Sofieland: The Bunker

In this first ever LIVE episode, Sofie talks to comedian, radio host and podcaster Josie Long about game-changing beauty tips, Dawson's Creek, sexism in comedy, concern trolling, “street racists”, being on The Island, how a show not working is like a badly fitting shirt, being in love, Gogglebox and the crushing conformity of public opinion.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Discussion of threats of violence.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu about not calling himself an Activist-Comedian, Intersectionality, the “choir” of agreement, The Problem with Apu, being a killjoy, having room to make mistakes on stage, making art while leading a balanced life, knowing your voice, working with refugees as an immigrants rights organiser, touring with Chris Rock, the bureaucracy of comedy and the pros and cons of making fun of Weezer.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to psychotherapist and fat activist Charlotte Cooper about doing a PhD and turning it into a book, the influence of Punk, early fat feminists from the 60’s and 70’s, the importance of archives, the professionalisation of HAES, co-counselling, the Fattylympics, Michel Foucault, the meaning of self-care and Project Swagger.

Works mentioned in this episode:

Fat Activism: A Radical Social Movement and Fat and Proud by Charlotte Cooper

 The Fat Underground

 Shadow on a Tightrope by Schoenfielder/Weiser/Mayer

Judy Freespirit Papers

The Fattylympics

Philosopher Michel Foucault

Project O/Swagger

The Adipositivity Project

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to podcaster, marketing co-ordinator and CEO of ShoutOut network Imriel Morgan about starting a podcast network for people who come from under-represented groups, Melanin Millenials, her new podcast Wanna Be, anthropology, slavery, respect for authority, drunk monkeys, the Haitian revolution and the Spice Girls.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Racism.

Works mentioned in this episode:

Melanin Millenials

Wanna Be podcast

The Gag Reflex

The Bone Woman by Clea Koff

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to producer, writer and co-host of Pointless, Richard Osman about crossing “the talent moat”, writing successes and failures, orbiting the earth, the illusion of being posh, fathers, flaws, barricade-shouters, building walls, Twitter and abuse, Identity politics and relationships with food.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Eating disorders, self-harm.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to actress, personal trainer and pole/twerk instructor Kelechi Okafor about standing up for yourself, using the word “crazy” to subjugate women, reclaiming “bossy” and “strong”, the problem of unrelenting good vibes, the history of twerking, fad fitness, therapy and transcendent grief, going to Nigeria, affirmations and social media.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Eating disorders, childhood abuse.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to British artist and writer Scottee about bringing the conversation to people who don’t want to have it, Masculinity, infiltrating the male space, bravery, visibility in public spaces, the injustice bone, body positivity, the adoption process, the NHS and secret deals, the future of gender and addiction.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Trauma and violence, homophobia, addiction.

Works mentioned in this episode:

Bravado by Scottee

 Men in the Cities by Chris Goode

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to American activist and Executive Director of Equality for HER, Blair Imani about being a full-time activist, getting arrested, the media narrative surrounding the Black Panther movement and Black Lives Matter, the prison industrial complex, coping mechanisms, converting to Islam, death threats and safe spaces.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Mention of Eating Disorders and Anorexia in Intro. Some mentions of Islamophobia in main interview.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to Canadian improviser Colin Mochrie about getting older, his daughter coming out as Transgender, Whose Line is It Anyway?, Marriage, Trump, being shy, visiting the Congo and a future of jet-packs.

Support the Show.

Sofie talks to Australian artist Ofa Fotu (aka Odette Mercy) about being part of the cast of Hot Brown Honey, hip-hop feminism, women of colour in theatre, activism and self-care, douchebag presenters, reclaiming negative spaces, performing for children and the importance of diversity in audiences.

Works mentioned in this episode:

Hot Brown Honey

Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics

Polytoxic Loves You

Black Honey Company

Lilith: The Jungle Girl

Hope One: Beatboxer

Crystal Stacey: Circus Artist

Briefs – Brief Encounters

Briefs Factory - Sweatshop

Support the Show.