"Why don't people in abusive relationships just leave?"

That's the question Jess Phillips gets asked on a regular basis.

In this letterbox episode, Jess and Malin explain the difficulty of escaping domestic abuse, how many abusers tend to follow the same patterns of behaviour and the struggle for equality women still face today.

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues surrounding the conversation, you can access information and support online.

You can visit the website Refuge at refuge.org.uk or you can call the National Abuse Helpline anytime for free at 0808 2000 247 

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had your hope "stamped out" by someone in your life?

In this week's episode, Jess Phillips chats to Jessie Cave about the letter she would write to the director who treated her badly in the early stages of her acting career and about the importance of having inclusivity and respect in the workplace.

Jess and Jessie also talk about the grief of losing a family member, the gift of having an 'everything in one' sister, juggling motherhood and having a career and how having children can help you to grow as a person.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod

TW: Contains discussions about deaths and people dying of horrific accidents.

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If you've survived a traumatic experience, you'll know the feelings of grief and exhaustion it can carry.

In this letterbox episode, author Holly Bourne talks to Jess about the traumatic impact of domestic abuse, forgiving yourself during recovery and the contemporary use of the word 'triggers'.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues surrounding the conversation, you can access information and support online.

You can visit the website Refuge at refuge.org.uk or you can call the National Abuse Helpline anytime for free at 0808 2000 247 

And if you are struggling with your mental health, you can visit www.samaritans.org or call them for free at 116 123.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have suffered a trauma, you'll know that recovery can be a long process.

In this episode, Paralympian and British Wheelchair basketball player Sophie Carrigill tells Jess Phillips about the traumatic car accident she had, its impact on herself and her family and the letter she would write to the surgeon who saved her life.

Plus, Sophie chats about her sporting success, the joy of having a group of girlfriends and the unique connection we can have with our grandparents.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod.

Trigger Warning: This conversation contains details about injuries following a life-threatening car accident.

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Glyn Fussell is an author, activist and LGBTQ+ icon and is behind some of London's biggest club nights.

He is the the co-founder of East Creative, Mighty Hoopla and Sink The Pink.

In this letterbox episode, Glyn tells Jess about finding the people who understand you, celebrating being different and how the singer-songwriter Björk helped him to discover his true self and "find his way" in life.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Where are the women?"

Lisa Nandy is the Labour MP for Wigan and the Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

In this conversation, Jess and Lisa talk about the realities of working in politics, being women and working mums in Westminster and discuss the three people Lisa would write letters to and who have influenced her life.

They reveal the hilarious moments, the times where politicians "fall off the tightrope" and how to pick yourself up.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this letterbox episode, Jess speaks to journalist Paul Brand about the friendship he found with Miriam Hobbs; a woman he met when she was 88 years-old.

They speak about kindness, gratitude and sharing life experiences with different generations.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you imagine growing up without celebrations?

For author and screenwriter Kit De Waal this was the norm, after her mother decided to become a Jehovah's witness.

In this episode, Kit and Jess chat about why they love receiving handwritten letters, their love for Birmingham and TV writer Sally Wainwright's portrayal of the working class on British television.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod.

Trigger Warning: This contains discussions of substance abuse and rape.

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When Zara McDermott was 14 years-old and at school, she was a victim of revenge porn and says she was 'punished' as a result.

In this letterbox episode, Zara tells Jess about the supportive letter she received from her old psychology teacher and the words she read which meant the world to her.

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Infertility, IVF & pregnancy loss

Do you have a friend in your life that you connected with immediately?

For journalist Elizabeth Day, it was her friend Emma and in this episode, Elizabeth tells Jess about the joy she brings to her life, as well as how she helped her heal during the toughest moments when she believed she 'failed' as a woman.

Elizabeth tells Jess about her special 'no judgement' friendship, their mutual feelings around jealousy at work, her fertility struggles and what it was like growing up around the violence of Northern Ireland's Troubles. 

Follow the podcast at @jessphillipspod to keep up with the latest episodes and share your letters of gratitude using the hashtag: #JessPhillipsPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.