'The Woman Who...' podcast returns for season two with Clara Amfo

Narrated by Clara Amfo, the second series of our 10-part podcast celebrates women who have changed the way we look at race, the environment, literature and more.

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We are back with the second season of our podcast series 'The Woman Who...'

Image courtesy of Matt Holyoak

For over 140 years, Fenwick has celebrated women from all walks of life. With many inspirational stories to tell, we have asked award-winning broadcaster Clara Amfo to take us on a deep dive into the lives of some of the most inspirational female trailblazers, uncovering the tales of the true pioneers of literature, activism, sport and fashion. These women have defied convention, broken boundaries and pushed the outer limits of what is possible.

Clara Amfo, image courtesy of Matt Holyoak.

Each 10-minute episode will focus on woman who lived or are alive over the last 140 years, with Clara talking us through their accolades and inspiring achievements. Written by an acclaimed writer, Hannah Jewell, every episode is a chapter of a storybook that could inspire anyone to realise their unique potential.

The first episode spotlights British-Nigerian fashion designer Tolu Coker.

Approaching clothing as an extension of one’s identity, Tolu Coker launched her eponymous fashion label in late 2018 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. Genderless and backed by sustainable practices, we explore why Coker has been pegged as one of the most exciting creatives of the future.

Future episodes will feature award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Reni Eddo-Lodge; journalist and breast cancer campaigner Kris Hellinga; American television producer, screenwriter, and author Shonda Rhimes, Welsh actress and Aids activist Jill Nader, Jamaican world-beating athlete Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce; environmental activist Wangari Muta Maathai, poet, broadcaster and activist Una Marson and Guatemalan fashion designer Isabella Springmuhl Tejada.

Episode 1: Tolu Coker - The Woman Who… Designs with purpose

Episode 2: Reni Eddo-Lodge…The Woman Who…Stopped talking to white people about race

Even the most uncomfortable conversations need to be faced head on. In this episode we explore how an award winning journalist and author did just that. Reni Eddo-Lodge played an integral part in making Britain confront its issues around race. Observing racial dynamics from an early age, Reni bravely puts herself on the line as she continues to shine a light on the racism existing in Britain today.

Episode 3: Lauren Child… The Woman Who… Created worlds for children

From Clarice Bean to Charlie and Lola. With every character and story Lauren Child has written and illustrated, she has imagined worlds that celebrate the experiences of childhood and encapsulate the joy of reading. In this special episode of The Woman Who, Clara Amfo is joined in the studio by Lauren to talk about her approach to writing, where her inspiration comes from, and why art and stories are fundamental to who we are.

Episode 4: Wangari Maathai… The Woman Who.. Planted 30 million trees

When we disrupt nature, we disrupt balance, which can change ecosystems for years to come. Someone who knew just how delicate that balance could be, was Wangari Maathai. In this episode we hear about how an unassuming fig tree led to Wangari finding purpose, which would not only change her life, but the lives of many for years to come.

Episode 5: Isabella Springmuhl Tejada.. The Woman Who… Turned a no into a yes

When one door closes, another opens, often revealing even better opportunities than the first. In this episode we share the story of Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, who found her passion for fashion as a little girl, and went on to exceed the expectations of all those who doubted her.

Episode 6: Una Marson…The Woman Who…Amplified Caribbean voices

Sometimes those who pave the way for others are not as well remembered as they should be, with many standing upon their shoulders without even realising it. In this episode, we explore the story of Una Marson, a woman who found herself achieving numerous 'firsts' in her career as a writer, broadcaster and activist.

Episode 7: Jill Nalder… The Woman Who… Cared when no one else did

In what can often be a cold world, those who put themselves on the line to provide love and warmth to others are a real gift. In this episode, we share the story of actress and activist Jill Nalder. When the devastation of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s was unfolding around her, Jill found the compassion to care for her friends and even strangers when many others wouldn’t.

Episode 8: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce…The Woman Who…Became a champion

Underdog stories are nothing new. But watching those who have been underestimated, exceed all expectations never gets old. In this episode, we explore the story of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and her journey from a young, inexperienced sprinter to becoming one of the most decorated female athletes the world has ever seen.

Episode 9: Shonda Rhimes… The Woman Who… Made TV look like the real world

We all deserve to switch on the TV and see someone who looks like us. In this episode, we tell the story of Shonda Rhimes, a woman determined to make TV shows that reflect the people watching them. Not only has Shonda worked tirelessly for representation, she conquered network television in unprecedented ways.

Episode 10: Kris Hallenga… The Woman Who…Taught us to Coppafeel

It takes a special kind of person to be able to turn personal tragedy into purpose. But that's exactly what Kris Hallenga has done. In this episode, we explore how discovering she had incurable cancer at a young age, led Kris on a path to empowering others to check their chests and advocate for themselves in ways she was unable to.