Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

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 anything but ordinary.

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 public service and advocacy, which she chronicles in her memoir Undiplomatic. In this episode, Deesha shares how self-doubt, persistence, and purpose shaped her path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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 About the Menopause (But Were Too Afraid to Ask), which aims to demystify hormonal health and empower women with science-based solutions.

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 Her work challenges outdated norms and empowers organisations to better support women throughout their careers.

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 backlash from Muslim groups and culminating in the temporary resignation of party chair Zia Yusuf.

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 wellbeing, she’s produced yoga videos, is a keen opera fan, and loves hiking.

India Hicks resists definition. Famous for being Di’s bridesmaid, the King’s Goddaughter, and the granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, murdered by the IRA,

Hicks - who has five sons- also combines roles as a designer, model, author, and activist and divides her time between the Bahamas, the UK and the Ukraine

Natasha Hausdorff is a British barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel. A passionate debater since her school days, she is the UK’s fiercest and most uncompromising advocate for Israel’s legal rights to exist and defend itself. With experience spanning the UK, Israel, and international courts, Natasha Hausdorff brings her legal chops to bear on the most controversial war in the world

Sarah Hoover is a writer and art historian whose hit debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, delivers a raw and gripping counter punch to the “bliss of babies” narrative, detailing birth trauma, relationship difficulties, and postpartum depression while exposing the need for maternal healthcare both sides of the Atlantic

There was once hope in the Middle East, but does it now feel further away than ever? In this first episode, unparalleled insight into groundbreaking peace deals left dangling, a recent covert negotiation effort in the West Bank, revealed for the first time… and what it's like having Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hang up on you live on air.

As President Donald Trump lands in the Middle East – for the first major trip of his second term – Christiane and Jamie ask: could he be the person to broker peace between Israel and Hamas?

We take a look...

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, she champions the healing power of words and self-care.

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 the hearts—and voting intentions—of middle Britain. Often underestimated, always influential, Justine Roberts has carved out a space where motherhood meets activism—and where difficult questions are the norm.

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 name in years to come. 

This week's difficult woman is the author and historian Anne Sebba. Her works, including Les Parisiennes and That Woman (the story of Wallis Simpson), shine a light on the lives of women who defied the odds and shaped the world in their own unique ways. With a focus on resilience, complexity, and untold stories, Sebba’s books offer fresh perspectives on the women who often get lost in history.

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 understanding of what it truly means to be “sick.”

Dr. Tessa Dunlop is a historian, author, and broadcaster known for bringing history to life. She’s the co-host of the new global podcast Where Politics Meets History with Iain Dale, blending big personalities with pivotal past events.

This week's Difficult Women is the award-winning Turkish author Elif Shafak. Known for her powerful storytelling that explores identity, cultural conflict, and feminism Shafak’s work resonates deeply with global audiences, especially in light of recent protests in Turkey. Her bestselling novels like The Bastard of Istanbul and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, she has won numerous awards, including the Prix Médicis étranger and the Lannan Literary Fellowship. An outspoken advocate for human rights and free expression, She continues to challenge oppression through her writing, making her a vital voice in both literature and activism.

Jude Kelly is a visionary British theatre director and producer, renowned for her bold, transformative approach to the arts. As the founder of the groundbreaking Watermill Theatre in Newbury, and later the artistic director of Southbank Centre, Kelly redefined the landscape of UK theatre with a focus on inclusivity, social change, and dynamic storytelling. Celebrated for championing female voices and championing diverse narratives, her work spans from large-scale productions to intimate, innovative performances. Kelly's impact extends beyond the stage, influencing cultural policy and empowering emerging voices in the arts.

This week's difficult woman is a sorely underrepresented group amongst the difficult women Alumni - a female adventurer. When she was at her lowest moment, Elise found comfort in the great outdoors and has made it her mission to highlight those brave women who have been forgotten by history. She now travels the world, tracing their footsteps, wearing the gear that would have been used at the time. 

Helen Pankhurst, born in 1960, is a British women's rights activist and the granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, the renowned suffragette. Continuing her grandmother's legacy, Helen advocates for gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice. She has worked with organizations like CARE International and has written and spoken widely on issues affecting women and girls globally. Through her activism, Helen ensures Emmeline's ideals remain a source of inspiration for new generations of feminists. 

This week's difficult woman is the leader of Ukraine's Golos party, Kira Rudik. For three years her country has been under attack from an invading Russian army. For three years, her country has stood firm. Now there is a new face in the White House and the future of her country hangs in the balance. Slava Ukraini! 

This week I am joined by Welsh Labour MP and former international rugby star Tonia Antoniazzi. Before entering politics, her distinguished rugby career earned her nine caps for Wales and saw her compete in the 1998 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Elected as the first female MP for Gower in 2017, she has since championed everything from women's rights to medical cannabis. In 2024, she joined the Board of Directors for the Scarlets rugby team, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to the sport.

With a career spanning sports, education, and politics, Antoniazzi continues to champion causes that make a re...

Anne Applebaum is an American-born historian, journalist, and author, renowned for her expertise in Eastern Europe, particularly the Soviet Union, and the impact of communism. Applebaum is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book Gulag: A History, her work often focuses on totalitarianism, historical memory, and the political transformations in Central and Eastern Europe post-communism.

Bonnie Greer is an acclaimed writer, cultural commentator, and trailblazing feminist whose work has left an indelible mark on the literary and social landscapes. Born in Chicago, Greer moved to the UK, where she became a force to be reckoned with in the realms of literature, television, and politics. Known for her unapologetic approach to issues of race, gender, and identity, she has long championed the voices of marginalized women and challenged societal norms.

Sally Clarke is a powerhouse in the world of fine dining, renowned for her unwavering resilience and culinary mastery. As the owner of the iconic Sally Clarke Restaurant in London, she has not only survived but thrived in the high-pressure, ever-evolving restaurant industry. With a career spanning decades, Sally's commitment to excellence and her ability to adapt have made her a respected figure among chefs and restaurateurs alike. She’s a true testament to grit, passion, and staying the course, no matter what the industry throws her way.

This week's difficult women is Mariella Frostrup. A renowned broadcaster, writer, and outspoken feminist - always ready with her sharp wit and deep commitment to social issues. With a career spanning television, radio, and print, she’s built a reputation as an agony aunt, offering advice with empathy and honesty. Beyond her media work, Mariella is a passionate advocate for women's rights, particularly focused on breaking the silence around menopause. Fearless in her pursuit of equality, she’s made it her mission to amplify the voices of women and challenge the taboos that still hold us back.

"I don't give a f*ck if I'm liked or not" - Tracy-Ann Oberman comes from a long line of Difficult Women, her very own aunt fled pogroms in Russia to fight fascists on the streets of east London. She is no less difficult, proudly standing up against antisemitism wherever she sees it. 

Tracy-Ann Oberman is joined by acclaimed actor Joseph Millson in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936, for its strictly limited West End season at the Trafalgar Theatre (28 December – 25 January) and subsequent UK tour in 2025.

Tickets can be found at merc...

Dr Helen Webberley has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for trans rights. As the debate, both online and in the halls of legislature, becomes more toxic, I sat down with Helen to see if we could find some common ground on this most controversial of issues.

After Announcing her return to BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden shares her journey in dance, living with Crohn’s disease, and her recent battle with breast cancer.

Amy's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Rain-story-courage-resilience/dp/0349442045

Amy's tour - https://www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk/

Shabnam Nasimi, a passionate advocate for Afghan women and human rights. From fleeing Afghanistan as a refugee to becoming a political activist, Shabnam shares her journey, the challenges Afghan women face, and the power of resilience.

Before her tenth birthday, Yalda Hakim had fled a warzone on horseback, learnt two languages, and was well on her way to becoming the world-renowned journalist that we know today. Listen as she explains just how difficult she had to be to get that first big break. 

This week's difficult woman is the Rwanda Dreaming, email leaking, bibby barging former home secretary Suella Braverman. Whatever your thoughts on this twice home secretary - I think we can all agree she certainly is a bloody difficult woman!

Laila Mickelwait is a mom on a mission, her tireless work has resulted in the removal of tens of millions of illegal porn videos and she's still not done. Her inspiring story is one of a woman and a mother who was sick of the ineffectual action on sex abuse and so took matters into her own hands.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of the most highly decorated British Paralympians and truly worthy of the title of Difficult Women. She has spent her life knocking down barriers and fearlessly schooling anyone who dares stand in her way. Even from her earliest memories she has been advocating for not just her own life but for thousands of other disabled people who are routinely forgotten and pushed aside. Listen for an insight into this fascinating life.

This week's difficult woman is another member of British broadcasting royalty, Vanessa Feltz! With her signature blonde locks and no-nonsense charm, she’s been captivating audiences for decades, bringing a splash of sass and a whole lot of heat to the airwaves, always ready to tackle the juiciest topics with her trademark honesty. Of which she is certainly not lacking in this ripper of an episode!

This week's Difficult Woman is Donna Jones, the conservative police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, and the first female leader of Portsmouth City Council. This is a woman who knows how to get things done and makes no apologies whilst doing it. 

This week's difficult women is the loud proud and utterly brilliant Miriam Cates. Now the former MP for Penistone and Stockbridge, Miriam rocketed into the public eye as one of the spearhead figures of the NatCon movement. She now focuses her efforts on education and pro-natalism

This week's Difficult Women is the ceiling smashing Margaret Casley-Hayford. A successful businesswoman and lawyer, Margaret has now got her sights set on bringing diversity to the board room. She now aspires to be not just the first black person but the first woman to hold the title of chancellor in nearly a thousand years of the universities history.

**Warning - this show does contain descriptive language of a racist incident which some listeners may find offensive.

This week's difficult women is Kate Weinberg whose covid journey is as compelling as her writing. With a fierce determination to understand the mysterious fatigue that doctors couldn't explain, Kate embarked on a personal quest for a diagnosis that would empower her narrative and inform her creative work. Turned away time and again by doctors dismissing her illness, she was reminded of the very same doubts that her mother was subject to before her untimely death...

This week's difficult women is the Gardening Legend Bunny Guinness. You will be most familiar with Bunny's voice as a regular on Gardeners Question Time but her immersion within the horticultural world goes well beyond her broadcasting career. We delve into everything from her hitchhiking through Europe to the Great Peat Debate!