Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

Rachel sits down with Polly Toynbee, one of The Guardian’s most respected columnists, for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, society, and the role of the press. Rachel draws out Toynbee’s reflections on her decades at the heart of political journalism, exploring how her upbringing, values, and career have shaped her perspective. Toynbee speaks candidly about inequality, social mobility, and the challenges facing modern Bri...

Rachel sits down with Helen Whately MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. They explore the challenges facing the NHS and social care sector, delve into the realities of policy-making, and discuss Helen’s journey through politics - from balancing motherhood with ministerial duties to navigating turbulent times in Westminster. A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, leadership, and social impact in toda...

In this lively and entertaining episode, Rachel Johnson sits down with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts for a sharp, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation. The two discuss Sophia’s transition from Tatler columnist to bestselling novelist, her hilarious takes on modern romance, and what it’s really like growing up among Britain’s aristocracy. With her trademark wit, Rachel draws out stories of dating mishaps, social f...

In this intimate episode, Rachel sits down with acclaimed author Emma Forrest for a candid conversation about the turning points that shaped her life. Emma reflects on the moment Nigella Lawson gave her a crucial early break, the raw challenges of becoming a mother, and her ongoing battle with mental health. She also opens up about her emotionally charged and complex relationship with actor Colin Farrell. With honesty and depth, th...

Sharon Gaffka shot to fame on Love Island, but she’s since traded villa drama for real-world impact. A former civil servant turned fierce activist, Sharon now champions women’s rights, digital safety, and diversity in public life. Whether she’s taking on online abuse or advocating for change in Parliament, she’s using her platform to make waves far beyond reality TV. Smart, driven, and refreshingly outspoken, Sharon’s journey is an...

Deesha Dyer is a former White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama whose journey from community college student to one of the most senior event planners in the U.S. government is anything but typical. Raised in modest circumstances and working multiple jobs, she applied for a White House internship at age 31—despite battling imposter syndrome and having no political connections. That bold move launched a career in pu...

Kate Muir is a bestselling author, campaigner, and documentary maker whose powerful work has helped spark the conversation around women's health. Formerly the chief film critic at The Times, Kate turned her sharp eye and storytelling skills toward a deeply personal subject after enduring a disastrous menopause experience. That struggle became the catalyst for her groundbreaking new book, Everything You Need to Know A...

Clare-Louise Knox is a leading feminist psychologist and founder of See Her Thrive, a consultancy dedicated to improving women's health and wellbeing at work. Specialising in the intersection of gender, mental health, and workplace culture, Clare-Louise advocates for inclusive policies around menstrual health, menopause, and reproductive wellbeing. Her work challenges outdated norms and empowers organisations to better support...

Sarah Pochin, the newly elected Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made headlines with a shock by-election win—snatching the seat by just six votes from Labour. A former Conservative councillor and corporate exec, Pochin’s political rise has been marked by controversy, including a judicial reprimand and multiple party switches. Her Commons debut sparked national uproar after she called for a UK ban on the burqa, prompting backlas...

Penny Smith is a seasoned British television and radio presenter, journalist, and author, best known for co-hosting GMTV's News Hour from 1993 to 2010. She began her career in print journalism before moving into broadcasting with roles at Border TV, Thames News, and Sky News. Penny has also hosted shows on Classic FM, BBC Radio London, and Talkradio, and is a published author of two novels. A passionate advocate for the arts and we...

Rachel Kelly is a bestselling author and mental health advocate whose work shines a light on postpartum depression and the pressures faced by modern mothers. Drawing from her own experience of a severe depressive episode after the birth of her second child, Rachel has become a powerful voice for maternal mental health. Through books like Black Rainbow and her work with charities such as SANE and Rethink Mental Illness, sh...

Justine Roberts is the founder and CEO of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest online network for parents—and a surprising powerhouse in British political life. Since its launch in 2000, Mumsnet has grown from a niche forum into a digital force capable of shaping public debate, influencing party manifestos, and unnerving prime ministers. Politicians from across the spectrum have courted its users, recognising the site's unique reach into...

This week's difficult women is novice MP Katie Lam. You may have seen Katie this past month making waves for her bold advocacy on victim’s rights, especially when it comes to grooming gangs. Equipped with a history of defiant difficult and a trademark no-nonsense approach, she’s championing the fight for victims’ support while demanding accountability for perpetrators. Listen along to this novice MP who may well end up a household ...

Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan is a neurologist and award-winning author. In her latest book, The Age of Diagnosis, she tackles the growing crisis of overdiagnosis—how modern medicine's obsession with labels may be doing more harm than good. Drawing from her front-line experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Sullivan reflects on how uncertainty, fear, and the urge to explain the unexplainable shaped her thinking and deepened her underst...