Boots presents Taboo Talk

This episode is all about self-pleasure as a form of self-love. With help from sexpert Ruby Rare and and body acceptance influencer Nelly London we cover everything from the new “smart” sex toys (that can measure sexual pleasure and/or be operated remotely) to classic vibrators (both as masturbation tools and relationship toys), as well as empowering you to feel free to love yourself with no judgement or shame with help from. Please do remember to clean your sex toys properly both before and after using them, and that STIs can be transmitted via shared sex toys. You can avoi...

The pain is real. Heartbreak is a universal human experience that can affect us all at some stage in life, yet it often carries a shroud of stigma, stereotypes, and taboos that prevent open and honest conversations. We get up close and personal with two amazing guests who share their raw and unfiltered stories and have suffered the pain of a broken heart and emerged stronger on the other side. Together we dismantle the barriers that keep us from understanding and supporting one another through love's tumultuous journey. If you are struggling with your physical or mental wellbeing, please...

As more and more people are identifying themselves as being neurodivergent, we ask what this actually means. We’re joined by a neurodivergent expert who answers your most common questions and two amazing guests who share their own experiences. From the challenges they faced growing up, being diagnosed, how to manage it and why they are on a mission to change the negative conversations around neurodiversity. 

RESOURCES

The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/what-is-neurodiversity/ 

Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support 

Sup...

Becoming a new dad is a life-altering experience filled with joy, challenges, and a whole lot of learning. We delve into the unique journey of fatherhood with two newly-dads and explore the triumphs and tribulations that come with it. Whether you're about to embark on this adventure or have been a dad for years, join us as we share heart-warming stories and practical tips to help you thrive on your own dad journey. If you are struggling with your mental health or postpartum depression, do please seek help from your GP. 

RESOURCES

Living with diabetes is a journey filled with unique challenges, daily decisions, and a profound impact on one's life. Join us as we dive deep into the world of diabetes, sharing personal stories and practical advice to empower and educate anyone living with diabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned warrior, someone who cares for a loved one with diabetes, or you just want to educate yourself about this growing health concern, our special guests offer a helping hand on this shared journey towards a healthier, happier life.

If you are concerned you may have diabetes...

In this episode we delve into the topic personal identity and acceptance: coming out. We’re joined by two fabulous guests who share their deeply personal journeys and how they summoned the courage to reveal their authentic selves, and we'll also confront the stigmas and stereotypes that too often cast a shadow on this significant milestone. Join us, as we shed light on the triumphs, challenges, and, ultimately, the power of embracing one's true self. 

RESOURCES

Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/health/mental-health 

Support Room Therapy: https://boot...

Are you sober curious or want to go teetotal? With the help of three inspiring sober-influencers we investigate why more people than ever are becoming ‘sober curious’ and the positive health benefits it has on you physically, mentally while discussing the impact going sober has within your social circles. And most of all, how do you challenge temptation and lead a happy lifestyle without the booze? We present you a sober life survival guide. Please do note that alcohol addiction can be a serious medical issue, if you are concerned please seek help from your GP before embarking on any...

We're delighted to announce that the SIXTH series of Boots presents Taboo Talk will be landing on your favourite podcast platform from 3rd January 2024.With top guests – including Ruby Rare, Nelly London, Christine McGuinness, Tommy Mallet, Ollie Locke, James Bye, Amelia Lily, Marcel Somerville, Faye Winter, Una Healy, Scott Thomas, Millie Gooch, Duncan James and Chelcee Grimes – we’re going to be deep-diving into everything from self-pleasure, neurodivergence, what it’s really like being a dad, diabetes, to heartbreak, sober curiosity, and coming out stories. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform to make sure you don’t miss it.

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Rediscover some of the best bits from series 5 of this award-winning podcast. From a discussion around the online sex industry to penises, cancer, puberty, postpartum bodies, managing burnout and women’s health over 40, this series is fearless and asks all the taboo health and wellness questions, so you don’t have to.Featuring top guests – including Olivia Attwood, Coleen Nolan, Paul Sinah, Verona Rose, Gemma Atkinson, Dame Kelly Homes, Ruby Barker, Kate Lawler and health experts, Marie Louise and Dr Nighat Arif – so, kick back, take notes, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions – from laughter to gasps of amazement...

What health and wellbeing practises should women consider building into their lives when they hit their 40s? What is happening to your body at that age and why – and what does it mean for things like exercise, diet, sex, teeth, skin, hair, nails, gut health, and so on? Kate Lawler and Dr Nighat Arif will join Vogue to discuss how women can best look after their physical and mental health in their 40s and beyond.

RESOURCES

Boots Women’s Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health

Boots Blood Pressure Service: www.boots.com...

Decision-fatigue, hypervigilance, a loss of interest or pride in work, a feeling of being constantly swamped and overwhelmed: sound familiar? If so, you could be suffering from burnout. In this episode, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and Bridgerton’s Ruby Barker discuss their personal experiences of burnout – how it manifested, how it affected their personal and professional lives, and how they managed it.

Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Do bear that in mind when considering whether to listen.

RESOURCES

Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: http...

Congratulations, you’ve just had a baby! So… now what? The term ‘the 4th trimester’ covers the 12 weeks immediately after giving birth. The time when, after having just been through one of the most exciting – and frightening – physical experiences possible, you’re handed a baby and some giant maxi pads, and sent on your merry way. In this episode, actor and broadcaster Gemma Atkinson reveals her experience of the 4th trimester after giving birth to daughter Mia in 2019. We also have ‘The Modern Midwife’ Marie Louise on hand to provide expert insight on everything from mastitis and lochia, to constipation and n...

This episode offers a tongue-in-cheek, frank and informative look back at puberty. Guests Paul Sinha and Verona Rose join Vogue to reveal their most important, embarrassing, and momentous puberty memories, including haywire hormones, changing bodies, excess hair in unusual places, crushes on everyone, dubious style decisions and thinking no one on the planet understands you. What do they wish they’d known then that they know now?

RESOURCES

Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com

Boots Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub

NHS puberty overview: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/puberty/#Ov...

Talking about cancer is still a big fat taboo, despite most of us having been affected by it in some way. Yet, it’s only through open and honest conversations that we can ask for and offer support, foster better understanding, and come to terms with whatever the situation may be. Here, Coleen Nolan discusses how she has dealt with multiple diagnoses in her family and Michelle Heaton explains how talking about her preventative double mastectomy helped her to process that choice. Azmina Rose, Macmillan’s Trust Lead for Cancer Patient Experience, is on hand to offer expert advice and...

The brother episode to S03’s ‘The Vulva Bible’, here we investigate all things penis – from the very basics, such as how to keep things clean, to the more complicated and therefore more taboo issues, such as concerns around size, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Vogue is joined by Naked Attraction and Naked Education host Anna Richardson, as well as men’s health and sexual function expert Dr Anand Patel, to answer all the penis-related questions you’ve been too scared to ask.

RESOURCES

Boots Online Doctor erectile dysfunction information and service: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/er...

Have social media and platforms like OnlyFans ushered in an era of sexual freedom and enlightenment… or exactly the opposite? In this episode, Vogue is joined by Olivia Attwood Dack, presenter of Getting Filthy Rich, the ITV documentary series investigating the online sex economy. They’ll deep-dive into taboos around sex – everything from sex work, toys and kink-shaming, to sexting and live cams – answering the question: “Is anything in sex taboo anymore?”

RESOURCES

Boots Sexual Health Advice: https://www.boots.com/health/sexual-health-advice

Boots Online Doctor Sexual Health Services: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/sexual-h...

Absolutely all of us can and should take proactive steps to ensure good gut-health, even if we don’t have any issues to speak of. The gut influences everything – from our overall physical health, including what we can and can’t eat, to our mental health through the strong brain-gut connection. In this bonus Q&A episode, Alana and Lisa Macfarlane, aka the Mac Twins and founders of The Gut Stuff, will reveal how to ensure your gut is in the best shape to keep both body and mind as healthy as possible. They’ll be covering all the basics...

Hair loss is one of the biggest taboos in health and wellness – people fear it, hide it, and will seek all-manner of remedies to halt it or reverse it. However, because societal beauty standards commonly associate femininity with thick, strong hair, hair loss can be particularly distressing for women. In this episode, Style Me Sunday’s Natalie Lee and Married at First Sight’s Jenna Robinson discuss their experiences of different forms of alopecia, explaining what’s happened, why, how they manage it, and how they’ve learned not to let it define their lives.

RESOU...

In this episode, Vogue is joined by Pete Wicks, and sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas, to discuss how we all need to get better at talking about sex. They cover why it’s healthy to talk about all aspects of sex and desire; the taboos and stigmas holding people back from having open and honest conversations; how to tackle those taboos in a safe way; the most common issues that lead people to sex therapy (i.e. sexual compatibility, libido, fantasies, confidence, health issues and self-worth); the role of popular culture, porn, only fans, etc.; and how discussions li...

In this episode, Vogue is joined by Scarlett Moffatt and psychotherapist Gershon Portnoi to discuss ‘imposter syndrome’. Characterised by a persistent doubting of your own abilities and a sense that any success is undeserved, imposter syndrome is not officially a diagnosable medical or psychological condition. However, it has been all over the news recently as many famous faces have admitted to often feeling like frauds. Here, Scarlett discusses her own personal experience of imposter syndrome, and we investigate why it affects so many of us – be it at home, work, or with friends and family. How can we learn to acc...

A premature (‘preterm’) birth happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy with around 60,000 ‘preemie’ babies born every year in the UK. Here, Boots’ own marketing manager, Carlene Brown, joins broadcaster Simon Thomas to share their personal premature-birth stories, covering everything from what happened and why, to what it’s meant for them, their families, and of course, their children. ‘My Expert Midwife’ co-founder Leslie Gilchrist is on hand to provide specialist information, advice and support.

Please be aware that this episode includes open and honest discussions around traumatic birth stories, child illness, and also child loss. Please bear that in mind whe...

Here, broadcaster Steph McGovern joins Vogue to discuss her experience of IBS, explaining how it’s affected her daily life – both physically and mentally – how she manages the symptoms, and how we can tackle the taboo by talking about it. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition of the digestive system and affects about 15% of people in the UK (twice the number of women as men). With symptoms ranging from stomach pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, constipation, flatulence, fatigue and nausea, IBS is not a barrel of laughs – but luckily Vogue and Steph both are, so tune in for o...

Relive the most hilarious, shocking, gasp-inducing, and tearful moments from the pod’s award-winning third series. From moving insights into postnatal depression and candid recollections of losing one’s virginity, to living with sun damage and navigating the journey to body acceptance – this recap serves as a great reminder of how Taboo Talk pushes boundaries, breaks barriers and smashes stigmas. Featuring Luisa Zissman, Anna Williamson, Deborah Meaden, Iskra Lawrence, Anna Richardson, Dr Dawn Harper, Russell Kane and Desiree Burch, series three proved that when it comes to health and wellness, nothing should be taboo. Listeners will also get a sneak...

This episode delves into the reality of hearing loss and deafness with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri. Kaye was recently told she would need hearing aids in both ears after gradually losing her hearing, while Tasha has been deaf since birth and has a cochlear implant in her right ear. Here, they chat with Vogue about their specific diagnoses, the impact it has had on their lives, how they have overcome any stigma, and

how talking about their experiences has helped both themselves and the community. This episode was live-signed by a qu...

We're delighted to announce that the FOURTH series of Boots presents Taboo Talk will be landing on your favourite podcast platform from 25th January 2023.

With top guests – including Scarlett Moffatt, Steph McGovern, Pete Wicks, Kaye Adams, Tasha Ghouri, Simon Thomas, Jenna Robinson, Natalie Lee, and the Mac Twins – we’re going to be deep-diving into everything from premature births, imposter syndrome and IBS, to hearing loss, sex, and alopecia.

Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform to make sure you don’t miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

To celebrate October being Menopause Awareness Month, Boots presents Taboo Talk hosted a one-off special featuring three incredible guests: Shaparak ‘Shappi’ Khorsandi, Sally Phillips and Andrea McLean. Together with Vogue, they discussed their own personal experiences of perimenopause and menopause, covering everything from night sweats, fatigue and forgetfulness, to gaining immense wisdom, buying a puppy and taking up whittling. Tune in to learn all about the signs, symptoms and ways to help manage them, as well as how to find support when you need it. It’s time to destigmatise this totally natural biological process – and have some laughs along th...

Losing your virginity is a momentous moment in anyone’s life – a milestone, the importance of which is ramped up through pop culture, peer pressure, and historical, societal and religious connotations. Some people want it to be special, some want to get it over with, while others don’t know what all the fuss is about. In this episode, comedians Russell Kane and Desiree Burch will discuss their first times and what they wish they’d known. This no-holds-barred, hilarious conversation covers everything from navigating awkward encounters, contraception and the influence of porn, to establishing boundaries, being a virgin-dominatrix (yes, rea...

How often do we all discuss vulvas and vaginas? Answer: not nearly enough – a problem this episode hopes to rectify. What is and is not ‘normal’ when it comes to our genitals is a subject steeped in secrecy, leaving many too embarrassed to ask questions about which bits do what, what they’re called, and what they ‘should’ look like. In this episode, Vogue is joined by Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson and Embarrassing Bodies’ Dr Dawn Harper, for an open, honest and truly taboo-busting conversation about all things vulva – from the impact of waxing, types of menstrual products, excessive cleani...

Body positivity, body neutrality and body acceptance are all terms that will be familiar to any active users of social media, especially those suffering from self-esteem issues. They are movements that have been formed in direct response to the explosion of body-image related mental-health problems affecting the nation (many of which may have been exacerbated by social media itself). In this episode, body-acceptance advocate Iskra Lawrence discusses her own journey to self-love, the role of social media in both helping and harming self-esteem, and how we can learn to respect our bodies rather than punishing them.

This bonus episode was inspired by the huge listener response to our previously-released show, “Why acne is more than skin deep”, featuring Scott McGlynn and Izzie Rodgers. We knew we had to dive deeper into the subject of skincare and so called on Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme for an expert Q&A session. The founder and director of Adonia Medical Clinic in London, Dr Ejikeme is a medical consultant, advanced cosmetic doctor and passionate skin expert. Here she answers questions sent in by Taboo Talk listeners on everything from redness, rosacea and red veins, to blackheads, pores, age spots and dark...

About 95% of people in England will be affected by acne at some point in their lives, and yet discussing it and its effects is still considered taboo by many. With symptoms ranging from mild to severe, acne is caused when hair follicles become blocked, resulting in spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch. It can be both physically painful and emotionally distressing, and may lead to a loss of confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. In this episode, online creators Scott McGlynn and Izzie Rodgers reveal their personal experiences of acne, including how they manage it...

Can we all get our sun-fix safely? That’s the question this episode will strive to answer as we separate fact from fiction when it comes to sun damage. Vogue is joined by Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden, who was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015, as well as skincare expert and aesthetician Dija Ayodele. Together they’ll address important questions such as: what is the minimum SPF every adult and child should be using?; when should they use it?; what skincare needs are unique to people of colour?; is damage reversible?; does it always lead to cancer (answer: no); a...

 With 10 - 20% of people experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth, it’s time to break the taboo surrounding maternal mental health. In this episode, entrepreneur and broadcaster Luisa Zissman, and author, life coach and broadcaster Anna Williamson, share their personal experiences of perinatal anxiety and depression. Prepare for some serious stigma smashing on the emotional fallout of dealing with everything from difficult pregnancies and births, to childcare and societal pressure.  

Please be aware that this episode includes open and honest discussions around issues including suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self...

Welcoming both returning and new listeners to the third series of Taboo Talk – the empowering and entertaining podcast brought to you by Boots, hosted by Vogue Williams.

Series three will feature more frank, funny, and informative chats with guests including Luisa Zissman, Anna Williamson, Russell Kane, Desiree Burch, Scott McGlynn, Izzie Rodgers, Iskra Lawrence, Anna Richardson, Dr Dawn Harper and Deborah Meaden.

Together, we’ll provide advice about the kind of subjects often considered awkward, cringe or forbidden. From vulvas, virginity and body acceptance, to postnatal depression, acne and sun damage, Taboo Talk asks...

It’s recap time! We revisit some of the very best moments from series two of Taboo Talk – the things that made us gasp, cry, wince, and laugh out loud. Discover, or rediscover, the frank and funny chats that continue to make Taboo Talk resonate with so many people as we deep-dive into everything from chronic pain, menopause and safe sex, to male mental health, bladder control and fertility. Featuring Ugo Monye, Lisa Snowden, Ferne McCann, Roman and Martin Kemp, Megan Barton-Hanson, Amy Hart, Ollie Locke and Malin Andersson, series two proved that nothing should ever be off-limits when it c...

This bonus show is the sister episode to the previously released “My fertility journey: What I wish I’d known”. Featuring GP and IVF mum, Dr Stephanie Ooi, it answers practical questions surrounding the subject – all of them sent in by Taboo Talk listeners. Dr Stephanie debunks myths and delivers advice on fertility-related worries and queries surrounding age, IVF, egg freezing, lifestyle factors, genetics, hormonal contraceptives, PCOS, endometriosis, and even the Covid vaccine. Remember: we ask the questions, so you don’t have to.

Please be aware that this bonus episode includes discussions of fertility issues that...

Whether you know if you do, don’t, or might want children, fertility is a subject fraught with strong emotions. It’s a personal choice that can feel very public, with everyone having a point of view or a story to tell. Nowadays, thank goodness, there are more options for more people as science and society catches up to the fact that there’s no one-size fits all when it comes to expectations around having children. However, that doesn’t mean it’s simple. For many, the journey to having a child is complicated, expensive and often painful – both physically a...

Practicing safe sex has a huge impact on the overall health of individuals and communities. Yet, the entirety of many people’s sexual health education involved a mortified teacher putting a condom onto a banana at school. Public figures speaking candidly about the importance of knowing an implant from an IUD are therefore playing an essential role in smashing taboos around the subject. In this episode, TV personality Megan Barton-Hanson – a pioneer when it comes to advocating for openness and honesty around sex and sexuality – discusses the many benefits of practicing safe sex and how knowledge is power.

We’ve come a long way since the days when masculinity was defined by a stiff-upper lip and a “man up” attitude, but stigmas around male emotional vulnerability still exist, and changing expectations come with their own challenges. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 – a sobering fact that reveals much about the general state of men’s mental health, with men far less likely to seek help and support (either professionally or personally) than women for mental health issues. Here, Capital Breakfast host Roman Kemp is joined by his father, the actor, director and musician Martin Kemp, to discuss...

More than 14 million adults in the UK struggle with bladder control – a huge number which should reassure anyone who worries about leaking when sneezing, having sex, exercising, or laughing (amongst many other triggers), that they’re absolutely not alone. However, bladder leakage is never ideal, so learning that there are things you can do about it, and that it doesn’t have to affect your daily life, is key to feeling more confident. This episode welcomes TV personality and presenter Ferne McCann, as well as women’s physiotherapist Clare Bourne, to chat all things incontinence, including why it happens, tips to...