But Why?

But why do we need to move beyond party politics? Clemmie chats to Tatton Spiller, the person behind the brilliant @simplepolitics account, whose aim is to help the UK have better conversations about politics. Better informed, more tolerant.

The chat covers all manners of things and strays into some brave revelations about Tatton’s own mental health, wonky career path and why the current approach to teaching politics in schools is like trying to teach kids about sex by putting a condom on a carrot. 

Tatton's Book ‘The Break Down’ is available here.

To support the Simple Politics platform via donation head here.

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to pre-order now.

Got any comments, queries or questions? I would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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But why is Allyship about what you ‘do’ and not what you believe? Clemmie chats to author Sophie Williams who runs @officialmillemialblack .

As well as talking about their shared experience of working in advertising (Sophie as COO and Clemmie as a Creative Director), the pair pick up on the other side of Sophie’s work as a racial equality activist. In particular the way she uses her books and platform to educate and empower about actionable allyship. 

Sophie's Books:

Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Action and Activism 

Official Millenial Black: The Ultimate Guide for Black Woman at Work.

Other mentions:

Michaela Coel brilliant TV show ‘I May Destroy You’. Michaela is also a guest on Louis Theroux’s podcast Grounded.

Clemmie references Lucy Sheridan and her brilliant email footer. Lucy is the World First Comparison Coach and is well worth a follow.

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to preorder now.

Got any comments, queries or questions? I would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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But why is middle age so freeing for women? This week Clemmie talks to author and journalist Caitlin Moran about Womanhood, specifically about what it is to live in a constant state of evolution. How we never really ‘become ourselves’ (as we might have imagined we would as kids), and instead are continually changing - and while that is challenging as well as a gift.

The conversation also strays into how problematic going for a wee in a jumpsuit can be and also why crisps really are our own true love; which arguably are both every bit as important as the nuts and bolts of womanhood. 

Resources:

‘How to be a Woman’ by Caitlin Moran

‘More Than a Woman’ by Caitlin Moran 

Clemmie mentions Fi & Jane’s ‘Fortunately’ podcast

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to preorder now, it includes a section on ‘Big Questions’ which was definitely a case of ‘biting off more than you can chew’

Got any comments, queries or questions? I would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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Clemmie talks to Ellie Gibson; Games journalist, part of Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit and one half of @scummymummies. 

Ellie patiently allows Clemmie to voice her concerns and stereotyped perceptions of the world of gaming. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions about gaming being an anti-social subculture, it turns out the opposite just might be true. Not only is the gaming industry big business, it also can be a hugely positive space that champions community mindedness, social interaction and problem solving.

Ellie’s account @elliegibsongames is full of great advice and games recommendations for family friendly games play.

Useful Resources:

-Phillipa Perry’s; ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’.

-Dr Chaterjess “Live More. Feel Better Podcast’

-Ted talk Jane McGonigal : ‘Can Gaming Make the World a Better Place’

-Andrew Robertson’s ‘Taming Gaming Guide to Healthy Habits’

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to pre-order now, it includes a section on ‘But Why Can’t I Have More Screen Time ?”

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Clemmie talks to Dr Nicole LePera aka @the.holistic.psychologist about the role for self-healing work, how that fits alongside more conventional therapy and delves into why everyone could benefit from greater self-awareness - even those who feel they don’t need it.

The pair discuss learning to feel your feelings rather than emotionally checking out, witnessing our relationship patterns, learning to set and honour boundaries and ultimately live more consciously.

Dr Nicole LaPera's book ‘How to Do To The Work Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self’ is available now.

Clemmie also mentions psychotherapist Anna Mathur and her notion of the '10 minute shutdown' as an easy re-frame for meditation. 

Take advantage of the ‘10% off your first-month’ offer with the episode sponsor Better Help here 

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to preorder now, it includes a section on ‘But Why Won’t That Person ?”

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Clemmie talks to author Bryony Gordon about her recovery journey. In the last year there is rumoured have been 1700% increase in the google search ‘Am I an alcoholic?’

It seems more people are questioning their relationship with alcohol. 

The pair dig into the question ‘But why is the word sober so loaded?’. Share their individual experiences of giving up alcohol and also explain why sobriety feels like such a gift. 

Bryony has written tones of amazing books. But on the theme of this episode, check out ‘Glorious Rock Bottom’

Resources:

‘Me? I Don’t Drink Any More’ - Clemmie wrote a piece for Mother of All Lists when she first gave up drinking. 

Brene Brown on Sobriety

Sober Girls Society Book

‘Sober Diaries’ by Clare Pooley

Love Yourself Sober by Mandy Manners& Kate Bailey

For Help & Support:

Alcohol Change

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al Anon for Families of Alcoholics

Contact:

Do you have a But Why? You’d like discussed? Or maybe you just want to say hi. Whatever the reason get in touch on [email protected]

Shameless plug:

Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to preorder now. It includes a section on ‘But Why do adults get drunk and what does it mean?”

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In this episode Clemmie speaks to Hetal & Roger about their experience of visual impairment. And Kirstie from the Guide Dogs charity about how the dogs are trained. 

But Why is there so much misunderstanding around blindness? Especially when someone goes blind every hour in the UK. There is a lot to learn about being more inclusive AND about how the relationship between a guide dog and their owner works (errm the dog does NOT work like a satnav!) 

Guide Dogs: 

Guide Dogs is the number one provider of services for children and young people with a vision impairment. It is the largest sole employer of specialists dedicated to helping children and young people overcome the challenges of sight loss, and has the widest range of support services for children, young people and families. Parents can easily access information and advice over the phone or online, including Family Support and Education Support.

Resources:

Life of a Blind Girl Blog

@mumslikeus 

@blinddad_uk 

Contact:

What are your thoughts on the conversation around mental health? And do you have a But Why? you’d like discussed? Or maybe you just want to say hi. Whatever the reason get in touch on [email protected]

Shameless plug:

**Clemmie’s Debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to preorder now, it includes a section on disability and inclusivity. **

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In this episode Clemmie asks author and journalist Matt Haig: ‘But Why Does Talking About Mental Health Sometimes Make It Worse?'

The pair discuss their personal experiences of navigating mental health struggles; musing on the idea that although being open about depression and anxiety can be useful, that conversation needs to be handled mindfully. As well as delving into the idea that the endless pursuit of happiness is often our greatest undoing. 

Resources:

Matt Haig has written so many great books. His most recent is a novel called ‘The Midnight Library’

In the episode Clemmie recommends “Silence in the Age of Noise’ by Erling Kagge

For anyone struggling please do reach out for help. There’s a brilliant comprehensive list of support groups here on Mind's website.

Contact:

What are your thoughts on the conversation around mental health? And do you have a But Why? question that you’d like discussed? Or maybe you just want to say hi. Whatever the reason, get in touch on [email protected]

Shameless plug:

**Clemmie’s debut book “But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from Kids by Having Honest Conversation with Yourself’ is available to pre-order now. It includes a section on Complex Feelings.**

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An introduction to what you can expect from But Why? with Clemmie Telford

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