Podcasts about Nuala

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Best podcasts about Nuala

Latest podcast episodes about Nuala

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Chronic UTIs, Welsh women's football, Kathryn Turman, ‘Trad wives'

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 56:54


If you've ever had the bad luck of getting a UTI - or urinary tract infection - you'll know how painful they can be. It's a bacterial infection which can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys and give a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate. Yesterday, in a powerful parliamentary session, the Labour MP Allison Gardner spoke through tears as she described her experiences of chronic UTIs. The MP for Stoke-on-Trent is now hoping to launch a cross-party parliamentary group to look at chronic UTIs. Allison joined Anita Rani, along with GP Ellie Cannon.This week, the BBC launches the Women's Summer of Sport, marking the start of a bumper summer of coverage including the Euros, the Rugby World Cup and Queen's tennis tournament. The Welsh women's football team have been called 'history makers' after qualifying for the European Championship for the first time. Three of the players, Josie Green, Lily Woodham and Elise Hughes, tell us what this means for them and how they are preparing for their debut tournament.The Bombing of Pan Am 103, is a new BBC drama series. It's based on the true story of the bombing of a passenger flight over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988, in which 270 people were killed. Kathryn Turman was an assistant to a federal senator at the time of the bombing. After the trial, she joined the FBI, where she founded the agency's first-ever Victim Services Division. Her experience in the aftermath of the Pan Am bombing proved invaluable to the FBI's response to the 9/11 attacks, and she has aided victims and families throughout major moments in history, including the Las Vegas shooting and the Boston marathon bombing. She discusses her mission to help victims, and what inspired her work in public service.Five years after the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, a new BBC documentary is reflecting on the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that followed, including in the UK. Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd tells the story through the eyes of some of those who found themselves on the frontline during the spring and summer of 2020, including Khady Gueye, who made headlines after a local protest she planned in the Forest of Dean was initially cancelled. She joined Nuala McGovern, along with author and producer Nova Reid, to reflect on the impact the events of that time have had on their lives, and what has changed since then.Liane Child's novel The Trad Wife's Secret is inspired by influencers who believe in traditional gender roles in marriage. So is this a wholesome phenomenon or a dangerous and sexist regression? And what is the appeal to the millions of people who follow 'trad wives' online? Liane Child joined Nuala along with British 'traditional housewife' and influencer Charlie Gray.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Andrea Kidd

RTÉ - An Saol ó Dheas
Barry Ó Siochrú agus Nuala Ní Cheallaigh

RTÉ - An Saol ó Dheas

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 10:29


Ag caint faoi eachtaí rothaíochta Paidí Mac Gearailt agus an 70ú Ras Tailteann ar siúl an tseachtain seo.

Woman's Hour
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Fifth anniversary of the death of George Floyd, Sarah Pochin MP

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 57:32


In the last of our interviews about the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, Nuala McGovern speaks to Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. As the body responsible for enforcing the Act, the EHRC gave evidence in the Supreme Court case. In the first BBC interview since launching a consultation on updating their Code of Practice in light of the judgment, Baroness Falkner explains who they want to hear from and why.Five years after the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, a new BBC documentary is reflecting on the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that followed, including in the UK. Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd tells the story through the eyes of some of those who found themselves on the frontline during the spring and summer of 2020, including Khady Gueye, who made headlines after a local protest she planned in the Forest of Dean was initially cancelled. She joins Nuala, along with author, producer and speaker Nova Reid, to reflect on the impact the events of that time have had on their lives, and what has changed since then. Nuala is also joined by Sarah Pochin, the first female MP for the Reform UK Party. The Runcorn and Helsby by-election was won by just six votes - the closest result in modern history. A former Conservative Councillor and mayor for Cheshire East, Sarah was a magistrate for 20 years. During her maiden speech she focussed on immigration, the cost of living and sexual violence against women.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

Woman's Hour
Swimming coaching, LGB Alliance, Welsh women's football, Author Emma Stonex

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 57:26


A world-record breaking swimmer has told the BBC she was left 'broken' by the training regime of one of the UK's most successful swimming coaches. Rūta Meilutytė - who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics at the age of 15 – said coach Jon Rudd's focus on her weight and diet contributed to her struggle with an eating disorder. Mr Rudd, who has faced multiple allegations of bullying and verbal abuse of teenage swimmers, has not responded to the BBC. Panorama's Rebecca Woods joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her investigation, The Dark Side of Swimming Clubs, which raises wider questions about an alleged toxic culture for young swimmers in the UK. Woman's Hour is hearing different perspectives on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, and how it could and should be interpreted on the ground. Today Nuala speaks to Kate Barker, CEO of LGB Alliance. They were part of a coalition along with Scottish Lesbians and the Lesbian Project, that intervened in the case. Today the BBC launches the Women's Summer of Sport, marking the start of a bumper summer of coverage including the Euros, the Rugby World Cup and Queen's tennis tournament. The Welsh women's football team have been called 'history makers' after qualifying for the European Championship for the first time. Three of the players, Josie Green, Lily Woodham and Elise Hughes, tell us what this means for them and how they are preparing for their debut tournament. The author Emma Stonex joins Nuala to talk about her new suspense novel The Sunshine Man. Set it 1989, it tells the story of Birdie, set on taking revenge on the man who she believes murdered her sister. Emma tells us how she approached writing the book, and touches on some of its themes, including the bonds between sisters and parental abandonment. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Abandoned babies, Isabel Allende, ADHD and menopause, Teaching 'grit', Anna Lapwood

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 56:02


Police have said they are searching for the parents of three new-born babies, all abandoned in East London between 2017 to 2024. The search is focusing on about 400 nearby houses. Anita Rani spoke to Met Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford and clinical psychologist Professor Lorraine Sherr, head of the Health Psychology Unit at UCL.Nuala McGovern was joined by the best-selling author Isabel Allende about her latest book My Name is Emilia Del Valle. It follows a young female journalist intent on covering the civil war in Chile in 1891 despite having to write under a man's name.It's thought that around 3 to 4% of people in the UK have ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But many women remain undiagnosed for decades, with those in their 40s, 50s and 60s only now discovering they have it for the first time. Jo Beazley was diagnosed with ADHD just two years ago at the age of 49, after her symptoms worsened during the menopause. She joined Nuala along with Amanda Kirby, former chair of the ADHD Foundation and a professor in the field of neurodiversity.Imagine you're preparing to host a party at your house when a lost elderly woman shows up at your door. What would you do? This actually happened to writer and director Nadia Conners. Nadia explained to Nuala why the interaction stuck with her for years and has now inspired her debut feature film, The Uninvited.How do we teach children to have grit? That's what the Government is suggesting needs to be a new focus in schools, to bolster children's mental health. To discuss how parents can help their children develop resilience, Anita was joined by Sue Atkins, parenting coach and author of Parenting Made Easy and child psychologist Laverne Antrobus.Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists and an internet sensation, with over two million social media followers. Hailed as ‘classical music's Taylor Swift', she told Anita about co-curating a special BBC Prom, the music she has included in her album Firedove which is out later this month, and what it meant to her to be appointed the first ever official ‘Organist of the Royal Albert Hall.'Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Woman's Hour
Chemical Control, Nadia Conners, Kirsty Wark

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 57:08


Kate, not her real name, has spoken to BBC Radio 4's File on Four Investigates and has revealed that her husband was secretly drugging and raping her for years - in a story that has echoes of the Gisele Pelicot case which rocked France, and the world, at the end of last year. Nuala McGovern speaks to BBC reporter Jane Deith who explains that Kate had to fight for justice and also to Dr Amy Burrell, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham.Imagine you're preparing to host a party at your house when a lost elderly woman shows up at your door. What would you do? This actually happened to writer and director Nadia Conners. Nadia explains to Nuala why the interaction stuck with her for years and has now inspired her debut feature film, The Uninvited.Kirsty Wark, a familiar face on our screens thanks to her long-standing and impressive journalism career, has just been awarded the BAFTA Fellowship - the Academy's highest honour. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about what it means to have been given this recognition after nearly 50 years as a journalist and broadcaster.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
Beverley Knight, Care workers, ADHD and menopause, Barrister Robin Moira White

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 55:31


Sister Rosetta Tharpe was known as the ‘godmother of rock and roll' and influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. Now Olivier Award-winning performer Beverley Knight is playing Sister Rosetta in a new production, Marie and Rosetta, which has just opened at the Rose Theatre in London. It tells the story of Rosetta and her singing partner, Marie Knight, described as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Beverley joins Nuala McGovern in the Woman's Hour studio to discuss how the show hopes to restore these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight. The Government has announced that care workers will no longer be recruited from overseas as part of a crackdown on visas for lower-skilled workers. The care sector has criticised the plans as "cruel" and "short-sighted". To discuss this and what good care looks like, Nuala is joined by Gavin Edwards, Head of Social Care at Unison, and care worker Kathryn Faulke, author of the memoir Every Kind of People: A Journey into the Heart of Care Work.It's thought that around 3 to 4% of people in the UK, that's one in 20, have ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However many women still remain undiagnosed for decades of their lives, with those in their 40s, 50s and 60s only now discovering they have it for the first time. Jo Beazley was diagnosed with ADHD just two years ago at the age of 49, after her symptoms worsened during the menopause. She joins Nuala along with Amanda Kirby, the former chair of the ADHD Foundation and a professor in the field of neurodiversity. This week we'll be hearing different perspectives on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, and how it could and should be interpreted on the ground. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has issued interim guidance that, in places open to the public, trans women shouldn't use women's facilities such as toilets. Today Nuala speaks to Robin Moira White, a barrister who specialises in taking discrimination cases, and who is also a trans woman. Robin transitioned in 2011 and is co-author of A Practical Guide to Transgender Law. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Naga Munchetty, Women designing for women, How we learn from our mistakes, Bristol sex workers doc

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 56:55


Four years ago the broadcaster Naga Munchetty spoke out on air about her own awful experience of getting a coil fitted, and received a huge response from listeners. It led to her talking about her debilitating periods and an eventual diagnosis with adenomyosis aged 47. She's written about this and included the experiences of other women. Naga spoke to Anita Rani to discuss her book ‘It's Probably Nothing'.A wave of female designers have been appointed to some leading high street brands - including Jacqui Markham at Whistles, Maddy Evans at M&S, and Clare Waight Keller, the former Givenchy designer, to Uniqlo. So how much of a difference does it make for consumers that women are at the helm? Nuala McGovern spoke to Jacqui Markham, creative director at Whistles and Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO and founder of Savvy Marketing.A BBC documentary The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe follows a ground-breaking project in Bristol which engages the help of street sex workers to protect children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation. Avon & Somerset Police have teamed up with charity Barnardo's and partnered with Bristol's street sex workers to gather intelligence about dangerous offenders and paedophiles. Nuala was joined by social worker Jo Ritchie, at Barnardo's, and sex work liaison officer Rose Brown.In a special programme exploring 'mistakes' and our relationship with the word, Nuala McGovern speaks to journalist Nicole Mowbray who tells about the mistake she made at The Observer newspaper which caused an 'international incident'.A new report by HSBC looks at the obstacles and opportunities facing midlife women entrepreneurs. With more midlife women starting businesses than any other demographic, what is it like to be a female founder at 50+? Author of the report, Eleanor Mills, owner of her own company Noon and Helen Lord, co-founder of Rehome, a UK-based business specialising in the resale of used and ex-display kitchens, join Kylie Pentelow to discuss.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Woman's Hour
Model Leomie Anderson, Solo female travel, Bristol sex workers documentary

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 57:37


A BBC News documentary The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe follows a groundbreaking project in Bristol which engages the help of street sex workers to protect children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation. Avon & Somerset Police have teamed up with children's charity Barnardo's and partnered with Bristol's street sex workers to gather intelligence about dangerous offenders and paedophiles. Nuala is joined by social worker Jo Ritchie, who is employed by Barnardo's, and sex work liaison officer Rose Brown.Model Leomie Anderson was just 14 when she was scouted, and has since gone on to work with fashion houses like Burberry, Giorgio Armani and Vivienne Westwood. She became the first Victoria Secret Angel from a Black British background. She's also the presenter of the BBC series Glow Up, the search for Britain's next top make up artist, which is back for it's 7th series. Leomie joins Nuala in the studio.More women than ever are deciding to not wait for friends, or family, to go on an adventure. The hashtag #Solotravel has over 5 million posts across TikTok and Instagram and in a recent Press Association interview Hostelworld's CEO, Gary Morrison, said that a surge in solo travellers - especially young female backpackers - is reshaping the travel industry. So, is 2025 the year of the solo female traveller? Journalist Chanté Joseph and Solo in Style creator, Deborah Ives, tell Nuala why women are deciding to go on holiday alone.Women in the North of England can expect to live fewer years in good health, are more likely to be unable to work due to long-term sickness and disability and are losing out in terms of wages, compared to other areas of England, according to new analysis. Health Equity North academics studied the latest available data to see whether there have been improvements in the inequalities faced by northern women since the publication of last year's damning Woman of the North report. Nuala discusses the findings with Professor Clare Bambra of Newcastle University and co-director of Health Equity North.We have an update from Tilly Cripwell about her campaign to protect the Molly Malone statue in Dublin.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Woman's Hour
Women designing for women, The Sleep Room, Singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 53:58


A wave of female designers have been appointed to some of the leading high street brands - most recently Jacqui Markham at Whistles, Maddy Evans at M&S earlier this year, and Clare Waight Keller, the former Givenchy designer who joined Uniqlo last year. So how much of a difference does it make for consumers that women are at the helm? Nuala McGovern speaks to Jacqui Markham, who has only just become the creative director at Whistles and Catherine Shuttleworth, retail commentator, CEO and founder of Savvy Marketing.Imagine a medical facility where almost exclusively female patients are kept in a drug-induced slumber for months at a time, woken only to be fed and bathed and given electro-convulsive therapy to erase their memories- sometimes even their identities- all without their consent.  It sounds like the stuff of dystopian sci-fi, but in fact it was a real psychiatric ward in a 1960s NHS hospital, as uncovered in a new book, The Sleep Room: A Very British Medical Scandal. Nuala speaks to the author, Jon Stock, about his investigation and hears from a former patient, Mary Thornton, about her experiences and a consultant psychiatrist, Professor Linda Gask from Manchester University. Daisy Crawford says she was left feeling embarrassed and tearful by the treatment of Easyjet staff who threatened to charge her for an extra bag when she tried to board a flight with a bag containing her breast milk, a breast pump and cool packs as well as her hand luggage. Daisy joins Nuala to explain why she thinks her treatment was discriminatory against breastfeeding mums. Have you ever written or received any love letters? A new performance film, The Extraordinary Miss Flower, was inspired by just that – in fact a suitcase full of them - sent to just one woman. Icelandic-Italian singer/songwriter Emilíana Torrini felt so inspired by the letters that were sent to Miss Geraldine Flower, her friend Zoe's mum, that it led her to get back into the studio to create her first solo record in 10 years as well as an accompanying film. She joins Nuala live in in the studio to talk about both – and to perform live.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Woman's Hour
How to learn from our mistakes with psychologist Dr Julie Smith and guests

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 57:05


In a special programme exploring 'mistakes' and our relationship with the word Nuala McGovern speaks to clinical psychologist and best-selling author of Open When, Dr Julie Smith, and hears why we dislike making mistakes in our personal and professional lives.Journalist Nicole Mowbray tells Nuala how she felt when her mistake at The Observer caused an 'international incident'.Are women judged more harshly for the mistakes they make in the workplace? Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Amazing If and the co-host of the Squiggly Careers podcast, and marketing specialist and co-host of the Working On It podcast, Lauren Spearman, discuss how to deal with errors that occur at work.What impact does it have on you growing up if you were told you were conceived by ‘mistake'? Nuala speaks to journalist Sophie Heawood, who says she got pregnant by ‘mistake' and journalist Bethan Ryder who was the baby of a ‘mistake', they discuss what the word means to them.And maths teacher, Gloria Dalafu tells Nuala how her love of mistakes inspires her pupils to make their own mishaps.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sophie Powling

mistakes psychologist observer julie smith nuala sarah ellis sophie heawood working on it nuala mcgovern
Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Headteacher Emma Mills on smartphones, Paula Radcliffe, Met Gala fashion, London Grammar's Hannah Reid

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 55:58


The negative effects that smartphones and social media access can have on students has become a national conversation in recent months, with differing views on who should take the lead in protecting children. Anita Rani was joined by secondary head teacher Emma Mills, whose school in Warrington has banned smartphones. Birchwood High attracted national attention two years ago when teenage student Brianna Ghey was murdered.Paula Radcliffe held the marathon world record for more than 16 years. The four time British Olympian secured the Six Star Medal last week, and has now run all six original marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Recently she's had her resilience tested in a whole new way - supporting her teenage daughter Isla through a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Now in recovery, Isla ran the London marathon last Sunday and Paula joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the experience.With the Met Gala fast approaching, we take a closer look at the business behind the red carpet with International Style Correspondent for the New York Times, Elizabeth Paton, and Fashion Editor for Glamour Magazine, Rosie Lai.For the last decade, Frances Ryan has been a columnist and reporter at The Guardian. She joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her new book - Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls' Guide to Life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it explores six facets of life: education, careers, body image, health, relationships and representation, as well as how to survive life's bumps in the road.And London Grammar frontwoman Hannah Reid joined Nuala to discuss more than a decade at the helm of the band, their fourth album The Greatest Love, and what it's been like navigating the music industry as a new parent.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Frances Ryan, Grooming gangs, Dressing up for work

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 57:41


For the last decade, Frances Ryan has been a columnist and reporter at the Guardian. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her new book - Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls' Guide to Life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it explores six facets of life: education, careers, body image, health, relationships and representation, as well as how to survive life's bumps in the road.Groomed: A National Scandal is a new Channel 4 documentary from award-winning filmmaker Anna Hall, looking at the issue of gang grooming. It puts the experiences of five women who have survived unimaginable abuse at the heart of a story that spans more than 20 years. Nuala speaks to Anna and Chantelle, one of the survivors featured in the film.How much does what you wear to work matter? In today's I newspaper, the journalist and columnist Anniki Sommerville says she loves dressing up for work but her Gen Z colleagues laugh at her blazer. She joins Nuala along with Carolyn Mair, Fashion Business Consultant and author of The Psychology of Fashion.Pioneering Maori scholar, Mākereti Papakura is to receive a posthumous degree more than 100 years after she began her studies at Oxford University. Born in New Zealand, Makereti is believed to be the first indigenous woman to enrol. Professor Clare Harris, Head of the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography tells Nuala about her life and work.

Woman's Hour
London Grammar's Hannah Reid, Women and Trump, Domestic violence

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 57:11


London Grammar frontwoman Hannah Reid joins Nuala McGovern to discuss more than a decade at the helm of the band, their fourth album The Greatest Love, and what it's been like navigating the music industry as a new parent.With US President Donald Trump reaching the 100 day mark of his presidency, who are some of the women in his cabinet? And what impact have those first 100 days had on women's lives in the US? Nuala speaks to Republican Sarah Elliott and Democrat Kristin Kaplan Wolfe to get their thoughts.April, a new film set in the Eastern European country of Georgia, tells the story of Nina, an obstetrician who faces an investigation, after she was unable to save a baby during labour. But the investigation brings scrutiny Nina doesn't want, as she's concerned it will shine a light on her secret job – providing unofficial, illegal abortions and reproductive care to women in poorer villages, in their homes. Writer and director Dea Kulumbegashvili joins Nuala to discuss her story and what it was like to film.Over a quarter of domestic abuse services in England and Wales are having to turn children away from vital support amid severe funding shortages, according to a new report by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. Children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right for the first time by 2021's Domestic Abuse Act. Nuala is joined by Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, to hear more about her report and what she wants to see happen next. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Louise Thompson, For Women Scotland, Decluttering, Musician Emma-Jean Thackray, Exclusion zones

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 54:15


After suffering complications during the birth of her son, Leo, in 2021, former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson developed PTSD. She posted about this to her followers on social media and has now written about it in her new book, Lucky. She told Clare McDonnell about her experience and why she is trying to break the taboo surrounding birth trauma.People who have committed murder, manslaughter or stalking offences should be forced to live in restricted areas after being released from prison on licence, according to a group of campaigners. BBC journalist Gemma Dunstan and law-change campaigners Rhianon Bragg and Dianna Parkes join Anita Rani to discuss. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the UK Supreme Court decision on the legal definition of a woman. His office has confirmed that he no longer believes trans women are women. There have been protests against the decision, with critics saying it is incredibly worrying for the trans community. The ruling followed a long-running legal battle between the Scottish Government and the campaign group For Women Scotland. Susan Smith, one of the directors, spoke to Clare and gave her reflections on the outcome, a week on.TV presenter, writer and self-declared 'homes therapist' Michelle Ogundehin joined Nuala to talk about decluttering and the connection between our home and our wellbeing, her personal wardrobe strategy and her love of curated things that tell our story.Emma-Jean Thackray is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, bandleader and DJ. Her sound has incorporated the widest range of music, from jazz and funk to Detroit house and techno, northern Bassline and catchy rock and pop music. She joined Anita to discuss her new album Weirdo and the inspiration behind it. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Woman's Hour
Decluttering: A Woman's Hour special

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 57:37


Spring cleaning is in the air - so whether you've woken up with the urge to clear out the ‘drawer of doom' this Bank Holiday, are feeling too overwhelmed or time poor (or both) to know where to start, or have just decided to ‘bless the mess', join us as we take a deep dive into decluttering, our relationship to our stuff and the impact clutter can have on our lives. Presenter Nuala McGovern is joined by two of the UK's leading professional organisers, Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman from The Declutter Hub. They'll be exploring why it's our emotions that hold the key to banishing things that no longer serve a purpose in our lives, along with sharing their best advice for conquering clutter. TV presenter, writer and Homes Therapist Michelle Ogundehin takes a break from judging Interior Design Masters to talk to Nuala about the connection between our home and our wellbeing, her personal wardrobe strategy and her love of curated things that tell our story. The Good Housekeeping Decluttering Study has just been published and the magazine's Homes and Household Advice Editor Katie Mortram tells us what it reveals about our attitudes to clutter and some of our biggest regrets. And we hear about the birth of ‘clutter', from the Victorian obsession with doilies to the impact of the wartime Make Do and Mend message, with Professor Jane Hamlett, a historian of the home. Have you heard about The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning? We'll be exploring the philosophy from Margareta Magnusson's 2018 book, which encourages you to deal with your stuff before you die, so that someone else doesn't have to do it after you've left this earth. Psychotherapist and author Stelios Kiosses, from Channel 4 programme The Hoarder Next Door, also joins us to explore the psychology behind why we hang on to stuff and the difference between hoarding and being a compulsive hoarder. And with all the will in the world, no clear out will succeed without an 'exit plan'. From recycling to selling, we discuss the best ways to pass our things on. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski
Hearing What Others Don't: Nuala Walsh on Decision Risk in a Noisy World

Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 61:23


Guest: Nuala Walsh - Mind Equity CEO, Professor of Behavioral Science at Trinity College Dublin, non-executive director, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and London School of Economics fellow. Recognized among the 100 most influential women in finance with a 30-year investment career spanning BlackRock, Merrill Lynch, Standard Life, and Aberdeen. Author of "Tune In, How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World."Key Moments 3:10 - Information access vs. action: Walsh discusses how in investing, everyone has access to the same public information, but having information and acting on it are different things.3:50 - The donkey story: Walsh shares the parable of a donkey that died from indecision.5:26 - Elvis and decision context: Walsh explains how she visited Graceland while writing her book and observed how Elvis made bad decisions despite his success, surrounded by sycophants and trapped in his own "bubble of beliefs."9:21 - The danger of isolation: Discussion about investment professionals making decisions from isolated environments without firsthand experience of what they're investing in.10:51 - Four factors shaping judgment: Walsh outlines how our decision-making is affected by high-speed environments, data overload, visual dominance, and polarized thinking.15:28 - Long-term thinking: Baranowski shares how wealthy families with "infinite time horizons" can rise above market noise by looking far ahead.16:46 - Beyond blind spots: Walsh introduces "deaf spots" (inability to hear accurately) and "dumb spots" (inability to speak wisely) as crucial concepts beyond traditional blind spots.22:09 - Perimeter judgment traps: Walsh explains her framework of 10 traps.28:47 - Inaction as decision: Discussion of how procrastination and inability to decide is itself a decision with consequences.32:28 - Breaking big decisions into smaller ones: Walsh describes "chunking" as a strategy to make overwhelming decisions more manageable.35:10 - Risk and reward balance: Using the 1996 Mount Everest disaster as an example of how reward-seeking distorts rational judgment.42:12 - Identity traps: Conversation about how people get labeled in their careers (like "value investor") and how difficult but possible it is to reinvent oneself.47:21 - Hearing what others don't: Walsh discusses cognitive discipline and tuning in to signals others miss, especially for high-consequence decisions.52:21 - Slowing down: The importance of creating "decision friction" or "speed bumps for the mind" to interrupt automatic thinking, especially for important choices.55:45 - Personal definition of success: Walsh shares how her definition has evolved from external achievements to "peace of mind and freedom to do what you want."Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Woman's Hour
Supreme Court definition of a woman, Disabled children and social care support, Parental infidelity

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 57:27


The UK Supreme Court rules that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. BBC correspondent Catriona Renton joins Nuala to discuss the ramifications of the ruling. Parents of disabled children are being forced to spend thousands of pounds of their own money to plug funding gaps in the health and social care system, according to new research by the disability charity Sense. Nearly half of mums polled have had to give up work as they don't get enough support to care for their child, and many families are turning to loans, credit cards and even crowdfunding to plug the gaps. Nuala is joined by Harriet Edwards, Head of Policy at Sense, and mum-of-three Kimberley Hind. The Irish writer Edna O'Brien died last year at the age of 93. The last person to be granted an interview with her was the documentary director Sinéad O'Shea. Her new film Blue Road weaves those final interviews with archive and readings from Edna's own diaries to tell the story of her extraordinary life. How does parental infidelity impact children, even years later when they become adults? Juliet Rosenfeld, a psychoanalyst and author of Affairs, and Tanith Carey, parenting expert and author of What's My Tween Thinking, join Nuala to discuss.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Woman's Hour
Baroness Theresa May, Roxy Longworth, Women's Rugby

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 57:28


The Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking has issued a "wake-up call" to the world to act on what they deem "one of the most pervasive human rights issues of our time." The report makes several recommendations specifically for women and girls who make up 54% of the estimated 50 million people trapped in slavery around the world. They are more frequently targeted for forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and domestic labour. Nearly one in four victims are children. To discuss the topic Nuala McGovern is joined by the former Prime Minister, Baroness Theresa May and Nasreen Sheikh, who is a survivor of modern slavery.As the Six Nations passes the half way mark we speak to fans from each of the four nations to discuss their teams. We also look ahead to their hopes for the Women's Rugby World Cup, being held in England later this summer. Nuala is joined by Kate Buck, Betti Ginnelly, Charlotte Williams and Ailbhe O'Nolan.As a teenager, Roxy Longworth was coerced into sending nude images online. After years of shame and struggling with her mental health, she is now 22 and leading the Behind Our Screens campaign about child safety online. Roxy and her mother Gay, co-authors of the memoir When You Lose It, join Nuala to talk about shame, recovery and bridging the generational gap.And a look at the cultural history of the speculum from Dr Shema Tariq.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Corinna Jones

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Doctor Who's Varada Sethu, The first UK womb transplant, Grief and music, Cardiac surgeon Dr Indu Deglurka

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 56:11


Varada Sethu joined Woman's Hour to talk about stepping into the iconic role of the Doctor Who companion. She tells Datshiane Navanagayam how she went from a guest star to landing the role of Belinda Chandra, why this character feels like her most personal yet, and what it means to her to bring cultural authenticity to the Tardis. With a background in science, classical dance, and Star Wars fandom, Varada brings a fresh energy to the Whoniverse.Grace Davidson was a teenager when she was diagnosed with a rare condition that meant she did not have a uterus. But, following a transplant using her sister's donated womb, she gave birth earlier this year to baby Amy. Nuala McGovern speaks to Isabel Quiroga, the surgeon who led the transplant team at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, and to Lydia Brain, who is currently on the waiting list for a womb transplant.Emily MacGregor is a music historian and trombonist. After the sudden death of her father, a jazz guitarist, she found she wasn't able to bear the sound of music. The very thing that once connected them became a source of pain and silence. In her new book, While the Music Lasts, she explains how she reconnected with her father through the pieces left on his music stand, from tangos to Handel, Cádiz to Coltrane. She joined Nuala to talk about how she learnt to navigate grief and how she discovered the joy of music again.BBC2's Saving Lives in Cardiff is back on our screens from tonight. Based in the largest hospital in Wales, University Hospital in Cardiff, the series highlights the weight of difficult, sometimes life and death decisions surgeons make about who to prioritise next. The first episode follows Dr Indu Deglurkar, a cardiac surgeon, one of only 19 women in this role in the UK. She tells Nuala about the pressures and joys of her job.Have you been watching The White Lotus? The season three finale aired this week and one of the key themes that's had fans talking has been female friendship. It's left us wondering - is three a crowd? In the show the dynamic plays out between a trio of friends Jaclyn, Kate and Laurie, played by Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb and Carrie Coon, who alternate between loving and loathing one another. So can friendships between three people work? TV critic Rachael Sigee and relationships writer at the Independent Olivia Petter joined Nuala McGovern.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Breast cancer drug approved, Women and contraception, Grief and music

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 56:47


A new type of drug for one of the most common types of breast cancer is now going to be available in the NHS in England. In Wales, the drug is approved for use but its funding is still to be decided, and the drug hasn't been approved for use in Scotland and Northern Ireland yet. Some 3,000 women a year could benefit after a clinical trial showed it can slow the progression of the disease. Nuala McGovern discusses how the drug works and who could benefit with Dr Liz O'Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon who herself has had breast cancer and is currently in remission.Emily MacGregor is a music historian and trombonist. After the sudden death of her father, a jazz guitarist, she found she wasn't able to bear the sound of music. The very thing that once connected them became a source of pain and silence. In her new book, While the Music Lasts, she explains how she reconnected with her father through the pieces left on his music stand, from tangos to Handel, Cádiz to Coltrane. She joins Nuala to talk about how she learnt to navigate grief and how she discovered the joy of music again.Between 2021 and 2022 the number of women having abortions rose by 17%. A recent study in the BMJ reported that, amongst women having abortions, the number of women using hormonal contraception fell from 18.8% in 2018 to 11.3% in 2023. Over the same period, the number of women undergoing abortions who were not using any contraception when they conceived went up by 14%. So are women turning their backs on hormonal contraceptives? Does this change lie with the contraceptives themselves, women's access to contraception or could there be other factors like the increase in the use of fertility apps? Nuala speaks to Dr Paula Briggs, Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health, and journalist Barbara Speed.In 2014, the Church of England passed the necessary laws to allow women to become bishops. For some, this was a controversial decision. In an attempt to smooth that change the five guiding principles were introduced which allowed those who felt unable to accept women's ministry to flourish within the church. Now WATCH, Women and the Church, are calling for those provisions to be removed. Nuala speaks to Reverend Martine Oborne, Chair of WATCH, and Dr Ros Clarke, Associate Director of Church Society. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

RTÉ - Barrscéalta
Eimear Mhic Fhloinn ó Phobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair agus Nuala Uí Chumhaill ó Ghairmscoil Chú Uladh.

RTÉ - Barrscéalta

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 9:20


Atá i láthair in Óstán Chois Fharraige sna Forbacha áit a bhfuil na babhtaí ceannais náisiúnta de Chlár na gComhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Junior Achievement Ireland ar siúl agus dhá scoil páirteach inniu.

Woman's Hour
Singer/songwriter Kate Nash, Sarah Brown, Author Rachel Seiffert, Cardiac surgeon Professor Indu Deglurkar

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 56:34


Rising to fame at the age of 20, Kate Nash soon became a staple of the British music scene in the late 2000s. Her first album, Made of Bricks, reached number one in the UK and stayed in the UK charts for more than forty consecutive weeks and she's won a Brit Award. But she's spoken openly about not being able to afford to tour and choosing to subsidise her income by selling images of her body on OnlyFans. Kate's currently in the middle of a UK tour for her latest album, 9 Sad Symphonies, and is playing the O2 Kentish Town Forum on 9 April. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her career and the music industry.Sarah Brown and her husband Gordon, the former prime minister set up the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory in 2004, following the death of their daughter Jennifer who was born seven weeks early. For the past decade, the laboratory has been leading vital research into premature birth – including a world-first study following 400 babies, both premature and full-term, from birth to adulthood. Sarah tells Nuala about the research and what they've found about preterm birth. Once the Deed is Done is the fifth novel from the German-British author Rachel Seiffert. It covers the immediate aftermath of the end of WW2 and the fall of Nazi Germany. The book focuses on a group of displaced people – it's estimated that globally there were between 40-60 million people displaced by the war. Rachel describes why she wanted to write about this often forgotten time in history, reflecting on the cruelty inflicted from above and the choices her characters make. BBC2's Saving Lives in Cardiff is back on our screens from tonight. Based in the largest hospital in Wales, University Hospital in Cardiff, the series highlights the weight of difficult, sometimes life and death decisions surgeons make about who to prioritise next. The first episode follows Dr Indu Deglurkar, a cardiac surgeon, one of only 19 women in this role in the UK. She joins Nuala to discuss the pressures and joys of her job.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Woman's Hour
The First UK Womb Transplant, Hair Braiding Chemicals, Jess Kidd, Shanghai Dolls

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 57:38


Grace Davidson was a teenager when she was diagnosed with a rare condition that meant she did not have a uterus. But, following a transplant using her sister's donated womb, she gave birth earlier this year to baby Amy. Nuala McGovern speaks to to Isabel Quiroga, the surgeon who led the transplant team at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, and to Lydia Brain, who is currently on the waiting list for a womb transplant.A recent study into synthetic hair, which many black women use to achieve popular hair styles including braids, found that ten samples of the most well-used brands contained carcinogens, and in some cases, lead. It's provoked a big reaction online. Nuala McGovern is joined by academic and author of Don't Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri, and also by BBC Correspondent Chelsea Coates.New play Shanghai Dolls explores the relationship between two of the most influential women in Chinese history during the cultural revolution; Jiang Qing (also known as Madame Mao – one of the architects of the Cultural Revolution) and Sun Weishi, China's first female director. Amy Ng the playwright and Gabby Wong who plays Madame Mao join Nuala in the Woman's Hour Studio.Set in a quiet 1950s seaside town in a boarding house full of strange characters, Jess Kidd's new novel Murder at Gull's Nest is the first in a new series of books. Jess talks to Nuala about the heroine of the series, the fearless former nun Nora Breen, who has left behind her enclosed order of nuns after 30 years to solve crimes.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Author Marni Appleton, Medieval medicine, Women and prison

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 55:39


One manifesto pledge of the incoming Labour government was to provide over 3000 new nurseries in empty school classrooms in England. The first 300 of these will open by September and offer an average of 20 places each. Nuala McGovern speaks to Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, about this announcement and also about the current state of provision and funding for children with special education needs.Darkly funny, unsettling, and razor-sharp, I Hope You're Happy by Marni Appleton is a haunting collection of short stories exploring modern womanhood through the lens of horror and satire. From viral photos to eerie performances in dead-end jobs, these stories capture the weirdness of millennial life... where power struggles, fleeting connections, and social media anxieties collide with the surreal. Marni joined Nuala to discuss the themes and her inspiration.A new exhibition called Curious Cures at Cambridge University Library explores medicine in the medieval era. Dozens of unique medical manuscripts, recipes, cures and guides to healthy living from the 14th and 15th centuries are on display. To discuss women's role in medieval medicine, Nuala was joined by the exhibition's curator and medieval manuscripts specialist, Dr James Freeman.The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood believes “prison isn't working” for women and wants to reduce the number of female prisoners. Nuala speaks to Scarlett Roberts, a former prisoner and is now a Churchill Fellow and to former prisoner Jules Rowan, who co-hosts the Life After Prison podcast. They are joined by former prisoner officer and former Head of Security and Operations at HMP Wormwood Scrubs Vanessa Frake-Harris, and by prison Intelligence Analyst, author of Five by Five, Claire Wilson and Lucy Russell, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the charity Women in Prison. The Neonatal Care Act starts tomorrow. It allows employed parents to take up to 12 weeks of additional leave on top of their maternity or paternity leave if their newborn baby stays in hospital for more than seven days. We hear from Catriona Ogilvy, founder of premature baby charity The Smallest Things, who has been fighting for this law change for 10 years.Echo vom Eierstock is Switzerland's first feminist yodelling choir. Elena Kaiser is their founder and joined Nuala to discuss where her love of yodelling came from, and why she is challenging the make-up of traditional yodelling choirs and songs.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Woman's Hour
What is it like to be a woman in prison?

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 57:21


The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood believes “prison isn't working” for women and wants to reduce the number of female prisoners. So what has gone wrong? Nuala McGovern speaks to Scarlett Roberts who is a former prisoner and is now a Churchill Fellow and to former prisoner Jules Rowan, now a personal trainer, who co-hosts the Life After Prison podcast. They are joined by former prisoner officer and former Head of Security and Operations at HMP Wormwood Scrubs Vanessa Frake-Harris, and by prison Intelligence Analyst and author of Five by Five, Claire Wilson. And Lucy Russell, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the charity Women in Prison, describes the challenges faced by women in prison today.What can be done to improve the prison system for women? Nuala speaks to justice system reformer Lady Edwina Grosvenor about her pioneering project Hope Street in Southampton, which aims to keep women in criminal justice system out of jail and with their children and to Alex Davies Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice about the Government's plans to tackle the issue of women's prisons.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Anorexia legal case, Feminist yodelling

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 57:22


One manifesto pledge of the incoming Labour government was to provide over 3000 new nurseries in empty school classrooms in England. The first 300 of these will open by September and offer an average of 20 places each. Nuala McGovern speaks to Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, about this announcement and also about the current state of provision and funding for children with special education needs.The family of a woman who is dangerously ill with anorexia is challenging a previous court decision which ruled she cannot be force fed. The family want the Court of Protection judge to make a new decision which would allow a hospital to act so that her life can be saved. We speak to the woman's aunt, and also hear from MIchelle Wright, who says she was in a similar position, on an end of life programme in a hospice, but who has now been recovered for 15 years and is speaking out for the first time. Plus we hear from law and philosophy academic Dr Camillia Kong who explains what will be considered as the Court makes its decisions in the patient's ‘best interests'.Over the last few weeks Woman's Hour has been talking to some of the writers who have been longlisted in the Women's Prize for Fiction and Non-fiction this year. Well this morning, the shortlist for the fiction prize has just been announced. Nuala is joined by the author and Chair of Judges Kit de Waal.Echo vom Eierstock is Switzerland's first feminist yodelling choir. Elena Kaiser is their founder and joins Nuala to discuss where her love of yodelling came from, and why she is challenging the make-up of traditional yodelling choirs and songs.

Woman's Hour
Caitríona Balfe, Child maintenance, Medieval medicine, Kids and happiness

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 57:21


Irish actor Caitríona Balfe was nominated for a Bafta for her performance in Kenneth Branagh's film Belfast and is also known to many as Claire in time travel drama series Outlander. Caitríona joins Nuala McGovern in the studio to discuss her latest role in new film The Amateur, playing a Russian spy alongside Rami Malek. There has been a "significant increase" in the number of female swimmers having indecent images taken of them in changing rooms whilst competing in the elite level of the sport, according to a leaked report. The Times newspaper has seen a report by the sport's governing body Swim England which states that pictures have been taken using camera phones over or under cubicles. Nuala is joined by BBC Sport correspondent Laura Scott and Mhairi Maclennan, CEO of Kyniska Advocacy, which supports women and victims of abuse in sport. The latest figures on child maintenance show there is currently £690m unpaid, leaving thousands of children without the financial support they are entitled to. Critics argue that the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is failing to use its legal powers, while the Government says enforcement measures are improving. As an inquiry by the cross-party House of Lords Public Services committee calls for evidence, we look at how unpaid child maintenance can be used as a form of economic abuse. Nuala hears from Sam Smethers, Chair of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, and a survivor whose ex-partner used the system to control her.A new exhibition called Curious Cures at Cambridge University Library explores medicine in the medieval era. Dozens of unique medical manuscripts, recipes, cures and guides to healthy living from the 14th and 15th centuries are on display. To discuss women's role in medieval medicine, Nuala is joined by the exhibition's curator and medieval manuscripts specialist, Dr James Freeman.Grammy award-winning singer Chappell Roan has been causing a stir with some comments she made about motherhood on the podcast Call Her Daddy. The 27-year-old singer said her friends her age who have kids "are in hell", adding "I actually don't know anyone who's happy and has children at this age." So is motherhood worth it - or is Chappell Roan right? Anna Whitehouse, also known as Mother Pukka, is a campaigner and mum of five. She joins us to discuss. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Lantern Scottish Poetry
'How we feel': Live at StAnza - Nuala Watt & Charlotte Van den Broeck

Lantern Scottish Poetry

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 39:04


'How we feel' was the theme for the 2025 StAnza international poetry festival, and the Lantern Live team were on stage, bringing all the feels!Kathleen Jamie and Ally Heather were joined by award-winning performance poet Charlotte Van den Broeck, and Nuala Watt, whose first collection - The Department of Work and Pensions Assesses a Jade Fish - is a must-read for the austerity age. To access poetry for free in person, via post, or online, please find details at the Scottish Poetry Library website here.The Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast is produced by Bespoken Media, and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Woman's Hour
Women and Eid, School Refusal Report, Author Marni Appleton

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 57:21


Eid is a celebration of strength and gratitude where Muslims all around the world come together to mark the end of Ramadan. Nuala McGovern is joined by one of the first Muslim headteachers in the country, Bushra Nasir, author & podcaster Shelina Janmohamed and Executive Board Member at the Muslim Council of Wales Jamilla Hekmoun to discuss what roles they have on this day, from acting as the ‘memory markers' to passing down the rich traditions that keep religious stories and practices alive as well as some of the pressures women can feel at this time. Women across England will be able to get the morning after pill for free from pharmacies from later this year, the Government has said. Emergency contraception is already free of charge from most GPs and sexual health clinics. But ministers say getting it in pharmacies is a "postcode lottery" - with some councils funding free prescriptions, while elsewhere women can pay up to £30. Nuala discusses the plan with Dr Janet Barter, President, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.The Government says it's going to create 10,000 new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities in mainstream schools. Ministers are saying £740 million will be allocated in England over the next three years. It comes as a new report is launched at Westminster today which warns that more and more children are 'losing learning' because their needs are not being met, or they are being suspended or excluded. Nuala discusses the issues and possible solutions with the report's author, Ellie Harris, Aaliyah, a young woman who couldn't attend school due to SEND, and the actress and mother Anna Maxwell Martin and Louise McLeod, the Executive Headteacher of two primary schools in Norfolk.Darkly funny, unsettling, and razor-sharp, I Hope You're Happy by Marni Appleton is a haunting collection of short stories exploring modern womanhood through the lens of horror and satire. From viral photos to eerie performances in dead-end jobs, these stories capture the weirdness of millennial life... where power struggles, fleeting connections, and social media anxieties collide with the surreal. Marni joins Nuala to discuss the themes and her inspiration.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Sugababes, Lockdown babies, June Sarpong, History of abortion, Women in construction

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 56:19


The Sugababes started their music career together in 1998 but, after Siobhán left the band in 2001, it wasn't until 2019 that Mutya, Keisha and Siobhán came back together as the Sugababes. All three members joined Nuala McGovern to celebrate the release of their brand new single, Jungle, and their biggest ever UK and Ireland tour.Five years on from the first Covid lockdown, what can be done to support the 200,000 ‘Lockdown babies' born when lockdown was at its most restrictive, between 23 March and 4 July 2020? Nuala was joined by Nicola Botting, Professor of Developmental Disorders at City St George's, University of London, Jane Harris, CEO of Speech and Language UK, and mum of three, Frankie Eshun.Broadcaster June Sarpong co-founded the Women Inspiration and Enterprise Network and in 2019 was appointed the first BBC Director of Creative Diversity. She joined Nuala to discuss her biography of Una Marson, the poet, playwright, feminist and activist who made history as the first black female broadcaster at the BBC.A new book Abortion – A History, gives the long view of ending pregnancy. From ancient Greece to Roe v Wade, Mary Fissell charts changing practices of and attitudes towards abortion. She joined Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio to explain why she wrote the book and what she has learned.Work has started on a home extension and renovation that is being built and designed entirely by women. In an industry facing huge labour shortages, women remain a minority in construction, only making up 15% of the industry and only 1% of those in manual, skilled roles. Nuala was joined by the project's lead, Kat Parsons and builder, Yas Poole.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
June Sarpong, Disability benefit changes, Women war artists

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 57:07


Broadcaster June Sarpong co-founded the Women Inspiration and Enterprise Network, and in 2019 was appointed the first BBC Director of Creative Diversity. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss championing inclusion, and why she has just published a biography of Una Marson, the poet, playwright, feminist and activist who made history as the first black female broadcaster at the BBC.Yesterday the government revealed its plans for disability benefit reforms. Reactions to the proposals have varied but Carers UK says it's very concerned about how the ideas could hit unpaid carers who are predominantly women. The charity's Director of Policy and Public Affairs Emily Holzhausen tells Nuala why, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, former Paralympic athlete and crossbench peer talks about the possibility that she might lose PIP (Personal Independence Payment) under the new rules now out for consultation.Last night, Real Madrid beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Women's Championship League quarter final in Spain, but commentators have been mainly discussing the standard of the ground they played on, with former Arsenal footballer and pundit Ian Wright calling the surface a 'disgrace'. Nuala talks to Fiona Tomas, women's sports reporter at the Telegraph.Cécile Ndjebet is a Cameroonian environmental activist and social forester. She co-founded the African Women's Network for Community Management of Forests and campaigns for the involvement of women in forest management and their right to forested land. Tonight Cécile will receive the Kew International Medal 2025 and she joins Nuala in the studio.A new film War Paint: Women at War examines the trailblazing role of women war artists on the front lines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art and asking: when it's life or death, what do women see that men don't? Nuala speaks to Margy Kinmonth, the director.

Woman's Hour
Sugababes, Kate Summerscale & Kamila Shamsie, The History of Abortion

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 55:34


The Sugababes started their music career together in 1998 but, after Siobhán left the band in 2001, it wasn't until 2019 that Mutya, Keisha and Siobhán came back together as the Sugababes. All three members join Nuala McGovern to celebrate the release of their brand new single, Jungle, just as they get ready for their biggest ever UK and Ireland tour – which kicks off in Leeds next month. To mark the 30th anniversary of The Women's Prize, Woman's Hour is hearing from writers who have been longlisted in fiction and non-fiction this year, along with previous winners. Today Nuala talks to 2025 longlisted non-fiction author Kate Summerscale about her book The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place, and to Kamila Shamsie, whose novel Home Fire won the 2018 Women's Prize for Fiction. Both books examine crime and punishment, and what happens when politicians and the media become involved in criminal justice.A new book Abortion – A History, gives the long view of ending pregnancy. From ancient Greece to Roe v Wade, Mary Fissell charts changing practices of and attitudes towards abortion. Mary, who is Professor in the History of Medicine at John Hopkins University in the US, joins Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio to explain why she wrote the book and what she has learned. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
Lockdown babies, Breast cancer study, Femgore, Chess Masters

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 57:30


Five years on from the first Covid lockdown, what can be done to support the 200,000 ‘Lockdown babies' born when lockdown was at its most restrictive, between 23 March and 4 July 2020? These babies have extraordinary young-life stories: Mums giving birth alone; doctors in hazmat suits; babies meeting fathers and grandparents for the first time online; no health visitors; no family cuddles; no baby groups. Now aged four and approaching five, lockdown seems to have had lasting effects on some. What can be done to help? Nuala McGovern is joined by Nicola Botting, Professor of Developmental Disorders at City St George's, University of London and co-lead on The Born in Covid Year – Core Lockdown Effects (BICYCLE) study, Jane Harris, CEO of Speech and Language UK, and mum of three, Frankie Eshun.Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding died of breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 39. Inspired by her desire to find new ways of spotting the disease earlier, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (BCAN-RAY) study was set up in May 2023. Led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust with funding from the Christie Charity, Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, and other charities, it is one of the world's first research programmes to identify breast cancer risks in younger women without a family history of the disease. Nuala speaks to Anna Housley, who has taken part in the study.Nuala talks to Emma van Straaten, whose 10,000 word entry, This Immaculate Body, won the inaugural Women's Prize Discoveries in 2021, an award set up to inspire unagented and unpublished women in the UK and Ireland to write their first novels. That submission is now a published book - It is about Alice, who has been cleaning Tom's flat for over a year, and becomes infatuated with him, a man she has never met.A new TV series, Chess Masters, started last week on BBC2. It's badged as Bake Off with kings and queens. Camilla Lewis, the woman behind the new show, was inspired to create it by her teenage daughter, Jasmine, who became obsessed with the game during lockdown. They join Nuala to talk about how to turn a board game into must-watch television.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Sara Davies, Neath RFC tweet, Ramadan health, Frankie Bridge

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 56:01


Do you have a business idea that you would realise, if only you had the time? Sara Davies firmly believes we're all capable of creating a successful business from scratch, in just six minutes a week. The Dragon's Den star set up Crafter's Companion while she was still a student and has since built it into a multi-million pound business. Now she's sharing what she's learned in her new book – The Six Minute Entrepreneur: 52 Short Lessons for Long-term Business Success.This week the owner of a Welsh Rugby club put up a social media post to promote an upcoming match against a local rival, featuring the words "Not For Girls" stamped across the top. He didn't expect the post would get more than a quarter of a million views, generate outrage and condemnation and become national news. Matthew Young from Neath Rugby Football Club talks exclusively to Nuala McGovern along with sports broadcaster, Stella Mills, one of the first people to see the post and comment.The holy month of Ramadan is underway, which means millions of Muslims around the world are fasting, no food or drink from dawn until dusk - not even water. But for those with current, or past eating disorders, this period of fasting can bring challenges. So, how can they be best supported? Kylie Pentelow talks to fitness trainer Nazia Khatun, who has struggled with anorexia and bulimia in the past, and counselling psychologist, Dr Omara Naseem, who specialises in eating disorders.Inside Counter Terrorism Policing is a new podcast featuring five women working in a range of roles across the UK, who have shared their story with the aim of inspiring others to consider a career in national security and policing. We hear from Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing for the UK, and an officer we are calling ‘Emma', who will explain the challenges of her role as a handler of covert sources.Frankie Bridge has hit out at "double standards" for women after she received a backlash online for going on holiday without her children. The Loose Women presenter was called "the worst wife and mother" in comments on her social media post, after she took a break with a friend following health struggles, while her husband and mother were looking after her two sons. She joined Nuala, along with parenting coach Camilla McGill.The Grammy award-winning Lainey Wilson is a country music trailblazer, with seven Country Music Association Awards and six Academy of Country Music Awards to her name. Her latest album, Whirlwind, earned a Grammy nomination and she is currently on a world tour promoting the album. Ahead of headlining this weekend's Country to Country Festival at the O2 in London she joined Nuala to discuss why she thinks country is cool again.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Woman's Hour
Country singer Lainey Wilson, Sodium Valporate, Women and war in fiction

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 55:31


The Grammy award-winning Lainey Wilson is a country music trailblazer. She has made her way from Hannah Montana impersonator to performing at the Grand Ole Opry and she's been awarded seven Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and six Academy of Country Music Awards. As a prolific songwriter she's scored seven No. 1 hits including: Watermelon Moonshine and Heart Like A Truck. Her latest album, Whirlwind, earned a Grammy nomination and she is currently on a world tour promoting the album. She will be headlining at the Country to Country Festival at the O2 in London this weekend. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss why she thinks country is cool again.In 2021, the Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the 182-year history of the race. The first woman to be leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six victories, including the Champion Hurdle, and the following year she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Yesterday, she continued to make history winning the Stayers' Hurdle aboard Bob Olinger to complete a Cheltenham Festival double. All the more remarkable as she was sidelined for three months with a neck injury after a fall in September. We speak to Fern Buckley, BBC sports journalist, ahead of Blackmore's participation in Friday afternoon's Gold Cup race.In Bangladesh, there's been shocking news that an eight-year-old girl who was raped last week, has died from her injuries. Fierce protests have erupted in the country following the girl's death yesterday with people demanding that the government expedite justice for rape victims and reform laws related to women and children's safety. We hear from the BBC's South Asia Correspondent Samira Hussain who is based in Delhi, India.In the next of our Women's Prize discussions, we hear from Clare Mulley on her book charting the life of Agent Zo – a courageous Polish female resistance fighter in World War Two, and VV Ganeshananthan about her novel Brotherless Night set during the Sri Lankan Civil War – winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction last year. What can these writers in very different genres tell us about the experience of women in war?Catherine Cox from Nottingham was one of thousands of women who took the epilepsy drug sodium valproate while pregnant, something which is now advised against. She's been campaigning for compensation for more than 20 years. Her son Matthew, who's now 23, was born with a range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, epilepsy and several learning disabilities. At 18 months old, he was diagnosed with foetal valproate syndrome, indicating the medication Catherine took was the cause of his problems. Catherine joins Nuala alongside Dr Henrietta Hughes, Patient Safety Commissioner, whose report, released just over a year ago, recommended the need to compensate those harmed by valproate.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey Editor: Karen Dalziel

Woman's Hour
Employment Rights Bill, SEND, Neath RFC tweet, Spitfire Girls

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 57:10


The government has said it supports bereavement leave for couples who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks gestation. Business Minister Justin Madders told MPs he "fully accepts" the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss and promised to look at adding the right to the Employment Rights Bill. Nuala discusses the issues with national baby loss campaigner and founder of George's Law Keeley Lengthorn and the BBC's Employment Correspondent Zoe Conway.A couple of days ago the owner of a Welsh Rugby club put up a social media post to promote an upcoming match against a local rival. He hoped a few thousand people would maybe ‘like' it and ‘share' it and some would come along to watch the match. What he didn't expect was that the post would get more than a quarter of a million views, generate outrage and condemnation and become national news. Accompanying the text was an image of rugby players, with the words, ‘Not For Girls' stamped across the top. Nuala discusses the idea behind the tweet and the reaction with Matthew Young from Neath Rugby Football Club and the sports broadcaster, Stella Mills, one of the first people to see the post and comment. Yesterday the Education Committee heard evidence from professional membership organisations, charities and young people with lived experience of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, as part of its inquiry into solving the SEND crisis. One teenager invited to address the committee was 17-year-old Katie. Katie is autistic and was a member of the panel for Woman's Hour's SEND: Mums Bridging the Gap programme that was broadcast in September 2024. Katie, her mother Ruth Nellist and Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the SEND Education Committee all join Nuala to discuss the committee's work so far and the importance of the cross-party MPs who make up the committee hearing the experiences of children and young people with SEND.Have you heard of the ‘Attagirls'? They were pioneering women pilots who flew RAF planes throughout the country during World War Two, and achieved equal pay in 1943, but their work as part of the Air Transport Auxiliary has often been overlooked. A new play ‘Spitfire Girls' is inspired by the true stories of these women. Nuala speaks to cast members Katherine Senior and Laura Matthews to find out more about what it was like for women pilots and why it's important to celebrate their stories.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Woman's Hour
Businesswoman Sara Davies, Holiday without kids, Restless Leg Syndrome

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 57:16


Do you have a business idea that you would realise, if only you had the time? Sara Davies firmly believes we're all capable of creating a successful business from scratch, in just six minutes a week. The Dragon's Den star set up Crafter's Companion while she was still a student and has since built it into a multi-million pound business. Now she's sharing what she's learned in her new book – The Six Minute Entrepreneur: 52 short lessons for long-term business success.Frankie Bridge has hit out at ‘double standards' for women after she received a backlash online for going on holiday without her children. The Loose Women presenter was called ‘the worst wife and mother' in comments on her social media post, after she took a break with her friend following health struggles. Her husband and mother were looking after her two sons. She joins Nuala, along with parenting coach Camilla McGill. Women prescribed drugs for movement disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome are not being warned by doctors about serious side effects which have turned them into sex and gambling addicts – according to a BBC investigation. These women say these drugs were so powerful that they changed their behaviour entirely and ruined their lives. BBC News Investigations correspondent Noel Titheradge joins Nuala, along with a woman we are calling Lucy who developed three serious addictions while on the drugs, and professor of neuropsychiatry at Cambridge University, Valerie Voon.Hilary Brown was ABC News's first female foreign correspondent. She was one of the first women to be posted to war zones at a time where many women were just entering the workplace for the first time. Nuala talks to her about her life and career. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Woman's Hour
Toxic Town, Women in counter terrorism policing, Climbing Everest

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 57:09


It's been reported that more than 1,000 Syrians have been killed in the past few days in clashes between security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, and revenge killings that followed. Syria's interim leader has appealed for unity, and hundreds of people have reportedly fled their homes in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus - strongholds of Assad support. Witnesses have described scenes of looting and mass killings, including of women and children. Nuala McGovern is joined by the BBC's Middle East Correspondent Lina Sinjab in Damascus.Inside Counter Terrorism Policing is a new podcast featuring five women working in a range of roles across the UK who have shared their story with the aim of inspiring others to consider a career in national security and policing. We hear from Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing for the UK, and an officer we are calling ‘Emma', who will explain the challenges of her role as a handler of covert sources.If you've been to Dublin - you might have across the statue to Molly Malone, the very famous Dubliner. You might know the song Cockles and Mussels, which commemorates her. Busker Tilly Cripwell has been campaigning for her to be treated with more respect and to be elevated to stop passers by from groping her breasts - for 'good luck' - a 'tradition' for some.In 1975, Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the top of Mount Everest, battling through avalanches, altitude sickness and the changing elements. Since then, over 800 women have climbed Everest, yet they still only make up an estimated 12% of all climbers to tackle the mountain. Rebecca Stephens is the first British woman to summit Everest and tells us more about Junko.Have you been watching Toxic Town? The Netflix series tells the story of a town's toxic waste case. It follows the real-life battle of families in Corby who gave birth to children with limb differences in the 1980s and 1990s and their search for answers and justice. In 2009, after a long legal battle the High Court ruled Corby Borough Council was negligent in managing the waste. And in 2010 families affected won a financial settlement. Nuala speaks to Tracey Taylor, one of the mothers portrayed in the series, and Annabel Jones, one of the executive producers.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie, Esther Ghey, Nnedi Okorafor, Same Dress Different Bodies, Fostering, Rory

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 54:15


Two of the country's best-loved stage and screen Olivier award-winning actors, Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig are currently playing mother and daughter in Backstroke, a new play at the Donmar Warehouse in London, that unpicks the complications of their relationship over a lifetime. They joined Nuala McGovern in to discuss their on-stage relationship.Esther Ghey's transgender daughter Brianna was murdered in February 2023 by two 15 year olds. The killers were radicalised online, and 16-year-old Brianna herself was harmfully addicted to her phone, despite all of her mum's efforts to limit her usage. Esther has now become a campaigner for the safer use of smartphones for children, and for the use of mindfulness in schools. She also decided to forgive her child's killers, and is now friends with one of their mothers. Esther joined Anita Rani in the Woman's Hour studio to talk about her new memoir, Under a Pink Sky.Nigerian American science fiction author Nnedi Okorafor's new book is Death of the Author. It follows the story of Zelu, a novelist who is disabled, unemployed and from a very judgmental family. Nnedi and Nuala talked about the book within her book, success, and how she turned to writing as she recovered from a life-changing operation. Same Dress Different Bodies began when fashion-loving friends Laura Adlington and Lottie Drynan realised they were both having problems finding clothes they felt comfortable in, Lottie because of bloating caused by IBS, and Laura because she was limited by what was available in plus sizes. They joined Nuala to talk about turning their positive approach to fashion into a live show.Listener Emma Shaw got in touch with Woman's Hour after hearing author Beth Moran discuss fostering on the programme. She joined Nuala to share her own experience of being fostered alongside her siblings, along with Sarah Thomas, CEO of The Fostering Network, a charity that supports both foster parents and children.Singer-songwriter and ADHD YouTube influencer RØRY, who has co-written three top 10 hits for other artists including Charlie XCX, has finally broken through the charts with a top 10 album of her own at the age of 40. She joined Anita to talk about her journey from addiction to recovery and her new found success, and performs live in the studio.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells

Woman's Hour
Tim Westwood, Same Dress Different Bodies, LeighAnn McCready, Fatma Said

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 56:03


The BBC board has apologised over "missed opportunities" to tackle "bullying and misogynistic behaviour" by the former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood. Nuala discusses with BBC correspondent ChiChi Izundu. Same Dress Different Bodies began when fashion-loving friends Laura Adlington and Lottie Drynan realised they were both having problems finding clothes they felt comfortable in, Lottie because of bloating caused by IBS, and Laura because she was limited by what was available in plus sizes. They tell Nuala about turning their positive approach to fashion into a live show.The mother of the Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her own life, tried to discourage her from joining the army. Assistant Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg ruled Jaysley died by suicide and that the Army's handling of a sexual assault complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber was ‘more than a minimal contributory part in her death'. She was later subjected to relentless harassment by her line manager, Former Bombardier Ryan Mason. He sent her over 4,600 messages confessing his feelings for her and showed her a 15 page love story about her. The Army's failure to take action after she was harassed by him also contributed to her death. Her mother LeighAnn McCready tells us about her daughter and the army's investigation.Fatma Said is a renowned classical singer – she was the first Egyptian soprano to perform on La Scala's famous stage in Milan. She has also sung alongside Elton John and Ed Sheeran and was the first female artist to perform at the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2023. Fatma sings in several languages, and her albums span an eclectic mix of genres: El Nour celebrated her cultural heritage, and Kaleidoscope, featured everything from opera to Whitney Houston. She joins Nuala to discuss her latest album – Lieder - in which she turns to 19th Century German romantic music.Presented by Nuala McGovern. Produced by Melanie Abbott.

Woman's Hour
Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie, Carers march, Botox and friendships

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 56:37


Care and support providers are coming together around the UK in a series of protests over the government's plans to increase employer National Insurance contributions. They are warning that care providers may go out of business unless they receive more support. Nadra Ahmed, co-chair of the National Care Association, which represents smaller and medium-sized care providers, joins Nuala from Westminster.Nuala is joined live in the studio by two of the country's best-loved stage and screen Olivier award-winning actors – Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig. They are currently playing mother and daughter in Backstroke, a new play at the Donmar Warehouse in London, that unpicks the complications of their relationship over a lifetime.Barely two months after the end of the sex abuse scandal which gripped France last year, another horrific trial has begun there. The case of the former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, will be the biggest child sex abuse hearing in the country. He is accused of raping or sexually assaulting 299 people, mainly child patients. Some were under anaesthetic as he was operating on them. BBC reporter Laura Gozzi was in court in Brittany and explains how this latest case has affected the French nation. Music writer Stevie Chick pays tribute to Roberta Flack who has died, aged 88. At a party recently, journalist Kate Mulvey found it hard to relate to her old friends because of the amount of Botox and filler they had. So now she's decided to dump those friends. Kate talks to Nuala about the prevalence of these ‘tweakments', and how it's affected her friendships.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Woman's Hour
Southport dance teacher Leanne Lucas, Indira Varma, German elections, Nnedi Okorafor

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 57:20


It was a crime that horrified the nation. Three young girls murdered and another eight children and two adults seriously injured at a yoga and dance workshop in Southport in July 2024. Teacher Leanne Lucas, who was running the event, has agreed to speak for the first time about what happened. She's been speaking to the BBC's special correspondent Judith Moritz who joins Nuala McGovern.The German election results are in and there's now a female-led, far-right party in opposition. Journalist and Visiting Research Fellow at Kings College London Katja Hoyer tells Nuala about the role of women in the new German political landscape.Indira Varma is an Olivier-award-winning actor who has starred in everything from West End hits to Game of Thrones. She is currently on stage at the Old Vic in London, playing Jocasta to Rami Malek's Oedipus. She joins Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio.Nigerian American science fiction author Nnedi Okorafor's new book is Death of the Author. It follows the story of Zelu, a novelist who is disabled, unemployed and from a very judgmental family. Nnedi and Nuala talk about the book within her book, success, and the influence on her writing of being an athlete in her earlier years.

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: Raising the ‘Sen-betweeners', Signs of teenage exploitation, Formula One, Nussaibah Younis, Egg-freezing

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 53:06


'Sen-betweeners' is the term Lisa Lloyd, a mum of two autistic children, uses to describe her children. She says their neurodivergence is too severe to fit easily into mainstream school, but not severe enough for a special school, so they fall between the gaps. Lisa has written a guide for other parents on ‘Raising the Sen-betweeners,' in which she, whilst recognising that all children are different and there can be no rules, offers tips and advice for how to handle behaviours. Lisa joined Anita to share what she has learnt.The Children's Society are training staff at the fast food chain Chicken Cottage to spot signs of exploitation amongst their teenage customers. Nuala discussed the initiative and issues with the charity's Head of National Programmes, Lisa Witherden, and Chicken Cottage franchise manager Georgian Balog.Formula 1 has just turned 75, but how much headway are women racing drivers making? Nuala was joined by Jamie Chadwick, one of the leading British women in this sport, and BBC reporter Charlotte Simpson, who has spent months talking to a wide range of people trying to support more young women to become involved in the sport.Nussaibah Younis's debut novel Fundamentally is based on her own experiences working as a peacekeeping consultant in Baghdad. The book follows Nadia, a British Asian woman working for the UN, and her relationship with fellow Brit Sara, a nineteen-year-old three-times widowed member of the Islamic State Group. Nussaibah joined Anita to discuss finding the comedy in a desperate situation.Harvest, a new documentary, shows the realities of the egg freezing process. Director and writer Sophia Seymour decided to film her journey of elective egg freezing. With the number of women choosing this form of fertility planning rising, Nuala was joined by Sophia to discuss why she decided to do, and film it, and also by Dr Ippokratis Sarris, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Director of King's Fertility.Nao is a Grammy and Mercury nominated singer songwriter. She's described her unique brand of music as “wonky funk”. She joined Nuala McGovern to talk about fame, motherhood and her new album Jupiter. She performed live in the studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Woman's Hour
Women's Tennis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Formula 1, Lambrini Girls

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 54:06


During a tennis match in Dubai, Emma Raducanu was subject to what the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) are calling 'fixated behaviour' from a man in the public area. How safe is tennis for women players - and what is being done to protect them? Ahead of the Queen's Women's tournament's return this summer, Nuala McGovern speaks to sports journalist Molly McElwee to find out more.Actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins Nuala in the studio to talk about her acting career, including her latest role in Apple TV+ drama Surface, and why she's such a strong supporter of female-led productions.Formula 1 has just turned 75, but how much headway are women racing drivers making? Nuala is joined by Jamie Chadwick, one of the leading British women in this sport, and BBC reporter Charlotte Simpson, who has spent months talking to a wide range of people trying to support more young women to become involved in the sport.Lambrini Girls are a punk duo making waves with their fearless sound and sharp social commentary. Known for their high-energy performances, they've become one of the most talked-about bands in the UK's punk scene. They speak to Nuala about the power of punk and challenging the status quo. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Woman's Hour
Afghan government rebel over women's rights, Egg freezing, Indian Sportswoman of the Year

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 57:27


Why are members of the Afghan Cabinet speaking out against the de facto leader over his ban on girls' education and restrictions on women working? Nuala McGovern speaks to the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, and Fawzia Koofi, member of the Afghan Parliament and the first woman to be elected as Second Deputy Speaker.Harvest, a new documentary, shows the realities of the egg freezing process. Director and writer Sophia Seymour decided to film her journey of elective egg freezing. With the number of women choosing this form of fertility planning rising, Sophia joins Nuala to discuss why she decided to do it, and film it. They are joined by Dr Ippokratis Sarris, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Director of King's Fertility.According to NHS figures more than 44,000 children in England and Wales were admitted to hospital with constipation last year - with a 60% rise overall in hospital diagnoses of constipation in primary schoolchildren in the past decade. Dr Ellie Cannon GP and author, and Sarah Timms from Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence (ERIC) a children's bowel and bladder charity join Nuala.22-year-old pistol shooter Manu Bhaker is this year's BBC Indian Sportswoman of the year. Our correspondent Divya Arya was at the event, and joins Nuala McGovern to tell us more. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour
Nao, Women in Ukraine, Signs of teenage exploitation

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 52:53


Nao is a Grammy and Mercury nominated singer songwriter. She's described her unique brand of music as “wonky funk”. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about fame, motherhood and her new album Jupiter. She performs live in the studio. As European leaders are set to meet in Paris later today today for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine, the Prime Minister has said he is 'ready and willing' to commit British troops to the conflict. And the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia. Three years on since the war began, we get reaction from Ukrainian women to the possible outcomes of these talks. Nuala talks to Ukrainian journalist, Kateryna Khinkulova, Editor of the Europe Hub for the BBC World Service and the female Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko. Do you remember TV's Alan Partridge's long-time suffering personal assistant, Lynn? She is the inspiration for a new play, Lynn Faces. Nearly 40, and emerging from a toxic relationship, Leah starts a punk band and takes to the stage with no musical ability. Performed as a gig with lots of original songs, Lynn Faces explores hope after abuse, the power of friendship and how silliness can be healing. Nuala talks to the writer Laura Horton, who also plays drums in the production. The Children's Society are training staff at the fast food chain Chicken Cottage to spot signs of exploitation amongst their teenage customers. Nuala discusses the initiative and issues with the charity's Head of National Programmes, Lisa Witherden, and Chicken Cottage franchise manager Georgian Balog.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Woman's Hour
Weekend Woman's Hour: EastEnders 40th anniversary, Grandparenting, Maternal mental health

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 57:23


Laura Kyrke-Smith MP wants more care and support for new mothers struggling with their mental health. Her own friend died by suicide just 10 weeks after giving birth and she recently led a debate in parliament on the subject. Laura joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the changes she wants to see. They were joined by perinatal psychologist Dr Alain Gregoire from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary, Woman's Hour discusses the iconic soap's track record of featuring strong female characters with actors Michelle Collins, Kellie Bright, Diane Parish and Heather Peace.How easy is it to navigate the role of grandparent? The pyschologist Terri Apter, author of Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations joined Anita Rani to discuss the topic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Women's Prize for Fiction which was established to recognise the literary achievements of female writers. There have been huge improvements in sales for fiction written by women since then, however only 34 per cent of the top 500 non-fiction books in 2022 were written by women. The Women's Prize awarded its inaugural non-fiction category last year and have just released their 2025 longlist. Will it have the same impact as the Fiction Prize? The Women's Prize co-founder Kate Mosse and this year's Chair of the Non-Fiction Prize, journalist and author Kavita Puri join Nuala.Performance poet Caitlin O'Ryan's poem, At What Point, about walking home alone went viral. She performed an extract of the poem live in the studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Woman's Hour
Parole and victims, Met Police vetting, Women's Prize for Non-fiction

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 57:29


Ellie Wilson, a rape survivor, is campaigning for the right for victims to be able to appear at parole hearings, after being denied permission to attend one for her attacker. She tells Nuala McGovern why she wants the law changed in Scotland, and barrister Harriet Johnson explains more about the process.The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says that rooting out people who should not be in the force, has been made harder due to a High Court ruling that an officer accused of rape could not be dismissed because the process was fundamentally unfair. So, what does this ruling mean exactly and what could the wider impact be on women? Nuala McGovern discusses with the BBC's Senior UK correspondent Sima Kotecha and former Met Detective Superintendent Shabnam Chaudhri.Did you know anyone can legally call themselves a nurse, regardless of qualifications? Labour MP Dawn Butler introduced a ten minute rule bill in Parliament yesterday seeking to make 'nurse' a protected title in UK law. Professor Alison Leary, Deputy President of Royal College of Nursing joins Nuala to explain why she believes this move is important. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Women's Prize for Fiction which was established to recognise the literary achievements of female writers. There have been huge improvements in sales for fiction written by women since then, however only 34 per cent of the top 500 non-fiction books in 2022 were written by women. The Women's Prize awarded its inaugural non-fiction category last year and have just released their 2025 longlist. Will it have the same impact as the Fiction Prize? Nuala is joined by Women's Prize co-founder Kate Mosse and this year's Chair of the Non-Fiction Prize, journalist and author Kavita Puri.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Woman's Hour
Maternal mental health, Syria's missing, poet Caitlin O'Ryan

Woman's Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 57:28


Laura Kyrke-Smith MP wants more care and support for new mothers struggling with their mental health. Her own friend died by suicide just 10 weeks after giving birth and she recently led a debate in parliament on the subject. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about the changes she wants to see, along with perinatal psychologist Dr Alain Gregoire from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. What does the word 'ambition' mean to you? A study from the University of California has shown women may be put off applying for jobs when words such as 'ambition' or 'drive' appear in the ad, as they can feel intimidated. Nuala talks to Tiffanie Darke, the former CEO of female unemployment charity Smart Works, about women's relationship to ambition and what they're really looking for in a job. Wafa al Mustafa has been searching for her father for 13 years, ever since he was arrested at their home in Damascus in 2013. She has become the face of the campaign by hundreds of Syrian families to find their loved ones who have disappeared. She tells us how her search is going, and the difference the fall of Assad's regime has made. Performance poet Caitlin O'Ryan's poem about women walking home has struck a chord with thousands of people online. She joins us to perform At What Point and share what made her want to get up on stage at a poetry open mic night for the first time a couple of years ago. What happens when your child with special educational needs or disabilities, otherwise known as SEND, gets older? We hear from Laura Kerr from People First Dorset, a charity which aims to tackle loneliness amongst young people with learning disabilities, and Jo White, whose 17-year-old son Leon is autistic and non-verbal and has just left education. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths