Published Oct 25, 2024

Richard Simmons

Explore the vibrant persona and complex identity of fitness icon Richard Simmons, as hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon delve into his journey from a challenging New Orleans upbringing to pioneering inclusive fitness spaces, amid personal struggles with identity and societal expectations.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

Related Episodes

Richard Simmons Isn't Missing
Answers 383 questions
The Body Mass Index
Answers 383 questions
Elizabeth Taylor's "Elizabeth Takes Off"
Answers 383 questions
Weight Watchers
Answers 383 questions
Dr. Oz
Answers 383 questions
Diet Book Deep Dive: Ed McMahon’s “Slimming Down”
Answers 383 questions
"Super Size Me"
Answers 383 questions
What's Our Deal?
Answers 383 questions
Diet Book Deep Dive: The Karl Lagerfeld Diet
Answers 383 questions
Anti-Fat Bias
Answers 383 questions
Pilates
Answers 383 questions
“Glorifying Obesity” And Other Myths About Fat People
Answers 383 questions
Blue Zones
Answers 383 questions
The "Sleep Loss Epidemic"
Answers 383 questions
Pete Evans Part 1: The Paleo Way
Answers 383 questions

Dexa/Maintenance Phase

Richard Simmons

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Exclusion in Exercise

Anatomy of Influence

Rainbow Pills

Richard Simmons Unpacked

Weight Loss Struggles

Gym Dreams and Spite

Complex Identities

Punishment of Silence

Family Secrets Unveiled

Refeeding and Reflection

Diet and Bullying

Struggling for Acceptance

Weight Loss Pressure

Richard's Italian Adventure

Episode Highlights

Complex Identity

Early Challenges

Fitness Journey

Related Episodes

Richard Simmons Isn't Missing

The Body Mass Index

Elizabeth Taylor's "Elizabeth Takes Off"

Weight Watchers

Dr. Oz

Diet Book Deep Dive: Ed McMahon’s “Slimming Down”

"Super Size Me"

What's Our Deal?

Diet Book Deep Dive: The Karl Lagerfeld Diet

Anti-Fat Bias

Pilates

“Glorifying Obesity” And Other Myths About Fat People

Blue Zones

The "Sleep Loss Epidemic"

Pete Evans Part 1: The Paleo Way

Richard Simmons

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Complex IdentityRichard Simmons' journey from a New Orleans native to a fitness icon is marked by his vibrant persona and complex identity. His story reveals the intricate interplay between his public image and personal struggles with sexuality and cultural background.

Complex Identity

Early ChallengesRichard Simmons' upbringing was marked by a complex family dynamic and early social challenges that shaped his identity. His experiences with a secretive family and societal pressures influenced his journey towards becoming a fitness icon.

Early Challenges

Fitness JourneyRichard Simmons' vision for a welcoming fitness environment was born from personal experiences and chance encounters. His gym, Slimmings, became a sanctuary for those marginalized by traditional fitness spaces, embodying his inclusive and fun-oriented exercise philosophy.

Fitness Journey

Related Episodes