In this episode, we explore the history of Scotland's witch hunts and ask whether the persecution, silencing and control of women really belongs in the past.

I'm joined by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, co-authors of How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy and the women behind the Witches of Scotland campaign and podcast.

Their work shone a light on the historic injustice of Scotland's witch trials, ultimately leading to a formal Scottish Government apology on International Women's Day in 2022: the first official recognition of the thousands of people, mostly women, who were accused, convicted and executed as witches.

But their work doesn't stop with history.

Because when fear, superstition and prejudice become legitimised by those in power, what can that teach us about the world we live in today?

Together, we explore how women became targets of witch hunts, how the church, law and monarchy helped create and reinforce the persecution, and what happens when society turns against its own people.

Host:

Lulu Minns is a former criminal defence lawyer, criminology lecturer and author of The Genius Wheel®. Through She Rebel Radio, she explores the stories, ideas and women that challenge the status quo and invite us to see ourselves and the world differently.

Key Takeaways: 1. Why Were Women Called Witches?

The legislation was gender neutral, so why did women make up around 85% of those accused? We explore the religious and social beliefs that made women particularly vulnerable, from Eve and the Devil to ideas about women's supposed susceptibility to evil.

2. Godly Women, Quarrelsome Women & Accused Men

It wasn't simply women who were seen as difficult or "quarrelsome" who were accused. Godly women could be targeted too. We explore the different types of women caught up in the witch trials, why being poor, older, independent or without male protection could increase vulnerability - and why men were accused too, often after being named by women.

3. How Do You Create a Witch?

A strange event. An accusation. An investigation. A confession. A name.

We explore how witch-hunts could spread through communities, including the role of interrogation and sleep deprivation, and how pamphlets warning "good Christians" to look out for witches helped create a culture of fear.

We also look at James VI and I and his Daemonologie (1597), and how the King helped shape the way witchcraft was understood and prosecuted.

4. When Fear Becomes Law

The witch trials weren't simply about superstition. We explore what happened when the church, the law and the monarchy reinforced one another - and how the trials helped police women's behaviour and reinforce the social order.

5. Witch Hunts Didn't End 400 Years Ago

What happens when a society becomes fearful and needs someone to blame?

We explore the uncomfortable parallels with today - from social anxiety and economic insecurity to debates about women's roles, immigration and the rise of religious nationalism.

Because perhaps the biggest lesson of the witch hunts is what happens when we forget our history and allow fear and prejudice to become legitimised by those in power.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear your reflections on this episode and the wider conversation around women, power and the lessons of history.

Share your thoughts with us using #SheRebelRadio.

Why do you think women were so much more likely to be accused of witchcraft? What happens when society decides that a particular group of people is to blame? Are there lessons from the witch trials that we still need to hear today?

References & Discussion Points

• Venditozzi, Z. & Mitchell, C. (2024), How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy. London: Mudlark.

• Chollet, M. (2022), In Defence of Witches: Why Women Are Still on Trial. London: MacLehose Press.

• Sheridan, S. (2019), Where Are the Women? A Guide to an Imagined Scotland. Edinburgh: Historic Environment Scotland.

• Gibson, M: Author and Historian at Exeter University

• James VI and I (1597), Daemonologie.

• Witches of Scotland - campaign and podcast exploring the Scottish witch trials and their legacy.

• The Scottish witch trials: accusation, prosecution and execution.

• Women, power and the history of patriarchy.

• The relationship between law, religion and social control.

• Witch-hunting, propaganda and the role of pamphlets in shaping public fear.

• Remembering women's history - and what happens when the state turns against its own people.

Connect With Zoe & Claire

Witches of Scotland: witchesofscotland.com

Instagram: @witches.of.scotland

Threads: @witches.of.scotland

Connect With Me

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate and review She Rebel Radio. Sharing the episode helps amplify conversations around women's stories, power, history and the systems that continue to shape women's lives.

To discover your own seven-year personal growth cycle, visit The Genius Wheel®.

Website: thegeniuswheel.com

Substack: luluminns.substack.com

LinkedIn: Lulu Minns on LinkedIn

The Creativity and Endurance of Frida Kahlo with Louise Coigley

In this episode, we explore the creativity, endurance and extraordinary life of Frida Kahlo with Louise Coigley, curator and editor of Wings to Fly - a new book celebrating Frida through her own words and pictures.

Louise's connection with Frida is deeply personal. Following her own spinal injury and experience of pain, she found a profound resonance with Frida's life, work and ability to transform suffering into creativity.

Together, we explore what Frida can teach us about pain, fate, love, creativity and refusing to conform - and why, almost 70 years after her death, her voice continues to resonate so powerfully.

Host

Lulu Minns is a former criminal defence lawyer, criminology lecturer and founder of The Genius Wheel®. Through She Rebel Radio, she explores the stories, ideas and women that challenge the status quo and invite us to see ourselves and the world differently.

Key Takeaways 1. Transcending Pain Into Life Lessons (and Genius)

Pain was an enormous part of Frida Kahlo's life, but it did not define everything she was. We explore how Frida transformed her experiences of physical and emotional suffering into art, creativity and meaning, plus what we can learn from the way she lived with what she could not change.

2. From the Frocks

On the centenary of Frida's tram accident, Louise published her poem From the Frocks, a love letter from Frida's iconic Mexican dresses to the artist herself.

What would your clothes say about you?

3. Finding the Real Frida

Frida Kahlo is surrounded by famous quotes, but not everything attributed to her was actually said by her. Louise shares her search for the truth behind Frida's words and why it matters to hear the real woman rather than the version created by popular culture.

4. Furious Frida

Frida did not conform. As a woman, she became her own muse and has been called a narcissist by others. We explore her connection to all that is, and how furious she may be at the commercialisation of her own image.

What would she make of the world we live in today?

5. Creativity, Endurance & Creating Your Own Reality

Frida once said she painted her own reality. We explore what that really means and how creativity can become a way of processing experience, making sense of suffering and creating something entirely new from the life we have been given.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear your reflections on this episode and the wider conversation around Frida Kahlo, creativity and endurance.

Share your thoughts with us using #SheRebelRadio.

What does Frida Kahlo's story mean to you? Can pain become a source of creativity and wisdom? What do you think the furious Frida would make of today's world?

Connect With Louise

Buy the Book: https://septemberpublishing.org/product/wings-to-fly-frida-kahlo/

Website: lisntell.co.uk

Instagram: @lisntell / Bluesky: @lisntell.bsky.social

Back to Back with Frida Kahlo: @backtobackwithfridakahlo

Connect With Me

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate and review She Rebel Radio. Sharing the episode helps amplify conversations around women's stories, creativity, resilience and the power of refusing to conform.

To discover your own seven-year personal growth cycle, visit The Genius Wheel®.

Website: thegeniuswheel.com

Substack: luluminns.substack.com

LinkedIn: Lulu Minns on LinkedIn

Ruth Ellis: Murder, Misogyny & Morality with Laura Enston, granddaughter of Ruth Ellis In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom, through the eyes of her granddaughter, Laura Enston.

For decades, Ruth Ellis was remembered simply as the glamorous nightclub hostess who shot her lover, David Blakely, in 1955. Branded a "jealous lover", "social climber" and "cold-blooded killer", she became a woman defined by a single act.

But history rarely tells the whole story.

Seventy years later, Ruth Ellis received a posthumous conditional pardon, recognising the historic failure to understand the impact of domestic abuse on her life and the circumstances surrounding her conviction.

Together, we explore the woman behind the headlines, the misogyny she experienced before, during and after her trial, and what her story continues to teach us about justice, trauma, coercive control and the way society judges women.

Host

Lulu Minns is a former criminal defence lawyer, criminology lecturer and founder of The Genius Wheel®. In this conversation, she brings together her legal background, academic research and passion for challenging the systems that continue to shape women's lives.

Please note: This episode includes discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma, violence against women and the death penalty. Please listen with care.

Key Takeaways 1. Ruth Ellis Was More Than "The Last Woman Hanged"

For decades, Ruth Ellis's identity was reduced to the final months of her life. Laura shares the journey of discovering the woman behind the headlines - a mother, businesswoman and complex human being whose life has often been overshadowed by the circumstances of her death.

2. Misogyny Shaped More Than the Headlines

The conversation explores how Ruth was judged not only for murder, but for her independence, ambition, sexuality and class. Together we ask whether she was, in many ways, on trial for morality as much as murder.

3. Trauma Was Poorly Understood

Ruth's trial took place just three months after the shooting. We examine how trauma, domestic abuse and coercive control were largely absent from legal and public understanding at the time, and what that meant for Ruth's ability to be heard.

4. Why Ruth Ellis Still Matters Today

As domestic abuse continues to affect thousands of women across the UK, Ruth's story remains deeply relevant. The episode explores what her conditional pardon represents, how our understanding of abuse has evolved, and what lessons still remain.

5. Reclaiming Ruth's Story

Perhaps the greatest act of justice is not simply correcting the historical record, but restoring Ruth's humanity. Laura reflects on who her grandmother really was, the women who supported her campaign, and the legacy she hopes Ruth leaves for future generations.

Join the Conversation

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

Share your thoughts with us using #SheRebelRadio.

• What surprised you most about Ruth Ellis's story?

• Do you think Ruth was on trial for more than murder?

• What lessons can today's justice system still learn from her case?

References & Discussion Points

• Ruth Ellis and the 1955 murder trial

• The 2026 posthumous conditional pardon

• Domestic abuse and coercive control

• The historical defence of provocation and the evolution of criminal law

• Misogyny, class and morality in the criminal justice system

• Edith Thompson, Sally Challen and the treatment of women in the courts

• Harriet Wistrich and feminist legal reform

• Women, trauma and the evolution of justice

• Dance with a Stranger (1985)

• A Fine Day for a Hanging by Carol Ann Lee

• ITV Drama, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)

Connect With Laura: https://lauraenston.co.uk/ Connect With Me:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate and review She Rebel Radio. Sharing the episode helps amplify conversations around justice, domestic abuse and the stories of women whose voices have too often gone unheard.

To discover your own seven-year personal growth cycle, visit The Genius Wheel®.

Website: thegeniuswheel.com

Substack: luluminns.substack.com

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

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.