Ctrl Alt Delete

This week’s episode is with one of my biggest writing inspirations: Dame Jacqueline Wilson. Her 111th novel Love Frankie is out now. We talk about her journey into being one of the nation's most loved writers, her writing process, why she's always wanted to discuss deeper issues and themes within her books for children, her trouble with computers and why she loves meeting her readers. It was such a thrill to also record this one in person. A real 'moment' for me and the podcast. Hope you enjoy and if you did please do leave a rating or a review! xo  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today's guest is Dr Pragya Agarwal, a behavioural and data scientist, and the bestselling author of SWAY: Unravelling Unconscious Bias which came out this year. Her writing on bias and prejudice, motherhood, gender and racial inequality and mental health has appeared in The Guardian, Independent, Huffington Post,, Forbes, and many more.Her next book ‘Wish we knew what to say: Talking with children about race’ is a manual for parents, carers and educators of all backgrounds and ethnicities to talk to children about race and racism - out with Dialogue Publishers (Hatchette) this month!Pragya also has a mini podcast series ‘Outside the boxes’ which I recommend checking out which examines how the labels and stereotypes affect us as a society, the science behind it, and what we can do about it.This episode is all about discovering our conscious and conscious bias, how we can notice them and what we can do to make the world a bit better.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out i

Martha Beck is a Harvard-trained sociologist (she has three degrees from Harvard!) and a world-renowned coach (most famously she's been Oprah's life coach) and New York Times bestselling author. She has published nine non-fiction books, one novel, and more than 200 magazine articles. She has been a monthly contributor for O, The Oprah Magazine for 17 years.I discovered Martha Beck properly during lockdown and have been inhaling everything she's ever written. I really recommend reading Steering by Starlight, Finding Your North Star and The Joy Diet. I find her thinking extremely comforting and interesting and her podcast Bewildered which she records alongside her friend Rowan Mangan shows us that a lot of our lives are shaped by culture and we need to get back in touch with our true nature. In this episode we talk about her background, life as a coach, her new book, how her love of nature & animals led her back to her true self, how to analyse dreams and how we can all have a bit more magic in our liv

Welcome back to Ctrl Alt Delete! Today's guest is clinical psychologist Dr Soph where we discuss the topic of self-sabotage and how it can be a useful thing that tells us about ourselves and what we want.My new book SABOTAGE is out TODAY and to celebrate I am publishing this conversation with the brilliant Dr Soph about the topic and about her career as a therapist. I recently discovered Dr Soph and her brilliant Instagram presence and am so glad I have. She also contributed some wise nuggets to SABOTAGE which I am very grateful for! Dr Soph is registered Clinical Psychologist with 8 years experience. She offers one-on-one online therapy and coaching to support her clients in ways that fit around their lifestyle - and we talk all about how she helps people overcome anxiety and low self-esteem.In this conversation we talk about how we don't love the word self-sabotage but it is a useful phrase to sum up why we do what we do, how to spot our behaviours and the tools we can have in our back pocket to help u

Welcome back to Ctrl Alt Delete. I am excited to share a snippet of my SABOTAGE audiobook here for you! (Out on Sept 24th!)I wanted to give you lovely listeners a sneak peak of my SABOTAGE audiobook! SABOTAGE: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Get Out of Your Own Way is my newest non-fiction book publishing on the 24th September (in both UK and US), available to pre-order now! (Links below!)The book is a personal exploration of my own journey of self-sabotage, and more broadly, how most of us have a tendency to put barriers in the way of our progression and our happiness - at home and at work, both on and offline. SABOTAGE is a book about challenging these behaviours, digging a little deeper into why that unhelpful voice can creep up on us. Procrastination, jealousy, perfectionism, inner critic: the book explores how we can overcome these obstacles and how we can stop getting in our own way. This book is about how to (at the very least) be on our own side.The book explores real-life sto

Today's guest is with the brilliant activist and entrepreneur Seyi Akiwowo: the Founder and Executive Director of Glitch, a young not-for-profit organisation determined to end online abuse. Seyi travels the globe developing practical solutions with Governments, NGOs and companies to protect our online public spaces from hate and abuse. In 2018, she was named Stylist Magazine’s Woman of the Week, she is also Amnesty International’s Human Rights Defender and is part of the #ToxicTwitter campaign to end online abuse against women.Aged 23, Seyi was elected as the youngest black female Councillor in East London and has had nine successful years working in politics and the charity and policy sectors both in the UK and Europe. In this episode, we discuss the rise of online abuse (especially in lockdown), gender based abuse, how to be a good online ally online and offline, action we can take, and all the amazing work Seyi and Glitch are doing to stop such harmful online behaviour be

My guest today is the brilliant Zoe Sugg: author, entrepreneur, content creator and business owner.Zoe was one of my first ever guests back when I started this podcast in 2016, so I thought it would be really fun to invite her back on to talk all about what she's been up to in that time (aka a lot!). In this episode we talk about life in lockdown, her journey with anxiety, her mental health digital detox campaign with Lush and I Am Whole, why she decided to separate her Zoe Sugg and Zoella channels on social media, how to run a business, how to switch off and how to structure your day when you're working on multiple things. Plus her new YA book series The Magpie Society which is out in October. We had lots to talk about and I hope you enjoy this one!And why not join in Zoe's Digital Detox day! The campaign raises awareness about the negative impact social media can have on our mental health, and helps people to form healthier relationships with their devices. Digital Detox Day will take place in over ten

Hello and welcome back. I'm replaying some old favourite episodes this week while I am on holiday. This episode was recorded in April 2017 (three years ago, WHAT). Seth Godin is a legend. The author of 18 books that have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He is something spreads ideas and writes about marketing, leadership and change. Some of his most well-known books are Linchpin, Tribes, and Purple Cow which I mention on this podcast in conversation. It's a book that has really inspired me - it's all about how to be remarkable and stand out. His blog (which you can find by typing "Seth" into Google) is one of the most popular in the world. Seth is well-known in the publishing industry, mainly since launching a series of four books via Kickstarter. The campaign reached its goal after three hours and ended up becoming the most successful book project ever done this way. His newest book, What To Do When It's Your Turn, is already a bestseller. We t

Hello and welcome back. I'm replaying some old favourite episodes this week while I am on holiday. This episode with the wonderful guest June Sarpong was recorded in November 2017.We discuss her new book Diversify backstage at Stylist Live. I've wanted to meet June for ages, so this was a VERY exciting episode! June has enjoyed a 20-year career which has already seen her become one of the most recognisable faces of British television, as well as being one of the UK’s most intelligent and dynamic young hosts. June has also taken on the world’s most challenging live audiences, hosting 2005’s major Make Poverty History event in London’s Trafalgar Square and presenting at the UK leg of Live Earth in 2007. In 2008 alongside Will Smith she also hosted Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebrations in front of 30,000 people in London’s Hyde Park.We talk about how to lead a more inclusive lifestyle, why it's important to have difficult conversations and how to get out of your own 'bubble'. Hope you enjoy

Hello and welcome back. I'm replaying some old favourite episodes this week while I am on holiday. This episode was recorded in February 2018. I met Greta in the Soho Hotel for the interview to talk about the release of her film Ladybird. Since then, of course she's gone on to make the incredible masterpiece that is her own version of Little Women that she wrote and directed. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and it also received nominations at the BAFTAs and Golden Globe Awards. Hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hello and welcome back to Ctrl Alt Delete! I'm replaying some old favourite episodes this week while I am on holiday. This episode was recorded in March 2019. Since then Jameela's 'i Weigh' movement has blossomed and grown - it originally started as a hashtag and has now turned into a media company with her own podcast called i weigh which I highly recommend listening to, plus a website and newsletter. You may know Jameela from her 2008 days as co-host of Channel 4’s Freshly Squeezed and T4. In 2013 she became the first female solo presenter of Radio 1’s The Official Chart Show and an award-winning columnist in Company magazine too.In 2016 Jameela made her move to the US, where she was cast to play the role of Tahani on NBC’s THE GOOD PLACE. The show has won both an AFI Award, a Critics Choice Award and even nominated for a Global Globe.Hope you enjoy this episode! I interviewed her at her home in LA and it was a really refreshing, interesting conversation.You can follow i WEIGH

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey are the Pulitzer Prize winning journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. They are also the bestselling authors of She Said, the book all about how they did it.I managed to catch up with them before their flight back to New York before lockdown when they were in the UK to promote the book. It was so incredible to meet them. On 5 October 2017, the New York Times published an article by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey that helped change the world. Hollywood was talking as never before. Kantor and Twohey outmanoeuvred Harvey Weinstein, his team of defenders and private investigators, convincing some of the most famous women in the world - and some unknown ones - to go on the record. Three years later, it led to his conviction. This is how they did it.Hope you enjoy this episode and if you did please rate the episode on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. See you next week!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hello and welcome to this special OLIVE mini series — all around the topic of my debut novel OLIVE which is out TODAY! In lieu of a launch party, I’ve decided to release this 4-part series on 4 different women’s varying experiences and attitudes towards motherhood, based on the topics within the book.The novel centres around Olive and her three best friends, Bea, Cecily and Isla. Bea is a mum of 3 who loves her busy chaotic home, Cecily is newly pregnant feeling apprehensive and excited, Isla is struggling with her fertility and undergoing IVF treatment. Olive knows that having children is not for her and recently broke up with her longterm boyfriend because he wanted to try for a baby and she didn’t — and this book explores the obstacle course of adulthood, navigating key life milestones, and how their friendships grow and change as they each figure out their own paths.Natalie Lee is a fashion blogger, former midwife and body positivity advocate. In this episode we talk about getting creative

Hello and welcome to this special OLIVE mini series — all around the topic of my debut novel OLIVE which is out TODAY! In lieu of a launch party, I’ve decided to release this 4-part series on 4 different women’s varying experiences and attitudes towards motherhood, based on the topics within the book.The novel centres around Olive and her three best friends, Bea, Cecily and Isla. Bea is a mum of 3 who loves her busy chaotic home, Cecily is newly pregnant feeling apprehensive and excited, Isla is struggling with her fertility and undergoing IVF treatment. Olive knows that having children is not for her and recently broke up with her longterm boyfriend because he wanted to try for a baby and she didn’t — and this book explores the obstacle course of adulthood, navigating key life milestones, and how their friendships grow and change as they each figure out their own paths.My guest is Clover Stroud is an author and journalist and mother of 5 - who writes for the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph 

Hello and welcome to this special OLIVE mini series — all around the topic of my debut novel OLIVE which is out TODAY! In lieu of a launch party, I’ve decided to release this 4-part series on 4 different women’s varying experiences and attitudes towards motherhood, based on the topics within the book.The novel centres around Olive and her three best friends, Bea, Cecily and Isla. Bea is a mum of 3 who loves her busy chaotic home, Cecily is newly pregnant feeling apprehensive and excited, Isla is struggling with her fertility and undergoing IVF treatment. Olive knows that having children is not for her and recently broke up with her longterm boyfriend because he wanted to try for a baby and she didn’t — and this book explores the obstacle course of adulthood, navigating key life milestones, and how their friendships grow and change as they each figure out their own paths Today's guest is Jessica Hepburn is author/ arts producer, adventure activist — and one of the UK's leading patient voice

Hello and welcome to this special OLIVE mini series — all around the topic of my debut novel OLIVE which is out TODAY! In lieu of a launch party, I’ve decided to release this 4-part series on 4 different women’s varying experiences and attitudes towards motherhood, based on the topics within the book.The novel centres around Olive and her three best friends, Bea, Cecily and Isla. Bea is a mum of 3 who loves her busy chaotic home, Cecily is newly pregnant feeling apprehensive and excited, Isla is struggling with her fertility and undergoing IVF treatment. Olive knows that having children is not for her and recently broke up with her longterm boyfriend because he wanted to try for a baby and she didn’t — and this book explores the obstacle course of adulthood, navigating key life milestones, and how their friendships grow and change as they each figure out their own paths Today's guest is Emma Sexton, talking all about childfree-by-choice life. She is a design entrepreneur, creative strategist, speake

My guest today is the brilliant Sophie Heawood. I've followed Sophie's work for years, I've loved her columns in the Guardian, VICE and her brilliant newsletter.Sophie has written for many publications including The Times, Guardian, Observer and Vogue and writes the most incredible profiles of A-Listers — she doesn't just interview celebrities she tells incredibly stories while doing so, and crafts features in such a compelling interesting way that makes you feel like you are in LA or in the fancy hotel lobby with her. Her first book The Hungover Games is out now, it is a beautiful memoir about single motherhood and what to expect when you weren't expecting to be expecting. I read it in a day, and I think you will also love it. If you enjoyed this conversation, please do leave a rating or a review! :)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My guest today is one of the British Gymshark athletes, the wonderful fitness influencer Sophie Butler — someone I thoroughly enjoy following on Instagram and find extremely inspiring on every level. I jumped at this chance to collaborate with her for the podcast. (Apologies in advance for the patchy audio — lockdown issues!)*This episode is brought to you by Gymshark.* Gymshark is a sportwear brand who focuses on fitness and conditioning. They have released a whole new range of sports bras for all training styles and support levels. Going from low support for low impact activities to high support for higher impact activities, each bra is available in 5 different sizes and multiple colour-ways. You can check them out at gymshark.com/calSophie is an award-winning content creator (she won Best Health & Wellbeing Influencer at the Cosmo Awards last year!) and a personal trainer who shares her passion and knowl

Today's guest is Ann Friedman, one half of the popular podcast Call Your Girlfriend and now author of the forthcoming book Big Friendship, out this month (July 2020). It is a friendship bible on how to keep each other close.This book is authored by both Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, (Aminatou has also been a guest on Ctrl Alt Delete, episode number #183 if you fancy going back and listening) and Big Friendship is a the story of their own ten-year, complex, loving friendship. They share their highs, lows, and hard-won wisdom with honesty, hilarity and compassion. They've weathered life-threatening health scares and long-distance living - and they know: the most important part of a Big Friendship is investing in each other again and again.I absolutely loved the book! I think we need to have more honest conversations about friendship and like all other relationships, it takes work.I hope you enjoy this episode and make sure you buy a copy of Big Friendship! https://www.bigfriendship.com/  See aca

Julia Cameron is the bestselling author of The Artists' Way. She is a poet, playwright, fiction writer and essayist, she also has extensive credits in film, television and theatre, and is an award-winning journalist. Her groundbreaking books on creativity have become international bestsellers.In this episode we talk about The Artist's Way which has a new revamped cover which is very exciting. The book first came out in the early 90s and provides a twelve-week course that guides you through the process of recovering your creative self. It aims to dispel the 'I'm not talented enough' thoughts that hold so many people back and helps you to unleash your own inner artist. Its step-by-step approach enables you to transform your life, overcome any artistic blocks you may suffer from, including limiting beliefs, fear, sabotage, jealousy and guilt, and replace them with self confidence and productivity. The Artist's Way will demystify the creative process by making it a part of your daily life.From Alic