The Wingwoman

It's our last episode before Frankie has a baby, so we're talking about the obsession with 'natural' births, and stigmatisation of anything but (and the gas and air ban, too). And we're discussing nepo babies big and small - from famous offspring on the catwalk to the bizarre details of the Beckham-Peltz wedding being aired in a lawsuit.  Plus, how Charlie feels about being labelled as a 'dry texter', the Magic Mike review that no one asked for, and what cult watch Fleishman is in Trouble is stirring up - from the forty-something fuckability double standard to suburban claustrophobia.  Links from the episode: No gas and air in pregnancy? Women's pain is disregarded again - Frankie Graddon, The Times  The hottest fashion accessory right now? A kid - Frankie Graddon, iNews The Beckham-Peltz wedding is the ultimate tale of two nepo babies - Hannah Betts, The Times Take it from a dry texter: short messages don't mean someone isn't interested - Daisy Jones, Vogue Fine, I admit it - I am a 'dry texter'. It beats emojis or verbal diarrhoea - Emma Beddington, The Guardian I chose to move to the suburbs for my children. That doesn't mean it's made me happy - Lucy Foster, Vogue

This week we're in the mood for love - or rather raunch. While Frankie's plotting a Magic Mike spectacular, Charlie's getting back on the dating horse and hoping for a Diet Coke Break from the builders next door - though she fears reality won't match up to expectation. We're discussing Rihanna's Super Bowl half-time show and the transformative effect her public pregnancies have had - and continue to have - on the perception of motherhood. She's made moulded breast plates a maternity must-have for starters. Also on the agenda: how the new slew of grown-up rom coms are proving sex doesn't stop at thirty. How to beat the cost-of-living crisis one Amalfi lemon at a time. And, the very worst dates we've been on. Links from the episode:  Rihanna's baby bump and the rise of the millennial pregnancy 'reveal' – Frankie Graddon, The Times I wish I had the Bank of Mum and Dad to keep me afloat – Charlie Gowans-Eglinton, The Times  Clever ways to be frugal - and still keep up appearances – Steven Doig, The Telegraph 

This week, we're keeping up with the Joneses - and while Frankie has just Modern House-ified her flat in the hopes of selling it (no plastic toys, no visible TVs), Julia Fox's no-fuss house tour on TikTok offers a glimpse of a cool-girl alternative to Mrs Hinch bathrooms and 'sad beige' nurseries. Even Marie Kondo has given up on tidying; so is an unmade bed the latest in Insta-authenticity?  Plus, we're talking about milestone birthdays and bucket lists (with just a week to go until 35, Charlie's ambitions are small but specific), why straight men don't talk about dating, and the debt that Frankie owes the Magic Mike film franchise. Links from the episode: Should I worry about UV damage while getting a gel manicure? - Jennifer G. Sullivan, The Cut Marie Kondo's life is messier now - and she's fine with it - Jura Koncius, The Washington Post  Why do hardly any straight men write about sex and dating? - Imogen West-Knights, The Guardian My boyfriend, a writer, broke up with me because I'm a writer - Isabel Kaplan, The Guardian You can train a baby but a load-bearing dad's another matter - Harriet Walker, The Times

This week, Charlie isn't leaving her house and ignoring plans (we're calling it ghost-uary) but she's got some dodgy-yet-comfy slippers to keep her company. Apparently the youth are all doing it. Meanwhile Frankie's experiencing a body hair phenomenon and found a recipe that will cheer up winter evenings.   The word on the streets of Manhattan is that Aidan and Carrie are back together. We have questions: does he still love turquoise jewellery; has he built an eco home; what thread-count are his plaid shirts? And, what happened to Smith Jerrod? We also discuss Prince Harry's memoir and ask: are we in the era of sharing our truth too much? Plus, are you a visual thinker, a verbal thinker or an over thinker? And could identifying the way we think change us for the better?  Links from the episode:  How should we think about our different styles of thinking? – Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker Depression rooms and doom piles: why clearing the clutter can feel impossible – Dana G. Smith, New York Times  Rachel Roddy's courgette pasta  Nigella Lawson's chicken in a pot with lemon and orzo 

This week, without one single proper resolution between us, we've discovered that we're not really self-improvement types. Instead, Charlie's making plans to not make plans, and while Frankie wouldn't mind a bit more downtime, it will have to wait - first, she has some exciting personal news to share.  Plus, the book that Frankie recommends reading at the start of every new year, the best TV we watched on our festive break (complete with theme-tune singalong) and the shows that we're looking forward to, and the pros and cons of social media 'friendship homework' - with the shock news that Frankie doesn't actually watch half of the memes that Charlie sends her. Happy new year! 

'Twas the episode before Christmas and Charlie has narrowly escaped a snowy disaster (thank God for her middle-class gardening boots) while Frankie has caught the winter lurgy and cancelled her party plans. Boo hoo.  Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary is giving us lots to discuss: should the Royals be treated like celebrities; has the media gone too far; how much does an Hermès blanket cost? Also on the agenda, how does sitting for a nude affect body image? Charlie reveals all, literally.  Plus: profiterole towers, pre-breakfast arguments, seafood sauce and fridge stress – it's Chriiiiiiiiiiiistmas!   We'll see you in the New Year, until then - have a good one xx 

This week, Frankie's embracing the start of Sagittarius season and working on her birthday list: anything OTT that she can wear to Christmas parties galore. But Charlie needs to work up some social stamina first, and see if she can work out how to balance a desire to make up for lost parties with the rising cost of croissants (and everything else) - what happens to emotional spending in a cost of living crisis? Plus, we're talking about royal plus ones, shapewear eureka moments, Joe Goldberg in London, and the best spot in town for remote working days... Links from the episode: Treat yourself! The rise of emotional spending among young people - Serena Smith, Dazed Both sides of a breakup - The Cut Honest Boss - Stylist

We're back! Did you miss us? After a very, VERY extended summer break we have returned just in time for the festive run-up. To get us in the mood, Frankie has tuned into the Christmas film of the season starring none other than Lindsay 'I'm making a comeback' Lohan. Thrills, spills and dodgy story lines for all.  From Kim K to Y2k's low-slung fashion trend, we discuss the reemergence of size zero and damaging body ideals. Why are we so fixated with it again and did it even really go away? Plus, is Made.com's closure a final nail in the coffin for the millennial generation's claim to cool?  Also on the agenda: heated towel rails, jumper ruts and high school reunions.  Links from the episode:  Could thin be in again? - Michelle Santiago Cortes, The Cut The era of cringe – Hannah Nathanson, ELLE Made.com was a window into mid-century design idea – but with none of the quality – Morwenna Ferrier, The Guardian Millennials thought we had it made. Now we're just as uncool as the boomers – Charlotte Ivers, The Times

This week it's been hot, hot, HOT. While Frankie has decamped to the cooler climes of Devon, Charlie is sweating it out in London – that God she accidentally ordered a fridge full of fizzy drinks. But as the heatwave rages on we ask: why is it still ok for men to go topless, yet women get shamed for flashing a nipple (see Florence Pugh at the Valentino show)? And if baring your boobs is considered unacceptable, how come every summer dress this season has a cut-out back that prohibits wearing a bra? As Jennifer Lopez becomes Jennifer Affleck after tying the knot with her former ex Ben, we discuss the politics of taking – or not taking – your partner's name. Plus, what does the boom of Only Fans say about the modern workplace? Also on the agenda: dishy men in good outfits, paddling pools and knitwear in the freezer. We've off on a summer break and will be back in September for a brand new series. Until then – happy holidays!

This week, we're finally back in the same room - and a celebratory bottle in, since this episode was recorded following Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid's resignations (and not long before Boris Johnson's). Frankie has been lured in by the promise of the summer sales, and Charlie is swearing off men after watching the latest from Love Island.  Plus, we're talking about the idea of taxing the childfree (no prizes for guessing where we stand on this one), and whether it's ever acceptable to baby talk when you're dating. Also up for discussion are no-more-hangover pills, regional merch, and whether No.10 is right about Peter Andre's nap proposal... We'd love to hear from you - get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com Links from the episode: Should we tax the childless? - Paul Morland, The Sunday Times What's the deal with baby talk in relationships? - Darshita Goyal, Refinery29

This week Charlie has been recovering from a prolonged case of Covid – and finding some unexpected ways of keeping herself occupied in isolation. Two words: nasolabial folds. Meanwhile, Frankie's had too much caffeine following the purchase of a swanky coffee machine and hitting on a new business venture.  We're discussing Beyoncés new banger (and every HR department's worst nightmare) Break My Soul and asking, is it time to kick off our shoes and join the cult of Bey? Plus, forget Feral Girl Summer, this is the season of the side character. Think witty one-liners and a two demential personality. Sign us up.  Also on the agenda: friendship break-ups, hopeless hair and does milk really quench your thirst?  We'd love to hear from you - get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com * This podcast was recorded on Wednesday 22nd June, 2022, two days before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.   Links from episode:  The pandemic has taken take its toll on our friendships. How do we fix them? – Claire Cohen, The Guardian   I can't shut up about side character summer - Mia Mercado, The Cut

This week, we've both been watching Love Island - and we're divided on one of the big talking points of week one. Are Crocs really a red flag? Charlie thinks we'll all give in to them soon, but Frankie's staying firm. We're also talking about dating age gaps, lap dances, and celebrity offspring. Plus, Frankie's back from her first holiday without a baby in 18 months (think chic city break meets pink prosecco on the plane) and Charlie's planning a train picnic for her own (soggy) holiday.  We'd love to hear from you - get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com Links from episode: Love Island: How have people already decided Gemma Owen has an 'attitude problem'? - Georgia Aspinall, Grazia

This week Frankie's binge drinking following an outbreak of chickenpox in her flat and the threat of a cancelled holiday (who said kids were a good idea?). Meanwhile, Charlie's contemplating the underwear situation on the Cannes red carpet and wondering when bagel bump dresses will hit the high street.  Is your Instagram feed negging on Amber Heard? As the Johnny vs Amber trial nears its conclusion, we explore how social media is playing a significant role in affecting public opinion and ask, why do we believe some women over others? Plus, what's up with the pasta portions at Kravis' wedding? This and more on the celebrity wedding of the moment.  To hear more from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com Links from the episode:  Which women do we choose to believe? - Claire Lampen, The Cut Amber Heard isn't a perfect victim and the internet has a problem with that – Sophie Wilkinson, Grazia 

This week the Wingwoman is on tour... in Frankie's flat. Since her husband is only in the next room, Charlie feels it's the perfect moment to ask if they're amongst the growing contingent of marrieds who never have sex. And speaking of sex - we're also talking about the sweet scent of nature in May, which is apparently something of a turn on. Plus, Frankie has booked in for a haircut - please, all think positive thoughts, as this usually ends in tears and a ponytail - and is considering trying the chat-free haircut trend. And Charlie's been dealt some karmic retribution... To hear more from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com Links from the episode:  It smells like sex out there - and we seem determined to ignore it - Nell Frizzell, the Guardian Silent Salons: why people are choosing to keep quiet at the hairdresser - Brittney Rigby, the Guardian Too busy to have sex? Here's what you're probably doing instead - Helen Rumbelow, the Times The Inside Man: buying are needn't be scary - here's where to go and how to do it = Jermaine Gallacher, the Evening Standard The woman who killed Roe: Marjorie Dannenfelser's single-minded pursuit of an end to abortion - Kerry Howley, the Cut

This week Charlie is throwing on her tie-dye and firing up the kiln, all in the name of finding a new hobby. But, can we really enjoy a pastime if we’re not any good at it? Or is being bad a something actually the secret to mindful entertainment. Meanwhile, Frankie is being kept awake by an unlikely bedroom companion. The newly released Abercrombie & Fitch documentary has got us taking a look back at the brand that defined teen culture. Why did it become so aspirational? How did it get away with being the mean girl for so long? And why didn’t we notice the clothes weren’t very nice? Also on the agenda: The Ick. When Love Island’s Olivia Attwood popularised the phrase in 2017, it opened up a Pandora’s box of shudder-worthy dating moments. Before the big summer of dating kicks off, we discuss the phenomenon and our very own can’t-forget-no-matter-how-hard-we-try icks. To hear more from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com

This week we're indulging in a celebrity gossip deep-dive. The Beckhams threw a mega-wedding (with a mega dress for mother of the groom VB), Britney's having a baby, and Bennifer are engaged again - though we have a lot of questions about that bathtub proposal. Did he wear a suit? Half a suit, like Pooh bear? A bathrobe? Nothing at all? Plus, in not-at-all-A-list news, Frankie's on a wet beach 'n' fairground holiday in Wales, and Charlie's taking up a potentially-tricky new hobby (with a wardrobe, and maybe some shin pads, to match).  To hear more from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. We'd love to hear from you at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com Links from the episode: I'm invested in Britney's happy ever after, but not Brooklyn's - Harriet Walker, The Times Nicola Peltz has married Brooklyn Beckham at her family's oceanfront Palm Beach estate - Kerry McDermott, Vogue Calories on menus? Date night is ruined! - Michael Odell and Hannah Evans, The Times 

The slap might be all anyone is talking about, but there was another big moment from this week's Oscars and it's left Charlie and Frankie wondering: what's your game Liam Payne? Plus, has Beyoncé sounded the death knell of Instagram captions?  According to recent statistics, men are shaving off their beards. Why? How? And will we still fancy them? We also discuss the phenomenon that is 'short king spring' and wonder how shifting male beauty standards will affect Charlie's sex life. Plus, following a recent public appearance from Rishi Sunak, Frankie's having a significant style crisis. And, Savy B! Our take on the latest TV guilty pleasure: Byron Baes.  To hear more from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch with any questions or thoughts at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com

Do you date according to the horoscope? And would you snog someone the first time you met? This week, Charlie's been binge-watching Love Is Blind's Japanese and Brazilian versions on Netflix, and is considering the differences in international love languages. Meanwhile, Frankie's re-casting her rom-com in the light of something that Sandra Bullock shared this week about working with Channing Tatum... As calories are added to restaurant menus, we're wondering if they could do more harm than good, and talking about Rebel Wilson's weight loss speech at the BAFTAs. Plus, Frankie's wondering when Pamela Anderson's apology is coming, and Charlie shares a cautionary tale of off-brand mini eggs.  To hear from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch with any questions or thoughts at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com  Links from the episode:  The Year I Ate New York - Tammie Teclemariam, New York Magazine Charlie's interview with Renate Reinsve, star of The Worst Person in the World - Sunday Times Style  Sandra Bullock on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert At the time of recording, the Russian invasion into Ukraine is ongoing. Here's what we're reading and listening to - plus how to support the people of Ukraine.  Homes for Ukraine - register here 'Sirens howl, bombs fall. We eat ice cream': a Kherson mother's diary of invasion - The Guardian The Daily - The New York Times  Three ways you can help the people of Ukraine from the UK - The Guardian Ukraine help: what can people in the UK do? - BBC The British Red Cross Unicef  Save The Children  Choose Love 

This week a highly caffeinated Frankie is recalling her throw-back beauty faux pas while Charlie is getting her thrills from fruit. We discuss the significance of Rihanna taking her baby bump to fashion week and ask, what's all this about potato milk?  As Jennifer Lopez's signals the return of the romantic comedy with the release of so-bad-it's-good 'Marry Me', we celebrate the cinematic genre and indulge in a little amateur script writing ourselves. Four words: Jeff Goldblum, fisherman's knit. We also talk about Liz Hurley's £3k jaunt to Austria and the dangers of detox culture.  This episode of the podcast was recorded on March 2nd, 2022. The Russian invasion into Ukraine is ongoing. Please find below links to resources we've been informing ourselves with, along with charities to donate to and petitions to sign. Our thoughts, love and support are with the people of Ukraine.  The Daily, The New York Times  Three ways you can help the people of Ukraine from the UK, The Guardian Ukraine help: what can people in the Uk do?, BBC The British Red Cross  Unicef  Save The Children  Choose Love  Waive Visa requirement for Ukraine refugees To hear from us every fortnight, subscribe to the podcast here. Get in touch with any questions or thoughts at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com 

This week, we're obsessed with the con. We've been gripped by Netflix's The Tinder Swindler, and we have a lot of questions. Why isn't he in prison (when Anna Sorokin is)? Why do we always blame the woman? And why is it so awful to admit that money's a consideration when we're dating?  Plus, we're talking about Hollywood fatphobia, funny men, and Tesco moules-frites. Frankie's glamming up with nowhere to go, and Charlie's living in a rom-com (minus the rom).  To hear more from us, sign up at TheWingwoman.co.uk to receive our free newsletter. Or get in touch with any questions or feedback at thewingwomanofficial@gmail.com. Links from the episode: The Tinder Swindler's victims were neither stupid nor gold diggers - Bella Mackie, Vogue Millennial Love podcast: a conversation with the women in The Tinder Swindler - Olivia Petter The Thing About Pam's fat suit proves Hollywood still has a fatphobia problem - Katherine Singh, Refinery29