Love Lives (The Independent)

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week we’re joined by author and writer Toni Tone to discuss her new book: I Wish I Knew This Earlier: Lessons On Love, which focuses on all the things Toni wishes she knew about relationships in her 20s.

In this episode we talk about the importance of looking for green flags when you start dating someone, the difference between compromise and settling, and what narcissistic abuse actually means.

We also discuss attachment types and toxic relationships.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

What constitutes a relationship fail? A break-up? Treating someone badly? Cheating on your partner?

This week on Millennial Love we're joined by the brilliant journalist, author and fellow podcaster Elizabeth Day to discuss why it's important to fail at relationships, and we share our own tales.

After all, if you learn something about yourself, is there even such a thing as a fail at all?

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! instagram.com/millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we welcome the brilliant trans activist Charlie Craggs to help us get to the bottom of how important it is to have common interests with a romantic partner. 

Could you date a Tory if you're a passionate Corbynista? Do opposites really attract? And does it matter if your date isn't 'woke'? (Don't know what 'woke' means? Fear not, we explain.) 

Let us know your thoughts on the episode by joining our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

To kick start season three Olivia is joined by Love Island winner Dani Dyer to talk about her experience on the show, what it was like to win and how she coped with a relationship, and subsequent break up, in the public eye.

Dani also spills the beans on this season of Love Island and which couples she's rooting for.

As always you can keep up to date with everything to do with the show on Instagram @millennial_love. If you're a new listener please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment, preferably a nice one!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Finding a match for yourself in this day and age is nothing short of a battle. So this week, we welcome matchmaker and founder of Social Concierge Nana Wereko-Brobby to find out all about the millennials who pay for a professional to find potential soulmates for them. What makes a good match? And how does the whole matchmaking process work?

We've also got not one but two brilliant dating stories sent in by you lovely listeners, both of which are sure to leave you on a high (if for very different reasons).

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

The disposable culture of dating apps has made the idea of no-strings casual sex seem more prevalent and popular than ever before.

But is it ever wise to be intimate with someone who you have no plans of developing a long-term relationship with? Is it even possible? What happens if one person “catches feels”?

This week on Millennial Love we’re joined by writer, comedian and social media influencer Bella Younger to discuss the murky matter that is casual sex and all its tricky nuances.

We also delve into how it’s portrayed on Love Island, the ITV2 reality TV series that is at the vanguard of all conversations surrounding casual sex and dating right now.

You can follow Bella on @deliciouslystella.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by broadcasters Rubina Pabani and Poppy Jay, who host the award-winning BBC Asian Network podcast, Brown Girls Do It Too.

The show features candid discussions about sex, masturbation and sexting.

These subjects can be disproportionately under-discussed in South Asian communities due to myriad cultural reasons, which is something Rubina and Poppy hope to address.

On the show, the duo discuss why they wanted to launch their podcast and how they hope it will help young women reshape their views on sex and dating today and ultimately feel more confident in their skin.

Poppy also opens up about being in an arranged marriage at the age of 20.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Few people think they're adept at flirting, but what makes a good flirt? This week on Millennial Love we share our flirting fails and discuss when flirty fun becomes sexual harassment. We also chat about a very millennial dating phenomenon (and problem): ghosting. Is it ever OK? Listen now as we delve into the murky waters of dating etiquette

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we’re talking about an issue that many straight, gay and lesbian people don’t even know is an issue: bisexual invisibility and erasure. Many bi people face discrimination, and in this episode we’re joined by freelance writer Joanna Whitehead who shares her experiences of the matter.

With more millennials identifying as somewhere between straight and gay than older generations, are times changing? Why is there still a stigma around being bisexual? And what’s it like being bi on dating apps?

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Olivia is joined in the studio by fashion model Emma Louise Connolly and Made in Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock.

On the table for discussion is the use of Instagram in relationships. What do you share, when do you share it and, most importantly, who gets to post it?

The couple also reveal who messaged who first, with some surprising revelations in a Millennial Love exclusive!

As always you can keep up to date with everything to do with the show on Instagram @millennial_love. If you're a new listener please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment, preferably a nice one!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Feeling good about your body - whether you're single or in a relationship - has a huge impact on how you relate to other people. So this week we're thrilled to be joined by body positivity advocate Megan Crabbe, who is perhaps better known as her Instagram handle, @bodyposipanda.

Rachel and Livi share their own struggles with learning to love their bodies and how this has affected their dating escapades, and Megan shares her top tips for feeling happy in the skin you're in and embracing whatever shape or size you may be.

If you'd like to fill your Instagram feed with wonderfully empowering body positive accounts, here are some of our faves:

https://www.instagram.com/bodyposipanda/

https://www.instagram.com/aliceandpeanutbutter/

https://www.instagram.com/allisonkimmey/

https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjessamyn/

https://www.instagram.com/selfloveclubb/

https://www.instagram.com/laikenrichelle/

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Dating someone new is a minefield - how often should you see each other? At what point should you invite them into your home? Should you do something different on every date? Joined by writer Jack May, we attempt to get to the bottom of all these issues this week on Millennial Love. We're also thinking about the importance of having compatible texting habits in a relationship and how communication changes depending on which messaging platform you use. Sliding into DMs is highly encouraged.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by artificial intelligence (AI) expert Tabitha Goldstaub to talk about the intersection between AI and dating.

Tabitha explains how advanced today’s AI is, and how far away we are from people actually being able to develop relationships with AI devices.

The two also speak about sex robots and the risks they pose when it comes to consent and exacerbating a culture that objectifies women.

They also talk about the possibility of whether or not AI could equalise the power dynamic between men and women in straight relationships.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by author, journalist and fellow podcaster Francesca Specter.

Francesca is best known for coining the phrase atonement, which is also the name of her podcast and of her first book.

Atonement is about celebrating the time you spend alone and, as we discuss in the show, Francesca came up with the concept after coming out of a long-term relationship and realising she wasn’t great at being alone.

We talk about why it’s so important to separate this idea of being alone with being single, why society often prioritises romantic relationships above others, and the concept of being alone but together

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

In this week's episode of Millennial Love we're joined by the authors of the brilliant book 'Slay In Your Lane', Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené, to discuss how racism operates in the contemporary landscape of dating and relationships.

Yomi and Elizabeth share their own experiences of dating as black women and we discuss the problem with fetishising ethnicities online and beyond.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

This week, we are joined by fitness entrepreneur Grace Beverley.

At just 23, Grace has made the unlikely transition from influencer to wildly successful CEO and now runs three fitness companies, including the sustainable activewear brand Tala.

She joined me on the show to talk about how on earth she balances her business ventures alongside a dating life, why the myth of “having it all” is so damaging for women, and why she'd be cautious about sharing a relationship on social media.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Breaking Millennial Love news: a brand new book is in the works and it's all about this show.

The book will be published by the fantastic team over at 4th Estate and will be written by Olivia. It's going to feature guests from the show, as well as some new and exclusive content as well.

Make sure you follow us on Instagram at @millennial_love for all the latest updates on the book, its progress and when it'll be available.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Love Island has become a national talking point, but the hit reality series remains shrouded in mystery, leaving eager viewers wondering what really goes on behind the scenes in the Mallorcan villa. Do the women get bikini waxes? What's the audition process like? How much are contestants allowed to drink?

This week, we're joined by former contestant Montana Brown, who speaks candidly about her time in the villa, explaining everything from how many clothes the women pack to how they cope when they're on their periods.

Montana also addresses criticisms that some of the action is staged, revealing how involved the producers actually are with the goings on in the villa.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by journalist and author Nell Frizzell, whose new memoir, The Panic Years, offers an insight into how much the decision of whether or not to have children can impact the choices we make in our dating lives.

They talk about how a big breakup when Nell was 28 led her to re-evaluate her love life, the politics surrounding motherhood, and why women in their 30s tend to have a higher libido than men in their 30s.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

We're back with another very special episode for you this week.

We hosted a phone-in for listeners to share their stories about how coronavirus has impacted their love lives, whether it’s forced them to isolate separately from their partner or they’ve started going on social distancing dates with people at the supermarket.

I was also delighted to be joined by a special co-host: previous Millennial Love guest, poet Charly Cox.

Charly has just started a brilliant newsletter called A Little Coronamance in which she shares details from her own experiences of virtual dating and sliding into a mysterious actor's DMs.

Follow Charly on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/charlycox1/

Subscribe to her newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/819d3ab82627/charlycox

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Actor Demi Lovato recently schooled us all in how to flirt on Instagram. Some say it's shameless, others say it's brilliant - either way, it's got us thinking about how we use Instagram to try and catch the attention of our crushes.

One of the most obvious ways is with a so-called 'thirst-trap,' which is essentially just a picture of you looking really hot.

This week on Millennial Love, we're also discussing the role of religion in relationships, with Helen and Sabrina sharing their experiences of dating as a Christian and Jew respectively. Does being religious make it easier or harder to find love? We try to reach a conclusion.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Season 3 of Millennial Love returns on Valentine's Day! Once a fortnight Olivia will be joined by a different guest to discuss everything from how to tell if you’re dating a feminist to how to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships.

So keep your eyes peeled for a new episode in your podcast feeds from tomorrow morning.

In the meantime keep up to date with everything to do with the show on Instagram, you can follow us at @millennial_love.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

It's our series finale! To celebrate the end of season one of Millennial Love, we've decided to take a look back at all our past episodes and think back at what we've learned over the past year or so.

Thank you to everyone who's supported Millennial Love so far and stay tuned for what happens next!

Follow us on Instagram here: @rachel_hosie, @oliviapetter8 and @millennial_love.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia speaks to musician Maisie Peters.

The two discuss the crucial differences between Soft Boys and F*** Boys, how to reclaim the power in relationships, the nuances of writing songs about your love life, and why she’ll never explain who a song is ‘about’.

You can download Maisie’s new album here: https://lnk.to/YSUFT

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week Olivia speaks to model, actor and writer, Emily Ratajkowski.

The two discuss the relationship with your body, self-worth through the male gaze, and what it means to be a commodifiable asset - and the nuances that surround being exploited by that asset while capitalising on it. Emily gives an honest and raw insight into the sexual assault she experienced throughout her life, personally and professionally.

They also discuss how publishing Emily's collection of essays, My Body, was her way of opening the closet door, turning the on the lights and staring the monster in the face.

You can buy Emily's book here.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we're joined by social media influencer and podcaster Oenone Forbat to discuss the many issues surrounding contraception and specifically whether it's inherently sexist. Whose responsibility should it be to ensure sex is safe? If there was a male pill, would women really trust men to take it given we're the ones who would still get pregnant?

We also discuss the different contraception options available and how they affect women psychologically.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week the Millennial Love ladies are joined by sex educator, broadcaster and all round sexpert, Alix Fox for our sexiest episode yet.

First, we discuss the contentious issue of period sex. Why is it taboo? And is it actually more of an issue for men or women?

We also ponder the etiquette of sleeping with someone new for the first time, with Olivia, Rachel and Alix revealing what they do to prep if they think they might be out to get lucky. Is it better to go to their place or yours? Should you settle for less than awesome sex if it's the first time? There are so many issues to overthink.

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by author and journalist Alice Vincent to discuss her memoir, Rootbound, which has just come out in paperback.

In the book, Alice talks about a year of her life in her late 20s when out of nowhere, she found herself single, living out of a suitcase and overcoming heartbreak.

The two discuss how Alice found a new lease of life in the wake of her breakup through nurturing pot plants and surrounding herself with greenery.

They also discuss the complexities of writing about ex-partners and the strangely cathartic compulsion to make your private life public when you're having a tough time.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week Olivia is joined by model and former Love Island star Megan Barton-Hanson.

After appearing on the ITV2 series in 2018, Megan has gone on to become an advocate for female empowerment and combating the stigma attached to sex workers.

Megan opens up about how being slut-shamed at school led her to pursue a career in the sex industry and why she thinks people are still so judgmental of sex work in 2020.

She also talks about her time on Love Island, revealing that she regrets not talking about being bisexual on the programme.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia speaks to writer Paris Lees.

The two discuss the joys of being single, how Paris found herself experimenting with the idea of celibacy, and why we fetishise authenticity so much in relationships.

They also talk about transphobia in the dating world and Paris’s new book, What It Feels Like For A Girl, and how it felt for Paris to revisit her childhood.

Finally, they discuss the perils of social media and why Paris believes that being a trans person in the public eye is like being a “professional victim”.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week Olivia is joined by independent adult filmmaker Erika Lust.

Erika is often referred to as a trailblazer in the "feminist porn" movement, championing female pleasure, consent and diversity in her films among other things that are often dismissed in conventional adult films.

On the show, Erika explains how she got into the industry and the societal myths and misconceptions about porn that she hopes to rectify through her work.

They also spoke about the issue with the phrase "feminist porn" and how it could serve to marginalise the genre.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Although being single at Christmas can be a lot of fun, it also inevitably leads to the dreaded inquisition from family members who are nosy about your love life (or lack thereof). This week, we share our experiences of mothers who just don't understand us and having to sleep in children's race car beds when we go home for Christmas. We also discuss 'Marleying,' a newly-identified seasonal dating trend that sees people reaching out to their exes over the festive period. If you haven't done it, it's probably happened to you. Merry Christmas from Millennial Love!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by writer and podcaster Gemma Styles to discuss the complexities surrounding female friendship.

The duo talk about how the pandemic has made them reevaluate some of their friendships, whether you can outgrow certain friends, and how these relationships change in your 20s and 30s.

They also discuss the fetishisation of female friendship groups in popular culture and the pressures this can put on women to form lifelong bonds at a young age.

Finally, they discuss whether or not we should put the same emphasis on friendships that we do on romantic relationships.

Enjoy the show!

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

The anonymous account of one woman's bad date with actor Aziz Ansari is the topic on everyone's lips this week, which ties in rather nicely with the launch of a new app that's meant to be used to officially give someone sexual consent. However, we feel there are a lot of problems with apps like this, and as usual, we're sharing all our thoughts in this week's episode. We're also pondering imbalances in relationships: is one person always punching above their weight? And is it necessarily a problem?

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

Today Olivia is joined by musician James McVey to discuss his struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders.

The Vamps star opens up about his experiences, including having liposuction at 20-years-old, in an effort to encourage others to talk about their issues.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Whilst there's no one-size-fits-all approach to first dates - Rachel loves activities like crazy golf whereas Livi is more of an exhibition kind of girl - there are certain factors that make a first date more likely to be a winner. This week on Millennial Love, we're discussing the best first dates we've ever been on and what made them so great. Similarly, we also reveal the worst first dates we've suffered through - and there are certainly lots from which to choose.

And from the start of a "relationship" to the end: how do you break up with someone you're "seeing"? If you're not officially in a relationship or even exclusive, how much do you owe that person? We share our own experiences and expert tips to help get to the bottom of what to say, where to do it and when - if ever - ending things via text is appropriate. Do you agree? Let us know!

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

The broadcaster and former Hear'Say member talks to Olivia about blending her family with her partner's, Simon Motson. Both Myleene and Simon have two children from previous relationships, which Klass explains posed some complications early on that they were able to overcome.

Myleene opens up about what it's like to discipline children when they aren't your own and finding ways to be a good step mother without overstepping your place.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Contrary to what popular culture would have us believe, having a crush is not limited to our teenage years: it's exciting, it's annoying and it very much still happens as an adult.

This week on Millennial Love, Rachel and Olivia are joined by comedian, TV presenter and podcaster James Barr to discuss our crushes past and present (both human and of the plant variety). How can you tell someone has a crush on you? And what should you do when you're crushing on someone?

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! https://www.instagram.com/millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Happy Sexual Health Week, everyone! What a time to be alive.

In all seriousness though, being sexually healthy is incredibly important, and that's why we figured a podcast on the topic was long overdue.

From the different types of sexually transmitted infections and how you contract one, to how to get tested and what we can do to break down the stigma of having one - let's talk about sex(ual health), baby.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we are thrilled to be joined by former dating columnist, podcaster and author Dolly Alderton. As well as picking Dolly's brains about how she wrote her new book 'Everything I Know About Love', we discuss how to cope when your friends get into new relationships and you're suddenly less of a priority. It's a familiar struggle for many of us.

We also delve into our psyches and explore the idea of craving attention from the opposite sex whilst simultaneously fearing intimacy. How does it come about? And what can we do about the predicament?

Finally, Dolly explains how, after years of entertaining escapades with men, she's ultimately learned that she is enough.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Singer and radio presenter Fleur East joined Olivia back in January to talk about how to keep things exciting when you've been in a relationship with someone for so long.

Fleur shares some of her own tips - she has been with her husband for 10 years - and offers a unique insight into some of the things couples can do to reignite their passion for one another if things reach a plateau.

While the episode was recorded back in January, it's most definitely relevant today, when so many couples in isolation together are spending more time with one another than ever before.

You can follow everything to do with the show on Instagram at @millennial_love.

If you're a new listener please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment, preferably a nice one!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we're joined by dating expert and head of global trends and events at Happn, Claire Certain, for an episode all about dating app etiquette. How long should you speak for before arranging a date in real life? Should you message immediately after matching? How many people should you chat to at once?

We also tackle the tricky matter of coming across friends on dating apps. If you say yes, are you leading them on? Equally, if you say no, is it rude? Or could it be the start of a blossoming romance you never even considered?

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Losing your virginity is often heralded as one of the most seminal moments in a person’s life. But is it always such a big deal?

This week on Millennial Love we’re joined by journalist and author Radhika Sanghani to discuss some of the contentious issues surrounding ‘the first time’.

Is there ever a perfect time to lose it? And why is there so much pressure to do so, particularly in your teenage years?

We also share the virginity stories of some our brave and honest listeners – in addition to our own (gulp).

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia speaks to model, author and entrepreneur Charli Howard.

Charli is known for her body neutrality advocacy on Instagram and beyond, having written about the pressures she faced as a young model in her debut book, Misfit, in which she describes how she was dropped from her modelling agency for being “too big”.

Today, she joins me to talk about why body confidence and self worth is so integral to finding success in love, why women posting pictures of their bodies on social media is such a contentious subject, especially where feminism is concerned, and abusive relationships.

We also discuss love-bombing, gaslighting and psychological abuse - so please do bear this in mind before listening. 

If you need support, you can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week Olivia is joined by Olympic cycling hero Victoria Pendleton and fitness entrepreneur Sophie Everard to discuss break ups. What's the best way to get through them? And what are the dos and don'ts of getting over someone?

After Victoria's divorce the pair took a surfing trip to Costa Rica. Is there really value in 'finding yourself' abroad, or is it just something that people think they need to do?

Plus, Victoria explains why her lesson in love is not to give too much if you don't get it in return.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Getting your heart broken sucks, there's no two ways about it. This week on Millennial Love, we're joined by former dating columnist and author of Bad Romance Emily Hill to discuss heartbreak and how to get over it. 

The past week has also seen relationship experts speaking out about the perils of 'overdating' - ie. dating too much. Could it really be that going on too many dates is stopping us finding love? With Rachel a serial dater and Olivia, well, the opposite, we ponder what the sweet spot might be.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Activist and writer Munroe Bergdorf joins Olivia in the studio to discuss her experiences of coming out as a trans woman and offers some valuable advice to people in the LGBT+ community.

Munroe also addresses the problematic concept of gender reveal parties, in which expecting parents share the biological sex of their unborn child with friends and family members.

Stay updated with all things Millennial Love by following The Independent lifestyle desk's Instagram account below.

Independent Lifestyle

https://www.instagram.com/indy.lifestyle/

Munroe Bergdorf

https://www.instagram.com/munroebergdorf/

Olivia Petter

https://www.instagram.com/oliviapetter8/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love we had an absolute ball with reality TV star, entrepreneur and podcaster Jamie Laing. Whilst spilling the beans on his relationships past - from first loves to dating regrets - Jamie offers some thought-provoking insight on the concept of unrequited love. Is there anything you can do to get over it?

Our other main discussion point this week is the oh-so-relatable arc of dating someone new, falling head over heels and getting smitten, then suddenly drawing back and wondering whether you're with the right person after all. Is it fear of commitment? Or hopeless romanticism?

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennial.love/

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Did you know nearly half of Brits (46%) have unconscious issues with commitment? Whether you're single or in a relationship, fear of commitment is very common, as Rachel in particular knows all too well. This week on Millennial Love we reveal our own experiences with commitment-phobia, ponder whether the rise of dating apps is making the problem worse and suggest techniques for overcoming your fear of committing to a certain person, plans or relationship in general.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by artist and author Florence Given.

The two discuss how internalised misogyny manifests in dating, what it means to benefit from pretty privilege, and the presentation of female sexuality in the media.

They also talk about Florence's new book, the Sunday Times bestseller, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty.

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia speaks to Will Young. The two discuss the shame we attach to sexuality and how Will was encouraged to keep his own sexuality a secret when he entered into the public eye as a Pop Idol contestant in 2001.

They also discuss the positives and negatives of labelling one’s sexuality, and what the music industry can do to become more inclusive of those in the LGBT+ community and adapt contemporary attitudes towards gender.

Finally, they discuss his new album, Crying on the Bathroom Floor, which is out now.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Jordan joins Olivia to discuss how the #MeToo movement changed the dating landscape. The actor and musician opens up about how wider conversations about sexual harassment and manipulation made him reconsider some of his own experiences with women.

They also talk about coercive behaviour, emotional neglect and how the term "toxic masculinity" has been monopolized by the media and acquired new meaning.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

On Millennial Love this week Olivia is joined by singer Ella Eyre to discuss how to balance your dating life and your friends.

The pair, who have been pals for more than a decade, dive into what it's like when one of your friends gets into a serious relationship and talk about dating within a friendship group.

They also reminisce about old school times, over several of Olivia's favourite rich tea biscuits, and dig up old memories of stealing boyfriends off one another.

As always you can keep up to date with everything to do with the show on Instagram @millennial_love. If you're a new listener please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment, preferably a nice one!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Whether you’re more into them or they're more into you, whether you’ve been seeing someone for a few weeks or have been together for years, knowing when to walk away from a relationship is incredibly difficult.

What if you end things then regret it? But what if you wait, eventually cut things off and then wish you’d done it earlier? It’s never easy.

This week on Millennial Love, we offer advice on how to know when is the right time to walk away from someone - while sharing our own experiences, naturally.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date! instagram.com/millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia speaks to psychotherapist Emma Reed Turrell and life coach Michelle Elman about the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, and why people-pleasing can hinder our success at finding love.

They also discuss how people-pleasing can harm our sex lives, too, and why it’s necessary to set boundaries with a partner in bed. Michelle offers her tips on boundary setting at the start of a relationship, while Emma explains why it’s important to strike the right balance between learning how to put yourself first while still considering your partner’s needs.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by Shane Jenek, aka drag queen and artist Courtney Act.

The pair discuss how gender fluidity is perceived in 2019 and why there are still so many barriers to overcome with it comes to breaking down some of the stereotypes society attaches to masculinity and femininity.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by Niomi Smart. Niomi is a hugely popular lifestyle YouTuber and the founder of Smart Skin, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand.

They discuss how beauty regimes can boost your confidence, what self-love actually means, and how much of your relationship you should share on social media.

The bulk of this episode, though, is about a big breakup Niomi went through last summer.

She speaks openly about how it affected her, what she did to pick herself back up again, and, ultimately, how she started over – in the midst of a pandemic.

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by bestselling YA author Juno Dawson to discuss her latest book, Wonderland, which is a contemporary retelling of Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland in which Alice is a 17-year-old trans girl.

Juno explains why she wanted to retell this classic story through a transgender lens and how she hopes some of the issues explored in the book will help to educate young readers on sexuality and key LGBT+ issues, including sexual abuse, the difference between the female and male orgasm, and the fetishisation of trans women.

The two also discuss how Juno came out after Germaine Greer said on Newsnight that trans women are "not real women" and the consequences of such instances of transphobia. Finally, they also talk about Dawson's podcast, So I Got To Thinking, which is an homage to Sex and the City.

You can follow everything to do with the show on Instagram at @millennial_love.

If you're a new listener please remember to subscribe and leave us a comment, preferably a nice one!

If you enjoyed the show you can support us with a contribution here.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we have a special bonus episode featuring a conversation with the women of The Tinder Swindler. The new Netflix documentary tells the story of a notorious conman who allegedly used the Tinder dating app to live a life of luxury while defrauding women across Europe. In this episode, Olivia speaks to the film’s director, Felicity Morris, producer, Bernie Higgins, and its stars: Cecilia Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjoholm. They discuss how the film came to be, what it was like for the women to relive their traumatic experiences, and why they’re still fighting for justice. They also talk about the inordinate amount of victim blaming they have been subjected to. The documentary is available to watch on Netfilx now.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Millennial Love is back! Season four sees Olivia Petter delving even deeper into discussions around love, dating and relationships. And now you can watch as well as listen on Independent TV and @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/millennial-love-dr-michaela-podcast-b2068241.html

For our first episode of the season, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Dr Michaela Dunbar, the founder of My Easy Therapy and author of You’ve Got This: Seven Steps to A Life You Love. In this conversation, Olivia and Dr Michaela discuss how understanding basic psychology can transform your love life, covering imposter syndrome, attachment theory, overthinking, anxiety and so much more. Enjoy the show!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we've invited back Vogue columnist and author Raven Smith for his latest searing hot takes on life and love. Raven chats about his latest book, Raven Smith’s Men, and some of the issues it examines, like toxic masculinity, keeping the spark alive in long-term relationships, why men fake orgasms, and consent.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/orgasm-toxic-masculinity-raven-smith-men-b2072905.html

Check out the Millennial Love podcast on all major platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by Laura Bates. She is the founder of the Everyday Sexism project and bestselling author of several books about violence against women, including her latest: Fix the System Not the Women. In this episode, Laura joins Olivia to discuss how systemic misogyny affects women’s relationships, why we need to keep talking about sexual violence in schools and beyond, and what men can do to help.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/laura-bates-misogyny-relationships-rape-b2078179.html

Check out the Millennial Love podcast on all major platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by child sexual abuse, call Childline on their helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111

The Victim Support helpline provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by Sophia Smith Galer, a multi-award winning reporter, TikTok creator and now author. Her TikTok videos have garnered more than 75 million views. She discussed her debut book, Losing It: Sex Education for the 21st Century, which is all about busting the myths about sex we were taught at school. From virginity and virility to consent and porn, the subjects covered in this chat are wide-ranging. This episode was recorded during a live event held at Waterstones Gower Street in London.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/ex-virginity-education-sophia-galer-b2083460.html

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by child sexual abuse, call Childline on their helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111

The Victim Support helpline provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we speak to Lalalaletmeexplain, the bestselling anonymous author and relationships educator with more than 200,000 followers on Instagram. Lala posts about all sorts of subjects on her account, from abusive relationships and cyberflashing to f*** boys and coercive control. On the show, Lala talks about how she started the account, her former role as a social worker, and delves into some of the issues she explores.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by child sexual abuse, call Childline on their helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111

The Victim Support helpline provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we speak to Carrie Hope Fletcher, an award-winning West End star, YouTuber, and bestselling author. Carrie discusses her latest book, With This Kiss. She spoke about the process of writing romance novels, where she gets her inspiration from, and what drew her to write about a woman whose kiss gives her the ability to see how someone is going to die. She also opened up about breaking up from a long-term partner.

(LINK)

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by Roxie Nafousi, a self-development coach, manifesting expert and author of the Sunday Times bestselling book: Manifesting: 7 steps to living your best life. She describes how manifesting actually works and why practicing it could transform your romantic life. Roxie also opens up about her own journey to manifesting, revealing how she overcame addictions and bad habits to find inner peace and unconditional love with her son, Wolfe.

(LINK)

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we chat with intimacy coordinator and movement director Ita O’Brien. Ita is one of the most in-demand people working in the field, and specialises in developing the best practice for sexual and intimate scenes on screen. She’s worked on Normal People, Sex Education and I May Destroy You, to name but a few. Ita and Olivia discuss the role of intimacy coordinators, how they work with actors to help make them feel comfortable on set and why in the past, sex scenes have been ripe for abuse and exploitation.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by writer and presenter Salma El-Wardany to discuss her debut novel, These Impossible Things. Salma chats with Olivia Petter about celebrating female friendship, writing Muslim women into popular culture, and why she’ll never post about her relationship status on social media. The two also discuss why we should include men in the conversation around misogynistic abuse, and dismantle the idea that “nice guys finish last”.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we are joined by author and ex-Love Islander Yewande Biala. We chat with her about racialised renaming and the microaggression she faces every time someone can’t—or indeed won’t—correctly pronounce her name. Yewnade also opens up about her time on Love Island, the difficulties of being the only Black woman in the villa, and why she doesn’t watch the show now.

Yewande’s debut book, Reclaiming: Essays on Finding Yourself One Piece at a Time is available for pre-order now.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

We’re back with another episode of Millennial Love where this week, we’re joined by registered nutritionist, best-selling author, and founder of ‘The Food Medic’ podcast, Dr Hazel Wallace.

We chat with Hazel about the taboos around women’s health, the ‘orgasm gap’, and how better sex can lead to better sleep.

She also reveals which foods to eat and which to avoid during your period, how diet can ease symptoms of PMS, and why it can be so hard to diagnose endometriosis.

Hazel’s book, The Female Factor: Making women’s health count – and what it means for you is out now.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we're joined by the brilliant author and actor Rebecca Humphries to discuss her memoir, Why Did You Stay? A memoir about self-worth. The book details what happened after Rebecca's boyfriend was caught kissing his Strictly Come Dancing partner and how she later reclaimed the narrative, posting a powerful statement about gaslighting on social media that swiftly went viral. In this episode, Rebecca talks about how she found her voice, why emotional abuse is so complicated, and the truth about men who call women 'mental'. We also discuss love bombing, female rage, and Rebecca's night out with a disappearing softboi. Enjoy the show but please bear in mind that some of the themes of this week's episode some may find upsetting.

You can also watch this episode on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/rebecca-humphries-gaslighting-love-b2124176.html

If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast, you can find support at www.womensaid.org.uk

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Welcome back to a brand new season of Millennial Love! We're thrilled to be joined by author and Love Island star Amber Rose Gill to discuss finding a holiday romance and whether a summer fling can lead to lasting love. Amber opens up about her viral Tweet where she discussed “switching teams”, and how heteronormative society places unfair pressure on LGBTQ+ people to come out. And of course, we chat about all things Love Island, how Amber is finding life after the villa, and whether it’s possible to find true love on the show.

Amber’s novel, Until I Met You, is out now.

You can watch this episode and more on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/millennial-love

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love, we’re thrilled to be joined by writer, journalist and creator of the iconic @beam_me_up_softboi Instagram account, Iona David.

Iona unpacks what it means to be a softboi, how to spot one, and why we should be wary of dating them. She also recounts her own dating experiences which, yes, might have included one or two softbois…

Iona’s book, Is This Love Or Dopamine?: A Deeply Unofficial Study of Dating in the Digital Age, is out now.

You can watch this episode and more on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/millennial-love

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by actor, writer, and stand-up comedian Jack Barry who discusses sex and comedy, and how he avoids joking about certain topics due to his privilege as a straight white man. 

Jack opens up about being in a non-monogamous relationship, debunks some of the myths around polyamoury, and argues that, with proper communication, being polyamorous can strengthen a relationship. 

We also discuss the darker side of comedy, and how abuse and harassment are still rife on the circuit for a lot of female comics.

You can watch this episode and more on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/millennial-love

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

*Trigger warning: This episode contains themes of rape, sexual assault and sexual violence which some viewers may find upsetting*

This week on Millennial Love we chat with Soma Sara, author and founder of Everyone’s Invited, an anti-rape movement that focuses on exposing rape culture by allowing survivors to share their own experiences of misogyny, harassment and sexual assault.

We discuss how experiences of sexual harassment at school can shape our attitudes towards sex and how widespread slut shaming, victim blaming and policing of girls’ uniforms internalises harmful myths about sex and sexuality.

Soma’s book, Everyone’s Invited, is out now.

If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual abuse, call Childline on their helpline at 0800 1111

The Victim Support helpline provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by celebrity psychic Chris Riley who explains what a psychic reading could mean for your love life.

Having first experienced psychic abilities when he encountered his grandad’s spirit as a child, Chris now helps people with everything from their relationships and careers, to communicating with loved ones after they pass.

We talk with Chris about why some may choose to seek guidance from a psychic or medium rather than a conventional therapist and how this can help people with their romantic relationships.

Chris shares his own psychic predictions and even gives Millennial Love’s own Olivia Petter a reading on her love life.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love, we chat with adult film director and performer Vex Ashley.

Vex is the founder of Four Chambers, an alternative, creative, female-centric porn platform that explores sex away from the mainstream “tube sites” that saturate the industry.

Vex challenges the misconception that sex work is exploitative and argues that, through a creative and collaborative process with performers, pornography can be a medium for artistic expression.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love, we’re joined by bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan to discuss their new novel Mad Honey.

We talk about the process of writing a book collaboratively, some of the questions the book raises around gender identity, and how our past shapes our future selves.

We also discuss treating narratives about domestic abuse with sensitivity and care, how trans issues have become hijacked by a toxic political debate, and why it’s more important than ever to educate cisgender people about the struggles faced by their transgender cousins.

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Millennial Love, we’re joined by author Louise O’Neill to discuss her latest novel, Idol.

Idol is about Samantha, a hugely successful wellness influencer who, determined to speak her truth, writes an essay about a sexual experience she had as a teenager with her then best friend, Lisa. But it backfires when Lisa gets back in touch and says that her memory of the night is far darker than Samantha’s.

We chat with Louise about the Me Too movement, whether one person’s “truth” negates the other’s, and how wealth, power, and race play into who we choose to believe. 

Check out Millennial Love on all major podcast platforms and Independent TV, and keep up to date @Millennial_Love on Instagram and TikTok.

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Millennial Love is getting a makeover!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Love Lives, The Independent’s brand new lifestyle podcast. We’ve got an incredible lineup of guests – from screenwriters and authors, to musicians and actors – so keep an eye out for new episodes every other Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Acast, as well as Independent TV and all major social media platforms. More soon – watch this space.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Hot male celebrities don't date funny, brilliant women unless they look like models - or do they?

We’re so excited to kick off our very first season of Love Lives with New York Times bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld. The Rodham author joins us to discuss her latest novel, Romantic Comedy, which follows a witty but insecure sketch writer named Sally as she develops “a consuming, imbalance-inducing crush” on hot pop star, Noah.

We discuss the phenomenon of “dating up”, the gruelling and intense process behind putting together an episode of Saturday Night Live, and of course, the three loves of Curtis’s life.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

“It’s rare that fiction doesn’t problematise queer relationships”...

Bestselling author Naoise Dolan joins us this week to discuss her latest novel, The Happy Couple, which follows two people as they approach their wedding day, and the three friends who threaten to draw them apart.

Following her hit debut novel, Exciting Times, the Irish author was earmarked by many as the “next Sally Rooney”. We chat with her about how she navigates labels like these, writing queer love stories into the modern literary landscape, and her lifelong love affair with coffee.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by Sentimental Garbage host and New York Times best-selling author, Caroline O’Donoghue.

We discuss her latest book, The Rachel Incident, which follows a young woman’s crush on her professor, and a subsequent plot to seduce him.

We loved talking with Caroline about the book, as well as the hidden power of channelling female rage in writing, the Taylor Swift phenomenon, and the best food to boost productivity.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by actor Hayley Atwell, to discuss her latest role in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Atwell stars as Grace alongside Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, as the team track down a weapon that threatens humanity.

We talk with Hayley about how she collaborated with Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie to build her character, as well as stunt and combat training, and the barriers facing women in Hollywood.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Brit-nominated artist Freya Ridings joins us on Love Lives this week to discuss her second album, Blood Orange, the pressure she faced to write new material, and why we love listening to sad music when we’re feeling down.

The ‘Lost Without You’ singer reveals how she created the new album, which mixes disco, pop and rock alongside the melancholic, piano-driven ballads she’s known for, and opens up about how she channelled her heartbreak into songwriting from a young age.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Journalist, editor and author Lorraine Candy joins us to discuss her latest book, ‘What’s Wrong With Me?’: 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know.

Lorraine talks about a “huge unravelling” she experienced at around 47 years old, when she went through the perimenopause, and how a lack of knowledge about this process made her feel she was “going mad”.

We also discuss female rage, older women being sidelined in popular culture, and why the the myth that women can ‘have it all’ is a dangerous one.

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and all major podcast platforms, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, bestselling author Megan Nolan joins us to discuss her latest book, Ordinary Human Failings, which explores a family who become tabloid scapegoats after a toddler goes missing from a London estate.

We talk about the exploitative tabloid culture and issues of addiction that lie at the heart of the book, as well as what drives people to commit violence, the impact of childhood neglect on adult relationships, and how trauma narratives are too often used to excuse bad behaviour.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson joins us on Love Lives to discuss fame and how blogging from a young age in Sweden has helped her feel comfortable speaking her mind and taking ownership of her work in the relentless and unforgiving music industry. Zara speaks about how she collaborates in the studio, how she came to the public's attention at a young age and how one form of transport has stolen her heart.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell to discuss the importance of letting go of one-sided friendships.

We discuss how it can feel daunting when friends’ lives splinter off in different directions, and why it's okay to be selective with your friendships.

We also talk about the myth of finding “the one”, the importance of writing South Asian stories into popular culture, as well as Poorna’s debut novel, In Case of Emergency.

You can also read Poorna's writing at her recently launched Substack, It's As I Was Saying with Poorna Bell https://poornabell.substack.com/

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re thrilled to speak with author Nicola Dinan about her debut novel, Bellies.

It follows the relationship between young graduates Tom and Ming and how their connection fluctuates in the wake of Ming’s transition, and is being adapted for TV by the studio behind the Normal People adaptation.

We chat with Nicola about the expectation that transgender characters should be overly virtuous, and how marginalised characters should have “the freedom to be pieces of s*** too.”

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Our guest this week is film director, screenwriter and novelist Emma Forrest.

Emma joins us to discuss her second memoir, Busy Being Free, which follows the breakdown of her marriage, her move from the glitz and glamour of LA to a tiny flat in north London, and her commitment to a period of celibacy (at least partially inspired by the election of Donald Trump).

We chat about what it means to start again, life outside of marriage and the male gaze, and the “existential crisis” faced by a generation who grew up in the age of internet porn.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Love Lives, we’re delighted to be joined by Brit award-nominated artist Tom Grennan to discuss his latest album, What Ifs & Maybes, and navigating life in the public eye.

The Little Bit of Love singer talks to Independent TV’s Olivia Petter about how ditching destructive vices allowed him to focus on music, and how his love of family, football, and furry friends helps keep him grounded following his dizzying rise to fame.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, Olivia is joined by activist Gina Martin and writer Flo Perry to discuss feminist sex.

What is feminist sex? And how does it differ from, well, regular sex? Olivia, Gina and Flo also discuss the importance of communication in the bedroom, why straight men don’t talk about sex in the same way as other people, and how our parents help to shape our love lives in unexpected ways.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

It’s been an incredible first year for Love Lives. After relaunching at the start of the year, we’ve been lucky to speak with a host of guests, including Hollywood actors, award-winning musicians, and bestselling authors.

From female rage, healthcare injustice and violence against women, to queer representation, stunt work in film and a lifelong love of pickles, our guests have had some incredible stories to tell.

A huge thank you to our wonderful guests and everyone who watched and listened this year – exciting things to come in 2024!

Check out Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Support Millennial Love with a donation today: https://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove

This week, Olivia is joined by writer and broadcaster Camille Charrière to discuss the differences between dating in your 20s compared to your 30s.

The duo examine why the relationships we seek in our 20s tend to be fervid and unstable, and how this can lead us to make poor choices in our love lives.

Camille also discusses how she fell in love after being single for seven years and what makes this relationship, with her now fiancé, different from any other she's been in.

They also discuss the complex art of compromise in a relationship, and how it's not always the best way forward. Finally, Camille explains why it is that people often lose friends when they get into a serious relationship.

You can read Camille's article on this very subject here: www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/a34587107/camille-charriere-love-in-your-30s/

Follow the show on Instagram at @millennial_love

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

Love Lives is back, and we’re kicking off the brand new season with journalist and author Bryony Gordon.

We talk to Bryony about her new book, Mad Woman, the hotly anticipated follow-up to her bestseller, Mad Girl. The book explores everything from perimenopause and the ongoing battle to prioritise women’s health, to addiction, binge eating, and mental health.

We also discuss Bryony's struggles with drugs and alcohol, cross-addicting to food, and some of the myths around OCD.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week on Love Lives, we’re joined by author Ela Lee to discuss her hotly anticipated novel, Jaded, which tells the story of a young lawyer who wakes up the morning after a work event with no memory of how she got home.

We chat with Ela about the confronting aftermath of “blackout sex”, the grey area of consent, and why we need to debunk the ‘nice guy’ myth to tackle rape culture.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

BRIT Award winning singer-songwriter Tom Walker joins us to discuss his second album, I Am.

Tom opens up about one of the singles on the album, ‘Lifeline’, about the unexpected death of a friend, and how writing the song allowed him to process his grief.

“It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written, but also the most difficult song to listen to. It’s certainly one of the realest things I’ve ever put down on paper, and you can feel that when you listen to it.”

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV, YouTube, and all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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

This week, we’re joined by Sunday Times bestselling author Otegha Uwagba to discuss how she left the systemic racism and misogyny of the corporate world to pursue a career in writing.

We discuss everything from the paralysis of writer’s block, to how doom-scrolling on social media impacts body image.

We also discuss all things fashion, the problem with Saltburn, and if 17 minutes is an appropriate length for a voicenote.

Catch Love Lives on Independent TV and YouTube, as well as all major social and podcast platforms.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/millenniallove.

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