Women in Focus

Helen talks to Dr Victoria Bateman, the Cambridge economist and author known for using her own naked body in art and protest, about breaking free of the "cult of female modesty," the Brexit protest that made headlines in 2016, and why women's economic freedom can't be separated from freedom over their own bodies.

Helen talks to Michelle Perry about a menopausal "enough is enough" moment in her mid-fifties that led her to naturism, and how a shared sense of vulnerability among naturist women, and the Everybody festival, changed everything for her.

Helen talks to Amy Guerrier - aka Bare Bum Boaty - hula hoop artist, mindset coach, and canal boater, about discovering naturism through playfulness, body kindness, and her very serious yet silly plans for a naked cruise aboard her boat.

Steph Durbin is BN's new Director without Portfolio. In this episode she discusses grief and purpose, liberation, and what it means to go from a naturism newbie to local and national leadership roles in just three years. Short answer: joy.

Helen talks to Sarah Mexico Christenson, Florida nudist and social media creator, about leaving corporate life to normalise nudity online, overcoming the body shame inflicted by purity culture, and why a naked cruise beats any other kind.

Helen talks to Maja Penko, Slovenian naturist and former federation president, about growing up free from body shame, fighting for nipple equality, and the simple power of accepting what you see in the mirror.

Part two: Professor Annebella Pollen reveals how women shaped naturism from the 1920s — as pioneers, photographers, and feminist thinkers. She traces the same debates about women's participation and body diversity across a century of naturist history.

Part one: Professor Pollen explores the visual history of naturism in Britain, revealing the paradox between idealised magazine bodies and real practitioners, and discusses why early naturists hid behind pseudonyms.

Helen marks Women in Focus’s two-year anniversary with returning guests, real stories, and laughter. Celebrate the voices, wisdom, and warmth that have shaped the podcast’s journey - a milestone of confidence, allyship, and community.

Erin Gilgur, Digital Marketing Director at Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Florida, discusses overcoming her own body image struggles, landing her dream nudist job, and how Lake Como empowers women to embrace body confidence.

Linda Weber, President of AANR, discusses the rising tide of women in naturist leadership, her journey and the new perspectives women bring, the challenges of modernisation, and the importance of young and diverse voices in shaping modern naturism.

Helen and her adult stepdaughter Lizzie talk about family naturism, growing up with body confidence, and breaking social norms - with laughs, media stories, and a fresh, unfiltered take on being yourself, clothes or no clothes.

Louise Butcher, the 'Topless Runner,' discusses her book 'Going Topless' on overcoming trauma and breast cancer, body acceptance, topless running, and societal norms, while planning future marathons and charity events. But what about that Naked 5K?

Louise Butcher, the "Topless Runner", shares her journey of overcoming breast cancer and advocating for a double mastectomy without reconstruction. She discusses battling health anxiety and challenging societal norms around body image.

Karen Golec is a North Canadian naturist from a small community. She is a single woman who is at her happiest when travelling the world and exploring everything that naturism has to offer.

Andee Rodgers, the Women In Nude Recreation chair for AANR, is a proactive advocate for social naturism. Andee shares how naturism has empowered her in the wake of her childhood trauma and allowed her to become friends with your body again.

Sarah Woodson, a young mother from Arkansas, has seen her confidence grow and feels that discovering naturism has finally given her back autonomy over her own body after years of physical and sexual abuse.

Sarah Tayler is a transgender women and proud member of British Naturism, who has been a naturist throughout her transition. In part 2 she shares more of her journey, her philosophy on life, and how naturism offered her a supportive environment.

Sarah Tayler is a transgender women and proud member of British Naturism, who has been a naturist throughout her transition. This LGBT+ History Month, hear her journey of self-discovery from her childhood to completing her transition within a year.

A special episode on Christianity and naturism. Sheila Maycock is a 63-year-old counsellor living in Devon, and an is active member of the Christian Naturist Fellowship.