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.

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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

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