Season 2 Intro - The history of "normal"

It's me Jenn Wilson, introducing Season 2 of the Irregular Humans podcast, where we celebrate diversity and challenge convention. This short episode explains why, via the history of the concept of "normal",Until the 19th century normal only referred to statistical averages in maths or science - but over time it's been redefined to pathologise and judge natural human variations. As a queer, female human with ADHD, I have direct experience of the ways societal norms around work, social behaviour, family structures, and gender roles have created expectations that don't fit everyone.My guests are change-makers, who challenge the ways that the status quo and these 'normal' standards cause harm. Each of them has questioned and explored their own unique approach - some by refusing to let their identity be seen as deviant or less-than-normal... and some via creating and innovating new methods for life and work that are more accessible, inclusive and effective for all of us, rather than the privileged few.The Irregular Humans podcast is an invitation to listen, to question conventional norms and embrace your own irregular ways to make a kinder, fairer, safer world for all of us.