Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

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Well-behaved women rarely make history – as someone once said – difficult women do. In this new LBC new podcast, Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women, Rachel will be talking to women who had to be a pain in the backside to get where they are today. Women who take the word difficult as a compliment not an insult. And women who had to fight, resist, insist, or otherwise be badly behaved in order to get things done. Listen and subscribe on Global Player, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Rachel on Twitter: @RachelSJohnson

LBC


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 183 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

    Natasha Hausdorff: Law to her Core

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 37:38


    Natasha Hausdorff is a British barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel. A passionate debater since her school days, she is the UK's fiercest and most uncompromising advocate for Israel's legal rights to exist and defend itself. With experience spanning the UK, Israel, and international courts, Natasha Hausdorff brings her legal chops to bear on the most controversial war in the world

    The Myth of a Magical, Instagrammable, Motherhood, with Sarah Hoover

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 34:18


    Sarah Hoover is a writer and art historian whose hit debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, delivers a raw and gripping counter punch to the “bliss of babies” narrative, detailing birth trauma, relationship difficulties, and postpartum depression while exposing the need for maternal healthcare both sides of the Atlantic

    Introducing… Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 39:29


    There was once hope in the Middle East, but does it now feel further away than ever? In this first episode, unparalleled insight into groundbreaking peace deals left dangling, a recent covert negotiation effort in the West Bank, revealed for the first time… and what it's like having Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hang up on you live on air.As President Donald Trump lands in the Middle East – for the first major trip of his second term – Christiane and Jamie ask: could he be the person to broker peace between Israel and Hamas?We take a look back at Oslo's shredded promise, America's failures that led to Hamas' election victory, and Jamie's secret wrangling at the heart of the Middle East peace process. Christiane asks, could Trump's unpredictability bring peace, or deepen the divide? What's at stake for civilians, and is lasting peace still possible?

    Depression and Dinner Parties with Rachel Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 32:42


    Rachel Kelly is a bestselling author and mental health advocate whose work shines a light on postpartum depression and the pressures faced by modern mothers. Drawing from her own experience of a severe depressive episode after the birth of her second child, Rachel has become a powerful voice for maternal mental health. Through books like Black Rainbow and her work with charities such as SANE and Rethink Mental Illness, she champions the healing power of words and self-care.

    The biscuit breaking politics of Mumsnet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 44:23


    Justine Roberts is the founder and CEO of Mumsnet, the UK's largest online network for parents—and a surprising powerhouse in British political life. Since its launch in 2000, Mumsnet has grown from a niche forum into a digital force capable of shaping public debate, influencing party manifestos, and unnerving prime ministers. Politicians from across the spectrum have courted its users, recognising the site's unique reach into the hearts—and voting intentions—of middle Britain. Often underestimated, always influential, Justine Roberts has carved out a space where motherhood meets activism—and where difficult questions are the norm.

    Katie Lam... Remember the name

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 34:54


    This week's difficult women is novice MP Katie Lam. You may have seen Katie this past month making waves for her bold advocacy on victim's rights, especially when it comes to grooming gangs. Equipped with a history of defiant difficult and a trademark no-nonsense approach, she's championing the fight for victims' support while demanding accountability for perpetrators. Listen along to this novice MP who may well end up a household name in years to come.

    The forgotten women, remembered by Anne Sebba

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 38:02


    This week's difficult woman is the author and historian Anne Sebba. Her works, including Les Parisiennes and That Woman (the story of Wallis Simpson), shine a light on the lives of women who defied the odds and shaped the world in their own unique ways. With a focus on resilience, complexity, and untold stories, Sebba's books offer fresh perspectives on the women who often get lost in history.

    Suzanne O'Sullivan's prescription for Overdiagnosis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 35:40


    Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan is a neurologist and award-winning author. In her latest book, The Age of Diagnosis, she tackles the growing crisis of overdiagnosis—how modern medicine's obsession with labels may be doing more harm than good. Drawing from her front-line experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Sullivan reflects on how uncertainty, fear, and the urge to explain the unexplainable shaped her thinking and deepened her understanding of what it truly means to be “sick.”

    Tessa Dunlop and a career of Difficulty

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 35:15


    Dr. Tessa Dunlop is a historian, author, and broadcaster known for bringing history to life. She's the co-host of the new global podcast Where Politics Meets History with Iain Dale, blending big personalities with pivotal past events.

    Elif Shafak: Turkish writing in troubled times

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 33:06


    This week's Difficult Women is the award-winning Turkish author Elif Shafak. Known for her powerful storytelling that explores identity, cultural conflict, and feminism Shafak's work resonates deeply with global audiences, especially in light of recent protests in Turkey. Her bestselling novels like The Bastard of Istanbul and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, she has won numerous awards, including the Prix Médicis étranger and the Lannan Literary Fellowship. An outspoken advocate for human rights and free expression, She continues to challenge oppression through her writing, making her a vital voice in both literature and activism.

    Jude Kelly on directing a man's world

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 44:06


    Jude Kelly is a visionary British theatre director and producer, renowned for her bold, transformative approach to the arts. As the founder of the groundbreaking Watermill Theatre in Newbury, and later the artistic director of Southbank Centre, Kelly redefined the landscape of UK theatre with a focus on inclusivity, social change, and dynamic storytelling. Celebrated for championing female voices and championing diverse narratives, her work spans from large-scale productions to intimate, innovative performances. Kelly's impact extends beyond the stage, influencing cultural policy and empowering emerging voices in the arts.

    Climbing Mont Blanc in a Bonnet! With Elise Wortley

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 31:23


    This week's difficult woman is a sorely underrepresented group amongst the difficult women Alumni - a female adventurer. When she was at her lowest moment, Elise found comfort in the great outdoors and has made it her mission to highlight those brave women who have been forgotten by history. She now travels the world, tracing their footsteps, wearing the gear that would have been used at the time.

    Emmeline Pankhurst's Great-Granddaughter and the state of women's rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 32:40


    Helen Pankhurst, born in 1960, is a British women's rights activist and the granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, the renowned suffragette. Continuing her grandmother's legacy, Helen advocates for gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice. She has worked with organizations like CARE International and has written and spoken widely on issues affecting women and girls globally. Through her activism, Helen ensures Emmeline's ideals remain a source of inspiration for new generations of feminists.

    Ukrainian MP, Kira Rudik

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 30:32


    This week's difficult woman is the leader of Ukraine's Golos party, Kira Rudik. For three years her country has been under attack from an invading Russian army. For three years, her country has stood firm. Now there is a new face in the White House and the future of her country hangs in the balance. Slava Ukraini!

    Tonia Antoniazzi and the Afghani Cricket Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 30:31


    This week I am joined by Welsh Labour MP and former international rugby star Tonia Antoniazzi. Before entering politics, her distinguished rugby career earned her nine caps for Wales and saw her compete in the 1998 Women's Rugby World Cup.Elected as the first female MP for Gower in 2017, she has since championed everything from women's rights to medical cannabis. In 2024, she joined the Board of Directors for the Scarlets rugby team, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to the sport.With a career spanning sports, education, and politics, Antoniazzi continues to champion causes that make a real difference in people's lives.

    The world according to Anne Applebaum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 45:27


    Anne Applebaum is an American-born historian, journalist, and author, renowned for her expertise in Eastern Europe, particularly the Soviet Union, and the impact of communism. Applebaum is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book Gulag: A History, her work often focuses on totalitarianism, historical memory, and the political transformations in Central and Eastern Europe post-communism.

    The Trailblazing Bonnie Greer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 37:39


    Bonnie Greer is an acclaimed writer, cultural commentator, and trailblazing feminist whose work has left an indelible mark on the literary and social landscapes. Born in Chicago, Greer moved to the UK, where she became a force to be reckoned with in the realms of literature, television, and politics. Known for her unapologetic approach to issues of race, gender, and identity, she has long championed the voices of marginalized women and challenged societal norms.

    Sally Clarke's Breakfast with Freud

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 35:07


    Sally Clarke is a powerhouse in the world of fine dining, renowned for her unwavering resilience and culinary mastery. As the owner of the iconic Sally Clarke Restaurant in London, she has not only survived but thrived in the high-pressure, ever-evolving restaurant industry. With a career spanning decades, Sally's commitment to excellence and her ability to adapt have made her a respected figure among chefs and restaurateurs alike. She's a true testament to grit, passion, and staying the course, no matter what the industry throws her way.

    Mariella Frostrup, from Penniless Teen to Menopause Queen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 40:45


    This week's difficult women is Mariella Frostrup. A renowned broadcaster, writer, and outspoken feminist - always ready with her sharp wit and deep commitment to social issues. With a career spanning television, radio, and print, she's built a reputation as an agony aunt, offering advice with empathy and honesty. Beyond her media work, Mariella is a passionate advocate for women's rights, particularly focused on breaking the silence around menopause. Fearless in her pursuit of equality, she's made it her mission to amplify the voices of women and challenge the taboos that still hold us back.

    Tracy-Ann Oberman takes on the "Keffiyeh Karens"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 43:06


    "I don't give a f*ck if I'm liked or not" - Tracy-Ann Oberman comes from a long line of Difficult Women, her very own aunt fled pogroms in Russia to fight fascists on the streets of east London. She is no less difficult, proudly standing up against antisemitism wherever she sees it. Tracy-Ann Oberman is joined by acclaimed actor Joseph Millson in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936, for its strictly limited West End season at the Trafalgar Theatre (28 December – 25 January) and subsequent UK tour in 2025.Tickets can be found at merchantofvenice1936.co.uk

    Dr Webberly's Tireless Trans Advocacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 32:30


    Dr Helen Webberly has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for trans rights. As the debate, both online and in the halls of legislature, becomes more toxic, I sat down with Helen to see if we could find some common ground on this most controversial of issues.

    Strictly's Amy Dowden

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 26:42


    After Announcing her return to BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden shares her journey in dance, living with Crohn's disease, and her recent battle with breast cancer.Amy's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Rain-story-courage-resilience/dp/0349442045Amy's tour - https://www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk/

    Shabnam Nasimi

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 39:58


    Shabnam Nasimi, a passionate advocate for Afghan women and human rights. From fleeing Afghanistan as a refugee to becoming a political activist, Shabnam shares her journey, the challenges Afghan women face, and the power of resilience.

    Yalda Hakim's Big Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 45:44


    Before her tenth birthday, Yalda Hakim had fled a warzone on horseback, learnt two languages, and was well on her way to becoming the world-renowned journalist that we know today. Listen as she explains just how difficult she had to be to get that first big break.

    Suella Braverman, difficult until the end.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 51:46


    This week's difficult woman is the Rwanda Dreaming, email leaking, bibby barging former home secretary Suella Braverman. Whatever your thoughts on this twice home secretary - I think we can all agree she certainly is a bloody difficult woman!

    The Soccer Mom who took down Pornhub

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 37:07


    Laila Mickelwait is a mom on a mission, her tireless work has resulted in the removal of tens of millions of illegal porn videos and she's still not done. Her inspiring story is one of a woman and a mother who was sick of the ineffectual action on sex abuse and so took matters into her own hands.

    The life long tenacity of Tanni Grey-Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 47:01


    Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of the most highly decorated British Paralympians and truly worthy of the title of Difficult Women. She has spent her life knocking down barriers and fearlessly schooling anyone who dares stand in her way. Even from her earliest memories she has been advocating for not just her own life but for thousands of other disabled people who are routinely forgotten and pushed aside. Listen for an insight into this fascinating life.

    The Marvellous Miss Feltz

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 41:10


    This week's difficult woman is another member of British broadcasting royalty, Vanessa Feltz! With her signature blonde locks and no-nonsense charm, she's been captivating audiences for decades, bringing a splash of sass and a whole lot of heat to the airwaves, always ready to tackle the juiciest topics with her trademark honesty. Of which she is certainly not lacking in this ripper of an episode!

    How Donna Jones gets things DONE

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 45:56


    This week's Difficult Woman is Donna Jones, the conservative police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, and the first female leader of Portsmouth City Council. This is a woman who knows how to get things done and makes no apologies whilst doing it.

    Madame Anti-Woke, Miriam Cates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 41:12


    This week's difficult women is the loud proud and utterly brilliant Miriam Cates. Now the former MP for Penistone and Stockbridge, Miriam rocketed into the public eye as one of the spearhead figures of the NatCon movement. She now focuses her efforts on education and pro-natalism

    How Margaret Casely-Hayford plans to make history

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 37:30


    This week's Difficult Women is the ceiling smashing Margaret Casley-Hayford. A successful businesswoman and lawyer, Margaret has now got her sights set on bringing diversity to the board room. She now aspires to be not just the first black person but the first woman to hold the title of chancellor in nearly a thousand years of the universities history.**Warning - this show does contain descriptive language of a racist incident which some listeners may find offensive.

    Kate Weinberg's elusive illness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 34:29


    This week's difficult women is Kate Weinberg whose covid journey is as compelling as her writing. With a fierce determination to understand the mysterious fatigue that doctors couldn't explain, Kate embarked on a personal quest for a diagnosis that would empower her narrative and inform her creative work. Turned away time and again by doctors dismissing her illness, she was reminded of the very same doubts that her mother was subject to before her untimely death...

    Bunny Guinness' Green Fingers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 33:54


    This week's difficult women is the Gardening Legend Bunny Guinness. You will be most familiar with Bunny's voice as a regular on Gardeners Question Time but her immersion within the horticultural world goes well beyond her broadcasting career. We delve into everything from her hitchhiking through Europe to the Great Peat Debate!

    How Natalie Fleet told her daughter she was a product of rape

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 33:26


    When she was 16, Natalie Fleet was raped. More than 30 years later, she will now use her role as a Labour MP to ensure that rapists have no rights to the products of their crime. Listen as she describes her incredible journey of resilience

    Bibi Lynch and the Plight of the Childless

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 36:31


    This week's difficult woman is writer and podcaster Bibi Lynch. Owing to a combination of factors, Bibi has found herself childless and single in her late 50s - she's not had a boyfriend since Tony Blair was elected and she's come to the realisation that the world just isn't quite comfortable with a middle-aged childless woman. Listen as she talks through the personal reckoning that comes with such a realisation.

    Alice Hendy from tragedy to triumph

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 27:14


    This week's Difficult Woman is Alice Hendy. In November of 2020, she received news that her only sibling had taken his own life. Alice found that he had been researching techniques to take his own life via harmful internet searches. To ensure more help and support is given to individuals searching for harmful content online, Alice set up Ripple Suicide Prevention. Listen as she talks us through that journey from tragedy to triumph.

    From the Archive: the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 38:50


    “On Saturday 31st August, the IDF recovered the body of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. To many he was the recognisable face of the hostages kidnapped on October 7th. Earlier this year, we spoke to his mother. Listen back as the world mourns his loss”

    Why Eleanor Mills was REALLY fired from The Sunday Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 30:17


    This week's difficult woman is the brilliant author and journalist Eleanor Mills to discuss her new book, which dives into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a middle-aged woman. With her signature warmth and with, Eleanor shares her personal journey of grappling with societal beauty standards and the sexism that often comes with them. Listen as we explore the liberation that comes with embracing who you are, wrinkles and all.

    The Many Strings to Kat Brown's Bow

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 39:40


    This week's difficult women is Kat Brown, author, journalist, and guide to all things ADHD. Upon being diagnosed as an adult, Kat's whole life began to click into place. She has used this to try and help others to recontextualise their life in light of this new diagnosis. All of this goes without touching on her greatest love, Difficult Women alumni - Jilly Cooper!

    Why Jennifer Ewing believes Trump will still win in November...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 40:40


    This week's Difficult Women is Jennifer Ewing, wealth manager and proud republican living overseas, in the enemy territory! Given the ever present melodrama emanating from our western neighbour it felt appropriate to host an emergency American episode to find out exactly what it takes to be a difficult woman in the US. Listen as I press her on the Republican's decidedly anti-abortion stance...

    Harriet Wistrich: The feminist lawyer's feminist lawyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 41:48


    The stalwart defender of women's rights, Harriet Wistrich, is this week's difficult woman. Responsible for keeping John Worboys locked up and the founder and director of the Centre for Women's Justice. Harriet has worked tirelessly for 25 years to advance and protect women's rights listen to her experience fighting the patriarchal mountain that is British law.

    women british lawyers responsible feminists john worboys harriet wistrich
    The many voices of Ronni Ancona

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 48:06


    This week's difficult woman is probably more accurately described as difficult women! Lorraine Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Olivia Coleman, Ann Widdecombe AND Miss Piggy join me this week, all voiced by the wonderful Ronni Ancona. A long and storied career in comedy that is as fascinating as it is funny.

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