🎧 [Upbeat intro music fades in]
Rachel (Host):
Hey everyone, welcome to Unfiltered! This is the podcast where we keep it real—no filters, just honest talk. I’m Rachel, and I’m here with my favorite girls: Ilana, Ester, and Avigail.
Ilana:
Hey guys! I’m so happy to be here with you all.
Ester:
Hi everyone! I’m excited for today’s podcast.
Avigail:
Heyy! Today’s topic is really important.
Rachel:
Yup, today we’re talking about The Pressure to Be Perfect. And let’s be real—it’s something almost every girl deals with. Whether it’s about school, social media, family, body image, or even friendships, we’re always trying to be everything at once. And honestly, it’s exhausting.
Ilana:
I used to think I was the only one who felt that way. But once I started talking to people, I found out so many of us feel the same. We just don’t say it out loud.
🎙️ Segment 1: Social Media & Body Image
Rachel:
Let’s start with a big one—social media. We all use it, but sometimes it really messes with your mind. Avigail, since you do content stuff, how does it make you feel?
Avigail:
Ugh, it’s a mix. I like uploading cute posts and sharing fun moments, but sometimes I find myself comparing everything I do to other girls online. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough.
Ilana:
Same here. There was a time I wouldn’t post a picture unless I edited it first—like smoothing my skin or fixing something. I felt like if it wasn’t “perfect,” people would judge me.
Ester:
And the crazy part is, we know it's all fake. Filters, poses, lighting—but it still gets to us. We compare our real, messy lives to other people’s best moments.
Rachel:
One time I was at a party and having fun, but I spent 20 minutes trying to get the perfect picture of my outfit for my story. I missed half the dancing. Like, why? For likes?
Avigail:
And trends are the worst! One day you need to be curvy, and the next, skinny is “in” again. It’s like—can’t we just look how we look?
Ilana:
Exactly. Bodies aren’t trends. Social media makes us feel like we have to look good all the time. It’s so tiring.
Ester:
It’s not just tiring—it’s draining. Mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s like we can’t ever relax.

🎙️ Segment 2: Academic and Family Expectations
Rachel:
Let’s switch gears and talk about school and family. Ilana, I know you’re a total school girl. What’s that been like?
Ilana:
Oh man. I’ve always tried to be the top student, but that means I’m always stressed. If I got a B, I felt like I failed.
Ester:
I feel that! One time I cried over an A-minus, and my mom was like, “Ester, you’re not a robot.” But I just felt like I always had to be perfect.
Avigail:
My family is really supportive, but I still feel that pressure. Like, once I do something good, they expect more. It’s never enough.
Rachel:
Exactly. Even when we do great, there’s always the question: “What’s next?” And if you’re part of a culture or religion with extra expectations, it’s even more to handle.
Ilana:
Sometimes I just want to scream, “Can I just live my life without being judged for once?!”

🎙️ Segment 3: Friendships & Emotional Pressure
Rachel:
Okay, now let’s talk about something we don’t always hear about: the pressure to be the “perfect friend.”
Ester:
Yesss. I always felt like I had to be the one who listened, gave advice, checked in, and never talked about my problems. But that’s exhausting.
Ilana:
Same. There were times I felt really down, but I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to ruin the vibe. But real friends should be able to share both the good and bad.
Avigail:
I think we’re getting better about talking about mental health and stuff, but it’s still scary. Being open makes you feel like people might leave you.
Rachel:
And then social media makes it worse. You see people posting pictures with their friends looking all happy, and you feel like your friendships aren’t good enough.
Ester:
Yeah. Even with our friends, we feel pressure to look happy instead of being happy.

🎙️ Segment 4: Letting Go & Moving Forward
Rachel:
So how do we deal with all this pressure? How do we start letting go?
Ilana:
For me, it helps to be kind to myself. I try to talk to myself the way I’d talk to a friend. I’d never call a friend a failure—so why do I do that to myself?
Ester:
I’ve been trying to notice and celebrate the little things. Like, if I get out of bed and drink water, that’s a win!
Avigail:
I started unfollowing people who make me feel bad about myself—even if they’re famous. And now I follow people who are real and honest. It helps so much.
Rachel:
That’s awesome. I’ve been learning to just be. Not “do” or “achieve” every second—just be myself. And that’s enough.
🎙️ Segment 5: Learning to Set Boundaries (2–3 minutes)
Rachel:
Before we wrap up, I think we should talk about something that’s so important but often overlooked—boundaries. Like, saying “no” without guilt and protecting your energy.
Avigail:
Yes! For the longest time, I said yes to everything because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But then I ended up drained and honestly kind of resentful.
Ilana:
Same. I’d agree to things I didn’t want to do just to keep the peace. But now I realize saying no is actually a form of self-respect.
Ester:
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re rude. It just means you’re choosing yourself—and that’s okay. You can love people and still say, “Hey, I need a break” or “That doesn’t work for me.”
Rachel:
It’s hard at first, but it gets easier. And the right people will respect your boundaries, not make you feel bad for having them.
Avigail:
Exactly. The more I started setting limits—like not answering messages late at night or taking time off when I’m overwhelmed—the more at peace I felt.
Ester:
And boundaries aren’t just with people. They can be with social media, school, even your own thoughts.
Ilana:
Yes! Like saying, “I don’t have to be productive 24/7” is a boundary too.
Rachel:
So if you’re listening and struggling with this, just know: setting boundaries isn’t selfish. It’s healthy.

🎙️ Segment 6: Reminders We All Need (2 minutes)
Rachel:
Before we end today’s episode, let’s each share a reminder we wish someone told us sooner—something we want every girl listening to hear.
Ilana:
Okay, mine would be: You’re allowed to rest. Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re lazy or falling behind. It means you’re human.
Ester:
I love that. Mine is: You don’t need to look a certain way to deserve love, friendship, or success. Who you are is more than your body.
Avigail:
Mine is: You don’t have to have your whole life figured out. You’re allowed to grow, change your mind, and take your time.
Rachel:
And mine is: You don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s okay to cry, ask for help, or say “I’m not okay right now.”
Ilana:
We’re all learning, growing, and trying. And that’s enough.
Ester:
Let’s all be a little kinder—to others and to ourselves.
Avigail:
Yeah, because at the end of the day, being real is way better than being perfect.
Rachel:
So if you need a reminder—you’re not alone. We’re right here with you.

🎧 Outro
Rachel:
If you’re listening and you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, or like you have to be perfect to be loved—just know: you’re already enough.
Ilana:
Seriously. You don’t have to earn your worth. You already have it.
Ester:
Being real, being messy, being in progress—that’s where real connection happens.
Avigail:
And no one’s doing life perfectly, no matter what their Instagram looks like.
Rachel:
Thanks so much for listening to Unfiltered. If today’s episode spoke to you, send it to a friend, leave a review, or DM us with your own story. We’d love to hear from you.
All:
Bye!!!
🎧 [Outro music fades out]