Women in Focus

British Naturism · bn.org.uk

Join our host Helen Berriman for Women in Focus , a podcast dedicated to celebrating and empowering women through naturism. Each episode features a variety of women sharing their stories - the challenges, benefits, and realities of living clothes-free. Whether you're an experienced naturist, curious newcomer, or interested in body acceptance, feminism or wellbeing, you'll find perspectives that will both educate and inspire. Contact Women in Focus at womeninfocus@bn.org.uk or find BN Podcasts on Bluesky .

34 episodes

29d ago latest

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English language

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Episodes 34

Helen talks to Dr Victoria Bateman
29d ago · 1:07:08
Helen talks to Dr Victoria Bateman, a Fellow in Economics at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, and the economist and author who has spent over a decade using her own naked body for art and in political protest. Victoria explains how she broke free of what she calls the "cult of female modesty" in her thirties, the story behind the Anthony Connolly nude portrait that caused a media storm in 2014, and the "Brexit leaves Britain naked" protest she staged in Cambridge the day after the 2016 referendum result. Ten years on, she marked the anniversary with a month-long protest in which she rolled
Helen talks to Michelle Perry
1mo ago · 53:12
Helen talks to Michelle Perry, a British Naturism member from the Brighton area who spent most of her life covering up a body she felt sure would be judged, even wearing long shorts on the beach. Michelle shares how an ex-boyfriend's casual invitation to a naturist beach, and a menopausal "enough is enough" moment in her mid-fifties, first got her there - and how the Everybody festival, a couple of years later, sealed the transformation completely. She and Helen talk candidly about lipedema and body image, the particular safety and shared vulnerability that naturist women find with each other,
Helen talks to 'Captain' Amy Guerrier
2mo ago · 33:50
Amy Guerrier, known online as Bare Bum Boaty and Abso-Boatly-Fabulous, is a hula hoop artist, clown, improv performer, and mindset coach who lives aboard a 60-foot wide beam canal boat. Just 35 days before this recording she started an implied nude Instagram account on a whim, stumbled into the naturist community, and hasn't looked back since. In this episode, Helen and Amy explore what it means to follow joy without a plan, why social nudity so quickly strips away pretence and deepens connection, and how the simple act of questioning your language can transform your relationship with yourself
Helen talks to Steph Durbin
4mo ago · 37:05
Helen talks to Steph Durbin, newly appointed Director without Portfolio at British Naturism and board chair of Ashdene Naturist Club. She shares her journey that began with grief and arrived — three years later — at joy. Steph discovered naturism in 2022, drawn in by her late mother's lifelong passion and a determined search for purpose after loss. Helen and Steph explore what it means to navigate naturism as a single woman — the trust, the safeguarding, the assumptions people make — and the particular depth of connection that forms when women gather without clothes or pretence. They also spea
Helen talks to Sarah Mexico Christenson
4mo ago · 42:48
Sarah 'Mexico' Christenson is a Florida-based social media content creator who has built a following by normalising nudism online without apology. She and Helen met aboard the Bare Necessities Big Nude Boat 2026 cruise earlier this year and discovered they shared many ideas in common. Sarah talks about how a group holiday to a Tampa nudist resort in 2019 sparked her unexpected epiphany, how leaving corporate life gave her the freedom to take her advocacy public, and how naturism helped her unpack a childhood steeped in purity culture and body shame. Together, Helen and Sarah explore the de-sex
Helen talks to Maja Penko
5mo ago · 42:07
Maja Penko is a tour guide from Ljubljana, Slovenia, and is a former long-serving president of the Slovenian Naturist Federation. Maja was raised in a naturist family and shares the charming moment she first realised, at age ten, that not everyone lived quite so freely — a discovery that shaped a lifelong commitment to body acceptance and naturist advocacy. Together, Helen and Maja explore what it means to grow up without body shame, the fight for nipple equality, and why women's own attitudes are often the first barrier to overcome. Maja's message is refreshingly direct: start by looking in t
Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2
6mo ago · 49:46
In part two, Helen continues her conversation with Professor Annebella Pollen from the University of Brighton, author of Nudism in a Cold Climate. Pollen explores why women have always been central to naturism despite being present in smaller numbers. She speaks about Maurice Parmelee's radical 1929 claim that "nudism is a powerful aid to feminism" and "the logical continuation of the women's movement," showing how early advocates saw naturism as breaking down artificial social barriers. Pollen traces women's roles as not just models but photographers, editors, club co-owners, and pioneering t
Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 1
7mo ago · 46:35
In the first of a two-part conversation, Helen speaks with Professor Annebella Pollen from the University of Brighton, author of Nudism in a Cold Climate. Pollen discusses her decade-long research into the visual history of naturism in Britain, revealing how photography shaped the movement's public identity from the 1920s onwards. The conversation explores a fascinating paradox; whilst magazines like Health and Efficiency once sold hundred's of thousands of copies per issue, featuring idealised bodies of professional models, actual naturist membership numbers were much lower. Pollen explains h
Two Year Anniversary Special
8mo ago · 55:14
Helen celebrates two years of Women in Focus with a special anniversary panel, bringing together six inspiring women from the podcast's first year. Linda Weber, Angela de la Cruz, Siobhan Hazzan, Martha Vickery, Anne Nisbet, and Lins from Naked Wanderings unite as one panel to reflect on how naturism has transformed their relationships with their bodies, challenged societal misconceptions, and created communities of acceptance. From Martha's "hobbit toes" to Siobhan's conversation with her daughter about swimming pools, the panel shares honest, often humorous insights into body confidence, the
Helen talks to Lake Como's Erin Gilgur
10mo ago · 45:01
Erin Gilgur is relatively new to naturism but is already the digital marketing and engagement director at Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Florida. In this episode she talks about her introduction to naturism, the challenges and misconceptions surrounding body image, and how social nudity can help women overcome their insecurities. Erin explains the realities of marketing a major naturist resort, including event planning, community outreach, and inclusive marketing strategies. She also talks about how body diversity is represented at Lake Como, her perspective on common myths about naturism,
Helen talks to AANR President Linda Weber
11mo ago · 50:24
Helen welcomes back Linda Weber for an inspiring conversation about women stepping into leadership across the naturist world. Now as president of AANR, a major naturist organisation, Linda reflects on her own journey, the growing presence of women at the helm of clubs and federations, and the unique perspectives they bring to the movement. The discussion explores the challenges of modernising traditional organisations, the importance of listening to young and diverse voices, and the power of collaboration across borders. With personal stories, practical advice, and a celebration of everyday le
Helen talks to Lizzie Berriman
11mo ago · 46:25
In this heartwarming episode, Helen welcomes her stepdaughter Lizzie for an open conversation about generational attitudes toward nudity, growing up with a naturist dad, and with ready-made body confidence. From family stories and media appearances to running naked 5Ks and challenging social norms, Helen and Lizzie share laughs, insights, and advice on embracing yourself - clothes or no clothes. It's a fresh take on body positivity, acceptance, and the freedom to just be yourself from the perspective of young Gen-Z woman. In addition to their discussion, Helen's husband Simon has published an
Helen talks to Louise Butcher - part 2
1y ago · 36:15
Louise Butcher, known as the 'Topless Runner,' revisits her journey from childhood trauma to beating lobular breast cancer. She discusses the emotional depth of her new book 'Going Topless', emphasizing resilience and living in the present. Louise unapologetically shares her scars with the world, fights societal norms around breastless bodies, and highlights the importance of body acceptance. Her advocacy alongside her topless running includes support for the RDHC Topless Swim and the Free the Nipple campaign. And there's still the question of that Naked 5K! Links for Louise Butcher: Louise on
Helen talks to Louise Butcher - part 1
1y ago · 44:01
Louise Butcher, the "Topless Runner", shares her powerful story of battling health anxiety and overcoming lobular breast cancer. Discover how Louise's determination led her to advocate for a double mastectomy without reconstruction, challenging societal norms and fighting the stigma surrounding breastless bodies. She discusses her journey of reclaiming control over her body, the emotional process of grief and acceptance, and how her experiences have reshaped her perspective on life, body image, and the inherent misogyny in society's view of women's bodies. She also touches on the profound impa
Helen talks to Karen Golec
1y ago · 46:26
Karen Golec is a Canadian naturist living in a small northern community. She is a single woman who is at her happiest when travelling the world and exploring. She talks about body confidence, radical self-acceptance, and the joy of being without shame or judgment. She is a member of several naturist organisations, as she understands that supporting them is vital to furthering naturists rights around the world. Plus it means she gets to find out what is happening around the world and where she can go on her next trip. Links for Karen Golec: Karen on Facebook: facebook.com/karen.golec British Na
Helen talks to Andee Rodgers
1y ago · 49:47
Andee Rodgers, the Women In Nude Recreation (WINR) chair for the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), is a proactive advocate for body positivity, self-acceptance, and social naturism. Andee shares her perspective on how naturism can empower women and promote mental wellness, in particular in the wake of her childhood traumas. They discuss the misconceptions around nude recreation, the role of women in the naturist movement, and how shedding your clothes can mean becoming friends with your body and reclaiming your personal body freedom. You can read Andee's written Women in Focus i
Helen talks to Sarah Woodson
1y ago · 59:28
Naturism really does have the power to turn lives around. Sarah Woodson, a young mother, has not only seen her confidence grow, but feels it has finally given her back autonomy over her own body after years of physical and sexual abuse. In this episode, Sarah shares her past with Helen, the transformation naturism has brought to her life, and the legal issues that have arisen from her being a resident of Arkansas, probably the most repressive state for naturism in the USA. Links for Sarah Woodson: Sarah on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/justnekidsarah.bsky.social Sarah on IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm1488
Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 2)
1y ago · 47:52
Join Helen Berriman as she talks to Sarah Tayler in this episode, the second in her two-part interview carrying on from Episode 15. Sarah, a transgender women and proud member of British Naturism, has been a naturist throughout her transition. Sarah shares more of her journey of self-discovery, including her own philosophy on how she lives her life her way, and how naturism offered her a safe and supportive environment, one where every body is celebrated. Links for Sarah Tayler: Sarah on Facebook: facebook.com/sarah.l.tayler Sarah on Instagram: instagram.com/sarah_l_tayler British Naturism Eve
Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 1)
1y ago · 50:14
Contrary to societal misconceptions, being nude as a transgender woman in a genuine naturist space can be an empowering experience that helps with overcoming body confidence issues. As Sarah shares, naturism offers a safe and supportive environment where every body is celebrated, allowing transgender women like her to find solace and confidence in their own skin. Sarah Tayler, transgender women and proud member of British Naturism, has been a naturist throughout her transition. Sarah shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, from realising she was in the wrong body as a child to completin
Helen talks to Sheila Maycock
1y ago · 49:33
How do two seemingly opposing aspects of life — Naturism and Christianity — actually align in a way that brings people closer to their true selves? These paths may seem at odds, but for those in the Christian Naturist Fellowship they come together in harmony, offering new perspectives on body acceptance, faith, and the freedom to be who they truly are. In this episode, Sheila Maycock shares her story. Sheila is a 63-year-old counsellor, living a beautiful blend of family, faith, and naturism in Devon. Sheila tells of her experiences, exploring the intersection between these elements, and talks
Helen talks to Dr Vian Aziz
1y ago · 52:21
Naturism is not something that is typically associated with women of Middle Eastern origin, on account of the social expectations from that part of the world making female body autonomy a challenge, let alone body acceptance. But for some the combination of academic education, cultural migration, and an innate sense of what is right creates a mind open to the possibility. Dr. Vian Aziz was born and raised in Iraq and through a series of moves she brought her young family to the UK in 2010, where she settled in Cardiff and works as a gynaecologist. Following her postgraduate study for a profess
Helen talks to Lins
1y ago · 41:19
Is most of the current naturist content online created by older people for older people, with a world view of naturism that younger people simply can't relate to? Nick and Lins certainly believe so, which is why ‪Naked Wanderings was born. In this episode Helen speaks to Lins who, along with her partner Nick, are a naturist couple from Belgium who formed Naked Wanderings eight years a go, and have since found themselves as the naked voice of a generation. Together they explore what naturism really is around the globe, and show it to the online world through their blogs and videos. Helen and Li
Helen talks to Karie Jane
1y ago · 35:58
Helen interviews Karie Jane, businesswoman and proprietor of the Beverley Hills Hotel and Resort in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura. Karie took over the villa after her marriage ended and turned it into a clothing optional hotel. She now lives and works there full time, offering a unique naturist holiday destination. She talks to Helen about the ladies only holidays that she runs supported by BN, which are both for seasoned naturist women looking for something a little different as well as to allow any woman a safe and relaxing way to experience naturism for the first time. You can read Karie's wri
Helen talks to Anne Nisbet
1y ago · 46:37
Helen interviews Anne Nisbet and has a chat with Lins. Anne Nisbet is British Naturism's International Director, and has recently retired from the UK Health Security Agency, where she specialised in radiation protection. Her job saw her travelling the world on business and whilst on a trip to Helsinki she stumbled across a ladies only sauna and realised that social nudity felt completely natural. She now uses her skills to represent British Naturism to the International Naturist Federation (INF). Helen also met Lins from Naked Wanderings at the Everybody festival and in this special episode sh
Helen talks to Samantha Graham
2y ago · 42:48
Helen interviews Samantha Graham. She is a 34 year old naturist from Ontario, Canada. She is the Trailer and Sunroom Sales Manager at Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park near Toronto, and she runs their social media accounts. She is also the editor and producer of The Naturist Living Show podcast, hosted by Stéphane Deschênes. Sam has always preferred to be clothes-free even as a child, but it was in 2017 when she was seeking a different and freeing experience that she went looking for a nude beach and learned that Bare Oaks was only a short drive away. She booked in for three nights and it complet

Episodes

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Women in Focus

Episodes 34

Helen talks to Dr Victoria Bateman

Helen talks to Michelle Perry

Helen talks to 'Captain' Amy Guerrier

Helen talks to Steph Durbin

Helen talks to Sarah Mexico Christenson

Helen talks to Maja Penko

Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2

Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 1

Two Year Anniversary Special

Helen talks to Lake Como's Erin Gilgur

Helen talks to AANR President Linda Weber

Helen talks to Lizzie Berriman

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Helen talks to Karen Golec

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Helen talks to Sarah Woodson

Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 2)

Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 1)

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Episodes 34

Helen talks to Dr Victoria Bateman

Helen talks to Michelle Perry

Helen talks to 'Captain' Amy Guerrier

Helen talks to Steph Durbin

Helen talks to Sarah Mexico Christenson

Helen talks to Maja Penko

Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2

Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 1

Two Year Anniversary Special

Helen talks to Lake Como's Erin Gilgur

Helen talks to AANR President Linda Weber

Helen talks to Lizzie Berriman

Helen talks to Louise Butcher - part 2

Helen talks to Louise Butcher - part 1

Helen talks to Karen Golec

Helen talks to Andee Rodgers

Helen talks to Sarah Woodson

Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 2)

Helen talks to Sarah Tayler (part 1)

Helen talks to Sheila Maycock

Helen talks to Dr Vian Aziz

Helen talks to Lins

Helen talks to Karie Jane

Helen talks to Anne Nisbet

Helen talks to Samantha Graham