In this episode, we explore the haunting ITV drama Believe Me, based on the true story of the victims of serial offender John Worboys — widely known as the "black cab rapist" — and the women who fought back against a justice system that repeatedly failed them.

Through a feminist lens, we unpack the invisible barriers and systemic injustices women continue to face — from victim blaming and people pleasing, to the ways women are conditioned to doubt themselves, minimise discomfort, and carry the burden of male violence.

Hosts: Lulu Minns & Mary Lobo

Lulu brings her perspective as a former criminal defence lawyer and criminology lecturer, while Mary shares insights from her background in investigative journalism and long-standing interest in true crime. Together, they discuss how these systems shape women's lives, relationships, safety, confidence, and sense of self.

This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, trauma, coercion, and failures within the criminal justice system. Please listen with care.

Key Takeaways

1. Victim Blaming Is Deeply Embedded in Society

The episode explores how women have historically been scrutinised for their behaviour, appearance, alcohol consumption, or perceived "risk-taking" following sexual assault. From questions around red nail varnish to why a woman accepted a drink, the discussion highlights how blame is subtly — and overtly — redirected onto victims rather than perpetrators.

2. Women Are Conditioned to Prioritise Politeness Over Safety

A central theme in the episode is the conditioning many women experience to remain agreeable, avoid conflict, and not appear "rude" — even when uncomfortable or unsafe. Lulu and Mary discuss how this conditioning can make boundary-setting difficult in dangerous situations and why systems often fail to understand this reality.

3. The Criminal Justice System Often Reflects a Male Perspective

Lulu and Mary examine how courtrooms, policing, and legal structures have historically viewed crimes against women through a male-dominated lens. The episode discusses concepts including victimology, "victim precipitation" theory, and epistemic injustice — where women's testimony and lived experiences are minimised or discredited.

4. These Injustices Impact All Women

The conversation moves beyond the individual case to explore the collective psychological impact violence against women has on society — including self-blame, hypervigilance, fear, and the ways women modify behaviour in everyday life to stay safe.

5. Change Is Possible — and Women Have Driven It

The episode also highlights the tireless work of survivors and campaigners, including Harriet Wistrich and the Centre for Women's Justice, whose legal challenge following Worboys' attempted parole led to significant changes in the parole review process and greater victim involvement. We now also need men to carry the mantle.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and your reflections on the wider conversation around violence against women, justice, and systemic change.

Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #SheRebelRadio.

What resonated with you most from Believe Me?

How do we begin dismantling the systems and conditioning that continue to fail women?

References & Discussion Points

• ITV Drama: Believe Me

• Harriet Wistrich & the Centre for Women's Justice

• Victimology and Menachem Amir's "victim precipitation" theory

• Changes to parole transparency and victim reconsideration rights following the Worboys case

• Ongoing conversations around violence against women following cases such as Sarah Everard

Connect With Us

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review She Rebel Radio. Sharing the episode helps amplify conversations around women's safety, justice, and systemic change.

And if you're ready - you can find out more about you and your genius over on my new website www.thegeniuswheel.com

You can also follow me on

Substack: luluminns.substack.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luluminns/

Film director Ali Ray joins Lulu Minns on She Rebel Radio to talk about Frida: Exhibition On Screen – the updated re-release of the documentary exploring the life, art and enduring legacy of Frida Kahlo. Recorded following the Brighton launch event at La Choza in collaboration with digital lifestyle magazine Brighton On The Inside, the conversation explores why Frida still resonates so powerfully today – from feminism, pain and disability to identity, activism and the politics of being seen.

Ali shares how making the film transformed her understanding of Kahlo beyond the familiar iconography, revealing the depth, intelligence and radical honesty behind the artist's work. Lulu and Ali also discuss the wider history of women artists being overlooked, including connections to Lee Miller, and why stories by and about women still matter so deeply now.

''Frida put the private experiences of women into art' - Ali Ray

The episode also explores:

– Brighton's connection to the film and why Ali thinks "if Frida was a town, she'd be Brighton" – The impact of Frida's work on generations of women – Art as a way of communicating pain and difficult female experiences – The Tate Modern exhibition Frida: The Making of an Icon – Why female artists are so often remembered for everything except their work

Let's Connect:

With Ali Ray / Exhibition On Screen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ray/ / https://seventh-art.com/

With Lulu Minns / The Genius Wheel:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luluminns/ / www.thegeniuswheel.com

With Brighton On The Inside: brightontheinside.co.uk

https://brightontheinside.co.uk/lifestyle/the-film-director-behind-the-frida-kahlo-cinema-re-release-on-brighton-feminism-and-icon-making/

Linked She Rebel Radio episodes:

The Rules of Lee Miller: https://sites.libsyn.com/210074/the-rules-of-lee-miller-with-ami-bouhassane

Becoming your own Muse: https://sites.libsyn.com/210074/becoming-your-own-muse

Find Frida: Exhibition On Screen in cinemas nationwide from 19th May, 2026.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 13th December 2024

Episode Description:

In a world that often demands perfection and resilience from women, many of us find ourselves "armouring up" — hiding behind masks of strength, competence, or even compliance to navigate societal expectations. While this armour can protect us, it also distances us from our authentic selves and the deeper connections we crave. In this episode, we explore the pressures that compel women to build emotional and social armour, how this impacts wellbeing, and practical strategies to replace those shields with authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Women Armour Up: Learn about the societal pressures, gender norms, and past experiences that lead women to shield themselves emotionally and socially.
2. The Cost of Armour: Understand how wearing armour disconnects us from our authentic selves, impacts our relationships, and fuels burnout and self-doubt.
3. Recognising Your Armour: Tools to identify the "shields" you use, such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, or emotional detachment, and how they manifest in your life.
4. The Power of Authenticity: Explore how embracing your authentic self can lead to deeper connections, greater self-worth, and a more fulfilling life.
5. Practical Steps to Combat Armour with Authenticity: Learn actionable strategies like setting boundaries, practising vulnerability, and celebrating your unique qualities.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 6th December 2024

Episode Description:

What if the secret to success isn't competing harder, but collaborating smarter? In this episode, we delve into the shift from Competition to Collaboration. We explore the cultural roots of competition, how it limits our potential, and why embracing collaboration can lead to greater fulfilment and success. From personal growth to professional achievements, you'll discover how moving away from the need to "win" opens doors to deeper relationships, shared opportunities, and mutual success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Pitfalls of Competition: Uncover how competitive mindsets can breed scarcity, isolation, and burnout, and why it's time to rethink the "winner-takes-all" approach.
2. The Power of Collaboration: Learn how collaboration inspires creativity, innovation, and exponential growth in both personal and professional settings.
3. Reframing Success: Discover how shifting your focus from individual wins to collective achievements leads to long-term success and fulfilment.
4. Building Collaborative Relationships: Practical tips for cultivating trust, finding aligned partners, and working together to achieve shared goals.
5. The Value of Diverse Perspectives: Learn how collaborating with others who have different skills, backgrounds, and ideas leads to better outcomes.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 29th November 2024

Episode Description:

Do you find yourself constantly focusing on what's missing in your life instead of appreciating what's already there? For women especially, societal pressures and internalised beliefs often amplify feelings of lack — whether it's not being "enough," having "enough," or achieving "enough." In this episode, we explore the transformative journey from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. We share how lack uniquely affects women, shaping their self-worth, financial confidence, and relationships, and offer strategies to change your relationship with it. This conversation will empower you to reframe your thinking, break free from the cycle of scarcity, and embrace an abundant mindset that attracts fulfilment and prosperity.

Key Takeaways:

1. What Is a Scarcity Mindset? Understand the impact of scarcity thinking and how it disproportionately affects women due to societal expectations and gendered narratives.
2. The Abundance Mindset Explained: Learn what it means to cultivate abundance — beyond material wealth — and how it leads to greater happiness and peace.
3. Reframing Limiting Beliefs: Identify the beliefs that keep women stuck in lack, such as perfectionism, comparison, and fear of failure — and replace them with empowering truths.
4. Practices for Abundant Thinking: Simple daily habits to reinforce a mindset of plenty, attract opportunities, and feel more fulfiled.
5. Healing Your Relationship with Enough: Tools to redefine what "enough" means to you, releasing the pressure to meet external standards and embracing your own journey.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 22nd November 2024

Episode Description:

In today's fast-paced, always-on culture, many of us feel disconnected — not just from others, but from ourselves. In this episode, we explore the process of coming home to yourself: recognising the signs of self-disconnection, understanding its causes, and discovering practical ways to reconnect with who you truly are. We share actionable strategies to help you quiet the noise, tune into your inner voice, and build a deeper relationship with yourself. This episode is a guide to reclaiming your sense of self in a world that often pulls you away from it.

Key Takeaways:

1. What It Means to Be Disconnected from Yourself: Learn to recognise the signs of self-disconnection, such as chronic stress, lack of clarity, or feeling lost in your own life.
2. Causes of Self-Disconnection: Explore the societal pressures, digital distractions, and internalised expectations that pull us away from our authentic selves.
3. The Importance of Self-Connection: Understand why reconnecting with yourself is fundamental for clarity, fulfilment, and meaningful relationships.
4. Practical Steps to Reconnect: Tools and practices to help you quiet external distractions, identify your inner needs, and rediscover what brings you joy and purpose.
5. Building a Relationship with Yourself: Techniques for nurturing self-compassion, celebrating your unique qualities, and making choices aligned with your authentic self.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 8th November 2024

Episode Description:

In this reflective episode, we explore the journey from seeking validation through external metrics — such as career status, social approval, and material success — to finding genuine fulfilment from within. We share strategies for moving away from society's pressures and tuning into personal values and inner satisfaction. This episode is perfect for anyone who has felt caught in the cycle of comparison, overachievement, or self-doubt fueled by external expectations. Learn how to shift your gaze inward and cultivate a life rooted in true self-worth and inner peace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding External Metrics: Why society places value on achievements and how this impacts our self-worth and mental health.
2. The Trap of External Validation: Recognise signs that you're seeking approval from others rather than finding contentment within yourself.
3. Defining Inner Fulfilment: What fulfilment looks like when it's based on internal values rather than external accolades.
4. Strategies for Shifting Your Focus: Practical tips for tuning out external noise and developing an inner compass that guides your decisions and priorities.
5. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Tools to trust yourself more deeply and detach from the need for constant external validation.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 1st November 2024

Episode Description:

In this uplifting episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges to personal happiness: shifting from a negative mindset to one rooted in positivity and optimism. We discuss the science behind negativity bias, why our brains are wired to focus on the negative, and how we can reprogramme our thinking for a more positive outlook. Discover practical tips to overcome negative self-talk, cultivate gratitude, and build habits that lead to lasting joy and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Negativity Bias: Learn why our brains are naturally inclined toward negative thoughts and how this affects our mood, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
2. Breaking Free from Negative Thinking Patterns: Identify common negative thought patterns and replace them with constructive, empowering thoughts.
3. Building a Positive Mindset: Tools to help you cultivate a positive outlook, focusing on gratitude, kindness, and reframing challenges.
4. Managing Negative Self-Talk: Discover strategies to silence your inner critic and enjoy a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
5. The Ripple Effect of Positivity: How adopting a positive mindset can improve not only your life but also the lives of those around you.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 25th October 2024

Episode Description:

In this transformative episode, we explore the profound shift from living in reaction mode — constantly responding to life's challenges — to stepping into a creative mindset where you take control of your reality. We walk through how you can break free from the stress cycle of reacting and start intentionally creating the life you want. From understanding the brain's wiring to cultivating the right habits and tools, this conversation is packed with insights to help you unlock your potential and move towards empowered living.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Reaction Trap: Learn how living in 'reaction mode' (fight or flight) keeps you stuck in stress and limits your growth.
2. Mindset Shifts: How to switch from a reactive mindset to a creative one, where you take proactive steps to shape your life instead of merely responding to circumstances.
3. Power of Intentionality: Practical strategies to move from a life dictated by external pressures to one driven by intentional choices.
4. The Role of Mindfulness and Awareness: Discover how mindfulness practices can help you create space between stimulus and response, allowing you to choose how you want to act.
5. Overcoming Fear and Resistance: Tools for identifying and breaking through fear-based reactions that keep you from creating your best life.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.

Hosts: Lulu Minns and Mary Lobo Release Date: 18th October 2024

Episode Description:

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the journey from self-sacrifice to self-care, exploring how to shift from constantly putting others first to prioritising your own wellbeing. Whether you're an entrepreneur juggling multiple workflows, a parent or partner, or simply someone who feels stretched thin, this episode offers practical strategies to reclaim your energy, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate habits that nourish both your mind and body. We share insights on the cultural and personal conditioning that leads to burnout and how to replace self-sacrificial tendencies with sustainable self-care practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Self-Sacrifice: What it looks like, why we do it, and its emotional and physical toll. 2. Reframing Guilt Around Self-Care: How to let go of guilt when choosing to put yourself first and why it's crucial for your wellbeing and for others. 3. Practical Self-Care Strategies: Tools and techniques to bring more balance into your life — without feeling selfish or overwhelmed. 4. Setting Boundaries: The importance of creating healthy limits and how to communicate them effectively with loved ones and colleagues. 5. Long-Term Benefits of Self-Care: From mental clarity and emotional resilience to better relationships and overall life satisfaction.

Downloadable Toolkit:

In conjunction with this episode, we are offering a FREE downloadable toolkit to help you put these concepts into action. This toolkit is packed with practical resources to support your self-care journey.

Download the Shadow to Self toolkit here: https://sherebelradio.eo.page/shadowtoself

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #shadowtoself. Have a question or insight to share? Drop us a message or leave a review!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show — it helps others find the podcast and join the Shadow to Self journey.