Press

Stop The Insanity; Susan Powter vs. Richard Simmons….IT’S ON….

2010-04-03T19:24:42Z

The Insider catches up with Susan

2008-06-16T16:04:00Z

Susan Powter and Voki Avatar Partnership for The Politics of Stupid.

2008-05-02T15:31:00Z

Susan Powter has partnered with Oddcast to provide an avatar-centric Voki Playground in conjunction with the release of her new book, "The Politics of Stupid."

Titled Stupid Stops Here, the playground is designed for users to share their experiences with putting an end to obesity and replacing their unhealthy lifestyle habits with healthier ones all by simply following the expert advice outlined in Susan's book.

The avatars come from Oddcast’s Voki platform which can analyze voice messages left by users and animate their avatars' lips accordingly. If one wishes to respond to someone’s voki, it can be done in just a click of a button within the Voki widget.

Susan Powter: The Truth is Smart, Sexy, and Fully Aware - janedevin.com

2008-04-08T12:54:00Z

By Jane Devin

Thank you, Dr. Atkins and Company. Without you, she may have stayed secluded on some farm, and her vibrant mind and inspiring words might never again have reached the public masses. Yet, because of you, and the well-marketed lies that left millions of unsuspecting people eating a pound of bacon for breakfast, she is back.

Susan Powter has reemerged onto the wellness scene, not as some former icon scrambling for a comeback in a world with a ten minute memory, but as a fiercer than ever, fully awake, fully energized – and may I say – totally sexy one-woman powerhouse.

Her sword is still forged from the unyielding metal of truth, and she is ready to do battle with those who have perverted the fundamental concepts of wellness in order to make a buck (or a few billion). Her newly updated and released book, The Politics of Stupid, is not just a wellness manifesto, but a scathing, all-out attack on the industrial titans who traffic in the duping and dumbing-down of an overweight, unfit, and convenience-minded America.

You may want to stop reading here if you’re one of those whose reaction to the word “wellness” is to beat your chest and declare yourself impervious to poison – or if you have a devil-may-care attitude when it comes to being lied to, used, and then abandoned. If you want to intentionally fill your body with growth hormones, chemical preservatives, pesticides, and other manufactured poisons – if you want to help contribute to the multi-billion dollar, revolving door industry of “miracle” diets and fat pharmaceuticals – you’re not ready for Powter’s message.

On the other hand, if you’ve done these things without really considering the consequences – if like millions of American women, you’ve trusted government and industry to keep you and your family safe from harm – then Powter wants to enlighten you.

The Politics of Stupid will not only tell you why 98% of dieters fail, but will let you in on the ugly truth behind the revolving door of the weight-loss industry, which means to keep revolving as long as there are people who are blind enough, naive enough, and desperate enough to take the ride.

“The pillars of the past,” Powter states, “have crumbled under their own lies. Health statistics speak volumes about the experts who have been in charge of our health for years.” Facts, and an abundance of them, back Powter up. In the $276 billion dollar food industry, low-fat processed foods, which rely on chemicals to supplant natural ingredients in everything from dairy products to cookies made a nifty $35.6 billion dollars in 2005. In the last decade, more than 21,579 new foods have been manufactured and marketed as “low or no” fat or “low or no” saturated fat. Yet, according to recent statistics, Americans are now among the fattest people on earth. 64.5% of adults can be classified as overweight or obese – and the rate of childhood obesity is climbing at an alarming rate, increasing 54% in the last fifteen years.

In reading Powter’s message, it is (or should be) clear to any thinking, rational person, that it is not the health conscious who should be labeled “freaks”, but those who have consciously distorted and bastardized the concept of food. Food being the fuel the human body needs to operate at an optimum level. Powter makes the strong and convincing argument that when that necessary fuel comes packed with hormones, chemicals, and poisons – and is even brashly marketed in super-sized portions – it ceases to be be a source of health or energy. When 65% of an average American’s daily diet consists of processed food – and concurrently the rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases are rising – the link is obvious.

Food – which Powter obviously takes great delight in – should not be the enemy, and it doesn’t have to be. She advocates not dieting, but a “lifestyle exchange”. Trading in what doesn’t work for what does. Exchanging the chemical copycats of food for real foods. Whole and natural foods – the way they grow in nature, outside of the clutches of industrial farming and processing plants.

Powter brings a sense of intellectual, physical, and sensual bliss to organic, whole foods that may just be the inspiration millions of women need to step away from the over-industrialized, processed poisons that have left them struggling with self-image, obesity and chronic, life-threatening diseases.

Knowledge is power, and power is the crux of the message in The Politics of Stupid and Powter’s Eat, Breath, Move, and Think program for lifetime health. She envisions a world where people — particularly women, who have been the most victimized and “branded” by the corporate and political patriarchy of consumerism — hone their knowledge and take back their power of choice. Where they will take the reins and not just move away from their own exploitation as consumers, but where they will forge new trails in wellness, society, and the body politic.

Powter, the mother of three, exudes health and vitality at 50 years old. She is her own best advertising, having lived (and nurtured her family with) the Eat, Breath, Move, and Think lifestyle for over twenty years. Through the fire of personal and professional challenges, Powter has held fast to the rational, informed, no-nonsense health choices she discovered when she lost 133 pounds in the late 80’s, and went on to become a 90’s superstar in the world of fitness, who not only motivated millions of women through tapes and infomercials, but who wrote six books – three of which made the New York Times bestseller list.

The Politics of Stupid, slated to be released by Simon & Schuster on May 6th*, is Powter’s seventh book, and if it’s as successful and understood as it deserves to be, its readers may never buy another book about diet or obesity. The answers are there, bright and shining in the light of awareness. And if the black and white of her words leaves you wanting more, Powter’s colorful and interactive website, http://susanpowteronline.com, is filled with inspiration, workouts, video blogs, support, and well, everything you’d expect from a powerhouse like Susan Powter. This is a woman who does nothing half way and just about everything with passion.

*Click here to pre-order on Amazon.

The Politics of Stupid: The Cure for Obesity - News Release

2008-04-07T13:17:00Z

Click here to pre-order on Amazon.

An internationally-known brand name, New York Times best-selling author, and the woman dubbed "the Lenny Bruce of Wellness" by Shape magazine, Susan Powter’s “Stop the Insanity” mantra was a self-help sensation in the 1990s. Along with her signature high energy and white, buzz cut hairstyle, her personal story of losing over l30 pounds as a single mother of two babies inspired millions and changed the diet and fitness industry forever. Now, recently returned to public life from a ten year self-imposed exile, in her most radical book to date, THE POLITICS OF STUPID: The Cure for Obesity (Atria Books; May 6, 2008; 1416585117; $14.00), Susan Powter challenges food manufacturers, governments, fitness and diet industries in order to teach women how to find the motivation to alter their lifestyles in search of well being and weight loss.

Her unique new “X-change” program works with a powerful associated website at http://www.susanpowteronline.com. Both start by asking women to change the way they think about eating and exercise: “X-change a high-fat, processed, inactive, nonthinking lifestyle habit for a far more styling (life-styling) life habit.” Forming the core concept of her new method are four words that she offers as “lifejackets in your daily living”: Consciousness, honesty, behavior, and responsibility. With this as her new mantra, Powter dares women to join her:

• To trade selflessness for selfishness and take time for themselves and their health. Just thirty minutes of regular cardio and strength training six days a week can achieve maximum results.

• To stop using excuses like childhood issues, willpower problems, baby weight gain, lack of time, or physical injuries as a reason for being unfit and overweight.

• To stop eating junk that isn’t food, and demand whole, organic, naturally low fat foods for themselves and their families.

• To start living consciously about how our bodies, our health and the condition of the planet are all connected.

• To start flexing their combined muscle for change in the $276 billion dollar food industry.

With the authoritative voice and humor that made Stop the Insanity such a tremendous hit, THE POLITICS OF STUPID is a timely manifesto, one certain to propel Susan Powter back into the public eye and start a new wellness movement. “What used to be called gossip is now called spreading the word. And as I said years ago, the most dangerous animal on earth is . . . ? A pissed-off mother. I speak with women because when a woman gets well, her friends, her community, and eventually the world gets well.”

About the Author
Susan Powter has been inspring audiences worldwide with her fitness, weight loss and life management seminars for years. She is the bestselling author of Stop the Insanity!; The Pocket Powter; Food; C'Mon America, Let's Eat!; and Hey, Mom! I'm Hungry!

-----
THE POLITICS OF STUPID
By Susan Powter
Published by Atria Books
Publication Date: May 6, 2008
Contact: Christine Saunders
Phone: 212.698.1129/Email: Christine.Saunders@simonandschuster.com
ISBN1 4165 8511 7/ 192 Pages/Price $14

Voice from ‘90s cries out at Women’s Expo - Asbury Park (NJ) Press

2008-02-17T15:17:00Z

By Matthew McGrath

Remember Susan Powter? Maybe during some sleepless night 10 years ago, her crew-cut, platinum-blond head jolted you out of an insomniac, television-induced daze as she screamed "Stop the insanity!"

Her infomercials featured her railing against the diet industry and encouraging women to take over the world. It worked; three of her books were New York Times bestsellers.

Well, it's now a decade later, and thanks to the self-publishing power of the Internet, she's back, complete with a new mantra: "Eat, Breathe, Think, Move."

And, she's still screaming.

"You don't have to like me," Powter said. "You have to listen to me."

Powter, a featured speaker at the seventh annual Women's Expo in the Ritacco Center Saturday, was the reason many of the women attended the event.

"I saw her about 10 years ago," said Helen Donovan, a resident of Holiday City in Berkeley, who said she videotaped Powter's infomercials. "A lot of what she says makes sense, like changing your lifestyle a little bit each day."

"I think she's awesome," Jackson resident Sonya Walker said.

Elsewhere at the expo, 40 women were competing in the Women's Only Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament, which brought a top prize of a golden bracelet engraved to mark the event.

"It's just the thrill of playing," Beachwood resident Suzanne Marshock said. "It's about bragging rights."

Marshock placed third in the tournament, losing to Jennie Echo and Ronnie Butow, both from Toms River, who placed first and second, respectively.

The tournament is what drew Marshock last year, but she also was able to find help for both of her children last year. Her 11-year-old son, Nicholas, won a raffle for a free membership at an area karate dojo.

"My son really needed help building his self-confidence," Marshock said. "So, why not?"

The karate membership was one of the most important things she found through the expo. Marshock's 8-year-old daughter, Sawyer, also is taking lessons.

"They love it," she added.

Catherine Hickland of "One Life to Live" and "Knight Rider" fame was giving three-minute makeovers with her own line of cosmetics, specifically designed for a woman on the go.

"I needed an updated look and something that was fast," said Rosalee DiPietro, of Bayville. "I guess I have to buy it now."

She said the makeover made her look like she was "kissed by the sun" and was much better than the 45-minute makeovers at department stores.

The expo was sponsored by 100.1 WJRZ and Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Free health screenings were being offered to all the women who attended. According to literature distributed by the center during the expo, women experience heart disease symptoms differently than men and report different symptoms.

"This is our way of giving back to our loyal listeners," said Tony Odachowski, executive director of marketing for Greater Media New Jersey. "This time of year, people need a way to beat some cabin fever."

Annnouncing the Launch of Susan Powter’s Online Community - News Release

2008-02-11T14:15:01Z

Via videos, photos, forum discussions and blog posts – members of Susan Powter’s Online Community will be able to connect with one another, sharing their personal wellness stories and offering support, tips and guidance to others looking to change their diet and fitness routines. Members can also take advantage of Ning’s numerous customization tools in order to personalize the look and feel of their pages in Susan Powter’s Online Community and control the way they receive content.

Susan herself will actively participate in the community with exclusive one-on-one chats, blogs, photos, videos and virtual personal training.

Community.SusanPowterOnline.com is an extension of Susan's website, SusanPowterOnline.com where Susan interacts with her users directly and daily, providing the information, motivation and inspiration that everybody needs to lose weight, get fit and gain a healthier lifestyle.

About Ning
Ning offers the latest social networking features, all infinitely customizable to meet your unique needs. Unlike other services that offer a “one-size-fits-all” offering, your social network on Ning runs on a programmable platform. This platform gives everyone the freedom to create a million variations and endless possibilities, making Ning the software equivalent of Home Depot! For more information about Ning go to: ning.com.

Susan Talks New Year’s Resolutions and Getting Fit - WBCB-AM

2008-01-16T15:54:01Z

Listen in as Susan talks New Year's resolutions and the secret to getting fit, lean, healthy, strong and well - once and for all - with WBCB-AM Program Director Paul Baroli (aka the Kahuna).

Click to Play

WBCB Radio is a 24 hour, AM radio station in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Click here for more info.
And find out more about Paul Baroli and his band here.

Rock Star Fitness Guru Says…Stop The Insanity! - The Danielle Lin Show

2008-01-12T11:09:00Z

Susan Powter - She's back and more powerful than ever! The dynamic world renowned fitness guru is in the limelight again. In better shape than ever...with the drive to shake the very foundation of wellness in this country. Powter is a force to be reckoned with. This no-miss hour could be the turn around you have been looking for if you are serious about the resolution to change.

Click to Play

About The Danielle Lin Show
Rich conversation with your health in mind - The Danielle Lin Show is a fresh and dynamic syndicated radio program that's a rare find on the dial. Certified Nutritionist, Danielle Lin, leaves no stone unturned to dig deeper into the profound questions of life. How can you be happy? What can you do to live your dreams? Where can you turn when you want answers? The two-hour weekly program is the intersection between what you need to know to live an extraordinary life and the road map to get there! Check out her incredible online library and hear Danielle Lin's interviews with the greatest voices on the planet 24/7. Click here for more info.

Powter Works Out a Return - Los Angeles Times

2007-12-22T17:54:01Z

By Jeannine Stein, Staff Writer

Susan Powter teaches class at a school in Seattle. She is returning to the spotlight to encourage healthy eating and exercise.
(Photo Credit: Kevin P. Casey for the Times)

THE fitness and weight-loss industry has been without one of its most vociferous and prolific spokeswomen for about a decade now.

But fear not, intrepid dieters, Susan Powter is back.

The blunt, energetic guru of the mid-1990s who begged us to stop the insanity and produced copious books and videos is making her comeback after a self-imposed exile. The trademark blond buzz cut has grown out to a ponytail, but she's still as passionate about spreading the gospel of good health, talking a mile a minute and launching into 10 tangents at once. One other thing has changed -- this time she's not gunning for queen of the infomercials. She's got cyberspace.

The call of new media compelled her to seek the spotlight again after experiencing major burnout (and perhaps running out the clock on those 15 minutes). She lived on a working farm, exercised and reared her three sons (ages 10, 24 and 25), she says via telephone from her home in Seattle, where a touch of laryngitis doesn't seem to dim her trademark volume. "I came back to work for one reason," she says. "The Internet. If you'd like to know what I think, you can see me directly. There are very few corporate white men in the middle of it." That last part alludes to the creative and business struggles Powter says she had with management.

Her website, http://www.susanpowteronline.com, which officially launches Jan. 1, is already getting several thousand hits daily, she says, with old and new fans checking in. Her pithy message this time around is: Eat, breathe, move and think. Tips to achieve this are written on her site, often in cryptic, quasi-poetic bits, such as:

Understanding

What you are doing

Why you are doing it

And how

To apply it to your life

Lean muscle mass . . .

One video blog posting shows her in the passenger seat of a car driving around at night, where she says, "You add weights and use the resistance of that added weight and you build the tissue in muscles." The oddness of it is pure Powter.

She's not exactly doling out groundbreaking information, but that's never been Powter's strong suit. She's the mom who lost 130 pounds (and hasn't regained it), who was zealous about telling people that a few lifestyle changes could go a long way to getting fit, losing weight and staying that way. That zealousness channeled its way into an empire that included best-selling books, videos, nonstop infomercials, her own talk show and a devoted following.

New to the mix this time is her rant about a world that is fatter and more in love with TV, computers and processed foods than ever before. "The food industry is directly connected to obesity," she says. "It has found a way to make the labels more deceptive, to advertise faster at you, and the mega-blasts at consumers are coming at the speed of light." Those consumers, she adds, aren't looking for an easy way out, but they do need help sorting through the rubble. And that's where she comes in, with advice, workouts and support.

It remains to be seen if the world opens its collective arms to Powter once again. In addition to her site, she has a revised edition of an old book due out in spring titled "The Politics of Stupid," a set of videos featuring new workouts and lifestyle advice coming early in 2008, and digital workouts available by download later in the year. Powter adds that she's "in discussions aggressively right now" for a new television show that may involve a treehouse in the L.A. area.

We may always need our gurus, says David Coppel, a clinical and sport psychologist in private practice in Kirkland, Wash., as hey, pump us up and let us draw off their energy. "A lot of times it's picking up on what makes sense to people. And some people need that kick-start, that leader, to move themselves forward."

Fitness Sensation Susan Powter Returns - PRNewsWire News Release

2007-12-04T16:13:00Z

The dominating voice in the fitness industry of the 1990's, Susan Powter took a self-imposed exile after creating the top-selling fitness product line "Stop The Insanity." That exile is officially over with the launch of all new wellness programs for fitness, nutrition and healthy living at SusanPowterOnline.com, it was announced today by her management company KidRo Productions.

The website, launching today, will be one-stop-shopping for Susan's countless fans. The website will feature's Susan's latest program Eat, Breathe, Move, Think and be a "wellness universe" completely designed by Powter so people can interact with her directly and daily on losing weight, getting fit and gaining a healthier lifestyle. The centerpiece of the website will be a daily blog and video posting where Susan responds to questions and showcases workouts, cooking tips and motivational advice for the day. The site will also contain details on Susan's own personal story and photos, alongside photos from the lives of people who have followed her program and changed dramatically.

Much of her new programs will be based on her experiences since the overwhelming success of "Stop The Insanity." Motivated by her experiences in business, as a single mother and a woman turning 50, Powter remains as brutally honest as always. The trademark platinum hair now in dreadlocks, Powter easily shows she hasn't lost one bit of enthusiasm towards her goal of helping people establish a healthy lifestyle.

"The greatest common denominator is wellness. It doesn't matter what your politics, religion, race, gender or age if you live in a human body you need oxygen, whole real food, lean muscle mass, cardio endurance and strength and an internally activated body! Finally wellness is global and available to every human body who wants to love the way they look and feel," said Susan Powter.

About Susan
Fitness and diet guru Susan Powter was a mid-1990's self-help sensation, recognized by millions for her "Stop the Insanity" mantra, signature high energy, direct delivery, and white, buzz cut hairstyle. Through Susan's personal story of losing over l30 pounds as a single mother of two babies, she changed the diet and fitness industry forever. Susan decided to follow-up her success by spending the next ten years raising her third son. During that time, Susan continued to maintain her physique, a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family and further developed her proven weight loss and wellness program. Recently seen on Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Insider, The Simple Life, The Today Show and Good Morning America, and featured in Elle magazine, Susan has reemerged to build a new destination for people seeking weight loss and wellness in their lives.

About KidRo Productions
Rosie O'Donnell's KidRo Productions, Inc. creates inspirational and entertaining multimedia experiences for adults, children and families to laugh with and learn from. KidRo-produced projects include television programming, radio programming, films, online and new media content, merchandise, books and theater. For more information visit http://kidroproductions.com/.

The site designed was done by Orlando based Anonymous Creative Group.

About Anonymous Creative Group
Reliable sources indicate that this distinctly creative design studio operates below the radar within the continental US. Little more is known about these pixel pushing ninjas beyond their award winning work and perfect manners. If it's more information that you desire then we advise you to direct your browser at http://www.anonymouscg.com.

Susan TV and blog videos are powered by blip.tv, the leading video provider for independent publishers. Advertising and community content is through BlogHer, the leading online community for independent female bloggers.

About Blip.tv
Blip.tv is an online television network that features, promotes and monetizes the best independent shows on the Web. Shows on blip.tv range from scripted sitcoms and dramas to news programs, and top titles include Rocketboom, Wallstrip, Alive in Baghdad, Break a Leg, Unleashed, and The Show with Ze Frank. Blip.tv provides services to shows that help them gain scale and become sustainable, including: technology, distribution, marketing, publicity and monetization. Blip.tv splits all advertising revenues with show creators 50/50. For more information about blip.tv go to http://blip.tv/.

About BlogHer
Founded in February 2005 as a labor of love by three bloggers, BlogHer's mission is to create opportunities for women who blog to pursue exposure, education, community and economic empowerment. Today BlogHer provides the number-one community for and guide to blogs by women, via annual conferences, a Web network (http://blogher.com), and an advertising network of more than 1000 qualified, contextually targeted blog affiliates (http://blogherads.com). BlogHer Inc. is majority-owned by three co-founders and has backing from Venrock (http://venrock.com).

The Return of Susan Powter - The Insider

2007-10-26T21:06:02Z

Former fitness queen and "Stop the Insanity!" spokeswoman SUSAN POWTER is back -- with new workout tips and brand-new hair! After appearing on PARIS HILTON and NICOLE RICHIE's The Simple Life: Goes to Camp, Susan's talking about her new projects only to our THOMAS ROBERTS.

The former platinum-haired diva is also re-launching her Web site on November 20th to help millions of people get a leg up on the holiday season with advice on how to eat, breathe, move and think. There will be new fitness tips every day, wellness reminders and support groups online at http://www.susanpowteronline.com.

Summer Camp with Paris and Nicole - The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

2007-06-03T20:51:00Z

By Kara A. Medalis, Stamford Advocate

They're baaack. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie kiss and make up for season five of The Simple Life. For five weeks, the celebutantes will be camp counselors at Camp Shawnee. During the first week, they're joined by motivational speaker and fitness guru Susan Powter, and are instructed to lead a fat camp. The poor campers undergo colonics given by giggly Paris and Nicole! I certainly hope these "campers" are well-paid actors for going through this. The show ends with Paris and Nicole dragging a locked refrigerator full of goodies behind a truck in a ridiculous attempt to open it. Even this is a bit much for me. I'm not impressed by the season premiere, but I love Paris and Nicole, so I'm giving them another shot.

Happy Campers - The New York Post

2007-05-27T20:46:00Z

By Adam Buckman

WHATEVER happened to Susan Powter?

Boy, if I only had a nickel for every time I've been asked that question!

Happily, I now have the answer. Powter - the TV fitness personality who was once best known for screaming "Stop the insanity!" at everybody she met - has resurfaced in the company of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie on the new, fifth edition of The Simple Life starting Monday night at 10 on E!.

This one is called "The Simple Life Goes to Camp" and it has Paris and Nicole working as counselors at various camps, beginning - in the premiere episode provided for preview - with a camp for obese adults.

This is where they encounter Susan Powter, who is on hand to supervise the camp's diet-and-exercise regimens.

And, of course, Paris and Nicole are on hand to lend assistance, which they do in the episode's squishiest sequence - a scene that is one of the most mind-boggling segments ever included in a reality show or any show.

The scene involves the administering of high colonics to these very fat male and female campers - a procedure that takes place outdoors on a picnic table.

Without going into the gory details, Nicole's role involves the application of Vaseline. Then, it becomes Paris' job to keep each patient company as they take a seat in the camp's open-roofed outhouse to "complete" the colonic process.

The thing that's so mind-boggling about this sequence is the decision to include it in the first place.

I might not make my living producing TV shows, but I'm fairly certain that this episode of "The Simple Life Goes to Camp" would have been greatly improved by a decision to omit this scene, rather than include it.

Much better was a scene in which Paris and Nicole try to bust open a locked refrigerator containing junk food craved by the camp's inmates by binding it with a chain to the camp director's SUV and then driving the vehicle in circles.

Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but when it comes to comedy, crazy driving has always struck me as funnier than a colon cleansing.

As for Paris and Nicole, they seem to have buried the hatchet, at least for the sake of this show, which has sometimes been described as "Jackass for girls."

That sounds about right.

Susan Powter Answers Viewer E-mail - The Today Show

2006-08-08T20:32:00Z

Susan Powter answers viewer e-mail