianna said so much fun recording this. Yeah. I'm so looking forward to kind of going through a listen to her back and like playing around.
For this episode I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Becky Heineke, founder of the fitness and well-being events company, Babes Balanced. We had a really interesting conversation about her upcoming event, Nude Glow Yoga (yes, that's correct!) as well as the importance and empowerment that comes with body positivity. Have a listen to find out more about what inspired her to create this event, find more details about the event, as well as hearing our thoughts on the attitudes towards body image in this day! We'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. To keep up with her incredible work, upcoming events, and all the wonderful people she mentioned, please follow the links below:  Nude Glow Yoga 29th August at Ministry of Sound https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nude-glow-yoga-tickets-63250642374?aff=LMF   SailFit Retreat 28th Sept - 1st Oct Turkish Riviera  https://babesbalanced.com/   Instagram Follow my journey @babesbalanced  Anne-Claire Body Painting Artist https://anneclairefleer.com/   Laura Phelan Body image coach + eating disorder specialist http://www.phelanwell.com/   You are a Badass by Jen Sincero https://jensincero.com/shop/#product=product-yaaba   Documentary: Embrace  Taryn Brumfitt founder of Body Image Movement https://bodyimagemovement.com/embrace/   Escape The City Start up Accelerator course https://www.escapethecity.org/   Megan Crabbe aka @bodyposipanda Body Positivity Queen + instagrammer http://www.bodyposipanda.com/p/about-me.html  Music: Retro 80's Funky Jazz-Hop Instrumental (Copyright Free) Music - Sundance Remix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hbnMgHgZfs 