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Fresh Air

Reflections on Being Fat in a Thin World

Jul 2, 2024
Comedy writer Ian Karmel reflects on his experiences of being fat in a thin world in his new memoir. He shares insights on his significant weight loss journey, childhood obesity challenges, and the importance of reclaiming the word 'fat'. The podcast also explores fat representation in entertainment, societal pressures for weight loss, and navigating fat-shaming experiences in the media.
45:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ian Carmel used comedy to cope with body image challenges growing up as a chubby kid in Oregon.
  • Societal views on body image and lack of diverse representation in media contribute to stigma surrounding fat individuals.

Deep dives

Ian Carmel's Journey: From Fat Comedian to Slimmer Self

Ian Carmel, a stand-up comedian, shares his story from being a chubby kid to a man losing over 200 pounds. Growing up fat in Oregon, he faced body image challenges and humor about his size. His new memoir, 'The T-shirt Swim Club,' co-written with his sister, delves into their experiences and perspectives on fatness. With a background in comedy writing for TV, Ian reflects on how his weight loss transformed his identity and comedy approach.

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