Badass Womens Hour

Is social media improving your life or do you just find it a drain at times? We find out how its impacting our mental health. As Emma and Nat take a brake over the summer Harriets co-pilots this week are Amanda Prowse and Scarlett Douglas. They are talking to  Sarah Raphael & Naomi Shimada who are unpicking what Social Media is doing to our mental health and have documented it all in their new book, “Mixed Feelings”. Having been a model for 15 years instagram and twitter have been prevalent in Naomi’s life, she explains how she has mixed feelings about the impact she has online, both on her followers and on her self.They talking about the pressures that constant updates and seek peeks into others lives bring for us, and the ladies are asking; “are the kids ok?” How will a world of media, updates, status and likes effect the younger generation, with the average millennial estimated to take 25’000 selfies in a lifetime and “Face-tune” being the most paid for app in 2017, w

As Emma and Nat take a brake over the summer Harriets co-pilots this week are Amanda Prowse and Scarlette Douglas.  Ex England lioness player Eniola Aluko is in the studio talking about growing up in the UK after moving from Nigeria at the age of one, how she longed to fit in as a child and the role that football played in this. Eniola’s new book They Don’t Teach This is out now and as we hear it is. An autobiographical novel in which she shares what she has learnt in life this far, from playing for England, to being a lawyer to finding the bravery to blow the whistle on racism within women football which caused her to loose her England career.She explains how the wise words of her mother steered her towards self validation, and standing up for her background and she says this is something she wants to pass this onto a younger generation of girls through her book. To embrace failure and use the energy you get from it to inspire you to get better for your next venture. And Harriet and the l

Harriet and Emma this weeks are joined by Actress and Disability Campaigner Samantha Renke.Engineer Yewande Akinola is explaining why there has recently been an increase in the up take of women and young girls going into STEM subjects and careers after years of hearing that “women just are interested” we are finally seeing a change.Yewande is talking about the work she does and the growth of technology and the way this is effecting engineering and other sciences.The youngest British woman to scale Everest, Bonita Norris is joining the ladies in the studio, they are amazed as they hear Bonita’s story of learning to climb in uni after going to a lecture about Everest, and setting her sights on the world highest heights.She talks us through the physical and mental affects of climbing so high, your body starts shutting down, nearing you to death!For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socia

Who are the women who inspire you? And do you know the truth about what made them?Harriet and Emma this weeks are joined by Actress and Disability Campaigner Samantha RenkeRosemary Reed is joining the ladies to divulge them into the details of her new series on Sky “The Power of Women”The show takes two 2 powerful women In in conversation with each other about their lives, the highs, trails, adventures and true grit they have shown to achieve amazing things in their lives, Rosemary has managed to get guests such as Jane Goodall and Rose Mcgowen.Rosemary is sharing the behind the scenes details of directing the show and putting two amazing women together to bring out the most vulnerable sides of each other.And Author Emma Kennedy is the second lady to join the badass conversation this week, Emma is talking about her new book “The Things We Left Unsaid”. She believes that our perceptions of our parents aren’t necessary as we believe them to be, prompted by the death of her mother and realising that he

Harriet and Natalie are off again this week, so Emma is joined byThe ladies are talking to Laraib Atta Pakistan’s first and youngest Visual Effects Artist.From coming to the UK from Pakistan to being the only girl in her “VFX” class to being a mother, Laraib tell us all about the challenges she . has overcome to follow a creative passion and go one to see her work on the big screen.We also hear about the hurdles that came with trying to get into the industry as well as trying to meet the expectations of her parents, how Lariab is nurturing her sons creative interests, how she faced rejection after trying get back into the industry after having her son and taking a 5 year gap and the effect this had on her. And the ladies talk about encouraging our children without pressuring them into choosing a certain path.For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials under this name: @badasswomensh

What do you do if you can't see yourself represented in the story books you're reading or giving to your children? .... Write your own of course!As Harriet and Nat take the week off Emma was joined by Lucy Beresford and Claudia-Lizah Armah, helping her bring the badass.First in the studio this week is Carnegie Medal winner Author Elizabeth Acevedo who is the first non white person to have won this award. The Ladies are talking about why Elizabeth was the first black ethnic minority Author to be given the award, they discus tokenism, and the representation of people of colour within literacy, both in the writers and the characters.She tells us about her past as a teacher, teaching 14 year olds who weren't able to identify with the characters in the books they were given to read, Elizabeth explains how this inspired her to write her own stories, and she gives us a little taste of her badass poetry. Also Writer and Actavist Paola Diana gives us a moral boost on the fight with feminism, Paola is the author o

How do you handle the situation when your child is questioning their gender?Harriett speaks to Sarah Toms who’s 12 year old son Charlie is transitioning to live as a girl. She offers her experience openly and honestly, telling Harriet the journey Charlie has been on, the small signs that her child was unhappy with their gender and the questions she and her husband had as well as how they are navigating this time and the steps they took. Sarah also talks about the amazing support they received from the school’s Charlie was in around LGBT issues and eduction. She gives her advice to people and other parents who may also be going through this too. For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials under this name: @badasswomenshrAnd for more about the podcast head here: https://www.badasswomenshour.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How often are you checking your breasts? Be a badass and grab life by the boobs!Leanne Pero is a breast cancer survivor, author and woman on a mission to share the stories of black and ethnic minority cancer patients.“I felt ashamed, I felt there was something wrong with me”, Leanne talks about the trauma of her diagnosis and chemo, and the stigma that black women face when diagnosed with cancer. She was told she had more chance of winning the lottery than actually having cancer when she initially tried to get a diagnosis at 31. Leanne is talking about her involvement with the new Coppafeel campaign and shining a light on black and ethnic minority cancer patients.She began blogging about her experience, and it wasn't long before she was contacted by women in similar positions who expressed their appreciation for seeing a Black Woman speaking out about cancer and mental health. Now Leanne is telling the untold cancer stories of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority women making these women more visible on cancer ca

Harriet Emma and Melanie Eusebe are joined by legendary Top of the Pops Talent Agent Melanie Blake, who has taken 30 years of experience in the television and music industry and crafted a griping, gritty and grasping fiction story.Melanie is talking about the true colours of celebrity culture, the dynamics of the media industry and how the balanced is tipped to favour men over women, as well as the stigma that she has experienced around targeting a mainstream audience with a story about working class, middle aged women, you can find more details of her book "Thunder Girls" here.She says she wants to provide escapism for women with stories full of glamour and gossip, to carry on a legacy of glitzy fiction stories and take over from Jackie Collins and some of her other favourite authors that have inspired her and provided her with comfort throughout life.She also reveals that she was brought up in a born again christian cult, with very strong beliefs and restrictions, as she explains, Jackie Collins novels

Would you get a tattoo that matched with 61 strangers all in the name of peace, love, and connection?Samantha Clarke is the “Happiness Consultant” behind a very unique tattoo project which aimed to bring several strangers from all over the world together in the name of peace and helping each other.“The World Piece” was created by Momondo a travel company from Denmark, Samantha facilitated the project and heard the personal and emotional stories of 61 people who became connected through a tattoo on their back, you can see the project here.  Juno Dawson, transgender author, is joining the ladies In the studio to talk about her new book Meat Market.Juno is talking about how she used her tool of fiction writing to show how she really wanted to express herself before she transitioned in 2013.Meat Market follows 16 year Jana as she embarks on a career in the fashion industry, however it doesn’t take long before the darker side of the industry begins to show, Juno felt she had to represent a story that is often

Angie Greaves and Lucy Beresford join Emma Sexton to talk Body Positivity with Mega Crabbe aka Insta Body Positivity Campaigner @bodyposipanda.Megan explains why health has nothing to do with feeling positive about your body, and that muffin tops should be pulled, prodded, poked and LOVED. If you've ever battled with a diet - Megan will be music to your ears. If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials as : @badasswomenshrAnd for more about the podcast head here: https://www.badasswomenshour.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

50% of women who are murdered in the UK are related to the person who killed them. So how do we spot signs of a violent relationship and get people the help they need?Joining Emma and Harriet is this weeks co-host Reham Khan she is sharing her amazing story of escaping a violent relationship after 12 years and now she wants to share her message of power to all women.Her Memoirs were the most controversial book to come out of Pakistan in years.Thorough her work with Womens Aid Reham is striving to help Migrant women who are victims of Domestic Violence and make people aware of what abuse is and the help that is actually available to women who need the support as well as showing them where the helping hand is and how they can access it even when they may have language and other barriers in-front of them.For help and Information on this topic visit: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you want to get in

We're delving into all things fandom and it's an Edinburgh Festival special, as two brilliant comedians share the creation of their shows for this year.Author Hannah Ewens is in the studio to talk about her new book “Fangirl”, looking into where does the young obsession of fingerling come from? from the Beatles to J Beebs young female fans have been a strong and loyal presence for years, so why do we often devote so much of our love an attention to these stars In our teenage years?Cally Beaton  is chatting to the ladies about taking a giant leap and becoming a comedian 5 years ago at 45. With an already well established career, she shares a life changing conversation with the legend that is Joan Rivers! Cally is heading up to Edinburgh for the third time with a new show about growing older as a woman, dating and visibility.And Jordan Waller returns to Badass Woman's Hour to update the ladies on his journey trying to work out who is biological father is. Jordan was a sperm donor baby and last time he was

Harriet and Carrie Grant, who is stepping in for Emma and Nat this week, are joined by the founder of “Vest Pod” Emilie Bellet.Emilie gives her advice for saving, sharing her techniques that are instinctive and actually work for us, and how to instil a “saving mindset”.She is talking about how working in finance taught her that we need to re-evaluate where we’re at with our attitudes to savings.The ladies are talking about the fact that women are not receiving the financial education to manage their money effectively! Harriet and Carrie admit their own mistakes with money and as two self employed ladies they are asking “are freelancers spending money to earn money”? So, Emilie explains what the savings difficulties can be when you're self employed.Emilie's new book; "You're Not Broke You're Pre-Rich" is out now!For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials under this name: @badas

There are 13,000 slaves in the UK and 48million slaves in the world right now, what are the signs of Modern slavery and how can we spot them.Harriet is joined this week by Carrie Grant who is sitting in as Natalie and Emma take time off over the summer.The ladies are joined by Lawyer and Writer Abda Khan are they are discussing her new book “Razia” in which the main character thanks she has encountered a victim of a Modern Slavery and Domestic Violence, we follow her as she tries to uncover this injustice.Abda is explaining to Harriet and Carrie what modern slavery looks like, the different forms it can take and how you can recognise the signs and why it’s so hidden even today.Abda says her first novel “Stained” helped many women to “rise above” the abuse they had experienced and report it to Police, she talks about how she has used the tool of fiction writing to expose issues that she comes across in her career as a lawyer and other topics she would like to tackle next.And we get a final fix of the

Nobody is going to get away without experiencing death so why are we not talking about it openly and honestly?As Emma and Nat take some time off Harriet is joined by Amanda Prowse, together they are talking to comedian and podcaster Cariad Lloyd, discussing her podcast "Griefcast" in which she tires to break down the fear of talking about death within society!Griefcast delves into the "weird, odd and strange bits" of what happens when somebody dies and how grief can affect us all!After loosing her dad at 15, Cariad had to deal with grief very young, joking that she “got to the party early”, now she is having open and honest conversations with other people who have lost loved ones and is creating a space for them to share stories and feelings we feel to awkward to share in everyday life.Harriet, Amanda and Cariad talk about how deep and Multi faceted grief can be! And Cariad says she believes the more the subject of death is spoken about the more we can help people when they're struggling with grief,&nbs

What do you do when you know there are injustices happening and the people who are meant to be "the do-gooders" just wont listen to you?Are to-do lists actually an affective way of organising our days? Or is it just causing us to be over critical and set expectations for ourselves too high!Amy Jones, writer and podcaster talks to the badass ladies about her obsession with trying to organise her life and constantly writing To-Do lists. After starting her first post grad job Amy says she used to-do lists to make herself feel like she was being Uber-productive, but as a result she found that she started confusing social time with her work time and tasks.Amy shares with Harriet and Amanda what it has taught her about life, mindfulness, her depression, anxiety and the way she treats herself day to day! Her new book The To-Do List and Other Debacles is out now.Maggie Oliver the Detective that revealed the truth of the Rochdale grooming scandal, she is talking about the journey of detailing her experiences in h

Could you imagine being diagnosed wit cancer.... and then having people blame it your sexual history?!Karen Hobbs Comedian and writer at the Eve appeal and cervical cancer survivor joins Harriet, Emma and and Scarlette Douglas who is sitting in for Natalie as she take some time off.They are reacting to the news that a recent Lancet review of 65 studies covering 60 million people showed a fall in HPV cases and in pre-cancerous growths, meaning that. HPV vaccine might eradicate cervical cancer in several years.Karen shares her journey with cervical cancer, how she was diagnosed, treated and that everyday since her operation she has been on a mission to educate people on HPV and end stigma around smear tests and cervical cancer. The ladies in the studio have an honest and open chat about cervical screening and sear tests and Karen wants everyone to know…. “its just a vagina guys”!For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If you wa

In 2017 -2018 LGBTQ hate crimes rose by 144%,how can we change views and make this the most amazing and powerful Pride celebration yet?Harriet, Emma and Scarlette Douglas who is sitting in for Natalie as she take some time off, speak to Philip Baldwin LGBT and Human Rights Activist, who is telling them about the theme of this years pride which is The Stonewall Riots, paying respect to some of the earlier and amazing LGBTQ activists, and Phillip shares that 11,600 Hate Crimes where reported from 2017 -2018 a rise of 144%, in a time that seems to be more open than ever about LGBTQ issues why are these numbers still rising by so much? And Phillip talks about some of his experiences being a gay christian man, and his views on LGBTQ issues and Religion.Harriet, Emma and Scarlette are joined by Tyrone Huntley star of “The View Upstairs” a new Westend musical which is inspired by the attack that happened on the people of the “The Upstairs Lounge” which was a LGBTQ bar in New Orleans. The attack happened in 1973, but

Jo Blackwell is the author of 'Oh Crap - I'm 50!' and is offering a helping hand to women who are possibly heading into a "mid-life crisis".Jo explains what peri- menopause is and the affects that it can have on women, she shares her own experience; as Jo was approaching 50, to battle the anxiety and depression that came with her peri menopause, she started a blog and began writing about her "mid-life crisis" Jo found an audience who connected with what she had to say, and now she has written a whole book sharing her thoughts and emotions on everything from, her marriage, turning 50 and losing a part of her identity when her last child left home. Jo says she is "on a mission to change attitudes to ageing” showing women there is an amazing life post 50!Also Harriet and Emma break down their own fears around approaching "mid-life" and Jo gives the both some wise words of wisdom!For information on all your hosts you can click on their names:Harriet MinterNatalie CampbellEmma Sexton If yo