Boots presents Taboo Talk

This episode is all about self-pleasure as a form of self-love. With help from sexpert Ruby Rare and and body acceptance influencer Nelly London we cover everything from the new “smart” sex toys (that can measure sexual pleasure and/or be operated remotely) to classic vibrators (both as masturbation tools and relationship toys), as well as empowering you to feel free to love yourself with no judgement or shame with help from. Please do remember to clean your sex toys properly both before and after using them, and that STIs can be transmitted via shared sex toys. You can avoid STIs by covering penetrative sex toys, such as vibrators, with a new condom each time they’re used, not sharing sex toys and having a different set of sex toys for each partner. *Report mentioned in intro from Flo Health. Use code SWB10 to save 10% across selected sexual wellbeing* *Online only. Excludes bundles and medicines. Subject to availability. 14th – 27th Feb. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub Sexual Health: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/sexual-health Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/sexual-health Boots Online Doctor testing: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/home-testing-kits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pain is real. Heartbreak is a universal human experience that can affect us all at some stage in life, yet it often carries a shroud of stigma, stereotypes, and taboos that prevent open and honest conversations. We get up close and personal with two amazing guests who share their raw and unfiltered stories and have suffered the pain of a broken heart and emerged stronger on the other side. Together we dismantle the barriers that keep us from understanding and supporting one another through love's tumultuous journey. If you are struggling with your physical or mental wellbeing, please seek help from your GP. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/mental-health-services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As more and more people are identifying themselves as being neurodivergent, we ask what this actually means. We’re joined by a neurodivergent expert who answers your most common questions and two amazing guests who share their own experiences. From the challenges they faced growing up, being diagnosed, how to manage it and why they are on a mission to change the negative conversations around neurodiversity. RESOURCES The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/what-is-neurodiversity/ Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming a new dad is a life-altering experience filled with joy, challenges, and a whole lot of learning. We delve into the unique journey of fatherhood with two newly-dads and explore the triumphs and tribulations that come with it. Whether you're about to embark on this adventure or have been a dad for years, join us as we share heart-warming stories and practical tips to help you thrive on your own dad journey. If you are struggling with your mental health or postpartum depression, do please seek help from your GP. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Boots Health Hub Caring for a Newborn: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/childrens-health/caring-for-newborn Boots Parenting Club: https://www.boots.com/shopping/advantage-card/parenting-club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with diabetes is a journey filled with unique challenges, daily decisions, and a profound impact on one's life. Join us as we dive deep into the world of diabetes, sharing personal stories and practical advice to empower and educate anyone living with diabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned warrior, someone who cares for a loved one with diabetes, or you just want to educate yourself about this growing health concern, our special guests offer a helping hand on this shared journey towards a healthier, happier life. If you are concerned you may have diabetes or are experiencing symptoms, seek medical advice from your GP.Boots Online Doctor offer a range of home test kits* including a HbA1c test which is suitable for adults aged 30 years and over and can help you understand your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes it can help you understand how well you are controlling your blood sugar. You can get 20% off by using our code TABOO20. *Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to test kit availability. Charges apply. This offer is exclusive for Boots Online Doctor HBa1C Test Kit Service and cannot be used in-store or on boots.com. Valid from 17th January 2024 to 24th January 2024. Channel Islands exclusions apply. You must be registered with Boots Online Doctor and logged in when placing your order. Simply enter the promotional code TABOO20 at the checkout to redeem this offer. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub Diabetes: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/living-well/diabetes-support/diabetes-management Boots Online Doctor Diabetes test: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/hba1c-home-test-kit Diabetes UK Stats: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics Amelia Lily Diabetes UK article: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/teens/fun-stuff/celebrities/amelia-lily Diabetes UK Type 2 and Ethnicity: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-2/diabetes-ethnicity#:~:text=People%20from%20Black%20African%2C%20African,others%20that%20you%20can%27t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we delve into the topic personal identity and acceptance: coming out. We’re joined by two fabulous guests who share their deeply personal journeys and how they summoned the courage to reveal their authentic selves, and we'll also confront the stigmas and stereotypes that too often cast a shadow on this significant milestone. Join us, as we shed light on the triumphs, challenges, and, ultimately, the power of embracing one's true self. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/health/mental-health Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we delve into the topic personal identity and acceptance: coming out. We’re joined by two fabulous guests who share their deeply personal journeys and how they summoned the courage to reveal their authentic selves, and we'll also confront the stigmas and stereotypes that too often cast a shadow on this significant milestone. Join us, as we shed light on the triumphs, challenges, and, ultimately, the power of embracing one's true self. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/health/mental-health Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you sober curious or want to go teetotal? With the help of three inspiring sober-influencers we investigate why more people than ever are becoming ‘sober curious’ and the positive health benefits it has on you physically, mentally while discussing the impact going sober has within your social circles. And most of all, how do you challenge temptation and lead a happy lifestyle without the booze? We present you a sober life survival guide. Please do note that alcohol addiction can be a serious medical issue, if you are concerned please seek help from your GP before embarking on any treatment. RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/health/mental-health Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're delighted to announce that the SIXTH series of Boots presents Taboo Talk will be landing on your favourite podcast platform from 3rd January 2024.With top guests – including Ruby Rare, Nelly London, Christine McGuinness, Tommy Mallet, Ollie Locke, James Bye, Amelia Lily, Marcel Somerville, Faye Winter, Una Healy, Scott Thomas, Millie Gooch, Duncan James and Chelcee Grimes – we’re going to be deep-diving into everything from self-pleasure, neurodivergence, what it’s really like being a dad, diabetes, to heartbreak, sober curiosity, and coming out stories. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform to make sure you don’t miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rediscover some of the best bits from series 5 of this award-winning podcast. From a discussion around the online sex industry to penises, cancer, puberty, postpartum bodies, managing burnout and women’s health over 40, this series is fearless and asks all the taboo health and wellness questions, so you don’t have to.Featuring top guests – including Olivia Attwood, Coleen Nolan, Paul Sinah, Verona Rose, Gemma Atkinson, Dame Kelly Homes, Ruby Barker, Kate Lawler and health experts, Marie Louise and Dr Nighat Arif – so, kick back, take notes, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions – from laughter to gasps of amazement, and those knowing nods of wisdom. Also, stay tuned for the sneak preview of series 6 at the end! GENERAL RESOURCES The Boots Health Hub: boots.com/healthhub Samaritans: call 116 123 Shout text helpline: text 85258 Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com NHS men’s health information: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/ Boots Women’s Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists: www.boots.com/macmillan/boots-macmillan-information-pharmacist NHS puberty overview: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/puberty/#Overview Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What health and wellbeing practises should women consider building into their lives when they hit their 40s? What is happening to your body at that age and why – and what does it mean for things like exercise, diet, sex, teeth, skin, hair, nails, gut health, and so on? Kate Lawler and Dr Nighat Arif will join Vogue to discuss how women can best look after their physical and mental health in their 40s and beyond. RESOURCES Boots Women’s Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health Boots Blood Pressure Service: www.boots.com/nhs-services/blood-pressure-service Boots Physio: www.boots.com/healthhub/managing-pain/physiotherapy Boots Menopause Centre: www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health/menopause-support/my-menopause-centre Support Room Therapy: www.boots.com/healthhub/mens-health/mental-health-support/support-room PRODUCTS Boots skincare: www.boots.com/future-renew Boots nail care: www.boots.com/boots-beauty-formula-skin-hair-nails-90-tablets-10319613 Boots vaginal dryness prescription: onlinedoctor.boots.com/vaginal-dryness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Decision-fatigue, hypervigilance, a loss of interest or pride in work, a feeling of being constantly swamped and overwhelmed: sound familiar? If so, you could be suffering from burnout. In this episode, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and Bridgerton’s Ruby Barker discuss their personal experiences of burnout – how it manifested, how it affected their personal and professional lives, and how they managed it. Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Do bear that in mind when considering whether to listen. RESOURCES Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support Support Room Therapy: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mens-health/mental-health-support/support-room NHS ‘How to avoid burnout’: https://www.workingwellglos.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Burnout-how-to-avoid-it.pdf Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congratulations, you’ve just had a baby! So… now what? The term ‘the 4th trimester’ covers the 12 weeks immediately after giving birth. The time when, after having just been through one of the most exciting – and frightening – physical experiences possible, you’re handed a baby and some giant maxi pads, and sent on your merry way. In this episode, actor and broadcaster Gemma Atkinson reveals her experience of the 4th trimester after giving birth to daughter Mia in 2019. We also have ‘The Modern Midwife’ Marie Louise on hand to provide expert insight on everything from mastitis and lochia, to constipation and nipple creams. Together with host Vogue, Gemma and Marie will help you get to know your postpartum body. RESOURCES Boots Parenting Club: www.boots.com/baby-child/parenting-club Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/ Boots Online Doctor support services: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/ Tommy’s Midwife phone line (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm): 0800 014 7800 NCT ‘What is the fourth trimester’ info: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/emotional-and-social-development/what-fourth-trimester PRODUCTS Boots postpartum range: www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=postpartum Boots breast pumps: https://www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=breast%20pump Boots nipple balms: www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=nipple%20balm My Expert Midwife range: www.boots.com/my-expert-midwife/my-expert-midwife-new-mum Boots maternity pads: www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=maternity%20pads Boots maternity clothing: www.boots.com/baby-child/mothercare-clothing/mothercare-maternity-bras Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode offers a tongue-in-cheek, frank and informative look back at puberty. Guests Paul Sinha and Verona Rose join Vogue to reveal their most important, embarrassing, and momentous puberty memories, including haywire hormones, changing bodies, excess hair in unusual places, crushes on everyone, dubious style decisions and thinking no one on the planet understands you. What do they wish they’d known then that they know now? RESOURCES Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com Boots Health Hub: www.boots.com/healthhub NHS puberty overview: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/puberty/#Overview PRODUCTS Boots hair removal products: www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=hair%20removal Boots deodorant: www.boots.com/sitesearch?searchTerm=deodorant Boots female hygiene products: www.boots.com/toiletries/feminine-hygiene Boots shaving/grooming: www.boots.com/toiletries/mens-toiletries/shaving-grooming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking about cancer is still a big fat taboo, despite most of us having been affected by it in some way. Yet, it’s only through open and honest conversations that we can ask for and offer support, foster better understanding, and come to terms with whatever the situation may be. Here, Coleen Nolan discusses how she has dealt with multiple diagnoses in her family and Michelle Heaton explains how talking about her preventative double mastectomy helped her to process that choice. Azmina Rose, Macmillan’s Trust Lead for Cancer Patient Experience, is on hand to offer expert advice and guidance. RESOURCES Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists: www.boots.com/macmillan/boots-macmillan-information-pharmacist Boots Macmillan Virtual Information Pharmacists: www.boots.com/macmillan/boots-macmillan-virtual-information-pharmacists Macmillan ‘Talking About Cancer’: www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/talking-about-cancer Boots Macmillan No 7 Beauty Advisors: www.boots.com/macmillan/feelmorelikeyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The brother episode to S03’s ‘The Vulva Bible’, here we investigate all things penis – from the very basics, such as how to keep things clean, to the more complicated and therefore more taboo issues, such as concerns around size, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Vogue is joined by Naked Attraction and Naked Education host Anna Richardson, as well as men’s health and sexual function expert Dr Anand Patel, to answer all the penis-related questions you’ve been too scared to ask. RESOURCES Boots Online Doctor erectile dysfunction information and service: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/erectile-dysfunction Boots Online Doctor premature ejaculation information and service: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/premature-ejaculation NHS men’s health information: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/ NHS erectile dysfunction information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ NHS ejaculation problems information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/ NHS gender dysphoria information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have social media and platforms like OnlyFans ushered in an era of sexual freedom and enlightenment… or exactly the opposite? In this episode, Vogue is joined by Olivia Attwood Dack, presenter of Getting Filthy Rich, the ITV documentary series investigating the online sex economy. They’ll deep-dive into taboos around sex – everything from sex work, toys and kink-shaming, to sexting and live cams – answering the question: “Is anything in sex taboo anymore?” RESOURCES Boots Sexual Health Advice: https://www.boots.com/health/sexual-health-advice Boots Online Doctor Sexual Health Services: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/sexual-health Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/healthhub NHS common sexual health questions: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health- questions/sexual-health/ NHS ‘Are you ready for sex?’: https://www.seftonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/relationships- sex/relationships-and-sex-2/relationships/consent-and-sex/are-you-ready-for-sex/ NHS contraception guide: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Absolutely all of us can and should take proactive steps to ensure good gut-health, even if we don’t have any issues to speak of. The gut influences everything – from our overall physical health, including what we can and can’t eat, to our mental health through the strong brain-gut connection. In this bonus Q&A episode, Alana and Lisa Macfarlane, aka the Mac Twins and founders of The Gut Stuff, will reveal how to ensure your gut is in the best shape to keep both body and mind as healthy as possible. They’ll be covering all the basics, so, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what exactly the gut is and why it matters, or whether you need to download a poo-colour chart (answer: probably), then trust your gut and tune in. RESOURCES Boots digestive health, vitamins and supplements: www.boots.com/wellness/vitaminsandsupplements/digestive-health What Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Health (boots.com): www.boots.com/inspiration-advice/wellness-advice/healthy-lifestyle/what-your-poop-can-tell-you-about-your-health The Gut Stuff at Boots: search ‘boots the gut stuff’ online. The Gut Stuff portal: https://thegutstuff.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hair loss is one of the biggest taboos in health and wellness – people fear it, hide it, and will seek all-manner of remedies to halt it or reverse it. However, because societal beauty standards commonly associate femininity with thick, strong hair, hair loss can be particularly distressing for women. In this episode, Style Me Sunday’s Natalie Lee and Married at First Sight’s Jenna Robinson discuss their experiences of different forms of alopecia, explaining what’s happened, why, how they manage it, and how they’ve learned not to let it define their lives. RESOURCES Boots hair health vitamins: www.boots.com/beauty/hair/hair-health-vitamins Boots thinning hair products: www.boots.com/beauty/hair/thinning-hair Boots Finasteride hair loss treatment (not suitable for alopecia): https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/propecia-online Information on all alopecias: www.alopecia.org.uk/Pages/Category/types-of-alopecia SupportRoom (mental health support) from Boots Health Hub: https://supportroom.com/boots/ Boots Online Doctor mental health services: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/mental-health-services Livi CBT Service at Boots: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support/livi-cbt (T&Cs: Subject to availability. Charges may apply.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vogue is joined by Pete Wicks, and sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas, to discuss how we all need to get better at talking about sex. They cover why it’s healthy to talk about all aspects of sex and desire; the taboos and stigmas holding people back from having open and honest conversations; how to tackle those taboos in a safe way; the most common issues that lead people to sex therapy (i.e. sexual compatibility, libido, fantasies, confidence, health issues and self-worth); the role of popular culture, porn, only fans, etc.; and how discussions like these can change lives. RESOURCES Blueheart Sex Therapy Service at Boots Health Hub: www.blueheart.io/boots (T&Cs: subject to availability. Charges may apply.) Charlene Douglas’ The Intimacy Coach: www.theintimacycoachuk.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.