Find partners
Pretty Hard

Pretty Hard

Hosted by Erika Geraerts

Episodes

51

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Pretty Hard is all about discussing what we feel when we think about our relationship to beauty - how it's changed over time, what we've been and are currently influenced by, what we're trying to change, and of course, how hard it is to run (and consume) a beauty brand in today's digital age. A podcast by Fluff, a beauty brand that believes it’s ok to feel more with makeup, so long as you don’t feel less without it. A series of honest conversations: thoughts and feelings with founder, Erika Geraerts.

Listen to episodes

51 recent
May 27, 2026Episode 521 hr 25 min

Episode 52: Surrendered. Alison Rice’s Relationship to Beauty.

Alison Rice is a journalist, podcast host and founder of Offline, a platform exploring conscious careers, purpose and what it really means to succeed. I had been wanting to chat with Alison for years and we finally made it happen. We chat about the internal conflicts of working in our respective industries, and how to navigate a business and life that may not want to be online but in some ways needs to. Alison and I have a very similar spiritual practice and this convo gets pretty deep exploring what it is we all might be covering up with beauty and or other forms of self expression in the digital age. Thankfully she offers practical tips for regulating your consumption and in turn, nervous system. Find Alison @alisonlarsenrice and @getoffline.co

May 25, 2026Episode 5148 min

Episode 51: Pain. Alicia Millan’s Relationship to Beauty.

Alicia Millan is the founder of Melbourne jewellery brand, Aletheia and Phos, who just announced that after 13 years in business, she is closing their doors, and preparing for her new chapter in life, whatever that will be. Currently situated in Thailand, we discuss the simplification of Lissy’s life that has taken place in the last couple of years, and what’s left are you break down the layers and strip so much of your former identity away. Having known Alicia for almost two decades, it was hard not to lead this conversation in a specific direction, having shared with Lissy so many of life’s up and downs, from business to romantic success and failures, to family dynamics and our personal reflections and interrogations. With a greek model mother and Italian body building father, Lissy shared the pressures of growing up looking different from her classmates, and how it impacted her later in life, and finally, to accepting herself for everything that she fully is. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

May 18, 2026Episode 501 hr 2 min

Episode 50: Layered. Hilary Holmes' Relationship to Beauty.

Hilary Holmes is a makeup artist and the founder of Holme Beauty, known for challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining makeup as a tool for education, confidence, and self-acceptance rather than correction. Hilary and I have found a friendship in recent years discussing all things from our own personal beauty journeys, the highs and lows of being a founder, navigating the commercial and often ugly side of business, alongside our own personal lives and somewhat spiritual journeys. I am always confident and grateful that Hilary will challenge me on my beliefs, process, and actions and trust that she feels the same. Find Hilary @hilaryholmesmakeup and @holmebeauty

March 23, 2026Episode 4953 min

Episode 49: Intuitive. Laura Roscioli's Relationship to Beauty.

Laura Roscioli is a Melbourne-based writer, sex columnist, and cultural commentator whose work unpacking love, desire, identity and modern relationships has resonated with audiences around the world. From her early days writing about sex at VICE to bylines in Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Fashion Journal, POPSUGAR and more, Laura brings honesty, nuance and curiosity to every conversation. She’s the author of the growing Substack The Things We Don’t Say, and in our chat we explore the messy, joyful and complicated ways we live and love, every day, and how our relationship to sexuality impacts our relationship to our identity and beauty. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Find Laura at https://www.instagram.com/lauraroscioli & https://www.instagram.com/changedmylifepod/

December 30, 2025Episode 4840 min

Episode 48: How to simplify your relationship to beauty. Reflections from Laura Roscioli, Erin Deering, Lesley Hunter and Kayla Moon.

A different kind of podcast episode as we head into a new year. Particularly transitioning from this year of the snake to the next year of the horse, something at Fluff we are resonating with, many of us can feel like we're shedding, questioning, reflecting. In light of such, we decided to ask four friends of Fluff: Laura Roscioli, Erin Deering, Lesley Hunter and Kayla Moon a simple question: What are 3 decisions that have dramatically developed and/or simplified your relationship to beauty?For me personally - this has included:-Doing something in the morning for me before anyone else: how I look is how I feel. -Using fewer, better products-If I’m tempted via online shopping, adding it to cart, and then I leaving it for a few days to see if I really need it.-Talking to more people about the beauty that comes with aging, not the decline. We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own relationship to beauty and any changes you'd like to see, or intentions you'd like to set for the new year. About our guests:Laura Roscioli is a Melbourne-based writer, sex columnist, and cultural commentator whose work unpacking love, desire, identity and modern relationships has resonated with audiences around the world. @lauraroscioli Erin Deering is Co-founder of Triangl and now her namesake fashion label, Deering. Her honesty and authenticity as a mother, businesswoman, and human engaged in the ever-evolving complex beauty narratives online is deeply refreshing. @erinkdeering Lesley Hunter is a 65-year old model, yogie, and compassionate, curious human being who never ceases to make us smile and laugh, while encouraging us to embrace every age and stage of life. @lesley__hunter Kayla Moon is the founder of the Collingwood based florist, Xflos. She’s also the cofounder of Stay Soft Studio, hosting monthly night markets, and creative co-working & events. She is deeply committed to showing up authentically and exploring her true self. @whoskaylamoon

October 14, 2025Episode 4750 min

Episode 47: Tough to Comfortable. Ross Howse's Relationship to Beauty.

Ross Howse is a Melbourne-based creator best known for Bangin’ Sangas, where he critiques and celebrates sandwich culture in Australia.Howse has publicly shared his journey through mental health, addiction, and self-discovery, using his platform to explore life, food, purpose, and identity.We discuss all of the above, including a refreshing perspective of his participation in beauty culture.Find Ross on Instagram at @banginsangas

October 1, 2025Episode 4656 min

Episode 46: Layered. Joy Ben Hur's Relationship to Beauty.

Joy Ben Hur is a digital creator and storyteller whose voice bridges YouTube, film, and podcasting. She launched her Youtube channel Joyish at 14 years old, as a space to share fashion, lifestyle, art and personal reflection.As a filmmaker, Joy writes and directs, turning intimate themes of belonging and change into cinematic form, most recently for Fluff in her short film titled, Beauty is Nurture.Through her Humble Ego Podcast, Joy holds space for creatives to unpack imperfection, vulnerability, and the inner dialogue between humility and ambition.We talk about how Joy became aware of the concept of beauty from a young age, how the act of journalling since she was 9 has helped her navigate a sense of identity and belonging, and what it's meant and looks like today having had a presence on Youtube for almost a decade.Find Joy on Instagram at @joyishhhh

September 29, 2025Episode 4549 min

Episode 45: Constantly in Flux. Chantel Horvat's Relationship to Beauty

Chantel Horvat is an Australian basketballer who studied at UCLA over a five-year collegiate career before launching her professional journey across the U.S., Europe, and home in Australia. She’s represented the Opals at the Asia Cup and has played for top clubs in Poland, Turkey, Spain, the WNBL’s Canberra Capitals and Melbourne Tigers, and recently, Townsville Fire.When she's not on the court you can find her as an anything-goes creative sharing whatever her travelling hands can produce.We chat about life on and off the court and what role beauty plays in sport. For Chantel, it's about placing less emphasis on beauty being skin deep, and instead what her body can do for her. Find Chantel on Instagram at @chantel_horvat

September 29, 2025Episode 4452 min

Episode 44: Difficult & Incredible. Kayla Moon's Relationship to Beauty.

Kayla Moon is a multifaceted creative across Xxflos and Stay Soft Studio in Melbourne, where she has built a reputation as a local business owner and floral artist blending nature and structural modernity. Her story has been shaped by reinvention, resilience, and the challenges of carving space in industries that demand both vulnerability and vision.We chat about growing up with strong, wild feminine archetypes as role models, the idea of appreciating beauty outside of oneself, alongside the pressures of society and traditional, western beauty standards, and we question where does vanity help us and where does it hinder us? Please note: This conversation discusses topics including body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and self harm, should you wish to skip this episode.Find Kayla on Instagram at @whoskaylamoon

August 7, 2025Episode 431 hr 7 min

Episode 43: Jessica Defino, Erika Geraerts, and Maeva Heim. An honest discussion.

The beauty industry is brutal, for consumers, brands, and founders alike.While glossy on the surface, behind the scenes is a world of numbers, stakeholders, and systems that are rarely discussed.Purpose vs Profit.Expression vs Exploitation.Generosity vs Gatekeeping. In this intimate, live podcast recording from April 2025 in NYC, founder of Fluff, Erika Geraerts speaks openly with beauty journalist and writer Jessica Defino and Bread Beauty founder Maeva Heim. Find Jessica on Substack at The Review of BeautyAnd Maeva on IG at @bread @maeva_heleneAnd Erika on IG at @erikageraerts and Substack at Pretty Hard.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Entrepreneurship podcasts