Ashley Graham: How AI, Plastic Surgery, and GLP-1s Are Changing Beauty Standards

This week on the show, model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham joins Maria for a conversation about confidence, body image, ambition, and self-worth. Ashley opens up about navigating criticism in the fashion industry and impossible standards placed on women — especially in industries built around image. Together, Maria and Ashley talk about perfectionism, motherhood, changing bodies, identity, resilience, and how to spot a good business opportunity. It all adds up to an inspiring conversation around how to live unapologetically. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠ ⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠ ⁠Follow Maria on X⁠ ⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:45 Being Unapologetic: Identity & Career Longevity 00:03:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a CEO 00:04:45 Early Scrutiny: Dealing with Body Standards from Age 12 00:06:20 The Defining Moment: How Her Mother’s Advice Saved Her Career 00:07:45 The Evolution of the Body: Life After Three Kids 00:10:00 The "Banned" Lane Bryant Ad & Dealing with Public Scrutiny 00:12:35 Handling Negative Comments & Mental Toughness 00:15:15 The Historic 2016 Sports Illustrated Cover 00:18:00 The Power of the Platform: Changing Lives Through Authenticity 00:20:00 Tony Robbins & The Importance of Celebrating Wins 00:21:40 Impact of GLP-1s & Modern Body Image Trends 00:24:00 The Future of Modeling & AI 00:26:00 Postpartum Realities & Balancing Motherhood 00:28:15 Managing Mental Drainage: Routines, Boundaries, & Parenting 00:31:00 Broadway Debut: Making It Happen Through Grit 00:34:00 Debunking the Myth of "Overnight Success" 00:36:00 From Model to Founder: Building Her Wine Company, Luce 00:43:00 Strategic Planning & The Value of Intergenerational Friendships 00:44:45 Pretty Tough Q&A: Unlearning Hard Habits & Finding Power Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices