Tamzin Outhwaite, 'Luteal Uglies', Kelly Latimer in space, Surrogacy laws in Europe

Tamzin Outhwaite, 'Luteal Uglies', Kelly Latimer in space, Surrogacy laws in Europe

Author: BBC Radio 4 August 10, 2026 Duration: 57:08

New York congresswoman and Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has revealed she has decided to freeze her eggs and will be documenting the process on social media - despite what she called a “political risk” for sharing her decision. She also confirmed over the weekend that she had not "ruled out the possibility" of running for president. Dr Emma Long Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia joins Nuala McGovern.

Actor, Tamzin Outhwaite talks about her latest role as the iconic Beverly in Mike Leigh’s ferocious black comedy, Abigail’s Party. Opening in London’s West End next week they’ll be discussing suburban life, social class, materialism and sexual tension in 1970s England.

For those who don’t know - the luteal phase refers to the second part of the menstrual cycle. Dr Nighat Arif & Charlotte Dodds discuss why so-called ‘luteal uglies’ are going viral - videos of women sharing the physical and emotional changes they experience during this time.

Nuala is joined by Bethany Bell, Germany reporter for the BBC, to shine a light on surrogacy laws there after a recent story involving a high-profile German politician, a baby born through surrogacy, and accusations of hypocrisy.

And Kelly Latimer, flight test pilot and aeronautical engineer, is retiring this year after decades spent launching satellites, flying the world's most advanced planes, and even going into space. She reflects on a truly remarkable career.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey


For decades, Woman's Hour from BBC Radio 4 has been a fixture in British life, creating a unique space where the experiences of women are centered and explored in full. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's a daily conversation that feels both urgent and timeless, tackling everything from front-page news and political shifts to intimate personal stories and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a diverse range of voices-activists, artists, scientists, politicians, and everyday people-to dissect the issues that shape society. You'll hear nuanced debates on health, family, work, and identity, alongside insightful discussions on books, music, and ideas that are defining our moment. The podcast captures all of this, offering a thoughtful and often challenging listen that refuses to simplify the complexities of modern life. It’s where a headline is unpacked with depth, a personal struggle is given context, and inspiration is found in unexpected places. Tuning into this podcast means joining a long-running dialogue that consistently informs, provokes thought, and connects the personal to the political, all through the lens of women's lives and perspectives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Woman's Hour
Podcast Episodes
Dame Meera Syal, Breast cancer drugs, Black child Down syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
Dame Meera Syal is a multi-award winning writer and actor, and a name and face very familiar to many of us having graced our screens for decades now. She's just published her first memoir and is also currently on stage i…
Sydney Sweeney advert, Singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Morris, GLP-1s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:31
A new advert featuring the American actress Sydney Sweeney has sparked a backlash from some female athletes for sexualising women’s sport. The advert, for the sports betting company Novig - a company in which Sweeney has…
Lady in Blue, Daddy issues, the Sexism of capitalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:57
More than 50 children's charities and parent organisations have written to the Prime Minister, warning that disabled children are being overlooked in the Government's planned reforms to social care. Kylie Pentelow is joi…
Thelma and Louise the musical, Continuing Care funding, Changelings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
The number of high earning parents turning down pay rises in order to keep free childcare is on the rise. Research from the University of Warwick and the London School of Economics estimates that by 2030, 12,000 parents…