Are you homely or buccaneering? Viv Groskop talks to broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey, co-hosts of the Fortunately podcast and authors of Did I Say That Out Loud? Notes on the Chuff of Life. They explore the horror of bar stools, the power of pinching yourself and the nervous nosebleed. They discuss being small, being authentic and why the show must not go on in all cases. And why Boris Johnson's overconfidence ought to encourage a generation of schoolgirls. Fi and Jane's book is out now. ...
Oct 29, 2021•36 min•Season 14Ep. 7
What's the worst that could happen? Viv Groskop talks to the lawyer, TV host and motivational speaker Mel Robbins about facing bankruptcy, unemployment and divorce - and how she completely turned her life around to become one of the top speakers on the circuit and a viral sensation. They talk the five second rule, the high five habit, and why your new mantra should be: "Usually, I'm double". Oh, and what it's like to literally wet yourself on stage. You can find out more about Mel at melrobbins....
Oct 22, 2021•41 min•Season 14Ep. 6
Are you missing the bleeding obvious? Viv Groskop talks to Nayna McIntosh, founder and CEO of Hope Fashion, about how we can be so unused to saying what we really want - that we can miss our true calling. She explains that her first retail job was on her mum's market stall, how she went on to work at M&S, Per Una, Next and Asda - and how starting a business is like jumping off a cliff. And she reveals everything she wished she'd know when she started.
Oct 15, 2021•31 min•Season 14Ep. 5
Are you a work in progress? Viv Groskop talks to writer and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about the power of seeing yourself as an ongoing project, free from constant judgement. They explore how the right time to do something may not be the first time you try, and how writing can teach you about yourself. Oh, and the horror of the "participatory chair"... You can find out more about Cathy's work at cathyreadsbooks.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop...
Oct 08, 2021•38 min•Season 14Ep. 4
Need to dig yourself out of a hole? Viv Groskop talks to Indra Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of PepsiCo. She may be regularly listed as one of the world's most powerful woman, but as a woman of colour she explains how she always felt like she started at a disadvantage, in a hole that she had to dig herself out of. She explains how important it is to avoid anything that takes the focus away from what you have to say, why society needs to support families - and why stomach butterflies are brilli...
Oct 01, 2021•34 min
Fat cow, fat chance? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, journalist and broadcaster Dame Jenni Murray, the former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. They talk being nosy, being prepared and why you must NEVER say "tell me about..." They discuss appearance, being criticised by your mother, and Dame Jenni's latest book on the science and psychology of size. Oh, and how she tackled an interview with Hollywood legend Bette Davis on only her second day at Woman's Hour. Dame Jenni's book Fat Cow, F...
Sep 24, 2021•37 min•Season 14Ep. 2
Do you have the authority? Viv Groskop talks to Jackie Weaver; viral internet sensation, author of the book You Do Have the Authority Here! and chief officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils. They discuss difficult meetings (no, really) as well as zoom etiquette, how to prepare, and how to keep calm in the face of aggression. Jackie considers why men bully, why women don't apply for jobs - and why local politics is your best bet to change the world. Also, of course, how to read the ...
Sep 10, 2021•32 min•Season 14Ep. 1
Are you posh? Or do you just like olives? Viv Groskop talks to Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. They talk olives, going viral and why a joke will help get your point across. Jess reveals how she learned to communicate working in a pub, how showing confidence gives others confidence, and how other people saying stupid things is a great encouragement to speak up. Plus why women need to know they don't need to be perfect for...
Jul 30, 2021•37 min•Season 13Ep. 9
What's your armour? Viv Groskop talks to Jane Shepherdson, chair of My Wardrobe HQ, former chief exec of Whistles and brand director at TopShop. They discuss the way clothes can make you feel powerful- and how "rent-a-porter" can rekindle a fashion love affair without sacrificing the planet (or costing the earth). Jane reveals how she found her purpose and reinvented her career. And she explains how to deal with difficult characters, why you must surround yourself with excellence and how to get ...
Jul 30, 2021•35 min•Season 13Ep. 8
Is this visceral? Viv Groskop talks to author, businesswoman and chocolatier Chantal Coady about how to deploy the senses to beguile, comfort and delight. She talks about the importance of theatre, and deploying visuals to hold attention. She recalls how how her mother leveraged the family home to help her start her business, and how that spurred her to make it a success. She talks about the murky ethics of chocolate and what you can do to help. And she recalls how a moment on a beach inspired a...
Jul 23, 2021•33 min•Season 13Ep. 7
Are you sitting comfortably? Viv Groskop talks to Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley CH, the businesswoman, philanthropist and technology pioneer. They explore why she changed her name - and why she brought her kitchen stool to America to give her TED talk in front of Bill Gates. Dame Stephanie argues that women must learn to ask for money: our input won't be valued if we don't value ourselves. She reveals how she learned a "healthy selfishness" after ending up in hospital, and tells Viv the single ...
Jul 16, 2021•32 min•Season 13Ep. 6
Can you take criticism? Viv Groskop talks to Paula Hawkins, author of (among others) the global phenomenon The Girl on The Train. They explore how to gain the confidence to embrace what you really care about, and how to say: "I can do that, it's not just for others." They consider the value of routine, the value of saying no and the value of indulging in darkness. And why you must read the bad reviews. Find out more about Paula's work and her latest book, A Slow Fire Burning at paulahawkinsbooks...
Jul 09, 2021•36 min•Season 13Ep. 5
Why not? Viv Groskop talks to beauty journalist Funmi Fetto, Contributing Editor at British Vogue and Beauty Director at the Observer Magazine. Funmi argues that the risk of rejection is not worth missing opportunities, and explores the ongoing process of finding your voice, the double edged sword that is beauty, the role of faith and prayer in building confidence - and the joy of index cards. Find out more about Funmi's work at orbpodcast.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgrosko...
Jul 02, 2021•37 min•Season 13Ep. 4
What if you'd never heard of imposter syndrome? Viv Groskop talks to Lorraine Candy, columnist and former Editor in Chief from Style magazine, Elle UK and Sunday Times Style. They discuss owning the room, whether it's filled with Taylor Swift or Rupert Murdoch. They discuss what younger women can teach older women about self care - and how cold water can make you better at your job. They discuss not trying to be liked, not avoiding confrontation, not saying sorry and not buying into the negative...
Jun 25, 2021•38 min•Season 13Ep. 3
Have you felt small lately? Viv Groskop talks to journalist, author and broadcaster Julia Baird about the value of shrinking, and how feeling small can inspire wonder. She talks about learning to be yourself, learning not to freak out about swallowing, and the number of accomplished women who won't appear on her show because they feel fat. She asks - why do we have to be perfect before we're allowed to express an opinion? Julia's book Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder And Things That Sustain You W...
Jun 18, 2021•42 min•Season 13Ep. 1
Why are you here? Viv Groskop talks to writer Esther Freud about her new book, about why it's good for writers to get out, and the power of understanding that it's not about you - you are here for the audience. She explains why she loves feedback, why she loves interviews - and how she has to remind herself not to tell everybody absolutely everything... Esther's book, I Couldn't Love You More is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop...
Jun 17, 2021•30 min•Season 13Ep. 2
Are you ageing with power? Viv Groskop talks to designer Norma Kamali about why women should look forward to getting older. She explains that self respect and self love are hard but vital, and will draw the right opportunities to you. She shares her experience of being told at 18 that it's all downhill from here, her experience of divorce, her experience of discovering financial independence and confidence. And she argues that the risk of becoming irrelevant is worse than the risk of failure - s...
May 28, 2021•35 min•Season 12Ep. 9
Are you following someone else's rules? Viv Groskop talks to poet Hollie McNish about the value of working out your own way to do something - even if it takes time. Hollie discusses her efforts to unlearn society's unhelpful lessons about being female, including frank conversations with her grandmother. And she explores nerves, pressure, being apologetic - and the sadness of putting poems about her gran into the past tense. You can find out more about Hollie and her new book, Slug and Other Thin...
May 21, 2021•36 min•Season 12Ep. 8
Are you doing it your way? Viv Groskop talks to designer and businesswoman Anya Hindmarch about the value of authenticity. Anya reveals how neuro-linguistic programming and autogenic training helped her beat chronic stage fright. She argues that nerves are useful, that you know more than you think and that emotion is not only useful, it is the heart and soul of any business. Anya's book If In Doubt Wash Your Hair is out now. Find out more about Anya at anyahindmarch.com Viv's book, Lift As You C...
May 14, 2021•36 min•Season 12Ep. 7
Have you said what you came to say? Viv Groskop talks to Anneliese Dodds, Labour Co-Op Member of Parliament for Oxford East, about owning the House as the first female Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. How to communicate complex ideas, how to build trust, how to deal with the Daily Mail style police. And how to make sure that you are clear what you want to say - and say it. Find out more about Anneliese at anneliesedodds.org.uk Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop...
May 07, 2021•32 min•Season 12Ep. 6
Are you feeding your self doubt? Viv Groskop talks to writer Isabel Allende about how women can combat insecurity by celebrating each other. She talks of the value of feeling comfortable in your skin, knowing what you want to say and understanding that: "these people have come here to love you". Oh, and realising that she is not, after all, a flamboyant bitch. Isabel's new book, The Soul of a Woman is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is too. @vivgroskop...
Apr 30, 2021•36 min•Season 12Ep. 5
Do you feel completely happy? If not, admit it out loud to yourself. That moment of truth will help. Viv Groskop talks to sociologist and life coach Martha Beck who argues that aligning with your truth will get rid of all your psychological suffering. They also discuss chronic public speaking nerves, how to train your animal brain as if it were a frightened horse - and what it's like to hang out with Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Gilbert. Martha's new book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path t...
Apr 23, 2021•36 min•Season 12Ep. 4
Are you doing the work? Viv Groskop talks to Dr Nicole LePera, holistic psychologist and author of How to Do The Work. They explore the idea of healing yourself, learning to regulate your body and how that psychological and physiological work can help you to own the room. And Viv finds out how someone who "hates public speaking" manages an online following of millions. Find out more about Nicole's work @the.holistic.psychologist Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop...
Apr 16, 2021•35 min•Season 12Ep. 3
Do you know why you are doing this? Viv Groskop talks to Yewande Akinola MBE, chartered engineer and TV presenter, about the power of knowing your purpose when it comes to connecting to your audience. She reveals the setbacks and criticism that come with building a public profile and argues that if you think of your work as an extension of who you are, it becomes less daunting. Find out more about Yewande's work at yewandeakinola.co.uk Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop...
Apr 09, 2021•36 min•Season 12Ep. 2
Do you want it too much? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter, actress and writer Mel Giedroyc about the power of not caring and how she was nearly too rock 'n roll to audition for what turned out to be her big break. They talk #strictlycomedancing, #GBBO and almost going bankrupt. And making mistakes. Like thinking: who the HECK is interested in whether a cake rises? Mel's new book is The Best Things . Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop...
Apr 02, 2021•40 min•Season 12Ep. 1
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. In this fifth and final part Viv and Ethan discuss how they speak to their daughters about inner voice. How do you distinguish between your feelings and your thoughts? And how to talk to yourself with kindness and compassion. (Warning: May include Viv calling herself a "sweaty old cow.") You can find out more abou...
Mar 19, 2021•15 min•Season 11Ep. 5
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Part four looks at negative thought loops and what to do when you are talking to yourself like a bully. How to know when to trust your intuition and when to seek external confirmation. And the six things you need to write down after every stressful moment you survive. You can find out more about Ethan at ethankros...
Mar 18, 2021•18 min•Season 11Ep. 4
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Part three discusses the role other people can play in challenging our inner voice. What they do to help — and what they do to hinder us. And what role does environment play? Could cleaning your kitchen be the secret to controlling your inner voice? (Disclaimer: we are not telling anyone to clean their kitchen.) Y...
Mar 17, 2021•16 min•Season 11Ep. 3
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. In part two: What is "distanced self-talk" and why is it so helpful? How thinking forward into the future and backwards into the past can help you reassure yourself and find perspective. And why talking to yourself in the third person is the ultimate psychological ju-jitsu technique. You can find out more about Et...
Mar 16, 2021•17 min•Season 11Ep. 2
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents the second of two special five-part series. This week: Inner Voice with psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It . Is your inner voice sabotaging your presenting style? In part one we look at what "chatter" is, how to avoid "spinning" (going into a negative thought spiral) and why it matters for women to pay attention to their internal monologue. You can find out more about Ethan at ethankro...
Mar 15, 2021•18 min•Season 11Ep. 1
