Embark on a transformative journey as one woman confronts a lifetime of self-deception and obesity, unravelling the complex web of lies that shielded her from the truth. In this candid narrative, she unveils the psychological intricacies that led her to find solace in overindulgence.

 

This is Christie Goodwin, author of the introspective memoir Truth Be Told.

 

We spoke with Christie about how the subjects of her photographer career have impacted her life, how writing about her struggles has been a part of her journey and what she hopes readers benefit from reading her work.

 

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Your professional career has been spent as a photographer, predominantly of live performances from famous artists and musicians. What about interacting and trying to capture the lives of so many people across your career has impacted your own life the most? How has that gone on to impact your writing?

 

Over the past 35 years of photographing live music, capturing the intensity, vulnerability, and raw expression of artists on stage has shaped my perspective on human connection and storytelling. Every performance is a fleeting moment of truth, a glimpse into someone’s soul, and being entrusted to document that has profoundly impacted me.

 

One thing that stands out is the humanity behind the fame. Working with these artists, I see the person beyond the persona—their passion, struggles, and triumphs. In each photograph, I aim not just to capture a visual, but to communicate a part of their essence, the emotion that words alone can’t convey. That process has taught me empathy and patience, qualities that I now try to bring into my writing.

 

In writing I have the same approach of observing, interpreting, distilling my very own experience into words. Instead of capturing light, I’m capturing thought and feeling. Ultimately, interacting with so many artists has shown me the universality of the human experience, which I have tried to honor in every form of expression, whether through the lens or on the page.

 

 

This is your third book but is deeply personal and introspective to your complex journey with self-deception and obesity. The transformation you’ve been on was struggling in and of itself, but was the writing of this book also a struggle – due to its personal nature?

 

Writing Truth Be Told was indeed a struggle, and in some ways, it was as challenging as the journey itself. This is my third book, but unlike the others, this one required me to turn the lens inward, confronting layers of self-deception, painful truths, and deeply rooted emotions surrounding my own journey with obesity.

 

In photography, I’m often an observer, a storyteller capturing others’ truths, but writing this book required me to become vulnerable and reveal aspects of myself I’ve rarely or in some cases never shared, even with those closest to me. The process brought me face-to-face with memories and patterns I’d hidden or rationalized away for years. Each chapter forced me to ask tough questions of myself and challenged me to put into words what, for so long, I hadn’t wanted to face.

 

At the same time, this personal excavation has been healing. In committing my story to paper, I’ve found new clarity and compassion for myself. It has been transformative, much like the physical journey itself, but with a different kind of weight lifted. I hope that in sharing this part of my life, others might find resonance, courage, and perhaps even a bit of hope for their own paths forward.

 

 

For those just starting on their health journey and looking to pick up a book to help them, why do you think readers would benefit from your title? What message or lesson do you hope readers take from your writing?

 

For those just starting their health journey, I believe Truth Be Told offers more than just inspiration—it provides an honest look at what real transformation entails, both inside and out. I didn’t write this book to offer quick fixes or polished success stories, but to share the raw, often challenging truth of my journey with obesity and self-discovery. I wanted readers to see that change isn’t linear; it’s a winding path with setbacks, self-reflection, and moments of struggle. And that’s okay.

 

What I hope readers take from this book is the understanding that they’re not alone in their battles, and that real, lasting change begins with honesty—with themselves, their habits, and their patterns of self-deception. I want readers to feel empowered to dig deep, to face the uncomfortable truths, and to approach their own journey with patience and compassion. My goal is for them to feel seen and understood, and to recognize that transformation is possible for everyone. Above all, I hope my story inspires them to keep going, even when the road feels long, because they’re worth the effort.

 

 

In a world of toxic online relationships and an unhealthy addiction to doomscrolling, what affect do you think the onslaught of TikTok and Instagram health channels have had on the public? Do you think people are now more conscious of their livelihoods or more fearful?

 

The rise of TikTok and Instagram health channels has had a complex impact on public perception of health and wellness. On one hand, there’s been a surge in health consciousness, with people now more aware of lifestyle choices, fitness trends, and mental health practices than ever before. Access to this type of content has normalized conversations about health and brought helpful, sometimes life-changing information to a wider audience.

 

However, there’s a flip side. The pressure to constantly consume “health advice” online can easily become overwhelming, especially when the messages are inconsistent or driven by trends rather than solid science. Many people feel paralyzed or fearful, bombarded by warnings and wellness “hacks” that often conflict, and doomscrolling through endless snippets of advice can create a sense of urgency, even panic, around personal health. Instead of being empowered, people can end up feeling inadequate or overly critical of themselves, seeing health as a checklist rather than a personal, sustainable journey.

 

In a world already rife with comparison, these channels sometimes perpetuate unrealistic standards or quick-fix mentalities. So while I believe these platforms have created more awareness around wellness, they’ve also made it easy for people to lose touch with what health really means for them personally. Instead of encouraging true self-care, there’s a risk of turning health into another source of anxiety. Ultimately, it’s a delicate balance—while social media can be a source of motivation and information, it’s just as important to unplug, tune out the noise, and focus on what truly serves one’s own journey.

 

 

Finally, what is next for you in your creative ventures? Is there another book you are wanting to write? Another topic you are wanting to tackle? We’d love to hear!

 

Looking forward, I’m definitely feeling inspired to continue exploring deeper, more personal topics in my creative work. Writing Truth Be Toldwas both challenging and transformative, and it’s opened me up to ideas I might not have considered before. Right now, I’m drawn to the idea of exploring resilience and self-acceptance in the face of life’s inevitable changes. I think there’s so much power in understanding how we adapt, rebuild, and find purpose through transitions, whether they’re physical, emotional, or even career-driven.

 

As for another book, there’s definitely a seed of an idea growing. I’d love to write something that not only shares stories of transformation but also dives into the ways people connect and find strength in community and shared experience. We live in a world that can feel increasingly isolated, and I’m curious to explore the human need for connection and how it supports our health and happiness.

 

Whether it’s through writing, photography, or perhaps something entirely new, I’m excited to keep challenging myself creatively and to continue exploring subjects that speak to resilience, vulnerability, and the beauty in personal growth. There’s always more to discover, and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.

 

 

Truth Be Told is available now in paperback.