Francesca Specter, podcaster, journalist and author of Alonement - How to be alone and absolutely own it

As part of our current series, and to celebrate the reopening of the Museum of London on Wednesday 19th May, Muna speaks with the museum’s Director Sharon Ament. Sharon has had a varied career working in wildlife conservation, the Zoological Society, and the Natural History Museum. In her current role as Director of the Museum of London, Sharon is overseeing the construction of a new museum site in West Smithfield. In this episode, we discuss: An introduction to Sharon and her career path (00:40)What it is about museums that Sharon loves so much, and some of her favourites (04:00)Why access to museums is important for everyone in the UK (06:24)The role of museums and the Museum of London in the climate crisis (10:24)The conversion of the General Market in Smithfield into the new Museum of London and what this will mean for the city (12:50) The impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and the removal of the statue of Robert Milligan from outside the Museum of London in 2020 (17:00)The staff that make up the Museum of London and their varied and multimedia programming (20:45) Sharon’s early life and upbringing (23:00) What Sharon loves about where she lives in East Dulwich (27:00) If you want to find out more about Sharon, you can find her on Twitter at @SharonAment This episode was produced by Sophie Monaghan-Coombs on Twitter at @sophiemc01 Be part of the conversationWe’d love to know, which museum are you most excited to visit with the new lockdown rules relaxed in the UK? Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

As part of our series looking at cultural institutions in London, as well as how we memorialise and learn from the past, we speak with Georgie Wemyss. Georgie is the Co-Director at the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging at the University of East London. Georgie also runs walking tours In this episode, we discuss: An introduction to Georgie and her work (00:35)Georgie’s personal background, her early career, and (01.50)How Georgie first became involved in anti-racism work and the context of East London at the time (06:00)The main findings in Georgie’s book “Invisible Empire: White Discourse, Tolerance and Belonging” (11:15) How far we have to go with teaching history in this country (13:45) The changes in the experience of British Bangladeshi’s over the years as seen through Georgie’s work (15:30)Everyday Bordering across health, education, and housing and the importance of more work in this area (19:27) The influence of family on Georgie’s life and work (22:45) If you want to find out more about Georgie, you can find her on Twitter at @GeorgieWemyss. Be part of the conversationWe’d love to know, where do you think your gaps are in your knowledge of British history?Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

Continuing our series on museums and galleries, we’re thrilled to welcome Katharine Alston, Volunteer Director of the Deptford Ragged School Archive and leading in public engagement learning at Imperial War Museum London. Katharine is passionate about heritage learningIn this episode, we discuss: An introduction to Katharine and her transition from teaching to museums (01:15)An introduction to the Deptford Ragged School (04.46)The work that Katharine is doing to address inequality in the borough (10:04)Katharine’s lightbulb moment for starting her PHD on museum learning (13.57) Katharine’s favourite museums in London (16:15) The influence of Katharine’s grandparents (18:27)If you want to find out more about Katharine, you can find her on Instagram at @deptford_ragged_school_archive and Twitter @art_e_factsBe part of the conversationWe’d love to know, which are your favourite museums in London?Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self-funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

To kick off our brand new series on museums and galleries, we’re thrilled to start with a conversation we had with Zoe Whitley. Zoe is the director of the Chisenhale Gallery in London and we talk about all things art and galleries, including Zoe’s career, the uniqueness of Chisenhale Gallery, and the need to ensure marginalised voices are included in museum spaces. In this episode, we discuss: An introduction to Zoe and Chisenhale Gallery (01:00)Zoe’s entry into art, artists, and art museums (03:50)Challenges Zoe has faced throughout her career, including as a black woman in the arts, and how these issues can be addressed (07:20) The importance of showcasing marginalised artists and some of Zoe’s most inspirational influences (11:00) Zoe’s proudest career moments (16:40) What Zoe loves most about galleries and her favourite ones around the world (19:00) How the public can get involved in the Chisenhale Gallery (21:15) What Zoe loves about where she lives in South East London (24:00)The influence of Zoe’s parents (25:15) If you want to find out more about Zoe, you can find her on Instagram at @zoe.whitley and the Chisenhale Gallery can be found on Twitter at @ChisenhaleGal and Instagram at @chisenhalegallery Be part of the conversationWe’d love to know, which are your favourite galleries in London?Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

We are excited to share with you our conversation with Labour MP Ellie Reeves, who represents Lewisham West and Penge and is also Shadow Solicitor General.Episode notes In this episode of Portrait of a Londoner, Muna speaks with Ellie Reeves MP about politics and life in parliament, and how they impact the lives of Londoners. In this episode, we talk about: Ellie’s journey into politics and how and why she became an MP (0:50)Equality and the realities of parliament for female MPs (4.00)Diversity in parliament: the current status and the changes still needing to be made (7.15)Ellie’s work as Shadow Solicitor General to help support women who are victims of sexual violence (10.25)Questions from our listeners on some of the most pressing issues for Lewisham including emissions and the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah, racial inequality, and support for asylum seekers (14.40) What Ellie loves about where she lives in South East London (21.45)How Ellie’s parents have influenced her (23.10)Advice for women and girls on becoming more involved in politics (23.50)Find out more about Ellie’s work as an MP through her Twitter @elliereeves and Instagram @elliereevesmp Be part of the conversationWe’d love to know, which issues are most important to you and where you live?Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

Francesca Specter shownotes Episode SummaryWe’re back with a new episode with Francesca Specter - podcaster, author, and journalist whose book Alonement was published in March 2021. Episode notes In this episode of Portrait of a Londoner, Catriona speaks with Francesca Specter who is passionate about helping others love the time they spend alone. We discuss Francesca’s work and why she is passionate about inspiring people to value their alone time. We also discuss the relationship between alonement and gender, some of Francesca’s best podcast guests and favourite books, and what she loves about where she lives in North West London. In this episode, we talk about: An introduction to Francesca, the alonement movement, and her new book (0:38)Keeping movements of alonement once we come out of lockdown (4.50) The Alonement podcast and highlights from some of Francesca’s most insightful guests (9.10) The effect of social media on our psyches (14.20) Francesca’s book habits and recommendations (16.23) What Francesca loves about podcasting and the importance of conversation (18.45) How the freedom to be alone is a different story for women (20.40)What Francesca loves about where she lives in Chalk Farm (21.52)If you want to find out more about Francesca, you can find her on instagram.com/chezspecter and her book is available now. We loved reading it, and we’re sure you will as well. Be part of the conversationWe’d love to know, how do you feel about spending time alone? Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self-funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

 In this episode we talk to Emma about:Her views on wellbeing in the workplace (3.02)How leaders should role model good practice (9.49)Examples of organisations that are leading the way (13.20)How her parents have influenced her (20.28)Challenging gender inequality (21.27)If you would like to find out more about BITC you can find them here www.bitc.org.ukBe part of the conversationIf you enjoy this episode please let us know what you think by contacting us on social media or via email. Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe !

In this episode we speak to Katty about: What holds people back from starting their own business Childhood bullying and racism which informed her decision to work for herself in adult life How to get the confidence to take the plunge into entrepreneurshipHer upcoming business coursesHer  current career influencesHow her mother influenced her What she loves about LondonFor more information about Katty and her courses check out her website: https://www.therealnessinbusiness.com/Be part of the conversationIf you have watched county lines please let us know what you think by contacting us on social media or via email. Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend? 

In this episode we discuss:How to create boundaries between home and work lifeHow to manage the dual role of working from home and home-schoolingHow to make a great lunch for one at homeHow to plan for success using present tense journalingWhy she loves living in LondonRebecca’s recommendations for local takeaways! You can find out more on Rebecca on her websites https://www.rebeccaseal.co.uk/ and https://www.howtoworkalone.com/Be part of the conversation!Let us know if you enjoyed this episode and please share on social media if you did!Please get involved via socials on the following:Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcast

Mark Salter qualified in East London in 1983 and after two years working at junior level as an anaesthetist  began training as a psychiatrist, obtaining  MRCPsych in 1989. In 1994 he became a Consultant in Adult General Psychiatry at St Bartholomew's and the Homerton Hospitals in London and, apart from a one-year sabbatical working in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, has remained in this post to the present.He is presently responsible for the provision of adult general psychiatric care to a deprived inner city area which is extremely varied in terms of psychopathology and socio-cultural make-up. His day-to-day work routinely brings him into clinical contact with psychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, PTSD and organic cerebral syndromes. His professional areas of special interests include the ethics of psychiatry, the psychopathology of trauma, substance misuse and community care. Because of his interests in ethics, mental illness and trauma, he has for the past 18 years run a fortnightly medico-legal clinic . This work has dealt with diverse topics of testamentary capacity, issues of causation in post traumatic stress and other reactive disorders, unexplained pain and other ‘physical’ conditions, as well as disorders such as psychotic illnesses, substance misuse and personality disorders.He has  an interest in the media representation of psychiatric illness and the role of serious incident enquires in the management of homicides and suicides committed by the mentally ill. He is an adviser to the Mental Health Charity MIND and the Jewish Association for Mentally Ill (JAMI). He has published numerous articles and letters on the field of substance misuse, schizophrenia, risk and untowardness, mental health legislation and community psychiatry. In 2008, he published Outdoor Psychiatry, an innovative handbook on community psychiatric care. In addition to his clinical work, he is committed to public education in order to improve understanding of complexities surrounding mental illness. He has worked on many radio and television programmes on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and he has also helped with many theatrical performances. Earlier this year he helped the Royal Ballet Company to produce a modern reworking of Greek myth of Cassandra, as an honest and contemporary depiction of manic-depressive disorder. Be part of the conversationPlease get involved via socials on the following:Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner Twitter @portraitpodcastor email us at [email protected] are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend