This episode is all about self-pleasure as a form of self-love. With help from sexpert Ruby Rare and and body acceptance influencer Nelly London we cover everything from the new “smart” sex toys (that can measure sexual pleasure and/or be operated remotely) to classic vibrators (both as masturbation tools and relationship toys), as well as empowering you to feel free to love yourself with no judgement or shame with help from. Please do remember to clean your sex toys properly both before and aft...
Feb 14, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 7
The pain is real. Heartbreak is a universal human experience that can affect us all at some stage in life, yet it often carries a shroud of stigma, stereotypes, and taboos that prevent open and honest conversations. We get up close and personal with two amazing guests who share their raw and unfiltered stories and have suffered the pain of a broken heart and emerged stronger on the other side. Together we dismantle the barriers that keep us from understanding and supporting one another through l...
Feb 07, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 6
As more and more people are identifying themselves as being neurodivergent, we ask what this actually means. We’re joined by a neurodivergent expert who answers your most common questions and two amazing guests who share their own experiences. From the challenges they faced growing up, being diagnosed, how to manage it and why they are on a mission to change the negative conversations around neurodiversity. RESOURCES The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/what-is-neurodiversity/ B...
Jan 31, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Becoming a new dad is a life-altering experience filled with joy, challenges, and a whole lot of learning. We delve into the unique journey of fatherhood with two newly-dads and explore the triumphs and tribulations that come with it. Whether you're about to embark on this adventure or have been a dad for years, join us as we share heart-warming stories and practical tips to help you thrive on your own dad journey. If you are struggling with your mental health or postpartum depression, do please...
Jan 24, 2024•56 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Living with diabetes is a journey filled with unique challenges, daily decisions, and a profound impact on one's life. Join us as we dive deep into the world of diabetes, sharing personal stories and practical advice to empower and educate anyone living with diabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned warrior, someone who cares for a loved one with diabetes, or you just want to educate yourself about this growing health concern, our special guests offer a helping hand on this shared jou...
Jan 17, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In this episode we delve into the topic personal identity and acceptance: coming out. We’re joined by two fabulous guests who share their deeply personal journeys and how they summoned the courage to reveal their authentic selves, and we'll also confront the stigmas and stereotypes that too often cast a shadow on this significant milestone. Join us, as we shed light on the triumphs, challenges, and, ultimately, the power of embracing one's true self. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots...
Jan 10, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Are you sober curious or want to go teetotal? With the help of three inspiring sober-influencers we investigate why more people than ever are becoming ‘sober curious’ and the positive health benefits it has on you physically, mentally while discussing the impact going sober has within your social circles. And most of all, how do you challenge temptation and lead a happy lifestyle without the booze? We present you a sober life survival guide. Please do note that alcohol addiction can be a serious...
Jan 03, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 1
We're delighted to announce that the SIXTH series of Boots presents Taboo Talk will be landing on your favourite podcast platform from 3rd January 2024.With top guests – including Ruby Rare, Nelly London, Christine McGuinness, Tommy Mallet, Ollie Locke, James Bye, Amelia Lily, Marcel Somerville, Faye Winter, Una Healy, Scott Thomas, Millie Gooch, Duncan James and Chelcee Grimes – we’re going to be deep-diving into everything from self-pleasure, neurodivergence, what it’s really like being a dad,...
Dec 27, 2023•2 min
Rediscover some of the best bits from series 5 of this award-winning podcast. From a discussion around the online sex industry to penises, cancer, puberty, postpartum bodies, managing burnout and women’s health over 40, this series is fearless and asks all the taboo health and wellness questions, so you don’t have to.Featuring top guests – including Olivia Attwood, Coleen Nolan, Paul Sinah, Verona Rose, Gemma Atkinson, Dame Kelly Homes, Ruby Barker, Kate Lawler and health experts, Marie Louise a...
Dec 20, 2023•35 min
What health and wellbeing practises should women consider building into their lives when they hit their 40s? What is happening to your body at that age and why – and what does it mean for things like exercise, diet, sex, teeth, skin, hair, nails, gut health, and so on? Kate Lawler and Dr Nighat Arif will join Vogue to discuss how women can best look after their physical and mental health in their 40s and beyond. RESOURCES Boots Women’s Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health Boots Bloo...
Sep 05, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Decision-fatigue, hypervigilance, a loss of interest or pride in work, a feeling of being constantly swamped and overwhelmed: sound familiar? If so, you could be suffering from burnout. In this episode, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and Bridgerton’s Ruby Barker discuss their personal experiences of burnout – how it manifested, how it affected their personal and professional lives, and how they managed it. Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Do ...
Aug 29, 2023•53 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Congratulations, you’ve just had a baby! So… now what? The term ‘the 4th trimester’ covers the 12 weeks immediately after giving birth. The time when, after having just been through one of the most exciting – and frightening – physical experiences possible, you’re handed a baby and some giant maxi pads, and sent on your merry way. In this episode, actor and broadcaster Gemma Atkinson reveals her experience of the 4th trimester after giving birth to daughter Mia in 2019. We also have ‘The Modern ...
Aug 22, 2023•53 min•Season 5Ep. 5
This episode offers a tongue-in-cheek, frank and informative look back at puberty. Guests Paul Sinha and Verona Rose join Vogue to reveal their most important, embarrassing, and momentous puberty memories, including haywire hormones, changing bodies, excess hair in unusual places, crushes on everyone, dubious style decisions and thinking no one on the planet understands you. What do they wish they’d known then that they know now? RESOURCES Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com Boot...
Aug 15, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Talking about cancer is still a big fat taboo, despite most of us having been affected by it in some way. Yet, it’s only through open and honest conversations that we can ask for and offer support, foster better understanding, and come to terms with whatever the situation may be. Here, Coleen Nolan discusses how she has dealt with multiple diagnoses in her family and Michelle Heaton explains how talking about her preventative double mastectomy helped her to process that choice. Azmina Rose, Macm...
Aug 08, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 3
The brother episode to S03’s ‘The Vulva Bible’, here we investigate all things penis – from the very basics, such as how to keep things clean, to the more complicated and therefore more taboo issues, such as concerns around size, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Vogue is joined by Naked Attraction and Naked Education host Anna Richardson, as well as men’s health and sexual function expert Dr Anand Patel, to answer all the penis-related questions you’ve been too scared to ask. RES...
Aug 01, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Have social media and platforms like OnlyFans ushered in an era of sexual freedom and enlightenment… or exactly the opposite? In this episode, Vogue is joined by Olivia Attwood Dack, presenter of Getting Filthy Rich, the ITV documentary series investigating the online sex economy. They’ll deep-dive into taboos around sex – everything from sex work, toys and kink-shaming, to sexting and live cams – answering the question: “Is anything in sex taboo anymore?” RESOURCES Boots Sexual Health Advice: h...
Jul 25, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Absolutely all of us can and should take proactive steps to ensure good gut-health, even if we don’t have any issues to speak of. The gut influences everything – from our overall physical health, including what we can and can’t eat, to our mental health through the strong brain-gut connection. In this bonus Q&A episode, Alana and Lisa Macfarlane, aka the Mac Twins and founders of The Gut Stuff , will reveal how to ensure your gut is in the best shape to keep both body and mind as healthy as ...
Mar 08, 2023•34 min
Hair loss is one of the biggest taboos in health and wellness – people fear it, hide it, and will seek all-manner of remedies to halt it or reverse it. However, because societal beauty standards commonly associate femininity with thick, strong hair, hair loss can be particularly distressing for women. In this episode, Style Me Sunday’s Natalie Lee and Married at First Sight ’s Jenna Robinson discuss their experiences of different forms of alopecia, explaining what’s happened, why, how they manag...
Mar 01, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, Vogue is joined by Pete Wicks, and sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas, to discuss how we all need to get better at talking about sex. They cover why it’s healthy to talk about all aspects of sex and desire; the taboos and stigmas holding people back from having open and honest conversations; how to tackle those taboos in a safe way; the most common issues that lead people to sex therapy (i.e. sexual compatibility, libido, fantasies, confidence, health issues and sel...
Feb 22, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, Vogue is joined by Scarlett Moffatt and psychotherapist Gershon Portnoi to discuss ‘imposter syndrome’. Characterised by a persistent doubting of your own abilities and a sense that any success is undeserved, imposter syndrome is not officially a diagnosable medical or psychological condition. However, it has been all over the news recently as many famous faces have admitted to often feeling like frauds. Here, Scarlett discusses her own personal experience of imposter syndrome, ...
Feb 15, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 4
A premature (‘preterm’) birth happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy with around 60,000 ‘preemie’ babies born every year in the UK. Here, Boots’ own marketing manager, Carlene Brown, joins broadcaster Simon Thomas to share their personal premature-birth stories, covering everything from what happened and why, to what it’s meant for them, their families, and of course, their children. ‘My Expert Midwife’ co-founder Leslie Gilchrist is on hand to provide specialist information, advice and support. P...
Feb 08, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Here, broadcaster Steph McGovern joins Vogue to discuss her experience of IBS, explaining how it’s affected her daily life – both physically and mentally – how she manages the symptoms, and how we can tackle the taboo by talking about it. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition of the digestive system and affects about 15% of people in the UK (twice the number of women as men). With symptoms ranging from stomach pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, constipation, f...
Feb 01, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Relive the most hilarious, shocking, gasp-inducing, and tearful moments from the pod’s award-winning third series. From moving insights into postnatal depression and candid recollections of losing one’s virginity, to living with sun damage and navigating the journey to body acceptance – this recap serves as a great reminder of how Taboo Talk pushes boundaries, breaks barriers and smashes stigmas. Featuring Luisa Zissman, Anna Williamson, Deborah Meaden, Iskra Lawrence, Anna Richardson, Dr Dawn H...
Jan 27, 2023•32 min
This episode delves into the reality of hearing loss and deafness with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri. Kaye was recently told she would need hearing aids in both ears after gradually losing her hearing, while Tasha has been deaf since birth and has a cochlear implant in her right ear. Here, they chat with Vogue about their specific diagnoses, the impact it has had on their lives, how they have overcome any stigma, and how talking about their experiences has helped both t...
Jan 25, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 1
We're delighted to announce that the FOURTH series of Boots presents Taboo Talk will be landing on your favourite podcast platform from 25th January 2023. With top guests – including Scarlett Moffatt, Steph McGovern, Pete Wicks, Kaye Adams, Tasha Ghouri, Simon Thomas, Jenna Robinson, Natalie Lee, and the Mac Twins – we’re going to be deep-diving into everything from premature births, imposter syndrome and IBS, to hearing loss, sex, and alopecia. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform t...
Jan 23, 2023•1 min
To celebrate October being Menopause Awareness Month, Boots presents Taboo Talk hosted a one-off special featuring three incredible guests: Shaparak ‘Shappi’ Khorsandi, Sally Phillips and Andrea McLean. Together with Vogue, they discussed their own personal experiences of perimenopause and menopause, covering everything from night sweats, fatigue and forgetfulness, to gaining immense wisdom, buying a puppy and taking up whittling. Tune in to learn all about the signs, symptoms and ways to help m...
Oct 17, 2022•54 min
Losing your virginity is a momentous moment in anyone’s life – a milestone, the importance of which is ramped up through pop culture, peer pressure, and historical, societal and religious connotations. Some people want it to be special, some want to get it over with, while others don’t know what all the fuss is about. In this episode, comedians Russell Kane and Desiree Burch will discuss their first times and what they wish they’d known. This no-holds-barred, hilarious conversation covers everyt...
Aug 30, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 6
How often do we all discuss vulvas and vaginas? Answer: not nearly enough – a problem this episode hopes to rectify. What is and is not ‘normal’ when it comes to our genitals is a subject steeped in secrecy, leaving many too embarrassed to ask questions about which bits do what, what they’re called, and what they ‘should’ look like. In this episode, Vogue is joined by Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson and Embarrassing Bodies’ Dr Dawn Harper, for an open, honest and truly taboo-busting conver...
Aug 23, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Body positivity, body neutrality and body acceptance are all terms that will be familiar to any active users of social media, especially those suffering from self-esteem issues. They are movements that have been formed in direct response to the explosion of body-image related mental-health problems affecting the nation (many of which may have been exacerbated by social media itself). In this episode, body-acceptance advocate Iskra Lawrence discusses her own journey to self-love, the role of soci...
Aug 16, 2022•37 min
This bonus episode was inspired by the huge listener response to our previously-released show, “Why acne is more than skin deep”, featuring Scott McGlynn and Izzie Rodgers. We knew we had to dive deeper into the subject of skincare and so called on Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme for an expert Q&A session. The founder and director of Adonia Medical Clinic in London, Dr Ejikeme is a medical consultant, advanced cosmetic doctor and passionate skin expert. Here she answers questions sent in by Taboo Talk lis...
Aug 11, 2022•39 min
