That One Time I Dated A Mormon and other stories

Following on from last week, this episode looks at letters written by famous women from history including Queen Victoria, Emily Dickinson and Anne Boleyn.

In this week's episode, I read excerpts of love letters written by famous men from history such as King Henry VIII, Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron.

This episode looks at the memoir of Hollywood actress Demi Moore - her career, her relationships and personal struggles.

In this episode, I look at the work of writer and activist Aubrey Gordon and her book which explores fat bias, weight discrimination and societal fat phobia.

This week's episode looks at Jo Brand's reflections on what it takes be a modern woman and how "to do female", in her usual comical, relatable and self-deprecating manner.

This week's episode looks at actress, writer and producer Mindy Kaling and her 2015 memoir 'Why Not Me?', where she writes about her education, dating history, leading her own television show and much more.

This episode looks at the memoir of actress Mary-Louise Parker, written as a series of letters to important male figures in her life, including letters to her father, a teacher, a past boyfriend and the future partner of her daughter.

This week's episode looks at comedian Joel Dommett's brilliant memoir about the highs and lows of dating, his family and friends, school anecdotes and meeting The One.

This week's episode looks at Lena Dunham's book of essays, exploring relationships, her career, her mental health journey and facing sexism in the media.

This episode explores Ali Wong's comical memoir, and motherly advice to her daughters on education, careers and relationships, 'Dear Girls'.

This week I look at the work of Sara Pascoe, focusing on her excellent and very funny book 'Animal', which explores the female body - its biology, social expectations, and relationships with family, friends and partners.

In this first episode of a new season, looking at memoirs written by influential people from all walks of life, I explore the groundbreaking work of Rose McGowan and her book 'Brave'.

The episode title says it all.

This week I look at 'concern trolling', when people mask hurtful comments in a supposedly helpful manner - they may comment on your weight and offer uninvited suggestions about what to avoid eating, when really they are merely trolling your appearance and body.

After reading an article this week about the lack of mental health support for women suffering from endometriosis, I researched the condition to better understand the issue. I refer to medical findings, play interviews from celebrities diagnosed with the condition, and, most importantly, read about women dealing with this chronic pain.

This week I look at the varied representation of, and reaction to, women on screen - from the recent criticism of Madonna at the Grammys, the lack of diversity in Oscar nominations, Pamela Anderson in 'Pam and Tommy', the hilarious 'Girls 5 Eva', and the importantance of women in horror films such as Gale Weathers in 'Scream'.

This week I look at the pressure we feel to look a certain way, be a particular weight and have a desirable lifestyle - where does that expectation come from?

Jacinda Ardern, one of the most successful Prime Ministers in recent history, announced this week that she is stepping down after 6 years in office - calmly steering her country through a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption and the COVID pandemic. How did the BBC and various news outlets respond? With sexism of course.

With Prince Harry's 'Spare' becoming the fastest selling nonfiction book of all time, this week I look at why we read celebrity memoirs - but also, what might compel people to write and air their own dirty laundry to the world.

This week I talk a little bit about a variety of things - the Republican Party fallout in America, Prince Harry's allegations, new year resolutions and returning to work, and how celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Sienna Miller have handled work pressures. I also refer to cathartic music of Sufjan Stevens... and give a brief Scream VI update...

This week I dissect an article I recently wrote about the Netflix hit Emily in Paris, entitled 'Frivolous fairy-tale or capitalist wolf in sheep's clothing?'

This week I explore Propostion 8 and the vote to ban gay marriage in California both in 2008 and 2010, whilst reflecting on current political issues in America such as Roe Vs Wade. In other parts of the episode I discuss the ongoing treatment of Meghan Markle in the press and a brief mention of Scream VI... because, why not?

This week I continue to discuss the 'Harry and Meghan' documentary but in relation to how women in general are often negatively portrayed across the media. I also talk about the new SCREAM VI trailer in A LOT of detail!

There's a new social media hashtag trending called #dateyourself - but what are the benefits of spending time on your own... and should you?

The Pope sparked controversy this week by claiming that even Nuns watch porn... I look at the fallout of this admission, and ask why female sexuality continues to be frowned upon by society.

This week I answer a listener's email about a recent break up and their fear of being single. I look at why we worry about singledom so much - and what it supposedly tells society about us.

This week I was asked by a random guy if I was disabled. He took one look at my crutch and presumed he knew my story, and that he had the right to ask. NO!

This week I look at the worrying and re-emerging trend of 'heroin chic' from the 90's, when the thinner you looked was, supposedly, the better. I reflect on how sexist beauty standards from the 50's really haven't changed that much, as well as referencing the brilliant work of comic Iliza Shlesinger.

This week I (unsuccessfully) try to teach myself about Bitcoin and Crypto-currency. I also explore fibromyalgia in a bit more detail, following on from last week's episode.

This week I talk about the conditions of fibromyalgia and lupus, as I am currently undergoing diagnosis, tests and treatment for a chronic pain condition. I also chat about the newly released music by Taylor Swift... and much more.

In the first episode of season 3 I take a look at the negative portrayals of LGBT+ characters in 90's television and film, such as American Pie and Ace Ventura Pet Detective. I then discuss the controversy around next year's Met Gala celebration of Karl Lagerfeld and Jameela Jamil's perfect and honest response. I also answer your letters.

This week I reveal all about the interview I took part in with Anna Faris for her Unqualified podcast a few weeks ago - I explain, after hearing it for myself, just how fabricated, heavily edited and manipulated my segment was. Then, on a lighter note, I discuss the recent horror film 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' and its very funny presentation of Generation Z.

This week I refer to the book 'The Body Keeps Score' to look at how emotional trauma can affect the human body - how traumatic experiences can manifest in aches and pains as we try to deal with emotional conflicts.

This week I discuss the recent school GCSE results and the north / south education divide, and the current political debate around student pronouns, genderless bathrooms and gender neutral uniforms.

This week I tell you all about my little trip to Amsterdam and how everyone should just live there. It's perfect. I also read the reply I got from the Instagram 'fitness influencer' I complained about / to several weeks ago.

This week I look at the work of the Schools Consent Project, running workshops for young adults with the aim to make students aware of the laws around consent. I also discuss the play attached to the project, 'Prima Facie', starring Jodie Comer.

This week I was contacted by a national newspaper to be part of a story about male sexual assault and harassment... only for them to drop me from the story after deciding my assault wasn't 'bad' enough. In this episode I explore why men don't come forward about sexual assault.

In a short episode, I read an Instagram post I came across this week which I felt was potentially problematic - which could shame and blame those who read it. I also read the email I sent to the account, hoping to open a conversation and dialogue about the power language can have.

Summer can often be a triggering time for people who suffer from body image and weight shame. I am no different, and this week I talk about my personal challenges with weight and exercise, and why the BMI is a ridiculous construct.

This week everyone seems furious about life in general. I look at some of the issues in the news causing people such - understandable - frustration. I also (finally!) answer some of your thoughtful emails and questions.

As we come to the end of Pride month, I look at the issue of virtue signalling and question whether companies and corporations really support the LGBT+ community or, cynically, are hoping for a financial uplift more than actual social change.

Roe Vs Wade has been overturned. What next?

In response to an article I read this week, I look at the rising backlash against the #metoo movement, partly due to the recent court case between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. I also explore the work of Laura Bates and the Everyday Sexism Project.

This week, when the news seems to be full of stories of women being pitted against women, such as Amber Heard and Camille Vasquez in court, I wanted to introduce to you Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez... and the hopeful future she is fighting for in America.

After being asked this week if I was concerned I'd be single and childless forever, I decided to dedicate an episode to the various reasons people may have for not wanting children, the challenging process many people go through with IVF, and different same-sex couple adoption laws in countries such as America and here in England. For more information visit the website of charity group Adoption UK.

This week I look at the lack of news stories in mainstream media about people of colour... and how, when stories do make the news, they overwhelmingly tend to be negative. Why? And what impact does this have?

In this episode, I look at the two personality types mentioned in the news this week due to the ongoing Amber Heard and Johnny Depp court case - Borderline Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder. I discuss symptoms and potential causes of the personality types, as well as how both Heard and Depp have been represented in the media.

In season 2 episode 11, I talk about a recent Samsung advert which controversially showed a woman running on her own at 2am - tone deaf or inspirational? I also question whether an influx of true crime documentaries on many streaming platforms may actually be perpetuating male violence against women... rather than being mere 'binge' entertainment.

This week I discuss the Government's shocking decision to ban conversion therapy for the LGB - but not T - community... what could the next steps possibly be for Trans people in the UK? I also look back at the 1993 American 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' military law... which was as odd as it sounds.

This week I explore the changing domestic violence laws in America, and define terms around domestic violence such as coercive and reactive abuse. For support visit dvassist.org.uk

This week I look at how words such as 'fat', which is merely an adjective and descriptor, has nearly entirely negative connotations, and how the media - whether television, film or online - add to and perpetuate fatphobia and body prejudice.