Introducing Sisters of Defiance, with Anita Rani

Anoushka Shankar: People Called Me A Traitor

Anoushka Shankar is one of the most celebrated musicians of her generation. Born into musical royalty as the daughter of legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar, she has spent more than three decades carving out her artistic identity; pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music, being nominated for 13 Grammy awards, collaborating with artists including Sting, Gorillaz and Lenny Kravitz, and performing on some of the world's biggest stages. But it’s not always been an easy journey. In this episode, Anoushka joins Anita to talk about identity, legacy, and what it means to choose your own path, even when it's uncomfortable. From growing up under intense public scrutiny to being branded a traitor by some within her own community, surviving childhood sexual abuse, and making the deeply personal decision to have a hysterectomy, she reflects on the moments that forced her to stop living for other people's expectations and start telling her own story. This is a conversation about pushing boundaries, finding freedom in honesty, and letting go of shame. Content warning: This episode contains discussions about rape, sexual assault and sexual violence. We know these experiences can be difficult to hear about, so please listen in the way that feels right for you. If you need support, or if this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, you'll find details of organisations that can help below. Rape Crisis England & Wales - 0808 500 2222 - rapecrisis.org.uk [http://rapecrisis.org.uk]  The Survivors Trust - 0808 801 0818 - thesurvivorstrust.org [http://thesurvivorstrust.org]  If you enjoyed the show, follow us at… Instagram - @sistersofdefiance [https://www.instagram.com/sistersofdefiance/?hl=en]  Anita - @itsanitarani [https://www.instagram.com/itsanitarani/?hl=en]  Anoushka - @anoushkashankarofficial   [https://www.instagram.com/anoushkashankarofficial/?hl=en] Subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani [http://www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani] And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: hello@sistersofdefiance.com [hello@sistersofdefiance.com]  Sisters of Defiance is nourished by Ancient & Brave https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet [https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet]   Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Flossie Barratt Technical Producer / Editor: Will Gibson Smith Social Media Manager: Anna Richmond Graphic Design: Sunny Formats Sisters of Defiance is an Illuminaunty production. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Clare Waight Keller: You Live One Life, Live It For Yourself

Clare Waight Keller has spent her career at the very top of fashion. From starting out at Calvin Klein in the 90s and working alongside Tom Ford at Gucci, to leading Chloé and Givenchy, designing Meghan Markle's wedding dress, and now serving as Global Creative Director at Uniqlo, Clare has helped shape the way generations of women dress. So how does a girl from Birmingham end up becoming one of the most influential designers in the world? In this episode, Clare joins Anita to talk about ambition, reinvention, and the difficult choices that come with building a life on your own terms. From leaving home at 17 to navigating motherhood alongside a global career, and leaving companies at the height of her success, she reflects on the moments that defined her, the risks that paid off, and the lessons she's learned from starting over. This is a conversation about trusting your instincts, embracing change, and having the confidence to choose growth over comfort. If you enjoyed the show, follow us at… Instagram - @sistersofdefiance [https://www.instagram.com/sistersofdefiance/?hl=en]  Anita - @itsanitarani [https://www.instagram.com/itsanitarani/?hl=en]  Clare - @clarewaightkeller [https://www.instagram.com/clarewaightkeller/?hl=en] Subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani [http://www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani] And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: hello@sistersofdefiance.com [hello@sistersofdefiance.com]  Sisters of Defiance is nourished by Ancient & Brave https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet [https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet]   Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Flossie Barratt Technical Producer / Editor: Will Gibson Smith Social Media Manager: Anna Richmond Graphic Design: Sunny Formats Sisters of Defiance is an Illuminaunty production. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Beverley Knight: I Always Bet On Myself

Singer, songwriter, and performer Beverley Knight is one of Britain's most celebrated artists and a woman who has spent her career breaking boundaries on her own terms. Beverley and Anita talk about the ambition and determination that have carried her through more than three decades in the music industry. From a life-changing trip to see Prince in concert that would eventually lead to an extraordinary friendship with her musical hero, to forging a path as a Black British soul artist in the 1990s, Beverley reflects on the experiences that taught her to trust her instincts and stay true to herself. She speaks candidly about navigating an industry that often struggled to make space for her, her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and HIV awareness, and the resilience it took to weather criticism without compromising her values. We also discuss her award-winning move into musical theatre, including her portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia, and why she's more excited than ever to explore new creative challenges. This is a conversation about longevity, reinvention, and the importance of believing in yourself, even when other people don't. If you enjoyed the show, follow us at… Instagram - @sistersofdefiance [https://www.instagram.com/sistersofdefiance/?hl=en]  Anita - @itsanitarani [https://www.instagram.com/itsanitarani/?hl=en]  Beverley - @beverleyknight [https://www.instagram.com/beverleyknight/?hl=en] Subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani [http://www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani] And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: hello@sistersofdefiance.com [hello@sistersofdefiance.com]  Sisters of Defiance is nourished by Ancient & Brave https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet [https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet]   Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Flossie Barratt Technical Producer / Editor: Will Gibson Smith Social Media Manager: Anna Richmond Graphic Design: Sunny Formats Sisters of Defiance is an Illuminaunty production. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Gisèle Pelicot: I Don’t Want To Be Destroyed By Hate

Gisèle Pelicot has emerged as one of the most influential feminist voices of current times. Her extraordinary courage has sparked conversations around the world about justice, dignity, and the treatment of survivors of sexual violence. After becoming the central figure in a landmark French rape trial, Gisèle made the remarkable decision to waive her anonymity, choosing instead to speak openly about the abuse she endured after being repeatedly drugged by her husband over many years. Her actions transformed a deeply personal trauma into a broader public discussion about consent, accountability, and societal attitudes toward violence against women. In this moving conversation, Gisèle reflects on resilience, the impact of public scrutiny, and the strength it takes to reclaim one's voice after trauma. She shares her perspective on the importance of truth, the impact of the women who supported her, and the lessons she hopes future generations will carry forward. We also discuss her memoir, A Hymn to Life, in which she reflects on her experience, the pursuit of justice, and the path toward rebuilding a life after unimaginable betrayal. Content warning: This episode contains discussions about rape, sexual assault and sexual violence. We know these experiences can be difficult to hear about, so please listen in the way that feels right for you. If you need support, or if this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, you'll find details of organisations that can help below. Rape Crisis England & Wales - 0808 500 2222 - rapecrisis.org.uk [http://rapecrisis.org.uk]  The Survivors Trust - 0808 801 0818 - thesurvivorstrust.org [http://thesurvivorstrust.org]  If you enjoyed the show, follow us at… Instagram - @sistersofdefiance Anita - @itsanitarani Gisèle - @gisele_pelicot You can get Gisèle’s book, A Hymn To Life here [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/475698/a-hymn-to-life-by-pelicot-gisele/9781847928962] Subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani [http://www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani] And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: hello@sistersofdefiance.com [hello@sistersofdefiance.com]  Sisters of Defiance is nourished by Ancient & Brave https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet [https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet]   Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Flossie Barratt Technical Producer / Editor: Will Gibson Smith Social Media Manager: Anna Richmond Graphic Design: Sunny Formats Sisters of Defiance is an Illuminaunty production. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Emma Grede: Other People’s Opinions Are Not My Business

Emma Grede has built some of the most influential brands of the modern era, but behind the businesses and boardroom is a woman who has never been afraid to question who gets to lead, who’s allowed to speak openly about ambition, or to take up space. In this episode of Sisters of Defiance, Anita sits down with Emma to talk about power, money, motherhood, resilience, and the defining moments that shaped her extraordinary rise. From growing up in East London to building global brands and becoming one of the most respected entrepreneurs in business, Emma reflects on the risks she took and the mindset that helped her forge her own path on her own terms. This is a conversation about what happens when women stop apologising for wanting more and start owning their ambition without shame. This one is for anyone ready to think bigger. If you enjoyed the show, follow us at… Instagram - @sistersofdefiance Anita - @itsanitarani Emma - @emmagrede Subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani [http://www.youtube.com/@itsanitarani] And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: hello@sistersofdefiance.com [hello@sistersofdefiance.com]  Sisters of Defiance is nourished by Ancient & Brave https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet [https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet]   Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Flossie Barratt Technical Producer / Editor: Will Gibson Smith Social Media Manager: Anna Richmond Graphic Design: Sunny Formats Sisters of Defiance is an Illuminaunty production. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.