Shards of a Memoir

Following on from last week, this episode looks at letters written by famous women from history including Queen Victoria, Emily Dickinson and Anne Boleyn.

In this week's episode, I read excerpts of love letters written by famous men from history such as King Henry VIII, Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron.

This episode looks at the memoir of Hollywood actress Demi Moore - her career, her relationships and personal struggles.

This week I look into the Harvey Weinstein scandal that broke in 2017 due to an article in The New York Times, explored in greater detail in the book 'She Said', written by journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

In this episode, I look at the work of writer and activist Aubrey Gordon and her book which explores fat bias, weight discrimination and societal fat phobia.

This week's episode looks at Jo Brand's reflections on what it takes be a modern woman and how "to do female", in her usual comical, relatable and self-deprecating manner.

This week's episode looks at actress, writer and producer Mindy Kaling and her 2015 memoir 'Why Not Me?', where she writes about her education, dating history, leading her own television show and much more.

This episode looks at the memoir of actress Mary-Louise Parker, written as a series of letters to important male figures in her life, including letters to her father, a teacher, a past boyfriend and the future partner of her daughter.

This week's episode looks at comedian Joel Dommett's brilliant memoir about the highs and lows of dating, his family and friends, school anecdotes and meeting The One.

This week's episode looks at Lena Dunham's book of essays, exploring relationships, her career, her mental health journey and facing sexism in the media.

This episode explores Ali Wong's comical memoir, and motherly advice to her daughters on education, careers and relationships, 'Dear Girls'.

This week I look at the work of Sara Pascoe, focusing on her excellent and very funny book 'Animal', which explores the female body - its biology, social expectations, and relationships with family, friends and partners.

In this first episode of a new season, looking at memoirs written by influential people from all walks of life, I explore the groundbreaking work of Rose McGowan and her book 'Brave'.

The episode title says it all.

This week I look at 'concern trolling', when people mask hurtful comments in a supposedly helpful manner - they may comment on your weight and offer uninvited suggestions about what to avoid eating, when really they are merely trolling your appearance and body.

After reading an article this week about the lack of mental health support for women suffering from endometriosis, I researched the condition to better understand the issue. I refer to medical findings, play interviews from celebrities diagnosed with the condition, and, most importantly, read about women dealing with this chronic pain.

This week I look at the varied representation of, and reaction to, women on screen - from the recent criticism of Madonna at the Grammys, the lack of diversity in Oscar nominations, Pamela Anderson in 'Pam and Tommy', the hilarious 'Girls 5 Eva', and the importantance of women in horror films such as Gale Weathers in 'Scream'.

This week I look at the pressure we feel to look a certain way, be a particular weight and have a desirable lifestyle - where does that expectation come from?

Jacinda Ardern, one of the most successful Prime Ministers in recent history, announced this week that she is stepping down after 6 years in office - calmly steering her country through a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption and the COVID pandemic. How did the BBC and various news outlets respond? With sexism of course.

With Prince Harry's 'Spare' becoming the fastest selling nonfiction book of all time, this week I look at why we read celebrity memoirs - but also, what might compel people to write and air their own dirty laundry to the world.

This week I talk a little bit about a variety of things - the Republican Party fallout in America, Prince Harry's allegations, new year resolutions and returning to work, and how celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Sienna Miller have handled work pressures. I also refer to cathartic music of Sufjan Stevens... and give a brief Scream VI update...

This week I dissect an article I recently wrote about the Netflix hit Emily in Paris, entitled 'Frivolous fairy-tale or capitalist wolf in sheep's clothing?'

This week I explore Propostion 8 and the vote to ban gay marriage in California both in 2008 and 2010, whilst reflecting on current political issues in America such as Roe Vs Wade. In other parts of the episode I discuss the ongoing treatment of Meghan Markle in the press and a brief mention of Scream VI... because, why not?

This week I continue to discuss the 'Harry and Meghan' documentary but in relation to how women in general are often negatively portrayed across the media. I also talk about the new SCREAM VI trailer in A LOT of detail!

There's a new social media hashtag trending called #dateyourself - but what are the benefits of spending time on your own... and should you?