Podcast appearances and mentions of claire balding

SERIES 7: Better With Age. It takes courage to reinvent yourself professionally, yet it becomes a necessity for many people over 50. Bestselling author Kathy Lette and publishing exec Jane Curry share their hilarious experiences of pushing through career blocks and tiresome ageing stereotypes. Brought to you by Australian Seniors, in partnership with RSPCA. Join Jean Kittson for the seventh season of DARE: The Time of Your Life (formerly Life’s Booming), called Better With Age. Australians are actually living longer, healthier lives, and reshaping what older looks like. So in this series, we are chatting with over 50s who are rewriting the ageing rule book, from career pivots to second acts. This episode celebrates the Reinvention Generation, and explores how we can continue to push through career blocks and debunk tiresome stereotypes as we age. Is it because that's just how we're wired? Or is it to prove that our best work is still ahead? Kathy Lette is an internationally bestselling author of more than 20 books, which have been translated into 20 languages. Her latest bestselling book, The Sisterhood Rules, takes readers on a rollercoaster ride that proves that from pain comes healing, from honesty comes forgiveness, and that nothing is more important than your sisters. Jane Curry is a highly experienced publishing executive, and managing director of Simon and Schuster, Australia and New Zealand. Jane is also the founder of Ventura Press, which she established to champion older female (and male) authors. Watch DARE: The Time of Your Life on YouTube Listen to DARE: The Time of Your Life on Apple Podcasts Listen to DARE: The Time of Your Life on Spotify For more information visit seniors.com.au/podcast Produced by Medium Rare Content Agency -- TRANSCRIPT Jean Kittson: Welcome to a new season of DARE: The Time of Your Life, formerly Life’s Booming, brought to you by Australian Seniors, in partnership with RSPCA. Hello I'm Jean Kittson, and this season is called Better With Age. We're flipping the script and showing how ageing is NOT a dirty word, rather it’s your time to live your life to its fullest. Australians are actually living longer, healthier lives, and reshaping what older looks like. So in this series, we are chatting with over 50s who are rewriting the ageing rule book, from career pivots to second acts. This episode celebrates the Reinvention Generation, and explores how we can continue to push through career blocks and debunk tiresome stereotypes as we age. Is it because that's just how we're wired? Or is it to prove that our best work is still ahead? To help us answer such questions is Jane Curry, a highly experienced publishing executive and newly-appointed managing director of Simon and Schuster, Australia and New Zealand. Jane is also the founder of Ventura Press, a company she started as a way of championing older female authors, many of whom only turned to writing later in life. And joining Jane is the fabulous author and beloved friend Kathy Lette. Her career has pushed boundaries from the get go, when she left school at 16 to write her debut novel, Puberty Blues. It had parents wringing their hands while teens lapped it up. And it was later turned into a movie and a TV series. She's gone on to pen more than 20 bestselling books, including her latest, the Sisterhood Rules, which has topped bestseller lists worldwide, and it's funny, fabulous and always empowering. Jane, Kathy, it's wonderful to have you both in the studio to speak about yourselves and your work. Kathy Lette: …and about you and your amazing work and your incredible life. Jean Kittson: Oh, do go on! Kathy Lette: My comic goddess right here before us, Jean. Jean's broken so many boundaries with her comedy. Jean Kittson: Oh Kathy, you’re amazing, and she's a long, long time beloved friend. And as you, in your words, you are my human wonder bra… Kathy Lette: …uplifting and supportive. I'd also say we are each other's big pair of knickers. We've got our asses covered. Jean Kittson: Mm-hmm. That's right. I can always, I mean, Kathy's the best friend you could possibly have. And don’t we all need… Kathy Lette: …Ditto. Jane Curry: …Don’t we all need female friendships, they keep us all going. Jean Kittson: You, Kathy. Kathy Lette: Yes. Jean Kittson: On a more serious note about, you have covered, you have written about all aspects of life from puberty to marriage, childbirth, menopause. Often based on your own experiences, you've inspired and entertained and soothed millions of readers, including your latest book, the Sisterhood Rules, which I absolutely love and should be a manual for any woman breaking up or any older woman wanting a bit of spice in her life, really. Kathy Lette: Haha, great, ha ha. Jean Kittson: But, um, when your previous publishers said to you. That nobody wants to read about middle-aged women. And they dropped you after 19 books in 17 languages. Kathy Lette: Yes. Jean Kittson: Bestsellers. Kathy Lette: Mm-hmm. Jean Kittson: And you went on to write the Revenge Club, another bestseller. I mean, how did you do that? Kathy Lette: I went to see my agent and said, I wanna write a book about four middle-aged women who take revenge on the men who've sidelined them and ruined their careers. And he was like, yeah, I dunno. Yeah, middle-aged women just aren't that sexy. And then I went to see my publisher at the time and my publisher was like, Hmm, middle-aged women. We know they exist, but nobody wants to go there. Jane Curry: Oh my goodness. Kathy Lette: And I looked at books written about women my age, like Anita Brooklyn novels, for example. And there was about sad, depressed, lonely women who wilt away and die in their flats and get eaten by their cats. Now I don't know any women like that. All my women friends are like Jean. They're swinging off a chandelier with a cocktail between their teeth. But when they, when they first said that to me, then my publisher dropped me. I thought, gosh, maybe I have passed my amuse-by date. And just for a moment, I did, I did have a real crisis of confidence. But then of course I'm an Aussie girl and we, Aussie girls are made of stern stuff Jane Curry: Dig deep. Kathy Lette: So I thought, nah, he's wrong. They're both wrong. So I got a new, I got a gay agent and I got a new publisher, Bloomsbury, and the book went to number-one on the bestseller list, which was the best revenge. It's called the Revenge Club – success! So yeah, it was so exciting. And also, I love writing about women this age because our hinterland is huge. You know, we've had the marriages, the divorces, the breakups, the promotions, the back stabs. We've raised the kids. We've looked after our aged parents as Jean did so, so devotedly. We've got so much to talk about and so much to share, and so much wisdom. Just at the time, society hands us the old invisibility cloak and puts us out to career pasture. It's not just me imagining that we, women my age, are given the cloak of invisibility. A few years ago, MI5 said they wanted to hire middle-aged women as spies because nobody sees us. Jean Kittson: Oh. Kathy Lette: Soak that up. And I remember the governor of the board of the Bank of England. He said, not long ago, that the economy was going through a menopausal phase. Sluggish. Jean Kittson: Oh. Kathy Lette: And I was like, tell that to Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett… Jane Curry: Michelle Obama… Kathy Lette: …all the other people. Michelle Obama, all these other menopausal and postmenopausal women. So the sexism is sewn into our psyche. We really have to fight hard against that. And thanks to Jean and others of our generation. We've taken the stigma out of menopause. But the next big feminist hurdle for us is sexist ageism, because we get treated in a different way to men our age and, and we really have to rail against it. Because we're now prime, we're in the peak of our productivity. Jane Curry: But also we've all had to witness when the BAFTAs was on, every time we see these women who are completely transformed because they're not allowed to age in public. Kathy Lette: Mm. Jane Curry: So that's the standard. Yes. I mean, we are fortunate in where we're in the book business, so it's brain first in our business and always has been. Kathy Lette: Better to be witty than pretty. Jane Curry: Yeah, yeah – witty than pretty. And I remember a friend of mine who is actually a cosmetic surgeon, he said to me that it, you know, it's the women who are, have always been beautiful, that have had that sense of power when they walk into a room and they turn heads because of their beauty, they're the ones that find it harder to age. Kathy Lette: Well, it's a diminishing asset. Jane Curry: Yes. So whereas, you know, when you're in the book business as I've been, and Kathy, the entertainment book, um, you know, women of letters, we do have that our brain is our superpower. Kathy Lette: Yeah, yeah. Jane Curry: And then what we look like comes after that. Yes. Jean Kittson: It's hard to fight it though, isn't it? Kathy Lette: It is hard to fight it, Jean Kittson: …especially when you are performing and… Jane Curry: Oh yes. Well, in this new job I've just got, I got tapped on the shoulder to run Simon Schuster. So the first thing I found was all the, the settings on Zoom and teams. Because I’m reporting to the UK and I'm having meetings in the US all the time and sometimes I first thing in the morning, like 7.30 in the morning. So I'm like, where's the filter. Jean Kittson: Where’s the sparkle wand! Jane Curry: You know, we used to laugh when I worked at Macmillan. You know, we used, you know, there's fabulous filters that Jackie Collins had on all their photographs. Kathy Lette: Oh my gosh, yes. In fact, I've had lunch with Jackie Collins a few times with Joan Collins. Joan and Jackie, I mean, the double whammy. Jean Kittson: Yes. Jane Curry: Talk about sisterhood. Kathy Lette: Sensational broads. But, um, Joan Collins will move everybody around the table till she's got the right lighting. And isn't she clever? You know that when you do, when you're filming, they have that big silver thing that reflects the [light], why can't we have a dress made out of that? Jean Kittson: Well, why can't we! Kathy Lette: Or shoes? Jean Kittson: Because we don't care, Kathy. We don't care. Kathy Lette: We don't care. Jane Curry: Often we’re rushing from one thing to the next. Kathy Lette: Don't care. We don't care. But Jean, see, Jean and I don't do, don’t do any of that Botoxing stuff. Jane Curry: No. Nor do I. Kathy Lette: I think men should just read between my lines, the books, the babies, the hours of fun-loving flirtation. But it does get hard to resist it whenever all the other women… Jane Curry: …I think that's the thing when… Kathy Lette: …look much younger Jane Curry: that, right, what they call in the, you know, in data they call it benchmarking. So like any set of data figures in my world, you know, you benchmark against what was the bestseller. And so it's sort of benchmarking when you're talking about sales and all of that. But it's benchmarking with what we look like. So you sort of benchmark against, we, I think we're very critical of ourselves, because you look at another woman who's the same age and they've had the facelift and they've had everything done. And then look, I momentarily worry about it. And then honestly, you, I look at my to-do list and I think, no. Jean Kittson: Yeah, and I've got two daughters, so I don't want to be that role model. I've always said it's not what you look like, it's what you feel like, you know? Kathy Lette: Yes. Keep the lights low. Greatest beauty aid known to woman for all time. You know, what's happened in Hollywood, the pediatric, um, technicians there. The doctors noticed that the babies were not hitting their developmental milestones. And they were saying, is it because they're, they're having too much, um, carcinogens in their smoked salmon? I'm thinking, no, it's Botox. Because babies look at your face, like when you go, I love your little baby. The baby goes and you go, ah… If you've had Botox and you're going, ‘I love you’, and the baby's going, ‘uh’, you’re going, ‘uh’. They're not learning anything. Jean Kittson: Absolutely. Jean Kittson: You should write a research paper on that. They should do it. Kathy Lette: This is hysterical, isn't it? I know. Jean Kittson: I was told not to go, I mean. Not to go grey because I wouldn't, in the gig economy, I wouldn't get work. Apparently the research shows that if you, that men don't like actually working with women with grey hair. Kathy Lette: …Because it reminds them of their mothers, is it? Jean Kittson: …Maybe they feel that they… Kathy Lette: …it's ageing them… Jean Kittson: Have to defer or - No, not defer… Kathy Lette: …but they can have grey hair. Jean Kittson: They can have grey hair. So there are some interesting facts their. Kathy Lette: I was gonna say, part of the problem is that we never see women who look like us. 85% of people on British and Australian television over 50 are men. So the women just get immediately sidelined and put out to career pasture when they get one grey hair and one wrinkle. We should be saying, we wanna see ourselves reflected. Don't, don't disappear us. Jean Kittson: You know, Jane, you would see, um, this in the industry. You've seen this before. What happened to Kathy? Have you? Jane Curry: Oh, yes, because a lot of decisions are made on data. You know, they'll say, oh, and particularly I think people got very frightened when social media arrived. They got very frightened that they had to chase people with massive Instagram following. Oh, yes. And then there was this sort of Sally Rooney phenomena where everybody wanted a ‘Normal People’. And that was that emerging, you know, Kathy Lette: Irish writers… Jane Curry: …Irish and, and all that sort of coming of age story that, and we are, we are just, we move as a pack, the publishing industry. So once there's one Normal People, you can guarantee the next year there'll be 10 Normal People. And that's a book for people that haven't read it, that was published by Sally Rooney. It was a debut novel and you know, it was one of the zeitgeist novels. Kathy Lette: She became a publishing phenomenon. Jean Kittson: In terms of ageism in comedy, it's just a general feeling that I think women, first of all, women in comedy has been really hard from the start and you really have to push and it's a much more sort of natural environment for men because they're confident and some, some comedians can go on and and not even have thought about what they're going to say, they're just so confident. Kathy Lette: Yeah. Jean Kittson: When I was starting out in comedy, I would be starting out with other, the few women that were around in the 80s and we'd be in pubs and we'd go on stage and everyone would be drinking and eating their pizza, and no one would listen and the women would come off and going, oh my God, I'm just not funny. I haven't got good material. I stink. I can't do this. The men would go out there and they would get exactly the same reaction. People are just drinking and they'd come back and they'd go, that audience wouldn't know a joke if it was up them. They're just so freaking hopeless, and they'd just blame the audience and women would blame themselves, and I don't know where that comes from, but I think it can become more pronounced as you get older and there's slowly, more and more diminishing things that happen to you Like walking into a butcher and the butcher saying, hello, young lady, and you think I'm too, I'm too young to be called a young lady. You know, I not old enough. That's something that they would say to your grandmother, Hello, young lady, and expect you to like that. Expect it to be a compli–– Jane Curry: …A pat on the head. Jean Kittson: …Yeah, a pat. It's so patronising. Kathy Lette: Yeah. There's also this, it's an inbuilt prejudice against women that were not funny, and I, I was at a dinner party in London once and, and the hostess made a really good joke and the husband and men didn't pay any attention. The husband just went, oh, you know, embarrassing women can't tell jokes. And I was like, that's because we marry them. It made everybody laugh at him and that did take away his power. So just lean into that, that verbal ability that women have, you know, we’re more verbally dexterous. So use it like, develop what I call the black belt and tongue-fu! Quiplash, you know! Jean Kittson: Yeah, that's fantastic. Don't censor. Good comeback. Kathy Lette: Yes. Yeah. Good comeback. Jean Kittson: I know, I think we are getting stronger and we shouldn't, we shouldn't, um, suppress our strength as we probably have to keep peace, you know, with the family. That's right. With our work to balance everything. Yeah. You suppress a lot of who you are. Jane Curry: My eldest always says to me. Mum, you're overthinking. And that's the best mental health advice or whatever we do. We do overthink, Kathy Lette: But I think women should just or never go… You're underdressed if you go out at night without a couple of good one-liners tucked up your trouser leg. Jane Curry: That's really good advice. Kathy Lette: Because if, if you whack it back… Jane Curry: yes, Kathy Lette: …and make other people laugh at them, you completely take away their power. Jean Kittson: Well, you've got so many good one-liners, so you're like a one-liner factory. Jane Curry: I've got, I've gotta lift my game. Jean Kittson: Ah, yeah, exactly. So do I. So when your publishers said that ridiculous thing that nobody wants to read about middle aged women… Kathy Lette: …mm-hmm… Jean Kittson: Did you ever doubt yourself and think that I might have to reinvent myself in any way? Kathy Lette: I did. I, just for a moment, I lost confidence and I thought maybe I have passed my amuse-by-date. But then I looked around at my own female friends and I thought, they're so wonderful. They're all, you know, swinging off a chandelier with a toyboy between their teeth. I wanna write about these women. But I think as a writer, I'm always reinventing because I cannibalise my own life. My mother's a teacher and I think I've got a bit of her teacher gene that I always write the book I wish I'd had when I was going through something. So from, to the girls in Puberty Blues, you know, to teach them that they were more than a life support system to, to a pair of breasts, you know, to girls dating and, and then to motherhood and, and marriage and divorce and menopause, and raising an autistic child, raising a teenager, you know, now this post-menopausal second act. So I'm always reinventing because I'm, I'm changing. You know, women are used to change. We've got so much change going on in our lives. So, yeah, I think it comes naturally to women. So if you are reinventing yourself post menopause, you know, it's just, it's almost like situation normal. We're always constantly changing. And even divorce, I don't see divorce as a failure. I just see it as a change. Jean Kittson: Yes. Kathy Lette: You know, life is long from honeymoon to tomb to be like 80 years so, just if you need to reinvent, you know it's okay, and it comes more naturally to women. So don't be afraid of change. Change is good. But I would say women this age, this is a coming of age time. Jane Curry: Yes. Kathy Lette: Because we're the first generation who are economically independent. We've got the, the rock of fuel of HRT, we've got the chutzpah and the the courage to say what we are thinking. We are reinventing ourselves, having a sensational second act. Because I always say this time of your life, for women, is the best because post menopause, you know, you've, you've got no, you don't have to worry about period cramps or pregnancy scares. You've got all that tampon money to spend, you know… Jean Kittson: …and kids are grown up. You've got all that crystallised experience, as they call it. Kathy Lette: Yeah. I wanna know what you think of this, Jane. Because I accidentally invented – I hate the term – chick lit… Jane Curry: …I know what you're going to say… Kathy Lette: …I accidentally invented it in the 70s with Puberty Blues.. Jane Curry: Yes. Yes. Chook-lit. Kathy Lette: And then, then when I wrote Mad Cows and Fetal Attraction, I sort of invented Mummy-Lit. Jane Curry: Mm-hmm. Kathy Lette: And then when I wrote Nip and Tuck, that was nip-lit. And I'm like, I need a new genre for women our age. And I, and I thought, well, post 50, you get that fabulous, ‘Oh, feck it I'm 50’ gene, where you no longer care what people think about you. So I was thinking. What about, I-don't-give-a-s***-lit? Mm-hmm. Jane Curry: That's brilliant. Jean Kittson: Oh, good. You got the tick from a publisher! Kathy Lette: Wouldn't that be a good. And imagine we’re at Booker Prize and they go, ‘And now in the genre of I-don't-give-a -s***-lit. Yeah. Jane Curry: You know, in Hollywood, all the entertainment [industry] is catching. If you think of the Thursday murder club, that was Richard Osmond, of course, he's an older man, so he can get away with it. But you know, the adaptation with Helen Mirren and you know, those amazing actors. So Kathy Lette: Yes Jane Curry: So there is starting to be balanced… Kathy Lette: But that's even older. That's, that's when they're in the retirement home. I'm talking about this moment. Yeah, just postmenopausal, where we're the publishers are saying it's not sexy, it's not attractive. It's right when you're older, for some reason there's a jump to the Judi Dench. Jane Curry: It’s called the silver dollar then. Kathy Lette: Yeah. Jean Kittson: Oh yes. The silver dollar. Kathy Lette: Well, what about the postmenopausal dollar? Yes. You know who thinks reading books? It's women our age. Jane Curry: Well, actually, I always say to any publisher, go to a writer's festival. It's all women, of a certain age. Our age Jean Kittson: Over 50. Jane Curry: Over 50. Yeah, filling the audience. Jean Kittson: Yes, Kathy Lette: I'm on book tour right now for the sisterhood rules and I'm going around the country. It's been to Perth. I've been doing them in Sydney and Melbourne, and I'm about to go up, up to Queensland and I meet, I get to meet the readers, which is so fabulous. It's my favorite thing. Wonderful. And they're, they're women of a certain age. They bring me up little, little kind of anecdotal, doggy bags, a little story they've saved up for me about who their husband had an affair with or how they got revenge or whatever it is. And they're so funny and they sometimes they cry as well. Yeah. They'll have a cry and they'll tell me something very personal that's happened to them. And we have a hug and they're all so interesting. I wanna go out on a girl's night out with all of them all the time. Jane Curry: Yes, we be… Kathy Lette: …and yet they're written off. Jane Curry: Yeah, I was thinking a lot about it getting ready this morning and yeah, as, as you get older, you look back at how society's structured and it is so sort of primally structured around power and money and… Kathy Lette: …which has predominantly been male… Jane Curry: …which is predominantly male. So I've, so then I thought, so you've got, as a woman, you've got two ways of doing that. You can either become, marry into that and become the trophy wife and be terrified that they're going to leave you. So there's that way of attaching yourself to money or there's the other way of doing it, which is the way I did it, was to make it yourself. Kathy Lette: Yes, exactly. So always a better option. Jane Curry: So that was my option. So that's why I've sort of admired those other women from afar because I've never been part of their world. Even at university, I was never part of that world. I, we as, women, have to decide very early on, I think it's innate, I don’t know whether you make an actual decision, how you're gonna fit around that, those two binaries, power and money. But as women. It's not naturally given to us. So we have to decide. Even in the corporate world, that means we've got to constantly keep up with that. Kathy Lette: …Appearances. Jane Curry: …Appearances or… Kathy Lette: …Trophy mustn't be tarnished. Jean Kittson: Well, that's right. That's right. It's a big role to fill for the whole of your life. Trying to live up to that. Yeah. Sorry. There was a billboard saying, um, many years ago, which was a brilliant billboard saying, which I had a picture of a young woman, don't marry a millionaire. Become a millionaire. Kathy Lette: But when I, when I give talks in schools to girls, which I do often, I always say to them, choose your partner carefully. Because if you wanna be an alpha, alpha female in having a big career, if you choose an alpha man, guess who's gonna be the one who has to pull back when the child's sick or whatever. But if you choose a beta male, someone who'll adore you, not bore you and do all your chores for you, who wants to put you on a pedestal and will probably polish it while you're up there. You know, you've gotta have a much bigger and better and more satisfying career. So just, I've, I've been married to two Alphas whom I adore, but I've, I've now gotta beta boyfriend and beta’s, beta’s better. You know, like my fa— The women who are very successful in British television, for example, Sandy Toksvig, Sue Perkins, Claire Balding, are all gay. What do they have wives? Yeah, wives, and I've kind of got a male wife now and it, and it's fabulous. I highly recommend it. Jean Kittson: That's a really good, Jane Curry: That's funny because Kathy's just in from Perth. I'm just in from Brisbane. My overnight bike from Brisbane is just on the floor of my bedroom, just and so yeah, that's, we don't have wives. Kathy Lette: No, that's what need Jane Curry: We need, we need the backup. Jean Kittson: Yes. So what would you say to people or at who are already over 50 and who are confronting this ageism? I mean, how do, how do they manage it? What should, because the confidence… I'll tell you a quick story. A friend of mine's a teacher and she retired. She was a brilliant teacher, still is. She was doing some casual work and she, uh, went to the person organising the casual work at the, at the secondary college. She'd been working. At for 20 years and said, I'm really liking the casual work. You know, any casual work you can throw my way, that'd be good because I'm finding it hard to live on the pension. And he said, ‘Ah, I don't know. There's a lot of younger casual teachers around and they've got more longevity and productivity than you have.’ You don't need productivity and longevity to be a good teacher. Kathy Lette: No. Jean Kittson: For a developing mind. Kathy Lette: She needs to teach him that lesson. I hope she got up on the table and tap danced. Jean Kittson: You used to say, Kathy, in television, it doesn't matter what you, um, uh, what age you are, as long as it, you don't look at, that's what the producers used to say. Kathy Lette: Oh, yes. They're saying you've passed your use by date. Well, guess what? Tesco, a big supermarket chain in Britain, just took use-by dates off the food, because they said, make up your own mind. And I think the same should be done for women. Jean Kittson: Exactly. Kathy Lette: Take our use-by date off, judge us on our performance and our enthusiasm and our flexibility and our knowledge and our… Jean Kittson: Exactly. Kathy Lette: …sense of humor. And we're, we're individuals. You know,. what you have to do to survive the second act is go a lot of girls' nights out, a lot of laughter and, and sisterly camaraderie and um, strength in numbers, you know, and just boost each other up, give each other work. Like really put the, put your hand down and, and pull women up behind you. Jane Curry: Yeah. Kathy Lette: But in this, in the Sisterhood Rules, I've put lots of rules in the beginning about sisterly solidarity, like love and loyalty and sticking to each other like a nylon dress in a heat wave. And it also encouraging women to think big, like don't tell men you want their seats on the bus. You want their seats on the board. Like, think big. We're too, we don't have big enough ambitions for ourselves. Husbands come and go, but um, the sisterhood lasts forever. That's the most important rule I will share with you. Jean Kittson: I agree totally. It's really important to have people you can ring up when you're feeling really down and just have a chat with them and then they lift you up and that's so important. And I, I wonder if you'd want to talk about when you gave up publishing — I mean, when you left your job and opened your own publishing company, did you have a mentor then or, well, who was supporting you? Jane Curry: Amazing timing to ask me that. because I'm just about to go to the London book Fair and I got my first job in publishing in London and my boss, who must be now in her eighties, is still an absolute mover and shaker. Kathy Lette: What's her name? Jane Curry: Kit Van Tulleken. She's the mother of the Van Tulleken twins. Kathy Lette: Great name. Jane Curry: The Van Tulleken twins. Who are those… They're doctors that sell millions of copies of their books. Twins, identical twins. Jean Kittson: Oh, you've written about twins. Kathy Lette: Yeah. Jane Curry: Yeah. So they, she had the corner office when I was literally sitting in a corridor at about age 22 or 23, and there she was in the corner office and her two boys would come in after school. And I just looked up and thought she was my absolute role model. Kathy Lette: Oh, great. Jane Curry: And I'm seeing her in the London book fair. Kathy Lette: Nice. Jane Curry: And then I think it's important for other women who are, you know, working. I have a coach, I have a business coach, so I see her once a month and she sorts my head out – not a psychologist, but business wise. So where we have our natural weaknesses and we, you know, she'll always say you've – she's the ones that send, sends me those texts when I'm saying, I've got this difficult discussion, or I, you know, or different, you know, different emotions that you're taking to meetings just to take the emotion out of it and rely on the business. So I think that's important for people as who are working, because we are older, so we do have the capacity to sort of resource ourselves. So rather than have a cleaner, I'd rather have a business coach. Jean Kittson: Yeah. Oh, absolutely. That's such a good… Kathy Lette: …To clean out your, your, your brain. Yes. We do a lot of mentoring in England to younger women through the Women of the World Festival. We mentor young girls at school. We go in the wheel, we go, you know, the, you know the millennial wheel? Jane Curry: Oh yes. Kathy Lette: And we're in different pods and we go around in a pod with a group of girls, and then the next time we get off and get in another pod. So it's, we make it fun, but it's also very helpful for them And it's good for me. I learn a lot from them as well. Jane Curry: Yeah. One of the things I've learned going back into corporate after about 10 years of running my own business is, you know, the young women that we employ, you know how they're much more in their power than I ever was at that age. Jean Kittson: Oh, definitely. Jane Curry: When I was getting divorced, my lawyer turned around and said, are you okay? And I said, yes. I think looking at the kangaroo and the emu on the coat of arms thinking, how on earth did I end up here? Um, but then I said afterwards, I said, how do you do that every day? And he said, take the emotion. There's no emotion in it for me, Jane. I take the emotion out of it. And I've always remembered that advice. So take the emotion out of things. Even the most difficult business transaction, you know, when you've, particularly in publishing, you're dealing with creative people, you know, but take the emotion out of it. Look at the bare bones of the business transaction. Put the emotion in at the beginning and the end. But when it comes to actually achieving an outcome that is to the satisfaction of both parties, take the emotion out of it. So, channeling my divorce lawyer! Kathy Lette: When I got divorced, I remember saying – I knew they charged by the hour – so I used to go in and say, no adjectives, no adverbs, no anecdotes. Just get straight to the facts! But getting back to the mental thing, I just like to say that I, I do wanna encourage all women to always help other women. And when I published, when I wrote Puberty Blues as a teenager, that was rejected by about 10 publishers. Then I saw Anne Summers had written a piece in the paper about, um, gang rapes in Queensland or something. I thought she'll get this surfy brutality that goes on, and I sent her some of the manuscript and she sent it to a small feminist publishing group called McPhee Gribble in Melbourne. And the rest is history. So that was an absolute perfect example of the sisterhood supporting each other. Jean Kittson: And getting it, understanding each other. Kathy Lette: Understanding each other. That's right. Jean Kittson: And what they're going through and the importance of talking about it. Kathy Lette: We just need more women in power. Why can't, why can't women just run the world just for a year? We say to the men, go play golf. Do whatever you like. Just go for a year, just let us take over. We can't do a worse job than you've done and see what we could achieve. Jane Curry: Well, fortunately COVID has given us flexible work conditions. We couldn't get it beforehand, but most of my staff now, we've got nearly a hundred people and it's fantastic. So we've got lots of young mothers on the payroll. Jean Kittson: Oh that's great Jane Curry: And they work, you know, it's great. I've re and I think it took COVID to allow the bosses… Kathy Lette: Yes. Jane Curry: …the patriarchy, to see that working from home is, it can work. Kathy Lette: Because that's another big sexist trope. You know, that society expects women to raise children as though we don't work as well. Jane Curry: That's why I started my own business. Yes. Because when I told my boss I was expecting. The very first thing he said to me was, well, you can't work part-time. That's what he said to me. And I was the managing director at the time, and I actually miscarried that baby. So it gave me a little window to get out from under. So that's when I went to Macmillan because Ross Gibb, who's just retired from publishing, he said over lunch at Machiavelli's – because publishing still has a few lunches – I told him the story and he said, Jane, you can work part-time for me. He's lovely any day. Kathy Lette: He lovely. He was my publisher for a while. Jane Curry: So that's why I went to Macmillan. Because people say, why did you go from being a managing director to being a publisher? And I did that because Ross said, you can work for me any day. He saw the value of female talent. Kathy Lette: Yeah. Yes. Jane Curry: So I had a fantastic year, few years. What about seven years at Macmillan whilst I had my two boys. I'm like, Kathy Lette: See, revenge, revenge! Fabulous. I think the reason women are drawn, I've them… Jean Kittson: …outlive them! Kathy Lette: I think the reason women are drawn to revenge is it's sweet, but totally non fattening – fabulous. Jane Curry: It is, it is. So Ross Gibbs – we do have our allies. Kathy Lette: We do, we do. And it's been important to say that… Jane Curry: …yes… Kathy Lette: …that of course there are great men who do support us and want the best for us. But we need more, we need more men, at the barricades. I've been saying the same feminist things – Jean and I have been saying the same thing through our comedy since we were teenagers, and we still don’t have equal pay. So we need men to get on the barricades with us and say, enough, you know, we, we need equality, we need it now. And I often say, some men challenge me when I'm on tour and they'll say, you know, you feminists are asking for too much. And I'm like, are we, are we really asking for too much equal pay? We'd like men to help us more around the house, which is in their interest. Is it scientifically proven? No woman ever shot a husband while he's vacuuming. We'd like them to do the odd sensitive thing with snow peas in the kitchen, because the weight to a woman's heart through her stomach. Not aiming too high. Jane Curry: Because I've got boys who are now in their 20s, so I've looked at it through that, you know, men's mental health, they don't want to always be the strong and the tough ones. Kathy Lette: No. Feminism works for men as well. Jane Curry: Yes. That's the thing. Exactly. They're allowed to have emotions… Kathy Lette: …and not have the pressure to be the breadwinner and all of that. Jane Curry: Yeah. So I see it, you know, having raised boys as a feminist, you know, to make sure that we can have open discussions. And, yeah, I'd like to think that they're well on the way to being good allies. But yeah, it is a brutal world out there. So I just think we do have to look out for each other and I'm really thrilled to be working with young women, again. Jean Kittson: To sum up this fantastic conversation, which could go on for hours, um, how would you, uh, what is the main message you like to say to people over 50 who are confronted by ageism or sexism, and how do they find it in them, the courage to stop that voice going, maybe I am too old. Kathy Lette: Well, I would say carpe diem, like there's no tomorrow. You know, tempus is fugiting – if not now, when, and you know. One of my mottoes is adventure before dementia. Not that I'm making light of that terrible disease, but you never know what's around the corner. So there's no time to waste. Be… have as much fun and frivolity. Be as outrageous as you can possibly be because you know, this is your last big hurrah. You know… Jean Kittson: Be assertive now! Kathy Lette: Yes, don't have any qualms. Just, you know, tap dance on that tabletop. Jane Curry: When I've had moments of self-doubt, I get moving. Not necessarily tap dancing, but get active, lift weights, go to the gym, run, walk the dog – dark clouds, gather. That's what I'd say if I was in that frame of mind and wondering how the world was going to greet me, I'd take the world on and get active, get those endorphins flowing. Because then you feel so much better. Kathy Lette: And also lean into the sisterly comradery. Jane Curry: Yes. Kathy Lette: Go out with your girlfriend as often. Which Jean and I do. Jean Kittson: Yes. Find beautiful women like yourselves and ring them up or have a glass of champagne. Kathy Lette: Yes. The human wonder bras uplifting, supportive, and make each other look bigger and better. Which is what Jean has done for us today. Thank you. Jean Kittson: Oh no, you two have, you've both been fantastic been great fun. Thank you so much. What a great conversation. Kathy Lette: Thank you Jean. Jean Kittson: Thanks. Kathy Lette: Sisterhood rules. ALL: Sisterhood Rules! Jean Kittson: Thank you to Kathy Lette and Jane Curry. You've been listening to DARE: The Time of Your Life, brought to you by Australian seniors. Please leave a review and share this show with someone you know. Visit seniors.com au/podcast for more episodes. I’m Jean Kittson. Thank you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've been Traitors mad so Claire Balding joined Gabby and Mark for a slightly different episode of The Sports Agents. Don't worry there's no spoilers from the final! Is she bitter no one listened to her about Alan? Why did everyone underestimate Joe Marler? What did Claire tell the producers they should change about the game? And how did Claire know Celia was going to fart? Plus we look back at two huge interviews on the podcast this week with former England manager Gareth Southgate and Euros winner Mary Earps.

We've been Traitors mad so Claire Balding joined Gabby and Mark for a slightly different episode of The Sports Agents. Don't worry there's no spoilers from the final! Is she bitter no one listened to her about Alan? Why did everyone underestimate Joe Marler? What did Claire tell the producers they should change about the game? And how did Claire know Celia was going to fart? Plus we look back at two huge interviews on the podcast this week with former England manager Gareth Southgate and Euros winner Mary Earps.

Dearest faithful EIC listeners, happy Friday, it's time for a round table discussion to dissect the biggest stories from the week.The UK's first ever celebrity Traitors is here, following beloved series across in the US. This cohort include huge figures like Stephen Fry, Claire Balding, Jonathan Ross, Charlotte Church, Alan Carr and Nick Mohammed to name a few. The show, which was recorded earlier this year at Ardross Castle in Scotland, features 19 celebrity contestants competing for a prize of £100,000 for a charity of their choosing. We talk about whether or the beloved show is executing this new famous format.Next up, sugar daddy finances. We recently read a piece for Bustle by Camille Soheet Pesha called Even The Sugar Daddies Are Feeling The Squeeze: As costs of living climb, high earners who once had money to burn on their sex lives are cutting back.” And in the piece she explores a troubling trend where the men who were once willing and able to splash the cash on sugar babies are now struggling to keep up. Sugar dating, for anyone not aware, is a type of transactional relationship where sugar daddies, typically older and wealthier, would offer gifts and money and a better quality of life to often younger, very beautiful women who offer companionship and intimacy. We discuss our thoughts on the piece.Lastly, last year we had Brat girl summer, but the season of green might not be over yet, are we potentially having Zack Polanski autumn? The Green party has reached over 110,000 members at the time of recording, for the first time. In England and Wales the party has had over a 55% rise in membership since Polanski took over last month. Polanski has had an unconventional path to politics, previously working as an actor, hypnotherapist and mental health counsellor. And yet is proving to be one of the most effective communicators we've seen in a very long time. One of Polanksi's slogans is ‘Let's make hope normal again', is this stratospheric new interest in the Green Party making us feel hopeful?We hope you enjoy listening, please do leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and a rating on Spotify or wherever you get podcasts, love, O,R,B xxRuchira's been loving: RoofmanBeth's been loving: Better ManOenone's been loving: Game Of ThronesThe Celebrity TraitorsEven The Sugar Daddies Are Feeling The SqueezeGreen Party over 100k membersThanks so much to Cue for editing this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Royal Ascot starts, Gabby and Mark take you behind the scenes at one of the best stables in the country - Park House Stables in Kingsclere. Trained by Claire Balding's brother, Andrew Balding, the horses from Park House won over £5m in prize money domestically last year, putting them second in the Trainers Championship, and they've got 25 horses racing at Royal Ascot. Gabby and Mark hear about visits from the late Queen Elizabeth II and horse passports as we watch the horses ride out and take a tour with Anna-Lisa Balding. We meet top jockeys Hollie Doyle and Rob Hornby, to chat about the physical demands of racing and sweating to hit the right weight. Lead trainer Andrew Balding blows our minds by knowing all 250 horses inside out and explains how he prepares them to win the biggest races. Plus, Mark gets on an Equicizer horse simulator, guided by young rider trainer, Leanne White. You can watch the full episode on our YouTube channel here. Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

It was when Nicola worked with her dad at the Liverpool fish markets as a teenager, she learned all about grit, hard work and having the courage to speak up for herself. She had no idea then these lessons would be the foundation of an extraordinary career.Nicola started out in journalism and went on to work at places like ITN and GMTV. But when her working life wasn't suiting her personal life – she created her own talent agency. Eventually she sold this – but carried on with working in the industry at James Grant Management.Over the years Nicola has worked with huge names like Ant and Dec, Claire Balding and Gabby Logan. But then she decided she'd have another next chapter and yes, she created another company.Now she runs her executive search firm, Ibison Media placing people in leadership roles in huge television and media companies all over the world.In this episode we discuss:How to overcome the nerves we all feel.What it's really like working with those superstars.How a chance (little bit drunken) conversation with Anthea Turner's sister, Wendy changed everything.What to do when your work life and personal life no longer match.What happened when Nicola was sent to look for a one-legged duck.Nicola believes so much comes down to being kind and supportive to others. She says everyone feels nervous, but sometimes we just have to take a deep breath and pick up the phone.To learn more about Nicola and her fabulous work you can find her here: https://ibisonmedia.com/And I'd love it if you kept in touch . I'll send you little notes about these conversations and much here - you can sign up here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chemmy Alcott is probably the most well-known woman in snowsports in the UK.  After a racing career that took her to four Winter Olympics, she now balances presenting Ski Sunday on the BBC, with bringing up her young family and coaching new aspiring racers.  This special episode is part of an occasional set of podcasts I'm going to be publishing this winter focussing particularly on women in the snowsports industry.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Chemmy's given name is Chemine (2:45) In Dec 2010 Chemmy suffered a double fracture of her right leg at Lake Louise (5:00) Shortly after Chemmy learned her funding had been withdrawn by BSS (8:45) Third Space helped Chemmy with funding (9:45) Chemmy took part in ‘Dancing on Ice' in 2012, finishing 5th (11:45) BSS said Chemmy's participation was an ‘acceptable' risk (13:00) Chemmy has broken over 40 bones in her career (16:00) Injuries include a dislocated jaw, broken neck, broken back, broken ribs, groin tears, two ACLs, compound tibia/fibula fracture and a broken ankle Chemmy learned to ski in Flaine and takes her family there now (22:00) Her first race was when she was 3 years old (although she didn't win!) (23:30) Chemmy made her FIS debut at Coronet Peak in 1997 (27:30) She won medals at the European Youth Olympics in 1999 in SuperG and GS (28:45) In 2002 Chemmy beat Lyndsey Vonn in Junior Worlds and was 4th overall (29:00) Chemmy took part in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (29:45) Chemmy competed in all five disciplines: Downhill, Super G, GS, slalom and combined Alain Baxter ‘won' the bronze in Slalom at Salt Lake (31:00) Chemmy finished 11th in the Downhilll at the 2006 Turin Olympics (32:00) At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Chemmy finished 11th in  the super-combined (37:00) Chemmy broke her leg again in the summer of 2013 in Saas Fee (39:30) Sochi in 2014 was Chemmy's fourth Winter Olympics (43:00) She finished 19th in the Downhill, which ‘felt like a gold' (43:15) Lady Gaga is an inspiration (44:00) Chemmy retired in 2014 and started working on ‘Ski Sunday' in 2015 (46:00) Working on the 2018 Winter Olympics, Chemmy teamed up with Claire Balding (46:45) In 2020 Chemmy joined Ed Leigh as one of the presenters of ‘Ski Sunday' (47:15) Listen to Iain's in-depth interview with Chemmy while she was based in Laax (47:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Ed Leigh (49:00) Why isn't there more freestyle coverage on ‘Ski Sunday'? (51:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Zac Carrick-Smith (52:30) On how women take those decisions to find time for themselves (58:00) Listen to Chemmy explaining about her downhill POV camera runs (59:30) Leonardo Da Vinci:  "Once you've tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe so every episode will automatically be downloaded for you  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link

Hair loss can have a significant impact on mental health, but unfortunately, this is often not given the attention it deserves. To complicate matters, mental health issues such as stress can even be the trigger for conditions related to hair loss. In this episode of HairPod, we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month by discussing the connection between mental health and hair loss with guest Claire Fullam, a trichologist from Dublin. Claire shares her story of living with alopecia, her struggles with addiction, and her journey to recovery. We hope her story provides inspiration and insight for those experiencing the emotional impact of hair loss.  Claire's Story - Alopecia and the Birth of Claire Balding             Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can cause rapid hair loss. It can be triggered by stress and can vary in intensity. Claire was hit hard and fast, losing most of her hair in less than two months. She tried all avenues and specialists, seeking a solution and explanation.  During this initial phase of her hair loss journey, Claire also launched her social media persona, “Claire Balding,” to share her story and empower others, while at the same time creating her own network of support.  It's Not Just Hair - Hair Loss, Trauma and the Path to Addiction             Claire's hair loss was not only a result of the stress she was experiencing but also a contributor to it! Autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata can be challenging to manage because of the vicious nature of the stress cycle. Struggling with the pressures of motherhood, life, and her newly discovered alopecia, Claire found herself slipping into substance abuse. She shares her story and transformation, highlighting the need for support and community.  Prioritizing Mental Health While Seeking Hair Loss Solutions Claire brings to light the emotional impact hair loss can have on the individual experiencing it. The pain of hair loss is difficult to understand for those who haven't been there, but is a very real problem. Our hair is tied to identity, health, and security. The trauma of hair loss is real, and sometimes this only becomes apparent in hindsight. It is important to seek emotional support along the way. Claire shares how hearing others' stories has helped her and inspired her to share her experience with alopecia and addiction.  Resources Follow Claire on Instagram Book a Free Consultation today! Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Hair loss can have a significant impact on mental health, but unfortunately, this is often not given the attention it deserves. To complicate matters, mental health issues such as stress can even be the trigger for conditions related to hair loss. In this episode of HairPod, we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month by discussing the connection between mental health and hair loss with guest Claire Fullam, a trichologist from Dublin. Claire shares her story of living with alopecia, her struggles with addiction, and her journey to recovery. We hope her story provides inspiration and insight for those experiencing the emotional impact of hair loss.  Claire's Story - Alopecia and the Birth of Claire Balding Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can cause rapid hair loss. It can be triggered by stress and can vary in intensity. Claire was hit hard and fast, losing most of her hair in less than two months. She tried all avenues and specialists, seeking a solution and explanation.  During this initial phase of her hair loss journey, Claire also launched her social media persona, “Claire Balding,” to share her story and empower others, while at the same time creating her own network of support.  It's Not Just Hair - Hair Loss, Trauma and the Path to Addiction Claire's hair loss was not only a result of the stress she was experiencing but also a contributor to it! Autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata can be challenging to manage because of the vicious nature of the stress cycle. Struggling with the pressures of motherhood, life, and her newly discovered alopecia, Claire found herself slipping into substance abuse. She shares her story and transformation, highlighting the need for support and community.  Prioritizing Mental Health While Seeking Hair Loss Solutions Claire brings to light the emotional impact hair loss can have on the individual experiencing it. The pain of hair loss is difficult to understand for those who haven't been there, but is a very real problem. Our hair is tied to identity, health, and security. The trauma of hair loss is real, and sometimes this only becomes apparent in hindsight. It is important to seek emotional support along the way. Claire shares how hearing others' stories has helped her and inspired her to share her experience with alopecia and addiction.  Resources Follow Claire on Instagram Book a Free Consultation today! Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Claire Fullam chats to Amber about growing up with red hair in Ireland, her own personal hair loss journey and the creation of her hair free online alter-ego Claire Balding.As a practicing Trichologist with Alopecia Areata, Claire's personal perspective on the subject is invaluable and her warmth, charm and honesty make her a fantastic guest for this week's episode.In the second half, Claire gives her expert hair loss and hair health advice and discusses, among other subjects, the relationship between stress, inflammation and auto-immune conditions. Get in touch by email: thismaygethairy@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram: @amberjeanrowan @amberjeanshopAudio production by Tape DeckTheme Music courtesy of BMG Productions - "Soul Food" by Ben Beiny Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back to the laundry room to survive Chrimbo Limbo? You can squeeze in with Jane and Fi as they relive the best bits of 2023.They're joined by Dolly Alderton, Claire Balding, David Tennant and Clive Myrie!Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfiAssistant Producer: Kate LeeTimes Radio Producer: Rosie Cutler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Fullam, aka Claire Balding joins Clare to talk about pouring her personal experience of hair loss into her training as a trichologist and how we should all focus on scalp health over hair health; and Miriam Mulcahy on how sea swimming has played an integral part in coming to terms with the loss of half of her family in the space of just seven years which she recounts in her book 'This is my Sea'.

Want to hear the full two hour episode and lots more? Become a Patron! Go toPatreon.com/LipstickLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show Martin Pengelly gives us details about Prince Harry's new book Spare, Ray is joined by Claire Balding to talk about coming to terms with alcoholism, Costume designer Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh tells us about The Irish Costume Archive Project and Laura De Barra gives us tips for the post-Christmas clear out.

The boys panic about their age as they discuss their troubles getting IDd and we find out what happened when they met their partner's parents. Plus, spooky season has arrived at Private Parts Podcast and we read out your scariest stories. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This time…. Tom Daly claims his first Olympic Gold. We say goodbye X Factor. Debbie shares her hairdresser dilemma. Plus Adele, David Hoyle, and Claire Balding's third leg!

This time…. Tom Daly claims his first Olympic Gold. We say goodbye X Factor. Debbie shares her hairdresser dilemma. Plus Adele, David Hoyle, and Claire Balding's third leg! Remember you can catch up with the latest via @ThisisNDebz on Twitter. If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can email us via thisisNDebz@gmail.com or message us via www.facebook.com/NDebzOfficial

Whether it's in the classroom or the football pitch, we tell our children to be kind. Not to bully. We also tell them to do what we do. To see us as their role models.And yet. As we've seen after football games, or in workplaces, or… online anonymously in groups and gossip sites, adults, women, mothers are sharing hate. In this episode Sinead talks to Claire Balding best known for sharing her experience of hair loss and creating Trua a clinic supporting hair regrowth, to talk about her experience of online hate, boundaries being crossed and strangers making her feel afraid. How when she checks their profile they are often mothers themselves and how it was in fact this weight of keeping up with motherhood, the not being able to admit to needing a break, or asking for help or showing the world that it was even a little bit hard which contributed to her alopecia and hair loss in the first place. I understand this fear of being judged or shamed or cancelled or thought of as less. But I know we are raising brave.So we need to do better because hashtag bekind is not enough. If not for each other, but because our kids are watching our every step. If you enjoyed it or found this episode supportive then please rate, leave a review or share by tagging everymum on instagram.everymum the podcast is kindly supported by Waterwipes proven to be purer than cotton wool and water. WaterWipes the worlds purest baby wipes, are the no1 wipe against nappy rash, proven to be purer than cotton wool and water, they're ideal for sensitive, newborn and even premature babies' skin.As the number wipe in Ireland** WaterWipes are an essential product for every mum from that first nappy change to those messy weaning months. Now 100% biodegradable & compostable and winners of three National Parenting Product Awards 2020, including Best Baby Wipes, they cleanse and instantly hydrate sensitive, newborn and premature babies' skin. WaterWipes are approved by Allergy UK, awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and accredited by the Skin Health Alliance. They're now 100% biodegradable, plant based and compostable wipes – so you can do what's best for your baby's skin and help protect the planet.*Based on total market, value sales, YTD & L12W. Nielsen read 27th Dec. **Within 12 weeks in an industrial setting/plant in accordance with EN13432. Wipe materialNo.1 Wipe against Nappy Rash = * Price AD et al., The BaSICS (Baby Skin Integrity Comparison Survey) study. No.1 wipe in Ireland - **Based on total market, value sales L12W. Nielsen read 28th March 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Post-partum hair loss is a very common but less spoken about aspect of childbirth so, on Sunday's show, Claire Fullam of truahair.ie (aka Claire Balding) joined Louise to discuss hair loss and her training as a trichologist

To read about the Breast and Bottles debate, debunked: subscribe to the New Leaf Nutshell here: https://newleafpodcast.substack.com/p/the-new-leaf-nutshell-breasts-and Introducing Kate Jarman, co-founder of Flex NHS, as my third guest for series 2. Kate is a mother of three, and also manages to squeeze in a job as director of corporate affairs for milton keynes university hospital in the UK.  Flex NHS is a movement championing flexible working and innovative thinking for the 1.5 million people employed by the British national health service in the UK, as a vital part of recruiting and retaining staff now and in the future.    I found Kate in the weird and wonderful world of twitter, something I'm still new to and something that has taken me a long time to come round to. When flicking through the “who to follow” while setting up my twitter account, of course I clicked follow on the NHS and sure enough Kate's tagged tweets kept popping up over and over again. Her humour, undeniable sharpness and propensity to drop some major truth bombs - which you can hear by the sheer speed at which she talks! - was undeniable. This is someone who is really, really passionate about what she does, which of course was an instant dingdingding moment for me to have her on as a guest. I love people who love what they do - and it is so obvious that Kate is in her absolute element. When she says later in the interview that she'd love to be an MP, it's not hard to see why.   In the episode we discuss a huge range of things. Of course we talk a lot about flexNHS, why it is exists and its brilliant birth story. We explore why flexible working should be the default and not the exception, whether you're a parent or not. We also talked a great deal about the importance of the female network - of women who make up the giant and sometimes invisible web of support for the millions of families trying to head back to normality after a baby, whether it's the nursery assistants, childminders and nannies, primary and secondary school teachers, who all as a vast majority are female dominated professions - without which our economy and country would grind to a halt.    Kate did the ‘back to work' cycle three times, and her wisdom on the topic is fascinating. As a currently mother of one, I only have to juggle one childcare schedule, so the thought of juggling 3 and holding down a senior job was both obvious yet also intimidating. It brings home to me personally the absurdity of a school day that finishes at 3, and a workday that finishes at 5, which company annual leave being totally unaligned to school holidays. This is not beyond the realm of the possible to resolve. In Sweden, nurseries and workplaces close at the same time. There, and in France, august is a month off for most to give families a chance to go on holiday together. In Slovenia, all school holidays align with work ones. Just because these things are undeniably hard does not mean that they are not worth pursuing and exploring. Covid has brought some amazing innovations forward. The fact that the education secretary is considering longer school days to help catch up the millions of children held back nay covid, shows that this is indeed possible. I saw Claire Balding at a Sunday Times Women in Business conference back in 2018 who pointed out that we are in an obesity crisis - and that two hours of sport or physical activity after formal ‘lessons' have ended could be a possible solution to both this obesity crisis as well as the crisis of women being held back from participating in their full working day by structural sexism.   There are many answers to the tricky question of how we can get women back to doing what they love and reclaiming their personal identities - but more than ever it is clear to me that we need a radical overhaul of our working practices to make the motherhood tax no longer the accepted norm, to make the phrase ‘she chose not to go back to work' as a euphemism of ‘we can't afford for her to go back' obsolete, and to support FAMILIES, dads included, to have happy and well cared for children AND parents. Ok, speech over. Time for my next brilliant guest. Introducing, Kate Jarman. 

After a tumultuous year on social media one of Ireland's biggest Instagrammers walks away from it all. My good buddy Claire (Blading) Fullam visits the pod this week to give us a look behind the beef curtains of what it's like to be at the receiving end of online hate, lies, rumours and her eventual breaking point.You can visit Claire's online store @ TruaHair.ieYou can also check out Claire's own podcast 'CLIAN TALKING' on Patreon @ Claire Balding See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I’ll tell you what Ryan Tubridy’s drug  of choice is - it’s the Kennedys’ This week we’re talking Claire Balding having to leave Instagram following threats by online trolls, Jesy Nelson exiting Little Mix to protect her mental health and whilst diving into their shower routine Emma and Julie discover they have more in common than ever thought possible. If you have enjoyed this podcast you can support us on pattern: http://www.patreon.com/upto90podcast

Leon McCarron on Slow Travel and Misunderstood Places. In this episode, Ash meets Leon McCarron: writer, broadcaster, and North Face explorer. Leon has walked a 1000-mile loop of the Holy Land, crossed China from north to south, and travelled on foot in Kosovo, Armenia and on the Yemeni island of Socotra. He has also cycled 14,000 miles across three continents, walked through the Empty Quarter desert, and ridden across Patagonia on horseback. Leon's work seeks out stories of humanity and nuance in parts of the world that are often demonised or misunderstood by Western media.  In this episode, discover: About Leon's 1,000 mile walk through the Middle East (including why Leon and Pip found themselves walking along a smugglers route in Jordan!). Why Leon's travels turned from journeys focused on landscapes to those focused on people and what he's learned as a result. How to tell powerful stories - the power and use of journaling, and why less is more. How Leon created his career path. How Leon enjoys telling stories by travelling on foot. Why reading works by local authors not only aids understanding but also excitement about visiting a country. Leon's experience witnessing the Arbaʽeen Pilgrimage that takes place in Iraq. How and why Leon has helped establish new walking trails in central China and northern Iraq. Why people's careers are not always what they appear. Why you might want to avoid googling popular travel destinations. Links mentioned in this episode: Leon website https://www.leonmccarron.com Leon Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leonmccarron/ Leon Twitter https://twitter.com/leonmccarron?lang=en Leon's book: The Land Beyond https://www.leonmccarron.com/writing1.html Rob Lillwall https://roblilwall.com Alastair Humprehys https://alastairhumphreys.com Arbaʽeen Pilgrimage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbaʽeen_Pilgrimage The Long Form Podcast https://longform.org/podcast Our Man in the Middle East https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08rmkcd Ramblings with Claire Balding https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xrr2/episodes/player On Writing by Stephen King Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells JOIN US ON SOCIAL: We'd love to hear what you think of this week's The First Mile and if you've got any suggestions of topics or people you'd like to hear interviewed. Drop us a line on Instagram @AshBhardwaj and @PipStewart or Twitter @AshBhardwaj and @PipStewart. *Please consider leaving a review if you enjoyed this episode. Thank you! 

Claire Balding hit rock bottom after losing her hair to alopecia. She speaks to me today about surrendering, the realities of motherhood and why she always speaks her truth. Claire keeps us laughing through lockdown but also shows such compassion for vulnerable people in our society by reminding us to check in on our neighbours, wear masks and keep a safe distance.  Claire always looks on the bright side of life, she finds a laugh in almost every situation and her energy is infectious. She launched her business Trua hair this year and has so much to say about what really matters, what 2020 has brought to her life and how we'll get through this time together. This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Spotlight Oral Care. Use the discount code GOODGLOW25 on spotlightoralcare.com to get 25% off the entire range. Follow me on Instagram at Georgie.Crawford Or head over to my website Thegoodglow.ie

Claire Fullam, better known as Claire Balding on Instagram and her husband Ian O’Beirne talk about their new business venture.

In the latest episode of Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast, Claire Balding - who I know as Claire Fullam from school - joins me to talk about her experience with hair loss and the reasons why that happened - stress - the anxiety that went along with this turbulent time in her life, coming out the other side and having a keen awareness of her mental health. Her pearls of wisdom are incredible and I can't wait for you to hear them. She's an amazing woman. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 75 – Alison talks to Claire Fullam (a.k.a. Claire Balding) about Bertie Ahern and the baby Jesus, describing yourself without cringing, an audience that's tuning in for the bald, losing her hair, alopecia, body positivity and eating your feelings, broadcasting from the loo, cursing children, starting a business and being embarrassed to earn money, live shows, being a suspect in Bloggers Unveiled, #spon and a lilo in Santa Ponsa.  Follow Claire on Instagram for information on upcoming projects and her new hair salon, Pelo. Alison Spittle does stand-up comedy all the time because there's no money in it. See alisonspittle.com or her Twitter for the latest tour dates. Thanks to HeadStuff.org for hosting our podcast. They have a Patreon page. Please support them. If you enjoyed the podcast, do us a favour and leave a rating. It's a big help. Catch you next time. Flamingo artwork designed by William Conway, email revolantis@hotmail.com.

Hey gals! This week we sat down with one of our all time favourite women out there, miss Claire Balding! We brought her on to chat about her relationship with her fantastic husband Ian, and it's one of our fave episodes to date. Make sure you go back in the archives to listen to our first episode with Claire as well. FOLLOW CLAIRE: https://www.instagram.com/claire_balding - *Media/business enquiries please email itgalzpodcast@gmail.com * INTRO SONG is by ITSMAIi https://soundcloud.com/celaviedmai/ X GALZ: patreon.com/itgalzpodcast Instagram @itgalzpodcast Tumblr www.itgalzpodcast.tumblr.com Gmail itgalzpodcast@gmail.com Artwork is by @niaraface ****Our opinions are our own and do not reflect those of the wonderful companies who choose to sponsor our show, or represent any of the organisations or individuals that are mentioned on our podcast.**** See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claire Balding and Cassie Stokes join Niamh Maher on this week's episode of Girls With Goals. We're talking about alopecia, how you get your face on the telly, STUPID short engagements and farting out loud in public (mortified). Her.ie writer Jade Hayden joins us in studio for our Spotlight interview this week, she's filling us in on Agony Can't our new dating advice series, so if you have an issue with an ex, or slept with someone you work with, or are FREAKED because your fella keeps liking his ex on Instagram, you NEED to listen.

I'VE BECOME A MOTHER!To another podcast baby!As I survey my podcast nursery and look at all my babies running around I'm lit up. There's my little Claire Balding playing with her dolls hair. Amy Hubles, building a cinema with Lego. Ian Dempsey, on the Fisher Price CD player doing a little disco for James Kavanagh and Doireann Garrihy in their playpen.My newest baby is always my favourite and this week I'll be giving the most love and attention to…Triona McCarthy! Writer with the Sunday Indo, beauty expert and all round madser. I had a sheet of questions for Triona but we went all over the place. A sandwich gets delivered about 5 minutes in and we had to pause between talking to eat a chicken wrap and chips.Triona has been there, done that and bought the designer T-shirt. She was so much fun. We talked vomiting, travelling with *the* Jimmy Choo, Michael Flatley and disgracing herself in Athens in front of a world famous rock band. She's a bloody riot mates. I hope you enjoy and don't forget to rate, like and SUBSCRIIIIIBE!New episodes every Tuesday (ish). C U then Cuties.E.xFollow me on Twitter: twitter.com/estheromd?lang=enInstagram: www.instagram.com/80percentpodcast/Website: estheromd.com/Email: 80percentpodcast@gmail.comSnapchat: estheromdStitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-80-w…r-omoore-donohoeSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-80-with-esther-omoore-donohoe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we provide cricket with a solution to foul play, celebrate some of the best Hoddle-isms of the week and chastise the BBC for their blatant sexism with Claire Balding at the helm. There's another trip to the Meat Locker, and of course plenty of Mexican Handbags - keep them coming to kickabout@radiox.co.uk. You can hear The Kickabout live on Radio X from 11am every Saturday, and if you want to take the boys Around Your Ground or introduce them to your mates in the Sunday League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen then get in touch on kickabout@radiox.co.uk.

HAIR-Y UP AND PLAY THIS WEEK'S EPISODE! This week I had the pleasure of talking to yet another superstar of Snapchat Clare Fulham a.k.a Claire Balding! Claire came to public attention when she took it all off, well, her wig, and spoke honestly and directly about the experience of losing her hair. The future is bright for Ms. Fulham and I've no doubt that she will do great things in the future. Today Marino Green, tomorrow THE WORRRRLD. G'wan Claire with the Hair. If you're a long-time listener and haven't left a review, well, what are you waiting for? Go to iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher and leave a few lines. Example: 'Having listened to Esther's podcast, I now divide my life into two parts. B.P (Before Podcast) and A.P (After Podcast). How have I wasted my life up to this point by not subscribing!' Y'know, something subtle...; ) NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY!* *huge snow storms permitting Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/estheromd?lang=en Instagram: www.instagram.com/80percentpodcast/ Website: estheromd.com/ Email: 80percentpodcast@gmail.com Snapchat: estheromd Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-80-w…r-omoore-donohoeSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-80-with-esther-omoore-donohoe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

HEY GALZ!We have such an exciting episode for you this week.. we welcomes snapchat superstar and all round HILARIOUS person Claire Fulham (aka Claire Balding). Tune in for some gas chats about being “funny women” both in our public, professional and private lives. Comedy is something we are all passionate about so whether it's fart jokes you're after or just talking about how PC culture has damped comedy, you have to give this one a listen.Follow Claire on Snapchat: claire.balding---THANK YOU to our Sponsors OUTCIDER! Let us know if you drink this gorgeous cider, or of your OUTCIDER moments using #outciderz. Enjoy OUTCIDER responsibly & legally galz xx*Media enquiries please email itgalzpodcast@gmail.com*INTRO SONG is by ITSMAI!!!! An Irish it gal who we are obsessed with... check her out @celaviedmai (www.soundcloud.com/celaviedmai)Subscribe & review us if you're an iTunes heaux, it helps other IT GALZ find us!FOLLOW US!Instagram @itgalzpodcastTumblr www.itgalzpodcast.tumblr.comGmail itgalzpodcast@gmail.com Artwork is by @niaraface on IG go CHECK HER OUTTT!****Our opinions are our own and do not reflect those of the companies who sponsor or organisations or individuals that we mention in our podcast.**** See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Media news and analysis, this week with Jake Kanter (Business Insider UK) and Rebecca Gillie (The Week Online). Google back down over their ‘first click free' policy, taking pressure off news sites like the FT and The Times - our panel explain all. Plus, who will be the next head of Channel 4? Was Nick Robinson right to say that the alternative media has launched a ‘guerrilla war' with the mainstream? How will removing your school from your CV help the BBC's equality drive? And why is Claire Balding at the centre of a Saga? A PPM Production, produced by Matt Hill and edited by Cheeka Eyers. If you love what we do, please help us cover our costs by taking out a voluntary subscription: themediapodcast.com/donate Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/themediapodcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element It has returned! After an unfortunate delay the comedy lovers (Marianne MacRae and Richard Hanrahan) are here to lend a few crumbs of wisdom.** Notes this is somewhat explicit audio, containing adult language and sexual themes which may make this unsuitable for family listening **Download the latest episode: Great British Bitch Off - Me3 ComedySubscribe to the podcast: RSS Great British Bitch Off - Me3 Comedy | iTunes Great British itch Off - Me3 Comedy If you like us, follow our work in general at the usual places:Twitter @Me3_Comedy : : Facebook : : Tumblr : : YouTube : : Soundcloud : : iTunesPlease like, share, comment, subscribe and most importantly of all, have a lovely day.

The song I’ve sent you is a live recording of part of a concert I did a few years back with James Burton at the Floral Pavilion New Brighton….James was the guitarist on Ricky Nelson’s records in the 50’s and early 60’s and backed Elvis during his Vegas years…I was a huge fan of Ricky mainly because of the great guitar solos on his records .. so to eventually have the privilege of performing his songs with my guitar hero was a bit special…I have since done five concerts with the great man the latest being last July at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton where we did 14 Ricky hits with those stunning solos….he is a great guy and a pleasure to know….this is “Hello Mary Lou” 2.The BBC have brought back the chat show where Claire Balding interviews sports personalities….sadly it doesn’t work….whereas I like Claire Balding very much she struggles to get any entertainment value out of her guests…sports stars are not showbiz….they should stick to what they do…it’s like those dreadful records footballers used to make (e.g. “Hoddle and Waddle)…they should not be let within a mile of a recording studio….they would have enough to say if Tom Jones turned out on the wing. I once composed a song for Tranmere Rovers…we got the players into the studio to sing it … resulting in MY demo being released….case closed. 3.I also watched the live performance of “The Sound Of Music” on ITV….it was brilliant…and LIVE!!...tough call that one…I think this will get plenty of awards…and I also enjoyed the documentary on the “Take That” tour….I was knocked out….the amount of effort put into the show was staggering….they certainly set the bar very high. Take That are an out fit I don’t want to like….but I can’t help it. 4.There has been a spate of programmes looking back at the sixties and seventies TV….and how un P.C. it all was….this was before the P.C.Brigade rose up and killed entertainment….I accept that through young eyes some of the antics on these programmes must seem pretty unbelievable but what is annoying is the likes of Biggins and some of the older female presenters looking totally shocked when watching it….they were there!!!...what’s the big surprise?..... Having said this we still have some funny comedians…Peter Kay being one of them…there was a great documentary on him the other night…he is very clever. Then at the other end of the spectrum we have John Bishop with his own show….oh dear. 5.I used to video the annual nativity for a primary school where my son was a teacher….and one year it featured two little 8 year old girls playing their violins…it was so bad I suggested to the parents that I send the clip to You’ve Been Framed….it was accepted and was featured on the Christmas special….we were invited to go along to the show and meet Lisa Riley etc….so the parents took their kids and I went with my wife…I got 250 quid which I split with the two kids….and I told them “no matter what road you take in life you can always say you played your violins on TV on Christmas day…AND GOT PAID FOR IT!!...and not many people can say that”……I wonder what happened to them?

The song I’ve sent you is a live recording of part of a concert I did a few years back with James Burton at the Floral Pavilion New Brighton….James was the guitarist on Ricky Nelson’s records in the 50’s and early 60’s and backed Elvis during his Vegas years…I was a huge fan of Ricky mainly because of the great guitar solos on his records .. so to eventually have the privilege of performing his songs with my guitar hero was a bit special…I have since done five concerts with the great man the latest being last July at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton where we did 14 Ricky hits with those stunning solos….he is a great guy and a pleasure to know….this is “Hello Mary Lou” 2.The BBC have brought back the chat show where Claire Balding interviews sports personalities….sadly it doesn’t work….whereas I like Claire Balding very much she struggles to get any entertainment value out of her guests…sports stars are not showbiz….they should stick to what they do…it’s like those dreadful records footballers used to make (e.g. “Hoddle and Waddle)…they should not be let within a mile of a recording studio….they would have enough to say if Tom Jones turned out on the wing. I once composed a song for Tranmere Rovers…we got the players into the studio to sing it … resulting in MY demo being released….case closed. 3.I also watched the live performance of “The Sound Of Music” on ITV….it was brilliant…and LIVE!!...tough call that one…I think this will get plenty of awards…and I also enjoyed the documentary on the “Take That” tour….I was knocked out….the amount of effort put into the show was staggering….they certainly set the bar very high. Take That are an out fit I don’t want to like….but I can’t help it. 4.There has been a spate of programmes looking back at the sixties and seventies TV….and how un P.C. it all was….this was before the P.C.Brigade rose up and killed entertainment….I accept that through young eyes some of the antics on these programmes must seem pretty unbelievable but what is annoying is the likes of Biggins and some of the older female presenters looking totally shocked when watching it….they were there!!!...what’s the big surprise?..... Having said this we still have some funny comedians…Peter Kay being one of them…there was a great documentary on him the other night…he is very clever. Then at the other end of the spectrum we have John Bishop with his own show….oh dear. 5.I used to video the annual nativity for a primary school where my son was a teacher….and one year it featured two little 8 year old girls playing their violins…it was so bad I suggested to the parents that I send the clip to You’ve Been Framed….it was accepted and was featured on the Christmas special….we were invited to go along to the show and meet Lisa Riley etc….so the parents took their kids and I went with my wife…I got 250 quid which I split with the two kids….and I told them “no matter what road you take in life you can always say you played your violins on TV on Christmas day…AND GOT PAID FOR IT!!...and not many people can say that”……I wonder what happened to them?

The UK floods down south have been completely dominating the news….they seem to have stopped blaming everyone for the weather and are now trying to sort it all out.I’ve just got back from The Lakes…I’ve never seen anything like it….not sure what the answer is. These kids who do stupid things and film themselves on YouTube have been in the news…after a few of them have died….again everyone is to blame except the parents…”there should be warnings in schools etc…there should be laws against selling legal drugs etc”…the problem is you can’t legislate for idiots…simple as that. I watched a programme on Jim Davidson…very interesting….He had it all but refused to change…whereby I admire him for that I felt he could have toned things down a little bit and he would have been fine…he won Big Brother so somebody still likes him…he needs a bit of good advice but I doubt whether he would listen….shame. Claire Balding has taken a bit of stick over her TV involvement at the Winter Olympics in Russia as she is gay and the Russians have banned gays….the gay community feel she is letting the side down by not boycotting the whole thing…I think it’s time the gay community got over themselves…they are getting BORING…you’re gay SO WHAT?...nobody outside Russia cares….I love Claire Balding…good on ya girl!!! Another little kid has been mauled to death by a pit bull type dog in it’s home….what does it take to get through to people who keep these pets…and to not leave them on their own with a toddler…how much more publicity will it take?....but there again as I said you can’t legislate for idiots…..a terrible price to pay.

The UK floods down south have been completely dominating the news….they seem to have stopped blaming everyone for the weather and are now trying to sort it all out.I’ve just got back from The Lakes…I’ve never seen anything like it….not sure what the answer is. These kids who do stupid things and film themselves on YouTube have been in the news…after a few of them have died….again everyone is to blame except the parents…”there should be warnings in schools etc…there should be laws against selling legal drugs etc”…the problem is you can’t legislate for idiots…simple as that. I watched a programme on Jim Davidson…very interesting….He had it all but refused to change…whereby I admire him for that I felt he could have toned things down a little bit and he would have been fine…he won Big Brother so somebody still likes him…he needs a bit of good advice but I doubt whether he would listen….shame. Claire Balding has taken a bit of stick over her TV involvement at the Winter Olympics in Russia as she is gay and the Russians have banned gays….the gay community feel she is letting the side down by not boycotting the whole thing…I think it’s time the gay community got over themselves…they are getting BORING…you’re gay SO WHAT?...nobody outside Russia cares….I love Claire Balding…good on ya girl!!! Another little kid has been mauled to death by a pit bull type dog in it’s home….what does it take to get through to people who keep these pets…and to not leave them on their own with a toddler…how much more publicity will it take?....but there again as I said you can’t legislate for idiots…..a terrible price to pay.

The SOC Team are joined by long time friend of the show and fellow miscreant MC Legget. Tackling hard hitting issues such as the hidden sexuality of cartoon characters and Claire Balding's fabulous chin

Kirsty Young's castaway is the Paralympian & broadcaster Ade Adepitan. Wheelchair basketball's his sport and this year he partnered Claire Balding anchoring the television coverage of the 2012 London Paralympics.When he's not stuck in a studio explaining the intricacies of Goalball he's reporting from the rainforests of Nicaragua or the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Adversity seems to suit him - he even survived turning up for his first day at school aged 7 in a pink checked suit and bow tie. Inspired by his boyhood heroes Seb Coe and Daley Thompson, who he first saw on TV competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, sport became his passion.He says "I think I've done more things with my disability than most able-bodied people would ever dream of doing".Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the Paralympian & broadcaster Ade Adepitan. Wheelchair basketball's his sport and this year he partnered Claire Balding anchoring the television coverage of the 2012 London Paralympics. When he's not stuck in a studio explaining the intricacies of Goalball he's reporting from the rainforests of Nicaragua or the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Adversity seems to suit him - he even survived turning up for his first day at school aged 7 in a pink checked suit and bow tie. Inspired by his boyhood heroes Seb Coe and Daley Thompson, who he first saw on TV competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, sport became his passion. He says "I think I've done more things with my disability than most able-bodied people would ever dream of doing". Producer: Cathy Drysdale.