Into Words

If there was a lifesaving test that cost nothing, took seconds to complete, and you only had to do it every three years, it would seem crazy not to do it, right? And yet 1 in 3 women in the UK don't. Smear tests screen for cells that could cause cervical cancer, and can reduce your risk by around 75%. While many say it's embarrassing, pointless or not a priority, the message of this episode is give up the excuses and pull down your knickers!

Have you ever felt a bit under the weather and convinced yourself there's something really wrong, only to find out it was absolutely nothing to worry about it? That's what Emma thought was happening to her while hungover on New Year's Day, but instead of a reassuring all-clear she was given a shocking Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Since then, she's spent months learning more about it and adjusting her life accordingly.

This isn't your standard Into Words, today I'm mixing things up. Much like the guest I'm speaking to, I don't do things by the book. A writer of verse and, as she describes, a head that's full of rhymes, but it's a dash of subtle comedy that sets her aside. She's been called the Dr Seuss of Modern Dating, but not like Sam I Am - instead she's making literature ‘cool' on TikTok and the 'gram. But before I get too carried away and ruin poetry completely, I'd like you to meet Martha MacDonald (@marthawrites) – I promise, you're in for a treaty!

If you've ever watched films like Miss Congeniality or series like Insatiable on Netflix, you might think you have an idea about what beauty pageants are like. But there's often a lot more underneath than what lies on the surface; both in terms of the system and those who compete in it. Blessing won Miss Ireland International in 2019, but that's not the only thing she got from the process - she says it helped her find her true self and her purpose in life.

The 22nd of May 2017 won't mean anything to some, but to those who were at - or affected by -the terrorist attack on Manchester Arena, it's the night that changed their lives. Beth was at an exciting point in her's - finishing university, and finally getting to see her favourite musician - but that celebratory atmosphere quickly turned to panic, and later PTSD. Now though, after having therapy, she's ready to put her story into words.

"I’m never drinking again" is probably one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves and others. A heavy weekend can often tip us over the edge, but then all it takes is another tempting offer to wipe our memories clear of why we felt that way. So committing to that lifestyle can’t be an easy decision, but it’s one Jo says transformed her life. Now, she’s all about spreading the message that going sober doesn’t mean the party’s over.

Of all the things that sound physically, mentally and emotionally draining, I’d say owning a business and growing a human are both high on the list – especially during a global pandemic. But somehow Alice makes it work, by striking what she describes as the perfect balance. That’s something she has some tips on, as well as career changes, relationships and how keeping fit can transform your mental health.

Getting a diagnosis can bring up many different emotions. It could be relief after a period of uncertainty, confusion about what it really means – it could be fear, closure, anxiety or, in the best cases, hope. That’s a word that Ellis has tried to focus on since finding out she had Huntington’s Disease four years ago. Despite there currently being no cure, she’s optimistic that’ll change in her lifetime.

This is quite different from everything else you’ve heard on Into Words so far – instead of speaking to just one guest about their personal story, I asked some of the women who’ve been on the podcast already to contribute, as part of a special International Women’s Day episode. They share their views on why it’s important to support other women, how they go about doing that and what advice they’d give to anyone listening.

As young girls, we’re fed plenty of tales about what our lives should look like when we grow up, with Disney movies setting fairly traditional standards and expectations. It’s something Nikki says she had to lose in order to gain true happiness - she started her family by herself, with the help of a sperm donor. Now, she’s keen to eliminate stigma and stereotypes around the process.

In the UK, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes. That means around 55,000 people are affected by it each year. One of those is Tessa Hartmann, from The Real Housewives of Jersey, who was diagnosed in 2017. She now focuses on raising awareness, urging women everywhere to check their boobs.

There’s a quote that says “if you’re raising sons, you’re actually training someone’s future husband”, and that’s a job Hannah takes very seriously. She has 10-year-old twin boys and, despite them only being small, she's already teaching them about some pretty big topics, including mental health, consent, and societal expectations.

January’s a time when people make all kinds of resolutions, even if those are often long forgotten by the time the month ends. But one woman is determined to stick to hers after committing to only buying second hand clothes for a whole year. It’s all part of her mission to combat ‘fast fashion’ and be kinder to the planet.

On air, radio presenter Darcy is a fun and bubbly presence. But off air, she struggles daily with the consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – weight gain, exhaustion, painful periods and, perhaps the most difficult, her future fertility. Despite this, her positivity shines through as she shares her story so far.

Kellie wasn’t planning a pregnancy when she had a miscarriage, which has caused some to question her grief. But, she says, it’s not a topic we should ever pass judgement on, and in order to learn more about it, we must first listen.

Conversations around mental health have improved considerably over the years, but as a global pandemic pushes us apart, getting together to share is becoming increasingly difficult. That’s why this week’s guest, Amy, decided to come on the podcast - her message is it’s never been more important to keep talking.

“The cuts and bruises healed, but the loss of my self was much harder and took a lot longer to recover from”. Those are the words of Tor, who was in an abusive relationship for ten years. Here’s her story of how she rebuilt her whole life, becoming what she describes as a ‘victor’.

When finding out that someone is adopted, some people can automatically assume certain things - many of which are simply misconceptions. So, in this episode, Marina opens up about her own adoption, and what she wishes others knew about it.

Like many of us, Charlie set herself a life plan in her early 20s that involved a traditional set of standards - buying a house, getting married, having children and excelling in her career. Now 32, and with a life that doesn't reflect where she thought she'd be by now, she wants other women to know it's okay to stray from your own, and society's, expectations. 

She’s now a 24-year-old personal trainer, but before she got to where she is today, Katie spent years battling silently battling with an eating disorder. Now, she’s open about where she thinks she went wrong, in the hope of helping others avoid a similar path.

The Black Lives Matter movement has re-ignited conversations about racism. But within the widespread news stories making the headlines are many individual and personal stories waiting to be told and heard - here's just one of them!

Sam's lifestyle was turned upside down when she found out some of her favourite foods were off limits due to a Gluten intolerance. But 14 years later, she's learnt plenty from the experience and is has plenty of tips to dish out.

This week, I chat to Bethan who turned her school days of being bullied about her weight into an adulthood of confidence, empowerment and self-love. She wants other women to feel just as happy in their own skin.

I'm joined by my good friend Emily Andrews to discuss the challenges and complications surrounding female relationships, the idea of women supporting women and how finding your 'wolfpack' is the key to successful friendships.