Would a four-day week and no texts from your boss after work improve your wellbeing? We hear about quiet quitting and digital nomads too. Should this episode be called 'life-work balance', with life coming first? Sophia Smith Galer and Scaachi Koul find out what can be learnt from Gen Z, and talk to two women from Portugal and Singapore about what works in the world of work. Guests: Economist and entrepreneur Mafalda Rebordão from Portugal and HRM Asia journalist Champa Ha from Singapore. ...

Hot flushes, mood swings, medication and the good experiences too all come up, as we explore the menopause and perimenopause. The physical and mental symptoms vary in severity and between individuals. The way different cultures view this life change also varies from country to country. For some it’s still a taboo issue. Sophia hears about a parliamentary inquiry in Australia. Scaachi finds out about a grassroots group in Zimbabwe that has been helping women understand what’s happening to...

There are an estimated 7,000 languages around the world, and experts think being a polyglot – someone who speaks more than one language - is good for us. So where in the world is multilingualism flourishing? And what are the social, emotional and cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages? Whether it’s Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Irish, French, Kashmiri, Pedi, Swazi or Afrikaans - should we all start learning a new one? We hear from an organisation supporting multilingualism among...

Physical activity is good for us! We know that! So, where is participation being encouraged? Sophia Smith Galer and Scaachi Koul are exploring the round ball that you kick, whether you call it football or soccer, from grassroots level upwards. We hear from Jordan on what’s been done to break down cultural barriers to participation in the sport, and we find out how Brazil, one of the world’s most historically successful male footballing countries, has transformed its relationship with the...

What can we learn about loneliness, and how to avoid it, from two countries in two different continents? As Sophia Smith Galer and Scaachi Koul continue their quest for true women’s wellbeing, this time they’re exploring social connections from a global perspective. They hear from Sweden about how an appreciation for the arts, particularly singing, could be helping women feel more connected. Meanwhile in Egypt, large networks of extended families and friends help many women avoid...

We’re looking for the longest, best or most generous parental leave. Sophia Smith Galer and Scaachi Koul shine a light on two countries where parents can access paid leave after birth or adoption. It's part of their quest to learn from around the world about how to improve wellbeing. Estonia offers maternity, paternity and lengthy paid shared parental leave packages. Kristel Kruustük, a tech entrepreneur, mum of two, and employer of many parents, explains why she thinks it’s one of the best...

Where in the world are women living sustainably? Are any countries actually carbon negative? And what is “ecofeminism”? In this episode, we’re exploring sustainability from a global perspective. From the air we breathe, to how we source our food, our own health is intrinsically linked to a having a healthy environment to live in. First we hear from Bhutan, the world’s first country to become carbon negative and a country that measures national growth through a General National Happiness...

Where are women more likely to be paid the same as their male colleagues? Are there good examples of attempts to close the pay gap? Belgium has one of the lowest gender pay gaps in the world. Scaachi Koul and Sophia Smith Galer find out how that has happened. Liberia has further to go on reducing the pay gap, but is making fast progress in shifting mindsets and creating more economic opportunities for women. What, if anything, will Scaachi and Sophia choose to put into the female fantasy...

You can’t be what you can’t see, so where are all the statues of women? In some places there are many more sculptures of men – and even animals. In their quest to learn from women around the world, Scaachi Koul and Sophia Smith Galer hear from the United Kingdom and India. There seems to be lots of statues of Queen Victoria in the UK but what about women who aren’t royalty? Thanks to the Monumental Welsh Women campaign, there are now statues of Wales’s first black headteacher, Betty Campbell,...

What can we do better for our wellbeing? We begin with body image. Welcome to our quest to learn from women around the world. Scaachi Koul and Sophia Smith Galer hear from St. Lucia and Malta. Historian and artist Fiona Compton describes what she says is the outspoken and complimentary nature of St Lucian society, where different body types are admired. Journalist Giulia Magri explains how “small island syndrome”, immigration and the LGBTQ community impact the way women relate to their...

Body image, maternity leave, fair pay - all to be discussed in our new wellbeing show. Scaachi Koul and Sophia Smith Galer want to know what women around the world think their countries are getting right. And then they’ll decide what they like and add it to their ideal imaginary place to be a woman. You can’t build what you can’t imagine, so let’s start imagining! Want to let Scaachi and Sophia know what you think works? Send a WhatsApp voicenote on +44330 123 9459 - and start listening! We...

Where can women live their best lives and thrive? Sophia Smith Galer and Scaachi Koul find out by pushing past the latest wellness fads to speak to real women around the world.