Extra reading, links:

What Is The Bechdel Test?

Films that surprisingly, Pass the Bechdel Test

Margot Robbie on saying "thank you instead of sorry"

Take Action Against Big Fashion

email the show: atstpod@gmail.com

*kind note: this address is for podcast letter contributions only*

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, i'm sharing what i've learned from spending my weekends offline (with varying levels of success!) over the past 5 years, in a practice I call #offline48. I'll also be answering the questions I get asked most frequently and i'll be sharing tips and advice if you're keen to join me on an offline weekend.

Mentions

How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price

Lumie alarm clock

Wandering Wild

Unplugged cabins

You can email the show or send us a voice note of your own to atstpodcast@gmail.com

*kind note: this address is for podcast letter contributions only*

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Her debut book “All The Houses I’ve Ever Lived In” is part memoir, part social commentary. It’s a love letter to home and community and a vital and timely expose on the UK’s housing crisis.

By the age of 25, Kieran had lived in twenty different houses across the country, from council estates in London to car showrooms in rural Wales. Drawing on personal experience, interviews with tenants across the country and the stories behind our interiors, she explores the unexpected ways we can fight back, highlighting the invaluable work of community organisers who have led the way to change and improve the housing system, inviting us to re-imagine what the future of housing could look like.

Buy Kieran’s book

Find Kieran on Twitter

Mentions

From Pollution to policing - can Sadiq Khan clean up London?

Flock Together

POC in Nature

Novara Media interviews landlords

London Renters Union

The Renters Reform Bill

This episode was hosted and produced by Venetia La Manna and edited by Nada Smiljanic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take Action Against Big Fashion

Welcome To Wrexham

Champion

Decolonising Conservation

Tan France on the Louis Theroux podcast

Stop Cambo

you can email the show - or send us a voicenote of your own to atstpodcast@gmail.com

kind note: this address is for podcast letter contributions only

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

summer reading list

pontochoux

jah jah

vg patisserie

land & monkeys

meet up

email the show or send us a voice note of your own: atstpod@gmail.com

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel's recommended summer reads:

Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang

Psychedelics by David Nutt

Boyslut by Zachary Zane

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Imad's Syrian Kitchen by Imad Alarnab

email the show: atstpod@gmail.com

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

mentions:

You Can Cook This

Africa Rising with Afua Hirsch 

Patagonia manufactures in the same factories as fast-fashion

Do Ethical Billionaires Exist?

Social Auditing, The Fast Fashion Get Out Of Jail Free Card

Why should the brand be responsible for factory working conditions?

Fashion campaign groups to follow and join:  Remake, Clean Clothes Campaign, Labour Behind The Label

Hold an EU passport? Please sign the Good Clothes Fair Pay petition! 

Email the show at atstpod@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

mentions:

flex appeal with Anna Whitehouse

is wellness just another fashion trend? with Rina Raphael

real self care by Dr Pooja Lakshmin

maintenance phase podcast

changes podcast with Emma Gannon

love, Lizzo documentary

the fast furniture fix on BBC Sounds

loneliness awareness week with Marmalade Trust

an extra special thank you to my loves Becca and Lottie for sharing their valuable insights with us.

email the show: atstpod@gmail.com

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

previous ATST episodes mentioned: 

starting a sustainable business with Josephine Philips 

transcending the binary with Willow Defebaugh

having children in a climate crisis with Tessa Khan 

reproductive justice and parental ambivalence with Dr Pragya Agarwal 

tailor your clothes at the Sojo pop up (or check out their app) if you're not based in London, try your local dry cleaner for alterations

Spice World on Sentimental Garbage 

Willow Defebaugh's life hacks

email the show: atstpod@gmail.com

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

email the show: atstpod@gmail.com

recommendations from this episode:

Rye Lane

I Kissed A Boy (BBC)

having children in a climate crisis with Tessa Khan

we are child free podcast

embracing a child free life Today In Focus

Friendaholic by Elizabeth Day

Olive by Emma Gannon

Greg James for the i

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re going to be speaking about fossil fuels and climate breakdown and what it means for ours and our children's future. We'll also be touching on eco fascism, the overpopulation myth, climate tipping points, the future of democracy, the energy crisis and Big Oil's recent profits.

Tessa is my first return guest to this podcast. Listen to our first conversation on the fight for a fossil fuel free future.

Since we last spoke, Tessa recorded an unmissable TED talk titled: "How Can We Escape Soaring Energy Bills? Stop Using Fossil Fuels"

Follow Tessa on Twitter

Join the campaign to #StopRosebank!

Listen to this previous episode with Swatee Deepak on Do Ethical Billionaires Exist?

Check out this related episode on reproductive justice with Dr Pragya Agarwal

Find me: Venetia

For accessibility reasons, a video version of this conversation is available to view with subtitles via this link.

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With her joyful instagram content, poppy teaches people how to grow and forage their own food, whilst living and eating consciously - for personal, community and planetary health. As a young black woman, Poppy also advocates for those who are underrepresented and marginalised in the world of horticulture and environmentalism.

A former successful model, in 2016 Poppy began her horticulture studies with the Royal Horticultural Society, and spent time working with a number of community gardens in London. She also studied alongside Martin Crawford, the creator of the oldest “food forest” in England, qualifying in 2019 as a Permaculture Designer. Poppy has been featured on Gardeners’ World (BBC2), and is a regular contributor to the Royal Horticultural Society podcast. She recently relocated to Devon, where she has more growing space to work with, and more links to a landscape of established, sustainably run farms and community gardens.

Mentions

Right2Roam

Wintering by Katharine May

The Book Of Trespass by Nick Hayes

Who Owns England? by Guy Shrubsole

Find me on Instagram here and you can message me for anything podcast related @ATSTPodcast

This episode is sponsored by Neal's Yard Remedies. *The code has now expired*

For accessibility reasons, a video version of this episode is available to watch here.

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her new book The Gospel Of Wellness, Rina balances the good with the bad, taking a deep, nuanced dive into this $4.4 trillion dollar industry, and how it’ s a direct result of gender inequalities and structural sexism within medicine and society.  She is here to help us tear down the false idols that have taken hold and ultimately shows how we might shape a better future for the movement - and for our well-being.

Find Rina: rinaraphael

Buy her book: The Gospel Of Wellness

Find me: Venetia

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angie has been listed as one of eight women breaking the bias in sports, fitness and wellness by Women's Health Magazine and her retreats have achieved multiple accolades, including being listed as one of the best in the UK & Ireland by The Times and the best for beginners by Condé Nast Traveller. 

Angie has collaborated with businesses who want to learn about wellness, diversity and accessibility through corporate coaching sessions, hosting, featuring on panels, and speaking with the media on topics across wellness, South Asian culture and trusting your intuition. UNEARTHED is her wellbeing community platform that I am a proud member of. It’s aim is to connect you with ancient Indian rituals to apply in your modern day life.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the whitewashing of yoga and how we can all learn to appreciate the practice rather than appropriate it, and create meaningful change so that is respectful of its roots and inclusive of all bodies. 

Find Angie: @TiwariYoga

Check out her platform: https://www.tiwariyoga.com/

Find me Venetia

For accessibility reasons, a video version of this conversation is available to watch here.

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resources

Check out Sojo

Chloe Asaam on fast fashion's waste crisis

Last week's episode with The Or Foundation's Liz Ricketts

Learn about the women carrying our clothing waste here

Follow Sojo on Instagram

Follow Jo on Instagram

Find me Venetia

Other recommended episodes

Marielle Elizabeth on size inclusive fashion

Aja Barber on the cost of fast fashion

For accessibility reasons, a subtitled video version of this conversation is available here.

This episode is kindly sponsored by LovenessLee.com. Use code “SMALLTHINGS20” at checkout or at their London Southbank store for 20% off. Valid until the end of February.

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Useful resources

Learn about The Or here: https://theor.org/

New to the work of The Or Foundation? Start with this ATST podcast episode: Chloe Asaam on fast fashion's waste crisis

Watch this video with Chloe

Read Liz's piece for Atmos This Is Not Your Goldmine

Learn about the women carrying our clothing waste here

Read Chloe's op-ed for Teen Vogue here

Follow The Or on Instagram

Find me Venetia

For accessibility reasons, a subtitled video version of this conversation is available here.

This episode was produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She is also a change-making contributor to Vogue, where she writes brilliantly about issues including but not limited to:

"Am I An Ethical Fashion Mean Girl?" and

“So Your Body Changed During the Pandemic. Here’s How to Rebuild Your Wardrobe”

In short, Marielle is here to make Slow Fashion EASIER for Plus Size Babes. She is one of my favourite people to follow on social media, and in my humble opinion, one of the most important voices for positive change. In this episode we unpack fashion’s fatphobia and sustainable fashion’s shortcomings when it comes to size inclusivity.

Find Marielle

Find me Venetia

Marielle recommends: SellTradePlus and ShopBerriez

Sustainable, size inclusive brand recommendations: Wray, Mara Hoffman, Christy Dawn

Also worth checking out: Loud Bodies, Birdsong, Lora Gene x Aja

This episode is kindly sponsored by WUKA. They are kindly offering my listeners £5 off your WUKA order, just use code “SMALLTHINGS” at checkout, valid until the 31st January. Ts&Cs: Minimum spend of £10 applies. Excludes shipping. Subject to availability: https://wuka.co.uk/discount/SMALLTHINGS5

For accessibility reasons, there is a video version of this podcast available with subtitles via this link.

Further reading:

'Solving' Fast Fashion Isn't A Plus-Size Responsibility

Fast Fashion Is Bad For The Environment. For Many Plus-Size Shoppers, It's The Only Option

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Together, without our friends Ruby and Devi we co-founded Remember Who Made Them, a campaign and podcast championing a new solidarity economy in fashion. Swatee is a guest lecturer for Columbia University, The London College of Fashion, is on the bench of Stanford University's Global Center for Gender Equality and is a Practitioner in Residence for LSE's Marshall Institute.

She is a founding member of several collectives working across philanthropy and social justice movements including Closer Than You Think, Healing Solidarity and Shake the Table and is a Board Director of the Global Fund for Children and EMpower - The Emerging Markets Foundation.

Find Swatee

Find me Venetia

Useful links:

On billionaires

Forbes 2022 Billionaires list

Hassan Minhaj: Why Billionaires won't save us

Oxfam: Inequality Kills, The unparalleled action needed to combat unprecedented inequality in the wake of COVID-19

On how philanthropy is involved in and can help counter the roll backs in human rights

Global Philanthropy Project's report into how $6.2bn was spent to roll back gender rights globally

The right hates feminists because we want freedom, here's how to fight back

Our campaign

Remember Who Made Them

On Patagonia

NextCity Webinar on understanding Patagonia and Perpetual Purpose Trusts

This episode is kindly sponsored by WUKA. They are kindly offering my listeners £5 off your WUKA order, just use code “SMALLTHINGS” at checkout, valid until the 31st January. Ts&Cs: Minimum spend of £10 applies. Excludes shipping. Subject to availability: https://wuka.co.uk/discount/SMALLTHINGS5

For accessibility reasons, there is a video version of this podcast available with subtitles via this link.

This episode was hosted and produced by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I'm chatting to Willow Defebaugh. Willow is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Atmos, which is a stunning and thought provoking biannual magazine focused on the exploration of climate and culture. Willow writes a weekly newsletter called The Overview which offers a holistic look at life on Earth through the lens of deep ecology. Her work has been featured in V Magazine, L’Officiel USA, Vogue US i-D, The Guardian, Them and the BBC, to name just a few.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of surrender, especially in terms of nature and the seasons, how our passion is our purpose, our insatiable need for fashion trends, the importance of creating boundaries that prioritise joy meaning activism can be truly sustainable and long-lasting, how Willow's transness has informed her environmentalism and much more.

Follow Willow

Find Atmos

Check out Atmos Volume 7, Prism

Find me: Venetia

This is episode is kindly sponsored by my favourite light therapy brand, Lumie. Listeners can use code "VEN20' for 20% off, valid for a limited time only.

For accessibility reasons, there is a video version of this podcast available with subtitles via this link.

This episode is produced and hosted by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. It was coproduced by Holly Falconer. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Her Top 10 Sunday Times Best-selling book, also called Conversations On Love, discusses a wide range of themes intimately connected to love. After years of feeling that love was always out of reach, she set out to understand how relationships work and evolve over a lifetime. Natasha turned to authors and experts to learn about their experiences, as well as drawing on her own, asking: How do we find love? How do we sustain it? And how do we survive when we lose it?

Some of my favourite conversations from the book include: Candice Carty-Williams on friendship, Emily Nagoski on the science of sex, Alain de Botton on the psychology of being alone, Esther Perel on unrealistic expectations and Roxane Gay on redefining romance.

Follow Natasha: natashalunn

Buy the book, and others from the series: bookshop.org/shop/venetia

Subscribe to Natasha's newsletter here

Find me: VenetiaLaManna

Find the show: ATSTpodcast

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She is the author of three books, including SWAY: Unravelling Unconscious Bias and ‘Wish we knew what to say: Talking with children about race’, a manual for parents, carers and educators of all backgrounds and ethnicities to talk to children about race and racism.

In this episode, we focus on her latest book: (M)otherhood: On the choices of being a woman a hybrid memoir and scientific analysis of women’s fertility, and an urgent and timely examination of how political ideas of womanhood and motherhood are constructed. Pragya uses her own varied experiences and choices as a woman of South Asian heritage to examine the broader societal, historical and scientific factors that drive how we think and talk about motherhood.

It’s an extremely honest book, with Pragya interrogating themes including infertility, childbirth and reproductive justice, making a powerful and urgent argument for the need to tackle society's obsession with women's bodies and fertility, in a truly intersectional way.

Find Pragya: @DrPragyaAgarwal

Buy her book: bookshop.org

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Her brand new book “A Bigger Picture” is part of her fight to bring front line voices to the front page.

When it comes to speaking or writing about climate change, voices and stories of people of colour and from the Global South are often omitted, even though these communities often contribute the least to the problem and suffer its consequences the most. Vanessa shows that without addressing this important gap, without highlighting the real and immediate danger communities like hers and so many others face, we have no hope of making progress in the race to save our planet.

In A Bigger Picture she traces the links between climate crisis and anti-racism, feminism, education, economics and even extremist radicalization, as well as telling the inspiring personal story of how she found her voice and shows readers that no matter your age, location or skin colour, you can be an effective activist.

Find Vanessa: @vanessanakate1

Buy her book: bookshop.org/lists/all-the-small-things

Learn about the Vash green schools project

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast #allthesmallthings

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mo Gawdat is a writer and entrepreneur. After a 30 year career in tech and serving as Chief Business Officer at Google [X], Google's 'moonshot factory' of innovation, Mo has made happiness his primary topic of research, diving deeply into literature and conversing on the topic with some of the wisest people in the world.

In 2014, motivated by the tragic loss of his son, Ali, Mo began pouring his findings into his international bestselling book, Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy. His mission to help one billion people become happier, #OneBillionHappy, is his moonshot attempt to honor Ali by spreading the message that happiness can be learned and shared.

​

His latest book is Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, a blueprint to safeguard humanity's coexistence with future technology. Technology is putting our humanity at risk to an unprecedented degree. This book is not for engineers who write the code or the policy makers who claim they can regulate it. This is a book for you. Because, believe it or not, you are the only one that can fix it. It’s a book about kindness and compassion and love and how ultimately, they are what will save us.

Find Mo: @mo_gawdat

Buy his book: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/all-the-small-things

Find his app: appii.app

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Kaspersky. Download their free mindfulness course on digital stress and smartphone addiction cyberspa.kaspersky.com

This episode was co-produced by Venetia La Manna and Holly Falconer. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The OR Foundation is an incredible charity and campaign who are raising awareness about the fashion waste crisis, specifically in Ghana’s capital Accra, where 15 million used garments pour into the area every week from the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, flooding the city’s sprawling clothing market.

The OR (which stands for choice) work at the intersection of environmental justice, education and fashion development, our mission is to identify and manifest alternatives to the dominant model of fashion – alternatives that bring forth ecological prosperity, as opposed to destruction, and that inspire citizens to form a relationship with fashion that extends beyond their role as consumer. 

They want to catalyse a justice-led circular economy. At every level their initiatives are founded on the belief that Justice within the violent yet beautiful world we share begins with Reckoning, Recovery and Reparations.

With a background in Fashion Design, Chloe sees the negative impact of fast fashion’s thoughtless overproduction and she is on a mission to do something about it. Chloe’s work with The OR Foundation builds on her personal advocacy and gives her the space to have a tangible impact on the people working within the Kantamanto ecosystem, specifically the kayayei (female head porters).

Learn more about the work of The OR Foundation

Support their work: https://theor.org/donate

Find Chloe: @chloe_asaam

Find The OR Foundation: @TheORisPresent

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna and edited by Nada Smiljanic. The music was composed by William Haxworth and the artwork was designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She is the founder and director of Uplift, a new organisation helping to move the UK towards a fossil fuel-free future. They strategically resource, connect, and elevate ideas and voices to set in motion a just transition away from fossil fuel production that is in proportion with the scale of the climate crisis. Before this role, she co-founded and is co-director of the Climate Litigation Network, a project of the Urgenda Foundation, which supports groundbreaking strategic climate litigation around the world. 

She has spent more than fifteen years supporting grassroots, regional and international movements for justice and has served as an expert advisor to UN human rights bodies and national governments, while working in Thailand, Egypt, India, the US, the Netherlands and Australia. Tessa is a trustee of Global Greengrants Fund UK and a member of the Steering Committee of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. 

Her writing has been published in international media outlets and academic publications, and she has been invited to speak at the United Nations and events convened by The Economist, Wall Street Journal and TEDx. In 2019, Tessa was named by TIME magazine as one of fifteen women leading the fight against climate change. She is also an awardee of the Climate Breakthrough Project.

If you’re UK based, you should know that the government has spent 4 BILLION propping up the oil and gas industry since we signed the Pairs Agreement in 2016. At the end of October 2021, The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP2 6will be taking place in Glasgow, Scotland. Boris Johnson has referred to this as the turning point for humanity, yet our government is spending billions propping up the oil and gas industry, which is directly causing the overheating and destruction of our planet.

Actions and links for this episode

Learn more about the work of Uplift.

The Government are set to approve the climate-wrecking Cambo oil field later this year. If we want a liveable climate, we can’t allow any new oil and gas extraction. To learn more and take action please head to: stopcambo.org.uk/take-action

Write to your local MP to ask that they take action at COP26 and speak up against fossil fuels

Check out the PaidToPollute campaign

Check out podcast guest Daze Aghaji's campaign to sue the government for failing to tackle climate change: crowdjustice.com/case/carbon-budgets/

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

This episode was co-produced by Venetia La Manna and Holly Falconer and edited by Nada Smiljanic. The music was composed by William Haxworth and the artwork was designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gina’s first book Be The Change, is a practical guide for activists starting out. She’s also an ambassador UN Women UK and advocates for regular people creating change in their communities, with a specific focus on young people, as you’ll hear in this episode.

We also talk about Gina’s campaigning, touching on the less glamorous side that doesn’t make into mainstream media, the lessons she’s learned and the depths of what she’s been through.

Buy Gina's book here

Watch her TEDx Talk here

Find Gina: @GinaMartin

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

This episode was co-produced by Venetia La Manna and Holly Falconer and edited by Nada Smiljanic. The music was composed by William Haxworth and the artwork was designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hassan’s memoir “Hope Not Fear: Finding My Way from Refugee to Filmmaker to NHS Hospital Cleaner and Activist” was released in September 2021. It’s a searingly honest and heartbreaking account of his journey and his unparalleled compassion, kindness and advocacy. Hassan shows us that standing together and uniting in kindness and love is the single most important message of our time.

Order Hassan’s book here

Find Hassan on Instagram: @HassanAkkad and twitter @Hassan_Akkad

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

Support Choose Love / Help Refugees: helprefugees.org/

This episode was co-produced by Venetia La Manna and Holly Falconer. It was edited by Nada Smiljanic. The music was composed by William Haxworth and the artwork was designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aja Barber is a writer, stylist and consultant whose work deals with the intersections of sustainability and the fashion landscape, building heavily on ideas behind privilege, wealth inequality, racism, feminism and colonialism.

Her brand new debut book “Consumed: The need for collective change; colonialism, climate change & consumerism”, is a blazing polemic against both the exploitation and injustice of the fashion industry and the cynical manipulation of consumer culture as a whole. It’s divided into one learning section and one unlearning section, so by the end, you’ll understand why fashion is exploitative, how it’s causing a humanitarian crisis and contributing to climate breakdown and you’ll feel equipped to be a better consumer and, fundamentally, a more active citizen. 

Order Aja's book here

Find Aja: @ajabarber

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @atstpodcast

This episode was produced by Venetia La Manna and edited by Nada Smiljanic. The music was composed by William Haxworth and the artwork was designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss her birth story, relationship with her mum, parenting style, thoughts on the vegan community, her ambition to make plant based food and cooking accessible for everyone and much more.

I use strong language more than a few times in this episode (I think it was due to the excitement of being reunited with my pal), so please bear that in mind if you're listening with people who might take offence.

Find Rachel: @RachelAma_

Pre-order her book: https://bit.ly/3wVGlVi

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Jaz on Instagram: @JazminSawyers

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and follow the show @ATSTpodcast.

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna and co-produced by Holly Falconer. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month sees the release of their second book: “First Comes Love: On Marriage and Other Ways of Being Together”. It’s a witty and incisive exploration of what marriage means along the whole spectrum of sexuality and class. They look at why people get married - for security, romance, or celebration, and why others see taking part in this deeply binary, normative system problematic in itself, examining what the future looks like for this historic and universal institution.

Follow Tom: @tomglitter

Buy their book: https://bit.ly/3xuAIhX

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and follow the show @ATSTpodcast.

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna and co-produced by Holly Falconer. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotty is currently the Lead Cultural Curator at Apple Music and the host of Apple Music 1 show The Dotty Show, as well as a Commissioning Editor at GRAZIA. Last year, The Times lauded her as ‘the powerful new voice of her generation.’

Her debut book “Outraged: Why Everyone is Shouting and No One is Talking” is an essential read for anyone who uses the internet and engages with outrage culture (that’s most of us). Dotty takes a candid and hilarious exploration into the state of cancel culture in our online world, and how we can channel our collective outrage back into the fights that matter.

Buy Dotty’s book: https://bit.ly/36c7999

Follow Dotty on Instagram: @thedottyshow/

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and follow the show @ATSTpodcast.

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order Otegha’s new book: https://bit.ly/3yfHaJZ

Find Otegha on Twitter: @OteghaUwagba

Listen to her podcast and subscribe to her newsletter.

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and follow the show @ATSTpodcast.

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is so much in this conversation. We hear about Cathy's childhood, her advice for her teenage self, we discuss her experience of motherhood, both online and offline. We also talk about what a better future for disabled people would like from a political standpoint, in the media and crucially, in our every-day lives. Cathy speaks brilliantly about how important it is to challenge our perceptions of what we think accessibility means and how we need to reduce the stigma around asking someone about their access needs. We also talk about the life-changing power of a good skincare routine.

Find Cathy on Instagram @ThatSingleMum

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and follow the show @ATSTpodcast.

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna and co-produced by Holly Falconer. The artwork was designed by Alex Sedano and the music was composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The book is not always an easy read as Paris’ adolescence was highly dramatic, with periods of bullying, a troubled home life, rebellion, sexual abuse and crime. Paris has written an addictively-readable debut, cementing herself as one of the UK’s most exciting young writers. In this episode, we talk about Paris book writing process, how well the memoir would lend itself to television, the traumatic process of “looking back”, sexual abuse, her time in a youth offenders’ institution, self-care and more.

Episode content warning: sexual and physical abuse.

Find Paris 

Buy her incredible book

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and find the show @ATSTpodcast

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna, with artwork designed by Alex Sedano and Music composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his inspiring and beautiful new book 'SENBAZURU, Small Steps For Hope Healing and HappinessMichael shares a personal collection of short stories and teachings, accompanied by traditional hand-painted proverbs and prayers. Together these bring to life gentle wisdoms and universal truths to guide a meaningful way of living. Shared throughout the book in twelve straightforward steps is also the powerful practice of orizuru, the art of folding paper cranes, a journey that will encourage you to slow down and create a hopeful perspective for the future.

Find Michael

Buy his book

Download the Just Breathe meditation app

Find me @VenetiaLaManna and find the show @ATSTpodcast

This podcast was edited and produced by Venetia La Manna, with artwork designed by Alex Sedano and Music composed by William Haxworth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candice’s new book, Sista Sister, is a compilation of essays about all the things she wishes she'd been told when she was a young Black girl growing up in London. From family and money to Black hair and fashion, as well as relationships between people of different races and colourism. Sista Sister is the follow up to Candice’s debut book, I Am Not Your Baby Mother, which was published in May 2020 and quickly became a Sunday Times Best-seller. It’s an urgent and eye-opening book about Black British motherhood, the first of its kind in the UK.

In this interview, Candice explains why Black British women will always be at the forefront of her storytelling. She tells us about the boundaries she has in place to ensure optimum self-protection and fearless creative output, the highs and lows of social media and how she doesn’t promote the idea of becoming an influencer. We also discuss friendship and trauma bonding, performative activism, cultural appropriation in wellness, colourism, her career aspirations and much more.

Pre-order Sista Sister

Buy I Am Not Your Baby Mother

Find Candice on Instagram

Candice's TV recommendation

All The Small Things is co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna and produced by Holly Falconer, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Charlie: @Charlie_Craggs

Buy her book: To My Trans Sisters

Find me: @VenetiaLaManna

Find the show: @ATSTPodcast

CW: suicide.

Thank you to REN Clean Skincare for sponsoring this episode. Here are two of my favourite products that I mentioned, the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic and the Clean Screen Mattifying Mineral SPF 30

All The Small Things is co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna and produced by Holly Falconer, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poorna Bell (she/her) is an award-winning journalist, digital editorial expert, three-time author, mental health ambassador and badass power-lifter. This month sees the release of her fantastic new book: “Stronger: Changing Everything I Knew About Women's Strength”. Part memoir, part manifesto, this book starts a conversation about women’s strength and fitness, tapping into the reservoir of mental strength we each have, in a way that has absolutely nothing to do with weight loss. Poorna shares her own story, as well as drawing on research and telling the stories of other women who’ve forged their own path. This book is intersectional, refreshing and a necessary interrogation of the health and fitness industry, as well as the government’s role when it comes to mental health. I absolutely LOVED it.

In this episode, we discuss diet culture, mental health, the government's co-opting of the mental health movement during the pandemic, the menopause, representation and more.

Find Poorna on Twitter @PoornaBell

Find Poorna on Instagram: @PoornaBell

Pre-order her book: Stronger

Follow her community: @SeeMyStrong

Poorna’s book recommendation: Luster by Raven Leilani

Thank you to REN Clean Skincare for sponsoring this episode. Here are two of my favourite products that I mentioned, the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic and the Clean Screen Mattifying Mineral SPF 30

This episode is also kindly sponsored by Papier. Head to and use code 'VENETIA15' for 15% off your first order.

All The Small Things is co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna and produced by Holly Falconer, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Andria: @Andriazaf

Find her book: Those Who Can, Teach

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

This episode is kindly sponsored by Papier. Head to and use code 'VENETIA15' for 15% off your first order.

This episode was co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna, produced by Holly Falconer, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan's book: Body Positive Power

Find Megan on Instagram: @BodyPosipanda

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Recommendations from this episode

Outraged by Ashley 'Dotty' Charles

This episode is kindly sponsored by Papier. Head to and use code 'VENETIA' for 15% off.

This episode was co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna, produced by Holly Falconer, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uju's book: Bringing Up Race

Find Uju on Instagram: @babesabouttown

Find Uju's blog: babesabouttown.com

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Recommendations from this episode

Blog post about Megan, Harry & Baby Archie

Black History 4 Schools

The Black Curriculum 

Book: Homegoing by Yas Gyasi

This episode was produced by Holly Falconer, co-produced and edited by Venetia La Manna, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pandora’s book: http://bit.ly/3cdyvzz

Find Pandora on Instagram: @pandorasykes

Find Pandora on Twitter:@PINsykes

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Recommendations from this episode

It's A Sin (Channel 4)

Promising Young Woman (Emerarld Fennell)

We are All Birds Of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan

This episode was produced and edited by Venetia La Manna, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Thubten’s book: 'A Monk's Guide To Happiness'

Follow Thubten: @GelongThubten

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Recommendations from this episode

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Choedroen

A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled by Ruby Wax

This podcast is kindly sponsored by VivoLife who are supporting Akanksha Education Fund.

Use discount code: “ATST10” for 10% off your first purchase. 

All The Small Things was produced and edited by Venetia La Manna, music by William Haxworth and artwork by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Her new book “The Fear-Fighter Manual, Lessons from a Professional Troublemaker” is a hilarious and transformational book about how to tackle fear and step into lives, careers and legacies that go beyond even our wildest dreams.

Find Luvvie’s book

Find Luvvie: @Luvvie

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Recommendations from this episode:

Luvvie’s skincare

Luvvie's playlists

My favourite Vitamin C serum (turns out I had used one before)

All The Small Things is co-produced by Holly Falconer, edited by Venetia La Manna, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rina’s been singing since she was little, but took her first official steps into the music world by joining a hip-hop group at school with Wolf Alice’s Theo Ellis. She broke into the public eye in 2017 with her self-titled EP and in 2018, she released the sex-positive ‘Cherry’, which served as a public declaration of her pansexuality. After finishing a tour with kindred alternative pop spirit Charli XCX, Sawayama signed with Dirty Hit (also home to The 1975) and in April 2020, released her genre-defying debut album ‘Sawayama’. Rolling Stone called it a "thrilling musical adventure" and Elton John proclaimed it “the strongest album of the year by far”; "Rina Sawayama," concluded Paper Magazine, "is our favourite genre". 

Despite all this, Rina found out she was not eligible for Mercury Prize or BRIT Award nominations because she doesn’t hold a British passport, despite having lived in the UK for 25 years. Her story inspired a social media campaign and she has been in discussions with the BPI to get these rules changed - and she's succeeded!

Rina is a change-maker and true visionary and I feel honoured to be kick-starting this series with her.

Find Rina: @rinasonline

Listen to Rina’s music: http://dirtyh.it/sawayama

Find me: @venetialamanna

Find the show: @ATSTpodcast

Award nomination updates: Rina changes the game

Recommendations from this episode

The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Yoga With Adriene

Brene Brown on shame and accountability

All The Small Things is co-produced by Holly Falconer, edited by Venetia La Manna, with music composed by William Haxworth and artwork designed by Alex Sedano.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we talk about: her joint hyper-mobility disability, size and gender inclusivity in fashion, her issues with calling for slower consumption from people in low income households, her tips for shopping sustainably for all body types, keeping costs and waste low when producing garments, body neutrality, how to get into sewing as a beginner.

FIND LYDIA 

Website: https://www.whatlydiamade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatlydiamade/

FIND ME:

https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/

USEFUL ARTICLES

I’m Plus-Size & Making My Own Clothes Helped Me Reclaim My Wardrobe: https://r29.co/2ZqMqMH

Ethical Shopping For Plus Size Bods (March 2019) 

http://www.therevivalcollective.com/simple-tips-ethical-shopping-for-plus-size-bods-guest-post-by-lydia-morrow-founder-of-what-lydia-made/

5 Independent UK Plus Size Brands That Are Changing The Fatshion Game (July 2019) 

https://www.bustle.com/p/5-independent-uk-plus-size-brands-that-are-changing-the-fatshion-game-18186370

The Term Plus Size Debate: https://www.glamour.com/story/term-plus-sized-debate

Enjoyed this episode? I think you might like these too:

Laura Thomas on Intuitive Eating and Body Neutrality: https://apple.co/2zPObYG

Swatee Deepak 'Fashion is a Feminist Issue': https://apple.co/3fWMhGB

Aja Barber: On Planet and Privilege: https://apple.co/3cKdJVP

Disclaimer: This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Download their FREE ebook: https://shop.vivolife.co.uk/sustainability-guideyvhupvax

Please note this episode was recorded remotely, so do excuse any audio issues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Kenny: https://www.instagram.com/kennyethanjones/

Kenny’s #internalperiods post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IgdY1lz-Z/

Kenny’s sex Q&A video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xL_r_FNM4/

The Gender Recognition Act: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/gender-recognition-act

MP Liz Truss’ recent statements: https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/04/24/liz-truss-healthcare-trans-youth-women-equalities-gender-recognition-act-protest-backlash/ 

Please read: https://twitter.com/WhatTheTrans/status/1253433872563372032

Please sign this petition to protect young transgender individuals: https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-liz-truss-threatens-the-future-of-young-transgender-individuals-this-needs-to-be-stopped

Find me: https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/

Did you enjoy this episode? I think you might like these, too...

Pattie Gonia on online activism: https://apple.co/3fjQiUY

Kimberley Wilson on anxiety: https://apple.co/3c2fs8H

Grace Hazel on sex: https://apple.co/35vUQmP

Disclaimer: This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Please note this episode was recorded remotely, so do excuse any audio issues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xiye has been a leading voice for indigenous and immigrant visibility in climate activism. Xiye is a member of the indigenous Mexican Otomi-Toltec nation and she has witnessed the impacts of climate change first hand, when her hometown in Mexico experienced prolonged drought followed by widespread flooding.

She is one of the major organisers for youth climate movement Fridays Future New York City, she is on the administration committee of the People's Climate Movement and she’s a member of Sunrise Movement and Extinction Rebellion.

Find Xiye: https://www.instagram.com/xiyebeara/

Find We The Planet: https://www.instagram.com/we.theplanet/

Find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/venetiafalconer

Find me on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2QgZEGc

Sign up to my Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gdU0U1

This episode was recorded remotely, so please excuse any audio issues.

Disclaimer: This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss: coming out, homophobia, toxic masculinity, drag, artistic expression, queer and environmental activism, food as love and so much more.

Find Pattie: https://www.instagram.com/pattiegonia/

Find Wyn: https://www.instagram.com/wynwileyphoto/

Find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/venetiafalconer

Find me on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2QgZEGc

Sign up to my Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gdU0U1

Disclaimer: This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Kimberley: https://www.kimberleywilson.co/

Buy her book: https://amzn.to/39zJM8M

Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodandpsych/

Listen to her podcast: https://play.acast.com/s/strongerminds

Find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/venetiafalconer

Find me on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2QgZEGc

Sign up to my Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gdU0U1

Disclaimer: This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Florence came to the sustainability sector via her public sector work where she worked with the UK Parliament, European Parliament and Local Government for a decade, this granted her a deep knowledge of the political landscape (national and international) and extensive experience working with policymakers.

Prior to Ethical Era, Florence spent five years researching and testing sustainability concepts in fashion at a Start-up level which led her to explore all factors relating to sustainability and climate change with a specialisation in sustainable fashion. 

Kollie Raja’s company, Ethical Era serve to track sustainability- focused organisations and leaders and to showcase that organisations and individuals can be a force for good.

Ethical Era: http://ethicalera.co.uk/

Find me: https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/

Podcast Event: https://bit.ly/39mix1W

Join us on a digital detox + yoga retreat in Somerset! https://www.ourretreat.co.uk/retreat/march-27th-30th-2020/

Disclaimer:

This episode is kindly sponsored by the incredible team at VivoLife: https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Honourable mentions:

Mooncup: https://www.mooncup.co.uk/

Clairo: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l0CmX0FuQjFxr8SK7Vqag

Extinction Rebellion: https://rebellion.earth/

Extinction Rebellion 2020 Strategy: https://bit.ly/2SmcEfl

Olio Food Waste App: https://olioex.com/

Rubies In The Rubble: https://rubiesintherubble.com/

A huge thank you to VivoLife for sponsoring this episode.

https://www.vivolife.co.uk/

I take their Vegan Omega 3 and Vegan Vitamin D3 and B12 daily.

Use the discount code “TalkingTastebuds” to get 10% off your first purchase.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With And For Girls is a group of organisations that share the common belief that girls are vital agents of change. They regard grassroots girl-led and girl-centred organisations supported by flexible funding, propel transformational change towards a more equitable world. They want to see a world where girls are heard and respected, able to access services and are included in decision-making processes that affect them.

Find Swatee: https://twitter.com/swatee

Find With and For Girls: https://www.withandforgirls.org/

https://www.instagram.com/withandforgirls/ #WITHandFORGirls

Global Giving is a great way to send your money to small grassroots groups around the world: https://www.globalgiving.org/

You can give to With and For Girls here: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/freedomforgirls/

Mentions:

AFEDES (the indigenous women's Collective in Guatemala mentioned): https://thousandcurrents.org/textiles-are-the-books-that-the-colony-was-not-able-to-burn/

Their website: https://thousandcurrents.org/partners/afedes/

11-11: https://11-11.in/pages/about-us

Fawcett Society shop: https://fawcettsocietyshop.com/

Find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/venetialamanna/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2007, Michael completed a three-month residential training programme and began a full-time teaching career. In early 2008, he founded the London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Centre with his partner Jillian. Since then, Michael has spoken to more than 6,000 people about meditation, stress, creativity, neuroscience and peak performance. He has presented to tech companies, non-profits, government institutions and business organisations and taught thousands of people to be self-sufficient meditators - including me!

London Meditation Centre: https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/

Find LMC On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonmeditationcentre/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss Anita’s story with amenorrhea, the difference between a vagina and vulva, why we should stop using soap to clean our nether regions and ethical period products.

Find Anita On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gynaegeek/

Buy her book: http://bit.ly/2HEUvFk

Find Me On Instagram: https://instagram.com/venetialamanna/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find Adrienne: https://www.instagram.com/adrienne_ldn/

Find me: https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/

A big thank you to The Hoxton Hotel for giving us a lovely room in which to record the episode.

Talking Tastebuds theme tune written and and produced by: williamhaxworth.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss cooking on a budget, privilege, veganism and mental health. Jack is fiercely intelligent and funny. She is an absolute trailblazer in the food space and it's a true honour to have her on the show.

Find Jack: https://cookingonabootstrap.com/

Find her new book: https://amzn.to/2EEXZHj

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.