Beyond Beauty Project: The Podcast

Navigating Social Media’s Impact on Young Girls and Women with award winning journalist and NYT bestselling author, Nancy Jo Sales

Beyond Beauty Project: The Podcast

Show Notes

Nancy Jo Sales is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and documentary filmmaker. She is recognized for her passion for studying youth culture, women's issues, and technology. Nancy began her career as a journalist for New York magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, etc. In 2013, Nancy Jo's work went viral, which later led -- after much research and studying – to her bestselling book American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers. In 2018, she released a documentary on HBO, Swiped: Hooking Up in the Digital Age. Nancy has cultivated stupendous analytical research to translate into her talented written work. Her influential voice has brought attention to the deep cracks within contemporary society and the effect on relationships, the challenges women and young girls face, and celebrity obsession.

In this episode, Nancy Jo shares her passion behind her influential work and advocacy. Nancy delves into her expert perspectives on vital topics such as feminism, misogyny, and the adverse effects of digital technology on society. She shares how her resonation with teens and her memories of standing in the same shoes as the young women she interviewed have played a significant role in work. The conversation covers pressing issues like the lack of regulations in digital spaces, the safety concerns related to social media, and the exploitation prevalent in the media. Bridgett and Nancy also engage in a meaningful discussion about how to liberate themselves and their children from society's beauty expectations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Beyond Beauty Project: The Podcast

Jun 17, 2025

Give yourself permission to own all pieces of yourself, to become your authentic self.

Jun 10, 2025

Solitude isn’t always isolation—it can be where healing begins. Bridgett is joined by Jesse Cody, founder of Hike The Good Hike, a nonprofit he created to help people reconnect with nature as a modality for mental health. After years of struggling with trauma, depression, and suicidal ideation, Jesse turned to the outdoors—a choice that led him to walk over 16,000 miles across the U.S. and fueled his mission to advocate for mental wellness. His personal healing journey sparked a deep passion for men’s mental health and his belief that telling your story can be the spark that ignites someone else’s.

May 27, 2025

In this deep conversation, Judd Shaw joins Bridgett to share his path from chasing external validation to confronting his inner struggles and the importance of emotional regulation.

May 13, 2025

In this week's episode, Bridgett speaks with Danni Adams—CO-CREATOR of the Institute for Body Image Coaching, speaker, and advocate for fat Black women—to unpack the deep connections between beauty standards, race, social justice, and self-worth. From navigating microaggressions to confronting healthcare bias, Danni shares her journey of reimagining beauty and building community. They discuss how historical narratives still shape body image today, the influence of social media on youth, and why representation is critical for healing and growth. Bridgett and Danni’s conversation reminds us that self-love isn’t linear—it’s an act of resistance, presence, and power.

May 6, 2025

The idea of self-care has been reshaped—and not for the better. What once centered on restoration and reconnection has become a billion-dollar industry driven by marketing and societal pressures, pulling us away from our true needs and lowering self-esteem, mental health, and emotional resilience.

See all episodes →