VERVE She/Said

EPISODE 31: #SHEROES with Chanju Mwanza and Yaz Omran VERVE Operative, Melanin Takeover Host & Blogger Chanju Mwanza hosts this episode with VERVE’s Social Media and Content Manager Yaz Omran where they discuss their SHEROES in Palestine and the UAE. Yaz discusses what inspired her to write about Palestinian youth activist Ahed Tamimi and why activism by Muslim women is not often represented without negative connotations. Chanju talks about the recent UAE Gender Balance Index Awards where not one single woman received an award and why she created her own list of Emirati women who deserved to be recognised. Chanju and Yaz chat about the difficulties POC women face in gaining exposure in mainstream media and history, and what we can do to help further their stories beyond writing articles. Read Yaz’s blog here:https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/shesgotverve-ahed-tamimi-a-girl-with-guts Read Chanju’s blog here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/five-women-who-should-have-received-the-uae-gender-balance-index-awards Yaz’s blog on the History of Egypt’s Feminist Consciousness: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-history-of-egypts-feminist-consciousness Read more of Yaz’s blogs for VERVE here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid?author=5bfd6a1e4fa51a145cca2209 Read more of Chanju’s blogs for VERVE here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid?author=5a82eb02db7926cb172dbe43 Chanju’s Website: www.chanjumwanza.com VERVE links: Website: www.verveup.com IG: www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: twitter.com/verve_up FB: www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Chanju Mwanza (VERVE Operative, Melanin Takeover Host & Blogger) Co- Host: Yaz Omran (Social Media & Content Manager for VERVE) Podcast Editor: Yaz Omran Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something, or anything you’re excited about or angry over - you matter! contact@verveup.com

Episode 30: Melanin Takeover with Chanju Mwanza Welcome to the VERVE She Said Melanin Take Over with VERVE Operative and Blogger, Chanju Mwanza. Once a month-ish Chanju will be bringing you all things melanin and shining a light on global issues from a non-eurocentric perspective. Chanju Mwanza has just come back from spending 7 weeks in Zambia to launch her Zambian Narratives Project. In this episode Chanju chats about her new project and reads three of her most recent blogs. She writes about the issues that Black people around the world are facing, from the use of their dead bodies as entertainment for white audiences to celebrating African successes such as Ethiopia’s steps to reaching gender equality. Chanju’s blogs in this Episode: Why are Dead Black Bodies still Being Used for Western Consumption? https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/why-are-dead-black-bodies-still-being-used-for-western-consumption “Transracial” is not the new “Transgender”: Why Race and Gender Are Not Synonymous. https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/transracial-is-not-the-new-transgender-why-race-and-gender-are-not-synonymous Ethiopia is Setting New Standards for Gender Equality https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/ethiopia-is-setting-new-standards-for-gender-equality Read more of Chanju’s blogs for VERVE here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5a82eb02db7926cb172dbe43 Chanju’s Website: https://www.chanjumwanza.com VERVE links: Website: www.verveup.com IG: www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: twitter.com/verve_up FB: www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE Operative, Melanin Takeover Host & Blogger Podcast Editor: Helena Burton Jones & Yaz Omran Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

Episode 29: Body Dysmorphia and Me with Sarah Bradnum Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders & Violent Thoughts Happy New Year! We are starting off 2019 with one of our most successful bloggers, Sarah Bradnum, reading and talking about her blog ‘Body Dysmorphia and Me’. Anna Quick Palmer (Founder & ‘Mother’ of VERVE) and Erin Whiteley (Managing Director at VERVE) sit down and talk with Sarah about their own journeys with their bodies; body positivity, body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Learn about what ‘Con-cern-trol’ is, why you should love your body, and realise that you are no alone. P.S: Erin knows it was Ireland and not Northern Ireland who repealed the 8th! We’re just excited to get Northern Ireland to follow suit! Read Sarah’s blog here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/body-dysmorphia-and-me?rq=sarah%20bradnum Read more of Sarah’s blogs for VERVE here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5b61bb54758d46a8a2199938 Sarah’s social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braddersinwonderland/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahBradnum VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Anna Quick- Palmer - Mother of VERVE (Founder & Chief Feminist Operative) Co- Host: Erin Whiteley - Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE Guest: Sarah Bradnum - VERVE Blogger Podcast Editor: Helena Burton Jones - VERVE Operative Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 28: VERVE 2018 End of Year Wrap Up! This episode Anna Quick- Palmer (Founder & ‘Mother’ of VERVE) talks with Erin Whiteley (Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE) about everything VERVE have done this year in the name of Feminism! Take a listen to hear about all the events, fundraising, protests & vulva cupcakes we’ve had in 2018… We’d like to thank all followers, old & new, for making our year as Femi-tastic as possible! And thank you to all of you who are causing ripples in the world. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year! If you want to know a bit more about our evening in support of the documentary ‘We Still Rise’, head over here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/karma-footprint-verve-ptt-for-we-still-rise-documentary-jan-2018?rq=we%20still%20rise%20 If you want to know more about the ‘We Still Rise’ Documentary, go to this link: https://www.westillrisemovie.com More information on the Time’s Up Rally 2018 here: https://www.womensmarchlondon.com/times-up-rally/2018/1/21/times-up-rally Read our blog on our 2nd Annual My Bloody Galentine 2018 here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/karma-footprint-my-bloody-galentine-2018-rocked-our-feminist-world?rq=my%20bloody%20galentine%20 Read about our International Women’s Day event here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/karma-footprint-verve-ptt-x-iwd-2018?rq=IWD%202018 The pub we went to on IWD was called The Lexington - a WOMAN owned bar! Take a look here: http://thelexington.co.uk Read Anna’s blog on VERVE’s time at WITW conference in NYC here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/wow?rq=WOW%20 Look up the AMAZING work that luminary bakery do: http://www.luminarybakery.com Take a look at Chanju Mwanza’s Karma Footprint blog on our Think Tank with Molly Melching, founder of Tostan: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/prosecco-think-tank-molly-melching-tostan?rq=tostan Learn more about our Partnership event with Welcome Sessions here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/verve-partnership-event-welcome-sessions-1-may-2018?rq=rich%20mix Read our Karma Footprint blog on our volunteer trip to Calais with Refugee Community Kitchen here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/karma-footprint-verve-calais-volunteer-trip-with-refugee-community-kitchen-august-2018?rq=calais Read our interview with Erin Whiteley on her time volunteering in Calais here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/a-volunteer-trip-with-help-refugees-an-interview-with-team-verve-member-erin?rq=calais More on our event with Buy From A Black Woman here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/2018/9/11/buy-from-a-black-woman-verve-think-tank-september-2018-philladelphia-usa?rq=buy%20from%20a%20black%20woman And here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/buy-from-a-black-woman-a-verve-think-tank-event?rq=buy%20from%20a%20black%20woman And here!: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/karma-footprint-verve-hq-prosecco-think-tank-london-aug-2018-buy-from-a-black-woman?rq=buy%20from%20a%20black%20woman Here’s a little bit more on our decision to take the ‘prosecco’ out of the Think Tank…: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/verve-think-tank-taking-the-prosecco-out-of-the-think-tank?rq=VTT (If you want to know more, come to our next event and ask…) Take a look at our wrap up blog from our event with Partners in Health here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/wrapup-verve-think-tank-with-partners-in-health?rq=PIH VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Anna Quick- Palmer - Founder & Mother of VERVE Co-host: Erin Whiteley - Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 27: Diversity in Politics It’s the Melanin Takeover !!! This episode has Melanin Takeover host & curator Chanju Mwanza talking to Vanessa Martins, Isabel Fanfan and Jeannie Dunn from Seize The Vote to discuss how we can close the class gap in politics, which continues to be largely inaccessible to people who grow up in more diverse, socioeconomically poorer schools. Founded in June 2017, Seize the Vote aims to ensure the sustainability of a high youth turnout in British elections by educating young people about political participation. Have a listen to hear what the next steps for Seize the Vote are, and how WE can get our younger brothers & sisters & non-binary friends to get more involved in our political climate! Keep a look out for events with My Life my Say on this website: http://mylifemysay.org.uk Keep up to date with Seize the Vote through these handles: Twitter: https://twitter.com/seizethevote Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seizethevote/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seizethevoteldn/ VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE Operative & Blogger Guests: Vanessa Martins, Isabel Fanfan & Jeannie Dunn - founders of Seize the Vote Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 26: Partners in Health with Jourdan McGinn (This episode was recorded in a public space, so you may hear footsteps, echoes & general titter tatter - we’re sorry, we’ve tried our best to make it easier to listen to!) This week we’re talking to Director of Policy & Partnership with the formidable Partners in Health (PIH) Sierra Leone, Jourdan McGinn. On Thursday 29th November, 2018, we had our final VERVE Think Tank (VTT) of the year and did so in partnership with PIH. We were lucky enough to have Jourdan fly over to our London office so VERVE ‘Mother’ Anna Quick- Palmer could interview her at the event in front of 40+ attendees. This episode is just a snippet of the fundamental work PIH are doing. Anna, Jourdan & VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Erin Whiteley sit down to talk about what PIH do, and how we can go about to help them, too… Give to PIH Sierra Leone here, where all your donations will be MATCHED: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vervethinktankglobal2018?utm_term=yp6p9p6gW Emma Minor’s of PIH blogs for more info on PIH: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/breaking-the-mold-for-pregnant-women-in-sierra-leone https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/feminist-healthcare-in-the-heart-of-sierra-leone?rq=emma%20minor Anna Quick- Palmer’s blog on Drs believing Black People feel less pain than white people: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/drs-still-think-that-black-people-feel-less-pain-than-whites-and-that-hurts Claire Ryder's blog on healthcare being a human right: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/is-healthcare-a-human-right?rq=is%20healthcare%20a%20human%20right%20 New York Times article mentioned by Jourdan about Doula's: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/style/postpartum-doula.html Official PIH Website: https://www.pih.org More on the imperative She Decides organisation: https://www.shedecides.com DO SOMETHING for She Decides here: https://www.shedecides.com/do-something/ VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Anna Quick- Palmer - Mother of VERVE (Founder & Chief Feminist Operative) Co- Host: Erin Whiteley - Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE Guest: Jourdan McGinn - Director of Policy & Partnership for Partners in Health Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 25: A Conversation with Freddie Harrel It’s your favourite Melanin Takeover - now a monthly instalment for our podcast! We’ve decided to continue the Melanin Takeover because VERVE doesn’t believe we should talk about Black Experiences just 1 month a year. So, Chanju Mwanza is BACK and talking to Freddie Harrel, social media influencer & founder of @ bighair_nocare and the SHEUnleashed workshop. Listen to hear Chanju & Freddie talking about being Black Women in the world, growing up Black, loving your hair & exploring the importance of therapy. Freddie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddieharrel/ Big Hair No Care Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bighair_nocare/ Big Hair No Care Official Website: https://bighairnocare.com Freddie’s Official Website: http://freddieharrel.com Freddie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFoY087mQKPGAhQ65d4gnA Freddie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreddieHarrel?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Freddie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freddieharrel/ To buy tickets to our last V.T.T of 2018, go here!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-think-tank-london-tickets-52097062717 For anyone who can’t join our VTT but want to contribute, visit this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vervethinktankglobal2018?utm_term=yp6p9p6gW - where all donations made will be matched and donated to P.I.H. VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE Operative & Blogger Guest: Freddie Harrel - Social Media Influencer, founder of Big Hair No Care & SHE Unleashed Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 24: A Feminism For All This week Erin Whiteley (Chief Managing Feminist) and VERVE Operative Helena Burton- Jones sit down to read and discuss one of her more recent blogs ‘A Feminism For All’. After Helena has read her blog, we sit down to talk to her about the ways in which feminism has helped us, the #MeToo movement, and how important it is for MEN to be feminists too! Helena’s blog ‘A Feminism For All’: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/a-feminism-for-all If you want to read more by Helena, head over to: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5b61a25f352f532d2064e8a5 To buy tickets to our last V.T.T of 2018, go here!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-think-tank-london-tickets-52097062717 For anyone who can’t join our VTT but want to contribute, visit this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vervethinktankglobal2018?utm_term=yp6p9p6gW - where all donations made will be matched and donated to P.I.H. VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Anna Quick- Palmers - VERVE Founder & Chief Managing Feminist Guest: Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 23: “Lest We Forget” with Chanju Mwanza In this week’s episode, Chanju Mwanza (VERVE Operative & Blogger) and Anna Quick- Palmer (Founder of VERVE and Chief Managing Feminist) sit down to read & discuss Chanju’s latest blog ‘“Lest We Forget” Remembering The Contributions of Volunteer Colonial Troops in the World Wars’. As a way of honouring all those who fought in the World Wars, Chanju talks about the often forgotten Black soldiers. Throughout the discussion Anna & Chanju talk about the toll war has on its citizens, how girls and women are sidelined and why we need to remember those our history books have forgotten! For more by Chanju, visit these sites: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/lest-we-forget-remembering-the-contributions-of-volunteer-colonial-troops-in-the-world-wars https://www.chanjumwanza.com https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5a82eb02db7926cb172dbe43 To buy tickets to our last V.T.T of 2018, go here!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-think-tank-london-tickets-52097062717 For anyone who can’t join our VTT but want to contribute, visit this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vervethinktankglobal2018?utm_term=yp6p9p6gW - where all donations made will be matched and donated to P.I.H. VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Host: Anna Quick- Palmers - VERVE Founder & Chief Managing Feminist Guest: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 22: Blogs in Support of VERVE Think Tank with Partners in Health This week Anna & Erin sit down to read 2 recent blogs in preparation for the upcoming VERVE Think Tank on November 29th, 2018. Firstly, Erin reads ‘Feminist Healthcare In The Heart Of Sierra Leone’ by Emma Minor, and Anna reads her own blog ‘Drs Still Think That Black People Feel Less Pain Than Whites and That Hurts’. We hope that after hearing both blogs being read, you will feel inspired to help us make REAL CHANGE! If you can’t make our V.T.T, don’t worry! You can still contribute to help us fundraise for P.I.H. Links to both our event tickets page & the fundraising page are in the Episode Notes below… Blog read by Erin ‘Feminist Healthcare In The Heart Of Sierra Leone’ written by Emma Minor: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/feminist-healthcare-in-the-heart-of-sierra-leone Blog written & read by Anna Quick- Palmer, ‘Drs Still Think That Black People Feel Less Pain Than Whites and That Hurts’: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/drs-still-think-that-black-people-feel-less-pain-than-whites-and-that-hurts If you want to learn more about Partners In Health, visit this website: https://www.pih.org To buy tickets to our infamous V.T.T, go here!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-think-tank-london-tickets-52097062717 For anyone who can’t join our VTT but want to contribute, visit this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vervethinktankglobal2018?utm_term=yp6p9p6gW - where all donations made will be matched and donated to P.I.H. VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Special Guest: Michelle Asentewa - Co-Founder of Way Wive Wordz Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 21: Stella Dadzie: Being A Black Woman In Britain This is Episode 5/5 of our October / Black History Month edition For five weeks during October / Black History Month UK, we’ll be handing over the mic to VERVE Operative and blogger, Chanju Mwanza for a She/Said Melanin Takeover. Chanju will be welcoming a range of guests including Stella Dadzie, one of the authors of Heart of the Race, Black Women’s life in Britain. The Melanin Podcast Takeover will be covering topics like misogynoir, the politics of black hair and how to survive a white curriculum that denies your voice. For the final episode of our 5/part Melanin Takeover, Chanju invites Stella Dadzie into the studio - co-author of the feminist classic ‘Heart Of The Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain’. Chanju & Stella discuss her book recently becoming a Feminist Classic, and the differences between living as a Black Woman in Britain when the book was first written to now. Thank you to Stella for coming in, and Chanju for hosting the last 5 amazing episodes celebrating Black History Month! Notes: Heart Of The Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain by Beverley Bryan & Stella Dadzie: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heart-Race-Britain-Feminist-Classics/dp/1786635860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540900166&sr=8-1&keywords=heart+of+the+race Advice from Stella: - Go out there & read everything - Accessible books - Reading novels leads a way into politics -Watch this space! - If you want to find someone, you can find someone! VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Special Guest: Stella Dadzie, co-author of Heart Of The Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 20: Michelle Asentewa & Navigating the White Curriculum This is Episode 4/5 of our October / Black History Month edition For five weeks during October / Black History Month UK, we’ll be handing over the mic to VERVE Operative and blogger, Chanju Mwanza for a She/Said Melanin Takeover. Chanju will be welcoming a range of guests including Stella Dadzie, one of the authors of Heart of the Race, Black Women’s life in Britain. The Melanin Podcast Takeover will be covering topics like misogynoir, the politics of black hair and how to survive a white curriculum that denies your voice. This week Chanju invites Michelle Asentewa, self-published author, co-founder of ‘Way Wive Wordz’ & independent Scholar, to discuss how to navigate the ‘White Curriculum’ throughout education. Michelle was born in Guyana, South America, but came over to London to live with her mother and attend English schooling. Chanju & Michelle discuss the difficulties of integrating into a school in a new country with an accent and feelings of displacement. As a woman with a Masters & a PHD, Michelle is well versed in navigating the white curriculum. Listen to this podcast to hear the honesty in Michelle’s story, and how to overcome educational systems that ignore Black voices. Take a look at ‘Way Wive Wordz’, co-founded by Michelle Asentewa, here: https://www.waywivewordz.com If you want to expand your Black Curriculum, take a look at Michelle’s suggestions here: http://www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk https://www.newbeaconbooks.com http://www.nabss.org.uk VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Special Guest: Michelle Asentewa - Co-Founder of Way Wive Wordz Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 19: Chanju Mwanza: Her Blogs, Her Thoughts This is Episode 3/5 of our October / Black History Month edition For five weeks during October / Black History Month UK, we’ll be handing over the mic to VERVE Operative and blogger, Chanju Mwanza for a She/Said Melanin Takeover. Chanju will be welcoming a range of guests including Stella Dadzie, one of the authors of Heart of the Race, Black Women’s life in Britain. The Melanin Podcast Takeover will be covering topics like misogynoir, the politics of black hair and how to survive a white curriculum that denies your voice. This week our London VERVE Operative, Chanju Mwanza, reads some of her favourite blogs that she’s written for verveup.com & speaks a little bit after each one on why she wrote them & why the topics are important to her. Expect the problem with tokenism within the goal for diversity & inclusion; the problem with private & higher education when you’re one of the only black girls there; questioning where Africa’s #metoo movement is, and the issues with poverty porn. Listen to Chanju read her own words, and prepare to be educated. Find ‘Let’s Talk Tokenism’ blog here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/lets-talk-tokenism?rq=chanju%20 If you want to read ‘Equal Education For All? It’s A Myth’, go here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/equal-education-for-all-its-a-myth Find ‘Where Is Africa’s #metoo Movement?’ blog here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/where-is-africas-metoo-moment If you want to read ‘Poverty Porn: Perpetuating Stereotypes and Denying Real Activism’, go here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/poverty-porn-perpetuating-stereotypes-and-denying-real-activism If you want to read anything else that Chanju has written, head over here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5a82eb02db7926cb172dbe43 VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 18: Sophia Ukor & Violet Simon This is Episode 2/5 of our October / Black History Month edition For five weeks during October / Black History Month UK, we’ll be handing over the mic to VERVE Operative and blogger, Chanju Mwanza for a She/Said Melanin Takeover. Chanju will be welcoming a range of guests including Stella Dadzie, one of the authors of Heart of the Race, Black Women’s life in Britain. The Melanin Podcast Takeover will be covering topics like misogynoir, the politics of black hair and how to survive a white curriculum that denies your voice. This week Chanju gets the chance to talk with founder of the lifestyle brand ‘Violet Simon’, Sophia Ukor. In this episode they explore Ukor’s upbringing - how it brought her to where she is now; how she dealt with her own violent past; how she related with her body and her hair, and how her own mental health issues have shaped who she is today. By opening up the discussion on being successful as a Black Woman, Chanju & Sophia explore the journey that many other Black Women will be able to relate to. More on Sophia Ukor & her accomplishments: Article on her first issue published July 2018: https://www.diarydirectory.com/newsarticle/womens-lifestyle-company-violet-simon-launches-debut-magazine/20113 Link to her lifestyle website: https://www.violetsimon.co.uk Book recommendations: http://www.theslumflower.com/the-book/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-L.-Hay/e/B000APL6J4 https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Wilderness-Quest-Belonging-Courage/dp/0812995848 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Need-Your-Love-approval-appreciation/dp/1844130266 https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angelou https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neon-Soul-Collection-Poetry-Prose/dp/1449484832 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thought-Was-Just-But-Isnt/dp/1491513853 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Myself-Feminist-Twenty-Five-Thirty/dp/0349006555 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Belong-You-Quiet-Noise/dp/1501145398 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Voice-Joss-Sheldon/dp/1786975092 https://gettingthingsdone.com https://www.amazon.co.uk/Success-Sixteen-Lessons-Napoleon-Hill/dp/1617201782 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boundaries-Leaders-Results-Relationships-Ridiculously/dp/0062206338 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boundaries-Cloud-Townsend/dp/0310351804/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539181458&sr=1-1&keywords=boundaries+cloud+townsend https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eric-Ries/e/B004VIDMR0 Violet Simon Social: IG : @violetsimonofficial https://www.instagram.com/violetsimonofficial/ Twitter: @violetsimon_ https://twitter.com/violetsimon_?lang=en Violet Simon Magazine: IG: @violetsimonmagazine https://www.instagram.com/violetsimonmagazine/ Sophia Aukor Social: IG: @sophiaukor https://www.instagram.com/sophiaukor/ VERVE links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Guest: Sophia Ukor - Founder of Violet Simon Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Podcast Editor: Helena Burton- Jones Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 17: Misogynoir - Black History Month UK This is Episode 1/5 of our October / Black History Month edition For five weeks during October / Black History Month UK, we’ll be handing over the mic to VERVE Operative and blogger, Chanju Mwanza for a She/Said Melanin Takeover. Chanju will be welcoming a range of guests including Stella Dadzie, one of the authors of Heart of the Race, Black Women’s life in Britain. The Melanin Podcast Takeover will be covering topics like misogynoir, the politics of black hair and how to survive a white curriculum that denies your voice. Chanju Mwanza reads her blog from VERVE She/Said titled "Feminist Facts: What is Misogynoir?" After reading her blog - Chanju is joined by VERVE London Operative Karine Davilmar to talk about what Misogynoir means to them as Black Women living in London. Link to Chanju's Blog: Feminist Facts: What is Misogynoir? https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/what-is-misogynoir Link to other blogs by Chanju Mwanza: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5a82eb02db7926cb172dbe43 Books mentioned: Slay in Your Lane - The Black Girl Bible by Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinené Heart of the Race - Black Women’s Lives in Britain - Beverley Bryan, Stella Dadzie and Suzanne Scafe Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism by Bell Hooks Young Female and Black by Heidi Safia Mirza Why I’m no Longer talking to white people about race - Reni Eddo Lodge VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Guest Host: Chanju Mwanza - VERVE London Operative & Blogger Guest: Karine Davilmar - VERVE London Operative Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative Please reach out if we've missed something in our episode notes. contact@verveup.com

EPISODE 16: I'm Going to the Border and I Need Your Help This week we have a special guest; our VERVE USA Operative Claire Ryder. Claire is a regular blogger for VERVE, and this week we are focussing on her blog entitled ‘I’m Going to the Border and I Need Your Help’. Based in Philadelphia, Claire is travelling to Texas to volunteer for CARA Pro Bono Project who ‘are committed to ensuring that detained children and their mothers receive competent, pro bono representation, and developing aggressive, effective advocacy and litigation strategies to end the practice of family detention.’ After Claire has read her blog, she talks with Anna Quick- Palmer (Chief Feminist Operative and VERVE Founder) and Erin Whiteley (Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE), about the dire situation regarding children immigrants being taken away from their parents at the border in the USA. Although a heavy topic, we talk about the previous volunteering trips that enriched us, and how we (and you!) can continue to bring peace and justice into our world. Claire will be going to the border at the beginning of October - due to the CARA being pro bono, no volunteers receive any funding. We would really appreciate ANY help you could give to Claire’s Go Fund Me page (link below) to assist her costs during her trip. Blog ‘I’m Going to the Border and I Need Your Help’ by American based VERVE Operative Claire Ryder: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/im-going-to-the-border-and-i-need-your-help Please donate to Claire’s Go Fund Me page here!: https://www.gofundme.com/cara-pro-bono-project More on CARA Pro Bono Project who Claire is volunteering for: http://caraprobono.org More information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Immigration_and_Customs_Enforcement Donate here: https://secure.everyaction.com/BS6Q9eElpEuRBxDyh9WxiA2 http://www.refugeewomen.co.uk https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/child-refugees/?sisearchengine=284&siproduct=Campaign_**Refugee-Crisis-Donation-Exact&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjsCGx-zY3QIVwoXVCh1TTQonEAAYASAAEgKwLvD_BwE https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/how-you-can-help/emergencies?cid=pse-gpcef_A17044001-crc_001-7E33384YW&ppc=true&matchtype=e&s_keyword=donate%2520to%2520refugees&adposition=1t3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjsCGx-zY3QIVwoXVCh1TTQonEAAYAyAAEgL6DvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds https://helprefugees.org/volunteer/calais/ More on ‘This is not a game game’ by Samantha Bee: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/samantha-bee-full-frontal-civic-engagement-trivia-app-723633/ Good places to keep updated: https://www.theroot.com https://www.them.us https://www.aljazeera.com/news/ More blogs by Claire here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=59550bfdb11be173fb853cef If you have anything you want to discuss with us: contact@verveup.com VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Speaking: Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Claire Ryder - USA VERVE Operative Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 15: When Good is Good Enough Are you tired of perfectionism? So are we. This week VERVE founder & Chief Feminist Operative, Anna Quick- Palmer, read us her blog entitled ‘When Good is Good Enough’. Afterward, Anna & Erin, our Chief Managing Feminist, discuss what it means to finally let go of self-inflicted expectations by demanding that ‘good’ is good enough for them. Acknowledging this as a benefit of white privilege, they explore what good enough means for toxic masculinity, how money can’t buy perfectionism, and whether or not multitasking is a gendered issue. If you want to find out how to be Good Enough by creating your own reality in a world where good enough, is not good enough- listen to this podcast. Article written and read by badass VERVE founder and Chief Feminist Operative, Anna Quick- Palmer, can be found here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/when-good-is-good-enough The essential book ‘Slay In Your Lane’ by Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Unviebiené that Erin mentions can be found here: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Slay_In_Your_Lane_The_Black_Girl_Bible.html?id=f0VEDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false More on ‘Lean In’ initiative that Anna mentions who help women achieve their ambitions: https://leanin.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Speaking: Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 14: Your Voluntourism Is Doing More Harm Than Good This week VERVE bring in Chanju Mwanza, badass feminist who contributes to VERVE’s blog, to read and discuss her recent blog ‘Your Voluntourism is Doing More Harm Than Good’. Afterwards Chief Feminist Operative & CEO of VERVE, Anna Quick Palmer, and Chief Managing Feminist, Erin Whiteley, talk to Chanju about the complex issue of ‘White Saviour-ism’. We discuss the negative impacts of young adults using their 'volunteering' as a way to travel, how awful it is for children to get attached to those they won't see again, and how to know when to help & when to step back. Has your own volunteering been more harmful than helpful? Listen for the ways in which you can help instead of hinder through your own volunteering. Article ‘Your Voluntourism is Doing More Harm Than Good’ by VERVE Contributor Chanju Mwanza: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/your-voluntourism-is-doing-more-harm-than-good?rq=voluntourism GVI Volunteering that Anna mentions her daughters helped with: https://www.gvi.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImoqM3su13QIV6pztCh2nRwucEAAYASAAEgIx_fD_BwE Defining what ‘White Saviour Complex is’: https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/06/white-savior-problem/ What the volunteering programme that Anna mentions, ‘Peace Corps’: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Corps More on one of VERVE’s favoured charities, Tostan: https://www.tostan.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Speaking: Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Chanju Mwanza - VERVE Contributor Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 13: 'He's So Homosocial' This week our Chief Feminist Operative reads her latest article ‘He’s So Homosocial’, and talks to Chief Managing Feminist Erin Whiteley. We discuss the toxicity of men who do not like women, the importance of female friendships for all genders, and whether these attributes are learnt or inherent in the male biology. In this short podcast we hope to teach our listeners to open up conversations about the role of genders in friendships, to question the toxicity of Homosocial men & influence those to truly appreciate the women in their life. Badass article by our Chief Feminist Operative Anna Quick- Palmer ‘He’s So Homosocial’: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/hes-so-homosocial More on Rosabeth Moss Kanter who coined the term ‘Metaphorical Homosocial Reproduction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosabeth_Moss_Kanter More on Michael Flood, Sociologist mentioned by Anna in her blog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Flood More on Tim Winton who Anna recites at the end of her blog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Winton Documentary Erin mentions on ‘Gender-Free’ kids: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09202jz VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Speaking: Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 12: The Problem With Feminism: Part 2 This week we continue the conversation with VERVE Member Sarah Bradnum and her blog ‘The Problem With Feminism: Part Two’. Carrying the conversation on from last week’s podcast, Anna Quick- Palmer (VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative) and Erin Whitley (Chief Managing Feminist) discuss with Sarah Bradnum the importance of men joining women within the feminist movement and how they can assist us in doing so. Also discussed: Bro-Flakes, Douche-Canoes, and Toxic Masculinity. Article read and spoken about ‘The Problem With Feminism: Part Two’ by Badass VERVE Feminist Sarah Bradnum: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-problem-with-feminism-part-two?rq=the%20problem%20with%20feminism Sarah Bradnum’s Platforms: https://twitter.com/SarahBradnum https://twitter.com/Clamour_theatre Sarah’s Own Podcast ‘Hungle Queens’: https://twitter.com/HungleQueens Other blogs from Sarah - Head here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5b61bb54758d46a8a2199938 Urban Dictionary of the term ‘Bro-Flakes’ which Sarah uses in her blog: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Broflake More on Aziz Ansari: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aziz_Ansari More on Dr. Michael Kimmel: http://www.michaelkimmel.com Definition of Humanism for those who want to learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism More On Neil deGrasse Tyson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_Tyson Neil's Podcast: https://www.startalkradio.net VERVE HQ PTT / Prosecco Think Tank // 30 August 2018 Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-prosecco-think-tank-london-tickets-48804281921 VERVE Think Tank Philadelphia USA // 1 September 2018 Info Here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/buy-from-a-black-woman-a-verve-think-tank-event Email us if you’d like to attend: contact@verveup.com Buy From A Black Woman: https://www.buyfromablackwoman.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Speaking: Sarah Bradnum - VERVE Member & Writer Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 11: The Problem With Feminism: Part 1 This episode features VERVE blogger Sarah Bradnum reading her blog “The Problem With Feminism - Part 1”. Followed by a discussion with Sarah, Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Founder and Chief Feminist Operative and Erin Whiteley - Chief Managing Feminist. We discuss feminism, privilege, ‘what abouttery’, why we should shut the fuck up, what ‘tone policing’ is, why intersectionality is crucial in the journey that is feminism and a brief side convo on our sex lives ;) Episode Notes: Sarah Bradnum’s Blog: The Problem With Feminism: Part 1 https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-problem-with-feminism-part-one Other blogs from Sarah - Head here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/?author=5b61bb54758d46a8a2199938 Eloquent Rage by Brittany Cooper: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33574165-eloquent-rage Black Live Matter co-founder Patrisse: https://patrissecullors.com/black-lives-matter/ Sarah Bradnum Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahBradnum Queens of The Hungle / Hungle Queens: https://twitter.com/hunglequeens VERVE HQ PTT / Prosecco Think Tank // 30 August 2018 Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verve-prosecco-think-tank-london-tickets-48804281921 VERVE Think Tank Philadelphia USA // 1 September 2018 Info Here: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/buy-from-a-black-woman-a-verve-think-tank-event Email us if you’d like to attend: contact@verveup.com Buy From A Black Woman: https://www.buyfromablackwoman.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Credits: Speaking: Sarah Bradnum - VERVE Member & Writer Anna Quick-Palmer - VERVE Chief Feminist Operative Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - VERVE Founder & Chief Feminist Operative

EPISODE 10: The Creature - Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Harm & Suicide mentions. This week VERVE member Jo Walshe reads us her blog ‘The Creature: Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety’ about her own mental health journey. Her description of ‘The Creature’ is one that many of us can relate to. If you are in a vulnerable and impressionable position within your own recovery, we recommend to listen to this recording once you feel more stable. After her reading, Erin Whiteley (Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE) and Helena Burton- Jones (Podcast Manager), discuss with Jo their own experiences, finding comfort in the similarities and differences their mental health journeys have taken them on. VERVE urges you to seek help if you are struggling. We will always strive to break the stigma and provide safe spaces for these conversations to be had. Look at the episode notes for ways to find help. Episode Notes: Honest and intimate blog ‘The Creature - Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety’ by VERVE member Jo Walshe: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-creature-reflections-on-my-recovery-from-depression-anxiety Definition of C.B.T therapy that Jo & Helena advocate for if you want to learn more: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/ Book Jo mentions by Carrie Hope-Fletcher entitled ‘All That She Can See’: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32710790-all-that-she-can-see Jo’s badass intersectional bookclub ‘TryHards’: https://www.instagram.com/tryhardsbookclub/ If you need help, VERVE urges you to seek it. Here are a few links to go to if you’re struggling: In the US: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): 1-800-931-2237 In the UK: SupportLine: 01708 765200 Samaritans: Call 116 123 Papyrus (for people under 35): Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm or Text 07786 209697 Childline (for anyone under 19): Call 0800 1111 – the number won't show up on your phone bill The Silverline (for older people): Call 0800 4 70 80 90 VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Credits: Speaking: Jo Walshe - VERVE Member & Writer Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - Chief Feminist Operative & Founder of VERVE

EPISODE 9: Micro aggressions: What Straight People Don't Understand About Being Queer This week we are speaking to Laura Hely Hutchinson, author of the blog 'Microaggressions: What Straight People Don't Understand About Being Queer'. Once Laura has read through her blog, we delve deeper into what brought her to write this blog, and her own experiences as a Queer Woman. A great way for straight people to educate themselves on the actions they may do that subtly support homophobia. Episode Notes: Laura’s thought-provoking blog ‘Microaggressions: What Straight People Don’t Understand About Being Queer’: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/microaggressions-what-straight-people-dont-understand-about-being-queer?rq=microa Orlando shooting Laura mentions in her blog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_nightclub_shooting Statistics on homophobic attacks in recent years: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gay-lgbt-hate-crimes-stats-rise-four-year-physical-verbal-homophobic-abuse-community-a7933126.html BBC’s Video ‘Time For Love’ used in this podcast: https://www.facebook.com/bbctwo/videos/2018-04-09/1451002101676875/ Laura’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/LBethHH Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabhh/ Laura’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hely-hutchinson-a45537124/ WiKi page for the TV show ‘Queer Eye’ that was mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_Eye_(2018_TV_series) Homophobic in the air dinner restaurant that Erin had to deal with: https://howtospendit.ft.com/food-drink/203199-dine-in-the-sky-100ft-above-london Guilty Feminist Episode Erin talks about: Episode 24, 'Crying with Dr Emily Grossman' VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Credits: Speaking: Laura Hely- Hutchinson - Freelance writer & Social Media Executive Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - Chief Feminist Operative & Founder of VERVE

EPISODE 8: Why I Marched This week C.F.O (Chief Feminist Operative) Anna Quick- Palmer and C.M.F (Chief Managing Feminist) Erin Whiteley look back on the blogs they’ve written after the Women’s March 2017, and relate it to the recent Bring The Noise/Anti-Trump March they recently rallied in on 13th July, 2018. From talking about what pisses them off, and what brings them hope. Episode Notes: Article 'Nevertheless We Persist' by VERVE C.F.O and Founder Anna Quick- Palmer: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/nevertheless-we-persist?rq=nevertheless%20we%20persist Article 'January 21.2017 = HOPE' by VERVE Chief Managing Feminist and Director Erin Whiteley: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/january-21207-hope?rq=2017%3Dhope Article 'Don't Get Me Started...... 20 Reasons Why I'm Still Marching' by VERVE C.F.O and Founder Anna Quick- Palmer:https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/dont-get-me-started-20-reasons-why-im-still-marching VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/ Credits: Speaking: Anna Quick- Palmer - Chief Feminist Operative & Founder of VERVE Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist Editing: Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor Music Intro & Outro: Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson) Speaking over Intro & Outro music: Anna Quick- Palmer - Chief Feminist Operative & Founder of VERVE

EPISODE 7: In Honour of Refugee Week This week we have dedicated our podcast to Refugee Week - June 18th, 2018. At VERVE we strive to bring awareness and support to those who need it most, and Refugees, Migrants & those seeking Asylum need our, and your, help. C.F.O Anna Quick- Palmer reads her eye-opening blog asking you to imagine yourself in the situations Refugee women are faced with constantly. Moving onto 2 more VERVE blogs on what Refugees have to go through and the ways in which you can help; even from the sofa! Episode Notes: Article ‘Imagine Being Her On World Refugee Day by Founder and Chief Feminist Operative Anna Quick- Palmer: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/imagine-being-her-on-world-refugee-day Article ‘America’s Attack on Women and Children’ by VERVE USA Operative Claire Ryder: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/americas-attack-on-women-and-children News on Domestic Abuse in the US: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/domestic-or-gang-violence-not-grounds-asylum-sessions-rules-n882116 Worldwide source on rates of domestic violence: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures Article ‘Stand With Refugees on World Refugee Day’ by VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/stand-withrefugees-on-world-refugee-day-2018 Article on Yarl’s Wood Detention centre: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/yarls-wood-inside-experience-hunger-strike-immigration-detention-scandal-a8230056.html Free English classes on the British Council: http://esol.britishcouncil.org Sign this petition!: https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/campaigns/let_refugees_learn/ Volunteer your english here: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/how_you_can_help_us/volunteer https://www.esu.org/our-work/experience-english-volunteers http://caras.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/ Or make a donation here: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/Appeal/welfare-fund Support Refugee Parents here: https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/parent-champions-migrants-and-refugees https://www.nct.org.uk/professional/diversity-and-access/supporting-parents-who-are-refugees-and-asylum-seekers https://www.maternityaction.org.uk/campaigns/maternity-care-for-all-women/ https://www.home-start.org.uk/homestart-groups Support refugees with Housing: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/what_we_do/refugee_services/access_to_housing https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/what_we_do/refugee_services/access_to_housing/rooms_for_refugees/i_have_a_spare_room https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/your_situation/homeless_help_your_situation_-_refugees_and_asylum_seekers Support Refugees with employment and allowance: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/what_we_do/refugee_services/refugees_into_jobs/refugee_employment_advice_support_service http://www.renaisi.com/work/rise/ https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/our-services/ Sign this petition!: http://www.unhcr.org/withrefugees/petition/ Other websites where you can help: helprefugees.org https://www.facebook.com/donate/490507544717085/ refugeecommunitykitchen.com https://www.womensrefugeecommission.org http://www.refugeewomen.co.uk https://www.rescue.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 6: French Afrofeminism, Recy Taylor, Misogyny Within Reddit & Buy From a Black Woman This week VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza delves into the concept of Afrofeminism in France and its prominence at the Cannes Film Festival of 2018. A great moment for educating yourself on other feminist movements in other Countries, and how they play a part in a society separate from your own. VERVE Operative Helena Burton- Jones then discusses her experience after seeing the harrowing documentary ‘The Rape of Recy Taylor’. Moving on, VERVE blogger Kate Harveston explores the ways in which Reddit has become a home for misogynist groups such as ‘Incels’, and how it has affected the online community. And last, but certainly not least, USA VERVE Operative Claire Ryder talks with founder of Buy From a Black Woman, Nikki Porcher, about her innovative idea that turned into a positive impact for many Black Female owned businesses. Episode Notes: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-revival-of-afrofeminism-in-france : Article ‘Contesting Frenchness: The Revival of Afrofeminism in France’ by Badass Feminist Chanju Mwanza Asia Argento’s emotive speech from Cannes Festival: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/we-know-who-you-are-asia-argento-uses-closing-cannes-speech-to-call-out-abusers-in-audience-20180521-p4zghb.html Questionnaire from 2016 on media diversity: https://www.scribd.com/doc/295420251/Les-Franc-ais-et-la-diversite-a-la-te-le-vision Report on diversity in audio-visual representations: https://www.csa.fr/Archives/Les-collections-du-CSA/Les-observatoires/L-observatoire-de-la-diversite/Les-resultats-de-la-vague-2015-du-barometre-de-la-diversite-a-la-television French national identity documentary: https://www.mariannesnoires.com Amandine Gay’s documentary ‘Ouvrir La Voix (Speak Up!): https://ouvrirlavoixlefilm.fr https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-rape-of-recy-taylor : Article ‘The Rape of Recy Taylor’ by VERVE Operative Helena Burton- Jones More on the NAACP: https://www.naacp.org Info on the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/montgomery-bus-boycott History on the Civil Rights Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_rights_movement Official website for the documentary ‘The Rape of Recy Taylor’: https://www.therapeofrecytaylor.com/the-film-1/ https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/reddit-is-an-insane-breeding-ground-for-misogyny : Article ‘Reddit Is an Insane Breeding Ground for Misogyny’ by Journalist and Freelance Writer Kate Harveston Short list of rules on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/help/contentpolicy/ More on the disgusting Incels: https://www.vox.com/world/2018/4/25/17277496/incel-toronto-attack-alek-minassian More on the Manosphere: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/magazine/hunting-the-manosphere.html https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/nikki-porcher-founder-of-buy-from-a-black-woman : Article ‘Nikki Porcher: Founder of Buy From a Black Woman’ by VERVE Operative USA & Humanitarian Activist Claire Ryder Official website for Buy from a Black Woman: https://www.buyfromablackwoman.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 5: The West's Portrayal of Refugees, Honest Feminism & The Camps in Calais This week VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza reads her article on how the West portrays refugees, and presents to us the reality of refugee lives and explores their stories with us in an attempt to shift the gaze onto why we should welcome Refugees instead of being afraid of Refugees. Later on in the podcast we interview VERVE C.M.F (Chief Managing Feminist) Erin Whiteley on her recent volunteer trip with Help Refugees in Calais; detailing all the intricacies that she hopes will inspire you to go on your own trip. Details on how to help in the episode notes below. Also in this podcast we take a short moment for honesty as we read VERVE Blogger Rebecca Hancock’s article on her struggles but eventual journey to Feminism. Episode Notes: Article ‘The West’s Portrait of Refugees: Villains, Victims, Virile Monsters and Vicious Scroungers’ by VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/wests-portrait-of-refugees Another Article looking at the pregnant refugees from the Huffington Post: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/europe-pregnant-refugees_us_575eba7ce4b0ced23ca88e5e Article ‘A Moment For Honesty’ by VERVE Blogger Rebecca Hancock: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/a-moment-for-honesty Book by Laura Bates that helped Becky understand feminism: https://everydaysexism.com Simone de Beauvoir’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Sex-Simone-Beauvoir/dp/030727778X Interview transcript with Erin Whitley on her volunteer trip to Calais: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/a-volunteer-trip-with-help-refugees-an-interview-with-team-verve-member-erin Help Refugees charity website: https://helprefugees.org Refugee Community Kitchen charity: http://www.refugeecommunitykitchen.com L’Auberge de Migrants charity: https://www.laubergedesmigrants.fr/en/home/ VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 4: Mental Health Awareness Week Trigger Warning: This week we read some of our very own VERVE Women’s intimate stories on their struggles and journeys with their own mental health issues. From Anger, to Depression, to Anxiety & Panic Disorder, we hope to encourage the conversation surrounding mental health and break the stigma that we’re so used to accepting. We also explore the available options to those struggling: details in the episode notes. Episode Notes: Article ‘I’m Not Angry’ by Badass Feminist Sarah Velour: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/im-not-angry Article on topic Sarah brought up about whether men hate anger in women: https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/have-men-always-had-a-problem-with-anger-in-women-wcz/ Article ‘My Mental Health’ by VERVE Operative Helena Burton- Jones: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/my-mental-health Websites to go to if you need help: https://www.samaritans.org https://www.papyrus.com https://www.mind.org.uk https://www.bipolaruk.org Article ‘DEPRESSION- Anger Without the Enthusiasm’ by Chief Feminist Operative Anna Quick- Palmer: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/depression-anger-without-the-enthusiasm Source on how depression can be as deadly as smoking: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094933.htm Article ‘Where is Mental Health’s Feminism?’ by USA VERVE Operative Claire Ryder: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/where-is-mental-healths-feminism In the US: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): 1-800-931-2237 In the UK: SupportLine: 01708 765200 Samaritans: Call 116 123  Papyrus (for people under 35): Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm or Text 07786 209697  Childline (for anyone under 19): Call 0800 1111 – the number won't show up on your phone bill The Silverline (for older people): Call 0800 4 70 80 90 VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 3: Repealing the 8th, Women Who Changed the World, #freeblackmamas & Genderquake This week we look at Repealing the 8th Amendment in Ireland and read about one Irish woman’s thoughts on how she thinks it will be ‘righting a historical wrong’. Afterwards VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza celebrates 5 women throughout history who used their intelligence to enhance society and refused to play dumb in order for men to feel less threatened. Moving on we read through USA VERVE Operative Claire Ryder’s article on the pivotal movement #freeblackmamas, and how you can support it and the Black Women who’ve been wrongly imprisoned. Finally, we read VERVE freelance writer Laura Hely Hutchinson’s imperative article on Channel 4’s toxic and transphobic show ‘Genderquake’, and why Feminism has no room for it. Episode Notes: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/why-repealing-the-eighth-amendment-is-righting-a-historical-wrong - Article ‘Why Repealing The Eighth Amendment Is Righting A Historical Wrong’ by Badass Feminist Olivia Lynch- Kelly https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/a-feminist-history-of-women-who-didnt-play-dumb Article ‘A Feminist History of Women Who Didn’t Play Dumb’ by VERVE Operative Chanju Mwanza More Info on Marie Curie go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Curie More Info on Benazir Bhutto here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Bhutto More Info on Grace Hopper here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper More on Shirley Ann Jackson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Ann_Jackson More Info on Maria Beasley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Beasley https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/freeblackmamas Article ‘#FreeBlackMamas’ by VERVE Operative USA & Humanitarian Activist Claire Ryder First article Claire Ryder mentions: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/black-women-incarceration-mothers-day-bailout-cash-bail-20180507.html?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar&mobi=true More on Mama’s Day Bailout here: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/black-women-incarceration-mothers-day-bailout-cash-bail-20180507.html?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar&mobi=true https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/genderquake-why-theres-no-room-for-transphobia-in-feminism Article ‘Genderquake: Why There’s No Room for Transphobia in Feminism’ by Freelance VERVE Writer Laura Hely Hutchinson More on Genderquake here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/genderquake OFCOM article on 200 complaints: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/genderquake-the-debate-ofcom-complaints_uk_5af7f500e4b0e57cd9fa3e19 Article on anti-transgender bathroom hysteria: https://www.vox.com/2016/5/5/11592908/transgender-bathroom-laws-rights Why Helen Webberley refused to go onto Genderquake: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/trans-genderquake-debate-channel-4-germaine-greer-munroe-bergdorf-lgbt-rights-a8341776.html VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 2: Naomi Wadler, Female Artists & Fistula This week we discuss our love for Naomi Wadler and her inspiring and powerful speech at the March for Our Lives in the U.S on 24 March, 2018. Her exploration and unapologetic honesty about her support for all the Black Girls and Women who’ve been victims of gun violence brings us hope for the future of Feminism. VERVE wholly support and celebrate the equality of Black Women, and actively play a role in the fight for it. We also explore 5 female artists (Lorna Simpson, Valie Export, Ana Mendieta, Ewa Partum and J.C. Cowans) who we admire for their beautiful and detailed illustration of Womanhood through Art. And finally, our C.F.O (Chief Feminist Operative) Anna Quick- Palmer writes and reads about what Fistula is and how the rarely spoken about birth condition plagues women and girls in the developing world. Episode Notes: Article ‘She’s Got Verve: Why we love Naomi Wadler’, written by Chief Feminist Operative Anna Quick- Palmer: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/shesgotverve-why-we-love-naomi-wadler Naomi Wadler’s powerful speech at March for our Lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ZUDImTIQ8 Information on Marley Davis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/42027105 Marley Davis’ amazing #1000BlackGirlBooks startup: http://grassrootscommunityfoundation.org/1000-black-girl-books-resource-guide/ Interview between Naomi Wadler and Marley Davis: https://www.elle.com/culture/a19721055/naomi-wadler-is-the-11-year-old-activist-you-need-to-know/ Article ‘5 Female Feminist Artists You Need to Know’ by VERVE Blogger Rebecca Hancock: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/5-female-feminist-artists-you-need-to-know Artist 1: Lorna Simpson: http://www.lsimpsonstudio.com Artist 2: Valie Export: http://www.valieexport.at Artist 3: Ana Mendieta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana_Mendieta Artist 4: Ewa Partum: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/ewa-partum-11244 Artist 5: J. C. Cowans: https://www.instagram.com/farfromjaded/ Article ‘What Is Fistula?’ by C.F.O Anna Quick- Palmer If you want to donate or help in any way, go to this website: https://www.fistulafoundation.org VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

EPISODE 1: Welcome to VERVE! VERVE social links: Website: https://www.verveup.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verve_up FB: https://www.facebook.com/verveup/