Confident Collective Kristina Zias and Raeann Langas

In today’s solo episode, we talk about growing up as the bigger friend and the universal experiences we went through as a result. But before we dive in, we have to fill you in on a few things. Big steps were taken as Gabe met Raeann’s parents for the first time! There might have been a little chaotic family energy but we realized every family has a little crazy in them. Speaking of, how often do you talk to your parents?? Kristina’s trip to elusive Sarasota finally left the group chat. We also chat about the financial pressure of over-the-top bachelorette parties and similarly, the slippery slope over birthday dinners when the check comes. And of course, in pop culture news, Nick Viall’s reality recap podcast enlightens us with a male perspective about constantly critiquing your partner and the debate over proactive couple’s therapy.
 
If you’ve ever felt the anxiety that comes with writing down your extra-large t-shirt size in a room full of size smalls, this is for you. Being the big girl in the friend group or growing up as the bigger girl, we have had to endure many experiences that take a hit to our self-esteem. The defeating experience of prom dress shopping, not being able to share clothes with friends, and the feeling that no boys like you, were just some of the fun things we had to go through as the bigger friend. Raeann and Kristina also open up about how their families affected their body confidence, both the good and the bad. As we work through our past traumas, we learn to change our mindset and how we should talk to ourselves. This change in mindset was largely due to the body-positive movement in the media and seeing others embrace self-love at any size. Hype yourself up and fake it till you make it because you ARE hot! 
New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter! 

We are thrilled to sit down with the inspiring plus-size content creator, Emma Arletta. She is the face behind the ‘Big Girls’ movement, is a prominent voice in the body confidence community, and is known to give great advice about dating as a plus-size woman. Emma delves into the dynamics of growing up with a thin mom and how her journey for self-love and confidence grew into what it is today. Finding confidence within yourself can be challenging, but it is so important to look within yourself to find what brings you fulfillment and joy outside of your looks. Emma talks about her transition from being a full-time Speech Therapist to a full-time content creator. She gives advice about personal branding and how to use your unfiltered voice to grow on social media. We also hear about her merch launch that sold out (!!) and how she is about to take the modeling world by storm! Emma opens up and offers refreshing advice on self-acceptance, relationships, and pursuing your dreams regardless of societal norms. 
 
Speaking of relationships, Raeann and her boyfriend hard launched on social media and it accidentally went viral! If you’re curious about how they met, head over to Patreon for a full Q&A. Both Raeann and Kristina chat about how they want their partners to become influencers, like who doesn’t want more content of Steve?! Speaking of, Steve and his “Fyre Festival of easter egg hunts” comments definitely would’ve been a hit. This week’s obsessed with items revolve around pop culture, from JoJo Siwa’s cringe-worthy rebrand to The Valley and Kristina’s hatred of Jesse on the show. This episode featuring Emma Arleta offers incredible insights that we're obsessed with, and we hope you will be too! 
 
New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter!  Thanks to our sponsors!
OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code TCC at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Well, first things first. Raeann is filling us in on her and her boyfriend and expressing how she can be her weird self around him (*insert Olive Garden metaphor here*). Kristina chats about her stunning New Jersey home and how it got chosen for an insane remodel opportunity via an interior design magazine. Get the inside scoop, a full home tour, and more boyfriend gossip over on our Confidant Patreon if you haven’t already! In this episode, we also chat about the control social media has over us, the power of meditation and great therapists, and the shocking revelations about Jay Shetty. 
 
In today’s Ask Away episode, Raeann and Kristina are dishing their thoughts and hard truths as they answer your questions. We tackle the complexities of being single, from how to navigate and embrace your single era to overcoming comparison and insecurities about your sex life or lack there of. We also drop some tough love which may be hard accept. But girl, cut ties with your ex and book a solo trip to Europe, and if you don’t hear from your boyfriend while they’re out of town, they don’t deserve you, period. Then we switch gears and talk about the anxiety-inducing topic of finances, and while we’re obviously not experts, just being more intentional and not booking bougie $100 lunches is a great place to start. We love connecting with our community and getting to give advice during these Ask Away episodes. See you soon on Patreon or stay tuned for next week’s episode! 
New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter! 

Today we sit down with Lauren Chan, supermodel, Sports Illustrated rookie, and plus-size fashion designer (yes, she really does it all). Lauren is a prominent voice in the body-positive and self-love community and is truly redefining beauty standards across every avenue she ventures into. In our conversation, Lauren opens up about her trauma-driven pursuit of perfection, her self-discovery as a gay woman, and her inspiring journey post-divorce. We dive into her time as a Sports Illustrated rookie and how it is an incredible experience but it is also eye-opening to realize that every woman gets insulted for their own beauty standards and that there is no “perfect woman” in a man’s world. Lauren shares advice about how dressing for the female-gaze is the best thing you can do for your confidence and that you should curate your social media feeds with uplifting creators that make you feel inspired. From breaking beauty standards to navigating her passions, Lauren’s story shows us the importance of representation and to always stay true to yourself.
 
In other news, Raeann and Kristina launched Confidants yesterday!! Confidants is our new Patreon community that will be full of new solo episodes, first access to live events, a Discord channel, and so much more. We are SO excited for this new extension of The Confident Collective community. We also dive into Em Rata’s controversial divorce rings, swimming with no goggles on, and that Kristina finally fulfilled her dream of getting a partnership with Bravo! From talking with the brilliant Lauren Chan to dishing out the details of our Patreon, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter!  Thanks to our sponsors!
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In this solo episode, we’re talking all about the craze behind Ozempic and of course, catching up with our girls. Kristina spills the tea about her bougie Aspen brand trip, meanwhile, Raeann had a much-needed low-key week. Kristina and Raeann chat about how drastically different their lives are now as Kristina talks about how special her first mother-son dance (aka rave) was. Raeann opens up about not feeling settled and her current existential crisis that she’s been trying to navigate. As for pop-culture references, we’re watching Summer House, binging The Traitors, and wondering where is Kate Middleton hiding! And we’re taking a poll — should Kristina be on The Real Housewives of New Jersey?
 
We’ve allll heard about it, seen ads for it, or know someone who’s on it. Yes, we’re talking about Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide. While some are tempted by its promises of thinness and a lack of food noise, others raise concerns about its long-term effects and the added societal pressure to conform to a narrow beauty ideal. We have made monumental strides forward as a society in the body-positive movement but overnight we’ve taken steps backward. Raeann mentions her fashion collaborations have dropped due to their lack of larger sizes available. A woman’s Roman Empire is their body and weight, so when praising and parading around this ideal that thinness is only a few injections away, this may have a negative effect on people in larger bodies and promote a negative stigma. There are so many sides and things to take into account with these drugs so by no means are we judging you if you are on them. Amidst this weight loss trend, we hope there’s a refocus on what really matters which is feeling and being healthy, nourishing your body, and loving the body you’re in, instead of constantly chasing a thinner body.  
New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter! 

In this solo episode, we are chatting about spring trends and giving our honest opinions as true fashion connoisseurs. But before we get into it, Kristina and Raeann catch us up on what’s new. Kristina and Raeann unveil that they are both thriving in their fitness era — Kristina even signed up for a triathlon!! Raeann confesses her love for buffalo sauce, Kristina shares stories about her nanny, and the girls find agreement on ending friendships if they associate with disrespectful men. Also, does Kelly Clarkson know she’s the face of weight loss pills that are targeting old parents?! 
 
As spring is just around the corner, we can’t WAIT to stash the puffers away until next winter. We analyze the hottest spring trends from dressy shorts to feminine rosettes. There is a slight departure from the long-time standing clean girl aesthetic, as we are seeing boxer shorts, funky glasses, and cheetah-print pants. Now, Raeann and Kristina are in debate about balloon jeans and mesh shoes, but it might just be all in how you style them. We dive into micro-trends and our current go-to fashion brands. Whatever trends you do or don’t participate in, just remember that cool girls rewear their clothes! Happy styling!
New podcast episodes of Confident Collective drop every Tuesday.
Resources:
Submit your question for the next Ask Away: Click Here Follow us on Instagram: @confidentcollective Follow the Hosts/Founders: @kristinazias & @raeannlangas Learn more: https://www.theconfidentcollective.com/ Stay in the know with our newsletter!  Thanks to our sponsor!
OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code TCC at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod