Unfortunately, the trailblazing plus size podcast The Chenese Lewis Show has ended. After a year-long hiatus, the program’s host, multimedia maven and body-positivity activist Chenese Lewis, made the announcement earlier this month.
“The decision to end The Chenese Lewis Show was not made lightly. This journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” the Louisiana native expressed in a press release to The Curvy Fashionista. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who listened, shared, and supported this platform over the years. The stories told on this show have not only inspired others but have also shaped me personally and professionally.”
The Chenese Lewis Show first blared through the digital scene in 2008, flaunting its title as a premier podcast dedicated to the full-figured community. The critically-acclaimed production garnered global recognition for its game-changing advocacy and awareness of issues within the plus size industry.
From her influential guests to groundbreaking topics, the pioneering personality shifted the narrative, setting the table for much-needed dialogue in spaces where bigger individuals often felt they had no fit. At a time when candid, thought-provoking conversations weren’t forefronted enough, Lewis brazenly led an uber-successful movement that singlehandedly helped shape many of the discussions surrounding “fat” culture today.
The Chenese Lewis Show Left a Mark That Could Never Be Undone
By highlighting the importance of embracing self-image, Lewis encouraged listeners never to let the width of their frames stop them from showing up in rooms they’d been afraid to walk through… and own it. The Baton Rouge beauty’s unapologetic approach accumulated a massive audience, on and off the air. Nearly two decades later, Lewis’ undeniable light continues attracting the crowd–be it through the speaker of a microphone or at the pulse of society’s fatphobic agenda.
Episode after episode, she delivered unparalleled content that went far beyond the click of a button or pull of a plug. However, although Lewis may be calling it quits on her broadcast, she assured longtime fans, “While this chapter is closing, my commitment to the plus size community remains as strong as ever.”
If you didn’t know, Lewis has been a force to be reckoned with through her fearless push for larger-body representation and inclusion for (almost) 25 years now. Deemed ‘One of the Original Plus Size Influencers’ by Forbes, this triple threat was crowned the inaugural ‘Miss Plus America’ in 2003. From there, she modeled for Torrid, served as the Coast-to-Coast Spokesperson for Ashley Stewart, and controversially posed nude alongside America’s Next Top Model’s Cycle 10 winner Whitney Thompson for the NOH8 campaign. But… her stride to becoming one of the most respected in the game didn’t stop there.
With a spot on BET’s iconic prank series Hell Date, numerous brand collaborations, expert appearances, and philanthropic work, the super entertainer/entrepreneur’s impact (certainly) earned her the accolades to show for it. It’s because of women like Lewis that women like us are audacious enough to showcase the confidence and esteem we’ve spent the majority of our lives building.
“Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey deeply rooted in the positive reinforcement and guidance I received from my family, particularly my mother,” the Full Figured Industry Awards Icon Award recipient told Bold Journey Magazine in a 2024 sit-down. “By turning my journey into a platform for empowerment, I have made confidence and positive body image my personal brand. I strive to inspire others to see their worth and potential, regardless of societal standards.”
Thank you for 15 years of greatness, The Chenese Lewis Show.
What were your favorite interviews from The Chenese Lewis Show? Let us know in the comments below!
