Adwoa Aboah

Shows

Episodes

  1. Maddie Ziegler... on growing up in the spotlight, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and friendship

    10/24/2023

    Maddie Ziegler... on growing up in the spotlight, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and friendship

    Maddie Ziegler is here!  Maddie has been in the industry for so much of her life, and needless to say it hasn’t always been easy. But I’ll let Maddie tell you about it...  You can follow Maddie on Instagram at @maddieziegler and you can follow us @gurlstalk.  ---  Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Malach of Wicked Child Studio.  Composed by Mikey Long. Special thanks to Charlotte Gilbert. This podcast is proudly supported by Jo Malone London.

  2. Denise Gough...on People, Places, and Things and meeting Emma again after all these years

    07/16/2024

    Denise Gough...on People, Places, and Things and meeting Emma again after all these years

    Before Adwoa (briefly) leaves the chat to welcome her baby (!!!) -- you're in for a treat... In a very special episode of Gurls Talk, Adwoa sits down with acclaimed actress Denise Gough for a compelling conversation about her role in the play "People, Places, and Things." Together, they delve into themes of addiction, trauma, and the portrayal of these issues on stage. Denise Gough won ‘Best Actress’ at the 2016 Olivier Awards and at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for her performance as Emma in People Places & Things originally at the National Theatre in 2015.  She went on to win her second Olivier Award (‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’) for her performance in Tony Kushner's Angels in America for which she was nominated for a Tony Award®  when the National Theatre production transferred to Broadway. Gough has also been nominated for a British Academy Television Award for her performance in Clara Salaman incendiary three-part ITV series Too Close. More recently she played the role of Dedra Meero in Disney+’s hugely successful Star Wars spin-off series, Andor. People, Places, and Things will run until August 10th at the Trafalgar Theatre  in London. You can buy tickets here.  ---  Executive Producer: Gurls Talk, Inc.  Host: Adwoa Aboah  Guest: Denise Gough  Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach  Composer: Mikey Long  Special thanks to Jo Malone London for their generous support of the podcast.

  3. Ep 39. Adwoa talks to her mother, Camilla Lowther OBE, about the joys and pressures of motherhood

    05/14/2020

    Ep 39. Adwoa talks to her mother, Camilla Lowther OBE, about the joys and pressures of motherhood

    This is a special one for me as I’ve always wanted to introduce my wonderful mum to the Gurls Talk community. She’s an inspiration to me and many others, not only as my mother, but as one of the mothers of the fashion industry. Her talent agency CLM represents some of the biggest names in the business, and watching her juggle a career and being a parent has taught me so much about what’s possible.   We talk about how she got through the darkness of finding out that her daughter was battling with her mental health. For her, it was a complete shock that she couldn’t have got through without therapy and the overwhelming support of the incredible charity, Al-Anon. I think what I’ve learnt most from talking to her is that mothers everywhere are juggling, especially right now. My mum says that “surrounding your children with love so they don’t feel alone” is one of the most powerful things you can do as a parent, and I think that’s an approach we can all take right now. Surround everyone you know with love, and we’ll get through these mad times.   Al-Anon is a charity for families and friends of alcoholics: https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ As always, you can follow us @gurlstalk. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com And don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  4. AOC... on facing fear head-on

    01/29/2024

    AOC... on facing fear head-on

    It's a dream come true! AOC has joined the chat.  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an American politician and the youngest woman EVER elected to the United States Congress. A member of the Democratic Party, she gained national attention for her progressive policy positions, including advocacy for the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. We celebrate AOC for her passion and unwavering commitment to social justice reform.  In this episode Adwoa and AOC discuss redefining positions of influence, embracing your authentic self, online activism, and facing fear head-on.  You can follow AOC on Instagram @AOC.  --  Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc. Produced by Hailey Rovner Malach of Wicked Child Studio. Composed by Mikey Long. Edited by Morgan Muse.  Special thanks to Ginger Roberts.  Generously supported by Jo Malone London.

  5. Ep 51. Adwoa hears from activist and organizer Susan Burton on her journey from prison to founding A New Way of Life, a non-profit organization that helps formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives and break the cycle of incarceration.

    12/03/2020

    Ep 51. Adwoa hears from activist and organizer Susan Burton on her journey from prison to founding A New Way of Life, a non-profit organization that helps formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives and break the cycle of incarceration.

    Warning: This episode covers difficult topics, which some listeners may find upsetting. These areas include sexual and physical abuse, child sexual abuse, addiction, the death of a child, police brutality and systemic racism. Please practice good self-care and listen at your own discretion. If you need additional support please visit our website at www.Gurlstalk.com/hotlines This week’s episode is a lesson in perseverance. Susan Burton is an activist and advocate for women caught in the cycle of incarceration in Los Angeles. Her non-profit organization, A New Way of Life Reentry Project, provides housing, employment assistance, legal services, and leadership development to women who have been formerly imprisoned. In this episode, Susan shares her personal experiences growing up in south LA, cycling in and out of the prison system and finding her calling as an advocate for incarcerated women. We talk about how processing grief and trauma led to her finding a purpose: helping women restore their dignity, rebuild their lives and thrive outside of prison, just as she was able to. You can learn more about A New Way of Life here and in Susan’s memoir Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com, follow us @gurlstalk and don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast. TW: police brutality, physical and sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, addiction, systemic racism, death of a child.

  6. Ep 4. Adwoa talks to close friend, Victoria, about the trauma of losing her mother, just before becoming a mother herself

    12/14/2018

    Ep 4. Adwoa talks to close friend, Victoria, about the trauma of losing her mother, just before becoming a mother herself

    As we continue our December theme of grief, I invite a woman who I absolutely adore onto The Gurls Talk podcast; my dear friend, @victoria_lampley.   Victoria kindly opens up about the devastating impact of her mother’s cancer diagnosis, and how becoming a mother herself shortly after she died was such an impossible transition.   We also discuss the importance of talking about grief and how to be a good friend to those who are suffering from bereavement.   To read more from Victoria’s quote on strength, read ‘On Grief & Grieving’ by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler.   To read the beautiful piece by Nick Cave on grief, visit: https://www.theredhandfiles.com/communication-dream-feeling/   If you’re dealing with grief then there are many charities and organisations that can offer crucial support.   Visit www.cruse.org.uk for one-on-one help and advice. For support around the death of a child, visit www.childbereavement.org.uk. To explore Julia Samuel’s 8 Pillars of Strength, visit www.griefworks.co.uk.   The Grief Support Center in LA that Victoria mentioned in our chat is: https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/   To find out more about Gurls Talk or to send us your artwork, poetry or anything you want to share, visit www.gurlstalk.com or find us on Instagram @GurlsTalk.

  7. Ep 60. Adwoa talks to Little Simz about finding balance in life.

    09/16/2021

    Ep 60. Adwoa talks to Little Simz about finding balance in life.

    When you see Little Simz (or Simbi, as I call her) perform, she gives everything to the crowd. Off stage, she has this incredible composed energy. So, how does she find the balance? We talk about how to manage the energy you expel in your work and what to keep for yourself.   In a recent interview Simbi said, “my career is very important to me but it’s not my life, I’m doing things differently this time.” And I can hands down relate to that. As I’m sure a lot of you can. Turning up in life and setting boundaries is vital for our relationship with ourselves and with others.   Born to tell stories, Little Simz has written another amazing album – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert – because of her ability to self-reflect and look at uncomfortable things. She talks about what inspires her work and the responsibility she feels as a young, Black British artist and woman.   I loved having this conversation. Even though we were countries apart, it felt like we were sat chatting on the sofa together. Enjoy and as always, mad amounts of love.   You can follow @littlesimz and you can follow us @gurlstalk. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com and don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  8. Ep.56 Adwoa talks to Brandon Flynn about getting sober, self-reflection during the pandemic, and what it means to be an ally.

    04/09/2021

    Ep.56 Adwoa talks to Brandon Flynn about getting sober, self-reflection during the pandemic, and what it means to be an ally.

    It’s easy to spiral from the seemingly smallest things during the pandemic. Life has been really tough for a long time now. But one thing, one huge thing, has helped immeasurably: being sober. And in this episode, Brandon shares his experience of leaning into the AA community and reaching his first year of sobriety. Choosing a life of sobriety, he says, has been the hardest and most gratifying thing he’s ever done.   Brandon is a brilliant human, an empath, and an authentic voice on and off screen, which makes him a dream to talk to. We swap stories on living solo during the pandemic, about self-reflection and engaging in the quality of friendships. We talk about shows that are bold enough to tackle storytelling in a different way, and his character as the ​complex and conflicted heartthrob, Justin Foley, in the Netflix hit series, ​13 Reasons Why. And lastly, we look at how the culture of curiosity plays a part in activism and community work.   Enjoy listening. And mad amounts of love.   You can follow @brandonflynn and you can follow us @gurlstalk. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com and don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  9. Paloma Elsesser... on silencing the noise, being the first, and rising above

    04/23/2024

    Paloma Elsesser... on silencing the noise, being the first, and rising above

    Paloma Elsesser is a supermodel and advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry (and beyond). Winner of the British Fashion Council's 2023 Model of the Year award, Paloma is a trailblazer who uses her platform to challenge beauty standards and promote self-acceptance.  You can follow Paloma on Instagram @palomija  ---  Executive Producer: Gurls Talk, Inc.  Host: Adwoa Aboah  Guest: Paloma Elsesser Producer: Wicked Child Studio Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach Editor: Morgan Muse Production Assistant: Ginger Roberts  Composer: Mikey Long  This podcast is generously supported by Jo Malone London

  10. Carmen Galvan... on life as an end-of-life doula

    04/30/2024

    Carmen Galvan... on life as an end-of-life doula

    Carmen is a social worker, grief counsellor and death doula. Carmen is also the co-founder of BIPOC Death and Grief Talk, along with Kayla Carter, where they run free grief talks and grief education workshops for BIPOC individuals. Carmen and Kayla's goal is to embrace the intricate layers of racialized grief, providing a space for validation and support among fellow grievers. Simultaneously, they seek to challenge and deconstruct Eurocentric notions surrounding death, grief, and loss, working towards destigmatizing discussions around mortality. You can follow BIPOC Death and Grief Talk on Instagram @bipocdeathgrieftalk --- Executive Producer: Gurls Talk, Inc. Host: Adwoa Aboah Guest: Carmen Galvan Producer: Wicked Child Studio Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach Editor: Morgan Muse Production Assistant: Ginger Roberts Composer: Mikey Long Special thanks to Kayla Carter. Special thanks to Jo Malone London for their generous support of the podcast.

  11. Ep. 34. Adwoa talks to Clara Amfo about Ghana, social media and setting boundaries.

    04/09/2020

    Ep. 34. Adwoa talks to Clara Amfo about Ghana, social media and setting boundaries.

    I really hope that you and your loved ones are all well and staying safe and healthy. I’m extremely happy to be back with you all for our new season. Given the global crisis caused by Covid-19, we are releasing this in an increasingly uncertain and scary time.  Now, more than ever, it is important to create safe spaces that encourage open and honest conversations and help us stay connected. While we did debate as to whether or not to release one of the many podcasts we’ve already recorded pre-Covid-19, we felt it important to share with you what we had already started earlier in the year and revisit some of these conversations. Listening to these initial podcasts, it is so jarring to hear how different our lives and circumstances were. Our first episode is with the brilliant Clara Amfo that we recorded back in January. Clara and I talk about our time at the Year of Return in Ghana. How we’re honoured to have Ghanaian heritage, and the importance of people in the diaspora to fly the flag. We talk about Clara’s new podcast – This City with Clara Amfo – which is all about what London means to her guests. We share our views on social media and how highly confusing navigating the unwritten rules can be. How on one hand we loathe the negativity that comes with Instagram, but on the other, love the sense of community you can find from like-minded women. Being single, actively choosing to be single, and celebrating our independence definitely gets some deserved airtime. And we talk about not wasting time on the wrong people, understanding your values, being kind to yourself, and filling up your own cup rather than expecting others to fill it up for you. It really is so good to be back. Enjoy listening and mad, mad, mad amounts of love. Clara’s amazing new podcast is here: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-city/id1492707322 You can follow Clara on Instagram @claraamfoand you can follow us @gurlstalk Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com And don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  12. Ep 3. Adwoa, Professor Green, Julia Samuel MBE and Amy Green talk through the grieving process and how to live with loss.

    12/10/2018

    Ep 3. Adwoa, Professor Green, Julia Samuel MBE and Amy Green talk through the grieving process and how to live with loss.

    Throughout December, Gurls Talk Grief, and I have one of the most accomplished panels of experts to help us unpack this devastating and taboo subject. @ProfessorGreen uses his experience with his father’s suicide to show us how we should be celebrating the lives of those lost. Julia Samuel MBE tells me about her pillars of strength and how kickboxing is her secret weapon for coping with grief. And Amy Green explains why the bereavement charity, Cruse, is so valuable for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, however long ago it was. If you’re dealing with grief then there are many charities and organisations that can offer crucial support. Visit www.cruse.org.uk for one-on-one help and advice. For support around the death of a child, visit www.childbereavement.org.uk. To explore Julia Samuel’s 8 Pillars of Strength, visit www.griefworks.co.uk. To sign the petition for Stephen and Cruse’s campaign for A National Grief Awareness Day, visit https://www.change.org/p/matthew-hancock-mp-a-national-grief-day-to-remember-those-we-ve-lost. To find out more about Gurls Talk or to send us your artwork, poetry or anything you want to share, visit www.gurlstalk.com or find us on Instagram @GurlsTalk.

  13. Ep 35. Adwoa talks to the TARA Sisters and Zeina Nassar about the positive impact of exercise

    04/16/2020

    Ep 35. Adwoa talks to the TARA Sisters and Zeina Nassar about the positive impact of exercise

    Starting a conversation with some spiritual handholding is always a good sign. And that’s the vibe Bea and Tina from the TARA Sisters, and Nike athlete Zeina Nassar brought to this episode from the Gurls Talk Berlin live event. Both the TARA Sisters and Zeina are playing their part in changing the world. For Bea and Tina, it’s about recognising how our youth are key to building a peaceful and compassionate future. They talk about how they create a space for teenage girls to navigate self-love and a positive mindset through movement. They’re like the big sisters we wish we had when we were growing up.   Then Zeina, who’s a force of nature fighting the girls’ corner, tells us how she’s helped changed the rules in boxing so every woman who wears a hijab can box anywhere in the world. We talk about trusting in yourself to follow your dream, and if you could be your own big sister, what would you say to yourself? (Life’s all about a good prep talk!) Enjoy a big dose of positivity, and as always mad amounts of love. You can follow @bea.bewegt @tina__kaa @zeina.boxer and you can follow us @gurlstalk Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com And don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  14. Eileen Kelly... on therapy, sex education, and dating horror stories

    11/07/2023

    Eileen Kelly... on therapy, sex education, and dating horror stories

    Eileen Kelly is here! You may know Eileen from her Tumblr days (killerandasweetthang) or maybe you know Eileen as the host of the acclaimed podcast Going Mental with Eileen Kelly.  In this episode - we talk about getting into the groove with a new therapist to getting diagnosed and (my favorite) dating horror stories.  I loved having gurl talk with Eileen. We have so much in common and I can't wait for you to listen. Enjoy!  --- Hosted by Adwoa Aboah  Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc.  Produced by Hailey Malach of Wicked Child Studio Composed by Mikey Long

  15. Ep 52. Adwoa catches up with Michaela DePrince, soloist at the Dutch National Ballet, about facing up to trauma, the fight against discrimination, and the healing power of the arts.

    01/21/2021

    Ep 52. Adwoa catches up with Michaela DePrince, soloist at the Dutch National Ballet, about facing up to trauma, the fight against discrimination, and the healing power of the arts.

    On this week’s episode, I spoke to the incredible, inspiring Michaela DePrince. The epitome of poise and grace, Michaela is a dancer, author and War Child ambassador. She has overcome tremendous challenges over her lifetime, including grief, war, racism, bullying and more, all in the pursuit of  what she calls ‘her soul’ – her passion for dance. What stands out for me is her unmistakable grit; a burning desire to prove critics wrong and succeed against all odds. But that dedication is not without a price, and we discuss the emotional and mental toll that it takes to keep performing in the face of a global pandemic, personal losses, and the trauma of racism. This week’s episode is a timely reminder to us all to seek out the space we need to take care of ourselves. For Michaela, the arts and classical ballet provide an escape and a means of expression. I hope that with the new year, we can collectively make time to indulge in what grounds us. You can follow @michaeladeprince and you can follow us @gurlstalk. Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com and don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  16. Ep 40. Adwoa talks to Megan Barton-Hanson about reality TV, insecurities and lifting women up.

    05/21/2020

    Ep 40. Adwoa talks to Megan Barton-Hanson about reality TV, insecurities and lifting women up.

    The maneater, the glamour model, the sexy one. Well, that’s the role the producers of Love Island put on Megan Barton-Hanson when she was in the villa in 2018. But as we all know, reality TV is a heavily edited version of what really happens, and Megan and I dive into this and how sudden fame affected her mental health. We talk about how women are still being judged against each other in the media and online, and how this toxic negativity needs to stop. Like, NOW. Megan tells us about her struggles with being bullied and trolled, and how cosmetic surgery can yes, give you bigger boobs and a smaller nose, but it can’t fix your confidence. Megan’s unapologetically honest about all sorts of issues like mental health, enhancing your looks and sexuality. She tells us “we all need to be more real, to be kinder, and show our vulnerable side.” And I couldn’t agree more, Megan. Enjoy listening and until next time, mad, mad amounts of love. You can follow Megan on Instagram @meganbartonhanson and you can follow us @gurlstalk Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com And don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  17. Ep 9. Adwoa talks about the addictions of sports stars and how a life in the spotlight can be so dangerous.

    01/29/2019

    Ep 9. Adwoa talks about the addictions of sports stars and how a life in the spotlight can be so dangerous.

    In this fascinating episode, I invite Sporting Chance onto the podcast to tell me about their work in the rehabilitation of sports stars who are suffering from addiction. The charity was founded by England and Arsenal player, Tony Adams after his own battle with addiction, and it does excellent work helping athletes of all kinds in their recovery.   We dissect the underlying reasons behind pro athletes becoming addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling, as Alex and Colin shine a light on their rehab methods.   I’ve loved every second of this month as we’ve uncovered your surprising, honest and inspirational stories around addiction. This episode delves into the victims of addiction that we may not consider. I found it hugely eye-opening and can’t thank Colin and Alex enough for enlightening us.   To learn more about Sporting Chance: https://www.sportingchanceclinic.com/   If you’re suffering from addiction of any kind then visit: https://www.ukat.co.uk/about-us/   To find out more about Gurls Talk or to send us your artwork, poetry or anything you want to share, visit www.gurlstalk.com or find us on Instagram @GurlsTalk.

  18. Sean Saifa Wall... on the intersex rights movement

    11/28/2023

    Sean Saifa Wall... on the intersex rights movement

    What is the "I" in LGBTQIA+? Today we're giving voice to the long-silenced intersex community.  According to Amnesty International, 1.7%  of the population is born with intersex traits -- comparable to the number of people born with red hair. On this episode you'll hear from Sean Saifa Wall (he/him/his) a Black queer intersex activist and rising scholar.  Saifa is committed to racial equity and a radical vision of bodily autonomy for people with intersex variations. Currently, he is a Marie Skłowdoska-Curie fellow at the University of Huddersfield in England examining the erasure of intersex people from social policy in Ireland and England. You can learn more about Saifa by visiting his website: https://www.seansaifa.com/ You can watch Saifa's (INCREDIBLE!) documentary Every Body on most streaming services.  ---------  Executive Produced by Gurls Talk, Inc.  Produced by Hailey Rovner Malach of Wicked Child Studio.  Composed by Mikey Long.  Special thanks to Jo Malone London.

  19. Ep 28. Adwoa talks to Louisa Northcote about acne and its ability to take over our minds.

    09/25/2019

    Ep 28. Adwoa talks to Louisa Northcote about acne and its ability to take over our minds.

    Spots, cysts, acne, bright-red-tomato-face with skin flaking off. Whatever your breakout, we know how much of a confidence-kill troubled skin can be. I have battles with my own skin, but I hide it quite well – I say no to jobs, I don’t go to events, I wear a hoodie.   We’re so used to retreating to the shadows when our skin flares up. We apologise for it, feel judged because of it. But Louisa is making big steps in acne positivity with her amazing Instagram movement #freethepimple. She’s created an online community for people who get what it’s like to have acne and feel like everyone’s staring at your skin (which they really aren’t).   Louisa gives us a great pep talk about loving the skin we’re in. We talk about how acne affects our mental health and our dating life, how it’s a never-ending quest to find skincare products that work, and how we become masters of using makeup to cover our blemished skin.   We spend so much time obsessing over spots and feeling ugly because of them, but it’s time to change that. FREE THE PIMPLE!   Enjoy listening, and mad, mad love as always.   You can join the #freethepimple community on Instagram, follow Louisa @lounorthcote and follow us @gurlstalk Please send any messages to www.gurlstalk.com And don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode of the Gurls Talk podcast.

  20. Ep 18. Adwoa talks to the passionate campaigner who wants to stop Brexit, Femi Oluwole, about the most important thing we need to do this Thursday: VOTE.

    05/21/2019

    Ep 18. Adwoa talks to the passionate campaigner who wants to stop Brexit, Femi Oluwole, about the most important thing we need to do this Thursday: VOTE.

    Yes, we're all bored of Brexit. And it's hard to keep up with what politician is making what terrible decision. Sometimes it's easier to just look the other way. But that's literally the worst thing we can do. On Thursday 24 May, I urge you all to vote in the European election.   Femi Oluwole breaks it down for us, giving us a 101 of what these elections mean. As a co-founder of pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice, he says, "if you're bored of Brexit, you cannot let Brexit happen. It should be your boredom fuelling you to get involved in this issue."   While the leaders of our country battle it out, determined to mess up our future, we need to make our voices heard. We need to show up to vote, because if Farage wins, we're in a very dangerous territory.   You can keep up-to-date with Femi's Tweets here: @Femi_Sorry   And for more information on how to vote and where your local voting station is, visit https://wheredoivote.co.uk   To find out more about Gurls Talk or to send us your artwork, poetry or anything you want to share, visit www.gurlstalk.com or find us on Instagram @GurlsTalk.   Oh, and did I mention to VOTE ON THURSDAY!

Adwoa Aboah on Apple