

Confident Collective
Kristina Zias and Raeann Langas
Two plus-size models & body activists here to get real and candid about living your most confident life. Get ready for powerful conversations that will leave you laughing, motivated, and inspired.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 2, 2024 • 36min
170. Ask Away: I’m Still a Virgin, I Love My Ex & I Don’t Know How to Budget
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!

Mar 26, 2024 • 52min
169. From Runway to Reality: Lauren Chan is Redefining Beauty Standards
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! Rakuten: Start all your shopping trips at rakuten.com or get the Rakuten app to start saving today, your Cash Back really adds up! OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code TCC at www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Mar 19, 2024 • 46min
168. The Ozempic Effect: Unpacking Society’s Obsession with Thinness and the Body Positivity Backlash
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!

Mar 12, 2024 • 40min
167. Solo Episode: Unveiling Spring Fashion Trends from Capris to Ballet Flats
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

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 59min
166. Who TF Did Tory Almost Marry: Red Flags, Gaslighting & Sex Addiction
We’ve all binged or heard about @ReesaTeesa and her 50-part TikTok series about her pathological liar husband, right? Well, let us introduce you to Raeann’s sister, Tory Langas, who’s about to open up about her 5-year relationship with a man who ended up being a sex addict and narcissist. The red flags started early on in their relationship when he lied about his age (hello, 16-year age gap), but was overlooked because of their love and pull towards one another. But the red flags kept piling up from fighting with family members to going to Vegas with his “ex” to not being able to hold down a job.🚨 His narcissistic tactics kept Tory on her toes to please him which ends in a huge hit to her self-esteem. After his lackluster proposal, enter Tinder girl and Tory’s new therapist. They opened her eyes, shattered the illusions, and made her start to trust her intuition because window shopping on Tinder is NOT okay.🤯 Amid deception and heartbreak, Tory stood up for herself and left the toxic relationship and we are SO happy for her and her new lovely life!!🤍 The takeaway is not to fall in love with the potential of someone and always trust your gut, ladies. On a lighter note, Raeann and Kristina also fill us in on their tropical humid-filled vacations.🌴Raeann vents about her flight chaos and Kristina shares how Steve booked their Miami trip and the hiccups that entailed. Also, if Natural Cycles said you’ll be on a trip during your period would you move it?? Raeann did just that, but we know the swim content is going to be fire! This pod is full of twists and turns so buckle in and get ready for Tory to spill the tea. 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! BetterHelp: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/confidentcollective and get on your way to being your best self plus get 10% off your first month. Rakuten: Start all your shopping trips at rakuten.com or get the Rakuten app to start saving today, your Cash Back really adds up!

Feb 27, 2024 • 38min
165. Ask Away: Wedding Planning Drama, Intimacy Dynamics & the Journey to Self-Love
In this Ask Away episode, love, dating, and relationships take center stage. But before we dive into your burning questions, did you know Raeann was in musical theater?! Apparently, Raeann and Mr. Jersey even break out into show tunes together which we love. Speaking of things we love, Kristina has been obsessing over love languages which also sparks the debate if returning gifts from a loved one is tacky or not. Rae and Kristina also chat about the planning it takes to get ready as a girl, the elaborate lies they told to impress boys in high school, and the fact that they have quite different dating philosophies. As we explore the intricacies of relationships through YOUR Ask Away questions, the ladies give their raw and juicy advice to help with your love life dilemmas. We tackle wedding planning drama and the controversial topic of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres to comparing yourself to your partner’s ex to getting your partner to be more intentional. Then we spice things up by talking about the dynamics of watching porn in a relationship, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and the allure of a 10/10 storyline, such as the art of baking bread. 🔥 Throughout the episode, Raeann and Kristina emphasize the importance of body confidence and self-love, encouraging deep talks, shared experiences, and maybe some ethical porn. As our Month of Love concludes, we hope you find self-love, embrace one another’s love languages, and spice things up in the bedroom. xoxo Raeann & Kristina 💕 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!

Feb 20, 2024 • 52min
164. Getting Vulnerable with Dr. Morgan: Decoding Attachment Styles, Breaking Toxic Cycles & Building Self-Worth
If you’ve found yourself saying “they hate me, it’s been 6 hours since my last text ” or if you run as soon as feelings start to brew, this episode is for you. Dr. Morgan, a relationship coach, is here to help us navigate through the four different attachment styles and give us advice on how to stop self-sabotage and break toxic relationship patterns. Get ready to get deep and vulnerable as we analyze past dating history and learn how to let go of unhealthy relationship beliefs. We also learn that certain attachment styles repeatedly attract each other which made the constant “you’re dating the same guy” spiral make so much sense. And remember, boundaries and self-worth is HOT. 🙌 As we enter week 3 of our Month of Love, also enter Mr. Jersey?! Yes, Raeann’s man now has a nickname which must mean they’re getting serious, right? 😍 Rae and Kristina also debate whether meeting the friends is a big deal or if the opinions on the man’s jorts is just creating unhelpful noise. Speaking of men and their icks, Travis Kelce anyone?! Meanwhile, Kristina is still obsessed with her cute little neighborhood and also found a new obsession for Nara Smith and her idyllic dream life. ☁️ Rae on the other hand is obsessed with the ‘starting over at 30’ side of TikTok...if you’re also feeling a quarter-life crisis coming on, you’re not alone. 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!

Feb 13, 2024 • 50min
163. Help! I’ve never been in a relationship. Is something wrong with me?
We have a LOT to catch up on and we are going DEEP! Rae for one, drops the big “what are we” question, but does that mean they are official?! Meanwhile, Kristina is slaying the neighborhood mom scene, future Mayor Kristina D’Angelo anyone? We’re also spilling tea about the craziest shit we’ve ever done in relationships. Hint, it involves jumping out of moving vehicles! 🚗 We also chat about Rae’s wild Breckenridge girl’s trip, some recent troll comments, and the fact that Kristina is obsessed with Mike the Situationship. The girls are thriving and leaving that toxic energy behind. “42% of people in their 20s & 30s have never been in a relationship”. On week two of our Month of Love series, we’re talking about the inner struggles that come along with never having been in a relationship. In this rom-com generation, we expect good sex and prince-charming fairytales, but overcoming the fear of rejection and battling self-doubt can be daunting. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, the TCC community chimes in with their burning questions and insecurities about their lack of experience in the dating world. We’re here to be your hype women and tell you that you ARE hot, funny, and smart enough to land the person of your dreams. Being perpetually single isn’t a bad thing, if anything it’s kind of a turn-on. 💋✨ 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

Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 13min
162. Single and Ready to Mingle? Jared Freid’s Advice for Navigating Dating Apps, Making the First Move & How to Seal the Deal
Buckle in for the juiciest month of the year! Raeann opens up about being single for the past five years and how she’s learned to embrace and celebrate this era in her life. Kristina, drowning in NYC gloom, daydreams about Malibu beaches and for a minute contemplates a dramatic return to LA for a little sunshine. We also get into Kristina’s love for Vanderpump Rules (bonus episodes anyone 👀), influencers’ ever-evolving trends, and Travis Kelce’s freaky side. Now, as we kick off our month of love, let’s hear from a man’s perspective. Whether you’re anti-Valentine’s Day or a romantic at heart, comedian, Jared Freid, gives us his advice and hot takes on navigating the dating world. Jared has a Netflix special and a podcast talking all about this modern era of dating so he has experienced a thing or two. Get the lowdown on sliding into the DMs, how to stand out on the dating apps, and how to tackle the dreaded “what are we” question. We also chat about how confidence and being authentically yourself will only help you slay the dating scene.🔥 Are men like cabs? Are men intimidated by women who make more money? Is it harder to date as a curvy woman? Download the podcast, open Hinge, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s get into it! 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! BetterHelp: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/confidentcollective and get on your way to being your best self plus get 10% off your first month. Maybelline New York: A proud sponsor of our show and the feelings our mutual! We are obsessed with Maybelline and our glam has never looked better! Shop all of our favorite must-haves at Maybelline.com!

Jan 30, 2024 • 51min
161. Imperfect Beginnings, Going For It, and Stressless Pivoting with Abby Price
Kristina is filling us in on her new neighbor meetup and Raeann tells us about the MOST chaotic Pilates class she’s taken— no but really. You have to hear this story. Then we’re getting a Dating Challenge Update from Rae … it’s a good one and we’re excited about it. Also, OSCAR NOMINATIONS are here and there are discussions to be had. So we will absolutely be talking about Barbie and its snubbing. 💅🏼🙃 Also, Raeann’s a Belieber and may or may not be making a public apology to SZA by the end of this ep. 🤷♀️ Finally, the ladies catch up with their artistic, entrepreneurial, and inspiring friend, Abby Price. We hear about the beauty and beginnings of hand-delivered dried floral arrangements, the building of her incredible store and business. To top it off, Abby’s also giving some insight and boots-on-the-ground wisdom the whole way through. She’s a boss building a great company and she’s inspiring. Oh and the timeline she did it in? It’s truly shocking. Get ready to feel like you had the best kind of espresso shot + a few belly laughs, a healthy kick in the pants, and an unexpected giggle or two. This one’s worth the download, just trust us! 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!