Close Friends: The Podcast

What tf is a deepfake? What do we need to know about ai? And why should we care? This week Sarah and Tara unpick the world of deepfakes and ai, without the tech bro speech. We talk about deepfake p0rn, how ai can be used for good, the current laws surrounding it and more. Plus a little life catch up as usual :) If you have any questions drop us a dm: www.instagram.com/sarahb www.instagram.com/movewithtara Ps Lucy is still a close friend ! Just not present in this episode

Lucy cheated on us this week while she recorded with a different podcast so in today's episode, Tara and Sarah are joined by friends Char and Imogen as they dissect menstrual cycles. We talk about misinformation around our periods, how to work with our bodies and contraception. You can also find Tara's new website (!!!!!) at https://www.understandyourcycle.com/ Follow us on: @sarahb @movewithtara @lucymountain @closefriends And! @misscharholmes @imogenleaver

The girlies are back, and they're talking all things mental health. Touching on depression, anxiety, therapy ,the taboo of medication and everything in between. We hope this episode gives some comfort to anyone going through it rn. Sending love!!! Find us at:  @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.London 

In this episode we chit chat about disordered eating habits, so you might want to skip if you find this triggering. We have another long episode for you this week! And we're joined again by the iconic Rina, Tara's mum. What a treat. We talk about diet culture through the generations, body image changes with age and go off on various tangents / rants. As always. Hope you love it close friends. You can find us on IG here: @culthread - Rina's company @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb (Don't DM Lucy xx)

Can we ever rid ourselves of the male gaze when making decisions about plastic surgery? Do we think about growing old positively or negatively? Who are our older role models and why are they important? Does the so called 'ticking time bomb of fertility' scare us? Are we making life decisions based on having kids? In this episode we cover all of those questions and more. Follow us on IG and let us know if you have anything to add: @sarahb @movewithtara @lucymountain @closefriends

This week, the close friends answer YOUR questions from Tara's anonymous question box. Expect unsolicited life advice, uncomfortable topics, and many giggles. On the menu: balancing 'living your best life' vs. being a mature adult, sexual attraction in long-term relationships, and an analysis of Lucy's dating history. Please follow us on Instagram, we (Sarah) desperately need it x @sarahb @movewithtara @lucymountain @closefriends

Our longest episode to date, and perhaps our favourite? Yes - your Close Friends are back to discuss all things manifestation. Tara, Lucy and Sarah share their thoughts on the concept, and delve into the world of ‘masculine' and ‘feminine' energy.  We hope you lot laugh as much listening to this as we did recording it. You can find us on IG here: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb (don't DM Lucy xx)

After a 18 month break, your close friends are back with a new episode and a load of life updates. In todays episode the gals catch up over what's been going on over the past year. We touch on Tara's engagement (and the reaction it had on social media), Sarah new life in Cali and Lucy's mental health. It feel bloody wonderful to be back, Close Friends. You can find us on IG here: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb

We had some things to say, so we're back for a one-off episode of Close Friends. In this episode Lucy and Tara dissect the recent controvery around British Lifestyle influencer and Creative Driector of fast fashion chain Pretty Little Thing, Molly-Mae. We discuss why we disagree with her sentiments around privledge whilst unpicking the public scrutiny she's facing and mob mentality. It's a tricky one to navigate and not a simple answer, but something we need to discuss more. Follow us on: @CloseFriends @SarahB @Movewithtara @Lucymountain Love and miss you!

In this episode we chat to inspirational strong woman, Jessica, who founded the Instagram account @you.look.like.a.man a few years back to document all of the horrible things that (mostly) men say to (mostly) women on the internet. Join us for chats about incel culture, whether or not we feel safe on social media and how to navigate trolls and hate online. As always, best served with a glass (or bottle) of wine and an open mind. *** Follow Jessica: @you.look.like.a.man Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb

After the recent and terrifying headlines in the UK about drink spiking, this week the close friends share their experiences of the topic. What does ‘spiking' actually mean? What substances are involved? How can we try and keep ourselves safe, while also changing the narrative to focus on the perpetrators more than the victims? As always, best served with wine and an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb

We can't express how excited we are to share this week's episode with you. We sat down with the icon that is Africa Brooke as she chatted with us around the dangers of identity markers, self-censorship, the loss of free-thinking today and her viral letter about leaving the cult of wokeness. Many juicy thoughts, ideas and concepts were shared - all of which are to give you some food for thought to make your own conclusions. As it should be. We hope you love this episode, Close Friends. *** Africa's viral open letter: https://ckarchive.com/b/d0ueh0h67mpd Follow Africa: @africabrooke Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb

Singer, songwriter and presenter Fleur East joins us for chats about fame, the music industry, her experience coming second in the X Factor in 2014, how the media portrays women, and even a bit about dating and relationships. We hope you love listening to this one as much as we loved recording it! *** Follow Fleur: @fleureast Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb

Author, content creator and mother Tova joins us to talk about all things self worth and being a woman in modern day society. In her latest book "You Did WHAT?", a collection of funny, moving and outrageous confessions from people from all walks of life, Tova discusses how so many people have the same experiences. We discuss our own secrets and confessions, ranging from kids peeing in pools to awkward blunders at work. *** Follow Tova: @tova_leigh Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com "You Did WHAT?", is available in stores and online now.

TW: we talk about some hard topics including sexual harassment. CLOSE FRIENDS, THIS IS A BIGGIE. Buckle in as we dissect being sexual versus being sexualised by men, with the icon that is Sophie Butler. We compare the difference between attention both online and in public, public hair and victim blaming. We hope you bloody love it. *** Follow Sophie: @sophjbutler Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

Hi close friends, it's good to be back. In this episode we have our first proper catch up since Sarah moved to California. We talk about things dating and relationships, moving to a new place and life going back to pretty much normal again (for folks in the UK) *** Chat with us: @closefriends @lucymountain @movewithtara @sarahb Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

Join us as we dissect the disgrace that is sexism and misogyny in sport. We talk about why women's sport is not treated with the same energy and the power we have to change it. Expect a lot of ranting. Best served with an open mind and a glass of whatever takes your fancy. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

What even is a red flag? Should we be thinking about green flags? When one arises, is it ever ok to ignore it? This week we're joined by our close friend Fred to discuss red, amber and green flags from both the male and female perspective. Best served with an open mind and a glass of whatever takes your fancy. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @fred_silcock_coaching @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

In this week's episode, the close friends explore the topic of ‘pocket activism', a term coined on the spot by our queen #movewithtara to describe small ways in which we can stand up for ourselves & others in everyday life. The friends share personal anecdotes of experiencing tricky situations and grappling the need to speak up, alongside the bravery & confidence needed to do so. Best served with wine and an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

Actively search for a relationship or just go with the flow and let it happen? Partner tries really hard to make you finish and it's giving you the ick? Would you be offended if someone gave you pointers on your performance in the bedroom? Can you be a feminist and still be turned on by degrading chat in the bedroom? An episode fuelled by prosecco, best served with an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

From Lucy's furious teenage ex punching a wall to various iconic reality TV showdowns, cheating is something most of us will have witnessed or experienced at some point throughout our lives. In this week's episode, the close friends explore the more complex side of cheating, how relationships change over time and the concept of decoupling the sexual and emotional parts of an adult relationship. Even more so than ever, this episode is best served with wine and an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we chat about Love Island, a UK based dating show which has become increasingly more controversial each series. We delve into the lack of diversity within the guests, the tragedies surrounding previous contestants and social media trolling. We answer the question of whether guests should now expect hate comments and where the blame lies for them. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss all things plastic surgery. We go into the nuances of being able to love yourself but still want to change things about your appearance, pretty privilege and the role we play as role models for younger generations. This episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Chat with us: @itssophiemilner @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

*DISCLAIMER* we recognise its a privilege to have the option to conceive but our goal on this pod is to try and address the underrepresented side of these discussions too. Our opinions are constantly in flux but these are our views right now. In this episode we talk about announcement culture, how we feel about marriage and whether or not we want to have kids. We dig deep into the why, it even gets a bit existential at one point, and it's safe to say we don't hold back. We also speak to our close friend who is currently pregnant with her first child! This episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Chat with us: @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

How soon is too soon to date after a break up? How to get over someone who made you feel like you'll never find anyone better? If he's shy, is it ok to take the reins? This week we welcome superstar podcaster, influencer and comedian Oenone for a heartfelt chat about your dating dilemmas. Expect your standard dose of unsolicited life advice plus some ridiculous stories that involve deep-throating bananas and getting suspended from school. This episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Chat with us: @oenone @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.london Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we chat with Lauren Elise, pole dance instructor, performer and choreographer about all things pole dance. We talk about how the sport has evolved in recent years, its ties to strip clubs, what to expect from your first pole class and our advice on how to get started. We also branch into a wider conversation around stripping and sex work. (Note: Tara had a Zoom malfunction half way through, so apologies for any quality issues) This episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Chat with us: @laurenelisepole @closefriendsthepodcast @movewithtara @lucymountain @sarahb.London Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we have two comedians on the show... plus two guests joining Lucy and Sarah! We're talking dating fails with two real life men. Ali and Tom are stand up comedians from the London circuit, the hosts of ‘All I Do is Fail' podcast and most recently, lockdown TikTok influencers. We chat about the ick, height differences and Sarah's massive crush on Ali. As always, this episode is best served with wine + an open mind! *** Find our guests at: @aidifpod @tomelwes @aliwoodsgigs and ‘All I Do Is Fail Podcast' Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara @closefriendspodcast

It was only time before the Close Friends did a deep dive on dating apps. In this week's episode we share our experiences with the apps, ridiculous date stories off the back of them, and call Sarah's kind-of-ex for advice on how to curate your profile to get the best matches

Much like Nelly & Kelly circa 2004, this week the close friends will be unpacking your juicy dilemmas. From splitting the bill to tips on how to ... you know

It's no secret that making and maintaining friendships gets harder as we get older. This week we discuss making friends, bringing friendship groups together and distancing ourselves from friendships that aren't serving us anymore. We also touch on friends with benefits situations, which we'll have to discuss in more detail again soon! As always, this episode is best served with wine + an open mind! *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara @closefriendspodcast

Yes, you heard that correctly. This week we spill all the juicy details on sex parties with our guest Poppy, founder of Self & More. We discuss how we found the parties we've been to, what we wore, what happened (!!!), how we felt and some funny stories along the way. As always, this episode is best served with wine + a (very) open mind! *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara @closefriendspodcast @selfandmore @poppyscarlett_

This week we're talking all things body image. Can you work on weight loss as a goal while also maintaining body image? How much are weight and health linked? How much are we brainwashed to believe that our weight is deeply linked to our worth? “Anyone who has healthy friendships knows that your weight is not a defining factor of that relationship. You know that, but it's just the opposite of what we get told” - Lucy As always, this episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

This week, the close friends welcome an exciting guest to the pod to talk all things coming out: the good, the bad and the closet. Tom Arden, Biologist turned creative entrepreneur, shares his story of discovering his sexuality and the many intricacies along the way. From navigating coming out conversations with friends to feeling comfortable experimenting with your sexuality, no topic is off the table. As always, this episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara @tomarden

Arguably one of the most taboo subjects there is, especially for women, this week we're having an open an honest conversation about p*rn. What we watch (or listen to!), how we feel about our partners watching it, the impact that the industry is having on how we learn about sex when we're younger and so much more. As always, this episode is best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

This week we are talking ‘cancel culture'. We dissect wtf even is cancel culture, how, when and if we should cancel people - and at what point does asking for accountability turn into moral bullying. We discuss our personal experiences being trolled online and the awkward balance of free speech vs the fear of offending people. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

This week we have our very first guest! Close Friends, meet the icon who is Rina, Tara's mum. We answer your big life dilemmas which include 'should you stay in a safe relationship or risk it all for adventure', 'how to get over imposture syndrome' and 'when do you know when you've found the one?'. It's a good'un. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

Let's talk about sex, baby. And in particular: contraception. This week we're chatting about our experiences of birth control and all the fun stuff that goes along with it- from awkward pharmacy conversations to accidentally sending your accountant a mystery box of condoms. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

(Trigger warning: Sexual harassment) What a week it's been. In today's episode it only felt right that we address what's been happening in the UK the past 2 weeks involving the tragic murder of Sarah Everard as well as the conversations being had around daily sexual harassment. We talk on our own experiences and dissect how we can create change yo make the world a safer place for women. It's a heavy one but an important one. We went into this episode hoping to record something that you could share with anyone you know who is struggling to understand the severity of the situation. We know how emotionally exhausting it is to have to keep explaining how you feel, so we hoped we'd be able to help. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

This week, the close friends are talking all things dating. Is it ‘ok' to f*ck on the first date? How should you deal with ghosting? And why did Tara end up having to call a carpenter after one particularly active third date? Tune in to hear our stories, learnings and discussion around the best and worst bits of dating. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

Beauty standards; we all feel them, whether consciously or subconsciously, whatever stage of life we're at. In this episode we dissect our own experiences and battles to conform vs reject beauty standards, as well as uncover some unrated truths like: what is Sarah's hidden talent? And where does Tara go when she puts fake work meetings in the diary? Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

Toxic hustle culture, the downsides of working for yourself, measuring success, and is ever okay to hate your job - this week we're talking all things career-related. In a world which glamorises being freelance, we dissect the sh*t that happens behind-the-scenes which no-one really talks about. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

No, we're not talking about oranges… or Oreos. In this episode we unpick the orgasm gap, talk about research and our experiences faking orgasms with partners, introducing sex toys into partnered sex, how sex education needs a shake up and so much more. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

How did we cope with a lockdown breakup? How do you know when your relationship is over? How do we feel about rebounds? Join our close friends for this first episode, as as we dissect the complexities of breakups. Best served with wine + an open mind. *** Contact us: closefriendsthepodcast@gmail.com Follow us: @lucymountain @sarahb.london @movewithtara

The worst kept secret on social media is: we are starting our own podcast. We are Close Friends: The Podcast - listen to me to hear about what's to come...