that is the question

Ever wondered if the guy you were dating wasn't quite who he said he was? In this episode I am joined by journalist, TV presenter and radio host, Mary Mandefield to delve into the complicated world of online dating, and whether it is possible to have honesty and accountability in our increasingly digital lives. You can follow Mary's Instagram here and for more information on her recent and upcoming projects, check out her website.You can also find more content from me on my socials @that.isthequestion!

Joining me for this episode is writer, content creator, and voice behind the highly popular substack 'Bad Asian': Katy Ho. In this conversation we delve into the complexities of pop culture representations of Asian women, the trend of the 'performative male', and the issues surrounding male loneliness and the crisis of masculinity. You can find Katy on Instagram @katyho_ and check out her substack here!And for more content from me you can also find my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

We are kickstarting 2026 with a conversation with the spectacular Reed Amber.Reed is a sex educator, adult content creator, and co-host of the award-winning podcast ‘Come Curious’.You can follow Reed on Instagram @reedamberxCheck out her podcast with Florence Bark, Come Curious, here.And for information and links to more of Reed's work, check out her Linktree. For more content from me you can also follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

Two years since my last reflections on the year episode, so I thought it was time to look back on what 2025 has taught me, with a little help from my audience. You can find more content from me on my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

Can women be empowered by choosing to undergo procedures to change or enhance their appearance? Is there such thing as an entirely free decision? What do we mean by a feminist choice?In this episode, we unpick all of the above as I discuss your responses to my question; 'Can cosmetic procedures ever be a feminist choice?'.For more content from me and to contribute to future episodes you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

This week, I asked my followers, 'What makes you feel safe and unsafe?'. In this episode, I explore female safety in public and private spaces, male allyship, and the power of empathy. For more content from me and to contribute to future episodes you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

For this next addition to my solo series, we are diving into the sex myths and misconceptions we were taught as children, and the subsequent unlearning we had to do as we grew up! For more content from me and to contribute to future episodes, you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

It's week three of my solo series, and this time we are talking about gendered expectations in dating. Are gender binaries inhibiting our love lives? How have dating apps changed the way that we date?And can I be a feminist and let a man pay?For more content from me and to contribute to future episodes, you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

In this episode, I dissect my audience's responses to the question, "What is the opposite of toxic masculinity to you?".To contribute to future episodes and for more content from me, you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

This is the first episode of my new solo series where I unpick a particular topic or question with the help of my audience. For this episode, I asked my audience, "What are your micro acts of feminism?" and with many fantastic responses this episode was the result. You can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion for extra content and to offer your input for the next episode.

This episode features Joelle Fontaine: dancer, choreographer, movement director, and founder of At Your Beat Studio. Join us as we debunk unhealthy fitness messages and rediscover the joy of movement without exclusivity. You can follow Joelle on Instagram @joelledfontaine.And check out the At Your Beat website here.You can also find my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

My guest for this episode is body confidence content creator, Katie Budenberg. You can find Katie on Instagram @katie_budenberg.And for more content from me you can follow my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

In this episode, I speak with EDI and anti racism consultant and facilitator, Kasey Robinson, who also made a limited series podcast ‘The Blobcast’ with the PHS group discussing all things periods.Our conversation explores this topic of menstruation, covering shame, education reform, and how men can also be involved. You can find Kasey on Instagram @kaseyjrobinsonAnd follow my instagram @that.isthequestion

This episode features Jaylynn Angelina, host of the podcast and community, Brag To Me. Her podcast centres around grounding oneself in life's goodness, self-love, and uplifting fellow women.You can find Jaylynn's Instagram @jaylynnangelina and her podcast account @bragtomepod. For more content from me, you can also check out my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

My guest for this episode is ecologist, activist, and writer Jasmine Isa Qureshi. In all aspects of their work, Jasmine seeks to challenge the toxic systems of hierarchy in which we exist, using their intersectional identity to guide others in questioning the 'normal' and consider the possibility of reimagining ourselves. You can find Jasmine's website here and follow her Instagram @wildheartwithacamera.For more content from me, check out my Instagram @that.isthequestion.

This episode features dating, intimacy, and relationship coach David Chambers. David works with men to help them have authentic, deep relationships with themselves and the others around them by supporting them to build self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a healthy sense of masculinity. You can find David on Instagram @theauthenticman_Check out his website here and his excellent podcast here!

In this episode I speak with Sophie Corbett; a registered dietitian specialising in eating disorders and mental health. We talk about her 'dietitian unpopular opinions', the enormity of battling diet culture myths, and the idea of body trust. You can find Sophie on Instagram @cornonthecorb and her website here. My Instagram can be found @that.isthequestion.

This episode is with the excellent Tally Rye, personal trainer, intuitive movement coach, author, podcast host, and content creator. We discuss the damage done by diet culture, the principles of intuitive movement, and how the best way to get consistent with exercise is to pursue movement you enjoy. You can find Tally on Instagram @tallyrye And my account @that.isthequestion The fabulous new intro music you are hearing was made by Lulu Thompson!

Welcome to that is the question, with me Bea Harmston. In a society obsessed with immediacy, this podcast is about taking things at our own pace, as we learn in real time through empathy and connection. With a core focus on feminism, my guests and I discuss everything from religion to masculinity, diet culture, and female anger. We are allowed to not have all the answers! What matters is being able to explore the questions. My podcast cover art was created by Polly Meynell and the music was made by Lulu Thompson.

In this episode, I speak with blog writer Dani Rizzo as we unpick what it means to be a woman in the 21st century. We explore singleness, being queer and coming out later in life, as well as the choice to be childfree. Check out Dani's blog here and her Instagram @sweetandsingle_in_south. You can also find my Instagram @that.isthequestion. Enjoy!

This episode features the fantastic Salima Saxton and Jennifer Cox, co-hosts of the podcast ⁠Women Are Mad⁠. Together we discuss how female anger can be a force for good, how women express anger differently to men, the issues around excessive trigger warnings and more. You can find Salima and Jennifer on Instagram @⁠womenaremad⁠ for all their latest podcast updates. And my Instagram: @⁠that.isthequestion⁠ Happy listening!

In this episode, I speak to the excellent Megan Sinnaeve, an Instagram creator whose content centres around body neutrality, self love, and confidence. We discuss what self-acceptance means to her, the feminist influences who helped her most during recovery, and the deadly combination of capitalism and patriarchy in relation to our bodies. You can find Megan's Instagram: @megan.sinnaeve And my account: @that.isthequestion Happy listening!

This episode is with the fantastic James McCann, co-founder of The Feminist Men Project. He has also run workshops through the organisation Beyond Equality and is therefore well-versed in the issues of men and feminism. In this episode we discuss; the work being done by individuals and organisations to rethink masculinity and challenge patriarchal stereotypes, the harm of feminists making generalisations about men, the importance of positive male role models, and how feminist men can navigate the dating world. You can find The Feminist Men Project website here: https://www.feministmenproject.com/ And their Instagram: @feministmenproject You can also check out the organisation Beyond Equality: https://www.beyondequality.org/ And finally my Instagram: @that.isthequestion! Enjoy!

Feminist film critic, pioneer voice in second-wave feminism, and the woman who coined the term 'the male gaze', Laura Mulvey was a joy to speak with. In this episode, we discuss Laura's work on Hollywood and Freud, the evolution of feminism since the 70s, whether women can perpetuate the male gaze and much more! Happy listening! You can find me on Instagram: @that.isthequestion

What is the difference between faith and belief? How can doubt become a strength? Are some truths more important than others? In this episode I talk with Lorraine Cavanagh; an Anglican priest and theologian, as well as a writer and keen lover of her dog. Our views differ considerably on quite a few of the topics we discuss, but we also find a lot of common ground and respect for one another's views in this conversation. You can find Lorraine's blog and podcast 'Spiritual Soundings' through the following link: https://www.lorrainecavanagh.net/ I hope you enjoy listening!

This is the second half of my conversation with Sophia Vi! (So make sure you've checked out Ep7 before listening to this one) You can find Sophia on Instagram @sxphia_vi and my account @that.isthequestion Happy listening lovely people!

This episode is with the brilliant Sophia Vi; an actor, model, writer, and producer working predominantly in film and theatre. This was such a beautiful and invigorating conversation to be part of so I can't wait for you all to listen. Our conversation was too expansive to be contained in one episode so stay tuned for part 2! You can find Sophia on Instagram @sxphia_vi And my account @that.isthequestion

What do we really mean by 'cancel culture'? Do celebrities owe us activism? How is social media harming our relationship to social issues? This episode features my amazing childhood friend Milly who you can find on Instagram @cariadinthewild We have been meaning to record together since I started this podcast so it felt very special to finally have this conversation. Milly offers some great gems of wisdom concerning the topics we discuss so I hope you feel you can take something away from what you hear. Happy listening!

What a year it has been! If I'd told myself this time last year that I would have a successful podcast by the end of 2023 I would never have believed it. And yet here we are! In this episode, I look back at my 2023 and discuss what I have learned and intend to take forward into 2024. I hope you enjoy!

Managing uni-life balance? Why do people assume you’re a stripper when you do pole fitness? How to deal with diet culture in a new environment? Should we get the word ‘balance’ tattooed?  In this episode, I talk to my amazing friend Laurie about all things university life, boundaries and how we’re trying to show up as our most authentic selves.  We also discuss our experience doing pole dancing and the stigma surrounding the sport, the potential harm of endless productivity and checking in with comfort people and things. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!

Where does the word gossip come from? Can grey hairs, the menopause and female community be reclaimed for women? How do we support the people we love while accepting we cannot always fix? On this episode of my podcast I chat to my lovely mum, Polly Harmston, about the nurturing role of female community, harnessing your inner power and how the changes women experience with age can be a joy rather than a source of shame.  I know this episode has been a long time coming, but I’m back! And hoping to be more consistent from now onwards! You can see some of my mum’s stunning work on her Instagram @pollymeynelltextiles or her website https://www.pollymeynell.com/  You can also find my Instagram @that.isthequestion I hope you enjoy!

How does sexuality intersect with body image? Are labels a help or a hindrance for young queer people? Why is idolising and hyperfixating on celebrities so harmful? This episode features my wonderful friend Ollie Dixon who shares his experience and wisdom about the concerning focus on body aesthetics within the queer community, how representation and role models still have a long way to go, and why labels used within the LGBTQ+ community might need some reassessment.  You can find mine and Ollie’s first “podcast” which I turned into a blog here: https://beaharmston.wixsite.com/blog/post/queerness-clubbing-and-representation And my Instagram account @that.isthequestion Enjoy!

Maintaining productive routines at university? Is it possible to have confidence without comparison? Are creative and academic subjects centred around the same core themes? Why does the word polyglot sound so weird? Today’s episode features my great friend Amenie Groves who sheds light on her experience at university, juggling a host of creative projects alongside her studies while trying to stay grounded and confident in herself.  In between the laughter, we have a very open and honest discussion about some of the many aspects of becoming an adult and going through change.  You can find Amenie on Instagram @thestudybrew And check out our little photoshoot (featuring my cat) on my Instagram @that.isthequestion

Are there positives to privilege? Is masculinity in crisis? Why is fatherhood so undervalued? How should men be involved in feminism? In this first episode of my podcast, I speak to my dad Joe Harmston; theatre director, writer and creative.  We discuss a range of subjects including, the realities of trying to co-parent, how men should really be engaged in feminism and how we can harness privilege to elevate others. You can check out my dad’s extensive career and achievements through his website: https://www.joeharmston.com/ And follow me on Instagram @that.isthequestion I’m so excited to be sharing this conversation with you and the many more to come!