In this intimate episode, Rachel sits down with acclaimed author Emma Forrest for a candid conversation about the turning points that shaped her life. Emma reflects on the moment Nigella Lawson gave her a crucial early break, the raw challenges of becoming a mother, and her ongoing battle with mental health. She also opens up about her emotionally charged and complex relationship with actor Colin Farrell. With honesty and depth, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the resilience behind Emma’s creative spirit and the personal stories that have defined her journey as a writer and woman. WARNING: This episode contents discussion of self-harm.

Sharon Gaffka shot to fame on Love Island, but she’s since traded villa drama for real-world impact. A former civil servant turned fierce activist, Sharon now champions women’s rights, digital safety, and diversity in public life. Whether she’s taking on online abuse or advocating for change in Parliament, she’s using her platform to make waves far beyond reality TV. Smart, driven, and refreshingly outspoken, Sharon’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Deesha Dyer is a former White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama whose journey from community college student to one of the most senior event planners in the U.S. government is anything but typical. Raised in modest circumstances and working multiple jobs, she applied for a White House internship at age 31—despite battling imposter syndrome and having no political connections. That bold move launched a career in public service and advocacy, which she chronicles in her memoir Undiplomatic. In this episode, Deesha shares how self-doubt, persistence, and purpose shaped her path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Kate Muir is a bestselling author, campaigner, and documentary maker whose powerful work has helped spark the conversation around women's health. Formerly the chief film critic at The Times, Kate turned her sharp eye and storytelling skills toward a deeply personal subject after enduring a disastrous menopause experience. That struggle became the catalyst for her groundbreaking new book, Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (But Were Too Afraid to Ask), which aims to demystify hormonal health and empower women with science-based solutions.

Clare-Louise Knox is a leading feminist psychologist and founder of See Her Thrive, a consultancy dedicated to improving women's health and wellbeing at work. Specialising in the intersection of gender, mental health, and workplace culture, Clare-Louise advocates for inclusive policies around menstrual health, menopause, and reproductive wellbeing. Her work challenges outdated norms and empowers organisations to better support women throughout their careers.

Sarah Pochin, the newly elected Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made headlines with a shock by-election win—snatching the seat by just six votes from Labour. A former Conservative councillor and corporate exec, Pochin’s political rise has been marked by controversy, including a judicial reprimand and multiple party switches. Her Commons debut sparked national uproar after she called for a UK ban on the burqa, prompting backlash from Muslim groups and culminating in the temporary resignation of party chair Zia Yusuf.

Penny Smith is a seasoned British television and radio presenter, journalist, and author, best known for co-hosting GMTV's News Hour from 1993 to 2010. She began her career in print journalism before moving into broadcasting with roles at Border TV, Thames News, and Sky News. Penny has also hosted shows on Classic FM, BBC Radio London, and Talkradio, and is a published author of two novels. A passionate advocate for the arts and wellbeing, she’s produced yoga videos, is a keen opera fan, and loves hiking.

India Hicks resists definition. Famous for being Di’s bridesmaid, the King’s Goddaughter, and the granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, murdered by the IRA,

Hicks - who has five sons- also combines roles as a designer, model, author, and activist and divides her time between the Bahamas, the UK and the Ukraine

Natasha Hausdorff is a British barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel. A passionate debater since her school days, she is the UK’s fiercest and most uncompromising advocate for Israel’s legal rights to exist and defend itself. With experience spanning the UK, Israel, and international courts, Natasha Hausdorff brings her legal chops to bear on the most controversial war in the world

Sarah Hoover is a writer and art historian whose hit debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, delivers a raw and gripping counter punch to the “bliss of babies” narrative, detailing birth trauma, relationship difficulties, and postpartum depression while exposing the need for maternal healthcare both sides of the Atlantic