Rachel Johnson's Difficult Women

This week Rachel is joined by the author Ela Lee, whose debit novel 'Jaded', took the literary world by storm. Ela became a secret novelist during the pandemic, switching her job as a City lawyer to delve into her passion for writing. Together they discuss the difficult process that came with writing her second book, 'Minbak', an intergenerational story about a family of three Korean women facing ruin following the 2008 financial crisis, which was inspired by Ela's own childhood.

This week's Difficult Woman is Nimco Ali, co-founder and CEO of The Five Foundation, a global partnership working to end female genital mutilation. An FGM survivor herself, Nimco tells Rachel about her experience returning to the UK after she was cut in Djibouti at just six-years-old, where her teacher told her “this is what happens to girls like you”. Nimco was later inspired to speak out publicly against the procedure, after meeting a classroom full of girls in the UK who had undergone FGM.

In this episode of Difficult Women, Rachel sits down with the author Amanda Craig, known for her ‘state of the nation’ novels that explore British society through an often satirical lens. Ahead of the release of her new book ‘High and Low’ in May, they discuss what Amanda believes are the key ingredients for a novel. She also tells Rachel that people have forgotten books are supposed to be entertaining, and explains the inspiration behind the characters she creates. Amanda opens up about her diagnoses with both endometriosis and thyroid cancer, and explains how they opened her eyes to the hardships many in society face, after she was helped through her recovery by a range of people.

This week's difficult woman is Conservative MP for East Surrey, Claire Coutinho, who is Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, as well as Shadow Minister for Equalities. Claire tells Rachel about her plans to make the UK self-sufficient when it comes to energy. She also shares the emotional story of her son Rafael's birth, where complications left her in a coma fighting for her life.

This week Rachel is joined by the author and activist Tilly Rose, who spent 20 years in and out of hospital as a ‘medical mystery’. When Tilly was told by a doctor all she could be offered was 'comfort care' rather than a diagnosis, she decided to share her situation online. With the help of the internet, she finally received the treatment she needed. Tilly’s now documented her journey in the award-winning book ‘Be Patient’.

This week’s difficult woman is the chef Olia Hercules, who before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was mainly known for celebrating Eastern European cuisine through her recipes. In 2022 she co-founded the #CookForUkraine initiative, and later released her family memoir ‘Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family History Through War, Exile and Hope’. Olia joins Rachel on the week of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, in a heavy and honest discussion about how the war has changed her life.

This week Rachel is joined by Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the recent chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. During her time in the role, Baroness Falkner found herself at the centre of one of today’s most politically charged debates: the argument over sex and gender. In her first sit down audio interview since the end of her term, she tells Rachel about the hostility she faced both externally from activists as well as an internally, after bullying allegations were made by staff, all while dealing with her own personal battle with advanced ovarian cancer.

This week Rachel is joined by the writer and historian Rachel Cockerell, whose debut book ‘Melting Point: Family, Memory and the Search for a Promised Land’ tells the story of the long-forgotten Galveston Movement. Together they discuss how Rachel stumbled upon the significance of her great grandfather, David Jochelmann, in the movement, after she searched his name as part of her research for her family memoir. Rachel also explains why delusion is a key ingredient for anyone wanting to become a writer, and even teases what her next book will be about.

This week's difficult woman is the senior firefighter, psychologist and author, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton. From joining the fire service at just 18 years old when nationally only one per cent of firefighters were women, to being part of the response team for the aftermath of Grenfell, to becoming the first female to be Chief Fire Officer of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight, she tells Rachel about the prejudices she's faced throughout her career. They also talk about Rachel's experience living on the streets as a teenager, and the continued stigma surrounding homelessness.

This week’s difficult woman is truly a first for the podcast. First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan, aka Baroness Morgan of Ely, joins Rachel in the studio. From growing up in a home at the centre of Welsh Labour, to becoming the first woman to lead the country, politics is in Eluned’s blood. Together they look ahead to May’s Senedd Election, which could mark the end of Labour's dominance in Welsh Parliament since devolution. Eluned also tells Rachel the incredible story of how her family survived a plane crash when she was just a child.

This week’s difficult woman is the writer, researcher and intellectual Cat Bohannon, best known for her New York Times bestseller Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Millions Years of Human Evolution. Rachel is mind-blown as Cat tells her about the time she lived in a car for three months so she could continue teaching her students at the University of Arizona. Rachel also asks Cat about her upcoming book, which looks at why studying women’s health could save us all.

In this week’s Difficult Women, Rachel is joined by Investigations Editor at the New Statesman, Hannah Barnes. Hannah led BBC Newsnight’s investigation into the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). Her work helped lead to an extensive NHS review, and was nominated for an array of awards. Hannah is also the author of Sunday Times bestseller Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children, which was shortlisted for both the Baillie Gifford Prize and the Orwell Prize. Hannah tells Rachel about the challenges that come with reporting on complex and contentious issues.

Cindy Gallop is a true Difficult Woman: born in Buckinghamshire, raised in orthodox Brunei by a formidable “tiger mother,” and destined for marriage and motherhood. Instead, she became the founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, a radical platform challenging porn culture by showing real, consensual, emotionally honest sex. Fiercely single, unapologetic about dating younger men, and committed to designing her life entirely on her own terms, Cindy has spent decades dismantling the myths around sex, relationships, and what women are meant to want.

This week's difficult woman is the reality TV star Jazz Saunders, much loved for her kind, down to-earth nature, close friendships and fiery rows on Made in Chelsea. Jazz came out as bisexual on national tv and we have watched her in the first lesbian relationship of the whole series. We discuss all of this and we also hear from Jazz's mum Elyse. Enjoy!

This week’s difficult woman is Holly Tucker MBE. Nicknamed ‘Holly hurricane’ when she was growing up, she is one of those women who really do appear like they ‘have it all’. She co-founded the online marketplace Notonthehighstreet in 2006 and later founded Holly & Co, a purpose-led company supporting independent businesses. Rachel and Holly talk about balancing a career with family; the death of the high street and how to save it and, of course, Holly’s most difficult moment.

This week’s difficult woman is Penny Mordaunt, former Conservative minister for Women and Equalities. You may know her for holding the sword at the King Charles’ coronation or running against Liz Truss in the Conservative leadership race. There is much more to Penny than this however. She does not fit the posh Oxbridge stereotype that surrounds the Conservative party. Growing up in Portsmouth, she lost her parents at a young age and cared for her brother whilst he was ill. Her journey into politics is unconventional and frankly fascinating.

This week’s difficult woman is the global health expert Devi Sridhar. She tells Rachel how she became committed to improving public health after losing her dad at a young age and seeing the ‘medieval process’ of chemotherapy he experienced. She also shares some secrets on how to live forever…

This week’s difficult woman is the athlete, Dame Denise Lewis. She won gold in the Heptathlon in the 2000 Olympics and has continued to light up our screens with her punditry ever since. Denise is now the president of UK Athletics and is fighting for people not to experience the injustices that she did. Rachel and Denise discuss her tumultuous journey through motherhood and how she carved out a career after the gold.

This week’s difficult woman is activist Gina Martin. Gina fought to make upskirting a crime in 2017 after a man took a picture of her crotch at British Summertime festival. What followed was a long fight to make this a crime. In 2019, she achieved this goal, and the Voyeurism Offences Act was passed. Gina and Rachel reflect on this landmark victory and the urgent changes still needed to end the harassment of women and girls.

In this week’s episode of Difficult Women Rachel is joined by Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes. Kelly won double gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, racing to victory in both the 800 and 1500 meters at the age of 34. The conversation rarely stays on the track, however. Underpinning Kelly’s dazzling athletic achievements is a tumultuous childhood in which she spent 5 years in care and experienced ‘a fear of abandonment’ as a result. Kelly opens up about learning to stop caring what others think and how that shift transformed her life just two years ago.

This week’s Difficult Woman is the human rights barrister, author, and Rachel’s former sister-in-law, the very redoubtable Marina Wheeler KC, who has written an acute new book about how the UK should reset relations with the EU after Brexit.In a highly personal and at times confrontational conversation, the pair revisit this most painful and divisive period in British political history: the narrowly fought EU referendum and its bitter aftermath, an unprecedentedly turbulent period which saw the Johnson-Wheeler family thrust centre stage, Marina’s marriage to Boris Johnson break down, and her former husband achieve his lifetime’s ambition of becoming PM.And that’s just the bare bones of it!

In this week's episode Rachel sits down with Sophy Ridge, an immensely talented Sky news presenter who achieved great success from early on in her career. She entered Westminster as a reporter for The News of the World at just 24 years old and was given her own Sky News show, Sophy Ridge on Sunday at 32. Sophy is not a very difficult woman. Rachel observes that she is ‘more golden retriever than rottweiler’ unlike some political hosts. She is very accustomed to interviewing tricky women however. On the debut episode of Sophy Ridge on Sunday she secured an exclusive interview with Theresa May when she was Prime Minister, a notoriously challenging interviewee. In this episode, Sophy shares how she defied expectations and carved out a dazzling career in journalism whilst remaining warm and sincere throughout.

This week, Rachel chats with bestselling historian Hallie Rubenhold, the woman rewriting the stories behind Britain’s most famous crimes. Hallie’s hit book The Five turned the Jack the Ripper story on its head by focusing on the women he killed, not the man himself. It won the Baillie Gifford Prize for non-fiction and topped the Sunday Times bestseller list.Her new book, Story of a Murder: The Wives, The Mistress and Dr Crippen, dives into the shocking Edwardian murder case of Dr Crippen and the extraordinary women who helped bring him to justice. Rachel and Hallie discuss the dark side of true crime, why history has ignored women’s voices for too long, and how to shift the gaze on murder from the male detectives and perpetrators back to the female victim.

In this episode of Difficult Women, Rachel sits down with acclaimed author and historian Juliet Nicolson for an intimate and in-depth conversation about resilience, reinvention, and family legacy. Every family has secrets, but Juliet Nicolson’s antecedents had some pretty famous, if sometimes badly kept ones. In this episode, Rachel goes beyond Juliet’s distinguished ancestry to explore a problem that transcends class, fame, and fortune. Together, they discuss Juliet’s battle with alcoholism, a struggle that shadowed her daughters’ youth and one she continues to face with honesty and grace through Alcoholics Anonymous. Juliet’s story reminds us that the heaviest secrets are often the ones we keep from ourselves.

Last year the Difficult Women team went to darkest Gloucestershire to record the one and only Dame Jilly Cooper, whose death, aged 88, was announced this week. We went to the Chantry, her house near Stroud, which is as bonkers and beautiful and brilliant as its owner. Jilly gave us an incredible, breathless interview full of jokes and laughter and then an even more liquid lunch in her kitchen. In honour of the imperishable genius that was Jilly Cooper, we are ripping up the schedule so that her grief-stricken fans around the world can hear her voice and jokes again.

In this episode Rachel speaks to a woman who has been thrust into unimaginably difficult circumstances. Hanan Khashoggi is the widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post journalist assassinated after being critical about the Saudi Arabian regime. She joins us from the US, where she has found a level of safety, but still fears assassination every day. She tells Rachel about the terrible day she learned that her husband had been killed and how her life has since fallen apart. Separated from her family across three continents and speaking to us from a dingy flat, Hanan remains full of passion and determination in her quest to get justice for her husband. This is a powerful account of love, loss, and the fight for truth against a backdrop of international corruption and oppression.

Rachel sits down with Baroness Fall, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister David Cameron, for an intimate and insightful conversation. She delves into Kate's unique journey from the heart of British politics to the House of Lords, exploring what it's really like behind the doors of Number 10. They discuss the pressures of power, the nuances of political loyalty, and the personal sacrifices that come with life in Westminster. Kate opens up about her time navigating historic events, managing high-stakes decision-making, and her reflections on leadership in turbulent times.

Rachel sits down with chef, author, and food campaigner Thomasina Miers. Best known as the winner of MasterChef and co-founder of the Mexican-inspired restaurant chain Wahaca, Thomasina shares her journey from passionate home cook to successful restaurateur and sustainability advocate. They discuss the challenges of running a food business in today’s climate, how the government can get Britain eating healthily, and how food can be a powerful force for cultural connection and environmental change.

This week on Difficult Women, Rachel Johnson is joined by Michal Herzog, First Lady of Israel, in a rare and timely interview recorded during her official visit to London. With unflinching honesty and emotional depth, Herzog reflects on the profound trauma that Israel has endured since the October 7th attacks - an event she describes as a national wound that has yet to begin healing. Speaking as both a public figure and a mother, Herzog opens up about her and President Isaac Herzog’s ongoing efforts to meet with over 1,300 bereaved families, the humanitarian toll of war, and the need to address trauma and mental health in the shadow of conflict. She also shares her belief in the power of women’s leadership and expresses hope for a future peace - one that prioritises security, dignity, and the next generation on both sides of the conflict.

Rachel sits down with renowned shirt maker Emma Willis for an inspiring and insightful conversation. From crafting bespoke shirts for royalty and film stars to founding a charitable initiative supporting injured veterans, Emma shares her journey from starting out on London’s Jermyn Street to building an internationally respected brand rooted in craftsmanship, style, and purpose. Rachel delves into Emma’s passion for British manufacturing, the importance of quality over quantity, and how she’s stayed true to her values in an ever-changing fashion industry. They also explore the stories behind Emma’s philanthropic work, including her work with Style for Soldiers, and the power of clothing to restore confidence and dignity. 

Rachel sits down with Polly Toynbee, one of The Guardian’s most respected columnists, for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, society, and the role of the press. Rachel draws out Toynbee’s reflections on her decades at the heart of political journalism, exploring how her upbringing, values, and career have shaped her perspective. Toynbee speaks candidly about inequality, social mobility, and the challenges facing modern Britain, while offering a sharp critique of those in power.

Rachel sits down with Helen Whately MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. They explore the challenges facing the NHS and social care sector, delve into the realities of policy-making, and discuss Helen’s journey through politics - from balancing motherhood with ministerial duties to navigating turbulent times in Westminster. A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, leadership, and social impact in today’s Britain.

In this lively and entertaining episode, Rachel Johnson sits down with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts for a sharp, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation. The two discuss Sophia’s transition from Tatler columnist to bestselling novelist, her hilarious takes on modern romance, and what it’s really like growing up among Britain’s aristocracy. With her trademark wit, Rachel draws out stories of dating mishaps, social faux pas, and the inspiration behind Sophia’s hit books. WARNING: This episode contains strong language.

In this intimate episode, Rachel sits down with acclaimed author Emma Forrest for a candid conversation about the turning points that shaped her life. Emma reflects on the moment Nigella Lawson gave her a crucial early break, the raw challenges of becoming a mother, and her ongoing battle with mental health. She also opens up about her emotionally charged and complex relationship with actor Colin Farrell. With honesty and depth, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the resilience behind Emma’s creative spirit and the personal stories that have defined her journey as a writer and woman. WARNING: This episode contents discussion of self-harm.

Sharon Gaffka shot to fame on Love Island, but she’s since traded villa drama for real-world impact. A former civil servant turned fierce activist, Sharon now champions women’s rights, digital safety, and diversity in public life. Whether she’s taking on online abuse or advocating for change in Parliament, she’s using her platform to make waves far beyond reality TV. Smart, driven, and refreshingly outspoken, Sharon’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Deesha Dyer is a former White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama whose journey from community college student to one of the most senior event planners in the U.S. government is anything but typical. Raised in modest circumstances and working multiple jobs, she applied for a White House internship at age 31—despite battling imposter syndrome and having no political connections. That bold move launched a career in public service and advocacy, which she chronicles in her memoir Undiplomatic. In this episode, Deesha shares how self-doubt, persistence, and purpose shaped her path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Kate Muir is a bestselling author, campaigner, and documentary maker whose powerful work has helped spark the conversation around women's health. Formerly the chief film critic at The Times, Kate turned her sharp eye and storytelling skills toward a deeply personal subject after enduring a disastrous menopause experience. That struggle became the catalyst for her groundbreaking new book, Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (But Were Too Afraid to Ask), which aims to demystify hormonal health and empower women with science-based solutions.

Clare-Louise Knox is a leading feminist psychologist and founder of See Her Thrive, a consultancy dedicated to improving women's health and wellbeing at work. Specialising in the intersection of gender, mental health, and workplace culture, Clare-Louise advocates for inclusive policies around menstrual health, menopause, and reproductive wellbeing. Her work challenges outdated norms and empowers organisations to better support women throughout their careers.

Sarah Pochin, the newly elected Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made headlines with a shock by-election win—snatching the seat by just six votes from Labour. A former Conservative councillor and corporate exec, Pochin’s political rise has been marked by controversy, including a judicial reprimand and multiple party switches. Her Commons debut sparked national uproar after she called for a UK ban on the burqa, prompting backlash from Muslim groups and culminating in the temporary resignation of party chair Zia Yusuf. 

Penny Smith is a seasoned British television and radio presenter, journalist, and author, best known for co-hosting GMTV's News Hour from 1993 to 2010. She began her career in print journalism before moving into broadcasting with roles at Border TV, Thames News, and Sky News. Penny has also hosted shows on Classic FM, BBC Radio London, and Talkradio, and is a published author of two novels. A passionate advocate for the arts and wellbeing, she’s produced yoga videos, is a keen opera fan, and loves hiking.

India Hicks resists definition. Famous for being Di’s bridesmaid, the King’s Goddaughter, and the granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, murdered by the IRA,Hicks - who has five sons- also combines roles as a designer, model, author, and activist and divides her time between the Bahamas, the UK and the Ukraine

Natasha Hausdorff is a British barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel. A passionate debater since her school days, she is the UK’s fiercest and most uncompromising advocate for Israel’s legal rights to exist and defend itself. With experience spanning the UK, Israel, and international courts, Natasha Hausdorff brings her legal chops to bear on the most controversial war in the world

Sarah Hoover is a writer and art historian whose hit debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, delivers a raw and gripping counter punch to the “bliss of babies” narrative, detailing birth trauma, relationship difficulties, and postpartum depression while exposing the need for maternal healthcare both sides of the Atlantic

Rachel Kelly is a bestselling author and mental health advocate whose work shines a light on postpartum depression and the pressures faced by modern mothers. Drawing from her own experience of a severe depressive episode after the birth of her second child, Rachel has become a powerful voice for maternal mental health. Through books like Black Rainbow and her work with charities such as SANE and Rethink Mental Illness, she champions the healing power of words and self-care.

Justine Roberts is the founder and CEO of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest online network for parents—and a surprising powerhouse in British political life. Since its launch in 2000, Mumsnet has grown from a niche forum into a digital force capable of shaping public debate, influencing party manifestos, and unnerving prime ministers. Politicians from across the spectrum have courted its users, recognising the site's unique reach into the hearts—and voting intentions—of middle Britain. Often underestimated, always influential, Justine Roberts has carved out a space where motherhood meets activism—and where difficult questions are the norm.

This week's difficult women is novice MP Katie Lam. You may have seen Katie this past month making waves for her bold advocacy on victim’s rights, especially when it comes to grooming gangs. Equipped with a history of defiant difficult and a trademark no-nonsense approach, she’s championing the fight for victims’ support while demanding accountability for perpetrators. Listen along to this novice MP who may well end up a household name in years to come. 

This week's difficult woman is the author and historian Anne Sebba. Her works, including Les Parisiennes and That Woman (the story of Wallis Simpson), shine a light on the lives of women who defied the odds and shaped the world in their own unique ways. With a focus on resilience, complexity, and untold stories, Sebba’s books offer fresh perspectives on the women who often get lost in history.