Before Adwoa (briefly) leaves the chat to welcome her baby (!!!) -- you're in for a treat... In a very special episode of Gurls Talk, Adwoa sits down with acclaimed actress Denise Gough for a compelling conversation about her role in the play "People, Places, and Things." Together, they delve into themes of addiction, trauma, and the portrayal of these issues on stage. Denise Gough won ‘Best Actress’ at the 2016 Olivier Awards and at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for her performance as Emma...
Jul 16, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Carmen is a social worker, grief counsellor and death doula. Carmen is also the co-founder of BIPOC Death and Grief Talk, along with Kayla Carter, where they run free grief talks and grief education workshops for BIPOC individuals. Carmen and Kayla's goal is to embrace the intricate layers of racialized grief, providing a space for validation and support among fellow grievers. Simultaneously, they seek to challenge and deconstruct Eurocentric notions surrounding death, grief, and loss, working t...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Paloma Elsesser is a supermodel and advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry (and beyond). Winner of the British Fashion Council's 2023 Model of the Year award, Paloma is a trailblazer who uses her platform to challenge beauty standards and promote self-acceptance. You can follow Paloma on Instagram @palomija --- Executive Producer: Gurls Talk, Inc. Host: Adwoa Aboah Guest: Paloma Elsesser Producer: Wicked Child Studio Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach Editor: Morgan Muse Production Assista...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Holly Madison is a model, television personality, and New York Times bestselling author. She gained fame for her role in the reality show "The Girls Next Door," showcasing life at the Playboy Mansion. Beyond her entertainment career, Holly is an advocate for body positivity and recently shared her late in life autism diagnosis with the world. Follow Holly on Instagram @hollymadison Follow Holly on TikTok @hollyjeanmadison You can watch Holly on the Investigation Discovery series "Lethally Blonde...
Apr 16, 2024•42 min
**This episode of the Gurls Talk podcast discusses sensitive topics surrounding suicide and the experience of losing a loved one to suicide. While we aim to provide a supportive space for these conversations, we recognize that they may be distressing for some listeners. It's important to remember that help is available. In the United States, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. For support in the UK, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 0...
Apr 09, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Zoe Terakes (they/he) is a non-binary and trans masculine Australian actor best known for their roles in the movie "Talk To Me" and the TV series "Nine Perfect Strangers." Zoe will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the first trans actor in the Disney+ series "Ironheart." Including being an incredible actor, Zoe is a champion for queer representation in the media and has become a prominent voice in the entertainment industry. Their work not only entertains but also inspires audience to think ...
Apr 01, 2024•55 min
10 years ago Tally and Adwoa met in recovery. 10 years later Tally and Adwoa reconnect again at The Jo Malone Townhouse to discuss their recovery journey, the challenges they've encountered, and what they've learned along the way. Talitha Fosh is a qualified psychotherapist who primarily works with addiction. She is nine years clean from alcohol and drugs, and a recovered anorexic. Talitha has worked in an addiction rehab centre, as well as with clients in her own private practice, Therapised. T...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Born to Hollywood icons Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Tallulah Willis was raised in the glare of the spotlight, a reality that shaped her upbringing in profound ways. As a kid Tallulah faced vicious online bullying that impacted her mental health and led to the development of a years long eating disorder. Today Tallulah uses her platform to shed light on the challenges she's faced in an effort to reduce stigma and promote greater understanding and support for others. You can follow Tallulah on In...
Mar 19, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Our dear friend Julia Samuel is here! Julia is a celebrated psychotherapist specializing in grief, who has spent the last three decades working with bereaved families. Julia is a three-time bestseller of the books Grief Works , This Too Shall Pass , and her latest book Every Family Has a Story . She is the host of the acclaimed podcast Therapy Works and the developer of the app Grief Works: Self-care & Love that helps users navigate grief after the death of a loved one. You can follow also J...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Freida Pinto is a critically-acclaimed actress, a mother, a women's and human rights activist, and entrepreneur. Today we discuss... pregnancy loss, what people don't tell you about postpartum (but should), the guilt that comes with being a mother and having a career, prioritizing your mental health (no matter what), and what its like to be an entrepreneur... You can follow Freida on Instagram @freidapinto and you can learn more about Anya but heading to www.thisisanya.com --- Executive Producer...
Mar 04, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Catherine Hardwicke is an iconic American filmmaker best known for capturing the reality of the teenage experience on screen - from Twilight to Lords of Dogtown. Today we're reflecting on the cultural impact of Catherine's directorial debut "Thirteen" -- which was released over twenty years ago in 2003. Co-written with Nikki Reed, "Thirteen" is a poignant and raw portrayal of adolescence, focusing on the turbulent life of a thirteen-year-old girl named Tracy. The film delves into Tracy's descent...
Feb 27, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Today we're talking about the opioid epidemic. 60 million people around the world struggle with opioid addiction and traditional methods of rehabilitation are failing our friends and family. In this episode you'll meet Sarah Laurel the founder of Savage Sisters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After recovering from substance use disorder, Sarah sought to build an organization that would provide thoughtful, trauma-informed resources for those recovering from substance use disorders. Sarah says "Our...
Feb 20, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Mad excited to have my dear friend Chelsea Leyland on the podcast today. Chelsea is a DJ, cannabis and epilepsy activist, the co-founder of menstrual-health platform Looni, and she's a new mum! We discuss Chelsea's incredibly moving documentary Sisters Interrupted . The doc follows Chelsea and her sister Tamsin as they both battle forms of epilepsy and together fight for access to medical cannabis that could save both of their lives. We also chat about Chelsea's pregnancy journey, becoming a new...
Feb 13, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Sophie Compton is a BIFA longlisted documentary director and producer who tells women’s stories of injustice and healing. "Another Body" is an 2023 British-American documentary film that follows a college student who seeks justice after finding deepfake pornography of herself online. You can follow Sophie on Instagram @sophietaracompton You can find where to watch "Another Body" by heading to https://anotherbodyfilm.com/the-film/ ----- Executed Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Rov...
Feb 06, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 13
It's a dream come true! AOC has joined the chat. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an American politician and the youngest woman EVER elected to the United States Congress. A member of the Democratic Party, she gained national attention for her progressive policy positions, including advocacy for the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. We celebrate AOC for her passion and unwavering commitment to social justice reform. In this episode Adwoa and AOC discuss redefining positions of influence, embracing...
Jan 29, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 12
We're thrilled to have Dina Gachman the author of So Sorry for Your Loss: How I Learned to Live with Grief, and other Grave Concerns on the podcast today. In 2018 Dina lost her mother to cancer and then her sister to alcoholism less than three years later. Dina's own experience with grief led her on a journey to understanding what it means to grieve, healing after loss, and the ways we stay connected to those we miss. The holidays are a difficult time of year for so many of us. We hope you find ...
Dec 19, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Richie Shazam is a queer model, artist, and activist (and a New York legend!!) who seeks to subvert the gender binary in everything she does. With the holidays around the corner, we're talking about grief, coping with difficult familial relationships, and the beauty of found family. You can buy Richie's book SHAZAM here You can follow Richie here --- Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Rovner Malach of Wicked Child Studio. Composed by Mikey Long. This podcast is generously ...
Dec 12, 2023•49 min•Season 4Ep. 10
We're excited to welcome one of Adwoa's dear friends Tilly Lawless on the podcast! Tilly Lawless is a queer, Sydney-based sex worker who advocates for sex worker rights. In this episode Tilly and Adwoa explore the stigmas sex workers face, the gig economy, and grief among many other topics. You can learn more about Tilly by following @tilly_lawless You can also watch her powerful Ted Talk here --- Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Rovner Malach of Wicked Child Studio. Com...
Dec 05, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 9
What is the "I" in LGBTQIA+? Today we're giving voice to the long-silenced intersex community. According to Amnesty International, 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits -- comparable to the number of people born with red hair . On this episode you'll hear from Sean Saifa Wall (he/him/his) a Black queer intersex activist and rising scholar. Saifa is committed to racial equity and a radical vision of bodily autonomy for people with intersex variations. Currently, he is a Marie Skłowd...
Nov 28, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Ai-jen Poo is a next-generation labor leader, award-winning organizer, author, and a leading voice in the women’s movement. Ai-jen is the President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance , Director of Caring Across Generations , Co-Founder of SuperMajority and Trustee of the Ford Foundation. In this episode we discuss the future of work, gender equality, immigration, narrative change, and grassroots organizing. ---- Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Rovner Malach of Wi...
Nov 21, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Mikki Kendall is an activist, cultural critic, and author of the critically-acclaimed book Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot . I came across Hood Feminism and I knew I needed to have Mikki on the podcast. We talk about the body positivity movement, colorism, banned books, fighting the patriarchy, and much, much more. You can follow Mikki Kendall on Instagram @karynthia and you can buy Mikki's book Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot at all major bo...
Nov 14, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Eileen Kelly is here! You may know Eileen from her Tumblr days (killerandasweetthang) or maybe you know Eileen as the host of the acclaimed podcast Going Mental with Eileen Kelly . In this episode - we talk about getting into the groove with a new therapist to getting diagnosed and (my favorite) dating horror stories. I loved having gurl talk with Eileen. We have so much in common and I can't wait for you to listen. Enjoy! --- Hosted by Adwoa Aboah Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced...
Nov 07, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This past summer Molly Manning Walker took Cannes by storm with her powerful, feature directorial debut "How To Have Sex." "How to Have Sex" follows a group of teenage girls during a rite-of-passage, post-exam holiday in what should be the best summer of their lives. The film looks at how we learn to have sex through the pressure of friendship, toxic masculinity and societal expectations. In this episode we discuss the film, the state of sex education, and consent in a post-#MeToo era. "How to H...
Oct 31, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Maddie Ziegler is here! Maddie has been in the industry for so much of her life, and needless to say it hasn’t always been easy. But I’ll let Maddie tell you about it... You can follow Maddie on Instagram at @maddieziegler and you can follow us @gurlstalk. --- Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Malach of Wicked Child Studio. Composed by Mikey Long. Special thanks to Charlotte Gilbert. This podcast is proudly supported by Jo Malone London....
Oct 24, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 3
**Content Warning** This episode contains a candid discussion about living with bipolar disorder. Your well-being matters and help is always available. If you or someone you know is in immediate need of mental health services, please reach out to the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. You can also find mental health resources by going to gurlstalk.com . In this episode I sit down with model, mental health activist, and filmmaker Rosie Viva to talk about something we have in common - living with...
Oct 17, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 2
We're back! We're kicking off our fourth season with one of my favorite people, Ziwe! Amidst the LOLs we talk about everything from imposter syndrome to some of my favorite essays in Ziwe's debut book Black Friend. Ziwe's book of essays Black Friend is out now. It's one of my favorite books of the year, I know you'll enjoy it too. You can follow @ziwef and you can follow us @gurlstalk. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com and don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode of th...
Oct 10, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode, I spoke to Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alessia Cara. Discovered at the tender age of 18, she’s grown up in the spotlight, and shared that journey with her fans through her music – often showing us a perspective far outside the confident, sexy pop-princess norm. Her unique voice and emotional vulnerability gives her lyrics a power; a sense of relatability for anyone who has ever felt alone or unloved or sad. What struck me about this conversation is her ability to be so comp...
Dec 02, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 28
When you see Little Simz (or Simbi, as I call her) perform, she gives everything to the crowd. Off stage, she has this incredible composed energy. So, how does she find the balance? We talk about how to manage the energy you expel in your work and what to keep for yourself. In a recent interview Simbi said, “my career is very important to me but it’s not my life, I’m doing things differently this time.” And I can hands down relate to that. As I’m sure a lot of you can. Turning up in life and set...
Sep 16, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Few books have taken hold of the Gurls Talk team like Three Women and Animal. The vulnerability of Lisa’s writing inspires uncomfortable conversations, encapsulating everything that Gurls Talk is about, so it’s a dream come true to have her on the podcast. Lisa writes with such brutal honesty, we get to see the rawness of her protagonists as they struggle through messy, complicated feelings. We unpick some of the themes in her work in this episode and talk about how trauma impacts our identity a...
Jul 26, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Trigger warning: This episode covers difficult topics, which some listeners may find upsetting. These areas include rape, sexual assault, and various types of abuse. Please practice good self-care and listen at your own discretion. If you need additional support, please visit our website at www.gurlstalk.com/hotlines For too long we’ve stayed quiet to the culture that’s normalised and trivialised sexual violence, sexual harassment and misogyny. Girls have been socialised to feel like it’s someth...
Jul 08, 2021•54 min•Season 2Ep. 25
