059 - The Global Beauty Trap: A Conversation with Elise Hu on K-Beauty, Culture and Perfectionism

In this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by award-winning journalist, author, and NPR correspondent, Elise Hu, to discuss the intricate and often overwhelming world of beauty standards.

Drawing from her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, Elise combines international reporting, cultural commentary, and personal memoir to explore the global rise of K-Beauty culture and the power of appearance standards around the world.

Robin and Elise dive into the pressures of keeping up with beauty norms, using South Korea's intense appearance expectations as a starting point to examine how technological advancements are likely to heighten the pressure to look "better"—for those who can afford it.

Elise shares her insights on the "gaslighting" effect of beauty culture in a hyperconnected world, where digital and social platforms amplify unrealistic ideals and make self-worth seem tied to how well we meet them.

Join Robin and Elise for a compelling conversation on how beauty standards are shaping our identities, the impact of technology on appearance expectations, and what it means to find authenticity in a world that often tells us we're never enough.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

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Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

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Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

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