Stigma Shakers

Jennie Girardo is an award-winning director and producer with hundreds of behind-the-scenes, social, and branded content efforts under her belt. She’s created content for Apple TV’s Masters of the Air, Amazon Prime's Mr. And Mrs. Smith, and HBO's Game of Thrones and more. In 2024, Jennie made her narrative directorial debut with short film The Fuscos, which touches on the subject of domestic violence. She hopes that this film will help encourage women to use their voices to rise above the taboo, share their stories, and ultimately put an end to this epidemic. In her free time, you can find Jennie hiking in the mountains of California with her beloved four-legged children, Monte Carlo and Hudson.Episode Description: Domestic abuse (sometimes called 'domestic violence' or 'intimate partner violence') is an incident or a pattern of behaviour that is used by someone to control or obtain power over their partner or ex-partner. It is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it, and it is a crime. An equal act of domestic abuse can also be known as emotional abuse, which includes non-physical behaviours that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten you. This may present in romantic relationships as threats, insults, constant monitoring, excessive jealousy, manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and dismissiveness, among others. Alarmingly, the stats pointing to domestic abuse remine rife and incomprehensible. In this honest, insightful and sensitive chat, together, Jennie and Ally share their personal experiences of domestic abuse and the ways, stages, and courageous steps they took to escape and heal from it. In this episode, Jennie and Ally discuss:The varying forms of domestic abuse The links between domestic violence and myths surrounding domestic violence leading to isolating stigmasHow to spot the red flags of domestic abuseFinding the power to speak up and speak outDiscovering the courage to walk away from domestic abuseHow the public and judicial system perceive domestic abuseThe impact of domestic abuse trauma and living a new lifeFollow: For more about Jennie and a portfolio of her work, visit: www.jenniecreates.coPersonal IG: @jenniecreatescoMonte and Hudson's IG: @monteandhudsonThe Fusco's IG: @thefuscosfilmIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. 

Kenny Ethan Jones is a writer and activist that is widely recognised for making history by being the first trans man to front a period campaign. Since then he's gone on to campaign about menstruation, body politics, mental health and intimacy. He engages in open, honest and respectful conversations about all things trans in hopes of tackling misinformation and creating allies. His debut novel Dear Cisgender People: A Guide to Trans Allyship and Empathy is due for release in June 2024.Episode DescriptionIn this profoundly important and moving episode, Kenny and Ally discuss the struggles and discrimination faced by the transgender community, including hate crimes and the trans community being used as “scapegoats” within media. Kenny shares his personal journey of realising he was transgender and the difficulties he faced in an all-girls school. Undoubtedly, the transgender community remains at the forefront of conversations, and yet, their experiences are often grossly misunderstood and discriminative. With his upcoming autobiography release, 'Dear Cisgender People’, hitting the bookshelves in June 2024, Kenny offers a brief and exclusive reading from the introduction of his literary masterpiece, leaving host Ally in “happy and proud” floods of tears. In this episode, Kenny and Ally discuss:The role of a transgender activistWhat does transgender really mean?How the transgender community faces discrimination and hate dailyWhy transgender individuals should be believed and supported in their identity.How gender dysphoria is a deep-felt knowingWhy we need to address transgender people in sport, sooner rather than laterThe misconceptions about puberty-blockersHow mainstream media portrays the transgender community Follow: You can find Kenny Ethan Jones via IG: @kennyethanjonesOrder your copy of Kenny's Autobiography, 'Dear Cisgender People', here.If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. 

Lauren Josephine is long-time dater, turned dating and relationships author. After going on over 200 dates throughout her 20s and 30s, she felt called to write about and normalise all of the struggles modern daters deal with today, especially when using dating apps. She recently published her first book called ‘Looking for Something Serious', in which she uses her 10-year dating journey to discuss the many pitfalls of dating today, like ghosting, situationships, repeated rejection, and losing hope in dating altogether. Lauren is passionate about sharing practical, optimistic dating advice to help single people build the confidence, patience, and hope they need to not give up on finding love. She is 34 and lives in San Francisco with her fiancé (who she met on Reddit in 2022!) and her dog Winnie.Episode Description:In this “rom-com meets reality-check convo", Lauren and Ally discuss various aspects of dating, including online dating, the romantic personas people take on, and the challenges of modern dating. Let’s be honest, navigating dating apps is no easy feat! In this candid and light-hearted chat, Lauren shares the importance of taking responsibility for dating patterns, and the liminal timeline of grief, post breakup. Importantly, Lauren emphasises the need to give yourself permission to feel and normalise the emotions that come with dating dilemmas and relationships, and how there is no ‘one-size-fits-all' method when it comes to matters of the heart In our modern day world, we have access to “instant everything”, however a scarcity mindset and impulsive swiping is not a “fix” for the faint-hearted. So, most importantly, Lauren and Ally question, “can love be found beyond the digital landscape?” We’ll let you decide! In this episode, Lauren and Ally discuss:Why situationships rarely end well and… how to avoid them!Singledom: Dating app fails or liberation at last? The “guy” who forgot he dated you… #truestory Dating app sagas; the good, the bad, and the down-right cringe! Swipe right, swipe left; the “easy come-easy go” mindset, that is taking the dating world by storm!  How to tackle past insecurities in present day dating, and the communication techniques to make the shift Why normalising emotional experiences in dating is a game-changer in love Red flags, boundaries and “BS” bravado: How to detoxify the dating game  Follow Lauren: You can find Lauren Josephine via IG: @lookingforsomethingseriousPurchase Lauren Josephine’s book, ‘Looking for Something Serious: Stories, Laughs, and Lessons from a Decade of Online Dating’ here!If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. 

Samuel Hunter, from Sydney Australia, has been working as a sex worker for the last four years. While admitting he's held dozens of different jobs, including working as a chef, working for a sex shop and writing blogs for a brothel, his interest in sex work began when he heard about a charity called Touching Base, that put people with disability in touch with sex workers. Now one of Australia’s most high-profile male sex workers, Samuel sees women from all walks of life, generally aged 50+, with some in their thirties and twenties on occasion. As a mature gent, both charming and cheeky in equal measure, Sam is generally booked out for three months, but with some dates booked out twice as long as that. He is passionate in all facets of his life, including creative outlets such as writing, volunteer work and of course, in the arms of his clients. Surviving a near fatal motorcycle accident to lead him into this work, Samuel has been interviewed for SBS, Body & Soul magazine, the Kyle and Jackie O Show, among others, to talk about the ins and outs of his profession.Description: In this honest and provocative episode, Stigma Shakers speaks to Samuel Hunter, a male sex worker, who shares his experiences and insights into the sex industry. In this candid chat, Ally and Samuel discuss the stigma surrounding male sex work and how it differs from the stigma faced by female sex workers. Samuel also opens up about his personal journey into sex work, including the impact of a life-changing bike accident that triggered the desire for change! Throughout this conversation, Samuel highlights the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment for his clients, where not only are the needs and boundaries of his clients respected, but his in the process, too ! In addition to being one of Australia’s most high profile male escorts, Samuel is a passionate Author on a mission to debunk the taboos around sexual pleasure and disability. This episode digs deep, and flips sex work on it’s head… in all the best ways possible! Topics: In this episode, Ally and Samuel discuss:The three C's of sex work: conversation, cuddles and cunnilingus… or is it? How to access equal rights for pleasure and disabilityDo male sex workers face different stigmas compared to female sex workers?The reasons behind a career change, to offer sexual pleasure, intimacy and connection for a feeThe importance of boundaries both in and outside of the bedroomThe myths behind the life of a male escortThe stigma (and dilemma!) about paying for sex Follow: You can find Samuel via IG: @samuel_hunter_sydney , Samuel's Only Fans account here, Samuel’s website here!

Lucy Younger is a 23-year-old young women’s health advocate and writer. After finishing her second year of university, she was diagnosed with a rare low grade brain tumour which required a craniotomy to treat. Post surgery and recovery, Lucy went on to graduate with an English degree, phenomenally followed by a Master's Degree, however similarly to her undergraduate experience, she was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer at the end of her master’s, which led her to start her blog and page “Living low grade”. This traumatic experience inspired Lucy to create an uplifting blog to raise awareness about low grade tumours, and cancer for young people who have just started their lives and courageously, learning to live with low grade tumours and a cancer diagnosis. As an admired social media advocate and influencer, Lucy’s TikToks have been featured in the New York post. These posts exist so that other young people in a similar position to Lucy, can watch and follow her journey. Now, Lucy raises awareness and advocates for both the Brain Tumour Charity and The British Thyroid Foundation along with writing a blog that has featured in regional newspapers to raise awareness for misdiagnosis of low-grade tumours of young people. Description: Receiving a cancer diagnosis is possibly one of the hardest and most confronting realities a person can face. Cancer remains devastatingly unbiased of who it targets, disrupting the lives of those diagnosed and the people around them. Tragically, the conversations around cancer and mortality are heavily weighted in fear and palpable overwhelm, altering the trajectory of a person’s life in a single heartbeat. One of the most confronting topics we face as a society and individually, is death. Yet, there is a marker when it comes to mortality; illness, age, and well… illness and age. There is a confronting stigma surrounding young people and death and a reluctance in talking about it. While some may look upon death as a natural stage of life, others may find the prospect of dying too terrifying to contemplate. So perhaps, let’s soften into the hard conversations and do mortality, meaning, and death differently.In this episode, Ally and Lucy discuss: How we can best listen, learn and support young people with cancerWhy talking about the value of life, mortality and death are not mutually exclusive How life can change in an instant, at any age Why death is as relevant a conversation as life is How seeking a diagnosis for health issues can be challenging for young people.Navigating mortality and an uncertain futureFollow: You can find Lucy via IG: @Lucy.younger, and livinglowgradee If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.

Kate Moyle is a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist, Certified Psycho-Sexologist, host of The Sexual Wellness Sessions Podcast and author of The Science Of Sex. In her psychotherapy practice she works with people to help them understand the challenges and difficulties that they are having in their sex lives and relationships, what's maintaining them and how they can get to a place of improved sexual wellbeing. She is a regular media contributor and expert on the topic of sexual wellbeing, and has been a guest on podcasts such as Diary Of A CEO hosted by Simon Barlett, Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby, Grace Beverley's Working Hard, Hardly working and A Millennial Mind. She also consults for brands in the sexual wellness space and has worked with brands such as Headspace, This Works and Boots to launch products and ranges, and is UK expert for world-leading luxury pleasure brand Lelo.Description: Oh yes… sex and life is a complex duo! In this candid conversation, Ally and Kate discuss the importance of taking “sex talk” outside of the bedroom, leading to happier and healthier relationships. In this stigma shaking exposé, Ally and Kate Moyle discuss various aspects of sexual stigmas and how, when it comes to sex, society continues to raise its eyebrows in less than helpful ways. To normalise sex means to talk about sex, and the impact that sexual well-being has on our mental health. The topic of sex remains hugely taboo, with societal judgements sustaining unnecessary shame. Together, Ally and Kate tackle online censorship, the orgasm gap (including faking faux pas), the knock-on effect of stigma on women’s health, sex and disability, how sex is a skill that can be learned, and how everyone can be part of the hard conversations. This liberating episode exposes the sex topics unturned and most importantly, why sex is not a dirty word. Topics:In this episode, Ally and Kate discuss:The struggles we have with sex and communicationThe word ‘Vagina’ and the ongoing “ick” factor?How to introduce sexual boundariesHow to talk about sex outside of the bedroom Why sex is not a numbers game How to kick-start a stagnant sex life How to discover satisfaction, pleasure, and adaptability in a relationshipOnline censorship of sexual contentThe moral dilemmas when it comes to solo-play and porn The ordeals behind the orgasm gapWhy sex is nothing like the movies! Follow Kate:  Kate Moyle Image Credit: © copyright Matt WrittleInstagram: @KateMoyleTherapyBook: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-science-of-sex/kate-moyle/9780241593295Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sexual-wellness-sessions/id1527311547Website: www.katemoyle.co.uk 

Dr. Aziza Sesay is an NHS General Practitioner, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical lecturer, host, speaker and health content creator. She has a strong passion for health education, awareness, advocacy and empowerment. She channels this through her platform ‘Talks with Dr. Sesay’ where she shares short informative videos, infographics, live discussions and tips on a variety of topics with a particular emphasis on women’s and gynaecological health, cancer awareness, mental health and health inequity. Dr. Sesay is the creative director of Black Female Doctors UK organisation, Charity fundraising lead for Keep it Fax charity, one of the Board of Directors of Prevention First Initiative, Ambassador for the Eve Appeal charity; and was a UN Women UK delegate for CSW 67 (volunteer role).She’s been featured on BBC News, Guardian, Metro News, Women’s health UK and many more. She’s a true believer in collaboration and has worked with many different organisations including NHS England, DHSC, CoppaFeel!, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Black Women Rising UK, PANDAS foundation. In addition, she has also supported several national public health campaigns.DescriptionWe are living in a digital era where we hold little back. Sex educators, influencers, activists and content creators are championing body parts by tackling taboo head on. Health practitioners and medical experts are taking to the virtual stage to normalise women’s health, in particular all things “down there”. But - this is being met with differing opinions. Not only do we need to understand our anatomy, but we need to be empowered by it. For many, shame is a familiar feeling when it comes to discussing medical conditions, so instead of muting our stories, it’s time we put shame to bed once and for all. And it starts here - by exposing the stigma of saying the word ‘vagina’, with the incredible Dr Aziza Sesay. Topics: In this episode, Ally and Aziza discuss:Dr Aziza Sesay's experience as an online medical influencer, and the challenges she faces!How can we tackle taboo online? Why we need to normalise body parts AKA, ‘vagina’How we can empower women to champion their health (and bodies!)The damaging side-effects of shadow-banning vital content What can we do as a community to combat censorship?Why are we so afraid to talk openly about women's health and 'things down there'?Follow: You can find Dr Aziza Sesay on Instagram @talkswithdrsesay @ via her website talkswithdrsesay.comIf you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. 

Sarah Graham is an award-winning freelance health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog, specialising in health, gender and feminism. She has written extensively on these subjects for the i newspaper, Refinery29, the Telegraph, Grazia, Guardian, the BMJ and many others. She was a finalist in the 2021 Medical Journalists’ Association Awards. In Rebel Bodies, my guest award-winning health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog ,Sarah Graham, investigates what it will take to bridge the gender health gap, shining a light on the prevalence of the daily and dangerous disparities in the medical help women and men receive. With a focus on the voices of real patients as well as the history and research on medical sexism, Rebel Bodies is a must read for anyone, of any gender, who believes in equality.Episode Description: As women and minority groups speak out about their experiences of gaslighting and misdiagnosis, my guest today, health journalist Sarah Graham and author of, ‘Rebel Bodies: A guide to the gender health gap revolution’, intelligently offers an empowering manifesto for change in women's healthcare. This is the book that every classroom needs to shelve. On the surface, the healthcare services are evolving and progressing, however the gender health care gap is moving too fast for society to keep up with. As polite patients, in this episode we uncover the staggering statistics holding us back, how we can become advocates for our health, and why Sarah is pairing her revolution up as a revolution for us all! And of course, why we need to collectively rebel against the powers that be, because EVERY BODY deserves a REBELLIOUS voice and EVERY BODY is no less. Topics:In this episode, Ally and Sarah discuss:What exactly is gendered health? Pointing fingers: The transgender community needs our help more than ever!How can we lessen the gender pain gap?The stigma around treating the LGBTI community “Shit my doctor says”: trusting the system or not understanding it?Why advocating for your body is a must! Bridging the gap between education, doctors, living, and recovery Follow: You can find Sarah on Instagram @sarahgraham7writer via her website www.sarah-graham.co.uk  If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend. 

Lissie Harper began a campaign after her husband, who she had married just four weeks earlier, was killed on duty in Berkshire in August 2019. Three people were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder. Lissie used her profound grief and determination for justice and campaigned for legal changes – named Harper’s Law. With the support of the UK Government and Police Federation, Harpers Law was passed, which legislates the extension of mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker, and unlawful killing of those on duty. In recognition of her efforts in introducing Harper’s Law, Lissie has been awarded an MBE, in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. Now, Lissie is moving forward with her life away from her public profile as a formidable campaigner. And notably, Lissie is an inspirational role model, on how our darkest days can become the incentive to live life to the fullest. With her love of nature, Lissie is an avid artist producing beautiful pieces as the creator of her business, The Print Bee. And notably, Lissie is an inspirational role model for anyone on how pain can be repurposed, and as my dear friend, I am in awe of her daily. Episode DescriptionGrief is something we all fear. We cannot prepare for grief; the unravelling of loss, trauma, or how to co-exist with grief to ultimately “move on”. Understandably, death will impact us all and whilst we can comprehend the practicalities involved with the grieving process, as a society, we remain so reluctant to openly talk about it. In this episode, we delve into the day where Lissie heard the words she never wanted to hear, how grief remains so “hush hush, what the power of grief can do to fuel positive change, and why re-finding love as a widow or widower can be the fairest gift of them all. Topics: In this episode, Ally and Lissie discuss:The moment Lissie discovered that the love of her life had been killedHow a wrongful verdict triggered her to change the UK lawManoeuvring her grief to fit societal idealsWhy searching for love is not a betrayalThe ways we can hold grief kindly, without judgement or weirdnessThe art of reinvention through loss, grief, and hope Why the power of truth can prevent pain, no matter what Why ‘grief tourists’ need to check in with themselves!Follow:You can find Lissie on Instagram @lissieharpermbe via her website The Print Bee. If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s smoke out stigma and make truth-telling the next biggest trend.