Fully Unapologetic: What Inspires Me (as a 54-year-old Fat Woman)
What happens when a middle-aged woman reflects on life, Star Wars, fashion, body image, and the extraordinary voices challenging societal norms? You get a raw, heartfelt, and uplifting perspective on what it means to embrace yourself at every size and every stage of life.
In her latest essay, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, an Emmy-winning storyteller, dives deep into the progress we’ve made—and the trailblazers lighting the way forward. From plus-sized fashionistas and unapologetic athletes to celebrities dismantling Hollywood's outdated body ideals, Shannon celebrates the inspirations that fuel her unapologetic self-love.
✨ For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, this essay is a reminder: you belong, and your light matters.
✨ For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into the power of acceptance, resilience, and finding joy in the chaos of life.
Fully Unapologetic: Finding Body Liberation in 2025
🎉 Embrace 2025: Love Your Body, Liberate Your Mind! 💪✨
BEHIND THE CAMERA: How The Current Media Landscape Breaks You Down
I was already dealing with anxiety and discrimination—both gender and weight bias—so jumping into freelancing at the worst time for TV and media felt like a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey of braving the industry’s biggest contraction in recent memory.
In my new post, I unpack the “streaming gold rush” that went bust, how it’s impacted our mental health and creativity, and why—despite it all—there’s a new path forward for those of us behind the camera. If you’ve felt the squeeze or battled your own shame spiral, you’re not alone.
art by AJ Jones via Deep Dream Generator
The Burden of "Invisible" Bias: How Weight Discrimination Shapes Our Lives
William Howard Taft: President. Supreme Court Chief Justice. Devoted husband and father. Lived well beyond his peers. Yet what’s his legacy? The tub.
In this essay, I reflect on Taft, history, and the weight bias that still drags people down. It’s time we learned more about the person, not the punchline.
Body Image in the Workplace: The Unspoken Rules for "Looking Professional"
One of my all-time favorite comedies, Working Girl, isn’t just a brilliant 80s film—it’s a powerful commentary on confidence, professional attire, and the biases that come with it. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic red dress to the struggle Tess McGill faces in the corporate world, this movie resonates on so many levels. As someone who's battled with fitting into the "one-size-fits-all" corporate dress code, I reflect on how clothing can empower or diminish us, especially for women with body types that don't conform to societal norms. Here’s a look at how Working Girl and my own experiences highlight the pressure to "dress to fit"—and why it’s time to let individuality and confidence shine. ✨ #Fashion #BodyPositivity #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence
FILM PRODUCTION AND THE MICHAEL JORDAN EFFECT
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT, but his success wouldn't have been possible without his teammates—Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, and others. In both sports and the entertainment industry, the “stars” are nothing without their supporting teams. Just like in film production, where directors get the spotlight, there’s a whole team behind the scenes—producers, marketers, legal experts, and more—making sure everything runs smoothly. Let’s stop overlooking these crucial roles. Success is a team effort, and everyone’s contribution matters. #Teamwork #Collaboration #CelebrateEveryone #MichaelJordan #BehindTheScenes
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Cecile Weiland
In this episode of Life After Television, host Shannon and Cecile Weiland, a documentary filmmaker and executive producer, discuss the importance of networking, cultural nuances in collaboration, and Cecile's new venture in helping Americans relocate to France.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Compilation
Listen to experts in the television field discuss how they’ve transitioned into new roles beyond the airwaves. Producer, director, network executive, editor, line producer—there is life after television.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Laura Fravel
In this conversation, Laura Fravel discusses her journey from working in television to becoming an executive coach.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Shirley Vernae Williams
Shannon interviews Shirley Vernae Williams, a creative powerhouse in the media industry.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Michelle Manassah
Shannon and Michelle Manassah discuss the critical role of production management in television, emphasizing the importance of negotiation and collaboration.
MEDIA VS REALITY: When what is real is too real
As a passionate traveler and documentary filmmaker, I've learned that the world is a vast canvas filled with stories waiting to be told.
In my recent travels, I’ve come to appreciate not just the beauty of our planet but also the misunderstandings that can arise from how media portrays reality.
Whether understanding the scale of our oceans or the nuances of wildlife photography, we can all benefit from a bit of humility and awareness.
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LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Elizabeth Elson
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION is a new interview series featuring five remarkable women who have found success beyond television. They detail their past work and how their skills led them to new careers and opportunities.
In this conversation, Shannon interviews Elizabeth Elson, a seasoned television producer who shares her journey from traditional television to digital media. Elizabeth discusses her extensive experience in storytelling, the challenges of engaging audiences, and the importance of strategy in communication. She emphasizes the need for curiosity and humility when transitioning careers and highlights the value of understanding one's unique message.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Marisa Levy
Television professionals may feel lost but there are opportunities beyond our industry. We are creative, talented & highly skilled!
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION is a new interview series featuring five remarkable women who have found success beyond television. They detail their past work and how their skills led them to new careers and opportunities.
In this conversation, Marisa Levy shares her extensive experience in the television industry and her transition into new platforms and content creation. She discusses the transferable skills gained from her time in television, the importance of storytelling, and her current work empowering young girls through content. Marisa offers valuable advice for those navigating career changes, emphasizing the need to recognize one's unique skill set and the abundance of content opportunities in various industries.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Stevi Calandra
Television professionals may feel lost but there are opportunities beyond our industry. We are creative, talented & highly skilled!
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION is a new interview series featuring five remarkable women who have found success beyond television. They detail their past work and how their skills led them to new careers and opportunities.
Shannon and Stevi Calandra discuss the transition from a career in television to new opportunities in online learning and multimedia production.
Lessons from the Wild: What Wildlife Documentaries Taught Me About Human Nature
In my journey through wildlife filmmaking, I’ve learned profound lessons about ourselves from the animal kingdom: sharks, orcas, lions, hyenas, and my personal favorite, the beaver.
Here’s how these insights can guide our personal and professional lives.
MY CREATIVE PROCESS
When faced with a sea of ideas, it can be challenging to pinpoint the ones with true potential. Drawing inspiration from a beloved bear, I've refined my process for selecting ideas worth nurturing.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Developing “CARRIERS AT WAR”
Embedded documentaries may seem effortless, but behind the scenes, it's a different story. Success in this field requires an exceptionally skilled team, supportive executives, thorough preparation, as well as tact, diplomacy, and tenacity.