Comedian Eleanor Thom struck up a friendship with Emma after they discussed their shared struggles with endometriosis. Eleanor has undergone 12 surgeries for the condition, and the pair have decided to air publicly some of what they say to each other about it in private.

Endometriosis is a system-wide inflammatory disease that causes tissues like the lining of the womb make their way around the body, and its hallmark is pain. Although it affects as many as one in 10 women, it is not well understood and there is no cure. Emma has been trying to make sense of it for the BBC's first documentary on the subject, while Eleanor chronicled her own experiences with it in her book, Private Parts: How to Really Live with Endometriosis.

In Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett, the award-winning interviewer speaks to people you will know and people you should know about the experiences that are shaping their lives. If you want to join the conversation you can email the team at [email protected], or you can send a WhatsApp message or voice note to 08000 556 101.