Anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, Comedian and author London Hughes, Dr Elise Inglis memorial, The Knock discussion
Sep 15, 2023
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The podcast features Mahsa Amini's death anniversary, the current situation of women in Iran, and the impact of protests. It also discusses Dr Elsie Inglis and her work in Serbia during WWI. Additionally, there's a conversation about the knock and its effect on families of men arrested for sexual offenses. Comedian London Hughes talks about her memoir and experiences of racism.
London Hughes found greater success and opportunities in the US comedy industry compared to the UK.
Writing her memoir served as a form of escape and allowed London Hughes to confront her struggles and insecurities.
London Hughes emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and treating oneself with love and respect.
Deep dives
London Hughes moves to LA to pursue her career
London Hughes, a comedian and writer, shares her decision to move to Los Angeles from the UK to further her career. She reflects on her admiration for American TV shows and her belief that she could find greater success in the US. Hughes discusses the rejection and lack of opportunities she faced in the UK comedy industry and expresses gratitude for the rejection as it motivated her to work harder. She emphasizes the support she received in America and the positive reception to her talent. Hughes shares her experiences of transitioning from being bullied in the UK to becoming a star in the US.
London Hughes' memoir Living My Best Life
London Hughes discusses her recently released memoir, Living My Best Life. She describes her passion for writing and storytelling from a young age and how writing served as an escape from her struggles and insecurities. Hughes highlights the pivotal moments in her life, including celebrating her birthday at Dave Chappelle's house, which she views as a turning point in her career. She reflects on the ups and downs of her journey, particularly the rejection she faced from British comedy executives and how it fueled her determination to succeed. Hughes expresses her gratitude for the rejection, as it led her to find success and fulfillment in the US.
Overcoming challenges and embracing vulnerability
London Hughes opens up about the challenges she has faced and how she has learned to embrace vulnerability. She discusses being bullied in school and the impact it had on her self-esteem and confidence. Hughes emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and embracing individuality. She reveals that she found strength in making her traumatic experiences funny through her stand-up comedy. Hughes acknowledges the moments of vulnerability in her memoir where she had to confront painful experiences without using humor. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and treating oneself with love and respect.
London Hughes' success in America
London Hughes discusses the opportunities and success she has found in America. She shares how her admiration for American TV shows and her desire to see herself represented led her to pursue her career in the US. Hughes highlights the difference in opportunities and support she has received in America compared to the UK. She expresses gratitude for the warm reception and acceptance of her talent in America, which has allowed her to achieve her dreams and become a household name.
Writing with honesty and vulnerability
London Hughes talks about the process of writing her memoir with honesty and vulnerability. She describes how writing about her experiences, including painful and traumatic moments, was both challenging and cathartic. Hughes shares her desire to connect with readers through her authentic storytelling, and she discusses her decision to start the book with a memorable and celebratory moment in her life. She reflects on the power of resilience, determination, and self-acceptance in overcoming challenges and pursuing one's dreams.
It’s been one year since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked protests and outrage across the world. Anita Rani is joined by author Arash Azizi and human rights researcher Azade Pourzand to take a look at where women in Iran stand now, and the long-term impact that’s still being felt.
Dr Elsie Inglis was a Scottish woman known as the ‘Serbian Mother from Scotland’, who founded four Scottish Women’s Hospitals in Serbia during World War One. Together with more than 1,000 woman from Britain and the Commonwealth, she helped to save the lives of allied and enemy soldiers alike. To find out more about her and why she isn’t better known in the UK, Anita speaks to three women who are in Serbia to honour her memory at a special ceremony: Carole Powell, Dr Iram Kamran Qureshi and Caroline Ferguson.
This week, in a new series called The Knock, we’ve heard the stories of two women whose lives were changed when they were told that a loved one had been arrested for sexual offences against children. Anita talks to Deborah Denis, Chief Executive of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, and Rachel Armitage, Professor of Criminology the University of Huddersfield about the impact of 'the knock' on the families and friends of men arrested for these crimes. They’ll discuss what support families need, and what they are calling for.
The comedian London Hughes has written a memoir, Living My Best Life, Hun. In it, she details her decision to leave the UK, where she experienced bullying and rejection, and go to live in LA, where she quickly became a star. She joins Anita to talk about writing her memoir, turning rejection into opportunity and romanticising her life.
Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Lottie Garton
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