Listener Week: Psychedelics, Strongwomen, Kleptomania, Living funerals, Being a refugee, Women in heavy metal
Aug 26, 2023
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Professor David Nutt and Catherine Bird discuss the potential of psychedelic drugs in medicine, particularly for women. Rebecca F John and Sam Taylor talk about strongwomen past and present. A listener shares her struggle with kleptomania, and another listener explores the concept of living funerals. The podcast also explores the journey of being a refugee and the experiences of women in the heavy metal scene.
Psychedelic drugs show potential for medical use, with ongoing research for conditions like depression and PTSD.
The Victorian strongwoman Volcana and her extraordinary life are discussed, highlighting the evolving acceptance of strong women.
The concept of living funerals is explored, emphasizing the importance of individualized grieving approaches and challenging societal norms.
Deep dives
Women's Week Highlights
This summary highlights key discussions from a special Women's Week on the podcast. The week featured various topics, including the potential use of psychedelic drugs for medical purposes, the life of Victorian strong woman Volcana, the experience of living with kleptomania, and the concept of a living funeral for those with terminal illnesses. The summaries also touch on the experiences of a former refugee, the representation of women in heavy metal music, and the importance of inclusivity in the heavy metal community.
Psychedelic drugs and gender
The podcast explores the potential medical use of psychedelic drugs and whether they may have different impacts on women compared to men. The discussion features interviews with Professor David Nutt and Katherine Bird, who explain the effects and mechanisms of psychedelics on brain function. They highlight ongoing research with psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anorexia. They also discuss the safety aspects, potential side effects, and the need for controlled settings and therapy when using these substances.
The life of Volcana and strong women in history
The episode delves into the life of Volcana, a Victorian strong woman who gained fame for her strength and performances lifting heavy objects. Rebecca F. John, author of a novel about Volcana, and Sam Taylor, a modern-day strong woman, discuss the extraordinary life of Volcana, her performances, and her unique relationship with her partner, Atlas. They also explore the representation of strong women in history and the evolving acceptance and presence of strong women in contemporary times.
Living funeral and the unique approach to grieving
The concept of a living funeral is discussed, focusing on the experience of Heidi Satterthwaite, who had a living funeral before her death from cancer. Jenna, Heidi's sister, shares the emotional journey of organizing the celebration and the subsequent home funeral. The family's choice to keep Heidi's body at home for three days allowed them to have privacy, reflect on their grief, and honor her life. The discussion touches on the importance of individualized approaches to grieving and challenges societal norms surrounding death and funerals.
Representation of women in heavy metal
The episode addresses the underrepresented topic of women in heavy metal music. Anthropologist Lindsey Bishop and musician Becky Baldwin discuss their personal experiences and love for heavy metal. They explore the inclusivity and gender dynamics within the heavy metal scene, highlighting the struggles faced by female musicians and dealing with sexism and stereotypes in the industry. They emphasize the need for increased representation and the power of heavy metal as a community for individuals who often feel alienated or misunderstood.
A Listener Week Weekend Woman’s Hour Special, where you – our listeners – decide what you want to hear on the programme.
Our listener Rachel asked us to explore the potential of using psychedelic drugs in medicine, and whether these drugs might affect women differently to men. Anita Rani is joined by Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London; and Catherine Bird, Senior Clinical Trials Manager at the Centre for Affective Disorders at Kings College London.
Eric, a listener, suggested we find out more about Vulcana, the Victorian strongwoman known for her 'jaw-dropping feats of strength and her breath-taking beauty'. Author Rebecca F John and Sam Taylor, Britain’s Strongest Woman 2020, join Nuala McGovern to talk about strongwomen past and present.
A listener who we’re calling Jane tells Nuala about her addiction to shoplifting. She wanted to highlight her experience and her struggle to cope with her compulsion - and explains her anxiety about regularly breaking the law.
Listener Nelly has asked us to talk about living funerals. She was inspired by Kris Hallenga, the founder of the CoppaFeel breast cancer awareness charity, who has stage 4 breast cancer and who held a living funeral for herself. Nuala hears from Jenna, whose sister had a living funeral.
Franceska Murati is a 27-year-old businesswoman and this year’s Miss Central London. At four years old, she arrived in the UK having escaped war-torn Kosovo, smuggled in the back of a lorry. She shares her story.
And our listener Laura wanted us to look at heavy metal and the role women play in the scene. Nuala speaks to Lindsay Bishop, who conducted 10 years of field work for her PhD on the subject and Becky Baldwin, a bassist from the band Fury.
Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Lottie Garton
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