Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

Natasha Hausdorff is a British barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel. A passionate debater since her school days, she is the UK’s fiercest and most uncompromising advocate for Israel’s legal rights to exist and defend itself. With experience spanning the UK, Israel, and international courts, Natasha Hausdorff brings her legal chops to bear on the most controversial war in the world

Sarah Hoover is a writer and art historian whose hit debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, delivers a raw and gripping counter punch to the “bliss of babies” narrative, detailing birth trauma, relationship difficulties, and postpartum depression while exposing the need for maternal healthcare both sides of the Atlantic

Rachel Kelly is a bestselling author and mental health advocate whose work shines a light on postpartum depression and the pressures faced by modern mothers. Drawing from her own experience of a severe depressive episode after the birth of her second child, Rachel has become a powerful voice for maternal mental health. Through books like  Black Rainbow  and her work with charities such a...

Justine Roberts is the founder and CEO of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest online network for parents—and a surprising powerhouse in British political life. Since its launch in 2000, Mumsnet has grown from a niche forum into a digital force capable of shaping public debate, influencing party manifestos, and unnerving prime ministers. Politicians from across the spectrum have courted its users, recog...

This week's difficult women is novice MP Katie Lam. You may have seen Katie this past month making waves for her bold advocacy on victim’s rights, especially when it comes to grooming gangs. Equipped with a history of defiant difficult and a trademark no-nonsense approach, she’s championing the fight for victims’ support while demanding accountability for perpetrators. Listen along to this novice...

This week's difficult woman is the author and historian Anne Sebba. Her works, including  Les Parisiennes  and  That Woman  (the story of Wallis Simpson), shine a light on the lives of women who defied the odds and shaped the world in their own unique ways. With a focus on resilience, complexity, and untold stories, Sebba’s books offer fresh perspectives on the women who often...

Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan is a neurologist and award-winning author. In her latest book, The Age of Diagnosis, she tackles the growing crisis of overdiagnosis—how modern medicine's obsession with labels may be doing more harm than good. Drawing from her front-line experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Sullivan reflects on how uncertainty, fear, and the urge to explain the unexplainable shaped he...

Dr. Tessa Dunlop is a historian, author, and broadcaster known for bringing history to life. She’s the co-host of the new global podcast Where Politics Meets History with Iain Dale, blending big personalities with pivotal past events.

This week's Difficult Women is the award-winning Turkish author Elif Shafak. Known for her powerful storytelling that explores identity, cultural conflict, and feminism Shafak’s work resonates deeply with global audiences, especially in light of recent protests in Turkey. Her bestselling novels like  The Bastard of Istanbul  and  10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World , sh...

Jude Kelly is a visionary British theatre director and producer, renowned for her bold, transformative approach to the arts. As the founder of the groundbreaking Watermill Theatre in Newbury, and later the artistic director of Southbank Centre, Kelly redefined the landscape of UK theatre with a focus on inclusivity, social change, and dynamic storytelling. Celebrated for championing female voices...

This week's difficult woman is a sorely underrepresented group amongst the difficult women Alumni - a female adventurer. When she was at her lowest moment, Elise found comfort in the great outdoors and has made it her mission to highlight those brave women who have been forgotten by history. She now travels the world, tracing their footsteps, wearing the gear that would have been used at the time....

Helen Pankhurst, born in 1960, is a British women's rights activist and the granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, the renowned suffragette. Continuing her grandmother's legacy, Helen advocates for gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice. She has worked with organizations like CARE International and has written and spoken widely on issues affecting women and girls globally. Through...

This week's difficult woman is the leader of Ukraine's Golos party, Kira Rudik. For three years her country has been under attack from an invading Russian army. For three years, her country has stood firm. Now there is a new face in the White House and the future of her country hangs in the balance. Slava Ukraini! 

This week I am joined by Welsh Labour MP and former international rugby star Tonia Antoniazzi. Before entering politics, her distinguished rugby career earned her nine caps for Wales and saw her compete in the 1998 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Elected as the first female MP for Gower in 2017, she has since championed everything from women's rights to medical cannabis. In 2024, she joined the Board of...

Anne Applebaum is an American-born historian, journalist, and author, renowned for her expertise in Eastern Europe, particularly the Soviet Union, and the impact of communism. Applebaum is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book  Gulag: A History , her work often focuses on totalitarianism, historical memory, and the political transformations in Central and Eastern Europe pos...

Bonnie Greer is an acclaimed writer, cultural commentator, and trailblazing feminist whose work has left an indelible mark on the literary and social landscapes. Born in Chicago, Greer moved to the UK, where she became a force to be reckoned with in the realms of literature, television, and politics. Known for her unapologetic approach to issues of race, gender, and identity, she has long champion...

Sally Clarke is a powerhouse in the world of fine dining, renowned for her unwavering resilience and culinary mastery. As the owner of the iconic  Sally Clarke Restaurant  in London, she has not only survived but thrived in the high-pressure, ever-evolving restaurant industry. With a career spanning decades, Sally's commitment to excellence and her ability to adapt have made her a respec...

This week's difficult women is Mariella Frostrup. A renowned broadcaster, writer, and outspoken feminist - always ready with her sharp wit and deep commitment to social issues. With a career spanning television, radio, and print, she’s built a reputation as an agony aunt, offering advice with empathy and honesty. Beyond her media work, Mariella is a passionate advocate for women's rights, particul...

"I don't give a f*ck if I'm liked or not" - Tracy-Ann Oberman comes from a long line of Difficult Women, her very own aunt fled pogroms in Russia to fight fascists on the streets of east London. She is no less difficult, proudly standing up against antisemitism wherever she sees it.  Tracy-Ann Oberman is joined by acclaimed actor Joseph Millson in the critically acclaimed production of The Me...

Dr Helen Webberley has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for trans rights. As the debate, both online and in the halls of legislature, becomes more toxic, I sat down with Helen to see if we could find some common ground on this most controversial of issues.

After Announcing her return to BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden shares her journey in dance, living with Crohn’s disease, and her recent battle with breast cancer. Amy's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Rain-story-courage-resilience/dp/0349442045 Amy's tour - https://www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk/

Shabnam Nasimi, a passionate advocate for Afghan women and human rights. From fleeing Afghanistan as a refugee to becoming a political activist, Shabnam shares her journey, the challenges Afghan women face, and the power of resilience.

Before her tenth birthday, Yalda Hakim had fled a warzone on horseback, learnt two languages, and was well on her way to becoming the world-renowned journalist that we know today. Listen as she explains just how difficult she had to be to get that first big break. 

This week's difficult woman is the Rwanda Dreaming, email leaking, bibby barging former home secretary Suella Braverman. Whatever your thoughts on this twice home secretary - I think we can all agree she certainly is a bloody difficult woman!

Laila Mickelwait is a mom on a mission, her tireless work has resulted in the removal of tens of millions of illegal porn videos and she's still not done. Her inspiring story is one of a woman and a mother who was sick of the ineffectual action on sex abuse and so took matters into her own hands.