Reclaim Your Shine // Michelle's Buteau's "Survival of the Thickest"

What makes you laugh?

Michelle Buteau's memoir "Survival of the Thickest" feels like having a heart-to-heart with your boldest, most authentic friend – the one who makes you laugh until it hurts while dropping profound truth bombs that stick with you for days.

From the moment my friend, Page, and I dive into her world, Buteau's voice leaps off the page with unfiltered honesty about growing up in a body that developed faster than her peers. "I wasn't fat, but since I was bigger than everyone else, I was made to feel fat," she writes, capturing the universal experience of body shame that so many women carry. But what makes her story exceptional isn't just the struggles – it's how she transforms them into stepping stones toward radical self-acceptance, encouraging readers to reframe "problem areas" as simply "human areas."

Her journey through relationships is equally compelling, from heartbreaking betrayals (her first boyfriend cheating with her best friend) to finding true partnership with her Dutch husband, Gijs. Buteau's candid account of her fertility struggles – multiple miscarriages, failed IVF treatments, and eventually surrogacy – provides both emotional depth and practical wisdom about supporting loved ones through similar challenges. The simple phrase she wished people had said – "I'm sorry you're going through this. I can't imagine what that's like" – serves as a masterclass in compassion.

Throughout the memoir, Buteau's experiences as a light-skinned Black woman highlight the complexities of racial identity in America. Her ability to deliver devastating clap backs when confronted with ignorance showcases both her quick wit and emotional intelligence. Whether she's navigating motherhood, career challenges, or family dynamics, Buteau reminds us that our prime isn't defined by society – it's when we're fully ourselves, embracing our authentic truth with courage and humor. We also get into our first kiss stories, how to show up for your friends and yourself, and THE BEST CLAP BACK EVER. Seriously. EVER

Have you read "Survival of the Thickest" yet? Share your favorite moments from Michelle's journey and join our conversation about embracing your shine without apology. We get into our first kiss stories, how to show up for your friends and yourself, and THE BEST CLAP BACK EVER. Seriously. EVER.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau

Other ways to support/connect with Michelle Buteau
Instagram

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. 

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Page. Thanks for laughing with me since we were 10 years old. Even though that one time