Summary

In this engaging conversation, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis discuss their Christmas traditions, the nostalgia surrounding analog items, the resurgence of Y2K fashion trends, and the significance of tattoos in personal expression. They explore how these themes reflect a broader cultural shift towards valuing personal connections and experiences over digital ones.

This week on Friday I’m In Bed, Gem and Kate unpack three stories that sound like “helpful advice” on the surface… until you realise who they’re aimed at and what they’re really saying.

First up: the government’s obesity tsar suggesting smaller restaurant portions “for women and others with lower calorific needs.” Is this sensible public health policy — or just diet culture and sexism dressed up as concern? Gem and Kate talk portion sizes, “ladies portions,” calorie labelling, disordered eating, and why being policed on the rare occasion you eat out feels completely backwards.

Next, they dive into copying vs inspiration — and why plagiarism is thriving online. Using the Sweaty Betty “Wear the Damn Shorts” controversy as a case study, they discuss whether you can own a slogan, the ethics of big brands lifting creator work, and why “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is usually just a polite way to excuse lazy theft.

Finally: Australia’s under-16 social media ban. It’s been widely praised — but has it actually been thought through? Gem and Kate question why platforms like Discord, WhatsApp, gaming chats and Roblox seem to have been ignored, why teens will always find a workaround, and why parenting, boundaries and critical thinking still matter more than a blanket ban.

If you like midlife chat, smart cultural takes, and the occasional rant (okay, quite a bit), this one’s for you.

Topics include: women’s portion sizes, obesity policy, diet culture, calorie labelling, body image, eating disorders, plagiarism and copying online, Sweaty Betty, creator rights, social media bans, teen internet safety, Discord, WhatsApp, Roblox, fake accounts, VPNs, and digital parenting.

We do discuss calories and mention eating disorders in this episode. If you are struggling, contact BEAT

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/

As Christmas rolls around, Gem and Kate are asking a big seasonal question: is the traditional Christmas dinner over?

In this episode of Friday I’m In Bed, two midlife women pick apart the pressure to produce a “perfect” roast, the rise of alternative Christmas dinner ideas (including takeaways and lasagne), and how much festive stress still lands on women’s shoulders.

They also dive into I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and the way the media still loves to pit one beautiful woman against another. From “jungle shower” headlines to old-school Britney vs Christina narratives, they explore how this impacts how women see and speak about each other, especially online.

Finally, they unpack the controversy around Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, a soft white that’s sparked debate about the “clean girl” aesthetic, purity culture, and what happens when design trends start to echo conservative values. Is white just a neutral design choice, or a reflection of something deeper in our culture?

00:00 Welcome to Friday I'm in Bed

00:54 This week

05:15 Redfining Christmas Dinner

20:45 The Media Portrayal of Beautiful Women

36:59 Pantone Colour of the year

51:51 The Importance of Subscribing and Engagement

In this episode, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis explore a range of topics including the societal pressures of beauty on young girls, the implications of Davina McCall's breast cancer diagnosis on HRT discussions, and the ethical considerations of AI in marketing. They emphasize the importance of early detection in cancer, the role of parents in guiding children's self-care, and the need for self-advocacy in health matters. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of AI and the cultural shift towards real experiences.

Keywords

HRT, Breast Cancer, AI in Marketing, Early Detection, Women's Health, Self-Care, Societal Pressures, Parental Guidance, Real Experiences, Environmental Impact

Resources — HRT & Breast Cancer

• Breast Cancer Now — HRT & Breast Cancer Risk

  A clear, up-to-date guide explaining the different types of HRT, how they relate to breast cancer risk, and questions to ask your GP.

• NHS — Menopause & HRT Information

  The NHS overview of HRT, benefits, risks, and suitability—straightforward, trustworthy information for patients.

• British Menopause Society — HRT & Breast Cancer (Fact Sheets)

  Evidence-based guidance (clinician-facing but accessible) offering a nuanced breakdown of risk related to HRT and breast cancer.

In this conversation, Gemma Seager and Kate Beavis discuss the impact of GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro on health and body image, the importance of exercise in midlife, and the societal expectations placed on women regarding caregiving and fitness. They examine the media's role in shaping perceptions of body image and the importance of critical thinking when interpreting health information. Personal experiences with weight loss and health are shared, emphasising the importance of finding enjoyable and sustainable exercise routines. The conversation concludes with a call to embrace ageing and prioritise personal health choices.For support with eating disorders contact Beat

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Midlife Perspectives

00:09 Personal Stories and Experiences

00:29 Introduction to Sensitive Topics

00:41 Engagement with the Audience

00:47 Celebrating Sarah Cox's Incredible Feat

05:16 The Debate: Running vs. Other Forms of Exercise

07:36 The Importance of Strength Training for Women

10:14 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Fitness

12:43 Overcoming Gym Intimidation and Ageism

14:54 Finding Inspiration in Others' Achievements

16:55 Embracing Individual Fitness Journeys

21:59 Navigating Parenthood and Independence

24:24 The Emotional Burden of Caregiving

26:55 Gender Roles in Caregiving Expectations

29:28 The Identity Crisis of Motherhood

32:01 Reality TV Reflections on Family Dynamics

37:15 Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact

37:32 Robbie Williams and GLP-1s: A Controversial Discussion

39:55 The Impact of Media on Health Perception

42:33 Male Health and Body Image: Breaking the Silence

45:18 The Complexity of Weight Loss Drugs

47:41 Navigating the Noise: Critical Thinking in Health

50:27 The Societal Pressures of Body Image

52:53 Access to Health Solutions: A Tragic Reality

55:44 The Importance of Professional Guidance

57:10 Introduction to Midlife Chats

57:18 The Importance of Subscribing and Engagement

57:30 Encouragement for Self-Care

Get to know your hosts, Gem and Kate, and the podcast that’s about to become your new Friday ritual. In this short intro, we share who we are, why we’re here, and what Friday, I’m in Bed is all about. Think midlife conversations without the sugar-coating: cultural moments, body image, ageing, health, family, expectations — all seen through two very different lived experiences and one shared instinct to keep things honest.

We’ll be diving into three topical conversations every week, mixing humour, insight and the kind of perspective that only arrives once you’ve lived a bit. Whether you’re childfree, parenting teens, navigating menopause, or just trying to make sense of the world as it is right now, you’re welcome in our bed-cast.

New episodes every Friday. Settle in, we’re just getting started.