Jo Ellison, former features editor at British Vogue and current editor of HTSI, discusses the fashion industry's complicated relationship with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. She highlights concerns about a potential return to glorifying thinness and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. The conversation touches on the accessibility of Ozempic, revealing stark disparities between wealthy celebrities and the general public. Ellison reflects on how these trends impact individuality and the evolving perceptions of body image in today’s culture.

This week, we look at two things that connect us to human history. First, How To Spend It editor Jo Ellison takes us mudlarking — sifting through low tide for treasure — to find remnants of ordinary life from hundreds of years ago. Licensed mudlark Lara Maiklem teaches us how. Then we explore the staying power of games: why do we love them? Why have we been playing some for more than 7,000 years? Our gaming critic Tom Faber joins us to discuss. --------------If you want to explore the FT, use this link for special discounts for listeners: http://ft.com/weekendpodcast--------------Want to say hi? We love hearing from you. Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap. --------------Links and mentions from the episode: – This week’s How To Spend It cover story and photoshoot: ‘Tide and seek: the hidden treasures of low tide’ https://www.ft.com/content/44a1a5be-d0de-4a5a-a02b-1386e0b7c84f –Lara Maiklem’s books are called ‘Mudlarking’ and ‘A Field Guide to Mudlarking’–Last time Jo went mudlarking was with jeweller Ruth Tomlinson for this November 2021 article: ‘Why I’m throwing my jewellery into the Thames’: https://www.ft.com/content/aacc19ef-d397-4c15-b943-a029a4954ca1 –A great piece Lilah recommends on mudlarking by novelist Daniel Wallace: https://gardenandgun.com/feature/daniel-wallace-explores-the-art-of-mudlarking/ –Tom Faber on the transformative power of games: https://www.ft.com/content/c2f8b5b6-1f30-48cc-a098-71484ded9a00 –Tom also wrote a great piece this week about the Cameo app and celebrity culture: https://on.ft.com/3FIF7kF --------------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design is by Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Stone, FT arts editor Jan Dalley, and HTSI editor Jo Ellison discuss the film 'Poor Things', questioning if it is an empowering exploration of a woman's sexual freedom or an uninspiring male gaze fantasy. They analyze the complex themes, mixed reactions from viewers, and the impact of the film on women's representation. The discussion also includes comparisons to other films' portrayal of femininity and desires for more actor Harris Dickinson.