Gregory Landsman: Recent Episodes
Gregory Landsman
Have we reached the point where we believe we need to look a certain way to be valued, accepted and loved? If we want a better world I believe we need to be kinder to ourselves and stop trading self acceptance for social acceptance?
Gregory Landsman shares his challenge to balance the expectations of manhood with the need to live authentically and be true to himself.
What is ‘body image dissatisfaction’ and why is it at even more dangerous levels since the pandemic?
Body image dissatisfaction is often the precursor to bullying; eating disorders; anxiety; depression; loneliness and lack of connectedness.
Dr Gemma Sharp shares her research and clinical insights and delivers some advice on how this issue can be approached.
DR GEMMA SHARP:
Gemma is an NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow in the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre who leads the Body Image Research Group.
Gemma holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology (University of Adelaide), Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Microbiology and Immunology (University of Adelaide), a Masters degree in Oncology (University of Cambridge), a Diploma in Languages in Japanese (University of Adelaide), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (University of Adelaide), a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences Honours degree in Psychology (Flinders University) and a PhD in Clinical Psychology (Flinders University). Her research career in both Medical Science and Psychology has seen her study and work in Australia, Japan and the UK. Gemma was awarded a PhD from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2017, which investigated the psychological predictors and outcomes of female genital cosmetic surgery. Her NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship at the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at Monash University focuses on the factors leading to body image concerns and novel therapeutic interventions using digital technologies to address these concerns.
Gemma serves on the Australian Psychological Society’s National Clinical College Committee as the Early Career Representative, the Victorian Section of the Australian Psychological Society's Clinical College Committee, and the Australian Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology Executive Committee.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
- The key influences that make a difference in a child’s life with body image.
- Whether body image is an individual issue or a societal issue - or both.
- The impact of the pandemic on body image perception and why we are now in a worse position with this issue than before.
- The impacts of exposure to new technologies in the form of image filtering and selfies.
- Why body dissatisfaction is more common in young women.
- The common impacts of this disorder and what is fuelling them i.e. disconnectedness, isolation, loneliness, disordered eating, depression and anxiety.
- The importance of is the role of family in supporting positive body image.
- Advice from Gemma on some steps people can take if they feel they would like to support a loved one or themselves with body image dissatisfaction.
For more information on the work the GL Dissolving Differences Foundation is doing around Body Image Dissatisfaction, go to gldissolvingdifferencesfoundation.com
So much of what we believe about ourselves is formed by our experiences. Self belief shows us that the crumbs people throw us are never a banquet and that being treated with kindness and respect is not a privilege, but a human right.
Gregory Landsman shares his experiences of living within structural racism and his hope for a better future. “When we define people purely by their colour we miss the best parts of who they are. If we want our world to be different, it is up to every one of us to stand up for individuality, for equality, for our differences and the differences in people.”
Gregory Landsman shares stories that inspire us to live our best lives. This episode is about the ability of just one person to make a difference in our lives and the power of love to uplift and heal. As a child, those around us can either break us down or inspire us to be all we can be. Through his own story he shows us that every one of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. This story is an excerpt from his book Faith Lifting Prayers, A Celebration of Humanity.
We all have a story and when we change our story we change our lives. Gregory Landsman shares his own story and how he was able to turn tragedy into triumph and turn his childhood pain to purpose. Through his writing and his stories, Gregory inspires people to value and celebrate their differences and all that they bring to the world. This story is an excerpt from his book Faith Lifting Prayers, A Celebration of Humanity.