You know those conversations that leave you buzzing — proud to be a woman, alive in your skin and ready to take on the world? This is one of those. In this episode, Holly speaks with Polly Vernon — journalist, author and all-round truth-teller — known for her fearless interviews with the likes of Donald Trump and Harry Styles, and her sharp, insightful writing for The Times and Grazia. Describing herself as a “thoroughly imperfect, atypical feminist,” Polly is rewriting the sisterhood rules. Together, they explore everything from growing up in a feminist household to navigating expectations around motherhood and childlessness, aging and appearance, fitness and feminism, trauma and resilience. Polly is unflinchingly honest about the pressures women face — and why open, unfiltered conversations about health, choice and defining womanhood on our own terms matter more than ever. She says what many only dare to think — and that courage, that raw authenticity, is what makes her voice so powerful. This is a conversation that challenges, comforts and might just make you a little braver too. Trigger warning: This episode includes mentions of rape and abortion, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you prefer to skip these parts, the discussion on rape runs from 15–23 minutes, and abortion from 46–49 minutes. Please take care while listening.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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