Carissa Vikis

Beauty Unlocked the podcast

Buckle up and get ready as I delve into a variety of topics regarding physical beauty. We'll take a look at our society's obsession with physical beauty and the consequences these impossible beauty standards have had on us. Let's face it; this fascination regarding physical beauty and body image isn't a recent phenomenon; it has been around for centuries, crossing borders, and has affected men and women alike. The realization of this podcast has come about by my own experiences having to deal with society's perverse notion of physical "perfection" and researching an array of topics that have i...

Author

Carissa Vikis

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jun 11, 2026

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Episodes

October Madness: The Doctor is In 28.10.2021

Treating the plague became a medical specialty during the first outbreak of the disease in the 14th century. The Black Plague made a comeback from time to time, and, during its second major assault on Western Europe, plague doctors adopted the famous robe, mask, and hat-combo that one associate with the plague.   In this penultimate episode, we're going to t...

October Madness: You're Filthy! 25.10.2021

People in the Middle Ages have acquired something of a bad reputation when it comes to cleanliness. Fleas and lice were a common problem; emptying chamber pots into the street was done regularly, and there was no running water, apart from nearby springs, rivers, lakes, wells, and cisterns. During this time, it was common to sleep on dirty straw beds. Rarely-changed straw bedding was a particular p...

October Madness: Plucked Chicken Butt? 22.10.2021

In 14th century Europe, at the time of The Great Mortality, no one knew what caused the disease; hence, there was no cure, but this did not stop people from trying based on the medical knowledge of the time. In this episode, we're looking at the Medieval Cures of the Black Death. Are. You. Ready? LISTENER DISCRETION IS HEAVILY ADVISED! Article : https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1540/medieval-c...

October Madness: Bring Out Your Dead! 20.10.2021

During the plague, millions of bodies piled up across Europe. Can you imagine the putrid stench? Through it all, Europeans could count on one group during the epidemic: the body collectors. They had to travel the streets, carting away corpses in what might be history’s most undesirable job. In this episode, we're going to look at what it was like to be a body collector during The Great Mortality....

October Madness: Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter are to blame! 18.10.2021

Our ancestors survived many disasters, which included many different epidemics. In all honesty, with the lack of scientific knowledge, it's surprising that they managed to survive at all! They tried to explain the overwhelming amount of death they saw in different ways. Some said it was the wrath of God or Gods. Others blamed planetary alignments. At the same time, many others processed the carnag...

October Madness: Blame The Fornicators 15.10.2021

Ever wondered what sex during the Plague was like?  The Black Plague was a stressful time to be alive, for obvious reasons, but people were still people; they were horny, and they engaged in physical relationships. Doctors at the time warned people to avoid overexerting themselves in the "bedroom" because they thought the "bad air" or miasmas would reach them easier if the...

October Madness: Wake Up and Look Out at Death? 12.10.2021

The Black Death changed the world. As the most profound epidemic in human history, the plague claimed the lives of millions. Many feared they were living through the apocalypse, while others turned to sinful pleasures as a distraction. Have you ever wondered what day-to-day life was like during the Black Death? We're going to look at how people lived and what their day was possibly like...

October Madness: Can Flying Corpses Carry Plague? 08.10.2021

Welcome, ghouls! After coming across multiple articles claiming that the Tartar Army hurled plague-infected dead bodies over the wall of Kaffa in 1347, which resulted in the Genoese contracting and eventually bringing the plague to Europe, it got me thinking. Could this be true? Did the corpse missiles work? Was this the start of germ biowarfare and the primary cause of the Black Death? We're goin...

October Madness: Am I going to Die from The Plague? 05.10.2021

Welcome, my ghoulish fiends! In this episode, we talk about the symptoms suffered by victims of the Black Death and take a closer look at the most common forms of plague. Plague is a serious illness. If you are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment with the correct medications is critical to prevent complications or death. ARE.YOU.READY? LISTENERS DISCRETION IS...

October Madness: Curse of The Black Death 29.09.2021

Welcome, friends! We have made it to my favorite month of the year! We're heading to the plague-ridden 14th century. In our very first October Madness episode, I discuss the more factual side of the plague. The origin, the cause of the Black Death, and so much more! Let the games begin. ARE.YOU.READY? LISTENERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED If you enjoy Beauty Unlocked, then check out our Patreon page and...

EP - 57 - #intellectuallytwerking with Althea Branton pt. 2 27.09.2021

Welcome, friends! We continue our conversation with Althea regarding Eurocentric Beauty Standards, societal expectations and pressure to fit inside the box, and so much more. Trigger Warning: There is mention of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help and support, please reach out. I know this is easier said than done, but please know that there are people who care and who can help. Reach o...

October Madness Trailer 25.09.2021

Welcome, friends! We have almost made it to my favorite time of the year; October is near! Last year, I scoured the interwebs to find the most gruesome plastic and cosmetic surgery fails. I even threw in a few chilling Tinder stories that ended in murder. This year, I've decided we're taking a trip back to the 14th century. I'll be talking about The Black Death. Also known as the Great Mortality,...

EP - 56 - #intellectuallytwerking with Althea Branton pt. 1 23.09.2021

Welcome, friends! We've been away for far too long, but Beauty Unlocked is back and coming in hot with this epic two-parter featuring Althea Branton! Get ready for this wild ride because there's no holding back. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, and let's dive right into this two-parter! It was an honor to have Althea on Beauty Unlocked, and we hope she'll be back very soon. Oh! And you can thank her...

EP - 55 - Let's be honest, Fatphobia exists 30.07.2021

Welcome, Friends! You might not realize this, but the world celebrates people of a particular body type, while there is systematic discrimination against people who are bigger-bodied or plus-sized. It's a fact that fat-shaming and fatphobia are normalized, accepted, and tolerated.   In this episode, we look at an article written by Stephanie Dolgoff on the harmful effects of fatphob...

Bonus Episode: Modern Weight-loss Torture Device? 26.07.2021

Welcome, friends! In this brand new bonus episode, we talk about a new device created by medical professionals and scientists "to help fight the global obesity epidemic." Cue the eye roll and sarcasm! Are. You. Ready? Articles: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jun/28/new-weight-loss-tool-dentalslim-diet-control https://www.newsweek.com/controversial-weight-loss-device-that-locks-jaws-...

EP - 54 - Would we be considered beautiful in Ancient Greece? 23.07.2021

Happy Full Buck Moon! When you think of Greece, I'm sure your mind wanders to her majestic forests, pristine beaches, and delicious food. But have you ever stopped to think, "Would I be considered beautiful in Ancient Greece?" In this episode, we're delving into a very insightful article written by Anna Wichmann. Let me know if you're interested in more episodes similar to this one, where I would...

EP - 53 - What do White Supremacy and Capitalism have to do with Beauty Standards? 16.07.2021

Welcome back, Friends! Has it ever crossed your mind how White Supremacy influences Beauty Standards? What about the correlation between Colonialism and Capitalism and how it influences Beauty Standards? In this episode, we'll look at Jessica Defino's article written for the new column in TeenVogue, Standard Issues. We're going to define what beauty standards are, how colonizers forcibly introduce...

EP - 52 - Guest on For Better Self & Net Worth Podcast pt. 2 07.07.2021

Welcome back, friends! We continue our discussion with Ella, host of For Better Self & Net Worth podcast, on beauty, our podcasts, hustle-culture, mindset around living your best life, and so much more! I hope you enjoyed this two-part guest appearance. Follow Ella on: Instagram: @ellaconomic You can find Better Self & Net Worth Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and wherever you listen to...

EP - 51 - Guest on For Better Self & Net Worth Podcast pt. 1 01.07.2021

Welcome friends! I decided to release this two-part episode where Ella, host of For Better Self & Net Worth invited yours truly for a casual chat. We discuss our journey to self-love and acceptance, and we talk about the deceiving messages that the beauty industry creates to make us consumers. Part one is a jam-packed episode that you definitely don't want to miss out on! Follow Ella on: Insta...

Bonus Episode: Don't put your sex toys in the freezer, friends! 21.06.2021

Welcome to a brand new bonus episode! I would like to wish you all a very happy and blessed Solstice, my sugar babies! As the temperature is rising in this hemisphere, we're going to take a look at sex toys. In particular, why you shouldn't be putting your sex toys in the freezer. Get those stainless steel sex toys out, and get ready to have a little cool-down, safe fun! Articles: https://www.thes...

EP - 50 - Jennifer Neal: Navigating beauty standards around the world as a black woman 18.06.2021

Welcome, Friends! We have made it to the big 5-O; Beauty Unlocked has reached 50 episodes! I wouldn't have made it to episode 50 without your support! Thank you from the bottom of my dark, dark heart! This week, I'm bringing you an article written by Jennifer Neal, where she recounts her experience navigating beauty standards around the world as a black woman. Bring your passport along as we're he...

EP - 49 - Hollywood's digital little secret 12.06.2021

Welcome, friends! This Mercury Retrograde is not playing around! It's been none stop technical issues, but I finally managed to record this extra juicy episode. Get ready; we're heading to Hollywood this week! Have you ever wondered how your favorite star can look forever resistant to age? Do they continuously eat chicken with broccoli and spend hours at the gym to obtain a six-pack? Is it just go...

EP - 48 - How far would you travel for perfection? 04.06.2021

Welcome, my Jelly babies! Due to unforeseen technical difficulties, I was unable to upload an episode last week. But, fear not, I'm back! This week, we take a look at plastic surgery tourism. Bring your passport as we look at the top nine popular plastic surgery destinations, why people travel abroad to get work done, and the risks involved in getting plastic or cosmetic surgery abroad. Are You Re...

EP - 47 - Even plastic mannequins aren't immune from fat-shaming 21.05.2021

Welcome, my love buckets! I have a serious question for you. Why is it that when we see mannequins in stores often so thin, they wouldn't menstruate, we don't even bat an eye? But when we see a plus-size mannequin, we immediately start berating it and saying that it's promoting obesity? This week, we're going back in time to an article I briefly mentioned in episode four of Beauty Unlocked. We're...

Bonus Episode: Worship my ass, mere mortals 16.05.2021

Welcome, friends! You've heard by now about the latest craze of Scrotox and Bumhole Botox. Well, you're in for a treat as I bring you Butt Facials! Behold, mere mortals, the softness of my bum! I hope you enjoy this bonus episode as much as I loved recording it. Article: https://www.sammichespsychmeds.com/butt-facials-are-seriously-a-thing-and-what-a-time-to-be-alive/ I know you want to spread som...

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