Podcast appearances and mentions of Stella Duffy

Stella Duffy is an existential psychotherapist, award-winning writer, actor, director, a campaigner for equality and diversity, and recently completed a PHD in the embodied experience of post menopause. She herself has been postmenopausal for 30 odd years following chemotherapy as a younger woman.In this chat, we get into the deep-rooted cultural stories around menopause and ageing, including Stella's mission to change the negativity younger women often hear about it. She challenges the idea that postmenopause is all about decline, instead seeing it as a transition into a new, thriving chapter.Stella shares some of the amazing stories of women she researched as part of her doctorate on post menopause, showing just how varied the experience can be—some women struggle, some breeze through, and most land somewhere in between. But society tends to focus on fear and loss, making ageing seem like something to dread. Instead, she encourages us to lean into change rather than fight it. Menopause can be tough, sure, but it's also a chance for growth, renewal, and empowerment.Our chat is a powerful reminder that menopause isn't the end—it's just the next phase of an ever-evolving life. Hope you enjoy it.Find out more about Stella's work here; https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/about-stella-duffy/Or if you need support with your menopause symptoms or other health issues, contact us here; https://happyhormonesforlife.com/contact

My guest today is Dr Stella Duffy OBE - she is an existential psychotherapist, has recently completed her PhD, has written 17 novels, 15 plays, and 70 short stories, and in previous incarnations has been an actor, theatre-director, comedian and much much more…including being on the steering committee that started the Women's Equality Party! Having previously survived two encounters with cancer, last year, with no warning, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that very nearly killed her. Despite this, she recovered and went on to finish her PhD exploring the experiences of post-menopausal women.   We start off with me asking Stella to explain what existential psychotherapy is (because I definitely had no clue!). She outlines the approach as asking clients, “what choices have you made; what choices do you want to keep making; what choices are you making because you believe you have no choice; where do you want to change; and where are you right now?”   We also talk about how her second round of breast cancer felt like “a big slap in the face,” having made a subconscious deal with the Universe that trading the loss of her fertility due to aggressive cancer treatment would allow her to fully recover and continue to live cancer-free.  We move on to discuss the dearth of “post-menopausal” voices in the Menosphere - something I hope the podcast can go some way to addressing even in small part. The “industry” doesn't want to hear from happy, satisfied, thriving post-menopausal women, Stella points out, because then we won't buy in to needing to be “fixed” in quite the same way… As she herself can attest: “It's better ‘out the other side'…”!  On the flip side, her theory is that as regards the diverse voices we're not hearing (the women who aren't talking about their symptoms) their voices are absent not because they aren't experiencing symptoms but because other, even harder stuff is going on in their lives. When people haven't needed to deal with difficulties in life before, then menopause comes as a shock. She also argues that perhaps the anger and anxiety that often accompany menopause are valid responses to being surrounded by patriarchy, sexism and misogyny?  We also look at different global experiences of menopause: she cites research that compared Highland Mayan Guatemalan women to those in the US - where despite similar levels of osteoporosis, the Guatemalan women had no fractures due to diet and lifestyle differences (high calcium in their water, exercise throughout life (carrying water for miles well into their 70s), and absence of alcohol. (They also call their hot flushes: “the rising of the animal spirit” which I think perhaps should be a ‘thing' here too!). What else can we learn from other cultures - especially where older adults are treated with respect - but also what can we learn from studying those who have ‘sailed though' menopause - what were they doing differently in earlier life that might be influencing their experiences?  We move on to confronting our own internalized ageism and finding our own ways to age on our own terms - to articulate what we want from our ‘one wild and precious life.'  Flexing those “I want” muscles doesn't always come easily - and as we agree towards the end of our chat…We don't have to figure it all out overnight! You can find out more about Stella and her work at https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/ If you enjoy the podcast please consider sharing this episode, or writing a short review online!  If your workplace wants to become more ‘menopause friendly' then please let them know about the work I do at http://www.managingthemenopause.com  You can also find me over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/managingthemenopause   Join our newsletter, The Messy Middle, for fortnightly(ish) goodness into your Inbox: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/323784/90772270045202190/share  We're delighted to be listed as one of the Top 25 podcasts for midlife and menopause here: https://www.lattelounge.co.uk/podcasts-about-the-menopause/  

Tune in to the first episode in our new series, Menopause in Focus. In this series, we will discuss the range of menopausal onset and experiences, at different life stages, the missing and missed conversations prior to menopause, and the emerging awareness of the menopause in the workplace, and beyond. We will also delve into postmenopausal experiences, aging, and advocacy, which shares the lived experiences and impact of the symptoms and stages of menopause. We are grateful to have this conversation on the embodied experience of postmenopause, with the vibrant Stella Duffy. Stella is a psychotherapist, currently completing a doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy. Stella has been postmenopausal since chemotherapy for her first cancer in her mid-30s, and has a special interest in life after menopause, as a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse. Join us for this in-depth conversation with Stella. She will share her personal and professional experiences, in meaningful and thought-provoking ways, reflective of her vast, diverse background and profound creativity.

Tune in to the first episode in our new series, Menopause in Focus. In this series, we will discuss the range of menopausal onset and experiences, at different life stages, the missing and missed conversations prior to menopause, and the emerging awareness of the menopause in the workplace, and beyond. We will also delve into postmenopausal experiences, aging, and advocacy, which shares the lived experiences and impact of the symptoms and stages of menopause. We are grateful to have this conversation on the embodied experience of postmenopause, with the vibrant Stella Duffy. Stella is a psychotherapist, currently completing a doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy. Stella has been postmenopausal since chemotherapy for her first cancer in her mid-30s, and has a special interest in life after menopause, as a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse. Join us for this in-depth conversation with Stella. She will share her personal and professional experiences, in meaningful and thought-provoking ways, reflective of her vast, diverse background and profound creativity.

Stella Duffy is an award-winning writer of 17 novels, over 70 short stories and 15 plays who's also worked in theatre for 35 years as an actor, director and facilitator. She's a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher. She recently completed her doctorate in existential psychotherapy and her research was in the embodied experience of post-menopause. She's been post-menopausal since chemotherapy for breast cancer in her mid-30s. Stella has been active in equalities and diversity work in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities for many decades. We talk about: - Stella's experience of menopause coinciding with six months of chemotherapy - Menopause as a global issue - Challenging existing narratives - Societal factors and the impact of money - Cultural differences in menopause - The UK's influence on menopause narratives - Alternative perspectives on menopause - The importance of lifestyle factors - Societal perceptions of post-menopausal women in a patriarchal culture - Dismantling misogynistic stereotypes - Being inclusive about societal expectations and challenges related to aging - The societal pressure on women regarding fertility and how it contributes to defining their value. And more! This is such a rich and empowering conversation.   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you're listening. Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Recommended by the Sunday Times. Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide. You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

We hear from the ridiculously prolific Stella Duffy about loss, endings,  mortality, the value of living with a sense of our ageing instead of denying it, and the exquisite possibilities for being ‘more ourselves' that this brings. Stella is hugely generous with sharing her life experience and there are some beautifully profound moments in this interview. Stella Duffy has completed a doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy and her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopause. As well as her private psychotherapy practice, she has worked in NHS cancer psychological support and hospice bereavement support.  Alongside her therapy work, Stella is the award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories, and fifteen plays, and worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director, facilitator, and improvisor. The co-founder and, for eight years, the co-director of Fun Palaces working with communities and inclusion across the UK, Stella has been active in equalities and diversity work in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities for many decades. In 2016 she was awarded the OBE for Services to the Arts. She is also a yoga teacher, leading regular workshops in yoga for writing.  We also talk about the ubiquity with which HRT is prescribed (wrongly) for all menopause ailments, often without evidence, using misogynistic and ageist language that causes immense harm.Stella's linksBlog (writing, cancer, in/fertility, politics, life): https://stelladuffy.blog/Therapy site: https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/Insta: @stellduffy & @stelladuffytherapyX/Twitter: @stellduffyThreads: @stellduffyPerimenopause A Call to Love weekend retreat is 27th-28th April 2024 and you can find more about it here https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-a-call-to-love-weekend-retreat/Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHDA place where you will learn how to address your child's ADHD symptoms naturally..Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease support Life An Inside Job by buying me a cuppa here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/katecodringtonMore information about KateFree resource library: https://mailchi.mp/a8a0fa08678a/resource-libraryInstagram @kate_codringtonSecond Spring: the self-care guide to menopause is available from your favourite bookshopPerimenopause Unwrapped online course: https://woman-kind.co.uk/perimenopause-unwrapped-online-course/Perimenopause Starter Kit: https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/MusicTrust Me (instrumental) by RYYZNArtworkKate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

Tune in to the first episode in our new series, Menopause in Focus. In this series, we will discuss the range of menopausal onset and experiences, at different life stages, the missing and missed conversations prior to menopause, and the emerging awareness of the menopause in the workplace, and beyond. We will also delve into postmenopausal experiences, aging, and advocacy, which shares the lived experiences and impact of the symptoms and stages of menopause. We are grateful to have this conversation on the embodied experience of postmenopause, with the vibrant Stella Duffy. Stella is a psychotherapist, currently completing a doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy. Stella has been postmenopausal since chemotherapy for her first cancer in her mid-30s, and has a special interest in life after menopause, as a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse. Join us for this in-depth conversation with Stella. She will share her personal and professional experiences, in meaningful and thought-provoking ways, reflective of her vast, diverse background and profound creativity.

Tune in as we talk about loss, identity and finding meaning.In the course of my podcast and broader engagements, I've met numerous insightful and touching individuals. However, Stella's insights in this episode resonated deeply, stirring an unexpected shift within me. Her words seemed to reach a part of me that I hadn't anticipated, prompting a profound internal change.Stella Duffy, a psychotherapist and two-time breast cancer survivor, is not only an accomplished writer with seventeen novels and multiple plays to her credit but also a dedicated advocate for inclusion throughout the UK. Having lived well over twenty years in post-menopause she has a special interest in life after the menopause transition – a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse.This episode is special - so is Stella. Psychotherapy: stelladuffytherapy.co.ukEpisode highlights:[03:26] Stella reflects on cancer therapy and struggles.[10:51] Self-criticism and compassion, navigating life's losses.[14:01] The absurdity of gender binary and cancer positivity.[18:08] Why is nudity seen as empowering for women?[25:01] Losing mortality virginity is irreversible and impactful.[33:58] Encouraging clients to reconnect with the body.[39:51] Constant fight, anxiety, body distrust, sexual expectation.[46:29] Self-soothing by crossing your arms and hugging yourself.About Dani:The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.More educated, better informed and less alone.Connect with Dani:Instagram @healthywholeme Facebook: @healthywholeme Website: menopauseandcancer.org Join Dani's private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathubFor oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer

Stella Duffy is completing a doctorate training in Existential Psychotherapy and her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopause.  Alongside her therapy work, Stella is an award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories and fifteen plays and worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director, facilitator and improvisor. She has been active in equalities and inclusion work in the arts, LGBTQ+ and feminist communities for many decades, and was the co-founder and co-director of the UK-wide Fun Palaces campaign for cultural democracy. She is also a yoga teacher, leading regular workshops in yoga for writing and offers creative mentoring support.    Stella has been postmenopausal since chemotherapy for her first cancer in her mid-30s, and has a special interest in life after menopause – a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse.   In this episode we talk about Stella's journey to the PhD from a working-class background in South East London as the youngest of seven children.   Stella also talks about her experience of cancer and the therapeutic intervention that changed her perspective.   We reflect on the embodied nature of the PhD that Stella is engaged with both as a researcher and through her own lived experience of her body.   We finish with encouragement to check-in with your senses.   You can find out more about Stella's work here: stelladuffytherapy.co.uk If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

The Movies That Made Me… Episode 4: Want To Change The World Luke Sorba wrote and directed his first movie on Super 8 when he was 18 years old. "The Mirror Within" won in the Novice Category at Streatham and Norwood Amateur Film Club's Annual Awards. He only made one more (apart from some YouTube sketches) but he has since watched 6000 movies made by other people and owns 1600 on DVD. He spent more teenage hours at the National Film Theatre and the Electric Cinema than anywhere else, and is currently on first name terms with staff at Peckhamplex. Over two hundred books on cinema fill his shelves and he has a complete collection of Monthly Film Bulletin magazines (incorporated in Sight and Sound since 1990) going back to 1964. As an actor and writer, as well as a teacher of story telling Luke brings professional experience to his observations but it his status as a super-fan that sets him apart. He is rare among enthusiasts in that there is no period nor genre nor country whose movies he is not curious about. From Intolerance to Inception, The St Valentine's Day Massacre to The Belles of St Trinian's, Do the Right Thing to Dr Dolittle, Zombieland to Nomadland, Superfly to Superman, Tod Browning to Todd Haynes, Federico Fellini to The Fast and Furious, Monika Treut to Monica Bellucci, there is a place for everyone in The Movies That Made Me. Luke Sorba and Andrew Paine previously collaborated on the online improvised comedy show "Unmute". Together they make up Picard Productions. Episode 4 features… Stella Duffy is a writer and psychotherapist. She is an award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories and fourteen plays. Stella worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director, facilitator and improvisor and received the OBE for Services to the Arts in 2016. She is also a yoga teacher and runs yoga-for-writing workshops. Alongside her private psychotherapy practice, Stella works for a low-cost community mental health service. She is in the third year of a doctorate training in Existential Psychotherapy and her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopause. Twitter: @stellduffy Web: https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/ Anshu Srivastava spent twenty-five years training and working as an architect, before changing direction and becoming a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Web www.mra.co.uk Web www.srivastavatherapy.co.uk The Movies That Made Them Want To Change The World GREGORY'S GIRL (d Bill Forsyth) 1981 A film that is sweet without being sentimental, hopeful without being naïve, with an object of desire that subtly takes control. A remarkable portrait of an unremarkable teenager. Contrast - The Inbetweeners Movie BOY (d Taika Waititi) 2012 A father and son re-unite, two cultures join across an ocean, and innocence is on the line in 1980's Aotearoa / New Zealand. Waititi's blend of humour and pathos, of optimism and discovery is already laid out in his most autobiographical movie. The end credits sequence is outstanding! Contrast - Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2 THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (d Gillo Pontecorvo) 1966 So realistic some audiences thought they were watching a documentary. Banned in France for being to honest about its colonial past. Proudly political it is simultaneously gripping as a human drama, thriller and war movie. Contrast – The Wind that Shakes the Barley DESERT HEARTS (d Donna Deitch) 1985 A landmark movie as Queer Cinema meets the mainstream, putting Jane Rule's 1964 romantic novel on screen – stunning landscapes, honest performances with actors and director putting their careers on the line. It was viciously attacked by the New York Times but is now a deserved cult classic. Contrast – Lianna THE FLORIDA PROJECT (d Sean Baker) 2017 The most sublime final sequence I have witnessed this century. And the movie before that is pretty darn great too! It excels across more than one genre and is one of the best movies centred on a single building, in cinema. Contrast – Les Quatre Cents Coups FIVE EASY PIECES (d Bob Rafelson) 1970 Full of sound and fury signifying… a great deal. My favourite performance by Jack Nicholson in my favourite film from the Easy Rider / Raging Bull era. Karen Black is a revelation in a classic “going home” movie. Contrast – The Royal Tenenbaums The Movies That Made Me… credits Luke Sorba: Host Twitter: LukeSorbaLabour Andrew Paine: Producer & Audio Engineer Twitter: ItPainesMe  

It is the ultimate Cinderella story. A dashing Emperor falls in love with an actress and changes the law to make her his bride. Empress Theodora was born into a life on the stage and in sex work, but after her marriage to Emperor Justinian, she became the most powerful woman in the Byzantine Empire. But her name has been sullied by the salacious publication The Secret History by Prokopios in which she is depicted as the ultimate Wicked Woman.Featured Guests: Dr. Leslie Brubaker, an expert in Byzantine illuminated manuscripts, and award-winning author Stella Duffy who has written two novels about Theodora, Theodora and The Purple Shroud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking with Lynne Franks and Friends, Lynne is joined by her friend Stella Duffy, discussing her multi-faceted career, from actor to director to author to practicing psychotherapist. They also discuss their close family connection and Stella's journey to health and personal happiness.The two share their experiences in their practise of Buddhism, how Stella created spaces for community storytelling and take a close look at post menopause - shifting the conversation from it being just purely a medical experience but also a societal, cultural, psychological and emotional experience.Stella Duffy is an award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories and fourteen plays. She worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director and facilitator. She is the co-founder and until January 2021 was co-director of the Fun Palaces campaign supporting community-led connection, with over 750,000 local participants across the UK. She received the OBE for Services to the Arts in 2016. She is also a yoga teacher and runs yoga-for-writing workshops.Stella is in the third year of a doctorate training in Existential Psychotherapy, her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopausal. Alongside her private psychotherapy practice, she works in an NHS cancer support service and a low-cost community mental health service. As a campaigner Stella was on the founding steering committee of the Women's Equality Party, has worked for LGBTQ+ equalities for many decades, and is a member of Gateway Women'sChildless Elderwomen, the #NoMoCrones.Links Stella Duffy's website Follow @stellduffy on Instagram Follow @stellduffy on Twitter If you like what you hear, and want to find out more about our community of like-minded women who believe in living and working in alignment with the feminine values of collaboration, authenticity and most of all, love, you can learn more at seednetwork.com and join the community in the SEED Hub Club by visiting theseedhub.club.You can find Lynne on Instagram @lynnejfranks, Facebook @lynnefranksobe, Twitter @Lynne_Franks, and LinkedIn @Lynne Franks OBE.Music by Joolz Barker

Na velikem odru Mestnega gledališča ljubljanskega so uprizorili zadnjo premiero sezone – Junakinje v režiji Aleksandra Popovskega. Nastanek besedila je povezan s pandemijo – v londonskem gledališču Jermyn Street so leta 2020 povabili 15 britanskih avtoric, naj za spletne nastope petnajstih igralk napišejo monološka besedila po motivih Ovidovih Heroid. V Mestnem gledališču so jih izbrali 9, prevedla jih je Alenka Klabus Vesel. Dodatno besedilo moškega lika je napisal Nejc Gazvoda. Lettie Precious, Sabrina Mahfouz, Hannah Khalil, Stella Duffy, Isley Lynn, Chinonyerem Odimba, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Samantha Ellis, Juliet Gilkes Romero, Nejc Gazvoda 15 Heroines, 2021 Prva slovenska uprizoritev Premiera: 12. maj 2022 Prevajalka Alenka Klabus Vesel Režiser in scenograf Aleksandar Popovski Dramaturginja Eva Mahkovic Kostumografka Mia Popovska Avtor glasbe Kiril Džajkovski Lektorica Barbara Rogelj Svetovalka za gib Anja Möderndorfer Asistent scenografa Janez Koleša Asistentka dramaturginje in režiserja Urša Majcen Oblikovalec svetlobe Andrej Koležnik Oblikovalec zvoka Sašo Dragaš Nastopajo Viktorija Bencik Emeršič, Ajda Smrekar, Judita Zidar, Tanja Ribič, Tina Potočnik Vrhovnik, Julita Kropec k.g., Mirjam Korbar, Tjaša Železnik, Veronika Železnik k.g., Jernej Gašperin Foto: Veronika Železnik, Tjaša Železnik, Mirjam Korbar, Julita Kropec, Tina Potočnik Vrhovnik, Tanja Ribič, Judita Zidar, Ajda Smrekar, Viktorija Bencik Emeršič Avtor fotografije je Peter Giodani https://www.mgl.si/sl/predstave/junakinje/#gallery-1321-1 Besedilo sodobnih britanskih avtoric po motivih Ovidovih Heroid je režiral Aleksandar PopovskiNa velikem odru Mestnega gledališča ljubljanskega so uprizorili zadnjo premiero sezone – Junakinje v režiji Aleksandra Popovskega. Nastanek besedila je povezan s pandemijo – v londonskem gledališču Jermyn Street so leta 2020 povabili 15 britanskih avtoric, naj za spletne nastope petnajstih igralk napišejo monološka besedila po motivih Ovidovih Heroid. V Mestnem gledališču so jih izbrali 9, prevedla jih je Alenka Klabus Vesel. Dodatno besedilo moškega lika je napisal Nejc Gazvoda. Lettie Precious, Sabrina Mahfouz, Hannah Khalil, Stella Duffy, Isley Lynn, Chinonyerem Odimba, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Samantha Ellis, Juliet Gilkes Romero, Nejc Gazvoda 15 Heroines, 2021 Prva slovenska uprizoritev Premiera: 12. maj 2022 Prevajalka Alenka Klabus Vesel Režiser in scenograf Aleksandar Popovski Dramaturginja Eva Mahkovic Kostumografka Mia Popovska Avtor glasbe Kiril Džajkovski Lektorica Barbara Rogelj Svetovalka za gib Anja Möderndorfer Asistent scenografa Janez Koleša Asistentka dramaturginje in režiserja Urša Majcen Oblikovalec svetlobe Andrej Koležnik Oblikovalec zvoka Sašo Dragaš Nastopajo Viktorija Bencik Emeršič, Ajda Smrekar, Judita Zidar, Tanja Ribič, Tina Potočnik Vrhovnik, Julita Kropec k.g., Mirjam Korbar, Tjaša Železnik, Veronika Železnik k.g., Jernej Gašperin Foto: Veronika Železnik, Tjaša Železnik, Mirjam Korbar, Julita Kropec, Tina Potočnik Vrhovnik, Tanja Ribič, Judita Zidar, Ajda Smrekar, Viktorija Bencik Emeršič Avtor fotografije je Peter Giodani

In Episode 38, we were reunited with Sarah who was recovering from Covid, and Stella Duffy OBE joined us. It's fair to say that when we asked Stella to be a guest and she said 'yes' we were thrilled, as admirers of her work. You'll also see Stella in Gateway Women's videos. Where does anyone start with describing the work and joy that Stella brings to theatre, yoga, mentoring, literature and life? As you'll find out, we struggled to find the words! There's a lesson right there - ask the guest to describe what they do in their own words! "There is huge power in grief, power in understanding what loss is like but as well as being pronatal and heteronormative, our culture is 'let's be happy' and to never admit that things are hard sometimes." Stella Duffy, OBE It's a very passionate episode as we discuss worth, loss and life-changing experiences, but there are some moments of profound discovery. There are tears and lots of laughter too. As with all podcast guests, we wanted Stella to join us in person for a party and a book reading too - but we'll have to wait a bit longer for that in this ever-changing world. We do hope you'll love this episode as much as we loved recording; it felt extra special for us for so many reasons, as you'll hear. 

This International Women's Day we have the wonderful Stella Duffy as a guest. Stella is an acclaimed author and playwright, with 17 novels to her name. She's also a yoga teacher, breast cancer survivor, trainee existential pyschotherapist and an OBE recipient. In this chat Stella, who had dreamt of having children, shares her journey of deep self- acceptance and the power she now feels embracing the life she has. As a queer older woman, she speaks of how a pro-natal and heteronormative world view, can isolate those who are different instead of valuing diversity. Stella shares the need to debunk the idea that fertility is a woman's greatest gift and to create a space to celebrate post-menopausal women. An approach Stella has seen other cultures embrace. It's a powerful and joyful chat, that moved me to my core and I'm sure it will you as well. If you would like to learn more about Stella's work, you can go to her website. https://stelladuffy.blog/Her novel, Lullaby Beach is now available on paperback. https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/stella-duffy/lullaby-beach/9781405549653/As always we'd love to hear from you. Please share what you think of our chat by posting a review or you can find me on Instagram or twitter @geetapendse. It means the world to see your messages.

It's the time of the year where Beach Reads and Beach-adjacent Reads are our jam. Listen to Alison and Ineka review tales of guncles, Cher-alikes and glamorous villains. Books mentioned in this episode of Books and Beyond can be borrowed and requested via the Auckland Libraries catalogue: The visit of the Spanish Lady by Brucculeri and Whelan published 2021 / Adult Graphic Novel (NZ): https://bit.ly/3IfKGZV Lullaby beach by Stella Duffy published 2021 / Adult Fiction (NZ): https://bit.ly/3IdbdqN The Shelly Bay ladies' swimming circle by Sophie Green published 2019 / Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3BGp9XY Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau published 2021 / Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3sZrk58 The Guncle / Steven Rowley published 2021 / Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3sb1kEq The Lido / Libby Page published 2018 / Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/35mEyjW

Today it's a Fun Palaces conversation between Kirsty Lothian and Makala Cheung the new co-directors of Fun Palaces. It's a podcast that pairs with the episode with Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings, picking up where they left off and giving us an idea of their vision for the future. But still asking, "What would Stella and Sarah-Jane do?"!    About Fun Palaces Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings co-founded Fun Palaces in 2013 to create a celebration of Joan Littlewood's centenary on the 6th October 2014. As more communities, individuals and organisations across the UK asked if they could join in, it quickly became clear that it was never going to be a one-off. Recently Kirsty Lothian and Makala Cheung became co-directors of the organisation.   Developed from Joan Littlewood and Cedric Price's never-built 1960s vision of one building for all arts and science, free to the local community of the East End, the 21st century Fun Palaces is about reclaiming public space, encouraging cultural venues to throw open their doors, shining a light on unsung community activism and supporting local people to step up to co-create their own community events. Learning from the communities that take part every year, Fun Palaces has changed and grown, and is now as varied as the people who take part.    This year Fun Palaces will run again in October. Get involved by registering your Fun Palaces event now.   Thanks for listening to the Fun Palaces podcast. If you like what you hear please do subscribe to it and also rate and review us.    Credits:  Find out more at: www.funpalaces.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @FunPalaces Follow us on Instagram: @FunPalaces Producer: Dan Vo  Audio mix: Lewis Campbell Music mix: Samuel Gunn Guests: Kirsty Lothian and Makala Cheung.

This week we're examining some new cases inspired by classic detective series.    Mick Finlay introduces us to Arrowood, his down-at-heel Victorian gumshoe.   Stella Duffy confesses to being delighted and daunted at being asked to complete an unfinished mystery by Ngaio Marsh.   Mitch Cullin imagines what a 93-year old Sherlock Holmes might be working on.   NB Dixon reviews a new case for Hercule Poirot. And we return to Mick Finlay for the Books of Your Life.

Mary Fawcett of Schrödinger’s Books, Petone, reviews Lullaby Beach by Stella Duffy. Published by Little, Brown Book Group.

Mary Fawcett of Schrödinger’s Books, Petone, reviews Lullaby Beach by Stella Duffy. Published by Little, Brown Book Group.

Today it's a Fun Palaces conversation between Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings as they prepare to step down as co-directors and say farewell (although it's really not goodbye forever!).    About Fun Palaces Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings co-founded Fun Palaces in 2013 to create a celebration of Joan Littlewood's centenary on the 6th October 2014. As more communities, individuals and organisations across the UK asked if they could join in, it quickly became clear that it was never going to be a one-off.   Developed from Joan Littlewood and Cedric Price's never-built 1960s vision of one building for all arts and science, free to the local community of the East End, the 21st century Fun Palaces is about reclaiming public space, encouraging cultural venues to throw open their doors, shining a light on unsung community activism and supporting local people to step up to co-create their own community events. Learning from the communities that take part every year, Fun Palaces has changed and grown, and is now as varied as the people who take part.    This year the emphasis was on tiny Fun Palaces - safe, socially-distanced, with community connection at their heart - and how anyone can get involved - even now.    Thanks for listening to the Fun Palaces podcast. If you like what you hear please do subscribe to it and also rate and review us.    Credits:  Find out more at: www.funpalaces.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @FunPalaces Follow us on Instagram: @FunPalaces Producer: Dan Vo  Editor: Samuel Gunn Guests: Peter Lower, Yvonne Marjo, Ruth Murray, Degna Stone. Made with help from: Stella Duffy, Sarah Jane Rawlings, Ravina Bajwa, Kirsty Lothian and Daniel King.

Life on Mars by David Bowie and You Got To Run by Buffy Sainte-Marie & Tanya Tagaq

Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Classic BRIT award winner Jess Gillam. At 22 Jess has released 2 albums, performed at the Last Night of the Proms and became the youngest ever presenter for BBC Radio 3. Jess talks about growing up in Ulverston in Cumbria, realising childhood ambitions and using music to spread joy. Drew Pritchard is the star of TV’s Salvage Hunters. He shares his passion for junk which has led to him discovering the casts that Lord Elgin made of his infamous marbles. He’s also made a million and lost it, and made it again. Listener Hannah Mornement's mother was a volunteer nurse in Ethiopia in 1985. Hannah talks about retracing her footsteps and meeting the people her mother helped. Writer Stella Duffy chooses her Inheritance Tracks: Life on Mars by David Bowie and You Got To Run by Buffy Sainte-Marie & Tanya Tagaq.  Andi Osho’s CV includes film, TV, theatre, stand up and she’s just added fiction to the list. She talks about the inspiration for her debut novel, her late 20s life transformation and the importance of friendships. Jess Gillam's performance of Michael Nyman’s ‘Where the Bee Dances’ with the Manchester Camerata will be broadcast as a digital stream at 8pm on Friday 26th February. Jess is part of the ‘Classical Vauxhall’ series – which will be available to view on Sat 20th March. Jess has also recorded a concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra which will be available via the RPO’s website from Thursday 25th March (7:30pm) and then available on demand for two weeks. Man With A Van: My Story by Drew Pritchard is out now. Lullaby Beach by Stella Duffy is out now. Asking for a Friend by Andi Osho is out now. Producer: Claire Bartleet Editor: Eleanor Garland

How can we write a life unexpected?Author of seventeen novels, fourteen plays, theatre-maker, co-director of Fun Palaces and Stonewall writer of the year Stella Duffy OBE is an inspiration of hard-won wisdom and appetite for learning new things. She joins Lucy Scholes for a conversation about living without children in a pro-natalist society, how existentialism and yoga inform her writing and the time she met Patricia Highsmith - as well as why Bridgerton is brilliant. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This Review Season on Death of The Reader has been a nasty one, with stories new and old vying for the top spot, and with two entries Ngaio Marsh is almost cheating, but there's one big difference with this novel. Money in the Morgue was conceived by the late Ngaio Marsh but continued and completed by Stella Duffy, who we had the absolute pleasure of interrogating about the process recently on Death of the Reader. The story takes place in the New Zealand wilderness, as a storm approaches and threatens to seal off a military hospital camp from the outside world, we are challenged by the combined wits of Ngaio Marsh and Stella Duffy to penetrate this closed circle of suspects when a murder most foul is committed within the camp walls.

In this second podcast, host Dan Vo explores Tiny Connections, one of the core aspeects of Fun Palaces.   He'll speak with Degna Stone in Newcastle, Ruth Murray from New Mills and Yvonne Marjo from the Isle of Mull in Scotland about how they got involved with the Fun Palaces weekend with A Manifesto of Tiny Commitments. We also meet Peter Lower from Chippenham who we'll unwittingly take on a journey to write his own manifesto!   About Fun Palaces Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings co-founded Fun Palaces in 2013 to create a celebration of Joan Littlewood's centenary on the 6th October 2014. As more communities, individuals and organisations across the UK asked if they could join in, it quickly became clear that it was never going to be a one-off.   Developed from Joan Littlewood and Cedric Price's never-built 1960s vision of one building for all arts and science, free to the local community of the East End, the 21st century Fun Palaces is about reclaiming public space, encouraging cultural venues to throw open their doors, shining a light on unsung community activism and supporting local people to step up to co-create their own community events. Learning from the communities that take part every year, Fun Palaces has changed and grown, and is now as varied as the people who take part.    This year the emphasis was on tiny Fun Palaces - safe, socially-distanced, with community connection at their heart - and how anyone can get involved - even now.    Thanks for listening to the Fun Palaces podcast. If you like what you hear please do subscribe to it and also rate and review us.    Credits:  Find out more at: www.funpalaces.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @FunPalaces Follow us on Instagram: @FunPalaces Producer: Dan Vo  Editor: Samuel Gunn Guests: Peter Lower, Yvonne Marjo, Ruth Murray, Degna Stone. Made with help from: Stella Duffy, Sarah Jane Rawlings, Ravina Bajwa, Kirsty Lothian and Daniel King.

We discuss chapters 1-7 of The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. First of the few in the Detective Galileo series to be translated to English, our story begins following a mathematics teacher by the name of Ishigami who swoops in to help his neighbour cover up a murder she has committed. With our murder, culprit and method shown in the opening chapters of the story, the cat-and-mouse game between Ishigami and his former classmate Yukawa Manabu - Detective Galileo himself - is on. You do not want to miss this book. We also have a short clip of our extended interview with Stella Duffy, the author of Money in the Morgue, our second book for 2020.

Full spoilers in this one! We finally got the chance to sit down with Stella Duffy to chat about her amazing work with Money in the Morgue. After the team at Harper Collins approached her with just four chapters and notes from an incomplete Ngaio Marsh novel, she managed to work it into a brilliantly authentic love-letter to Marsh while bringing her work comfortably in the modern day. We talk about how the project came about, how much free reign there was, and how important the original work of Marsh was to the project.

In this first podcast, you're going to hear from Fun Palaces co-director Stella Duffy, on Fun Palaces Weekend this coming October 3rd-4th, how the original idea came about, and how this year will be about having tiny ones.   Fun Palaces Maker Lorena Hodgson will give you lots of ideas about how you can get involved with Fun Palaces this year and two Fun Palaces Ambassadors Lewis Hou and Beverley Nunn will give you some info about the Fun Palaces that are already live on the official Fun Palaces map. Also, Eddie McCleneghan drops by to read us a poem!   About Fun Palaces Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings co-founded Fun Palaces in 2013 to create a celebration of Joan Littlewood's centenary on the 6th October 2014. As more communities, individuals and organisations across the UK asked if they could join in, it quickly became clear that it was never going to be a one-off.   Developed from Joan Littlewood and Cedric Price's never-built 1960s vision of one building for all arts and science, free to the local community of the East End, the 21st century Fun Palaces is about reclaiming public space, encouraging cultural venues to throw open their doors, shining a light on unsung community activism and supporting local people to step up to co-create their own community events. Learning from the communities that take part every year, Fun Palaces has changed and grown, and is now as varied as the people who take part.    This year the emphasis is on tiny Fun Palaces - safe, socially-distanced, with community connection at their heart - and how anyone can get involved - even now. Usually the Fun Palaces HQ team try to visit as many Fun Palaces as they can, but this year they're staying at home and making their own and invite you to make your own tiny Fun Palaces too and put them on the map!   In the UK and beyond, Fun Palaces are happening in lots of different shapes and sizes - in garden in Orkney, on streets and parks in London, on a village fence post in North Wales, a canal towpath in Sheffield, a travelling wheelbarrow in Mansfield, and even on a boat off the coast of Cornwall - this year's Fun Palaces Makers have found ingenious ways to come together in safe and tiny ways.    Thanks for listening to the Fun Palaces podcast. If you like what you hear please do subscribe to it and also rate and review us.    Credits:  Find out more at: www.funpalaces.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @FunPalaces Follow us on Instagram: @FunPalaces Producer: Dan Vo  Editor: Samuel Gunn Guests: Lewis Hou, Stella Duffy, Lorena Hodgson, Beverley Nunn and Eddie McCleneghan. Made with help from: Stella Duffy, Sarah Jane Rawlings, Ravina Bajwa, Kirsty Lothian and Daniel King

Stella Duffy, author and creative revolutioner joins interviewer Jenny Harris to discuss how the pandemic has impacted on culture and how important work such as Fun Palaces can help people to co-create their own cultural offering off-line. Stella Duffy in Conversation with Jenny Harris was recorded live as part of the digital HIF Weekender in July 2020. Podcast music by: Joseph McDade.

Featuring: Stella Duffy, Jane Harper, Vanda Symon, Christian White and Chair Craig Sisterson. Slap on the sunscreen. You’ll need it for the glare of the hottest crime wave. Down Under authors are on top of the world, marching to a different beat under the midday heat. Take a long-haul flight with writer and theatre-maker, Stella Duffy, torchbearer of the legendary Ngaio Marsh. Jane Harper makes mouths dry with anticipation, a force of nature on the bestseller lists. Vanda Symon is behind the #1 New Zealand bestselling Sam Shephard series. Christian White is the dynamo from down under with his award-winning debut, The Nowhere Child. Kiwi Journalist Craig Sisterson keeps it cool as Chair. Antipodean Noir was recorded live at Harrogate International Festivals' Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July 2019. Jane Harper's book The Lost Man has been shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel Of The Year 2020. Vote for The Lost Man, and discover the full shortlist at www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com Podcast music by Joseph McDade.

Disco legend Gloria Gaynor made headlines earlier this month when her TikTok video encouraging people to wash their hands to her hit I Will Survive went viral. She joins us from her home in South Carolina, to discuss winning a Grammy for her latest album Testimony, and how she's keeping busy in self-isolation. As galleries and art centres close their doors many organisations are turning to digital platforms to reach audiences, but what about the 5 million people in the UK that don’t have access to the internet? Front Row speaks to Stella Duffy, co-director of Fun Palaces and Sally Shaw, Director of Firstsite Gallery in Colchester about the initiatives they’re setting up to reach those that are not online. Maggie O’Farrell’s latest novel is named after Shakespeare’s only son Hamnet, who died of the Plague. It has been almost universally acclaimed as her finest work. And a new film – Vivarium – is a study in claustrophobia and enforced closeness for a young couple who have to live in a house they can’t leave. Starring Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg it has an eerie resonance in the current world of social isolation and lockdown. Jenny McCartney and Barb Jungr join John to review the book and the film. And Shahidha Bari joins Front Row for our Cultural Clinic. She'll be answering questions on the cultural significance of clothes - especially when we're at home and tempted to stay in our PJs all day. Presenter: John Wilson Producer: Sarah Johnson

We discuss chapters 24-37 of Money in the Morgue by Stella Duffy and Ngaio Marsh. As the conspiracy behind the crime unravels, two separate mysteries bubble to the surface, taking Alleyn and his allies beneath the hospital into tunnels that would have Father Knox scratching his head. We also talk with Dr. Jamie Bernthall-Hooker about his studies of the golden age, the reworking Stella Duffy did of Alleyn, and the stage implications of Money in the Morgue.

We discuss chapters 12-23 of Money in the Morgue by Stella Duffy and Ngaio Marsh. As Alleyn takes each and every suspect in for questioning, the puzzle only gets more and more unclear. As the personal struggles of the cast start to take Alleyn's mind away from the case, can Flex piece together a solution sane enough to work?

We discuss the first 11 chapters of Money in the Morgue by Stella Duffy and Ngaio Marsh. Taking the first 3 chapters left behind by Dame Ngaio Marsh, and turning it into a full novel, Stella Duffy bridges Roderick Alleyn into the world of modern crime fiction, as he finds himself investigating a curious conspiracy in a country hospital in WW2 New Zealand. Transforming Marsh's draft into a well-written novel with tribute aplenty to the golden ages of theatre and crime fiction, Stella Duffy seemingly achieves the impossible. We also discuss the upcoming news in Crime Fiction and Mystery, so you can find some new reads!

Join Natalie Haynes and guests for half an hour of comedy and the Classics from the BBC Radio Theatre in London. Natalie is a reformed comedian who is a little bit obsessive about Ancient Greece and Rome. Today she stands up in the name of Greek poet, Sappho, about whom we know so little, and most of what we think we know is made-up. But one thing is certain: her poetry is scorching, and unforgettable. There will also be a lot of gossip from over a thousand years ago. With special guests novelist Stella Duffy, classicist Professor Edith Hall and music from LiTTLe MACHiNe. Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery.

Toy Story 4 hits the cinema screens. Featuring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves, and Annie Potts - as the kick-ass heroine Bo Peep - what does the Toy Story franchise have to offer the new generation of toy loving kids? John Malkovich returns to the stage after a 33 year absence to star in David Mamet's Bitter Wheat about a depraved Hollywood mogul . The play's protagonist Barney Fein is described "as a bloated monster – a studio head, who like his predecessor, the minotaur, devours the young he has lured into his cave." Keith Haring at Tate Liverpool is the first major exhibition in the UK of American artist Keith Haring (1958-1990). Keith Haring brings together more than 85 works exploring a broad range of the artist's practice including large-scale drawings and paintings, most of which have never been seen in the UK. TS Eliot prize winning author Ocean Vuong is the American-Vietnamese writer of Night Sky with Exit Wounds. His debut novel "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" continues to explore his family's experience as immigrants and shows how his life story - as much as theirs - is shaped by the devastating legacy of the Vietnam war. ITV’s new period drama Beecham House, set in India at the cusp of the 19th century tells the story of John Beecham, played by Tom Bateman, who arrives in India in 1795 as a former employee of the East India Company. Co-created, written and directed by Gurinder Chadha whose past credits include Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, and Viceroy’s House. Ayesha Hazarika's guests are Stella Duffy, Alex Clark and Kevin Jackson Podcast recommendations: Kevin: Jack Reacher stories Stella: Wild Rumpus art company Alex: Novels set in one day Ayesha: The Handmaid's Tale on TV

In this week's show, Stella Duffy takes us to New Zealand during World War 2, in her continuation of Ngaio Marsh’s unfinished novel ‘Money In The Morgue’. (Starts at 1.05) J O Morgan discusses turning his Costa Award-winning poem ‘Assurances’ into an RNIB Talking Book. (Starts at 23.40) Debut author Beth O’Leary introduces us to ‘The Flatshare’, a love story with a twist. (Starts at 38.50) And a return to Stella Duffy for the books of her life. (Starts at 50.00)

This episode's guest is Stella Duffy. Stella is a writer, director and performer who has written 16 novels including Room of Lost Things, State of Happiness and London Lies Beneath. She's written and devised 14 plays and over 70 short stories including several for Radio 4 and her solo show Breaststrokes was both Time Out and the Guardian's Critic's Choice. She is co-founder and co-director of Fun Palaces, an ongoing campaign for cultural democracy that promotes culture at the heart of community and community at the heart of culture. Recorded in Deptford, London.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stevexoh)

In conversation with Author and Performer Stella Duffy. To find out more information about this and my other interviews, please go to my website: www.beyondthetitle.co.uk www.facebook.com/beyondthetitle

Stella Duffy OBE is a writer and theatremaker.

The Fun Palace was an idea conceived originally by influential theatre maker Joan Littlewood with architect Cedric Price in the early 1960s. Their building-based idea was never built, but writer and actor Stella Duffy OBE came up with the idea to resurrect it in a different way for Littlewood’s centenary in 2014. This has become a fast-growing annual event co-directed by Stella with Sarah-Jane Rawlings and is about to celebrate its fifth anniversary. In this episode, David Chadderton talks to Stella about her realisation of the Fun Palace idea for the twenty-first century on a countrywide scale, and she also makes some provocative suggestions about theatre, culture, outreach projects and diversity. The fifth Fun Palaces event will be on 6 and 7 October 2018. For information on fun palaces near to you or details of how to create a fun palace of your own, see the Fun Palaces web site.

Broken communities hurt the public purse, demotivate citizens and can become nurseries for gangs, terrorists, drug abuse, criminality and knife crime. We are all increasingly focussed on "place making". The term, however, is all too often used loosely. Our definition is "building environments and encouraging mind-sets that support cohesive, confident, proud and sustainable local communities". Even if we all agree on what we are talking about there are reasons to examine what the term really means as Stella Duffy points out in this programme. In the last 100 years, national and local government has all too often, destroyed, ignored and under resourced existing communities and done little or nothing to help in the development of new communities. Now we understand that broken communities can become home to disillusioned, de-motivated people un-coupled from the democratic process and sceptical of what society can offer them.  Sharing creative activities can drive place making, can "pop-up" over night, can mobilise a community's own resources and produce spectacular and timely results. All the more reason then why those in power who hold the national, regional and local purse strings should support such initiatives.

Yesterday we launched our new season Inspire. Today we ask the key question: what is inspiration? The poet Kei Miller, the composer Philip Venables, the novelist Stella Duffy, the artist Aowen Jin and the philosopher Julian Baggini join Front Row to share their thoughts on the line between a magical moment and hard graft.On Monday Aurora Orchestra return to the BBC Proms to perform Shostakovich's Ninth Symphony entirely from memory. We're joined in the studio by the orchestra's principle cellist Torun Stavseng and concert pianist and music writer Susan Tomes to explore the opportunities and limitations of performing classical music without a score.Presenter: Stig Abell Producer: Hilary Dunn.

The Possibility Club is a movement to connect adventurers in business, culture and education. Richard Freeman's special guest this week is Stella Duffy OBE. Stella is many things. A multi-award winning author of 16 novels, spanning both literary and crime fiction, over 60 short stories and 10 plays, which have been performed at The Bush Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, and Lyric Hammersmith amongst many others. She is a comedy improviser, theatre director, screen actress and documentary film-maker. In 2016, Stella as awarded an OBE for services to the arts. For the past 4 years, Stella has been one of the driving forces behind Fun Palaces, a massive UK-wide celebration of culture, making, science, heritage and community that takes place every October. Richard and Stella spoke in mid May 2018, chatting about what makes a Fun Palace work, childhood, inclusion, class, opportunity, risk and creativity. Useful links http://funpalaces.co.uk/ https://stelladuffy.wordpress.com/ https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/jul/18/fun-palaces-joan-littlewood-dream-realised-100-years-birth https://www.devotedanddisgruntled.com/ --- The Possibility Club is more than a podcast, but a peer network for adventurers who want to create, lead or innovate in the world. If you have a burning idea, project or business and want to get critical support from new friends - join for free at www.thepossibilityclub.org Richard Freeman is the host for always possible and this podcast is produced and edited by CJ Thorpe-Tracey for Lo Fi Arts.

Chris meets performer and theatre maker Stella Duffy. https://stelladuffy.wordpress.com Please feel free to respond: podcast@chrisgoodeonline.com or you can comment and rate us at iTunes. Thanks for listening & we'll be back next Wednesday.

At The Laugharne Weekend Robin sat down with the prolific and acclaimed author, writer (and broadcaster) Stella Duffy. They chat about writing crime fiction, promoting diverse storytellers, Fun Palaces and a whole lot more! Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles

Joseph Knox's new book The Smiling Man and the archives of Gabriel Garzia Marquz

Highlights from Front Row's Queer Icons project, presented by Alan Carr.With guests including Mary Portas, Olly Alexander, Christine and the Queens, Paris Lees, Maggi Hambling, Rebecca Root, A.Dot, Stella Duffy and the Oscar-winning writer of Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney.Celebrating LGBTQ culture from the poetry of Sappho to the songs of Frank Ocean, we've asked guests to champion a piece of LGBTQ artwork that is special to them - one that has significance in their lives.Will Young picks the Joan Armatrading song that inspired him to come out; Christine and the Queens talks about Jean Genet's Our Lady Of The Flowers; and Sir Antony Sher reveals his regrets about not being out publicly when he starred in Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy.For the full interviews head to Front Row's Queer Icons website, where you can hear Queer Icons from Neil MacGregor, Asifa Lahore, Colm Toibin, Tony Kushner, Emma Donoghue, Nicholas Hytner and many more.Presenter: Alan Carr Readers: Lorelei King and Simon Russell Beale Producer: Timothy Prosser.

It's 50 years this summer since the artist Richard Long took steps across a Wiltshire field to create A Line Made By Walking, now regarded as a classic piece of conceptual art. John meets him in a rare interview in his studio near Bristol.Theatre director Marcus Romer and former arts funder and marketing consultant Roger Tomlinson discuss the holy grail of arts funding bodies: how to measure the quality of art that the public is paying for. For our Queer Icons series, Stella Duffy champions the novel Carol, Patricia Highsmith's love story set in fifties New York. And Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra, comes in to tell us about the poetry of Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, who died earlier this month.Presenter: John Wilson Producer: Sarah Johnson.

Simon Heffer, novelist and co-director of the Fun Palaces campaign Stella Duffy, New Generation Thinker Will Abberley and the writer and sociologist Tiffany Jenkins join Matthew Sweet and an audience at the University of Sussex to debate the ideas explored by Matthew Arnold and their resonance today. The series of periodical essays were first published in Cornhill Magazine, 1867-68, and subsequently published as a book in 1869.Arnold argued that modern life was producing a society of 'Philistines' who only cared for material possessions and hedonistic pleasure. As a medicine for this moral and spiritual degradation, Arnold prescribed 'culture', which he defined as 'the best which has been thought and said in the world', stored in Europe's great literature, philosophy and history. By engaging with this heritage, he argued, humans could develop towards a higher state of mental and moral 'perfection'.Simon Heffer is the author of books including High minds: the Victorians and the birth of modern Britain; Moral Desperado: A Life of Thomas Carlyle and Nor Shall My Sword: The Reinvention of England.Tiffany Jenkins is Culture Editor for the journal Sociology Compass. Her books include Contesting Human Remains in Museum Collections, Keeping Their Marbles and she is editor of a collection of essays from various writers called Political Culture, Soft Interventions and Nation Building. Will Abberley is a Lecturer in English at the University of Sussex and the author of English Fiction and the Evolution of Language, 1850-1914 Stella Duffy is a writer and the co-director of the Fun Palaces campaign for wider participation in all forms of arts and culture.;Producer: Fiona McLean

A heartfelt meditation on the (in)visibilty of gay women. Writer and theatremaker Stella Duffy describes growing up lesbian in New Zealand in the 60s and 70s and considers what the 40 year expatriate 'marriage' of novelist, poet and playwright Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas, author of The Alice B Toklas Cookbook, means to her. Part of Gay Britannia, a season of programming marking the 50th anniversary of The Sexual Offences Act 1967, which partially decriminalised homosexual acts that took place in private between two men over the age of 21.Writer: Stella Duffy Reader: Stella Duffy Producer: Simon Richardson.

15 May 2017 | Presented as part of the WORD Christchurch Autumn Season in association with Auckland Writers Festival Stella Duffy has the great distinction of being asked to complete Dame Ngaio Marsh’s unfinished novel Money in the Morgue, and she is well qualified for the task. New Zealand-raised, London-based Duffy has distinguished herself as a writer of crime fiction, with two Crime Writers’ Association Dagger awards under her belt, and of historical and literary fiction. Like Marsh, she is also immersed in the theatrical world. As the co-director of Fun Palaces, she was recently awarded an OBE for Services to the Arts. Duffy talks with writer and editor Liz Grant about her latest books — crime novel The Hidden Room and historical novel London Lies Beneath – as well her creative life and her pursuit of one of the original Queens of Crime, Dame Ngaio Marsh.

On Start the Week, Tom Sutcliffe considers the relationship between play and creativity. Steven Johnson examines how the human appetite for amusement has driven innovation throughout history. Writer and theatre maker Stella Duffy has revived Joan Littlewood's 1960s concept of The Fun Palace- a 'laboratory of fun' for all. The economist Tim Harford advocates embracing disorder in every area of our lives, from messy desks to messy dating. Journalist and former cricketer Ed Smith believes that creativity in sport is a combination of skill and luck. Producer: Kirsty McQuire.

In 1912, 24 scouts from the slums of South East London set sail from Waterloo Bridge, but in a tragic accident eight drowned. Stella Duffy discusses her new novel, London Lies Beneath, in which she recreates that area of London and imagines the lives of the families involved in the months leading up to the tragedy and beyond.With news that the £21m New Art Gallery Walsall is being threatened with closure just 16 years after it opened, Bob and Roberta Smith, former artist-in-residence, gives his response.At the age of 19, Yves Klein identified the blue sky in Nice as his first artwork. It marked the beginning of an artistic career which ended with his heart attack at the age of 34. Art critic Richard Cork reviews a new exhibition of Klein's work at Tate Liverpool.Barrie Kosky's directorial debut at the Royal Opera House is Shostakovich's The Nose, based on a satirical story by Gogol, with a huge cast of singers and even more noses, all inspired, he says, by a very famous one - Barbara Streisand's.Presenter Samira Ahmed Producer Marilyn Rust.

Thomas Vinterberg's film The Commune draws on his own communal upbringing in Denmark. How does such intimate living affect close relationships Sean O'Casey's play The Plough and The Stars is revived at London's Lyttleton Theatre, based around Ireland's Easter Uprising of 1916 Sarah Moss's novel The Tidal Zone is a story of parental love BBC4's programme Britain's Pompeii explores a bronze age fenland village, recently unearthed by archeologists, which revealed substantial new information about its inhabitants The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is marking its 200th anniversary with an exhibition of stunning Illuminated manuscripts Tom Sutcliffe's guests are Joe Dunthorne, Stella Duffy and Lisa Appignanesi. The producer is Oliver Jones.

Robert "Judge" Rinder and Stella Duffy talk about books they love with Harriett Gilbert.

Stella Duffy reviews Julianne Moore and Ellen Page in Freeheld, based on the true story of lesbian police detective's struggle to have her pension transferred to her domestic partner after she is diagnosed with cancer. Novelist Anna Hope discusses her new book, The Ballroom, a love story set in an asylum in Yorkshire in 1911 and set against a backdrop of changing attitudes towards poverty and mental illness. Singer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt on his début album, Phase. Film historian Ian Christie shows Samira around his new exhibition of previously unseen drawings by pioneering Soviet film maker Sergei Eisenstein. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Jack Soper.

In today’s What Next? podcast, Stella Duffy writer, theatre maker and driving force behind Fun Palaces talks about why she thinks ‘everyone an artist, everyone a scientist’. This summer our What Next? series returns asking questions about what the future of the arts within society might look like. We’ve invited guest speakers to give their thoughts, in a…

Bryan Ferry talks to Kirsty Lang about his 14th solo album, Avonmore. Professor Chris Rapley, one of the UK's leading climate scientists, has written his first play, 2071, which focuses on climate change, and Molly Davies has drawn on her years working as a teaching assistant to write God Bless the Child in which a group of eight-year-olds rebel against the school system. They discuss how they turned their professional experiences into theatre. Crime writer Stella Duffy reviews BBC crime drama The Fall, which stars Gillian Anderson as a detective on the hunt for a killer in Belfast, and Richard Cork discusses a new exhibition of work by Peder Balke, a Norwegian artist who was one of the pioneers of modernist Scandinavian painting. Producer Olivia Skinner.

Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks of Genesis discuss a new documentary about the band and Sarah Churchwell reviews David Mamet's Speed the Plow starring Lindsay Lohan. Also on the programme Jude Kelly and Stella Duffy explain how this weekend they're hoping to fulfil Joan Littlewood's vision of making art and science available to all through the Fun Palaces initiative and Victoria Hislop reveals the real history behind her new novel. Presenter: John Wilson Producer: Ellie Bury.

This week Libby Purves is joined by Gareth Malone, Stella Duffy, Reginald D Hunter and Jessica Douglas-Home. Choirmaster Gareth Malone returns with the fourth series of the RTS and BAFTA award-winning series. This time he goes to Devon, to Chivenor barracks, to work with the forces community from the time the battalion is deployed to their homecoming. His task is to work for six months with the wives - and try to give them a voice and to unite them - and the base - through the power of song. The Choir: Military Voices is on BBC Two. Stella Duffy is the novelist and playwright. She is directing 'TaniwhaThames', a new play about home and belonging, the inspiration coming from her two most beloved places - London and New Zealand. She was born in London but moved with her family to a small town in New Zealand when she was five. TaniwhaThames, written and devised by the theatre company, Shaky Isles, is at Ovalhouse Theatre, South London. Reginald D. Hunter is the American born, stand-up comedian, known on the UK comedy circuit as one of its most distinctive and controversal performers, often dealing with the issues of race which he feels is important. His DVD, Reginald D Hunter LIVE has just been released and he is currently on tour with 'Sometimes even the devil tells the truth'. Jessica Douglas-Home's 23 year old grandmother, Lilah Wingfield travelled to India in 1911 for the great Delhi Durbar, when George V had himself crowned Emperor of India with enormous pomp. Her book, 'A Glimpse of Empire', based on diaries and photographs of her grandmothers', is published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Durbar. There are also two exhibitions of Lilah's photographs in Dehli and at Indar Pasricha Fine Arts in Connaught Street, London W1. A Glimpse of Empire is published by Michael Russell. Producer: Lucinda Montefiore.

Richard Coles with writer and performer Stella Duffy, poet Luke Wright, a man who used to be a Vice Consul in Orlando and Marseilles, and a woman whose mother was a leader of the Japanese Red Army. There's a strange story about George Orwell's beer mug and Chris Tarrant's Inheritance Tracks. Producer: JP Devlin.