Shards of a Memoir

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

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

This week, I look at the Incel community online: who they target and why, what terms like 'Stacy' and 'Chad' mean, and the consequences of their online presence.

8th March 2022 marks this year's International Women's Day: in this short episode, I reference how the movement began, the #breakthebias focus of this year's campaign, and highlight some inspirational women you may want to go and research in more detail! Visit internationalwomensday.com for information.

This week I look at how social media can unfortunately be easily used as a tool for the bullying of others: high profile women such as Jameela Jamil and Lindsay Lohan, to everyday users like you and I. For support with online abuse, visit cyberspace.org

This week I look at different domestic violence laws in counties such as Russia and the UK, and how laws are being changed to either protect women or, in some cases, decriminalise domestic violence altogether. I also explore the very real "genocide" of indigenous women in Canada. Visit refuge.org.uk for more information.

In episode 2 of season 2 I look at the potential causes and impacts of homelessness, and how this issue disproportionately affects people of colour and LGBT+ youth. For further reading, visit The Big Issue's website or shelter.org.uk

In the first episode of 2022, I discuss how the diet industry capitalises on the associated shame of 'overindulgence' at Christmas, in order to sell diet products and weight loss schemes. I also consider how Environmental Racism and the lack of access to health care for minorities adds to prejudice around weight and health - especially in women of colour. Follow @yrfatfriend and @everydayracism_ f...

This week I talk about the nuances and intricacies of a person's sexuality. What impacts it? Can it be defined? I refer to the work of Mae Martin and their excellent book 'Can Everyone Please Calm Down', as well as how sexual trauma, as described by Sophie Ellis-Bextor in her book 'Spinning Plates', and my own personal experience, can hugely affect how you handle future relationships.

In this festive(ish) episode, I look at Christmas songs such as 'Santa Baby' and 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' and consider how their lyrics translate into modern day culture.

Approaching Christmas there can be tremendous pressure to act and feel a particular way and to be sociable, as well as financial stresses and concerns around eating and weight gain. This episode looks at self-care and whether caring for our own wellbeing is worthwhile, selfish, potentially capitalist, or something in which we can find a happy medium. For tips when starting meditation and mindfulne...

November celebrates Transgender Awareness Week and also holds a Day of Remembrance for members of the community who have lost their lives due to anti-trans violence. Please follow #transawarenessweek for more information and reading about how to support members of the LGBT+, and especially the Transgender, community.

In this episode I discuss the active role men need to take in order to make women feel safer - at home, on streets, at work, on public transport. It is the job of men to do this, and not the responsibility of women. I also reflect on the work of Dr Jackson Katz, Laura Bates and the inspirational Jameela Jamil. Please read 'Men Who Hate Women' by Laura Bates to inform and educate yourself more on t...

With this weekend marking the 31st of October, I look at the important issue of Halloween costumes and the potential insensitivity and cultural appropriation caused by some outfit designs and choices - from Native American costumes for kids, dressing as Anne Frank, to even pretending to be the Twin Towers. For further reading please visit @everydayracism on Instagram.

In this episode I discuss the controversy around Dave Chappelle's recent comedy special on Netflix and the reaction of the LGBT community - especially the Transgender community. I look at current Trans Rights in different countries, the U.S Bathroom Bill and if comedy can be edgy without being offensive.

In this week's episode, I talk about overhearing a man call me a 'faggot' in my local supermarket. This happened today. In 2021. I reflect upon how this made me feel, how bystanders reacted to it, and how language is an incredibly powerful tool - that can support but also shame.

This week I focus on the difference between being a proactive and reactive ally - do people respond to an issue, such as Black Lives Matter, in a way which is forward thinking and likely to make social change, or is their response more surface level and tokenistic? For further reading please visit @everydayracism

This week I look at the word 'disappointment' and try to break down what it means to feel 'disappointed' - in others, in ourselves, in social issues and structures. I reflect upon a relationship where I felt, unjustly, disappointed in myself for the actions of another, and I explore how the language we use, such as telling someone how "disappointed" in them you are, can cause long-lasting feelings...

On 10th September Channel 4 celebrated people of colour with 'Black to Front', a day of television led by Black men and women. In this episode, I look at the lack of diversity still endemic in film, television and music, award ceremonies such as the Oscars, and I go back to the horror film genre from a previous episode, exploring the lack of Black characters in films such as 'Scream'. For further...

With the news of abortion laws and rights changing in Texas, this week I look at the case of Roe Vs Wade in 1973 which changed the landscape for abortion access in America, what the implications of SB8 are for women in Texas, and the women speaking out about their own experiences of abortion and being pro-choice such as Busy Phillips and Jameela Jamil. Follow #youknowme and #bansoffmybody for more...

This week I look at feminism in the horror film genre, exploring how female characters are presented in slasher films such as Scream and Halloween. I dissect the presence of misogyny, gender violence, #metoo and the positive portrayal of women as being strong, independent survivors of trauma - such as Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise.

This week I talk about body image and weight and how rather than being 'Body Positive' we should aim to be 'Body Neutral' - a more accessible and healthy place to be. I look at the reaction to Lizzo's latest video, fat shaming in the media, and how socio-economic factors can impact a person's weight. Finally, I discuss LGBT+ treatment in Afghanistan and the threats currently facing the community t...

In this week's episode I look at censorship in the media - what should be censored, what has been censored, what isn't censored... also, how people react to comments and statements made online, particularly those about the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour. For further reading please follow @adameli

In a short (tongue-firmly-in-cheek) podpost, I look at some stereotypes about Mormons and, from my experiences, how to potentially 'spot' a Mormon when out and about.

This week I speak to a good friend of mine, covering a variety of issues from social media, LGBT representation, life as a working mum, being a woman running for local council... and her love of Jacinda Arden.