We ask the taboo health and wellbeing questions so you don’t have to.
Taboo Talk is a brand new podcast series by Boots hosted by Vogue Williams that cuts through the jargon to provide real health and wellbeing advice in an accessible and entertaining way. Each episode will focus on one aspect of physical or mental health, providing personal insights as well as expert takeaways. Taboo Talk won’t shy away from tackling the more awkward, embarrassing or serious parts of everyday life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We ask the taboo health and wellbeing questions so you don’t have to.
Taboo Talk is a brand new podcast series by Boots hosted by Vogue Williams that cuts through the jargon to provide real health and wellbeing advice in an accessible and entertaining way. Each episode will focus on one aspect of physical or mental health, providing personal insights as well as expert takeaways. Taboo Talk won’t shy away from tackling the more awkward, embarrassing or serious parts of everyday life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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.
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-
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.
In this episode, Vogue is joined by Scarlett Moffatt and psychotherapist Gershon Portnoi to discuss ‘imposter syndrome’. Characterised by a persistent doubting of your own abilities and a sense that any success is undeserved, imposter syndrome is not officially a diagnosable medical or psychological condition. However, it has been all over the news recently as many famous faces have admitted to often feeling like frauds. Here, Scarlett discusses her own personal experience of imposter syndrome, and we investigate why it affects so many of us – be it at home, work, or with friends and family. How can we learn to accept that actually we do (sometimes) know what we’re doing?
RESOURCES
Boots Health Hub Mental-Health Services: www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support
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.)
Gershon Portnoi Psychotherapy: www.gershonportnoipsychotherapy.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
