Episode 74: Phillippa Diedrichs
07/16/2026
Can a global beauty brand create meaningful change for body image?
In this episode, Ailey sits down with Phillippa Diedrichs, PhD, a Professor of Psychology and leading body image researcher at the Centre for Appearance Research, to explore the complex relationship between science, social impact, and the beauty industry. Together, they examine what it means to create evidence based body confidence programs while working alongside global brands, and why discernment matters more than simple answers.
Drawing on more than two decades of research, Phillippa shares what truly supports a healthier relationship with the body, challenging common assumptions while offering practical strategies that are grounded in evidence rather than trends. The conversation also turns to the personal cost of purpose driven work, exploring burnout through the lens of the nervous system and why disconnection from the body can be a deeply protective response.
Rather than striving for body confidence, Ailey and Phillippa invite a gentler approach rooted in curiosity, compassion, and learning to relate to the body in new ways.
If you are looking for a more thoughtful perspective on body image and what genuine change can look like, this conversation offers both practical insight and hope.
About In This Body: Conversations with leading experts about the importance of embodiment in living an authentic life. In This Body asks the important questions: How does connecting to your body change your life? How will connecting to your body allow you to love better and live more authentically? And how does connecting to your body change the trajectory of our shared world?
In this episode:
0:00 Welcome And Why Body Image Matters
4:25 Working With Big Brands For Change
9:22 Holding Corporate Tension With Discernment
14:55 Strategic Science And Social Impact
18:15 Burnout As A Body-Level No
22:32 Coming Back To The Senses
25:54 Protective Strategies For Body Image
30:17 Tools, Training And Closing Reflections
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