Standard Issue Podcast

Emily Scarratt, England Rugby’s top scorer, shares her insights on the thrilling world of women's rugby, touching on its growth globally and locally. She discusses the anticipation for the Women's Six Nations tournament and reflects on the evolution of the sport since 1996. Scarratt explores the emotional rollercoaster athletes experience after defeats and emphasizes the importance of resilience. With exciting anecdotes about playing at prestigious venues, she also highlights the need for better support systems in women’s rugby.

What a month, indeed what a few days, of TV. Hannah's got some high praise for Severance, The White Lotus, Toxic Town and Adolescence, while Jen's been keeping it real with some ITV dramas. And a few BBC ones to boot. Tuck in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a full basket of news from Hannah and Mick this week: oven-ready gammon joints, Streep-Short joy, a pre-tribunal win for some of the BBC’s female presenters, the Met Police covering itself in glory again, and – all together now! – relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone acetate for the endo win. Plus, extra sunshine for our £5+ patrons with Sarah Millican’s Light Relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the complexities of the romantic classic, exploring its portrayal of sex work and gender dynamics. The discussion critiques the film's unrealistic relationship between a wealthy man and a prostitute while addressing deeper issues like coercion and control. Nostalgic performances are celebrated, yet the darker themes evoke mixed feelings. With humor, the hosts navigate the charming yet problematic elements, reflecting on the film’s lasting societal impact and the flawed narratives surrounding love and power.

Investigative journalist and head of narrative at Stak, Nicky Anderson has been a ballet nut since she was a kid. And the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine? For many, it’s ballet at its pinnacle. But at what cost? In her new seven-part podcast series, Dancing With Shadows, Nicky explores the history of the New York City Ballet and its influence, with a focus on the dark side of the company and the culture and legacy created and left by Balanchine. Mick got her on the Zoom to talk about this deep dive into a sport-slash-art form renowned for demanding absolute sacrifice from its young, predominantly female, dancers and for being a very closed institution, how it shines a light on abuse sort of becoming par for the course, and the perils of genius. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you solve a problem like two people who don't like musicals having to watch one of the world's best-loved musicals? Was it like brown paper packages tied up with string or just Do Re Mi Fa Soooo fucking long? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roisin O’Donnell’s striking debut novel, Nesting, tackles some big issues: domestic abuse, coercive control and the housing crisis in Ireland. We follow protagonist Ciara’s spur of the moment decision to take her two young girls and flee her abusive husband – and the challenges she faces staying away. Roisín chats to our Mick about coercive control, strong women in impossible situations, and sparks of hope.If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. You are not alone. Nesting is published by Scribner and out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jemima Rooper has been on our screens since the mid ‘90s, featuring in shows such as As If, Hex, and more recently The Split and Geek Girl. Now she’s at London's Park Theatre as Suzanne in one of France's favourite plays, Farewell Mr Haffman. Jen catches up with Jemima to talk about playing a Nazi, life as an actor from a young age, and being that tricky not young/not yet old age of our mid-40s.Farewell Mr Haffmann is at Park Theatre, London, until April 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah, Yosra and Mick are all big fans of Alice Lowe. But will that translate into loving Timestalker, which she wrote, directed and stars in? Does an excellent supporting cast (Tanya Reynolds, Jacob Anderson, Nick Frost and Aneurin Barnard) get enough to do? And will the fast cuts and repetition leave them confused or swooning? Find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been some good news this week, if you squinted right. So we're saying "no thank you" to the White House bullies and "yes please" to big legal developments, potty training, the pursuit of happiness and teaching boys about positive masculinity. Plus, there's boxing news in Jenny Off The Blocks. You're welcome.You can find out more about the Big Toile Project here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices