PODCAST · society
The Figure
by Georgia Parkin & Charlotte Lorimer
The Figure is a podcast about lifelong learning. Each month, which we figure out people, numbers and images of the past, present and future. Hosted by Georgia Parkin and Charlotte Lorimer.
Episodes
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63: Marcus Aurelius, women leaders and burnout and Roald Dahl's books
Together, we have decided that the chapter of our lives dedicated to The Figure has come to a close. Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to and supported us over the last five years. For our last episode, we explore the life and writing of the ‘philosopher-king’ Marcus Aurelius, the...
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Update
We will be back soon!
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62: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Spare and Paula Modersohn-Becker
This January, we reflect on the leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, share our thoughts on Prince Harry’s autobiography Spare, and discover the life and work of artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. As always, feel free to suggest a figure for a future episode or say hello by sending us a message on...
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61: A conversation dedicated to Jane
Today, on Jane's birthday, we remember an extraordinary person and share our advice for those caring for a loved one, those experiencing grief and those seeking to support friends or family who are caring for someone or in grief. Jane is Charlotte's mother and the reason Georgia's parents met.…
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60: Duchess of Argyll, Sex and the City and Edmonia Lewis’ postage stamp
This January, we talk about Margaret Whigham, share our thoughts on the themes of Sex and the City and shortcomings of the reboot And Just Like That, and discover the life and work of sculptor Edmonia Lewis. As always, feel free to suggest a figure for a future episode or say hello by sending us…
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59: Christmas Special: St Nicholas, Christmas traditions around the world and the power of Christmas adverts
For our Christmas special, we talk about the life of Saint Nicholas and miracles associated with him, that 160 countries around the world celebrate Christmas, and the history of John Lewis Christmas adverts. We hope you enjoy this special episode - Merry Christmas and see you next year! As…
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58: A conversation about the upcoming exhibition Reflections: The light and life of John Henry Lorimer
We are back! And to explain our absence and dive into what we've been up to, we're bringing you a different type of episode which focuses on the upcoming exhibition Reflections: The light and life of John Henry Lorimer. Charlotte has been working on this exhibition since 2017 and is now counting...
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57: Britney Spears, Summer Olympic Games and our Three Lions
For episode 57, we dive into the controversy surrounding Britney Spears and her conservatorship, talk about some of our favourite moments from the Summer Olympics and discuss the importance of the Online Safety Bill in the wake of the online racial abuse that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and...
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56: Caroline Flack, the beauty tax and 'Friends: The Reunion'
For episode 56, we remember the life and work of TV presenter Caroline Flack, discuss the concept of the beauty tax and share our thoughts on the Friend’s Reunion. As always, feel free to suggest a figure for a future episode or say hello by sending us a message on Instagram @FigurePodcast. The...
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55: Guest episode: Rhiannon Bailey on entrepreneurship, influencer culture and Billie Eilish’s Vogue cover
This May, we interview professional dancer, fitness model, content creator and personal trainer Rhiannon Bailey. She is the founder of Daily Bailey, an online fitness platform, and co-founder of BeltR, a business that sells protein oats. Together, we talk about the boom of home workouts during…
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54: Meghan Markle, sexual harrassment and 'Home' by Charlie Mackesy
This March, we unpick Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey and address the impact the British press has on society's perception of her. We also look at sexual harrassment in the UK and the importance of accountability, as well as talking about our definitions of home in relation to…
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53: Alexei Navalny, Sutton Hoo and the co-ordination of sex scenes
This February, we share our thoughts on anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, unravel the history of Sutton Hoo and discuss the importance of intimacy co-ordinators when shooting sex scenes. As always, feel free to suggest a figure for a future episode or say hello by sending us a message on...
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52: Joe Biden, Bridgerton and the art of John Henry Lorimer
This January, we unpick American politics following the inauguration of Joe Biden, dive into the costume department of the Netflix series Bridgerton, and tell a few of the stories surrounding Grandmother’s Birthday, a painting by John Henry Lorimer. As always, follow us or send us a message on...
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51: Round up of 2020 reflections and recommendations
This December, on the last day of 2020, we round up our recommendations of the year to help you through the months ahead. Thank you so much for listening. We wish you all the best for 2021. www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/ www.twitter.com/FigurePodcast/ [email protected] Memes Chin chin...
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50: David Attenborough, cold water therapy and the American election
This November, we talk about the presenter and producer David Attenborough, scientific research on cold water therapy, and the 2020 American election. The views expressed in this podcast are our own. www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/ www.twitter.com/FigurePodcast/ [email protected]…
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49: Daphne du Maurier, prostitution and the north-south divide
This October, we talk about the author Daphne du Maurier, why prostitution should be decriminialised, and the history of the north-south divide in England. The views expressed in this podcast are our own. www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/ www.twitter.com/FigurePodcast/ [email protected]…
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48: Yotam Ottolenghi, fungi and internalised misogyny
This September, we talk about the chef and writer Yotam Ottolenghi, that there are an estimated six times more species of fungi than species of plant, and an illustration from Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given. The views expressed in this podcast are our own....
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47: Kamela Harris, the wellness industry and the environment post-lockdown
This August, we talk about the Democratic candidate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the wellness industry and the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on the environment. The views expressed in this podcast are our own. www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/ www.twitter.com/FigurePodcast/...
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46: Reflections and recommendations
We’re back! In episode 46, we catch up on recommendations and reflect on the months since Britain went into lockdown. From now on, we'll be releasing episodes monthly, resuming our format of exploring a person, a number and an image. As always, send in your suggestions through social media or by...
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45: Greta Thunberg, #MeToo and Venus de Milo
Please support us for the half marathon in support of The Young Women's Trust: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=the-figure-and-friends&pageUrl=1 We will be running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, 13th October and we really appreciate…
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44: Isaac Newton, Desert Island Discs and Jessie Cave's doodling
In episode 44, we talk about romantic love, discovery, the emotional power of music and the astonishing honesty of doodler Jessie Cave. Our three figures are Isaac Newton, that Kirsty Young broadcast 496 episodes of Desert Island Discs, and the ‘Nice to Meet You’ doodle by Jessie Cave....
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43: Kelly Holmes, the importance of honeybees and Dale Chihuly at Kew Gardens
In episode 43, we talk about resilience, sustainability and the craft of glassblowing. Our three figures are Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes, that one in three bites of food we eat depends on honeybees, and water lilies at Kew Gardens by Dale Chihuly (2019). www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/...
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42: Toni Morrison, ending FGM and the history of the Tower of London
In episode 42, we talk about American literature, global activism and British history. Our three figures are Toni Morrison, that 140 million women have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and a Birdseye view of the Tower of London. *Correction: Recent research suggests that the number of...
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41: Stella McCartney, 5G and Meghan Markle's Forces for Change Vogue Cover
In episode 41, we talk about sustainable fashion, the future of technology and the media storm that surrounds HRH Duchess of Sussex. Our three figures are Stella McCartney, that 5G internet will cover 40% of the world by 2024, and Meghan Markle’s Vogue Cover for September 2019....
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40: Richard Curtis, fast fashion and 50 years since Stonewall
In episode 40, we talk about the legacy of The Beatles, the documentary The True Cost and the history of Pride marches. Our three figures are Richard Curtis, that each year we buy 800 billion items of clothing, and an image of Tommy Lanigan outside the Stonewall Inn....
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39: Guest episode: Delilah Montagu on songwriting and solo travel
We are so excited to share this guest episode with singer-songwriter Delilah Montagu. We talk about her career so far, her songwriting process and her identity as a musician. Born in 1997, she wrote her first song aged 7 and released her first EP in June 2019. Dain Cairns of The Times wrote:...
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38: Elton John, the leadership race and the art of Lee Krasner
We’re back! In episode 38, we talk about rock and roll, Conservative party politics and the movement Abstract Expressionism. Our three figures are Elton John, that 63% of Tory members would prefer Brexit to go ahead even if it caused Scottish independence and 59% would want Brexit even if it led…
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37: Mary Queen of Scots, terrorism in Sri Lanka and the Notre-Dame fire
Calling all fans of The Figure! We've been nominated for the Listener's Choice Award for the British Podcast Awards. To vote for us type 'The Figure' into the search bar and scroll down to find us: www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote In episode 37, we talk about Scottish, Sri Lankan and French...
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36: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, hangovers and the first image of the shadow of a black hole
In episode 36, we talk about the film On the Basis of Sex and the early career of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, potential hangover cures and the Twitter storm over Katie Bouman and her role in taking the first image of the shadow of a black hole. Our three figures are Ruth Bader Ginsburg, that…
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35: Ncuti Gatwa, the pros and cons of dating apps and explaining abstract art
For episode 35, we talk about the Netflix series Sex Education, the stigma surrounding online dating, and the philosophy that underpins paintings by Piet Mondrian. Out three figures are Ncuti Gatwa, that one third of marriages in America start online, and Composition with Large Red Plane by Piet...
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34: Nelson Mandela, career stereotypes and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the cover of Time magazine
In episode 34, we talk about the books we’ve been reading, including ‘Brave’ by Rose McGowan and ‘Open Up: The Power of Talking about Money’ by Alex Holder, the legacy of Nelson Mandela, how stereotypes can hold us back in our career choices and the rise of the politician AOC. Our three figures…
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33: Ian McKellen, the reality of climate change and the Mona Lisa
In episode 33, we talk about LGBTQ+ activism, what a 2 degree global temperature increase would mean for the Earth, and why certain works of art become famous. Our three figures are Sir Ian McKellen, that 50% of all carbon emissions have ever put into the atmosphere have been in the last 25…
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32: Lady Gaga, private education in Britain and the four-minute mile
In episode 32, we talk about our reactions to the Michael Jackson documentary and its significance of highlighting abuse, the changing identity of Lady Gaga, how we feel about privilege and private education, and how we are inspired by the athletic achievements of Roger Bannister. Our three…
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31: International Women’s Day Special: Carole Easton OBE on empowering young women, a career in charity and ‘Fearless Girl’
It’s International Women’s Day and The Figure is back! In episode 31, we talk to Carole Easton OBE about her career in the charity world, intersectional feminism and fighting for a more equal society. www.twitter.com/caroleeaston100 www.youngwomenstrust.org/ www.youngminds.org.uk/ After training...
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30: Queen Anne, New Year's resolutions and the first baby born from a transplanted uterus in the US
In episode 30, we talk about Yorgos Lanthimos’ film The Favourite, January trends such as veganuary and dry January and the ethical and medical implications of babies born from transplanted uterus. Our three figures are Queen Anne, that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February and the cover...
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29: Christmas Special: Santa Claus, last minute shopping on Christmas Eve and the origin of the Christmas tree with Millie Dyos-Szolkowska and Hugo Van Mol
It’s officially Christmas at The Figure Podcast! Making their debut podcast appearance are two friends of The Figure - Millie Dyos-Szolkowska and Hugo Van Mol. We talk about all of our favourite Christmas traditions, food, films and music (including clearing up any confusion about Good King...
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28: Alan Turing, homelessness over Christmas and the education of women in Afghanistan
In episode 28, we talk about being a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during WWII, homelessness in the UK especially over Christmas and what we can do to help tackle this problem, and the education of girls in Afghanistan as well as internalised misogyny within religion. Our three figures are Alan...
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27: Guest episode: Jennifer Cerys on Section 28 and homophobia, LGBTQ+ sex education and the power of protest
In episode 27, Jennifer Cerys joins us to talk about the play that she has written about Section 28 - legislation that was passed by Margaret Thatcher in 1988 that banned the promotion of same-sex relationships in school and by local authorities. This led to mass protest across Britain, partially...
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26: Michelle Obama, David Attenborough's Dynasties and the taboo of female sexual pleasure
In episode 26, we talk about the compassion and strength of Michelle Obama, the dedication of the makers of David Attenborough’s new series Dynasties, and the audacity of Gustav Klimt in his celebration of female masturbation. Our three figures are Michelle Obama, that the five episodes of...
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25: Guest episode: David Lorimer on being an educator, the world's increasing population and cosmic astrology
In episode 25, David Lorimer joins us to talk about having an unconventional career and finding your purpose. We also talk about some of the subjects he has covered in his books as well as the connection between science and spirituality. www.davidlorimer.co.uk www.inspiringpurpose.org.uk...
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24: Guest episode: Iona Bain on pay gaps, pensions and prenups
In episode 24, Iona Bain joins us to talk about money. We discuss life in your 20s, being a freelancer and the power dynamics of money. www.youngmoneyblog.co.uk www.twitter.com/ionayoungmoney www.oneworldshop.co.uk/spare-change-iona-bain Our three figures are Iona Bain, that the mean gender pay…
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23: Leonardo da Vinci, types of thoughts in a day and Disney’s version of fairy tales
In episode 23, we talk about being a polymath and the Renaissance, the number and types of thoughts we have in a day and how growing up with Disney princesses effects our views on relationships and stereotypes. Our three figures are Leonardo da Vinci, that we have 50,000-70,000 thoughts in a day...
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22: Guest episode: Nafisah Atcha on Jameela Jamil, creating content and the politics of Taylor Swift
In episode 22, Nafisah Atcha joins us to talk about the way we value women, YouTube as a platform and the impact of celebrities on politics. www.bamblingsofnaffy.com/ www.instagram.com/bamblingsofnaffy/ www.twitter.com/Bamblingsofnafy Our three figures are Jameela Jamil, that the YouTube videos…
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21: Maya Angelou, period poverty and Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations against Brett Kavanaugh
In episode 21, we talk about trauma, activism and justice. Our three figures are Dr Maya Angelou, that menstrual products cost the average woman more than £18,000 in her lifetime and the testimony of Dr Christine Blasey Ford represented on the cover of Time Magazine. Feminists Don't Wear Pink…
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20: Jamie Oliver, life expectancy and natural disasters
In episode 20, we talk about the importance of cooking, that life expectancy in the UK has stalled for the first time on record and what we can do to help victims of earthquakes and tsunamis. Our three figures are Jamie Oliver, that life expectancy is 83 for women and 79 for men in the UK and a...
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19: Emma Thompson, the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and SpaceX
In episode 19, we talk about acting and screenwriting, the corruption of the Soviet Union and the innovation of SpaceX. In discussing the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, we talk about Bill Browder and The Magnitsky Act, legislation that would authorise governments to sanction…
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18: Sylvia Pankhurst, religious education and the racist cartoon of Serena Williams
In episode 18, we talk about the origins of feminism and the suffragette movement, spirituality and religious education at school and sexism and racism in women’s tennis in light of the reaction to the US open final. Our three figures are Sylvia Pankhurst, that 26% of schools in England do not...
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17: Guest episode: CenTuryP on Kendrick Lamar, the impact of WW2 and Ecsternal Complex
In episode 17, we talk to Teddy Parkin, also known as CenTuryP, about hip-hop, family history and creativity as well as his journey in creating his group Ecsternal Complex. Teddy is a 19-year-old rapper and producer from London. We are incredibly grateful to him for all his help setting up the...
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16: John McCain, technology in the classroom and Kylie Jenner on Forbes
In episode 16, we talk about politics, education and the Kardashians. Our three figures are John McCain, that tablets are used in 70% of British schools and Kylie Jenner on the cover of Forbes. www.instagram.com/figurepodcast/ www.twitter.com/FigurePodcast/ [email protected] Calendar…
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15: Guest episode: Gina Martin on upskirting, the environment and body shaming
In episode 15, activist Gina Martin joins us to talk about her campaign to make upskirting illegal, issues surrounding climate change and the body positivity movement. Upskirting is the act of taking a photo up a person's skirt, something which is not currently a sexual offence in England and...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Figure have?
The Figure currently has 64 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Figure about?
The Figure is a podcast about lifelong learning. Each month, which we figure out people, numbers and images of the past, present and future. Hosted by Georgia Parkin and Charlotte Lorimer.
How often does The Figure release new episodes?
The Figure has 64 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Figure?
You can listen to The Figure on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Figure?
The Figure is created and hosted by Georgia Parkin & Charlotte Lorimer.
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