Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Clare Mulley is an award-winning public historian, author and broadcaster, primarily focused on female experience during the Second World War. Clare’s most recent book Agent Zo: The Untold Story of courageous Second World War resistance Fighter, Elżbieta Zawacka, is the critically-acclaimed biography of the only woman to parachute from Britain to Nazi German-occupied Poland. Previous titles include the award-winning The Woman Who Saved the Children, on Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children; The Spy Who Loved a biography of the first woman to serve Britain as a special agent in the Second World War and The Women Who Flew for Hitler, which tells the story of Nazi Germany’s only two female test pilots. Clare’s books are widely translated and have all been optioned for film or TV. 

Clare regularly appears in the press and on TV. Clare is a brilliant storyteller, bringing to life the remarkable stories of extraordinary women who made significant contributions during the world wars—women whose legacies deserve to be known. She shares the inspiration behind her first book about Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children, and the journey that guided her in choosing her next subjects. Clare offers insight into her meticulous research and writing process, striving to create biographies that are both historically accurate and deeply engaging. Many of these women were often judged by their appearance rather than their achievements—a bias that remains relevant in today’s society. These women were true female icons.

Transcription link:

www.joyceharper.com/podcasts

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-27T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00.54.35
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
Guests: Clare Mulley
Producer: Joyce Harper

Glenn Stout is a freelance writer, author, and editorial consultant, served as series editor of The Best American Sports Writing since its inception, and was Founding Editor of The Year’s Best Sports Writing. He is the author of Young Woman and the Sea, Tiger Girl and the Candy Kid, Fenway 1912, and many others. Glenn began as a free-lance career in 1986 and has been a full-time author since 1993. He has written, ghostwritten or edited one hundred books representing sales of more than three million copies. Glenn has also served as a writing coach for private clients, given presentations to groups of editors, writers and students about writing books, the writing process and the editorial process he uses for longform journalism. He also serves as Director of the Archer City Writer’s Workshops at the Larry Mac Mur try Literary Center in Archer City, Texas Glenn grew up in Ohio, graduated from Bard College in New York, and lived in and around Boston for 20 years before moving to Vermont in 2002. He is a citizen of both the United States and Canada. 

Glenn has been a sportswriter for decades, and when he discovered that Gertrude (Trudy) Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel on August 6, 1926, he was compelled to tell her story. She is one of many remarkable female pioneers whose achievements remain largely unknown. Before trailblazers like Trudy, Annette Kellerman, and Charlotte Epstein, women’s participation in swimming was rare, partly due to societal restrictions on modesty and concerns about the sport’s safety for women. However, these women defied expectations, with Trudy proving beyond doubt that women could not only swim—but excel. In this podcast, we uncover some of the astonishing facts about swimming during this era.

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-24T00:00:00Z
Duration: 01.01.59
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
Guests: Glenn Stout
Producer: Joyce Harper

Professor Helen O'Connell is a leading researcher in the area of female pelvic anatomy and was the first woman to complete training as a urologist in Australia in 1994. She did her Fellowship training in the US in 1994-5 in the management, including surgery, of all problems affecting function of the lower urinary tract in men and women. In 2023 she became the President of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. She uses state of the art medical imaging to treat a long list of conditions. Helen was the first person to accurately describe the structure of the clitoris. 

Instagram: @profhelenoconnell 

It is astonishing that before Helen’s work in the 1990s, the anatomy of the clitoris was not fully understood. Through her ground-breaking research, she published two key papers in 1998 and 2005 that revealed the intricate structure of the clitoris. Her findings showed that the visible glans, rich in thousands of nerve endings, is only a small part of a much larger organ. The crura (two internal arms) wrap around the vaginal canal, while the vestibular bulbs sit on either side of the vaginal opening. Apart from the glans, the clitoris is composed of erectile tissue, designed to facilitate female orgasm. It is there for a reason – for women to have an orgasm. If achieving orgasm is difficult, seeking medical advice can be beneficial. Helen also explores the diversity of female anatomy, the misleading portrayal of sex in pornography, and the risks of labial surgery for cosmetic reasons. We discuss how female genitals change throughout life, the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM), and the controversial question—does the G-spot really exist?

Transcription link:

www.joyceharper.com/podcasts

Date of episode recording: 2025-03-13T00:00:00Z
Duration: 01.06.28
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
Guests: Professor Helen O'Connell
Producer: Joyce Harper

Pippa is a consultant urologist at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and is the lead for the male infertility service. A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and reproductive system for men, women, and children. Pippa qualified from Guy’s and St Thomas’s Medical School, London in 2001. She has further degrees in Psychology (BSc) and was awarded the gold medal in the Urology MSc. She holds an Honorary Associate Professor post within reproductive health. Her main area of expertise is Andrology. An andrologist is someone who focuses on male sexual health and the male reproductive system. 

Pippa particularly works with men suffering with infertility, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease and associated endocrine related issues. In addition to medically improving men’s sperm counts and health, she performs surgical sperm retrieval and is a world-renowned expert at MicroTESE and varicocele repair. 

Instagram: @pippa_sangster 

How much do you know about the anatomy and function of the penis and testicles? Does penis size matter? Pippa says the answer is no! We explored the role of testosterone in men, debunking some common myths about it. Sex for men is complicated – getting an erection, sustaining an erection, not coming too soon, or too late. Pippa explains the ladder of medical treatments that men can use to help with erections and the link between the lack of erection and heart disease, primarily due to the role of blood flow and vascular health in both conditions. If a man has any problems with getting an erection, he should see his doctor. However, ejaculation problems are often more difficult to treat. Pippa has encountered many men resorting to black market treatments to solve these issues, including injecting unregulated substances into their penis. 

We also discuss what men need to consider if they want to have children. And Pippa explains testicular, penile, and prostate cancer. Men's reproductive health remains a taboo subject, and it's time to break the silence—encouraging men to talk openly, both with each other and with their doctors.

Transcription link:

www.joyceharper.com/podcasts

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-28T00:00:00Z
Duration: 01.10.22
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
Guests: Dr Pippa Sangster
Producer: Joyce Harper

Dr Anita Mitra is a renowned Dr in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is also known as The Gynae Geek on social media. With over 160k followers on Instagram, she is a trusted source of information, in a time rife with many self-proclaimed experts and internet gurus. Her medical journey began at the University of Leicester, where she first earned a BSc in Medical Biochemistry and then a degree in Medicine. Anita is presently a Clinical Research Fellow in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London, alongside practising as a Subspecialty Fellow in Gynaecological Oncology at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. In 2019 Anita published her book The Gynae Geek, which seeks to empower women by dispelling myths and educating them about how their body works using scientific research. The book also tackles topical issues, such as menopause, contraception, and cancer. When not in the lab, or solving mysteries between someone’s legs, Anita can be found in a gym perfecting her deadlift technique, drinking overpriced coffee in various London cafes, or running around after her two year old twins.

Instagram: @gynaegeek https://www.gynaegeek.com/ 

How much were you taught at school about the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries? In this podcast, Anita explains what these structures look like (you can find more images on her website) and how they work together. We explore how the menstrual cycle is driven by hormones affecting these organs, leading to periods and ovulation, and delve into what happens during pregnancy. Anita guides us through how these organs change throughout a woman’s life—from before puberty to post-menopause—and highlights some of the health conditions that can affect the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. She explains the warning signs we should all be aware of, when to seek help, and the tests available to identify potential issues. 

While we may not have cures for many women’s health conditions, Anita discusses the treatments available to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Maintaining the health of our reproductive system starts with preventative care. Anita emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and mental health, showing how interconnected these aspects are. Anita tells us about her amazing work as the Gynae Geek and shares insights from her two brilliant books and her extensive experience as a doctor treating patients. She also offers real stories from her practice that shed light on the challenges and triumphs in women’s health. This is a podcast where everyone will learn something valuable. 

 Date of episode recording: 2025-01-15T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 01.19.52
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Dr Anita Mitra, The Gynae Geek
 Producer: Joyce Harper
 

Dr Tasha is a highly-respected consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at The Holly Private Hospital and also practices for the NHS in Chelmsford. Her specialisms include breast cancer surgery, breast lumps and breast pain, alongside breast reconstruction, nipple discharge and breast surgery. Dr Tasha has an MBBS from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, an MEd in Surgical Education from Imperial College London and a BSc and PhD from University College London. She also has a FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr Tasha shares her expert knowledge via her 'My Breast, My Health' blog and podcast. She has dedicated her life to helping people navigate through breast cancer.

Instagram: @drtashag YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_6rR4QmTy8gXa5wWppxwTQ 

The structure of the breast is relatively simple, with two primary functions: breastfeeding and pleasure. Dr. Tasha sheds light on why men have nipples and debunks many common myths surrounding breasts. Together, we explore why breastfeeding rates are decreasing while breast surgeries are on the rise. Dr. Tasha also explains how breasts change throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as from puberty to menopause. We dive into the topic of bras—are you one of those people who can’t wait to take your bra off the moment you get home? Dr. Tasha discusses whether you’re wearing the right bra, particularly for proper support during exercise. We also address key issues such as breast pain, breast cancer, and other common breast health concerns. Dr. Tasha provides practical advice on how often and how to perform a proper breast examination. As with many areas of health, lifestyle choices are crucial for maintaining breast health. This might make you think twice before drinking that glass of wine! 

 Date of episode recording: 2025-01-22T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 00.53.08
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Dr Tasha Gandamihardja
 Producer: Joyce Harper
 

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Host, Speaker and a well-regarded health content creator. Aziza is particularly noted for her work in health education, awareness, advocacy, and empowerment through her platform, "Talks with Dr. Sesay." This platform shares evidence-based health information, with a focus on women's health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Aziza has been a GP for the last 10 years. She is the Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and serves as an Ambassador for multiple health charities, including The Eve Appeal, Wellbeing of Women, FSRH, Hatfield Vision and Keep it Fax. Aziza is regularly featured in the media such as on BBC News, The Guardian, and Women's Health UK. She has played a pivotal role in several national public health campaigns. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing health inequities has earned her recognition and respect including receiving a Point of Light Award.

Instagram: @talkswithdrsesay YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYTBJMSf_g-2h0kcmkFjCgQ 

It’s no surprise that misconceptions about the vulva, vagina, and cervix are so common, given how basic and limited education on these topics is in schools. The word vulva is still frowned upon by many, treated as if it’s inappropriate or taboo. This needs to change. In this discussion, Aziza explains the anatomy of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, covering what they look like, their functions, what can go wrong, and how to keep them healthy. Did you know women actually have seven openings in the genital area? These include the urethra, vagina, anus, and four openings from glands that secrete fluids. Aziza highlights the importance of understanding the "4 Ps": protection, passageway, pleasure, and policing. And yes, let’s make full use of the 10,000 nerve endings in the vulva designed for pleasure! We also tackle the problems with porn, particularly its portrayal of unrealistic vulvas, which can distort perceptions. Aziza dives into the vaginal microbiome, the implications of genital surgery, and how these structures change throughout the menstrual cycle and across life stages, from puberty to menopause. Throughout her career, Aziza has been asked countless questions about these topics—it’s time everyone truly understands their reproductive anatomy. 

 Date of episode recording: 2025-01-20T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 01.17.39
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Dr Aziza Sesay
 Producer: Joyce Harper 
 

In this episode, Joyce shares that her podcast is now listened to in over 90 countries. She reflects on the highlights from 2024, including the launch of a mini-series featuring episodes on Motherhood, Embracing life post menopause, and Beyond the Bleed: Exploring Menstrual Health. She has some incredible guests lined up for 2025. And thanks to Dave Krysko for creating the new podcast music.

On the very first episode of Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This?, Joyce revealed that her advice to her younger self would have been to beat her sugar addiction and spend more time being still. Fast forward to today, and she shares her triumph—nearly five months without eating chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sweets, or pastries. Joyce reflects on how challenging this is in today’s society and discusses why breaking these habits is so important. She also recounts her attempts at silent days in 2024, admitting they weren’t a total success but is a work in progress for 2025.

Joyce has been hard at work on her upcoming book, which she hopes will empower women to live their best lives. She provides a sneak peek into the chapters on health and happiness, including the development of her Wheel of Health and Happiness. This framework, which she has shared in her blogs, will also feature in the retreats she is organizing in Brighton and the South of France.

In this episode, Joyce also delves into her ongoing projects, including the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration, the InTune menopause education and support program, and her work with the SwimHer team, focusing on cold-water swimming and women’s health. She also highlights her research into menstrual health. Now an ambassador for Wellbeing of Women, Joyce looks forward to collaborating with the WoW team in 2025. On a more personal note, Joyce opens up about her twins leaving home, how her campervan has transformed her life, navigating her financial challenges, and her journey to find love. She also shares how creating a vision board has profoundly impacted her life.

Joyce has been writing blogs on many of the topics discussed in this episode, which can be found on her Global Women Connected section of her website. In 2025, she is relaunching her newsletters, which you can sign up for at www.joyceharper.com. 

 Date of episode recording: 2025-01-05T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 00.51.31
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Professor Joyce Harper
 Producer: Joyce Harper

Sheree Hargreaves is a campaigner to improve awareness of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). At just 15 years old, Sheree was diagnosed with POI, which is a condition that drastically altered the course of her life. Now, at 24, Sheree is using her story to raise awareness about this often-misunderstood condition and to support others who may feel isolated by their diagnosis. Sheree holds a Master's degree in Gender, Society and Representation from University College London, where she explored societal, political, and cultural structures. She is an Early Menopause Educator, Research and Engagement Lead and Menopause Ambassador. Sheree often appears in the press to talk about POI and is very active on social media with her Instagram account – Life of POI.

Instagram @lifeofpoi and https://www.pauseandunite.co.uk/Sheree-Hargreaves-early-menopause-ambassador
https://www.eshre.eu/-/media/sitecore-files/Guidelines/POI/2024/POI-GUIDELINE_Patient-version_2024_12_10.pdf

Sheree’s story is heartbreaking. She never had a period, and at age 15, her mother insisted on blood tests. The results revealed that she was infertile and was suffering from what was then called primary ovarian failure – now failure has been replaced with insufficiency. Can you imagine being given such life-changing news at just 15? 

Sheree suffers from primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a rare condition that affects about 1% of women aged 15 to 44, though it is more common in women over 30. In this podcast, Sheree shares personal details of her journey so far — the medications she takes to stay healthy, and what POI means for her chances of starting a family in the future. We also discuss the causes of POI, its symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments. Sheree has been working tirelessly to connect women experiencing POI and raise awareness through her Instagram account, @lifeofpoi. 

 Date of episode recording: 2024-12-11T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 00.55.10
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Sheree Hargreaves
 Producer: Joyce Harper 

PCOS Professor Teede is the Director of Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, Monash University and an Endocrinologist at Monash Health. She holds an Order of Australia for services to Women’s Health. Through decades of research, Helena is considered one of the world leaders in women’s health including PCOS, healthy pregnancy and menopause. She is a strong advocate for advancing women in leadership in healthcare and research and leads the International “Advancing Women in Healthcare and Health and Medical Science” initiative with 22 partners. She is dedicated to impact and equity, based on genuine partnership with the community, patients and carers in research and health service codesign and delivery. Her work reaches all 195 countries, and she has been awarded for international engagement.

Useful links: https://www.askpcos.org/ TikTok - @pcosvitality
https://www.eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Legal/Guidelines/Polycystic-Ovary-Syndrome

Did you know that PCOS affects more than 1 in 10 women? Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life. In this podcast, Helena explains what PCOS is, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. PCOS is a complex syndrome that is often misunderstood. Many believe it is solely a disorder of the ovaries or just about having infrequent periods, but it is much more than that. PCOS can impact metabolism, mental health, and fertility, leading to both short- and long-term health challenges. Women with PCOS face an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, sleep issues, endometrial cancer, fertility difficulties, weight problems, and mental health struggles. Lifestyle management plays a crucial role, and we discussed how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy weight in today’s society. 

Helena highlights the importance of early recognition, especially in adolescents. Symptoms like irregular periods, severe acne, and excess body hair are enough to diagnose PCOS. For younger women, further tests are often unnecessary, but for older women, scans and blood tests may be recommended. Alongside lifestyle changes, the contraceptive pill can be a useful tool for managing symptoms. Everyone should know about PCOS. 

 Date of episode recording: 2024-12-18T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 01.06.37
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Professor Helena Teede
 Producer: Joyce Harper