

Informed Attraction
informedattraction
A podcast about how the TV teaches us about beauty, body image, and how to feel about ourselves. Hosted by Mackenna Goodrich (@mack3nna) and Dr. Aubrey Hoffer, PHd (@hoff.phd)
Reach out with questions at informedattraction@gmail.com
Reach out with questions at informedattraction@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 13min
22. Brand Mascots IV - Make the Green M&M Hot Again
Dive into the whimsical world of M&Ms, where history meets hilarity! The hosts explore the cultural implications of the Green M&M’s redesign and its connection to broader societal debates. Enjoy playful banter, nostalgic candy tales, and quirky name games that keep the conversation light. The evolution of M&M mascots is dissected with humor, showcasing their impact on audiences over the years. Plus, uncover insights into ethical concerns in the chocolate industry. It's a sweet blend of fun and thought-provoking discussions!

Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 17min
21. Brand Mascots III - Aubrey Hates Tony the Tiger
This discussion dives into the quirky world of brand mascots, featuring the controversial likes of Tony the Tiger and Chester Cheetah. The hosts share humorous banter about their childhood cereal and snack preferences, while also touching on the absurdities of mascot-themed media. They explore the emotional connections to these characters and the implications of food marketing on kids. Listeners get a taste of nostalgia mixed with debates on unhealthy food advertising and the evolution of mascot identities.

Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 13min
20. Brand Mascots II - Snap, Crackle, and Pop's Polycule
Dive into the quirky world of brand mascots as they hilariously unravel the iconic Hamburger Helper Hand and the Rice Krispies elves. The hosts blend nostalgia and humor, exploring childhood food memories and the cultural impact of characters like the Kool-Aid Man. Amusing anecdotes about food adventures in unexpected places and reflections on wrestling with identity through mascots add a playful twist. They even tackle the strange allure and evolving designs of these queer icons, making it a delightful and entertaining discussion.

Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
19. Brand Mascots I - DILFs: Charmin, Brawny, and Mr. Clean
Join a humorous exploration of brand mascots like Mr. Clean and the Brawny Man. The hosts dissect the allure of these iconic figures and their impact on consumer culture. Dive into the paradox of Mr. Whipple's Charmin ads and laugh along with anecdotes about trendy toys like Squishmallows. Unpack the evolution of masculinity in marketing and the charming yet contentious legacy of Charmin's bear. Finally, ponder environmental concerns linked to toilet paper production and the cultural significance of these mascots in a playful yet thought-provoking discussion.

Aug 17, 2025 • 52min
18. Fat Suits IV - The Whale Is A Play
This week, the hosts dive into the differences between the play and film adaptations of 'The Whale,' discussing how character portrayals and themes differ significantly. They highlight Brendan Fraser's unexpected casting and the director's challenges in finding the right fit. The conversation touches on obesity, body image perceptions, and the need for authentic representation in media. They also reflect on the emotional depth of characters and critique the film's balance between sympathy and caricature, raising questions about societal stigma.

Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
17. Fat Suits III - The Whale Is A Movie
Big feelings take center stage as the hosts dive into 'The Whale,' dissecting its portrayal of fatness and Brendan Fraser's powerful comeback. They explore the complexities of character transformation, body representation, and societal perceptions of vulnerability. A comedic debate over the identity of a meatball sub lightens the mood, while a deeper discussion unfolds about enabling behavior and family dynamics. The hosts critique cinematic tropes and reflect on emotional disconnection, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation.

Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 31min
16. Fat Suits II - Hey, Hey, Hey, It's Fat Albert
Dive into the complexities of nostalgia as the hosts hilariously navigate dinner mix-ups, childhood websites, and the cultural legacy of Fat Albert. They explore the duality of public figures, reflecting on Bill Cosby’s controversial impact. The discussion balances humor with poignant themes about mortality, acceptance, and the web of personal memories tied to iconic characters. Get ready for an engaging blend of reflection on identity, loss, and the quirks of childhood that shaped their experiences!

11 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 1h 17min
15. Fat Suits I - The Nutty Professor Started It All
The discussion dives into the controversial use of fat suits in 90s and early 2000s films like 'The Nutty Professor' and 'Shallow Hal.' The hosts critique how these portrayals perpetuate negative stereotypes and impact body image, especially among youth. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional struggles linked to societal beauty standards. They also address how relationships challenge traditional views of attraction and call for more authentic representation in media, emphasizing the need for nuanced portrayals of body image.

30 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 32min
14. American Psycho Part II - Get on Patrick Bateman's Grindset!
Exploring Patrick Bateman's disturbing legacy, the conversation connects his empty masculinity to today's influencer culture. Modern grooming and fitness trends are dissected, revealing absurdities in daily routines. There's a deep dive into the pitfalls of viral authenticity, questioning the clash between performance and genuine connection. The discussion critiques misogyny's subtle forms while emphasizing the importance of media literacy. Overall, it's a satirical take on how Bateman's paradox reflects the struggles of contemporary masculinity.

16 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 33min
13. American Psycho Part I - There Is An Idea of Patrick Bateman
Join Mackenna and Aubrey as they unpack the unsettling layers of 'American Psycho' and its portrayal of masculinity. They explore the hollowness of the alpha male stereotype, dissecting Patrick Bateman's violent fantasies and the societal implications behind them. Their conversation dives into the world of male influencers and self-care routines, alongside humorous dining anecdotes. With a critique of yuppie culture and beauty standards, they reveal how capitalism intertwines with identity, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights.