Friday I'm in Bed

It's Friday I'm an Angry Young Woman (Apparently)This week we're unpacking the New Statesman's "Angry Young Women" cover story, the right-wing press meltdown that followed, and the very tired playbook of describing women's politics by their hair colour. Plus: is the manosphere really equivalent to the so-called "femosphere"? Then Stella McCartney has done another collaboration with H&M - and we're asking whether the most famously sustainable designer in fashion can team up with a fast-fashion giant without it being greenwashing in beaded form. Plus a slight tangent into ASOS return fees, the privilege of charity-shop hauls, and why "reduce" is the R nobody wants to talk about.And in this week's Zine 🍷 we get into MPs drinking on the job, the Hannah Spencer story, the Westminster pushback, and why a subsidised pint at lunchtime would get the rest of us sacked. Subscribe to the Zine here for the bonus episode and the rest.Follow us📷 Podcast: @FridayImInBed📷 Gem: @GemmaSeager📷 Kate: @FearlessAt50📬 The Zine: Subscribe hereTopics covered: angry young women, femosphere, manosphere, New Statesman, Greta Thunberg, Green Party, luxury beliefs, Leftie Island, Stella McCartney H&M, greenwashing, fast fashion, sustainable fashion, ASOS returns, Victoria Beckham Gap, over-consumption, charity shop hauls, reduce reuse recycleHelpful linksMeet the Angry Young Women — New Statesman, Emily Lawford (paywall)Forget the manosphere. It's angry Leftie women we need to worry about — Rowan Pelling, Telegraph, 16 April 2026 (paywall)Stella McCartney x H&M collection (Launching 7th May)

This week on Friday I'm in Bed, we're looking at the week's most questionable advertising decisions, and asking why the people writing the copy never seem to include anyone who might actually be affected by it.We start with Nike, who put a sign outside their Boston store ahead of the city's marathon that said "Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated" — and then appeared at London parkruns that same week with billboards telling people they "didn't come all this way for a walk in the park." They've since apologised. Twice. In one week. We get into why the word "tolerated" isn't just clumsy, it's a whole attitude — and what it tells us about gatekeeping in fitness culture and who gets to decide who belongs.Then Kate brings in an AI "employee" campaign that's been getting called out for sexism, because apparently we can build artificial intelligence but we can't build it without making it a woman in a pencil skirt. And we wrap up with Madonna at Coachella, a woman who performed at 67 and was greeted with commentary about her face. Grab a cuppa. Let's get into it.Follow us on Instagram@FridayImInBed — https://www.instagram.com/fridayiminbedpodcast@GemmaSeager — https://www.instagram.com/gemmaseager@FearlessAt50 — https://www.instagram.com/fearlessat50In this episodeNike's "Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated" billboard at the Boston Marathon — the backlash, the withdrawal, and why the word "tolerated" mattersNike at London parkruns: uninvited ambush marketing at Peckham Rye, Brockwell Park, and Crystal Palace Park, with signs telling people they "didn't come all this way for a walk in the park"Gatekeeping in running and fitness culture — who gets to decide who belongsAbleism in advertising and the pressure on disabled and older people in exercise spacesAn AI "employee" ad campaign called out for sexismMadonna at Coachella 2026: performing at 67 and why we're still talking about her face

Coachella just happened and TFI Friday is back on our screens, so naturally we had a lot to say about both. We're unpacking the biggest moments from the desert festival, from Sabrina Carpenter's full-blown Hollywood spectacular to Justin Bieber sitting at a laptop in a hoodie scrolling through YouTube videos of his younger self. The internet tried to cancel Sabrina for not recognising an Arabic celebration call and we're asking if over 40s are allowed at festivals (spoiler: yes). Then we're diving into the return of TFI Friday to Channel 4, talking lad and ladette culture, whether you can bring back chaotic 90s TV without bringing back the values that came with it, and what we'd actually want back from the 90s. Follow us on Instagram @FridayImInBed @GemmaSeager @FearlessAt50.Topics covered: Coachella 2026, Justin Bieber Coachella performance, Sabrina Carpenter Coachella, Karol G first Latina headliner, inner child healing, child stars, cancel culture, over 40s at festivals, TFI Friday return, TFI Friday Unplugged Channel 4, Chris Evans, lad culture, ladette culture, 90s nostalgia, Britpop, appointment TV, 90s feminism, girl power, Body Shop 90s, Woolworths, magazines, high street shopping

This week on Friday I'm in Bed, we've got two stories that are both, underneath it all, about the same question: who gets celebrated, who gets forgiven, and why does the answer always seem to depend on who you are?Gem kicks us off with the Artemis II mission, because four astronauts are literally on their way home from flying around the Moon and one of them is 47. Same age as Gem. Born the same year. While Gem has been making a very impressive trifle. We talk about why this feels like such a rare good news story, why Christina Koch being the first woman to journey around the Moon in 2026 is both incredible and a reminder of how overdue it is, and why she still experiences imposter syndrome while being further from Earth than any woman in human history. We also get into Kate's mild ick about the cost of space exploration, Gem's rebuttal involving water ice and Moon-based rocket fuel (she's not a scientist, she just reads things), and the Carroll Crater, which had everyone in tears including the astronauts.Then Kate takes on Kanye West, the banning, the cancellation, and the question the whole thing really raises. We get into whether bipolar disorder is an explanation or an excuse (and why that framing is too simple) and why wealth and fame can actually remove the safeguards that would catch anyone else, the impossibility of separating art from artist when the artist is still at it, and why Chris Brown is still selling out stadiums while Chappell Roan is still getting grief for a security guard who wasn't even hers.Follow us on Instagram@FridayImInBed@GemmaSeager@FearlessAt50In this episode:Christina Koch, the first woman to travel around the Moon, on imposter syndrome and stereotype threat at 47Why the Artemis II crew - including the first Black astronaut on a lunar mission - is being received as a genuine feel-good storyThe Carroll Crater: Commander Wiseman naming a lunar feature after his late wife during the flybyShould space exploration money be spent fixing problems on Earth instead? Gem and Kate disagree (politely)Kanye West banned from the UK by the Home Office - and Wireless Festival cancelled entirely as a resultWhat bipolar disorder does and doesn't explain about his behaviour, and why "it's not an excuse but it is a reason" is the most useful framingWhy being surrounded by people whose livelihoods depend on you can make mental illness harder to treat, not easierCan you separate the art from the artist? JK Rowling, Joss Whedon, and the question of when the ick finally winsThe cancel culture double standard: why controversial men tend to bounce back just fine

This week on Friday I'm in Bed, we're talking about boundaries - who's allowed to set them and who gets punished for it. Kate kicks us off with Chappell Roan and the security guard incident that's dominated everyone's feed. Causing international outrage, 125+ articles in two days, and a ban from a festival she was never even playing at. Meanwhile Shia LaBeouf screamed expletives at a woman the same week and got seven articles. We dig into the bot campaign behind 23% of the negative posts, Jameela Jamil's take that women get "two years at the top" before they're dragged, and why parasocial relationships have us feeling entitled to celebrities' private time.Then Gem tackles the Hackney pub that's banned under-18s after a child fell through a cellar hatch. One parent, one non-parent, somehow in total agreement: pubs are not a creche, having kids should probably change your Saturday afternoons, and dogs are generally quieter and better behaved anyway.Follow us on Instagram@FridayImInBed@GemmaSeager@FearlessAt50In this episode:The Chappell Roan security guard controversy, bot-driven pile-ons, the double standard between how male and female celebrities are treated, parasocial relationships and fan entitlement, being called "bossy" at seven, pubs banning children, the Kenton in Hackney, whether having kids should change your life, dogs vs children in public spaces, and child-free weddings.

This week we're talking about two things that seem completely unrelated but both come down to the same question: who's selling you something, and should you be buying it?We start with Harry Styles on Saturday Night Live and the Make America Healthy Again hospital sketch that had us howling. It parodies a hospital where patients are treated with raw milk IVs, LED masks, and full moon ceremonies, and it's very funny. But it also got us into a proper conversation about wellness culture, the pressure women are under to do all the things just to be healthy, and where the line is between helpful and harmful. We're talking about protein obsession, the influencers walking around supermarkets vilifying bread because they can't pronounce an ingredient, and why telling a menopausal woman she's poisoning herself for eating a pudding is not the public service they think it is. Kate calls it the female version of the Manosphere, and honestly, she's not wrong. Unqualified people with big followings giving health advice to vulnerable women who are stressed, time-poor, and looking for a quick fix. We also dig into a Yale study on breast cancer patients and alternative therapies that's been making the rounds. The headlines say complementary medicine kills, but the actual data tells a much more nuanced story, and we break down what it really shows. Spoiler: the issue isn't doing yoga alongside chemo. The issue is skipping chemo for coffee enemas.Then we move to banknotes. The Bank of England ran a public vote on what should replace the current historical figures on British notes, and the winner, by 60%, was wildlife. Cue outrage. Not because Jane Austen or Alan Turing are leaving, but because Winston Churchill is being taken off the fiver, and apparently that's the definition of woke now. We talk about who actually voted (not us, and probably not the people complaining either), why Kemi Badenoch wants Thatcher on a banknote, why there's never been a Black or ethnic minority figure on a Bank of England note, and whether putting hedgehogs on our money is actually a genius move for dodging political division. Plus we pick our dream animal line-ups, which is honestly the best bit.Two stories, one thread: when people feel out of control, they're easy to sell to, whether that's a wellness influencer flogging supplements or a political figure flogging outrage. The question is always the same. Who benefits?Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠

Louis Theroux has taken Netflix inside the manosphere — and everyone has an opinion. This week we're digging into whether shining a light on the grifters and their carefully curated personas actually helps, or whether it just gives them another platform. We're talking about the contradictions (profiting off women while claiming to despise them), the moments where the mask slipped (that dog, that mum, that juice), and why we can't expect one documentary to fix a problem this big. Plus, what does it tell us about the limits of a social media ban when these guys are thriving on YouTube, Telegram, and everywhere else?Then we're turning to the Oscars - not the awards themselves, but what happens the morning after. Because once again, women walked red carpets in stunning gowns, picked up historic wins, and delivered brilliant speeches, and Monday's headlines were about their bodies. Too thin, too big, too different from last year. We're asking why we're still reducing accomplished women to their dress size, what GLP-1s have done to the goalposts, and whether women in the spotlight can ever actually win. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress and dedicated her award to women who create against all odds -so maybe we could start by talking about that.Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's get into it.Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠What we're talking about this week:Louis Theroux's Inside the Manosphere - exposure, editing, and whether the right people are watchingThe business of the manosphere - grifting, monetisation, and profiting off the people you claim to despiseWhy a social media ban won't silence these voicesOscars red carpet culture - fashion vs body policingJessie Buckley's historic Best Actress winAutumn Durald Arkapaw - first woman to win Best CinematographyThe shifting goalposts of what women's bodies are "allowed" to look likePedro Pascal in Chanel, because we're fair like thatListen wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday.

Has International Women's Day lost its edge? This week, Gem and Kate dig into the good, the bad and the ugly of IWD. From brands trying to sell us candles instead of equality, to the women-led cooperatives Gem visited in Morocco that show what the day is really about. Plus, Timothée Chalamet ruffled feathers by suggesting nobody cares about ballet and opera anymore, but is cinema the one that should be worried? And we unpack that headline-grabbing survey claiming a third of Gen Z men think women should obey their partners. Spoiler: two-thirds don't, the data needs more nuance than the press gave it, and we really need to stop saying "traditional" when we mean "sexist."Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠In this episode:Gem shares her incredible International Women's Day experience visiting women-run cooperatives in the High Atlas Mountains. from a village café built by 40 women to a carpet cooperative where the boss called it her "queendom." Meanwhile, Kate went to an IWD gig that barely anyone turned up to, and they both ask: has the day become too fluffy to matter? Should we take it back as a protest?Timothée Chalamet told Matthew McConaughey he didn't want cinema to go the way of ballet and opera as "things nobody cares about anymore." Kate and Gem argue that actually, cinema could learn a thing or two from ballet and opera about making the whole thing an experience worth leaving the sofa for.A global survey of 23,000 people across 29 countries found that a third of Gen Z men and boys believe women should obey their partners. But Kate and Gem dig into the detail. The age range spans 13 to 29, the survey is global with vastly different cultural contexts, and the media framing ignored that the majority don't hold these views. Topics covered: International Women's Day, corporate feminism, women's cooperatives in Morocco, Timothée Chalamet, ballet and opera, cinema vs streaming, the experience economy, Gen Z masculinity, media framing of survey data, Andrew Tate and incel culture, parenting and critical thinking, Gen AlphaGet in touch: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for clips, further reading, and all the links mentioned in this episode.Tawesna - Ait Ben Haddou

This week on Friday I'm in Bed, we're diving into one big topic — what Love is Blind is accidentally revealing about incel culture, the "Pilates princess" myth, and what women actually want versus what men have been told we want.It all kicked off with Chris and Jessica on the current series of Love is Blind. She's a doctor. She's gorgeous. They connected, they got intimate, everything was going well. Then he saw her house (massive, beautiful, full of personality) and suddenly he's not sexually attracted to her anymore. The reason? She doesn't do CrossFit. She's not a "Pilates woman." She's a UK size 10 who was on the front line during COVID and works in a hospital. Reader, she dumped him. And we all cheered.But here's the thing — this isn't really about Pilates. The "Pilates princess" is a type, and the type is very specific. Young, blonde, white, slim, wears neutrals, drinks matcha, and crucially, not opinionated. Not political. Not a feminist. Safe. It's incel language dressed up as a dating preference, and Kate's been doing some digging into what phrases like "looks after herself" and "no drama" actually mean in red pill culture. Spoiler: they mean "don't argue with me."We get into the gap between what men think women want (six packs, big bank accounts, height) and what women actually want (emotional maturity, kindness, humour, someone who treats them like a human being). We talk about why so many young men feel entitled to a "trophy wife" even when they're not living up to their own side of this imaginary bargain, and how that entitlement gets framed as women's fault. We unpack the friend zone myth, the Rihanna comparison that's been going viral, and why "bodies change" shouldn't be a revolutionary statement but apparently still is.There's also a detour into whether financial alignment matters in relationships (Kate's got a great story about her credit card, her shoe collection, and her husband's zero-debt policy), and why the real issue isn't money — it's whether you see your partner as a person or a purchase.Gem's in Morocco this week so this one was pre-recorded, and yes, she did become a Pilates princess while preparing for this episode. Sort of. She fell over a lot.Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠

This week we're tackling three stories that all circle around the same big questions — who has a duty of care, who gets to tell someone else's story, and what happens when women just get on with it.We start with the BAFTAs and the moment that's dominated the conversation all week. During the ceremony, John Davidson, the real-life inspiration behind the film I Swear, experienced verbal tics associated with his Tourette's syndrome, including a racial slur directed towards two Black actors on stage. The BBC chose not to edit it out of the delayed broadcast despite cutting other content. We talk about why that decision feels indefensible, what the duty of care should have looked like for everyone in that room and everyone watching at home, the intersection of disability and race, and why this has set back the very understanding Davidson has spent his life campaigning for. We also get into the wider context of ableism, invisible disabilities, and what it means when institutions fail vulnerable people in a political climate where DEI protections are already under attack.Then we move to Emerald Fennell's new Wuthering Heights adaptation. Kate's seen it, Gem hasn't read the book or seen any version (yes, really). The Brontë purists are furious, the broadsheets are sniffy, and there are valid questions about the casting of a white Heathcliff. We get into whether two pieces of art can exist in the same space, what adaptations are actually for, how this film could bring a classic to a whole new generation, and the more complicated conversation about consent, toxic relationships, and whether a female director romanticising abuse makes it better or worse.We finish with the Winter Olympics, where the women absolutely smashed it. Alyssa Liu came back to figure skating on her own terms and won gold. Eileen Gu became the most decorated female freeskier in Olympic history while studying at Stanford. A Dutch speed skater's husband set the benchmark for supportive partners everywhere. And the US women's hockey team won gold, got snubbed by their own broadcaster and politely declined the White House invitation. We talk about women in sport refusing to be boxed in, why visibility matters, and the chicken-and-egg problem with women's sports coverage and sponsorship.Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠In this episode: The BAFTAs, Tourette's syndrome, coprolalia, the BBC's editorial decisions, duty of care, racism, ableism, invisible disabilities, Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, literary adaptation, Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, toxic relationships in film, consent, the 2026 Winter Olympics, Alyssa Liu, Eileen Gu, women's figure skating, women's hockey, women in sport, body image in aesthetic sports, Trump, and why we're very polite when we're angry.

This week we're coming in hot with three topics that on the surface look completely different but somehow all end up in the same place, who gets to decide what women do, where women belong, and what women should be.We kick off with Reform UK's Nigel Farage and his suggestion that working from home would be scrapped under a Reform government because, apparently, it doesn't make people more productive. As two women who've worked from home for years, we had thoughts. Quite a lot of thoughts. We get into the actual stats (yes, we did research this time), why poor leadership is really the issue, and why this policy would hit women harder than anyone, even if that's not the stated intention. Also, Nigel's own attendance record. We couldn't not.Then we talk about the Women's Institute, and the news that at least 12 WI groups are closing following the decision that from April 2026, trans women will no longer be allowed official membership. We talk about what the Supreme Court ruling actually said, why the WI's decision doesn't hold up to scrutiny, what it means when organisations designed for women start policing who counts as one, and why this ultimately affects all women — not just trans women.We finish on something more hopeful. It's Lunar New Year and we're in the Year of the Horse — all about courage, freedom, creativity and rebellion. After the hellscape that was January, we are absolutely here for it. We get into woo woo, star signs, the fire horse energy of 1966, and why maybe the better question isn't "how can we change?" but "how can we grow?"Shed the old. Embrace the chaos. Let's go.Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 ⁠In this episode: Reform UK's working from home policy and who it really affects, the WI trans membership ban and the groups closing in response, Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, zodiac signs, and a full defence of woo woo.

What We're Really Talking About When We Talk About Being A Woman Right NowFrom identity crises to actual crises, Super Bowl spectacles to the stuff nobody warns you about in midlife — this is the episode where we get into it. How society talks to women, how our bodies blindside us, and how the culture we consume shapes the way we see all of it.Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 The persistent pressure on women to have children—even when they don't want toHow societal expectations about motherhood are rooted in control and outdated normsThe mental health crisis among women in their late 40s and early 50s, including menopause, grief, and emotional laborThe cultural significance and joy of this year's Super Bowl halftime show, highlighting Bad Bunny’s message of love and unityThe controversy around pharmaceutical advertising during major events and understanding the legal loopholes exploited in ads for GLP-1 weight loss drugsThe shifting narratives across generations regarding motherhood and choicePractical advice for setting boundaries, reclaiming joy, and addressing mental health stigmaResourcesCharli XCX — Artist's Official SiteSuper Bowl Halftime Show 2023 Highlights (Official Clips)Ban on Prescription Drug Ads in the UK: Understanding advertising lawsGLP-1 weight loss drugs: NHS overviewMental health support organizations: Resources for midlife women

# The Pink Tax, Menopause Products & The Disruptive Power of GLP-1 Drugs Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about women's health, marketing, and societal pressures. This episode is a bold, unapologetic dive into the truths behind pink taxes, menopause marketing, and the revolutionary impact of weight loss drugs on our world. Follow us on Instagram⁠@FridayImInBed ⁠⁠@GemmaSeager ⁠⁠@FearlessAt50 In This EpisodeHow the so-called "menopause products" are often just regular products with a pink label and a hefty price tagThe real story behind the pink tax and menopause marketing—exposing exploitative marketing tacticsThe emerging research on GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Manjaro) and their shocking influence on consumer habits, store inventories, and even airline fuel efficiencyThe dangerous rise of mogging among Gen Alpha boys—what it reveals about societal pressures on masculinity and self-worthHow social media and unregulated influence are fueling body dysmorphia in young boys and girls alikeThe urgent need for parents, platforms, and governments to step up and regulate before the damage becomes irreversibleResources & Links:Gen They Menopause Tick InitiativeBook: Why Woo Woo WorksThree Spirit DrinksSylva DrinksGeorgie Swallow Tru Travels Morocco ToursAnd remember—critical thinking is your best weapon. Question everything. We are in a fight for self-love, smart choices, and societal change. You got this.

In this conversation, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis delve into the complexities of celebrity culture, particularly focusing on Jameela Jamil's recent controversies and the broader implications for women in public discourse. They explore themes of internalised misogyny, the role of social media in shaping public opinion, and the power of organised women in advocating for change. The discussion highlights the challenges women face in supporting each other while navigating societal expectations and criticism.Follow us on Instagram@FridayImInBed @GemmaSeager @FearlessAt50 Resourceshttps://www.aclu.org/https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/cyberbullying.html

In this episode of "Friday I'm in Bed," hosts Kate Beavis and Gemma Seager delve into the Beckham family fallout, discussing the implications of choosing friends over family and the societal pressures on women. They also explore Lucy and Yak's controversial sizing decision and its impact on inclusivity in fashion. The conversation shifts to the Diary of a CEO podcast, where they critique the discussion on declining birth rates and societal intervention, drawing parallels to dystopian narratives.Follow us on Instagram:@FridayImInBedPodcast@GemmaSeager@FearlessAt50

In this episode of Friday I'm in Bed, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis discuss the role of celebrities in political discourse at award shows, the controversy surrounding a hand-knitted cardigan on The Traitors, and the impact of Photoshop in media after Kate Winslet was heavily photoshopped for a Grazia cover. They also delve into the importance of fair compensation for creatives and share insights on reality TV favorites.celebrities, political discourse, award shows, hand-knitted cardigan, Photoshop, media, fair compensation, creatives, reality TVFollow us on instagram@FridayIminBedPodcast@gemmaseager@fearlessat50

This week on Friday I’m in Bed, we’re asking the big midlife questions: who decided the school day still makes sense, why flexible working is “flexible” for some but not others, what’s going on with clothing sizes and vanity sizing, and, because we’re us, finishing with the cultural battleground of emoji etiquette (Gen Z vs Gen X, meet us in the comments).Follow us on Instagram@Fridayiminbedpodcast@gemmaseager@fearlessat50

In this episode of "Friday I’m in 2026," Kate and Gemma dive into the future, exploring what might be considered embarrassing in 2026. From influencers to rage baiting, they discuss the evolving landscape of social norms and media trends. Join them as they dissect the headlines, challenge societal expectations, and share personal insights on autonomy and authenticity. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that questions the status quo and celebrates individuality.

In this engaging conversation, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis discuss their Christmas traditions, the nostalgia surrounding analog items, the resurgence of Y2K fashion trends, and the significance of tattoos in personal expression. They explore how these themes reflect a broader cultural shift towards valuing personal connections and experiences over digital ones.

This week on Friday I’m In Bed, Gem and Kate unpack three stories that sound like “helpful advice” on the surface… until you realise who they’re aimed at and what they’re really saying.First up: the government’s obesity tsar suggesting smaller restaurant portions “for women and others with lower calorific needs.” Is this sensible public health policy — or just diet culture and sexism dressed up as concern? Gem and Kate talk portion sizes, “ladies portions,” calorie labelling, disordered eating, and why being policed on the rare occasion you eat out feels completely backwards.Next, they dive into copying vs inspiration — and why plagiarism is thriving online. Using the Sweaty Betty “Wear the Damn Shorts” controversy as a case study, they discuss whether you can own a slogan, the ethics of big brands lifting creator work, and why “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is usually just a polite way to excuse lazy theft.Finally: Australia’s under-16 social media ban. It’s been widely praised — but has it actually been thought through? Gem and Kate question why platforms like Discord, WhatsApp, gaming chats and Roblox seem to have been ignored, why teens will always find a workaround, and why parenting, boundaries and critical thinking still matter more than a blanket ban.If you like midlife chat, smart cultural takes, and the occasional rant (okay, quite a bit), this one’s for you.Topics include: women’s portion sizes, obesity policy, diet culture, calorie labelling, body image, eating disorders, plagiarism and copying online, Sweaty Betty, creator rights, social media bans, teen internet safety, Discord, WhatsApp, Roblox, fake accounts, VPNs, and digital parenting.We do discuss calories and mention eating disorders in this episode. If you are struggling, contact BEAThttps://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/

As Christmas rolls around, Gem and Kate are asking a big seasonal question: is the traditional Christmas dinner over?In this episode of Friday I’m In Bed, two midlife women pick apart the pressure to produce a “perfect” roast, the rise of alternative Christmas dinner ideas (including takeaways and lasagne), and how much festive stress still lands on women’s shoulders.They also dive into I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and the way the media still loves to pit one beautiful woman against another. From “jungle shower” headlines to old-school Britney vs Christina narratives, they explore how this impacts how women see and speak about each other, especially online.Finally, they unpack the controversy around Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, a soft white that’s sparked debate about the “clean girl” aesthetic, purity culture, and what happens when design trends start to echo conservative values. Is white just a neutral design choice, or a reflection of something deeper in our culture?00:00 Welcome to Friday I'm in Bed00:54 This week05:15 Redfining Christmas Dinner20:45 The Media Portrayal of Beautiful Women36:59 Pantone Colour of the year51:51 The Importance of Subscribing and Engagement

In this episode, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis explore a range of topics including the societal pressures of beauty on young girls, the implications of Davina McCall's breast cancer diagnosis on HRT discussions, and the ethical considerations of AI in marketing. They emphasize the importance of early detection in cancer, the role of parents in guiding children's self-care, and the need for self-advocacy in health matters. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of AI and the cultural shift towards real experiences. Keywords HRT, Breast Cancer, AI in Marketing, Early Detection, Women's Health, Self-Care, Societal Pressures, Parental Guidance, Real Experiences, Environmental Impact Resources — HRT & Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Now — HRT & Breast Cancer Risk A clear, up-to-date guide explaining the different types of HRT, how they relate to breast cancer risk, and questions to ask your GP. NHS — Menopause & HRT Information The NHS overview of HRT, benefits, risks, and suitability—straightforward, trustworthy information for patients. British Menopause Society — HRT & Breast Cancer (Fact Sheets) Evidence-based guidance (clinician-facing but accessible) offering a nuanced breakdown of risk related to HRT and breast cancer.

In this conversation, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis discuss the impact of GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro on health and body image, the importance of exercise in midlife, and the societal expectations placed on women regarding caregiving and fitness. They examine the media's role in shaping perceptions of body image and the importance of critical thinking when interpreting health information. Personal experiences with weight loss and health are shared, emphasising the importance of finding enjoyable and sustainable exercise routines. The conversation concludes with a call to embrace ageing and prioritise personal health choices.For support with eating disorders contact Beathttps://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/Follow us on Instagram@Fridayiminbedpodcast@gemmaseager@fearlessat50Chapters00:00 Introduction to Midlife Perspectives00:09 Personal Stories and Experiences00:29 Introduction to Sensitive Topics00:41 Engagement with the Audience00:47 Celebrating Sarah Cox's Incredible Feat05:16 The Debate: Running vs. Other Forms of Exercise07:36 The Importance of Strength Training for Women10:14 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Fitness12:43 Overcoming Gym Intimidation and Ageism14:54 Finding Inspiration in Others' Achievements16:55 Embracing Individual Fitness Journeys21:59 Navigating Parenthood and Independence24:24 The Emotional Burden of Caregiving26:55 Gender Roles in Caregiving Expectations29:28 The Identity Crisis of Motherhood32:01 Reality TV Reflections on Family Dynamics37:15 Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact37:32 Robbie Williams and GLP-1s: A Controversial Discussion39:55 The Impact of Media on Health Perception42:33 Male Health and Body Image: Breaking the Silence45:18 The Complexity of Weight Loss Drugs47:41 Navigating the Noise: Critical Thinking in Health50:27 The Societal Pressures of Body Image52:53 Access to Health Solutions: A Tragic Reality55:44 The Importance of Professional Guidance57:10 Introduction to Midlife Chats57:18 The Importance of Subscribing and Engagement57:30 Encouragement for Self-Care

Get to know your hosts, Gem and Kate, and the podcast that’s about to become your new Friday ritual. In this short intro, we share who we are, why we’re here, and what Friday, I’m in Bed is all about. Think midlife conversations without the sugar-coating: cultural moments, body image, ageing, health, family, expectations — all seen through two very different lived experiences and one shared instinct to keep things honest.We’ll be diving into three topical conversations every week, mixing humour, insight and the kind of perspective that only arrives once you’ve lived a bit. Whether you’re childfree, parenting teens, navigating menopause, or just trying to make sense of the world as it is right now, you’re welcome in our bed-cast.New episodes every Friday. Settle in, we’re just getting started.Follow us on Instagram@Fridayiminbedpodcast@gemmaseager@fearlessat50