logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
32m 42s

Skinnytok, Crunchy Teens , & The Return ...

THE POLYESTER PODCAST
About this episode

The writing has been on the wall for a while - Thin is in, pop songs are referencing eating disorders and flexing our ribcages in selfies and fashion content is back full force. In this week's episode, hosts Ione and Gina get stuck into the spectre that has been haunting social media platforms for the past six months and more - the pervasive return of pro ana content, now newly dubbed #Skinnytok.


From influencers like Liv Schmidt launching secret members clubs with tips on cutting calorie counts to crunchy teens falling hook, line and sinker for Robert F. Kennedy Jr's Make America Healthy Campaign to hyper focus on their food intake, the internet is riddled in body negative language that stands to harm us all.


Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3


Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!


Order Gina's book, Greedy Guts, here!


A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.


Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to leave from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine, or drop us a DM on Instagram. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Oct 5
Is Harry Potter Worth Human Rights Violations? The Emma Watson Vs. JK Rowling Debacle Dissected
It doesn't take much to goad JK Rowling into a Twitter tirade these days (allegedly.) A fake news story about bra buying in Markses? Up for days raving about it? A former colleague gives a milquetoast response about differing opinions and expresses love towards her? Time to take ... Show More
32m 13s
Sep 28
Is Jimmy Kimmel A Martyr For Fascist America?
It's been an absolutely mental month for the US media and one face has emerged as the hero of free speech for the Left, a person none of us saw coming to the pulpit to expunge us of our sins: Jimmy Kimmel. The late night host was promptly reprimanded by being taken off the air af ... Show More
26m 38s
Sep 21
Are We All Doomed To Have AI Boyfriends?
If over half of gen z have interacted with an AI companion and dating apps are rolling out bots to date on your behalf - where is the line drawn between real love and falling for a fantasy?In this week's episode, Ione and Gina dig into the growing romantic relationships people ar ... Show More
29m 14s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
A Forensic Analysis of Meghan Markle’s Announcement
After trademark troubles and delays with her original brand, our favourite ex-royal is giving it another go. Meghan Markle's new Instagram teaser still gives us those dreamy Montecito mansion vibes, but now with a different name and (presumably) fewer jams. Is this a strategic pi ... Show More
38m 37s
Feb 2025
A Brutally Honest Review Of Babygirl
On today’s show, it’s time to dive deep into the movie that has been consuming our thoughts, conversations, and TikTok feeds, Nicole Kidman’s new erotic drama Babygirl. From some strange on-set stories that will make you see the movie in a different way to the fascinating reason ... Show More
46m 34s
Dec 2024
The 12 Books of Christmas | The Anxious Generation: Jonathan Haidt on How Smartphones Rewired Childhood
To celebrate 2024, we’re taking a look backwards, and diving into the standout thinkers who have taken to the Intelligence Squared stage in the past 12 months. You might still be on the hunt for that perfect gift for the avid reader in your life, or perhaps you’re after some food ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 27
Failure Throwback: Jameela Jamil
Jameela Jamil is an actor, activist, and founder of the I Weigh movement. From teaching English to starring in The Good Place, Jameela shares the highs, lows, and radical honesty that define her journey. This episode first went out in February 2021. We talk about: Her struggle to ... Show More
58m 34s
Aug 20
Ep.168 Thoughts On Body Image
This week, we’re diving into a quite personal and vulnerable conversation about body image and healing. Alia opens up about growing up in the ballet world and how that shaped a pretty tough relationship with her body. But over the last few years, things have started to shift — an ... Show More
1h 6m
Jul 22
Extreme Religious Conversion - Kelsey Osgood on women, religious transformations, and what anorexia has to do with it (PREVIEW)
This week, I’m joined by author Kelsey Osgood to discuss her recent book “Godstruck: Seven Women’s Unexpected Journeys To Religious Conversion.” The book, which profiles women who traded secular lives for religious communities such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sain ... Show More
34m 54s
Sep 10
Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa
What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and le ... Show More
53m 2s
Aug 28
"Lebanon's Moment of Truth" with David Schenker (Ep.429)
An episode discussing David Schenker's latest policy analysis titled "Lebanon's Moment of Truth" and the multiple variables needed to line up for Hezbollah's disarmament to succeed and for Israel's full withdrawal to take place. With David Schenker, former United States Assistant ... Show More
38m 42s
Sep 2024
Introducing Sage Takes Thyme by Womena… It’s not a cooking show
Welcome to Sage Take Thyme by Womena founders Elissa Freiha and Amira Salah-Ahmed.This new podcast dives into our perspectives on relevant, topical issues that affect women in and from the Arab world. It will serve as a space for genuine exploration of the authentic experience of ... Show More
1m 8s