Ep. 289: Talking mental health, identity and the importance of getting outside with Celeste Bell, daughter of punk legend Poly Styrene

Today’s guest is Celeste Bell, daughter of the one and only Poly Styrene, a woman who was an absolute punk icon.

If you know that name, then you’ll definitely know songs like Art-I-Ficial, Junk Food Junkie and Identity which Poly sang as the frontwoman of X-Ray Spex in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Through her music Poly Styrene inspired the likes of Neneh Cherry, FKA Twigs and many more, but it wasn't just her music, it was her attitude.

Sadly Poly passed in 2011 from breast cancer, but I reached out to her daughter Celeste after seeing the brilliant documentary she directed, entitled Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche.

In this episode Celeste shares on her mother's mental health - and how being misdiagnosed made things worse - as well as the things that made Poly happy, such as makeup, dressing up, reading magazines and enjoying a spa day.

Celeste also shares her own experiences of motherhood, which inevitably draw comparisons with how she was raised by a mother who was often overwhelmed by life.

By the way, right near the end Celeste shares a hilarious story about women in punk, so be sure to keep listening!

TW: themes of religion, cults, mental health.

By the way, look out for my video on Poly, especially if this is the first time you're learning about her.

I’d love to know what you thought of this one, so if you’re listening on Spotify be sure to drop a comment, as I can actually respond now!

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Artwork via Instagram/@celestabella

Links

Weleda Skin Food: https://www.weleda.co.uk/skinfood

Watch Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche: https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/poly-styrene-i-am-a-cliche/umc.cmc.50ofwo8uxwqzp1lcefvrlvvi4

Find me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharisseKenionYT

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