Stigma Shakers

Nicky Elkington is a hairdresser, Kylie Minogue fan since she was 7 years old, cat enthusiast, cancer survivor, and a cold-cap ambassador. When Nicky was 15 years old, her world was turned upside down when her mum died suddenly. In March 2019 just a few short weeks after her 40th Birthday, Nicky was diagnosed with breast cancer and began aggressive treatment. Then, on the 27th December 2019 her husband unexpectedly and suddenly died. And most recently, she’s had to grieve her dad’s death. She has faced unimaginable loss but has come out stronger on the other side. Nicky has been cancer-free for five years. Refusing to be defined by grief, she’s carved out a new life for herself, unapologetically embracing hope and the possibility of love again. Nicky’s story is one of resilience, joy, and living life on her own terms.DescriptionTalking about grief is one of the hardest topics to untangle. When you’ve lost someone you love, the festive holidays can seem far from the happiest time of the year. And grief at Christmas can feel particularly hard. From making new traditions to simply surviving in one piece, there is no wrong or right way to grieve. However, by learning a softer yet realistic way to tackle grief with a friend, relative, loved one or colleague, we can make this time of year less lonely, isolating and let's be honest... awkward. By understanding the less than helpful platitudes and learning what to text a person during the ‘happy holidays’, we can invite grief into the conversation lovingly versus leaving it outside in the cold. And if you find yourself holding onto so much love that has nowhere to go, let hope be your gift this Christmas. In this honest, uplifting, and to-the-point season finale, listen in as Nicky and Ally talk about grief, a different way.In this episode, Nicky and Ally discuss:How to cope with grief at ChristmasWhy stigma around death and grief needs to endHow to juggle a happy holiday with a broken heartThe less than peaceful platitudesThe differences between anticipatory and sudden lossHow to lean into loneliness at ChristmasWhen grief becomes a familiar feelingWidow, single or neither: What is the perfect label for the grievers?If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iain Anderson is a Scottish comedian based in Barcelona. Since he exploded onto the Barcelona comedy scene last year, he has been making waves with his quick-wittedness, charisma and a lethal turn of phrase. He recently returned from the Edinburgh Fringe after completing a full run of his amazing debut one-man show TRAUMEDY: A Guide To Being A Fabulous Homeless Addict, which was a huge success and audiences praised it for being a clever blend of hilarious, moving and uplifting storytelling. He has been using this show as a vehicle to challenge people's ideas about homelessness and addiction and to rehumanise those who are currently impacted by it. DescriptionFrom the gay Glasgow scene to a bench in Barcelona, Iain Anderson found himself at rock bottom. Sadly, society places hefty stigmas and stereotypes surrounding addiction and homelessness, labelling those who find themselves waking up to this reality, “lazy, dirty, criminals. However, this is far from the case. New research has revealed that 45% of UK adults aged 18-75 have either directly experienced addiction themselves with a dependency to alcohol, drugs, medication, gambling or sex themselves. More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence whilst homeless. Staggeringly, 80% of homeless people in England reported issues with their mental health, with 45% having been diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives. In this brutally honest episode, Iain explains how he found recovery, a warm bed, hope, and now through the power of comedy and storytelling, his soaring career as a comedian in his debut one-man show TRAUMEDY: A Guide To Being A Fabulous Homeless Addict. In this episode, Iain and Ally discuss:Why comedy is the perfect vehicle to expose trauma and tragedyThe stigmas or stereotypes surrounding addiction and homelessness What life is like living on the streets through a homeless lensHow to find recovery from addiction Why judgement is the last hand-out a homeless person or addict needs Living life sober The power of recovery, purpose, acceptance, and hope through the comedic genreFollow: For more about Iain @iananderson.comedy and @traumedyshowIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennie Girardo is an award-winning director and producer with hundreds of behind-the-scenes, social, and branded content efforts under her belt. She’s created content for Apple TV’s Masters of the Air, Amazon Prime's Mr. And Mrs. Smith, and HBO's Game of Thrones and more. In 2024, Jennie made her narrative directorial debut with short film The Fuscos, which touches on the subject of domestic violence. She hopes that this film will help encourage women to use their voices to rise above the taboo, share their stories, and ultimately put an end to this epidemic. In her free time, you can find Jennie hiking in the mountains of California with her beloved four-legged children, Monte Carlo and Hudson.Episode Description: Domestic abuse (sometimes called 'domestic violence' or 'intimate partner violence') is an incident or a pattern of behaviour that is used by someone to control or obtain power over their partner or ex-partner. It is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it, and it is a crime. An equal act of domestic abuse can also be known as emotional abuse, which includes non-physical behaviours that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten you. This may present in romantic relationships as threats, insults, constant monitoring, excessive jealousy, manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and dismissiveness, among others. Alarmingly, the stats pointing to domestic abuse remine rife and incomprehensible. In this honest, insightful and sensitive chat, together, Jennie and Ally share their personal experiences of domestic abuse and the ways, stages, and courageous steps they took to escape and heal from it. In this episode, Jennie and Ally discuss:The varying forms of domestic abuse The links between domestic violence and myths surrounding domestic violence leading to isolating stigmasHow to spot the red flags of domestic abuseFinding the power to speak up and speak outDiscovering the courage to walk away from domestic abuseHow the public and judicial system perceive domestic abuseThe impact of domestic abuse trauma and living a new lifeFollow: For more about Jennie and a portfolio of her work, visit: www.jenniecreates.coPersonal IG: @jenniecreatescoMonte and Hudson's IG: @monteandhudsonThe Fusco's IG: @thefuscosfilmIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenny Ethan Jones is a writer and activist that is widely recognised for making history by being the first trans man to front a period campaign. Since then he's gone on to campaign about menstruation, body politics, mental health and intimacy. He engages in open, honest and respectful conversations about all things trans in hopes of tackling misinformation and creating allies. His debut novel Dear Cisgender People: A Guide to Trans Allyship and Empathy is due for release in June 2024.Episode DescriptionIn this profoundly important and moving episode, Kenny and Ally discuss the struggles and discrimination faced by the transgender community, including hate crimes and the trans community being used as “scapegoats” within media. Kenny shares his personal journey of realising he was transgender and the difficulties he faced in an all-girls school. Undoubtedly, the transgender community remains at the forefront of conversations, and yet, their experiences are often grossly misunderstood and discriminative. With his upcoming autobiography release, 'Dear Cisgender People’, hitting the bookshelves in June 2024, Kenny offers a brief and exclusive reading from the introduction of his literary masterpiece, leaving host Ally in “happy and proud” floods of tears. In this episode, Kenny and Ally discuss:The role of a transgender activistWhat does transgender really mean?How the transgender community faces discrimination and hate dailyWhy transgender individuals should be believed and supported in their identity.How gender dysphoria is a deep-felt knowingWhy we need to address transgender people in sport, sooner rather than laterThe misconceptions about puberty-blockersHow mainstream media portrays the transgender community Follow: You can find Kenny Ethan Jones via IG: @kennyethanjonesOrder your copy of Kenny's Autobiography, 'Dear Cisgender People', here.If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Josephine is long-time dater, turned dating and relationships author. After going on over 200 dates throughout her 20s and 30s, she felt called to write about and normalise all of the struggles modern daters deal with today, especially when using dating apps. She recently published her first book called ‘Looking for Something Serious', in which she uses her 10-year dating journey to discuss the many pitfalls of dating today, like ghosting, situationships, repeated rejection, and losing hope in dating altogether. Lauren is passionate about sharing practical, optimistic dating advice to help single people build the confidence, patience, and hope they need to not give up on finding love. She is 34 and lives in San Francisco with her fiancé (who she met on Reddit in 2022!) and her dog Winnie.Episode Description:In this “rom-com meets reality-check convo", Lauren and Ally discuss various aspects of dating, including online dating, the romantic personas people take on, and the challenges of modern dating. Let’s be honest, navigating dating apps is no easy feat! In this candid and light-hearted chat, Lauren shares the importance of taking responsibility for dating patterns, and the liminal timeline of grief, post breakup. Importantly, Lauren emphasises the need to give yourself permission to feel and normalise the emotions that come with dating dilemmas and relationships, and how there is no ‘one-size-fits-all' method when it comes to matters of the heart In our modern day world, we have access to “instant everything”, however a scarcity mindset and impulsive swiping is not a “fix” for the faint-hearted. So, most importantly, Lauren and Ally question, “can love be found beyond the digital landscape?” We’ll let you decide! In this episode, Lauren and Ally discuss:Why situationships rarely end well and… how to avoid them!Singledom: Dating app fails or liberation at last? The “guy” who forgot he dated you… #truestory Dating app sagas; the good, the bad, and the down-right cringe! Swipe right, swipe left; the “easy come-easy go” mindset, that is taking the dating world by storm!  How to tackle past insecurities in present day dating, and the communication techniques to make the shift Why normalising emotional experiences in dating is a game-changer in love Red flags, boundaries and “BS” bravado: How to detoxify the dating game  Follow Lauren: You can find Lauren Josephine via IG: @lookingforsomethingseriousPurchase Lauren Josephine’s book, ‘Looking for Something Serious: Stories, Laughs, and Lessons from a Decade of Online Dating’ here!If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samuel Hunter, from Sydney Australia, has been working as a sex worker for the last four years. While admitting he's held dozens of different jobs, including working as a chef, working for a sex shop and writing blogs for a brothel, his interest in sex work began when he heard about a charity called Touching Base, that put people with disability in touch with sex workers. Now one of Australia’s most high-profile male sex workers, Samuel sees women from all walks of life, generally aged 50+, with some in their thirties and twenties on occasion. As a mature gent, both charming and cheeky in equal measure, Sam is generally booked out for three months, but with some dates booked out twice as long as that. He is passionate in all facets of his life, including creative outlets such as writing, volunteer work and of course, in the arms of his clients. Surviving a near fatal motorcycle accident to lead him into this work, Samuel has been interviewed for SBS, Body & Soul magazine, the Kyle and Jackie O Show, among others, to talk about the ins and outs of his profession.Description: In this honest and provocative episode, Stigma Shakers speaks to Samuel Hunter, a male sex worker, who shares his experiences and insights into the sex industry. In this candid chat, Ally and Samuel discuss the stigma surrounding male sex work and how it differs from the stigma faced by female sex workers. Samuel also opens up about his personal journey into sex work, including the impact of a life-changing bike accident that triggered the desire for change! Throughout this conversation, Samuel highlights the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment for his clients, where not only are the needs and boundaries of his clients respected, but his in the process, too ! In addition to being one of Australia’s most high profile male escorts, Samuel is a passionate Author on a mission to debunk the taboos around sexual pleasure and disability. This episode digs deep, and flips sex work on it’s head… in all the best ways possible! Topics: In this episode, Ally and Samuel discuss:The three C's of sex work: conversation, cuddles and cunnilingus… or is it? How to access equal rights for pleasure and disabilityDo male sex workers face different stigmas compared to female sex workers?The reasons behind a career change, to offer sexual pleasure, intimacy and connection for a feeThe importance of boundaries both in and outside of the bedroomThe myths behind the life of a male escortThe stigma (and dilemma!) about paying for sex Follow: You can find Samuel via IG: @samuel_hunter_sydney , Samuel's Only Fans account here, Samuel’s website here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Younger is a 23-year-old young women’s health advocate and writer. After finishing her second year of university, she was diagnosed with a rare low grade brain tumour which required a craniotomy to treat. Post surgery and recovery, Lucy went on to graduate with an English degree, phenomenally followed by a Master's Degree, however similarly to her undergraduate experience, she was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer at the end of her master’s, which led her to start her blog and page “Living low grade”. This traumatic experience inspired Lucy to create an uplifting blog to raise awareness about low grade tumours, and cancer for young people who have just started their lives and courageously, learning to live with low grade tumours and a cancer diagnosis. As an admired social media advocate and influencer, Lucy’s TikToks have been featured in the New York post. These posts exist so that other young people in a similar position to Lucy, can watch and follow her journey. Now, Lucy raises awareness and advocates for both the Brain Tumour Charity and The British Thyroid Foundation along with writing a blog that has featured in regional newspapers to raise awareness for misdiagnosis of low-grade tumours of young people. Description: Receiving a cancer diagnosis is possibly one of the hardest and most confronting realities a person can face. Cancer remains devastatingly unbiased of who it targets, disrupting the lives of those diagnosed and the people around them. Tragically, the conversations around cancer and mortality are heavily weighted in fear and palpable overwhelm, altering the trajectory of a person’s life in a single heartbeat. One of the most confronting topics we face as a society and individually, is death. Yet, there is a marker when it comes to mortality; illness, age, and well… illness and age. There is a confronting stigma surrounding young people and death and a reluctance in talking about it. While some may look upon death as a natural stage of life, others may find the prospect of dying too terrifying to contemplate. So perhaps, let’s soften into the hard conversations and do mortality, meaning, and death differently.In this episode, Ally and Lucy discuss: How we can best listen, learn and support young people with cancerWhy talking about the value of life, mortality and death are not mutually exclusive How life can change in an instant, at any age Why death is as relevant a conversation as life is How seeking a diagnosis for health issues can be challenging for young people.Navigating mortality and an uncertain futureFollow: You can find Lucy via IG: @Lucy.younger, and livinglowgradee If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Moyle is a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist, Certified Psycho-Sexologist, host of The Sexual Wellness Sessions Podcast and author of The Science Of Sex. In her psychotherapy practice she works with people to help them understand the challenges and difficulties that they are having in their sex lives and relationships, what's maintaining them and how they can get to a place of improved sexual wellbeing. She is a regular media contributor and expert on the topic of sexual wellbeing, and has been a guest on podcasts such as Diary Of A CEO hosted by Simon Barlett, Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby, Grace Beverley's Working Hard, Hardly working and A Millennial Mind. She also consults for brands in the sexual wellness space and has worked with brands such as Headspace, This Works and Boots to launch products and ranges, and is UK expert for world-leading luxury pleasure brand Lelo.Description: Oh yes… sex and life is a complex duo! In this candid conversation, Ally and Kate discuss the importance of taking “sex talk” outside of the bedroom, leading to happier and healthier relationships. In this stigma shaking exposé, Ally and Kate Moyle discuss various aspects of sexual stigmas and how, when it comes to sex, society continues to raise its eyebrows in less than helpful ways. To normalise sex means to talk about sex, and the impact that sexual well-being has on our mental health. The topic of sex remains hugely taboo, with societal judgements sustaining unnecessary shame. Together, Ally and Kate tackle online censorship, the orgasm gap (including faking faux pas), the knock-on effect of stigma on women’s health, sex and disability, how sex is a skill that can be learned, and how everyone can be part of the hard conversations. This liberating episode exposes the sex topics unturned and most importantly, why sex is not a dirty word. Topics:In this episode, Ally and Kate discuss:The struggles we have with sex and communicationThe word ‘Vagina’ and the ongoing “ick” factor?How to introduce sexual boundariesHow to talk about sex outside of the bedroom Why sex is not a numbers game How to kick-start a stagnant sex life How to discover satisfaction, pleasure, and adaptability in a relationshipOnline censorship of sexual contentThe moral dilemmas when it comes to solo-play and porn The ordeals behind the orgasm gapWhy sex is nothing like the movies! Follow Kate:  Kate Moyle Image Credit: © copyright Matt WrittleInstagram: @KateMoyleTherapyBook: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-science-of-sex/kate-moyle/9780241593295Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sexual-wellness-sessions/id1527311547Website: www.katemoyle.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Aziza Sesay is an NHS General Practitioner, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical lecturer, host, speaker and health content creator. She has a strong passion for health education, awareness, advocacy and empowerment. She channels this through her platform ‘Talks with Dr. Sesay’ where she shares short informative videos, infographics, live discussions and tips on a variety of topics with a particular emphasis on women’s and gynaecological health, cancer awareness, mental health and health inequity. Dr. Sesay is the creative director of Black Female Doctors UK organisation, Charity fundraising lead for Keep it Fax charity, one of the Board of Directors of Prevention First Initiative, Ambassador for the Eve Appeal charity; and was a UN Women UK delegate for CSW 67 (volunteer role).She’s been featured on BBC News, Guardian, Metro News, Women’s health UK and many more. She’s a true believer in collaboration and has worked with many different organisations including NHS England, DHSC, CoppaFeel!, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Black Women Rising UK, PANDAS foundation. In addition, she has also supported several national public health campaigns.DescriptionWe are living in a digital era where we hold little back. Sex educators, influencers, activists and content creators are championing body parts by tackling taboo head on. Health practitioners and medical experts are taking to the virtual stage to normalise women’s health, in particular all things “down there”. But - this is being met with differing opinions. Not only do we need to understand our anatomy, but we need to be empowered by it. For many, shame is a familiar feeling when it comes to discussing medical conditions, so instead of muting our stories, it’s time we put shame to bed once and for all. And it starts here - by exposing the stigma of saying the word ‘vagina’, with the incredible Dr Aziza Sesay. Topics: In this episode, Ally and Aziza discuss:Dr Aziza Sesay's experience as an online medical influencer, and the challenges she faces!How can we tackle taboo online? Why we need to normalise body parts AKA, ‘vagina’How we can empower women to champion their health (and bodies!)The damaging side-effects of shadow-banning vital content What can we do as a community to combat censorship?Why are we so afraid to talk openly about women's health and 'things down there'?Follow: You can find Dr Aziza Sesay on Instagram @talkswithdrsesay @ via her website talkswithdrsesay.comIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Graham is an award-winning freelance health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog, specialising in health, gender and feminism. She has written extensively on these subjects for the i newspaper, Refinery29, the Telegraph, Grazia, Guardian, the BMJ and many others. She was a finalist in the 2021 Medical Journalists’ Association Awards. In Rebel Bodies, my guest award-winning health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog ,Sarah Graham, investigates what it will take to bridge the gender health gap, shining a light on the prevalence of the daily and dangerous disparities in the medical help women and men receive. With a focus on the voices of real patients as well as the history and research on medical sexism, Rebel Bodies is a must read for anyone, of any gender, who believes in equality.Episode Description: As women and minority groups speak out about their experiences of gaslighting and misdiagnosis, my guest today, health journalist Sarah Graham and author of, ‘Rebel Bodies: A guide to the gender health gap revolution’, intelligently offers an empowering manifesto for change in women's healthcare. This is the book that every classroom needs to shelve. On the surface, the healthcare services are evolving and progressing, however the gender health care gap is moving too fast for society to keep up with. As polite patients, in this episode we uncover the staggering statistics holding us back, how we can become advocates for our health, and why Sarah is pairing her revolution up as a revolution for us all! And of course, why we need to collectively rebel against the powers that be, because EVERY BODY deserves a REBELLIOUS voice and EVERY BODY is no less. Topics:In this episode, Ally and Sarah discuss:What exactly is gendered health? Pointing fingers: The transgender community needs our help more than ever!How can we lessen the gender pain gap?The stigma around treating the LGBTI community “Shit my doctor says”: trusting the system or not understanding it?Why advocating for your body is a must! Bridging the gap between education, doctors, living, and recovery Follow: You can find Sarah on Instagram @sarahgraham7writer via her website www.sarah-graham.co.uk  If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lissie Harper began a campaign after her husband, who she had married just four weeks earlier, was killed on duty in Berkshire in August 2019. Three people were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder. Lissie used her profound grief and determination for justice and campaigned for legal changes – named Harper’s Law. With the support of the UK Government and Police Federation, Harpers Law was passed, which legislates the extension of mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker, and unlawful killing of those on duty. In recognition of her efforts in introducing Harper’s Law, Lissie has been awarded an MBE, in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. Now, Lissie is moving forward with her life away from her public profile as a formidable campaigner. And notably, Lissie is an inspirational role model, on how our darkest days can become the incentive to live life to the fullest. With her love of nature, Lissie is an avid artist producing beautiful pieces as the creator of her business, The Print Bee. And notably, Lissie is an inspirational role model for anyone on how pain can be repurposed, and as my dear friend, I am in awe of her daily. Episode DescriptionGrief is something we all fear. We cannot prepare for grief; the unravelling of loss, trauma, or how to co-exist with grief to ultimately “move on”. Understandably, death will impact us all and whilst we can comprehend the practicalities involved with the grieving process, as a society, we remain so reluctant to openly talk about it. In this episode, we delve into the day where Lissie heard the words she never wanted to hear, how grief remains so “hush hush, what the power of grief can do to fuel positive change, and why re-finding love as a widow or widower can be the fairest gift of them all. Topics: In this episode, Ally and Lissie discuss:The moment Lissie discovered that the love of her life had been killedHow a wrongful verdict triggered her to change the UK lawManoeuvring her grief to fit societal idealsWhy searching for love is not a betrayalThe ways we can hold grief kindly, without judgement or weirdnessThe art of reinvention through loss, grief, and hope Why the power of truth can prevent pain, no matter what Why ‘grief tourists’ need to check in with themselves!Follow:You can find Lissie on Instagram @lissieharpermbe via her website The Print Bee. If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Ahern is an Australian-born writer, comedian and communications specialist. From poetry to blogs to her latest foray into the world of stand-up comedy, Michelle’s writing and performing always hones in on the guts of life. From the true story of loss that gave way to a new lease on life she has recently moved to Barcelona, Spain where she is starting over, in her 40s. Where there used to be a husband, a family, a home, a dog and a job … she now has a stage and a microphone where she thrives on telling stories of exploring new countries, making new friends and life inside a threesome.Description Research shows loneliness is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and that people who are lonely are 50% more likely to die at a premature age. So, where do we even start? Loneliness, especially after any form of breakup can be complex, stigmatised and hugely taboo. Sometimes, we don’t even admit to ourselves that we are feeling the waves of chronic loneliness, let alone to anyone else. Why? Because revealing how lonely we are might suggest that we are not likeable, or worthy of companionship, friendship, or love. In some ways, we believe our loneliness is embarrassing - that something within has failed at making meaningful connections. So, we hide it. We run from it, numb it, and scroll for the next social fix, hoping that validation might come in the form of a stranger. In this episode, we reveal how to lean into loneliness: the good, the bad, and the honking hilarious moments in life! Topics: In this episode, Ally and Michelle discuss:“If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry”: The relationship between laughing and lonelinessHow loneliness makes us question our lovability Was becoming a 'throuple' the ultimate cure for Michelle’s lonelier days?Starting life over in her 40s: Should we all be on the hunt for a book club?Learning to feel the difference between alone and lonely Discovering the ways we lean into loneliness: Dating apps, voice-notes, and everything in between!The peace in saying, “I’m lonely”Follow: You can find Michelle on Instagram: @michelleaherncomedy or via her website www.agentblonde.comIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellamae Fullalove, founder of @vavawomb_ and @mindovermkh, is a community and events founder, advocate, speaker, podcast host, workshop facilitator, poet and all round creative. Ellamae curated the stigma shaking community brand  @vavawomb_ which provides educational, scroll-stopping content on gender equality, intersectional feminism, pleasure, infertility, health and well-being. She co-founded The Vagina Festival event using performing arts, story telling, workshops and poetry as a catalyst for change.She designs and delivers workshops to untangle shame, to self explore and to tap into your sexual mental health, as well as for mindfulness using art therapy as a method of reflection. She founded the worldwide MRKH Podcast, events, creative awareness and resource platform @mindovermrkh (which you can find via the Va Va Womb website) to support those with MRKH, DSDs and other relatable experiences through amplifying stories from around the world, hosting creative writing clubs during lockdown and running social events in London. By day, Ellamae works in Social Housing, all of her evening and weekend work supporting those with MRKH has come from a place of wanting to be the woman she needed when she was a girl, because no person with MRKH should ever feel alone.DescriptionWith sexual censorship on the rise, our social media influencers need a societal shift more than ever! Let’s face it - both masturbation and pleasure remains one of the most taboo topics out there. Yet, aren’t we all doing it? Maybe, maybe not. Sure, bedroom antics and sexual pleasure is a personal choice - however, are we robbing ourselves of a world of exploration when it comes to “things down there”? In this episode, I chat with friend, advocate, and creative activist, Ellamae, to chat about vagina symbolism, “ridding the rap” when it comes to lube, the benefits of solo-play, and why our sexual freedom rests in the hands of an algorithm. Topics: In this episode, Ally and Ellamae discuss:Why Vagina is not a dirty word: Removing the stigma once and for allThe medical diagnosis, MRKH, that both Ally and Ellamae bonded overWhy masturbation, self-pleasure and exploring happiness became Ellamae’s “why” How faking orgasms can be a bump-starter, benefit or betrayal Sex, social media and censorship: Battling Metadata and the algorithm “Gods”Aeroplanes, fruit, and road-signs: Vagina symbolism in all its forms. Follow: You can find Ellamae on Instagram @vavawomb, and via her website www.vavawomb.com . If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikki Parkinson is a separation strategist, family law expert, mother of three, and unmarried. Once upon a time, Nikki spent her 9-5 working in the corporate world of Family Law, ticking boxes and filing court orders. Then her marriage ended, and she found herself standing in the shoes of her clients — anxious, alone and lost despite all of her experience. She's lived through the difficulties of separation — both her own and her clients. Now, her goal is to take the fear-factor out of divorce and separation, reduce the shame, start important conversations around the practicalities of ending a relationship and take the mess out of messy. Description:  After a decade working in the Family Law System — and experiencing her own divorce from the father of her daughter – she saw a gap in the system: divorce no longer has a stigma, but we are telling women to ‘be brave and seize the day’ without the holistic support they need to have an empowered separation. In this informed and heartfelt episode, Nikki shares what she has learnt from supporting women through divorce and separation, how stigma continues to riddle two broken hearts, and why single shaming (even from your dearest Nan) can be replaced with “Congratulations on your divorce!” Topics:  In this episode, Ally and Nikki discuss: How we marry as a community but divorce aloneWhy marriage isn’t a failure but proof of love, lessons, and learningsDivorcing and dinner parties, and why divorcees are mistaken as a threat between main course and dessertThe damage of divorce and why couples feel the shame of an ending The ways and days to healthy separation, away from the courts Single-shaming and what “not” to say to a happy singleton!  Follow:  You can find Nikki on Instagram @thedivorcehub, via her website www.divorceandseparationhub.com and The Divorce and Separation Podcast. If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Saifa Wall (he/him/his) is a Black queer intersex activist and rising scholar. Born and raised in the Bronx, Saifa attended Williams College and has since lived and worked in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, he is a Marie Skolowdska-Curie fellow at the University of Huddersfield in England examining the erasure of intersex people from social policy in Ireland and England. As an activist, Saifa is committed to racial equity and a radical vision of bodily autonomy for people with intersex variations. He is co-founder of the Intersex Justice Project whose #EndIntersexSurgery campaign pressured Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to become the first children’s hospital in the United States to denounce and further investigate genital surgeries on Intersex infants. Above all else, Saifa is determined to end harmful and invasive genital surgery on intersex children and advocate for affirming healthcare for all people with intersex variations.About this episode: Sean Saifa Wall was diagnosed with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, subjected to a gonadectomy at age 13, and necessitating lifelong hormone replacement therapy. As a teenager, Sean Saifa Wall was told that he was to live as a “girl”, however, conformity wasn’t something Saifa or his mother would allow. Now a thirty-year old man, Saifa explains the devastating surgeries performed on babies and young people to medically assign and “correct” people born with an intersex variation. With global recognition as an Intersex activist, Saifa explains why different bodies are beautiful bodies, how we can safely hold the conversations that matter, and why stigma needs to end with “assuming gender”. In this episode, Ally and Saifa discuss:Understanding intersex physically, emotionally, mentally and societally?Breaking down body parts and the differences we know Is it OK to ask about a person’s genitalia? What is social etiquette when your body doesn’t have a drop-down menu?Tackling the taboo about bodies: fixed, broken, or perfect? Talking pronouns and how they’ve evolved You can find Saifa on Instagram @saifaemerges @intersexjusticprojectIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Goff is a bestselling author, journalist, and former escort under the alter ego name of Samantha X. Amanda started her career as a tabloid journalist in her hometown of London before moving to Sydney in 2000, where she worked in TV and magazines. Then at 37, after two kids and separation, Amanda completely changed her life.After walking out of her nine-to-five job. Amanda became Australia’s most high-profile escort Samantha X. Since then, Amanda has written two best-selling books and was the focus of constant media attention, gaining fans and critics worldwide. Deciding to leave the escort business, Amanda now lives life unapologetically, despite facing global judgement and stigma. Now, Amanda continues to inspire women to lead the life they want without explanation. And most of all, Amanda encourages vulnerability, so that all people can be their unique and original stigma-free selves.Description: Amanda Goff was once Australia’s highest paid escort. Talking about the sex industry can be societally jarring. Those who opt for a career “selling sex” are often frowned upon, but why? In this episode, Amanda Goff shares the sides of the industry we rarely understand, how the sex industry is more intimate than we've been led to believe, and why as a society, we need to start talking about sex and shame.Topics: In this episode, Ally and Amanda discuss:How society views the sex work industry The art of sexual disconnection Is being an escort just about sex? The relationship between sex and shameDebunking the myths around selling sex for money Follow: You can find Amanda on Instagram @amandagoffofficial, via her website www.amandagoff.com.au and her podcast Xposed with Samantha X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Lue is an author, artist, and creator of one of the longest running self-help blogs in the world, Baggage Reclaim, and The Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast. The England-born, Ireland-raised author helps people understand how their emotional baggage is interfering with their ability to live their lives happily and authentically. Natalie’s authored five books, including Mr Unavailable and the Fallback Girl and The Joy of Saying No (Jan 2023, HarperCollins). Her advice has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, NPR, USA Today, and the BBC, among many others. Natalie lives in Caterham, Surrey, on the edge of south London with her husband, two daughters, and cockapoo.Description: Are you still playing a role you learned in childhood to please others, such as the Good Girl/Guy, the Overachiever, or the Helper? Do you save the word no for emergency situations only? Are you always putting others’ needs above yours even at the expense of your mental and physical health? Are you unable to deliver a guilt-free no even when you desperately want to establish a healthy boundary? If so, you are not alone. The Joy of Saying No is your ticket out of toxic patterns and into healthy relationships and experiences that foster more love, care, trust and respect.Topics: In this episode, Ally and Natalie discuss:The 5 styles of people pleasingWhat is the social stigma around saying “no”? The dangers of becoming a “yes” culture?What motivates our decisions to constantly please Is “FOMO Fever” harming our “no’s”?If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Follow: You can find Natalie on Instagram @natlue or via her website www.natalielue.com, and long running blog and podcast how, Baggage ReclaimIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.