http://youtu.be/YBY7U3XKKDI

Body image. A topic I’ve never talked or wrote about yet it’s been something I’ve struggled with every single day as long as I can remember.

I remember learning to count calories and going on my first diet when I was 10 years old. Yep. Circa 1990, the “low fat food” craze was in full effect and I was a follower. From there, the obsession with trying to look a certain way continued on and on. I know I’m not alone here.

As I get older I’ve become a little more in control of the critical monster in my mind but it still floors me that we haven’t talked about this topic openly. Our society continues to romanticize a certain unattainable “look” and the media backs that very notion up. Or maybe it’s the other way around? Either way, it is happening. Now we have social media, which amplifies and accelerates everything.

So let’s start the conversation. Today, my friend Amy Stanton and I, along with our teams, launched a series called Uncovered via a live Google Hangout (full recorded video has bee posted above). With this passion project, we intend to empower women to have those crucial, societal conversations that most people are intimidated to tackle.

The first one is titled Uncovered: Women + Body Image. We’ve rallied several badass women who are kicking open the (virtual) doors and leading the way for others to uncover what is often unsaid. The conversation must start before we can positively shift these taboo topics.

More about Uncovered:

A group of influential women are participating in the first episode of “Uncovered,” a Google Hangout series for women geared towards shedding light and driving a conversation around important, and sometimes taboo women-centric topics.

This compelling Google Hangout will feature a panel of inspiring women from all walks off life including, former professional beach volleyball star and fitness icon Gabby Reece, Equinox president Sarah Robb O’Hagan, #1 female rock climber in the world Sasha DiGiulian, Primal Yoga founder Liz Arch and Psychotherapist and Author Sarah Brokaw. The panel will be moderated by Hall of Fame soccer player and ESPN/ABC Analyst Julie Foudy. These powerful women will speak about body image, how we define “beauty” and how we navigate through these issues that society has presented. Some of the topics that will be touched upon will include: past and present personal body image struggles, media perception, the pressure to look a certain way and advice to young girls on their self-esteem.

To shed light on amazing women and important topics that women often think about but may not discuss openly.

To watch and listen into the Uncovered Google Hangout, you can RSVP here and utilize the Q&A feature during the hangout. Participate in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #UncoveredTalks and following @UncoveredTalks. Join us Wednesday, August 20th from 10:15am – 11am PST to uncover this important taboo topic.

Special thanks to Alana Golob and Megan Porteous for their help with putting on the first Uncovered hangout.