Smashing The Ceiling
183 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsWelcome to Smashing The Ceiling, the show where we showcase the lives of women with interesting, unusual and inspiring careers, those who have achieved amazing things, some who've got a really cool or unusual job, and some who've just had a fascinating life.
Each week I sit down with one amazing human to dig a little deeper into the HOW of it all - how did they get where they are, how they picked themselves up when things didn’t go right, and how their mentors, motivations and mistakes have led them to achieve the things they have.
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Episodes
Hayley Leibson - leading the ladies in Silicon Valley
November 04, 2018 06:00 - 28 minutes - 23.3 MBIn the very first episode of this podcast I spoke about my motivations behind starting this project, one of which was providing insight into employment worlds that you, as a listener, may never have considered before, or know very little about. One of those areas for me is tech: it interests me, but the world of Silicon Valley seems a distant impenetrable world of people with a much higher intellect than me talking about things I don’t understand. I am absolutely certain this is probably a m...
16. Jessa Zimmerman - sex, shame and sexual games
October 28, 2018 10:00 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBBy the time I was in my early twenties, Carrie Bradshaw and the women in Sex and the City seemed to have revolutionised the way sex was discussed amongst groups of girl friends - my peer group certainly had a lot of very open discussions, and suffice to say that there was a time when I had a pretty in depth knowledge about the sex lives of my closest friends. I was reflecting on this since speaking to today’s guest however, and realised that those conversations are rare now that we're ten ye...
Jessa Zimmerman - sex, shame and sexual games
October 28, 2018 06:00 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBBy the time I was in my early twenties, Carrie Bradshaw and the women in Sex and the City seemed to have revolutionised the way sex was discussed amongst groups of girl friends - my peer group certainly had a lot of very open discussions, and suffice to say that there was a time when I had a pretty in depth knowledge about the sex lives of my closest friends. I was reflecting on this since speaking to today’s guest however, and realised that those conversations are rare now that we're ten ye...
15. Sarah Williams - from the deserts of Morocco to inspiring women back home
October 21, 2018 10:00 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBMy guest today, Sarah Williams, started her career in the reasonably conventional manner of a successful woman: high class university education, graduate training programme and a career in the City, with the work-hard, play-hard London high life of a twenty-something hitting their goals and forging a lucrative successful career in finance. But after a few years, Sarah realised she was burning out, frustrated and overwhelmed by a lack of support in a male-dominated environment, over-worked on...
Sarah Williams - from the deserts of Morocco to inspiring women back home
October 21, 2018 06:00 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBMy guest today, Sarah Williams, started her career in the reasonably conventional manner of a successful woman: high class university education, graduate training programme and a career in the City, with the work-hard, play-hard London high life of a twenty-something hitting their goals and forging a lucrative successful career in finance. But after a few years, Sarah realised she was burning out, frustrated and overwhelmed by a lack of support in a male-dominated environment, over-worked on...
14. Cal Major - from Land's End to John O'Groats on a paddleboard
October 14, 2018 10:00 - 38 minutes - 30.8 MBIf you've ever tried stand up paddle boarding, you'll know it requires co-ordination, patience and a whole lot of ab strength. Now imagine paddling 1000 miles whilst balancing large volumes of plastic waste that you’ve painstakingly collected from the water on your board... Enter Cal Major, environmentalist, stand-up paddle boarder, campaigner, adventurer and vet, who did just that a set a new World Record whilst paddling solo from Land's End to John O'Groats earlier this year - what a jo...
Cal Major - from Land's End to John O'Groats on a paddleboard
October 14, 2018 06:00 - 38 minutes - 30.8 MBIf you've ever tried stand up paddle boarding, you'll know it requires co-ordination, patience and a whole lot of ab strength. Now imagine paddling 1000 miles whilst balancing large volumes of plastic waste that you’ve painstakingly collected from the water on your board... Enter Cal Major, environmentalist, stand-up paddle boarder, campaigner, adventurer and vet, who did just that a set a new World Record whilst paddling solo from Land's End to John O'Groats earlier this year - what a jo...
13. Elaine Miller - fannies, fart jokes and the serious business of women's health
October 07, 2018 10:00 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MB1 in 3 women in this country are incontinent, and that's probably an underestimation, according to pelvic health physiotherapist Elaine Miller. She is making it her mission to get women talking about this, post-childbirth and otherwise. Physiotherapy is a straightforward cure for a lot of issues concerning incontinence and the pelvic floor, and Elaine wants people to know that help is out there. How she gets the message out is slightly unusual though - her side job is as a stand-up comedia...
Elaine Miller - fannies, fart jokes and the serious business of women's health
October 07, 2018 06:00 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MB1 in 3 women in this country are incontinent, and that's probably an underestimation, according to pelvic health physiotherapist Elaine Miller. She is making it her mission to get women talking about this, post-childbirth and otherwise. Physiotherapy is a straightforward cure for a lot of issues concerning incontinence and the pelvic floor, and Elaine wants people to know that help is out there. How she gets the message out is slightly unusual though - her side job is as a stand-up comedia...
12. Abby Ehler - sailing, surviving and thriving in round-the-world yacht racing
September 30, 2018 11:12 - 31 minutes - 25.7 MBIf you think about sailing a yacht round the world, what image comes into your mind? Fantastic sunsets, calm seas, whales and dolphins appearing intermittently, and balmy days in a bikini? Yep, me too. The reality of round-the-world ocean racing is somewhat different: I’m sure the wildlife encounters can be pretty special and there are no doubt some spectacular sunsets, but yachts sail 24/7 during their legs at sea and the Volvo Ocean Race is well-known to be one of the toughest sporting eve...
Abby Ehler - sailing, surviving and thriving in round-the-world yacht racing
September 30, 2018 07:12 - 31 minutes - 25.7 MBIf you think about sailing a yacht round the world, what image comes into your mind? Fantastic sunsets, calm seas, whales and dolphins appearing intermittently, and balmy days in a bikini? Yep, me too. The reality of round-the-world ocean racing is somewhat different: I’m sure the wildlife encounters can be pretty special and there are no doubt some spectacular sunsets, but yachts sail 24/7 during their legs at sea and the Volvo Ocean Race is well-known to be one of the toughest sporting eve...
11. Anna Smith - films, feminism and being President (of the Critics' Circle)
September 23, 2018 11:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBIn the era of Weinstein, #MeToo and Oscars So White, there have been a lot of discussions and much written about diversity in Hollywood. Although there’s a long way to go to achieve parity of pay and representation, it feels like a conversation has started around this. But what about those who watch films, review them and influence us, the general public, on what’s worth watching? There are painfully few successful female film critics and this is still an incredibly male-dominated area. Mery...
Anna Smith - films, feminism and being President (of the Critics' Circle)
September 23, 2018 07:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBIn the era of Weinstein, #MeToo and Oscars So White, there have been a lot of discussions and much written about diversity in Hollywood. Although there’s a long way to go to achieve parity of pay and representation, it feels like a conversation has started around this. But what about those who watch films, review them and influence us, the general public, on what’s worth watching? There are painfully few successful female film critics and this is still an incredibly male-dominated area. Mery...
10. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz - from ward rounds to walruses via a New York Times bestseller
September 16, 2018 12:04 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBMost doctors never consider that a whale might get breast cancer, or a marmoset might get heart disease, or that common conditions seen in human athletes might also be seen a cheetah, a greyhound or an antelope. Barbara Natterson Horowitz is first and foremost a doctor but agter 25 years as a cardiology specialist the the UCLA Medical Centre, an unexpected turn of events took her via L.A. Zoo to a New York Times best-selling book, Zoobiquity, a TED talk watched by over 300,000 people and ...
Barbara Natterson-Horowitz - from ward rounds to walruses via a New York Times bestseller
September 16, 2018 08:04 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBMost doctors never consider that a whale might get breast cancer, or a marmoset might get heart disease, or that common conditions seen in human athletes might also be seen a cheetah, a greyhound or an antelope. Barbara Natterson Horowitz is first and foremost a doctor but agter 25 years as a cardiology specialist the the UCLA Medical Centre, an unexpected turn of events took her via L.A. Zoo to a New York Times best-selling book, Zoobiquity, a TED talk watched by over 300,000 people and ...
9. Amelia Viney and Saba Shafi - unleashing the power of young people
September 09, 2018 10:00 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBAmelia Viney describes herself as a kid who sought to be involved in "some kind of liberation", but found herself working in the corridors of power of Westminster and Capitol Hill. Saba Shafi was a Liberian refugee who came to the UK, succeeding in pursuing the neoliberal dream of a top university and a swift rise up the corporate ladder before realising this path was unlikely to sufficiently fulfil her in the long term. Having quit their careers, these two women now run The Advocacy Acade...
Amelia Viney and Saba Shafi - unleashing the power of young people
September 09, 2018 06:00 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBAmelia Viney describes herself as a kid who sought to be involved in "some kind of liberation", but found herself working in the corridors of power of Westminster and Capitol Hill. Saba Shafi was a Liberian refugee who came to the UK, succeeding in pursuing the neoliberal dream of a top university and a swift rise up the corporate ladder before realising this path was unlikely to sufficiently fulfil her in the long term. Having quit their careers, these two women now run The Advocacy Acade...
8. Athene Donald - a physicist of many passions
September 02, 2018 11:00 - 27 minutes - 22.6 MBMy guest this week is a woman who has smashed through many a glass ceiling in the world of science with grace, endeavour and success. She is Dame Athene Donald, professor of experimental physics at the University of Cambridge and the first ever female professor of physics at one of the most historic universities in the world. Her mind is undoubtedly brilliant, and her capacity to unpick complex theories and principles that most of us wouldn’t have a hope in hell of understanding is legend...
Athene Donald - a physicist of many passions
September 02, 2018 07:00 - 27 minutes - 22.6 MBMy guest this week is a woman who has smashed through many a glass ceiling in the world of science with grace, endeavour and success. She is Dame Athene Donald, professor of experimental physics at the University of Cambridge and the first ever female professor of physics at one of the most historic universities in the world. Her mind is undoubtedly brilliant, and her capacity to unpick complex theories and principles that most of us wouldn’t have a hope in hell of understanding is legend...
7. Alexandra Heminsley - wobbly bits, wetsuits and writing
August 26, 2018 10:12 - 44 minutes - 35.4 MBAlexandra Heminsley is a writer, broadcaster and journalist, whose books 'Running Like A Girl' and 'Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves And The Will To Swim' chronicle her journey into, firstly, marathon running and subsequently the unknown world of open water sea swimming. She talks of conquered fears, putting one foot in front of another and the joy of succeeding against the odds. 'Leap In' was written against the backdrop of Alexandra's journey through IVF, and is heart-wrenching and hauntingly ...
Alexandra Heminsley - wobbly bits, wetsuits and writing
August 26, 2018 06:12 - 44 minutes - 35.4 MBAlexandra Heminsley is a writer, broadcaster and journalist, whose books 'Running Like A Girl' and 'Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves And The Will To Swim' chronicle her journey into, firstly, marathon running and subsequently the unknown world of open water sea swimming. She talks of conquered fears, putting one foot in front of another and the joy of succeeding against the odds. 'Leap In' was written against the backdrop of Alexandra's journey through IVF, and is heart-wrenching and hauntingly ...
6. Manon Bradley - powerlifting, politics and major projects
August 19, 2018 12:00 - 38 minutes - 30.7 MBIf you cut Manon Bradley down the middle, she jokes, it would say 'powerlifting' running through her core like a stick of rock. Her entry into the sport came via a throwaway comment that she had "great legs for weightlifting", and she found that not only did she love it, she was also naturally very talented. At her first competition, she qualified for the European Championships, and has since held 6 World Records, been World Champion 13 times, European Champion 9 times and won more British t...
Manon Bradley - powerlifting, politics and major projects
August 19, 2018 08:00 - 38 minutes - 30.7 MBIf you cut Manon Bradley down the middle, she jokes, it would say 'powerlifting' running through her core like a stick of rock. Her entry into the sport came via a throwaway comment that she had "great legs for weightlifting", and she found that not only did she love it, she was also naturally very talented. At her first competition, she qualified for the European Championships, and has since held 6 World Records, been World Champion 13 times, European Champion 9 times and won more British t...
5. Nicola Miller - running a mile in others' shoes
August 12, 2018 14:00 - 25 minutes - 20.4 MBThose of us who love running just put on our running shoes and go. But what if you didn't have access to a sports bra and trainers, or didn't have the confidence to start? Nicola Miller is the founder and chairman of A Mile In Her Shoes, an award-winning charity that she set up in 2012 to share the physical and mental benefits of running with homeless and vulnerable women in London. In 2016, she was recognised as one of the Prime Minister's 'Points of Light', an accolade that acknowledge t...
Nicola Miller - running a mile in others' shoes
August 12, 2018 10:00 - 25 minutes - 20.4 MBThose of us who love running just put on our running shoes and go. But what if you didn't have access to a sports bra and trainers, or didn't have the confidence to start? Nicola Miller is the founder and chairman of A Mile In Her Shoes, an award-winning charity that she set up in 2012 to share the physical and mental benefits of running with homeless and vulnerable women in London. In 2016, she was recognised as one of the Prime Minister's 'Points of Light', an accolade that acknowledge t...
4. Uta Frith - exploring the mind
August 05, 2018 15:00 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBDame Professor Uta Frith is a developmental psychologist. Her capacity to break down barriers began at school, where she attended the local boys' school in Germany to pursue her interests in science and maths - the start of a long and illustrious career. Uta arrived in London in the 1960's at a time of liberation and exploration, and her subsequent work at University College London changed the way both the scientific community and wider society view those with autism and dyslexia, leading to...
Uta Frith - exploring the mind
August 05, 2018 11:00 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBDame Professor Uta Frith is a developmental psychologist. Her capacity to break down barriers began at school, where she attended the local boys' school in Germany to pursue her interests in science and maths - the start of a long and illustrious career. Uta arrived in London in the 1960's at a time of liberation and exploration, and her subsequent work at University College London changed the way both the scientific community and wider society view those with autism and dyslexia, leading to...
3. Sally Snow - uncovering the secrets of the underwater world
July 29, 2018 15:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBSally Snow is a zoologist, documentary maker and shark chaser - what an awesome job description! Born and raised in West Wales, Sally spent her childhood sharing the bathroom with otters, living in the sea and trying to avoid accidentally eating the random insects that occupied some of the family fridge. Whilst studying Zoology and Psychology at Bristol University, Sally spent her time on student radio and subsequently worked as both a researcher and associate producer on programmes for t...
Sally Snow - uncovering the secrets of the underwater world
July 29, 2018 11:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBSally Snow is a zoologist, documentary maker and shark chaser - what an awesome job description! Born and raised in West Wales, Sally spent her childhood sharing the bathroom with otters, living in the sea and trying to avoid accidentally eating the random insects that occupied some of the family fridge. Whilst studying Zoology and Psychology at Bristol University, Sally spent her time on student radio and subsequently worked as both a researcher and associate producer on programmes for t...
2. Iona Bain - de-mystifying finance for the younger generation
July 16, 2018 11:43 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBIona Bain started her career as a professional musician but strayed down the path of financial journalism after losing all her hard-earned cash in a robbery - listen in to hear the story of her stolen piggy bank! As the founder of the Young Money Blog, the first and only British blog dedicated to young people's finances, Iona is now the go-to voice on finance for a younger generation, and is frequently seen and heard on both television and radio. She is one of only a few female financial j...
1. Jamie Chadwick - the fastest female talent in motorsport
July 16, 2018 11:41 - 20 minutes - 17.2 MBJamie Chadwick is a prodigious talent in the field of motorsport. Aged 14 she was racing an Aston Martin with the best of the boys, and is currently competing at Formula 3 level, with the aim of entering Formula 1 in the not-too-distant future. Dedicated, determined and hard-working, Jamie has progressed rapidly through the ranks in motorsport and is certainly one to watch for the future! In the first episode of Smashing The Ceiling, Jamie talks to Naomi about her life and career so far.
Iona Bain - de-mystifying finance for the younger generation
July 16, 2018 07:43 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBIona Bain started her career as a professional musician but strayed down the path of financial journalism after losing all her hard-earned cash in a robbery - listen in to hear the story of her stolen piggy bank! As the founder of the Young Money Blog, the first and only British blog dedicated to young people's finances, Iona is now the go-to voice on finance for a younger generation, and is frequently seen and heard on both television and radio. She is one of only a few female financial j...
Jamie Chadwick - the fastest female talent in motorsport
July 16, 2018 07:41 - 20 minutes - 17.2 MBJamie Chadwick is a prodigious talent in the field of motorsport. Aged 14 she was racing an Aston Martin with the best of the boys, and is currently competing at Formula 3 level, with the aim of entering Formula 1 in the not-too-distant future. Dedicated, determined and hard-working, Jamie has progressed rapidly through the ranks in motorsport and is certainly one to watch for the future! In the first episode of Smashing The Ceiling, Jamie talks to Naomi about her life and career so far.