Mariella Frostrup on Speaking Up for Women at Every Age

In this compelling and candid conversation, Julia sits down with her close friend Mariella Frostrup – renowned author, broadcaster, journalist and tireless campaigner – for a wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion on life, loss, and the pursuit of equity.
Mariella reflects on her remarkable career path, from the world of music PR to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in journalism and broadcasting. She opens up about the early trauma of losing her father, the resilience forged in childhood, and the enduring impact it’s had on her outlook.
Mariella shares what drives her advocacy for women’s rights – particularly around menopause and midlife. As the UK government’s menopause ambassador, she’s on a mission to tackle workplace inequality and challenge long-standing stigma around women's health.
This episode is a celebration of fighting spirit, friendship, and the power of using your voice – not just for yourself, but for the generations of women who follow.

00:50 Early Life and Formative Experiences
02:25 Challenges and Resilience
08:45 Fighting for Women's Rights
21:16 Menopause and Advocacy
25:10 The Norm of Curvy Career Paths
25:46 Menopause and Workplace Discrimination
26:34 Campaigning Challenges and Strategies
27:23 Personal Reflections on Campaigning
35:09 The Importance of Menopause Awareness
41:29 Personal Growth and Overcoming Adversity
45:06 Parenting and Childhood Reflections

Find Mariella:
Instagram: @mfrostrup

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[Susurrate-qizw]

Fabulous conversation, fabulous women xxx

[carolinegoydervocalcoach]

Brilliant women!! Thank you for this vital conversation🥰

[roseanneedwards]

Excellent conversation and follow-up. Was the 'scare' about HRT misogynistic I wonder? But there are so many other areas to contemplate in this chat, so much food for thought. Thank you all x

[carolinestaunton]

Wonderful woman.
Wonderful women.
Thank you both.❤

[natalie.natalie.natalie]

It is really difficult to mature into an awarness that questions all structures and relationships. I think women start to truely rebel from 40 years on, they become powerful and than are pushed so much into challenges, that they lose that sanity that keeps society in usual structures, which also hold patriarchy together. Women get sacrificed again and again to control violence in society, as Rene Girard speaks about sacrifice as need and secret believr by society.