<p>This week I’m joined by broadcaster, DJ and author Ashley James for a big, honest conversation about women and the shame we’re taught to feel about our bodies. We talk about how that shame starts in girlhood – from periods and pubic hair to the way we’re told to shrink ourselves and ‘bounce back’ after birth – and why so many of us learn to make ourselves smaller to be lovable, acceptable, or just left alone.​ Ashley shares how diet culture and punishing exercise ruled her life for years, what finally made her say “enough”, and how she slowly unpicked all the messages that told her she should hate herself. If you’ve ever hidden a tampon up your sleeve, worried about your “belly fat”, or felt like your body was somehow wrong, this episode will help you feel seen – and maybe start being a little kinder to the person in the mirror.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>Ashley’s new book, Bimbo, is available to buy now.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU</p><p>Got something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xx</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>CREDITS:</p><p>Host: Bryony Gordon</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Guest: Ashley James</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Editor: Luke Shelley</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Exec Producer: Jamie East&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>