Your Badass Women’s Hour Host Harriet Minter is writing a book. A chick-lit novel, (arguably) the best and most critiqued genre. First-time fiction writer Harriet will take you along for her writing journey. Every week you’ll hear from authors who have been there and done it, as they share their processes and tips with Harriet and help her with problems she comes up against in her writing. How do you create a compelling, funny, emotive, heartwarming page-turner? A Truth Universally Acknowledged ...
Nov 18, 2021•2 min
Can you believe this is the 400th episode of Badass women’s hour? Throughout Harriet has talked to some incredible women, but if you have been here from the start you'll know it wasn't just Harriet. In this final episode of the podcast, we’ve reunited the original Badass Women’s Hour team to reflect on some standout moments, what’s been achieved and what we’re taking forwards. If this is the first episode that you’ve listened to, or if you’ve listed to all 400, thanks for listening, and keep bei...
Jul 27, 2021•29 min
Everyone will experience feminism differently, especially women of colour, but are we leaving BAME women out of the conversation? Harriets guest is MP and author Rabina Khan, who argues that the feminism movement is being led by white women and that the platform isn't equal. Also in this episode, we're all free! So now what? And one listener really doesn't want to go back to the office, so can they just quit? Presenter: Harriet Minter - @HarrietMinter Guest: Rabina Khan: @RabinaKhan To have Harr...
Jul 20, 2021•26 min•Ep. 399
Do you feel comfortable saying no to people? Harriet is joined by Michelle Elman, who thinks we should all be a bit more selfish. Michelle talks about how to find and set your boundaries, some ways to enforce them that won't get you fired, and how to use them to get the most out of your dating life. Also in this episode, Harriet's take on the fallout from the euros final. And one listener is suffering from imposter syndrome Presenter: Harriet Minter - @HarrietMinter Guests: Michelle Elman: @Scar...
Jul 13, 2021•23 min
“It’s not you, it’s me”, come on you’re better than that! This week comedian and author Rosie Wilby is explaining to Harriet how you can break up better and she’s speaking from experience, Rosie was dumped by email back in 2011 and since then has been researching the art of the break up resulting in her book and podcast; The Breakup Monologues. Hear why being dumped is chemically the same as withdrawing from a drug, whether it’s a good idea to stay friends and how to make it through the "three-y...
Jul 06, 2021•24 min•Ep. 397
Just because you're young doesn't mean you're exempt from getting life-altering illnesses. In this episode, Harriet is joined by two badass women who are living with such conditions. Rosie van Amerongen lives with bipolar disorder and found that running was a way that she could manage it. Then, Emily Johnson was diagnosed with arthritis, and it's changed the way that she lives every day. Harriet talks to both women about what it's like to relieve these diagnoses at such a young age and what they...
Jun 29, 2021•38 min•Ep. 396
Some of us are accustomed to seeing people like us as the main characters in the books we read. But for many, that isn't the case. Harriet is joined by Sabina Khan, author of Zara Hossain Is Here. Harriet and Sabina discuss the importance of being able to identify with the people we're reading about, and how Sabina's own experience shaped her writing. Then, how often do you buy now, pay later? It seems so tempting, but these services could be doing more harm than good. Are they really putting wo...
Jun 22, 2021•22 min•Ep. 396
Hormones are one of the biggest factors in how we feel and act; to understand them is to understand our bodies better. Harriet is joined by Amy Thomson, the founder of Moody Month, an app that helps you optimise your everyday physical and mental wellbeing, partly by tracking where your hormone levels are. Amy is also the author of Moody: A 21st Century Hormone Guide, which shares some of the research and science behind how our hormones work. Also, the government is looking into women's experienc...
Jun 15, 2021•28 min•Ep. 394
For those who have experienced it, motherhood is a life-changing event, and everyone's experience of it is vastly different. Harriet is joined by author Pragya Agarwal, whose own experience was strewn with difficulties - from a tainted blood transfusion - to the pressure put on both her and her unborn baby regarding gender. Pragya's book M(other)hood explores how women of colour and women of different socio-economic classes experience motherhood differently. Also in this episode, are we being mi...
Jun 08, 2021•34 min•Ep. 393
Boys and men are routinely diagnosed as autistic more than women and girls, who're often wrongly overlooked. One of those women was this weeks guest Holly Smale. It's only since Holly sold millions of copies of her book Geek Girl did she realise that she and the character in her book were living with autism. Harriet and Holly talk about what led Holly to get this diagnosis and what having it has made her realise about her life. Also in this episode, are we really still talking about Kate Winslet...
Jun 01, 2021•33 min•Ep. 392
What makes a badass woman? Well, we've got two on the show today. Michelle Kennedy is the founder and CEO of the app Peanut, which provides community and support throughout all stages of motherhood. Recently, Michelle has taken on the mammoth task of changing the language we use to describe women and their bodies. It's time for words like "geriatric", "inhospitable" and "serial aborter" to go. Then Josie Lloyd joins to talk about her newest book The Cancer Ladies' Running Club, and how it's insp...
May 25, 2021•29 min•Ep. 391
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your parents are people too. This week Harriet is joined by author Elizabeth Miki Brina who’s new book Speak, Okinawa: A Memoir reflects on the relationship between children and parents. Also in this episode, Harriet discusses the sit-in at the University of Warrick that’s challenging rape culture. And one listener feels like she’s been belittled by her boss, so is it time to go? Presenter: Harriet Minter - @HarrietMinter To have Harriet help with your listener...
May 18, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 390
Are bras a thing of the past? We've all been spending a lot more time at home over lockdown, and for many of us, that means dressing down too. Does that mean it's finally time to ditch the bra and free the nip? Or is that only for a select few? Then Harriet is joined by Tineka Smith and Alex Court to talk about life as a mixed-race couple. After Tineka was the victim of a racist attack, the two wrote their book Mixed Up: Confessions of an interracial couple. Finally, one listener moved back in w...
May 11, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 389
Do you feel strong? Journalist and author Poorna Bell talks to Harriet Minter about how she found both inner and outer strength when she took up powerlifting. Poorna’s new book “Stronger” looks at what society tells us about women’s strength and turns it on its head. What about when you go and speak to your doctor? Do you feel strong then? A new study discovers that twenty percent of women who went to see their doctor about gynaecological issues, left feeling like their concerns had been treated...
May 04, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 388
How do you come back from something as horrific as a verbal racist attack? Well for nature writer Anita Sethi the answer was clear, it was to walk 268 miles across the entire Pennine Way. Anita tells Harriet what she learnt about herself and the world along the way and the importance of having a good map. Also, it’s been a tough year, so why are some of us feeling more anxious now that lockdown restrictions are lifting? And what steps can we take to manage those feelings? Then one listener has a...
Apr 27, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 387
We’re talking about bodies. Recently we’ve seen the first plus-size model on the cover of Playboy magazine, but we’ve also seen the death of beloved TV personality Nikki Grahame as a result of her battle with anorexia. Harriet is joined by Gemma Oaten, the actor and now manager of the charity SEED who’s own journey with anorexia started at an early age. This week, a listener question that’s all about dating. As we emerge from lockdown just as single as when we went in, how do we get back on the ...
Apr 20, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 386
Due to the passing of HRH Prince Phillip, Harriet reflects on the notion of grief with Cariad Lloyd. Cariad is the creator and host of Griefcast, a podcast where she tries to break down our fear of talking about death, and even if we’re allowed to laugh about it. Cariad saw the interest in Greifcast rise and it has continued to do so since she had this chat with Harriet back in 2019. Also in this episode, how do we set those boundaries between work and home life? Especially when the line is so b...
Apr 13, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 385
When is standing out a good thing? When is it a bad thing? In this week's episode, this subtopic flows throughout Harriet's two interviews. Firstly, Harriet meets with Dr Wanda Wyporska to discuss the recently released report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities and she hears about the harm that this report might bring, Wanda's experience with intersectionality and why the BAME term leaves all minorities out as 'other'. Later, Harriet learns about the incredible life of international...
Apr 06, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 384
When you say “20 years ago”, it sounds more like the 1980s than 2001, right? Well, things were very different then and this week Harriet dives into author Elisabeth Spencer’s experience of raising and supporting her trans daughter; the challenges, the emotions and the lessons, all of which are extended upon in her new book. Harriet also discusses how commonplace sexual harassment is in the school system, and tackles a listener question who is struggling to choose between leaving their secure but...
Mar 30, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 383
When you think of a scientist, what do they look like? According to this week’s incredible guest, Prof. Sue Black OBE, it’s probably an old white man in a white coat isn’t it? Harriet is joined by Sue for a full-length chat about her tough start in life, the joy of getting older, and women in the tech space, from past, to present, to future. Also on this week’s episode, Harriet discusses the aftermath of the Sarah Everard protests and tackles a question from a listener whose in-laws might be mov...
Mar 24, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 382
From the dazzling heights of the solar system to the intimacies of our homes, sharing space is the macro-focus of this week’s episode. The first British person in space was a woman, not a joke, just a fact! The legendary Helen Sharman joins Harriet this week for an electric conversation about how she got into the space industry, the feeling of being in space and the future, including walking on Mars! Also joining Harriet is Jill Hopper, author of ‘The Mahogany Pod’ . Now in later years of life, ...
Mar 17, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 381
In today’s world of social media, you can find yourself more exposed than ever. Hear Harriet discusses the rise in stalking over lockdown with Suky Basker of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, in this chat you'll learn about how the current pandemic is feeding into people’s unhealthy online obsessions. Also, Harriet touches on International Women’s Day, the recent disappearance of Sarah Everard, and handles a listener question about being too tired to fight the good fight. Can the kids not do it? Trigger ...
Mar 10, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 380
Parenting styles have been seriously tested by the pandemic, but just how much recognition are mother’s getting for bearing the brunt of child-rearing? Harriet dissects a complex issue with the help of author Nell Frizell, whose new book “The Panic Years” gives light to a shared, late 20’s/early 30’s experience that has remained unspoken. Also, Harriet gives a listener her top tips on how to manage working from home, even when your space isn’t making work feel at home. Presenter: Harriet Minter ...
Mar 03, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Got friends you’d rather not see after lockdown’s over? Harriet dives into a tough question from a listener with a friend they’d rather not meet on June 21, or ever again! Plus, award-winning music artist and author Guvna B joins Harriet for a beautiful discussion on his new book “Unspoken”, toxic masculinity, dealing with emotions, and fatherhood. Oh, and yeah, and we are talking all things #FreeBritney! To have Harriet help with your listener dilemma, e-mail [email protected] Presenter:...
Feb 24, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 378
The road to becoming your true self is a long one, and this week's guests, Emma Goswell and Sam Walker, run a podcast-now-book that chronicles a tough experience for many - coming out. Harriet hears how Emma and Sam launched their podcast, 'Coming Out Stories'; how their new book came to be, and how coming out is about letting those you care about know exactly who you are. Similarly, Harriet tackles a tough listener problem about how stifling moving back home with your parents can be and shares ...
Feb 17, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 377
Parenthood changes our lives forever, and author Nikesh Shukla joins Harriet to discuss how his experience of fatherhood, mixed with the loss of his mother, inspired his new book, ‘Brown Baby’. Also, Harriet dives into whether going freelance is the best option for you, and why a job is not a gift. Plus, we dissect the age-old notion that women talk too much in meetings, and yes, *that* Handforth Parish Council meeting. Presenter: Harriet Minter - https://twitter.com/HarrietMinter Guest: Nikesh ...
Feb 10, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 376
Can we talk about masturbation on Instagram? In this episode Harriet talks about female pleasure and the embarrassment around talking about masturbation. Trey Anthony is the badass of the week, Harriet chats to her about the power of self love, both physical and emotional, finding her way back to herself after a failed relationship and what to do when things just don’t work out the way you planned it. If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials under this name: @badasswomenshr...
Feb 03, 2021•28 min
You are what you wear? Jolie and Emma are the Badasses of the week taking on huge missions and making a massive difference. In this episode Harriet speaks to a listener who is desperate to go back to work as their housemates are driving them mad - she shares her tips on how to survive working from home. Plus Harriet declares Davina McCall her icon of the week and addresses the issue of age appropriate clothes. If you want to get in touch you can find us on all the socials under this name: @badas...
Jan 27, 2021•45 min
Learning to see thing from other’s points of view? In this episode Harriet looks at why working women are putting themselves through hell because employers don’t understand the furlough scheme. Plus how the Northern Irish Government is completely failing women on abortion laws. Alexandra Heminsley is our Badass of the week and Harriet speaks to her about her new book of ‘Somebody to love’ which recounts the events of her life after falling pregnant. From sexual assault to her husband transitioni...
Jan 20, 2021•50 min•Ep. 373
Home schooling while working from home! It’s a new year, so its out with the old and in with the new, so say hello to the new format… Harriet Minter presents: The Bad Ass Women’s hour! In this episode Harriet looks at mental health in young women during Lockdown and some new Netflix shows that are causing controversy, especially around home birth, plus theres a little bit of Sex and the City talk. Bryony Gordon is our Bad Ass of the week and Harriet speaks to her about the guilty of feeling ok d...
Jan 13, 2021•53 min
