In this episode, I talk about the bodies we build and the validation we chase, and why getting the thing you always wanted so often leaves you feeling like a stranger to yourself.

We've all got a thing. The abs, the jawline, the perfect picture, the number of likes. We call it a glow-up, taking care of ourselves, finally getting it together. But what happens when you get there, when the compliments roll in and the attention lands, and nothing inside you actually shifts?

In this one I dig into why so many of us chase the "ideal" body, and why it's almost never really about the body at all. I talk about the validation loop, the Grindr notifications, the thirst traps, the endless refreshing, and what's really sitting underneath it.

Check out more queer topics in my Substack: https://jameswallis0.substack.com/

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Thanks for everything.

Big love,

James

Want to go deeper?

The Hey Gay Boy Substack is where I explore all of this in long form, with thousands of subscribers already in the community. Find it at jameswallis0.substack.com

Come and say hello on Instagram @james_wallis and TikTok @jameswallis_

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/jameswallis.

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