The SHE Word

OnlyFans, is it empowerment, exploitation, or something in between?

In this episode of The SHE Word: Young Women’s Edition, Sasha sits down for an honest, unfiltered conversation about one of the most talked-about, and misunderstood, platforms in the world.

Behind the controversy are real women, with real boundaries, navigating empowerment, vulnerability, and the business of being visible online.

Joining the discussion are Emily Jones, a British-Maltese content creator who uses her platform to promote body positivity and self-expression; Miss Rager (Baked Sloths), a creative working in social media and the cannabis industry; and Undine LaVerve, Malta’s pioneering burlesque performer and founder of The Burlesque Academy Malta.

Together, they explore what it means to step into your power while protecting your peace: from setting boundaries and dealing with judgment, to navigating family reactions, content leaks, and the blurred lines between confidence and exploitation.

They also share what an average workday really looks like behind the scenes, and how authenticity and self-respect shape every decision they make.

This episode digs into the questions many people are afraid to ask: Can OnlyFans truly be empowering? What does agency look like in an industry built on visibility? And how do women define and defend their boundaries in a world that constantly tests them?

With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus.

The average person spends 90,000 hours in the workplace, around a third of our lives, it is little surprise then that the workplace represents a significant source of mental health related issues. Of the 7,000 calls a year that the Richmond Foundation receives, the majority are relational issues - that is issues connected with relationships.

Other specific issues include work overload and dealing with difficult clients, which are more prevalent among women. Over 3.5 million EU workers aged 15-64 reported mental health issues in 2024, contributing to significant economic costs through lost productivity and absenteeism.

Over the past few years, several issues have gathered significance as part of the workplace well being conversation; Burnout, Boundaries, Work Ethic, Well Being and the Work Life Balance to name just a few.

In this episode Trudy sits down with three significant business leaders to find out how they deal with mental health in the workplace, and to ask what we as employees can do.

Sarah Zammit Cutajar is the CEO of P. Cutajar & Co Ltd who have recently partnered with the Richmond Foundation to support mental health initiatives in Malta and to implement their own well-being measures.

Christabelle Borg, now Christabelle Camilleri is the CEO of the industrial company V&C, an investor in Malta’s Shark Tank and then went on to launch passion project brands Health and Co and more recently co-founder of luxury brand 6FIFTYTWO.

Daniela Calleja Bitar is the CEO of the Richmond Foundation and has worked with Richmond for over 25 years. The Richmond foundation was founded to support people experiencing mental health problems and those around them, throughout various aspects of life.

In this powerful episode the four women discuss how to identify a colleague or employee who is struggling, toxicity in the workplace, the work life balance, generational differences, relationships at work, working environments for women and how best to support women at work.

The guests also take a deep dive into Burnout, what it really is and how to spot it in yourself as well as those around you, drawing on Christabelle’s own personal experience.

This show hits topics that affect almost every single one of us at some point. Watch the show to be seen and to see the others around you.

This show is brought to you in association with P Cutajar and The Richmond Foundation

If you would like to speak to someone about the challenges you are facing, please contact the Richmond Foundation on telephone no: 1770, email: [email protected] or go to https://olli.chat/ for an immediate conversation.

Let’s face it. No-one expects a Breast Cancer Diagnosis. If we are really honest, I should imagine that most of us expect breast cancer to happen to someone else.

But with Breast cancer affecting approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, and being the most common cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall, it is very likely that if you are not directly affected by breast cancer, someone close to you will be.

But a breast cancer diagnosis is not the end, and in this episode of SHE WARRIORS Trudy sits down with Monica Schembri who has not already faced breast cancer and overcome it, but is dealing with a second diagnosis. But as Monica has so often demonstrated, grace and a positive attitude makes a life changing difference in the face of adversity, not only to herself but to those around her.

In this brutally honest interview, Lithuanian born Monika openly talks about her breast cancer journey, from first noticing a lump on her chest, to the moment of hearing the diagnosis. She talks through her treatment, the all clear verdict, the news of her miracle pregnancy, the marriage that didn’t survive and the cancer diagnosis second time round. But rather than a story of sadness and despair, Monika’s is full of hope. Trudy digs deeper to find the source of Monika’s trademark attitude, and in doing so, finds profoundly wise words for anyone facing a challenge, or heartbreaking news.

Watch this edition of SHE WARRIORS to be inspired by an ordinary woman with an extraordinary story. The good, the bad and the hopeful.

Huge thanks to the partners that make these conversations possible, Brown’s Pharmacy, Hyatt Regency Malta and Intimissimi

This brilliantly entertaining show is for the women who have lived across more than one country, who have more than one identity. Women who have family stretched across continents, friends in far off places, who have split their lives across different cultures. This show is for those who have more than one home, more than one love, more than one language.

In this brilliantly lively edition of The SHE Word the four women sitting at the table have one thing in common; they are all both Maltese AND British citizens. Content Creator and Marketing Specialist Katherine Neave is British born with a Maltese Nannu and moved to Malta during COVID to live, work, and experience the islands before returning to the UK after the pandemic. Kate strongly identifies with her Maltese heritage, whilst also deeply connected to England.

Chelsea Bagnall-Falzon is no stranger to the Maltese Islands. Having grown up in the UK, sporting a strong Hertfordshire accent, Chelsea moved to Malta in her early twenties with her Maltese Mum to start a (small) island life and return to her Mediterranean roots.

Emily Jones is a regular of The SHE Word, but what many might not know is that Emily is truly dual nationality, with an English Mum and Maltese Dad. Emily grew up in Malta, with her full high school and university education in Malta, and despite her very British accent Emily is fluent in Maltese.

Trudy is the only naturalised Maltese, the British born TSW host moved to Malta 19 years ago, and chose to make Malta her home, only achieving naturalised Maltese citizenship in 2024. What she lacks in her mastering of the Maltese language, she more than makes up for with her love of the Maltese islands and passion for the history of this remarkable archipelago.

The guests explore the hot topic of language, (including swearing!) - both Maltese and English. The ladies discuss dating, relationships, body count and English vs Maltese men. The four dive into identity, friendships, religion, humour, glaring cultural differences, alongside the commonalities, they cover prejudice and assumptions as well as respect and appreciation for the countries they call home.

The relationship between Malta and England dates back to 1800 and like all love stories, there have been good times and tougher times in this trans continental bond. With 420,000 Maltese living across the globe, and a significant community of Maltese in the UK, along with a healthy presence of British in Malta, it is little wonder that this cultural romance has given birth to many who have both Maltese and British nationality, dual identity, women and men who live across two cultures.

So many of us identify with more than one culture. Across the ages millions moved across the globe for a variety of reasons and motivations, be it love, lifestyle, work, war, finances, family and more now than ever before. Sitting across more than one culture brings a rich diversity and colourful life, but it also brings its own challenges.

It is undoubtably exciting to have the opportunity to call more than one country home, but it definitely isn’t plain sailing. Tune in to hear what the guests have to say about the British and Maltese alike and how their double identity has shaped them as women.

Have your say in the COMMENTS (Maltese language comments welcome )

With HUGE thanks to: Browns, Prohealth, Tampax, Always, Maison Perrier, Satariano Living, Dave’s Supermarkets, iCentre, YUE, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, Monsoon, Myoka Spas and UBER

In Danae Mercer Ricci’s 2024 talk At The SHE Word Event she dropped an astounding statistic - Danae stated that the diet business is worth 90 Billion Dollar; a business that thrives on us feeling we need to be something else, that we are not enough. The Body Shaming Culture is affecting girls as young as 6 years old who are turning to dieting as a result of being actively targeted by the industry.

25–50% of teenagers reporting weight-based discrimination with another report stating that up to 67% students experience body shaming. One study reports that at age thirteen, 53% of girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. The Body Shaming Culture has reached epidemic levels and we simply aren’t talking about this enough.

In this episode of The SHE Word, Trudy sits down with three women who have not only experienced body shaming, but have taken steps to actively combat this culture. Corrine Muscat is well known for her radio and voice over artist voice, but in the past few years trained and qualified as a personal trainer specifically working with women and men struggling to get started, just as she did in the past. Leeanne Bartolo is the name and face behind the Gym, Sports and Fitness brand Warehouse, but despite being WFF Bikini World Champion has struggled with her own appearance and the way that she has felt about herself. Caroline Abela is a full time mum at full time work and shares her own battles with body image and being body shamed.

The women powerfully share their own journeys, from childhood body shaming, teenager bullying, online trolling and the struggles to deal with the Filtered Untruth we are challenged by every day. The conversation is full of heart breaking stories, personal accounts, honest and brave accounts and words of hope and encouragement.

Feel seen in this show by women who are having a conversation that women really rarely have, that we really should have, not just for ourselves, but for the millions of young women and girls that are also affected by the body shaming culture.

With HUGE thanks to: Browns, Prohealth, Tampax, Always, Maison Perrier, Satariano Living, Dave’s Supermarkets, iCentre, YUE, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, Monsoon, Myoka Spas and UBER

The SHE Word Mums S1/EP6 - Mums and Parenting in the Public Eye

The She Word Mums is back with a bang after some time off in September. But we are back bigger than ever as we discuss Mums in the public eye. How do they do it? Do they feel more pressure? Or is it really just a walk in the park where they get a bunch of freebies and special treatment?

In this episode, Nerissa Massa is joined by 3 fantastic guests- Hon. Minister Miriam Dalli, Hon. Rebekah Borg and actress and TV presenter Lara Azzopardi.

All three women were in the public eye before they had kids and Hon Dalli and Lara have graced our TV screens since their youth so they know a thing or two about being in the spotlight.

In this show we have an honest, open discussion about the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood- but doing this in public. We discuss the common misconceptions people have of mums in the public eye and what these mums actually go through.

We discuss the juggle of work, and public commitments and motherhood, having no maternity leave in the Maltese and European Parliament and how important - no matter your role- to accept help when it is available.

These women open up about judgement and pressures they feel and about funny experiences they have gone through as they navigate motherhood in the public eye. An eye opener episode which every mum - whether in the public eye or not, can relate to.

Many thanks to our sponsors Hyatt Regency, Browns, La Roche Posay, Pemix Distributors (BabyLino), Ayur Veda, Slinky and Co, iCentre, Monsoon

Yes, you read it right. In this Afterhours Special of The SHE Word, Trudy, Tez and Sue sit down with Max Vassalo of Bajd U Beiken for possibly the most unexpected episode of The SHE Word.

Max and the hosts of The SHE Word have been known to disagree on topics and content of each other’s shows, and to be fair when they do publicly comment they’ve often hit the headlines. However, as is so often the case, there is much more to the individuals involved than is portrayed in the media.

Host Trudy invites Max as a special guest to this adult version of the show to add his thoughts on a wide range of topics. This episode demonstrates that it is not just possible to discuss, debate and still disagree, but to also like and respect someone you don’t always see eye to eye with.

But this show isn’t a demonstration of differences. In this episode the four at the table find that there is a great deal of common ground. Trudy, Max, Sue and Tez dive into finding out what the opposite sex thinks about key topics such as sex, red flags, women’s and men’s roles in the home, parenting, love languages, same sex and opposite sex friendships, and much more.

This show is not only brilliantly funny and unexpectedly honest; this special episode also shows an emotional side of Max that few will be familiar with. Laugh along with the guests as they drop innuendos and crack jokes, but also delve into surprising sensitive topics with often very unexpected outcomes.

As the guest list and the name suggests, the conversation is littered with ADULT references and language - so please be warned!

With HUGE thanks to: Browns, Prohealth, Tampax, Always, Maison Perrier, Satariano Living, Dave’s Supermarkets, iCentre, YUE, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, Monsoon, Myoka Spas and UBER

What’s it really like to be a young woman working in media today? It’s a world that can be unpredictable, funny, and sometimes downright chaotic, full of bloopers, slip-ups, and unexpected encounters that make for the best stories.

But it also comes with very real challenges: balancing public and private life, handling criticism, and finding your own voice in an industry that isn’t always built to listen.

In this episode of The SHE Word’s Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha, a former journalist who continues to work in media, is joined by three incredible guests: Naomi Scicluna, Head of Creative at FreeHour Malta and content creator; Angelica Farrugia, journalist and newscaster at TVM News; and Martha Attard, radio host and broadcasting producer at Vibe FM.

Together, the four women swap hilarious on-air mishaps and behind-the-scenes stories, while also reflecting on what it means to represent young women in spaces that remain largely male-dominated.

The conversation flows between laughter and honesty, from the pressure to always “look the part,” to the nerves of going live for the first time, to the joy of creating work that genuinely connects with people.

It’s about boundaries, burnout, ambition, and above all, the importance of finding joy in the middle of it all.

Lively, hilarious, and empowering, this episode captures what it really takes for young women in media to not just survive, but thrive.

With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus

Every woman has a story, but some are more ambitious and adventurous than others.

Helga Ellul’s story is one that leaves listeners speechless, in awe of this trailblazer, and inspiring in every way imaginable which makes her the very best guest of The SHE WARRIORS, because we all need to be challenged and inspired by other women, to aim higher, to motivated to be the very best we can be.

Helga’s journey is not only an outstanding career story, a breath taking personal tale - the story of a woman travelling thousands of kilometres to help build one of the toy industry’s biggest success stories, in a country she had never been to before - but this is also the story of a daughter, a mum, a wife, an ambitious employee, a CEO, a company president, an entrepreneur, a mentor, an adventurer, a philanthropist and a feisty young lady who didn’t compromise, didn’t take no for an answer and who has pushed boundaries at every stage of her life.

In this edition of SHE WARRIORS Helga Ellul sits down with Trudy Kerr for a very different interview sharing parts of her journey never heard before. In this conversation Helga shares the story of her childhood growing up in post war Germany, her move to Malta in her the 70s - driving across Europe in a brightly painted VW Beetle, the rebellious hippy turned into multi million Euro company CEO. The ladies talk about family values, the challenge of balancing a career with family, the importance of the her children and the secret to a great marriage.

Helga Ellul is a pioneer - a woman before her time - and in this conversation she shares her experiences of criticism from other women, her challenge to connect and create friendships, women’s reluctance to support other women, women who are creating change, the importance mentoring others women, and the most important lessons from a life well lived.

In an interview like no other, be inspired, be empowered and learn from a woman who didn’t let any obstacle stop her.

Many thanks to Browns, Hyatt Regency and Intimissimi for supporting these conversations!

This outstandingly powerful episode of The SHE Word touches on a topic that affects us all but is very rarely openly spoken about; Trauma. Trauma is impossible to avoid, and what one person might find deeply traumatic, another might breeze through. Likewise, an experience that might be seemingly small and insignificant to some might leave deep wounds for another. Simply put, none of us walk the same path and navigate the same trauma. Even children growing up in the same home do not experience the same childhood - and this applies throughout life.

In this show Trudy is joined by TSW regular Sue Caruana, political figure and counselor Rachel Williams, and author and business woman Pamela Michaux for a raw, honest and moving time of sharing and discussion. Each of the women openly and powerfully share their trauma experiences and describe how this shaped their lives and affected their decisions.

The women bond over common threads and repeated behaviour; the gas lighting reactions; the 'walking into the room responses'. Watch and be seen as the women (sometimes tearfully) speak about the sadness, loneliness, abuse and isolation that has affected them. Listen and identify as Trudy guides the guests navigate what trauma is and the validity of their own experiences; from surviving childhood beatings, to abandonment and complete lack of love, from abusive relationships and marriages to lack of self worth and long lasting anger.

In this show Trudy also delves into the positive lasting legacies that make Sue, Rachel and Pamela the powerful women they are today. The episode looks at the fire that drives them, the freedom that comes with forgiveness and the power that overcoming trauma can bring.

If you are affected by any aspect of the show and conversations, please do seek support. Richmond Foundation: https://www.richmond.org.mt call 1770

With HUGE thanks to: Browns, Prohealth, Tampax, Always, Maison Perrier, Satariano Living, Dave’s Supermarkets, iCentre, YUE, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, Monsoon, Myoka Spas and UBER