Women in Focus

Helen celebrates two years of Women in Focus with a special anniversary panel, bringing together six inspiring women from the podcast's first year. Linda Weber, Angela de la Cruz, Siobhan Hazzan, Martha Vickery, Anne Nisbet, and Lins from Naked Wanderings unite as one panel to reflect on how naturism has transformed their relationships with their bodies, challenged societal misconceptions, and created communities of acceptance. From Martha's "hobbit toes" to Siobhan's conversation with her daughter about swimming pools, the panel shares honest, often humorous insights into body confidence, the realization that nobody cares how you look, and the freedom that comes from letting go of the male gaze. The conversation explores generational attitudes, the rising presence of women in naturist leadership, and the ongoing challenge of explaining to family and friends that social nudity is about acceptance, not exhibition.

Helen also shares news of her new website, Women In Naturism, a dedicated resource for women new to exploring naturism.

The panel, in episode order, were:

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Erin Gilgur is relatively new to naturism but is already the digital marketing and engagement director at Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Florida. In this episode she talks about her introduction to naturism, the challenges and misconceptions surrounding body image, and how social nudity can help women overcome their insecurities. Erin explains the realities of marketing a major naturist resort, including event planning, community outreach, and inclusive marketing strategies. She also talks about how body diversity is represented at Lake Como, her perspective on common myths about naturism, and offers practical advice for women interested in trying naturism for the first time.

Links for Erin Gilgur and Lake Como:

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Helen welcomes back Linda Weber for an inspiring conversation about women stepping into leadership across the naturist world. Now as president of AANR, a major naturist organisation, Linda reflects on her own journey, the growing presence of women at the helm of clubs and federations, and the unique perspectives they bring to the movement. The discussion explores the challenges of modernising traditional organisations, the importance of listening to young and diverse voices, and the power of collaboration across borders. With personal stories, practical advice, and a celebration of everyday leadership, this episode sheds light on the women nurturing and shaping the future of naturism.

Links for Linda Weber:

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In this heartwarming episode, Helen welcomes her stepdaughter Lizzie for an open conversation about generational attitudes toward nudity, growing up with a naturist dad, and with ready-made body confidence. From family stories and media appearances to running naked 5Ks and challenging social norms, Helen and Lizzie share laughs, insights, and advice on embracing yourself - clothes or no clothes. It's a fresh take on body positivity, acceptance, and the freedom to just be yourself from the perspective of young Gen-Z woman.

In addition to their discussion, Helen's husband Simon has published an accompanying article on the INF-FNI blog on the subject of children and naturism. Check it out at: blog.inf-fni.org/why-were-protecting-children-from-the-wrong-things.

Also in this episode, Helen catches up with Fiona Discombe and discuss the Free the Nipple debate. Together they reflect on how society continues to police women’s bodies, why UK television rules still draw arbitrary lines, and what genuine equality might look like in practice.

Links for Fiona and Lizzie:

Contact Women in Focus: [email protected]

Louise Butcher, known as the 'Topless Runner,' revisits her journey from childhood trauma to beating lobular breast cancer. She discusses the emotional depth of her new book 'Going Topless', emphasizing resilience and living in the present. Louise unapologetically shares her scars with the world, fights societal norms around breastless bodies, and highlights the importance of body acceptance. Her advocacy alongside her topless running includes support for the RDHC Topless Swim and the Free the Nipple campaign. And there's still the question of that Naked 5K!

Links for Louise Butcher:

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Louise Butcher, the "Topless Runner", shares her powerful story of battling health anxiety and overcoming lobular breast cancer. Discover how Louise's determination led her to advocate for a double mastectomy without reconstruction, challenging societal norms and fighting the stigma surrounding breastless bodies. She discusses her journey of reclaiming control over her body, the emotional process of grief and acceptance, and how her experiences have reshaped her perspective on life, body image, and the inherent misogyny in society's view of women's bodies. She also touches on the profound impact of learning to live in the present. But will she do a Naked 5K?

Links for Louise Butcher:

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Karen Golec is a Canadian naturist living in a small northern community. She is a single woman who is at her happiest when travelling the world and exploring. She talks about body confidence, radical self-acceptance, and the joy of being without shame or judgment. She is a member of several naturist organisations, as she understands that supporting them is vital to furthering naturists rights around the world. Plus it means she gets to find out what is happening around the world and where she can go on her next trip.

Links for Karen Golec:

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Andee Rodgers, the Women In Nude Recreation (WINR) chair for the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), is a proactive advocate for body positivity, self-acceptance, and social naturism. Andee shares her perspective on how naturism can empower women and promote mental wellness, in particular in the wake of her childhood traumas. They discuss the misconceptions around nude recreation, the role of women in the naturist movement, and how shedding your clothes can mean becoming friends with your body and reclaiming your personal body freedom.

You can read Andee's written Women in Focus interview here.

Links for Andee Rodgers:

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Naturism really does have the power to turn lives around. Sarah Woodson, a young mother, has not only seen her confidence grow, but feels it has finally given her back autonomy over her own body after years of physical and sexual abuse. In this episode, Sarah shares her past with Helen, the transformation naturism has brought to her life, and the legal issues that have arisen from her being a resident of Arkansas, probably the most repressive state for naturism in the USA.

Links for Sarah Woodson:

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Join Helen Berriman as she talks to Sarah Tayler in this episode, the second in her two-part interview carrying on from Episode 15. Sarah, a transgender women and proud member of British Naturism, has been a naturist throughout her transition. Sarah shares more of her journey of self-discovery, including her own philosophy on how she lives her life her way, and how naturism offered her a safe and supportive environment, one where every body is celebrated.

Links for Sarah Tayler:

Contact Women in Focus: [email protected]