Great Women Podcast

Laura Palmer and Jessie Sullivan - Founders of Pellerin Books - The Truth About Modern Publishing

In this episode of The Great Women Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Palmer and Jessie Sullivan, founders of Pellerin — the independent publishing house challenging the traditional publishing model and rethinking what long-term support for authors should look like. They discuss why so many writers are failed by the industry’s “feast or famine” approach, how discoverability really works in the age of algorithms and shrinking bookshop space, and why building a readership is a marathon, not a three-month publicity window. From idealistic pub conversations to launching a mission-driven publishing company, Laura and Jessie share the realities of modern publishing, the pressures facing authors and publishers alike, and why they believe the future of books lies in partnership, persistence and community. A fascinating conversation about creativity, business, storytelling and changing an industry from the inside out.

Jo Fairley - Founder of Green & Black's - So Much More Than the Queen of Chocolate

What do you do after being told at 16 you're not destined for greatness? If you're Jo Fairley, you become the UK's youngest magazine editor at 23, launch an iconic ethical chocolate brand from your Portobello flat, and just... keep going. In this episode of The Great Women Podcast, we're joined by the co-founder of Green & Black's, the woman who helped put organic, Fairtrade chocolate on the map long before anyone was talking about conscious consumerism. Jo opens up about the leap of faith it took to build something from nothing, what it really means to trust your instincts, and why purpose-driven business isn't just good ethics, it's good strategy. And she was far from done after chocolate. Co-creator of The Beauty Bible and now founder of On The Scent, a magazine for fragrance obsessives everywhere. Jo Fairley is proof that a brilliant career isn't one big thing. And something tells us she's not done yet. This is a conversation about bold moves, big ideas, and the power of never standing still.

Cindy Gallop - Founder of MakeLoveNotP*rn - Reframing the Conversation About Sex

Most of us grew up with little honest talk about sex — while distorted portrayals in p*rn became the default education for an entire generation. In this powerful episode, Cindy Gallop explains how taboo-driven sex education and unrestricted pornography are shaping unhealthy attitudes toward intimacy, consent, and connection. After a successful career in advertising, Cindy Gallop founded MakeLoveNotP*rn to challenge shame, normalize honest conversations about sex, and redefine healthy intimacy. She shares her experiences fighting ageism, embracing independence, and creating platforms that encourage transparency and connection. Bold, irreverent and unapologetic, Cindy Gallop will challenge everything you thought you knew about sex, intimacy, ageism, and the power of honest conversation.

Katie Waldegrave MBE - Rethinking Education and Fostering in the UK

We’re joined by Katie Waldegrave - a passionate advocate for better education and fostering. Katie shares her journey from classroom teacher to founding three impactful charities: First Story alongside William Fiennes, Now Teach with Lucy Kellaway, and her latest venture, Now Foster with Laurie Kilby. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities within both the education and fostering systems, and the importance of creativity, community, and bringing more diverse life experience into both professions. Katie speaks powerfully about the role of stable, supportive relationships for children in care, and introduces innovative approaches like “Weekenders” - a model designed to open up fostering to more people in flexible, accessible ways. EL52HZVGRQcHoswf671l

Renee McGregor - A Healthier Perspective on Food and Wellbeing

In this inspiring episode Renee McGregor, a leading sports dietitian with over 25 years of experience, shares her journey from NHS pediatrics to working with elite athletes, offering a fresh perspective on nutrition, RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport) and wellbeing. From mindfulness to the impact of social media, this conversation with Renee McGregor challenges toxic health narratives and redefines what it means to truly nourish your body.