Plus Size Representation in Film with Fox’s ‘The Big Leap’ Star Simone Recasner

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Episode 52: How would your life be different if you grew up seeing someone who looks like you represented in film and TV? Most of the narrative we have grown up with is based on the limited demographic that we’ve seen represented on our screens, and if you don’t happen to fall into the thin body crowd, it’s likely this has had an effect on what you think you can or can’t do. As Raeann admits, the lack of body diversity and representation has held her back from pursuing opportunities because she didn’t think it was for girls like her. 

“So much of the narrative we create in our heads is through things we see and we’re told and I held myself back because I thought I couldn't do certain things because of my size.” - @Raeannlangas

In today’s episode, Kristina and Raeann have the privilege of sitting down with dancer and actor, Simone Recasner, who stars in Fox’s new show The Big Leap, premiering Monday, 9/20. Simone plays Gabby Lewis who is a single mother who gets a second shot at her dream. And as you’ll hear in this episode, Simone shares many similarities to her character that help her, as well as Kristina and Raeann, relate to her incredible and inspiring story. 

“I remember putting off dreams of wanting to model. I spent a year on a freaking treadmill at 15 incline trying to lose weight so I could model. I think so many of us put off dating and relationships because there’s this inner dialogue that you have to be in a thin body. So being able to see a lead that is more representative of how we look is so empowering and so freaking cool.” - @Kristinazias

This episode is full of excitement, hope, empowerment and joy as Simone, Kristina and Raeann share their “big leap” moments, how they’ve cultivated confidence, tips for retraining their brains to believe that all bodies are beautiful (especially their own!), confronting the inner narrative we have that holds us back, showing ourselves love and compassion in moments of self doubt and so much more.

“Just the simple act of forcing myself to see myself has changed my life.” - @Simonerecasner

The ladies also give their honest advice to help a listener who is struggling with whether or not they should step in when their friend’s husband displays questionable behavior. And don’t miss Raeann’s update on where things went after last week’s DM! You seriously won’t believe it.

What We Talk About:

  • How Kristina’s mom stole her future baby’s name for her dog

  • Raeann shares her dating updates

  • What Kristina and Raeann are obsessed with right now

  • Simone shares her character Gabby’s story and how she relates to Gabby

  • The importance and impact of body diversity, or the lack thereof, in film

  • What Kristina and Raeann find empowering about Simone’s character

  • Simone’s confidence journey and the tools she’s used to build her confidence

  • Simone’s big leap moment while running

  • Simone gives us a sneak peek into her favorite storylines within “The Big Leap”

  • Tips for growing your self confidence

The Big Leap premiers on Fox Monday, 9/20 at 9/8c

Resources:

Jules