Diary, She Wrote

Series 3, Ep. 24 - Look At The Change In You

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 4 Jul 2021 07:00:57 +0000

If you’ve listened to the other 23 episodes of Diary, She Wrote, you may have picked up on some of my insecurities. These mainly centre around not feeling intelligent enough and not talking enough in social situations. After a therapy session and with the therapists comments in mind I read back over my time at school and it became obvious how year after year my school’s class rating system and some teachers' comments were no doubt partly responsible for installing my perception of my intelligence which in turn impacts my confidence when it comes to talking up in social situations. I had been aware of my insecurities all my life but they only really started to surface and to become a hindrance in my mid 30’s, so in order to try and figure out how to better deal with them I went to see said therapist.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Flossie, Ryan, Nina & Cara - London friends

Paula - My therapist

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Eric - A guy I dated

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 23 - That Drunk Girl Crying On The Train

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:00:39 +0000

The last we heard from Dexter Turner was in November 2018 when I was in Paris for my 37th birthday, he rang and then looked into Eurostar tickets to see if he could afford to join me for a night. He didn’t, but of course that was never going to be the last time I heard from him...

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Dexter Turner - A guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.

Beth - My best mate

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Hayley, Nina, Ryan, Jade, Tori, Monty - London friends

George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months

Maya - A girl I met in a Club in Nottingham, had what I thought was a one night stand, but it turned into something a little more complicated.

Eric - A guy I dated

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship

Billie - A holiday fling

Entertainment References:

Barbican - Beatie Wolfe, From Red to Green - An Environmental Statement of our Times
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/from-green-to-red

He’s Just Not That Into You
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He's_Just_Not_That_Into_You_(film)

Friends With Benefits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_with_Benefits_(film)

Millennial Love Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/millennial-love/id1286791385

Constellations
https://www.robertrowlandsmith.com/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 22 - Man, We Kicked Ass

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 07:00:32 +0000

I didn’t experience your standard university life, from 2000 - 2003 I went to a tiny little art college in Epsom, called The Surrey Institute of Art & Design to study Fashion Promotion & Illustration. There were probably only about 1,500 students on campus, no halls of residence, only student houses, the cafeteria doubled up as the student union bar and the opening of a new Yates & Wetherspoons was as exciting as it got. There were 2 locations you could loosely call a club, and then there was the Odeon cinema.

I found the first year very up and down. I am dramatically hating life one day and then loving it the next. For the most part I was jealous of my school friends living out the stereotypical student life in city centres like Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool. I didn’t appreciate the new friendships I was building, as I was comparing 6-month friendships to ones that I had cultivated over 6 years and in my first year of uni I was obsessed with wanting to be friends with the group I deemed to be the popular & cool crowd. At school, everyone knew me, and I found it so difficult to suddenly be in a space where no one cared who I was.

I don’t have any student stories or endless drinking or constant partying. But what I will share are my coming of age experiences over my 3 years at uni; moving away from home for the first time, making new friends, learning how to self motivate, recognising my potential and finding a career focussed job in the industry I had aspired to work in since religiously watching The Clothes Show on TV every Sunday night as a teenager.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Beth - My best mate

Ashley, Ellie, Dawn, Sally, Harriet, Amber, Erica - Some of my oldest friends

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Locations:

The Surrey Institute of Art & Design - Now called
https://www.uca.ac.uk/life-at-uca/locations/epsom/

Odeon Epsom
https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/epsom/

Wetherspoons Cheadle Hulme
https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/kings-tap-cheadle-hulme?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local_seo_gmb&utm_content=website

Topshop Oxford Circus
https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/topshops-flagship-oxford-street-store-up-for-sale

Entertainment References:

The Clothes Show
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clothes_Show

Harry Potter 2001
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Philosopher's_Stone_(film)

Graduate Fashion Week
https://www.graduatefashionweek.com/

Helmet Newton Photo Machine
https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/168/1/topshops-newton-machine

Topshop Unique LFW
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2006-ready-to-wear/topshop-unique

Dazed and Confused
https://www.dazeddigital.com/

Twenty Twenty Podcast
https://messageheard.com/podcasts/twenty-twenty-pop-culture-podcast

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 21 - WTF

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 06:00:02 +0000

This story is taken from a 7 month period from November 2018 - May 2019 and it follows 3 overlapping dating encounters with; Miles, Clive & tall Neil, all with very different and unexpected outcomes. Sometimes you get what you want out of dating, sometimes you don’t and sometimes you end up with a total surprise.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Miles - A guy I dated

Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months

Elliot Lite - A Parisian fling

Clive - A guy I dated

Reggie - A guy I dated

George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months

Tall Neil - A guy I dated

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Beth - My best mate

Morgan, Ned, Michelle & Heather - A London friend

Locations:

Victoria Park
https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspx

100 Club
https://www.the100club.co.uk/

The Victoria
http://www.jaguarshoes.com/venues/the-victoria/

3 Compasses
https://www.3compasses.com/

The Spread Eagle
https://www.thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk/

Star by Hackney Downs
https://starbyhackneydowns.co.uk/

My Neighbours The Dumplings
https://www.myneighboursthedumplings.com/

Pembury Tavern
https://www.pemburytavern.co.uk/

The Good Egg
https://www.thegoodegg.co/

Entertainment References:

This Is England
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_England

Christian Marclay - The Clock
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/christian-marclay-clock

Kate Tempest Running Upon The Wires
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/running-upon-the-wires-9781635570199/

Free Solo
https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-solo

It’s Nice To Hear You Podcast
https://www.itsnicetohearyou.com/

Cultural References:

5 languages of love; words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Arthur Aron Theory of the 36 questions
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0146167297234003

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 20 - I'm Going To Corrupt You

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 07:30:23 +0000

Unfortunately during my 8 years of dating I have been confronted with 4 different uncomfortable encounters, one was with Maya from Ep. 2 - The Hope and one was with James from Ep. 13 - I’ve Changed My Mind. On both of those occasions I was put in uncomfortable and non consensual situations. In this episode I look at 2 stories that draw attention to the safety of women and the instinctual decisions we need to make in the moment when it comes to heterosexual dating.

At the time I was fresh into dating after a long term relationship with a very good man, so perhaps I was quite naive, always thinking I could bring out the best in someone and maybe a little bit vulnerable seeking and enjoying attention and quickly getting consumed in the moment. Fortunately neither of these stories were damaging, but I hope by sharing my experiences it will help others to recognise signs of discomfort, follow their instincts, create boundaries and have the confidence to leave difficult situations.

Tinder launched in 2012, and in the summer of 2013 I remember a friend telling me about this new dating app, and how brilliant it was. I was still a bit of a snob about online dating but eventually I caved and soon got sucked into the world of modern dating.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Stephen Minder - My first Tinder experience

Sam - A guy I dated

Beth - My best mate

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Heather, Jessica, Adina, Stephanie and Melissa - London friends

Frank - A Tinder match

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship

Locations:

Broadway Market
https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/

The Spurstowe Arms
http://www.thespurstowearms.com/

The Cock
https://www.facebook.com/CockTavernBrewPub/

Oslo
http://oslohackney.com/

The Haggerston
https://www.facebook.com/thehaggerston/

Pizza East
http://www.pizzaeast.com/

Entertainment References:

Tinder
https://tinder.com

Peaky Blinders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaky_Blinders_(TV_series)

Candy Crush
https://www.king.com/game/candycrush

Ariel Too Big To Fail
https://open.spotify.com/album/5vWp4E5iRzx8VEWmESUvl0

Refuge Charity:

Refuge
https://www.refuge.org.uk/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 19 - You're A Gold Nugget Welcomed To The Group

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 07:00:51 +0000

Throughout your life, every now and then, you meet someone who goes on to change your life. You’ll have heard me talk a lot about Rowan throughout the podcast. I met Rowan in 2012 and over the course of time she changed my life for the better and I am incredibly grateful. We worked together for a few years where our friendship began to form, but it was only when she moved on to a new job that we really started to bond and she invited me into her world and to meet her friends and I was welcomed by an amazing group of people who went on to help shape my next chapter; they make me laugh, they inspire me and I learn so much from them and I am always in a very happy place when I’m with them. Between 2015 - 2019 we would always rent a house in the country to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Each year it was never the exact same group of friends, as some would have work or have family commitments or might be celebrating elsewhere, but that meant we could then invite others which allowed us to continue to expand the friendship circle. I’ve picked out 2 of our New Year celebrations, and with it being New Year there are quite a few drug references in this episode, but for me this is a story about the love of friendship, creating shared memories and the joy of merging friends.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Flossie, Jay, Cara, Walt, Anne, Ryan, Nina, Morgan, Adam, Chloe, Morgan, Tim, Dave, Mary - London friends

Locations:

Lumiere - now closed down
http://lumierelondon.blogspot.com/

Tywyn Wales
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Tywyn-Tywyn/details/?dms=3&venue=1023165

Kings Lynn
https://www.visitwestnorfolk.com/places/kings-lynn/

Entertainment References:

Frozen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_(2013_film)

12 Years a Slave
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Years_a_Slave_(film)

Elf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf_(film)

Zootopia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zootopia

The Mannequin Challenge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_Challenge

Ecstasy: The Battle of Rave
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p08qw04h

Beats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beats_(2019_British_film)

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 18 - Thank F*ck I'm Not A Handmaid

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 06:30:44 +0000

In the 8 years I’ve been single I’ve had; many late night snogs, countless first dates, a few one night stands and occasionally just some really intense interactions. This episode is similar to the festival episode from series 2, rather than one overarching story, I’ve picked out a series of 8 short stories that involve a fleeting connection between me and one other person and somehow all made an impact in one way or another. I’ll share them in chronological order starting in 1994 with my first kiss.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Tim - My first kiss

Matt - My first date

Johnny - A one night stand

Julian - A guy I dated

Ian - A first date

Graham - A first date

Jimmy - My carpenter

Harry - A first date

Locations:

Stockport Cinema
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/25390

Visions Video Bar - Now closed down
https://www.facebook.com/visionsvideodalston/

Clapton Hart
https://claptonhart.com/

Hunter S
http://www.thehunter-s-pub.co.uk/

Duke of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/

Lambeth Country Show
https://lambethcountryshow.co.uk/

Entertainment References:

Oasis - Definitely Maybe
https://open.spotify.com/album/3LzKUdUTdJb6P7xGN6SotC

Blue - Parklife
https://open.spotify.com/album/0YS25Dr3hMtMFlVTfuvzl4

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Forget_Your_Toothbrush

Matilda
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_(1996_film)

The Handmaid’s Tale
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid's_Tale_(TV_series)

Get Birding Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/get-birding/id1551111133

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 3, Ep. 17 - Legs and Vaginas

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 06:00:09 +0000

In this episode I share another modern dating story, looking at the excitement of meeting someone new, the confusion that comes with those first few dates; breaking down messages, interpreting gestures and trying to remember that we all communicate in very different ways.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Reggie - A guy I dated

Paige, Chloe, John, Flossie, Faith, Cara - London friends

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single year

Beth - My best mate

Paula - My therapist

Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months

Locations:

Springfield Park
https://hackney.gov.uk/springfield-park

Princess of Wales
https://www.princessofwalesclapton.co.uk/

Cafe Miami - Now closed down
https://www.facebook.com/cafemiamilondon/

Westbourne Pub
https://www.thewestbourne.com/

Giant Steps
http://www.giant--steps.com/

Jim’s Cafe
https://jimscafe.co.uk/

The Elderfield
https://www.theelderfield.co.uk/

Chatsworth Road
http://www.chatsworthroade5.co.uk/

Entertainment References:

Childish Gambino - This is America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY

Christo Barrel Exhibition
https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/christo-and-jeanne-claude-barrels-and-mastaba-1958-2018/

Informer - Snow
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRs

The Sun and Her Flowers - Rupi Kaur
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35606560-the-sun-and-her-flowers

LOVE
https://www.netflix.com/title/80026506

In Good Company Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-good-company/id1294215581

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.

Series 2, Ep 16 - A Love Hotel

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:30:08 +0000

I had been captivated by Japan, perhaps since the early 2000’s when Bill Murray and Scarlette Johanson brought the delights of Tokyo to my attention via Lost In Translation. This was shortly followed by developing a curiosity in Japanese street style whilst studying Fashion Promotion and Illustration at university. Then as my interest in interiors started to develop, so did my interest in Japan’s calming and simplistic style, quite the contrast to the chaotic Japan I had first been presented with. Their juxtaposition of cultures was enchanting, but equally overwhelming and despite it being top of my holiday list for some time and being comfortable holidaying alone, when it came to Japan, I was waiting to meet someone, so I could enter and guide my way through what seemed like a bewildering other world with someone else's support. But then I thought fuck it, stop waiting, just go and it was the best solo holiday I could have hoped for.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Billie - A holiday fling

Locations:

Yogi Park, Tokyo
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_002.html

Cat Street
https://www.japanvisitor.com/tokyo-area-guides/catstreettokyo

Opening Ceremony
https://www.openingceremony.com/en-gb/

City Shop
http://cityshop.tokyo/

Shibuya Crossing
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/attractions/shibuya-crossing/a/poi-sig/396831/356817

Fushimi Inari-taisha (Red Pillar Temple)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-grove

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html

Kyoto Onsen
https://www.insidekyoto.com/kyotos-best-onsen-hot-spring-baths

Naoshima Island
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5475.html

Dans Le Noir
https://london.danslenoir.com/unusual-restaurant-in-london.html

Benesse House
https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/stay/benessehouse/

The Park Hyatt Plaza - The New York Bar
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-tokyo/tyoph

Kaikaya By The Sea
http://www.kaikaya.com/

Oath
https://www.residentadvisor.net/club.aspx?id=16967

Mori Digital Museum
https://borderless.teamlab.art/

Cultural References:

Yayoi Kusama
http://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/

Entertainment References:

Lost In Translation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Translation_(film)

Normal People
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_People

Greta Thunberg School Strike
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greta_Thunberg

Gwen Steffani - Harajuka Girls
https://open.spotify.com/album/3Lqn8M0QxPLIPRJ4nUKTGN?highlight=spotify:track:3L7P7HZVQ3wxzKoUyxaC9H

Lost In Tokyo
https://lostin.com/products/lost-in-tokyo

Katy Perry Roar
https://open.spotify.com/album/2bELFHKEF8yIDHMelNab2p

Pulp Common People
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ly9T2L4pqTZijFgQssd3x?highlight=spotify:track:2fXKyAyPrEa24c6PJyqznF

Snow Informer
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRs

Queen Don’t Stop Me Now
https://open.spotify.com/track/3lrNq7iGL5r3KS93YiKAbC

Pulp Fiction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_Fiction

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 15 - That's Actually My Bra

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 6 Sep 2020 10:30:52 +0000

I had always been turned on by the female body, when I masturbated and sometimes when I was having sex with a guy I would imagine I was with a woman. But I never knew if it was just a fantasy. I had one memory of being attracted to a female friend when I was 19 and then I dated Dan for 11 years. But at the age of 31, when I was single again I started to fancy another female friend, so I changed my dating app settings to include women so I could fully explore my desire.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Rachel - The first girl I fancied

Carrie - A friend

Susie, Sophie, Holly - Some of my oldest friends

Adina, Stephanie, Melissa, Heather, Patrick - London friends

Stephen Minder - An uncomfortable encounter before #metoo

Beth - My best mate

Adele - A one night stand

Locations:

Stories - Now closed
https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/stories

Pizza East
https://www.pizzaeast.com/

Chiltern Street Firehouse
http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/

Entertainment References:

The Strokes - Is This It
https://open.spotify.com/album/2k8KgmDp9oHrmu0MIj4XDE

Destiny’s Child - Survivor
https://open.spotify.com/album/2HcjLD0ButtKsQYqzoyOx9

Mariah Carey - Glitter
https://open.spotify.com/album/5fN9sJIh7mAXBsb3mvX7A1

Camp America
https://www.usasummercamp.com/

Tinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GB

Burning Man
https://burningman.org/

Florence and The Machine
https://florenceandthemachine.net/

Happn
https://www.happn.com/en/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 14 - I've Changed My Mind

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 10:30:10 +0000

Despite keeping a diary, I don’t remember all of the first dates I’ve been on, but I do remember my first Tinder date and the story that followed. This is a short story about wrong decisions from both parties, but it’s an important one to share. I faced a similar situation a year later and once again it wasn’t dealt with in the right way but the third time it happened in 2018 the world had changed and I felt comfortable expressing my decision.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

James - A guy I dated

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship

Jared - A one night stand

Harry - A guy I dated

Julian - A guy I dated

Rowan - One of my best mates I met in my single years

Beth - My best mate

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Eric - A guy I dated

Locations:

White Hart
https://whitehartstokenewington.com/

The Victoria
http://www.jaguarshoes.com/venue/the-victoria/

Ace Hotel
https://www.acehotel.com/london/

The Duke Of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/

Cultural References:

Tippi Hedren - The Birds
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippi_Hedren

Entertainment References:

Tinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GB

Breaking Bad
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Bad

Little Mix - Shout Out to My Ex
https://open.spotify.com/album/4TvPWe1vbrh0hozmCoSFRI

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 13 - It Sort Of Felt Life Changing

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:30:50 +0000

Throughout my twenties I wasn’t interested in going to festivals. I rarely listened to new music, my morning alarm would be joined by Magic FM playing the same songs on repeat that I’d known all my life. I also didn’t like the thought of camping, the dirt, the portaloo's, the greasy hair. I just didn’t think I’d enjoy it. And then as part of my transition into single life I dipped my toe into Field Day in London - a one day festival within walking distance of my flat which I obviously loved, from here I moved on to Glastonbury and others followed.

Due to CoronaVirus all our festivals have been cancelled for 2020, so for a bit of nostalgia, I thought it would be nice to share some festival experiences and dedicate an episode to our absent festivals. This episode takes a slightly different approach to others because it features 6 individual events rather than one overarching story over time.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries
https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Beth - My best mate

Heather, Jessica, Bob, Dave, Flossie, Charlotte, Jay, Nina, Sylvia, Caitlin, Adam, Vera, Ian, Jeff, Sasha, Patrick, Hayley, Gina, Heidi, Kristin, Megan, Helen, Lee, Shane, Eddy - London friends

Dustin, Poppy - American friends

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship

Gerard - A festival hook up

Vince - A guy I dated

Jill - A festival crush

Corey - A festival kiss

Locations:

Field Day
https://fielddayfestivals.com/

Burning Man
https://burningman.org/

Green Man Festival
https://www.greenman.net/

Festival No. 6
https://festivalnumber6.com/

Shambala Festival
https://www.shambalafestival.org/
https://www.shambalafestival.org/2020/venue/chai-wallahs/
https://www.shambalafestival.org/2020/venue/rebel-soul/
https://www.facebook.com/WombyView/

Cultural References:

Same Sex Couples Act 2013
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/30/contents/enacted

StoneHenge
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

Temple Project in Derry
https://www.artichoke.uk.com/project/temple/

Entertainment References:

Magic FM
https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/magic-fm

Broadchurch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadchurch

Get Lucky by Daft Punk
https://open.spotify.com/album/2ePFIvZKMe8zefATp9ofFA

Savages
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WFsBUAgQmrGQQEUyFKS60

Solange
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2auiVi8sUZo17dLy1HwrTU

Everything Everything
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HOeqtP7tHkKNJNLzQ2tnr

Django Django
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ARO60gI5do88ho6azmzab

Drunken Sailor
https://open.spotify.com/album/5iyQuCFO65zkVXaqtBYFuo

Alice In Wonderland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice's_Adventures_in_Wonderland

Blondie
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tpUmLEVLCGFr93o8hFFIB

Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/uk

Lily Allen
https://www.lilyallenmusic.com/

Tune Yards
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0asVlqTLu3TimnYVyY5Jxi

John Wizards
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sPLhyVBoVtdlX0MaetdVK

Duncan and Disorderly
https://open.spotify.com/artist/78eJd4sr3KsjCukSow56Ut

Lana Del Rey
https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa

Jagwar Ma
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fEO1r9Y9TYL9O4w5kVPmc

Jon Hopkins
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yxi31szvlbwvKq9dYOmFI

Jamie XX
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7A0awCXkE1FtSU8B0qwOJQ

Dolly Parton
https://open.spotify.com/artist/32vWCbZh0xZ4o9gkz4PsEU

Glass Animals
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yvcSjfu4PC0CYQyLy4wSq

James Blake
https://open.spotify.com/artist/53KwLdlmrlCelAZMaLVZqU

Kate Tempest
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1O3wYcUD08X9yb6J3xaw5M

Thelma and Louise
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelma_%26_Louise

Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen
https://open.spotify.com/album/2vDNi8F9UpSCaBHeKQ3nzh?highlight=spotify:track:3lrNq7iGL5r3KS93YiKAbC

These Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding
https://open.spotify.com/track/5kDMkphwMFCiRn0MVyykjQ

Tiny Dancer - Elton John
https://open.spotify.com/album/2OZbaW9tgO62ndm375lFZr?highlight=spotify:track:2TVxnKdb3tqe1nhQWwwZCO

War Paint
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AmgGrYHXqgbmZ2yKoIVzO

DJ Yoda
https://open.spotify.com/artist/134rP599PLJMjrccfctkmX

Informer - Snow
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRs

Hot Chip
https://open.spotify.com/artist/37uLId6Z5ZXCx19vuruvv5

Don’t Look Back In Anger - Oasis
https://open.spotify.com/track/19Jo73ISw9N9UVraSYBTr5

Orbital
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3csPCeXsj2wezyvkRFzvmV

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 12 - The Hot Waiter

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 06:30:59 +0000

This story is about my 10 day solo holiday in Mexico in Oct 2016. It touches on loneliness, lust and communication.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Antonio - The Hot Waiter

Locations:

Chichen Itza
https://www.chichenitza.com/

Casa Jaguar
https://www.casajaguartulum.com/

Casa Banana
https://www.instagram.com/casabananatulum/?hl=en

Posada Margherita
https://www.posadamargherita.com/

Entertainment References:

Bridget Jones Baby
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Jones's_Baby

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
https://www.jkrowling.com/book/harry-potter-cursed-child/

Jamie XX, Gosh
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6hXkrOoS5XhXsp2XG5PNi9

Amelie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amélie

Tinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GB

Jurassic Park
http://www.jurassicworld.com/films/jurassic-park

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 11 - 1999

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 06:00:32 +0000

On 31st December 1998 I met a guy called Macey from the year above me at school. I go on to talk about Macey for 116 of the 365 days of 1999. If I heard he was going out, I would go out, I would sit at home imagining he would call my landline, despite him not having my phone number, I learnt his lesson plan and knew that when I walked along the school path between my Psychology and Art classes I would pass him. Every time I would prepare myself to look up, lock eye contact and smile, it’s a simple concept, it makes you look more attractive, but, every time I would fail.

Macey plays a big role in this story, but this is really all about a 17 year old who wants to be noticed, I wanted people to call me pretty, I wanted people to describe me as fun, I wanted people to recognise how hard I worked, I wanted to be rewarded with the role of house captain for my sporting achievements, I wanted to be patted on the back for organising a charity fashion show, and embarrassingly I wanted people to notice my family's wealth.

As I’m 17 I am lazy and use the word ‘cos’ instead of ‘because,’ my writing is quite chaotic and I am also very unaware of my white privilege. I was brought up in a white middle class area, a bubble of security. I’m ashamed to say I thought it was normal to live in a semi detached house, to have annual family holidays, to never have to think about where the next meal was coming from. When I went to university I began to understand that this was not the case, but it still took me a good 10 years to really start to unpick this. I’ve learnt from friends I’ve met along the way, I’ve learnt from reading, listening, following activists and I still have a lot to learn.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Macey - My school crush

Beth - My best mate

Lily, Holly, Georgie, Ashley, Erica, Susie, Ben - Some of my oldest friends

Polly - A friend at school

Mum, Dad - Family

Annabelle - Macey’s school crush

Kev - Another school crush

Locations:

Wetherspoons Cheadle Hulme
https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/kings-tap-cheadle-hulme?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local_seo_gmb&utm_content=website

Governors House
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cheshire/governors-house/

Zest, Wilmslow
Now closed down

Surrey Institute of Art & Design
https://www.uca.ac.uk/

Bar Med, Manchester
Now closed down

Pizza Express
https://www.pizzaexpress.com/

Renaissance
Now closed down

Cultural References:

UCAS
https://www.ucas.com/

Entertainment References:

Saving Private Ryan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Private_Ryan

Shakespeare In Love
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_in_Love

There’s Something About Mary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_Something_About_Mary

Prince, 1999
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_(Prince_album)

S Club 7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_Club_7

Five
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_(group)

Seven
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_(1995_film)

Robbie Williams
https://www.robbiewilliams.com/

White Men Can’t Jump
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Men_Can't_Jump

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
https://open.spotify.com/album/0JwHz5SSvpYWuuCNbtYZoV

Gatecrasher
https://www.gatecrasher.com/

Kylie Minogue
https://www.kylie.com/

Ally McBeal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ally_McBeal

Now and Then
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Now_and_Then_(film)

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 2, Ep. 10 - Another Blood Test

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:30:51 +0000

Having spent time dating Jack, which had been the closest thing to a relationship for me in 5 years. It had made me realise that when I do meet the right person, it’s likely I will want kids to be part of our future. There is endless research you can do when it comes to learning about the fertility of women at various stages of their life. But The British Fertility Society says that ‘At birth, most girls have about 2 million eggs, at adolescence that number has gone down to about 400,000 and at age 37 there remain about 25,000. As I was approaching 36 I made the decision to use my savings to freeze my eggs.

And by no means is freezing your eggs a guarantee of conception, but it does act as a little security blanket. For me, the entire process lasted about 4 months, my clinic closely monitored my menstrual cycles, there were endless blood tests and scans, they prescribed the relevant medication to first get my hormones to the optimum level and to then stimulate my egg growth. I had to inject my own medication and the closer it got to my egg removal date, the more I had to do, some days I’d have 2 blood tests and I’d do 3 injections at various points throughout the day. It was an upheaval on my body, both physically and mentally.

Reading back it was quite a tricky time to reflect on, I was suddenly acutely aware and envious of my friends developing family situations and I think this was one of the loneliest points of my 30’s and where my desire to meet someone was at its peak.

The episode is taken from a 5 month period from Sept 2017 - Feb 2018. You will hear me repeat the last day from Episode 1 - Dexter Turner as the stories cross over the same time period.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months

Beth - My best mate

Willow - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Dawn, Tim - Some of my oldest friends

Simone, Faith, Heather, Chloe, Mel - London friends

Mum - Family

Todd - A guy I dated

Locations:

Columbia Road Flower Market
http://www.columbiaroad.info/

Wilton’s Music Hall
https://www.wiltons.org.uk/

Crooked Billet
https://e5crookedbillet.co.uk/

Prince George
https://theprincegeorgepub.co.uk/

House of Hackney
https://www.houseofhackney.com/

Goodhood
https://goodhoodstore.com/

Cultural References:

Grenfell Tower
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40301289

International Women’s Day
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Entertainment References:

Notting Hill Carnival
https://www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com/

Happn
https://www.happn.com/en/

Les Enfants Terribles:
https://lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billboards_Outside_Ebbing,_Missouri

Medical References:

ARGC Egg Freezing Clinic:
https://argc.co.uk/

Chlamydia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/

STI
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/

AMH:
https://www.createfertility.co.uk/fertility-diagnosis/amh

NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/

IVF Treatment
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/availability/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth.

Series 2, Ep. 9 - Hold My Hand

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:00:33 +0000

When you are in your mid thirties and you meet someone of a similar age who is at the same stage of their life as you; i.e. not newly single, they’ve have had some fun dating, they’re looking for a relationship and dating them is going well, it’s really fucking hard to just enjoy it for what it is, stop your mind running away to the future and just let the relationship develop at a normal pace.

You are aware that this is a rare occurrence, in your eyes and for your needs, you have met a good one. From 2013 - 2017, out of the hundreds of first dates I went on, I liked maybe 10% of them, so if they also liked me, they turned into second dates, and maybe 10% of those second dates turned into third dates which leaves a very small handful of people who I have genuinely liked and they have liked me in return and therefore I have wanted to potentially develop a relationship with. This story is about one of those people.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months

Beth - My best mate

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Willow - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Caitlin, Ollie, Mandy, Gavin, Tim, Chloe, Mary, Flossie - London friends

Brother, Mum, Dad - Family

Liam - A guy I dated

Stephen Minder - An uncomfortable encounter before #metoo

George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months

Locations:

Beyond Retro
https://www.beyondretro.com/

Pelicans and Parrots
https://pelicansandparrots.com/

John Salt Pub
https://www.john-salt.com/

The Gun
http://www.thegunwellstreet.com/

Chesham Arms
http://www.cheshamarms.com/

Yard Sale Pizza
https://yardsalepizza.com/

Osea Island
https://www.oseaisland.co.uk/

Uchi
http://uchihackney.com/

Clapton Hart
https://claptonhart.com/

Millfields
https://www.millfieldscoffee.co.uk/

Behind This Wall
https://www.behindthiswall.com/

Bonneville
No closed

Pamelas
https://pamelabar.com/

Groucho Club
https://www.thegrouchoclub.com/

Hampstead Heath
https://www.hampsteadheath.net/

Cultural References:

Ariana Grande Concert
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bombing-live-updates-latest-13075807

Entertainment References:

Fyre Festival
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-46904445

GIRLS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_(TV_series)

Guardian Soulmates
https://www.theguardian.com/help/insideguardian/2020/jul/01/guardian-soulmates-has-come-to-an-end

Design Museum, California Exhibition
https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/california-designing-freedom

Darren Miller
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Miller

Baby Driver
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_Driver

Visions Festival
http://visionsfestival.com/

SOPHIE
https://msmsmsm.com/

This Is England
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_England

My Girl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Girl_(film)

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 8 - I Don't Like People

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 8 Mar 2020 11:30:58 +0000

This week's episode is taken from the shortest time period, just 5 days of diary entries. I think it’s a great example of a Sliding Doors moment, there is a point in the story where I am offered a glass of red wine, and had I said no, I would have had a totally different 5 day experience.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Elliot Lite - A Parisian fling

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Beth - My best mate

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Brother, Dad - Family

Miles - A guy I dated

Laura - A London friend

Locations:

Hotel Amore
https://www.hotelamourparis.fr/en/

Merci
https://www.merci-merci.com/en/

Poulette
https://www.pouletterestaurant.com/

Berghain
https://www.berghain.berlin/en/

Palais De Tokyo
https://www.palaisdetokyo.com/en

Eiffel Tower
https://www.eiffeltickets.com/

Louvre
https://www.louvre.fr/en

Chez Janou
http://www.chezjanou.com/

Sacre Coeur
http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/

Pompidou Centre
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en

Jim's Cafe
https://jimscafe.co.uk/

Cultural References:

100 Year WW1 Anniversary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_War_centenary

Single-use
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/single-use

Entertainment References:

Sliding Doors
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_Doors

Jodie Whittaker
https://www.instagram.com/jodie.whittakeruk/

Dr Who
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who

Thierry Henry
https://www.instagram.com/thierryhenry/

Terminator 2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminator_2:_Judgment_Day

Speed
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_(1994_film)

Die Hard 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard_with_a_Vengeance

Love Actually
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Actually

Whiplash
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiplash_(2014_film)

Lost In Paris
https://lostin.com/products/lost-in-paris

Photo Paris
https://www.parisphoto.com/en/Home/

Fotografiska
https://www.fotografiska.com/london/

Saatchi Gallery
https://www.saatchigallery.com/

Blue Is The Warmest Colour
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Is_the_Warmest_Colour

Ralph Lauren
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/

Daniel Day Lewis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Day-Lewis

Dr Martens
https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/

Killing Eve
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Eve

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 7 - Can I Tell You A Secret?

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 1 Mar 2020 11:30:49 +0000

This week's episode is taken from April 2014 and is about the highs and the lows of dating in London. Dating apps were just beginning to really take off, but it wasn’t rare to still meet people in real life. This story features another guy who plays a big role in my life, but of course when I first met him, I didn’t know the impact he was going to have and I love that I have my first impression of him captured in my diary.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Ashlee, Lily, Dawn, Tim - Some of my oldest friends

Beth - My best mate

Eric Taylor - The God who solved my vaginismus

Heather, Brittany, Jacob, Katie, Matt, Atlas, Caroline, Dillon, Adina, Dave, James, Mick, Marie - London friends

Sam - A guy I dated

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Mum - Family

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship

Johnny - A one night stand

Locations:

The Spurstowe Arms
http://www.thespurstowearms.com/

The Prince George
http://www.theprincegeorgepub.co.uk/

Voodoo Rays
http://voodoorays.com/

Royal Free Hospital
https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/

Floyd’s
Restaurant on Shacklewell Lane, Hackney, now closed

Towpath Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Towpath-Cafe/118939978161114

Shacklewell Arms
http://www.shacklewellarms.com/

HBV Dalston
https://www.hackneyicare.org.uk/kb5/hackney/asch/service.page?id=WV1aOPYUtQ0

Euston Station
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/eus.aspx

Trangallan
https://www.trangallan.com/

Scolt Head
https://www.thescolthead.co.uk/

Efes
Snooker Club on Stoke Newington Road, now closed

The Alibi
Club on Kingsland High Street, now closed

Rita’s Dining
https://www.ritasdining.com/

Oslo
http://oslohackney.com/

Dalston Kingsland Centre
http://www.kingslandshopping.com/

Entertainment References:

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin consciously uncouple after 10 years of marriage
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/mar/26/conscious-uncoupling-gwyneth-paltrow-chris-martin-separation

The Grand Budapest Hotel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Budapest_Hotel

The Ice Bucket Challenge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Bucket_Challenge

Tinder
https://tinder.com

David Gandy
https://www.instagram.com/davidgandy_official/?hl=en

Jack Guiness
https://www.instagram.com/jackguinness/?hl=en

Alexa Chung
https://www.instagram.com/alexachung/?hl=en

Friday Night Lights
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_Night_Lights_(TV_series)

Glastonbury
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Medical References:

Vaginismus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 6 - If He's Playing A Game He's Winning

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 11:33:14 +0000

After I split up with Dan, who I’d spent the whole of my twenties with, I was faced with a situation where many of my friends were now married, had started a family and were moving out of London to buy a home. I realised that over the last 11 years I’d not made an effort to expand my friendship circle other than the friends I’d naturally made at university & at work. And despite feeling lonely at points, I was still excited about single life, I saw it as an opportunity. I always knew London was one of the most exciting places to live, I was in awe of the lives others lived and I knew I was just skimming the service, I wanted to meet new people, stay out all night, go on dates & try new things.

This week's reading is taken from April - Aug 2013 and they are predominantly about one amazing man, and now a friend, he was the first guy I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship, and they touch on my first steps into dating and ALL the confusion that comes with it.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Beth - My best mate

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship

Ollie, Atlas, Heather, Caroline, Holly - London Friends

Lily, Alf, Susie, Ellie - Some of my oldest friends

Jared - A one night stand

Locations:

Shoreditch House
https://www.shoreditchhouse.com/

Columbia Road
http://www.columbiaroad.info/

The Fox
Pub on Kingsland Road - Now closed down

Scolt Head
https://www.thescolthead.co.uk/

Duke of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/

The Hunter S
http://www.thehunter-s-pub.co.uk/

Kempton Antiques Market
https://www.sunburyantiques.com/kempton/

A Little Bit Of What You Fancy
Restaurant on Kingsland Road - Now closed down

The Dead Dolls Club
Bar on Kingsland Road - Now closed down

John Lewis
https://www.johnlewis.com/

Old Blue Last
https://www.theoldbluelast.com/

Looking Glass Cocktail Club
http://www.lookingglasslondon.co.uk/

Broadway Market
https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/

Off Broadway
https://www.offbroadway.org.uk/

Entertainment References:

David Beckham retires from professional football:
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/david-beckham-retires-the-time-is-right-to-retire-from-football-8619336.html

Andy Murray Wins Wimbledon
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/tennis/23220414

Miley Cyrus and Robin Thick MTV VMA’s 2013
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/twerk-it-out-miley-and-robins-vma-performance-one-year-later-65286/

Land of Kings
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2013/04/09/dalston-prepares-land-of-kings-festival/

Grazia Magazine
https://graziadaily.co.uk/

Mud
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_(2012_film)

Burning Man
https://burningman.org/

New Girl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Girl

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 5 - Why Is My Vagina Stressed?

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 11:00:24 +0000

This was a really important story for me to share and I hope this episode will have a positive impact on others who are experiencing similar circumstances. From the age of 20 to 31 I was in a relationship with a very kind, caring and patient man. During our time together I suffered from a medical condition called vaginismus; if you aren’t familiar with the term, it is an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles making sexual intercourse or any sexual activity that involves penetration painful or impossible. Physically, at points, I was able to have sex but I was in agony with tears welling up, every part of my body tensed and any passion sucked away as if transported to a smear test in a doctors surgery. You will hear about all the things I tried to resolve the issue, vaginal dilators, an operation, psychosexual therapy, hypnotherapy and how it led to a negative association with sex and intimacy. This coupled with perhaps a barrier built up from childhood around what love meant and maybe not emotionally processing my Dad’s death at the age of 15 made for what I realise now was a complicated 11 year relationship, although it didn’t feel like it at the time. As I read back over my diaries I identified certain events that may have caused the condition or worsened it, and no doubt how those events impacted the decisions I made in later life and the ways I reacted during the relationship.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Erica, Dawn, Ellie, Lily - Some of my oldest friends

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012

Macey - My school crush

Mum, Dad - Family

Locations:

Chicago's Epsom - Now closed down

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/

SU Bar Surrey Institute of Art & Design Epsom Campus - Now called https://www.uca.ac.uk/life-at-uca/locations/epsom/

https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cheshire/ladybrook/

https://www.annsummers.com/

https://www.mangal2.com/

https://www.libertylondon.com/

Cultural References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro

Entertainment References:

The Osbournes reality TV show is just about to launch on MTV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Osbournes

https://www.campamerica.co.uk/

https://www.trekamerica.com/

Gilbert & George
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_%26_George

Ant & Dec
https://www.antanddec.com/

Medical References:

Vaginismus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/

Vaginal Dilators
https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/30804Pexercises.pdf

Psychosexual Therapy
https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/psychosexual-counselling/

Hypnotherapy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypnotherapy/

Smear Test
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

Vulva Pain Society
http://www.vulvalpainsociety.org/vps/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 4 - I Know You'd Be Proud

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 9 Feb 2020 08:30:55 +0000

This is a sad episode about grief, a subject that can be really hard to talk about, but it’s so important that we make sure these everyday life circumstances are shared and made normal. I am so grateful that I captured my emotions in my diaries during the loss of someone close to me, often when you look back at a time of trauma, everything feels blurred. Cheryl Strayed said that writing forces you to locate your clarity.’ It really does, it’s something I would recommend to anyone going through grief.

The readings are taken over 20 years from 1997 when I was 15 to 2017 when I was 35.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Lily, Holly, Ashlee, Erica - Some of my oldest friends

Toby, Jason - Boys I fancied at school

Beth - My best mate

Dad, Mum, William, Auntie Pat, Nana, Katherine, Ben, Uncle John, Susan, Robert, Grandma - Family

Adina, Melissa - London friends

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Locations:

The Arndale Centre:
https://www.manchesterarndale.com/

Tesco:
https://www.tesco.com/

Red or Dead:
https://www.redordead.com/

M&S:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/

Cultural References:

Midnight Mass:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Mass

Entertainment References:

Cheryl Strayed:
https://adobe.ly/2MgvIYE

Titanic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film)

Ellen Degenerous:
https://www.ellentube.com/

Harry Potter:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter

Just Seventeen Magazine:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Seventeen

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ot1QoNbmHYTzXQDTuWnvO

Bridge Card Game:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract_bridge

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition:
https://www.dofe.org/

Silent Night:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uDwZqezLnnDRWOoQ69ndA

Rockin’ All Over The World by Status Quo:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gIdjgLlvgEOz7MexDZzpM

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 3 - Maybe It Came From Another Life

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 9 Feb 2020 08:00:17 +0000

This story looks at when you are trying to make new relationships work, but they fail to develop because one person feels more than the other, so you’re constantly dealing with an imbalance in feelings and different agendas.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Beth - My best mate

George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single year

Eric - A guy I dated, you’ll hear more about him in Episode 7

Dominique, Alexa - London Friends

The Hot Neighbour - A hot neighbour who I matched with on dating apps several times but never spoke to.

Mum, Auntie Susan - Family

Locations:

Bonneville Lower Clapton Road - Now closed down

The Prince:
http://www.theprincen16.com/

Original Sin:
http://originalsin.bar/

Berber & Q:
https://www.berberandq.com/

The Haggerston:
https://www.facebook.com/thehaggerston/

Liberty:
https://www.libertylondon.com/

The Star of Bethnal Green:
https://starofbethnalgreen.co.uk/

Satan’s Whiskers:
https://www.satanswhiskers.com/

B&Q:
https://www.diy.com/

Farrow & Ball:
https://www.farrow-ball.com/

Fired Earth:
https://www.firedearth.com/

Duke of Wellington:
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/

Punch Room at The Edition Hotel:
https://www.editionhotels.com/london/restaurants-and-bars/punch-room/

Temper:
https://temperrestaurant.com/

Boots:
https://www.boots.com/

Only Jerkin:
https://www.onlyjerkin.com/

Tate:
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Yard Sale Pizza:
https://yardsalepizza.com/

Cultural References:

Hygge:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge

Entertainment References:

A Single Man:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Single_Man

Theatre Production of Trainspotting
https://www.thevaults.london/trainspotting

Old Vic Theatre - ART:
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/art/

Girls Aloud:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0fRVI6brYacZVE8ljS4Ajq

Trigg Planner:
https://www.thinktrigg.com/

Baby by Donnie & Joe Emerson:
https://open.spotify.com/album/4v9R5sk4HQ0X1krbEis34P?highlight=spotify:track:62wdQ5CInFr7cjISqrr46f

After 8 Challenge:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155001264682122

Happn:
https://www.happn.com/en/

Secret Cinema Moulin Rouge:
https://www.secretcinema.org/previous-worlds/moulin-rouge

The End by The Beatles:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0ETFjACtuP2ADo6LFhL6HN?highlight=spotify:track:5aHHf6jrqDRb1fcBmue2kn

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 2 - The Hope

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 9 Feb 2020 07:30:43 +0000

This is about the hope, the hope that I hold on to, that reassures me that one day I’ll meet someone amazing, the hope that someone else holds on to, that reassures them that they’ll meet someone amazing and the positive mindset you continuously have to cling on when you’re trying to navigate today’s dating scene when things never seem to go the way you want.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Maya - A girl I met in a Club in Nottingham, had what I thought was a one night stand, but it turned into something a little more complicated.

Liam - A Tinder date who I actually fancied

Alexa, Caitlin, Adam, Cara, Jacob, Faith, Erin, Chloe, Paige, Mary - London friends

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Dad & Mum - Family

Locations:

Soda Pizza:
https://www.sodopizza.co.uk/

Yard Sale Pizza:
https://yardsalepizza.com/

Well & Bucket:
https://wellandbucket.com/

Night Tales:
https://nighttales.co.uk/

Netil House:
https://netil360.com/

The Spurstowe Arms:
http://www.thespurstowearms.com/

EAT:
https://eat.co.uk/

Osea Island:
https://www.oseaisland.co.uk/

Pizza East:
http://www.pizzaeast.com/

Cultural References:
Article 50:
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/brexit/brexit-brief-article-50

Kendall Jenner Pepsi Advert:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_for_Now_(Pepsi)

Eurovision:
https://eurovision.tv/

Entertainment References:
Ed Sheeran 14 weeks at No. 1 in UK Singles Charts:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7oJa8bPFKVbq4c7NswXHw8

Tinder:
https://tinder.com

Shred Workout:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=EL49qdXOA8l_0AmFFSAdCDpA

Barbican The Japanese House Exhibition:
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2017/event/the-japanese-house-architecture-and-life-after-1945

First Dates:
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/first-dates

Dreamgirls:
https://www.dreamgirlsthemusical.co.uk/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Series 1, Ep. 1 - Dexter Turner

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Sun, 9 Feb 2020 07:00:55 +0000

This story is about one particular guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions between 2014 - 2018 and unjustifiably became one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I am quite fond of...

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Dad - Family

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012.

Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Willow - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Jack - A guy I dated from Guardian Soulmates. You’ll hear more about him in Series 2

Beth - My best mate

Locations:

http://sebrightarms.com/

http://pubonthepark.com/

Windsor Castle Lower Clapton Road - Now closed down

https://www.wiltons.org.uk/

Cultural References:

Scottish Independence Referendum:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Scottish_independence_referendum

U.N
https://www.un.org/en/

HeForShe:
https://www.heforshe.org/en

Entertainment References:

Paper Magazine:
https://www.papermag.com/break-the-internet-kim-kardashian-cover-1427450475.html

Baby by Donnie & Joe Emerson:
https://open.spotify.com/album/4v9R5sk4HQ0X1krbEis34P?highlight=spotify:track:62wdQ5CInFr7cjISqrr46f

Fleetwood Mac:
https://open.spotify.com/album/63k57x0qOkUWEMR0dkMivh

Love Actually:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Actually

Guardian Soulmates:
https://soulmates.theguardian.com/

Can Graphic Design Save Your Life Exhibition:
https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/WZwh4ioAAJ3usf86

Les Enfants Terribles:
https://lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/

Medical References:

Chlamydia:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/

AMH:
https://www.createfertility.co.uk/fertility-diagnosis/amh

NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth

Diary, She Wrote Teaser

feeds@entale.co (Entale Feeds) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:11:19 +0000

Raw, personal and explicit true stories made from over 9,000 diary entires touching on the complexities of sex, coping with grief and navigating London's dating scene.

A new storytelling podcast by Liz Beardsell.

All names and some factual details have been changed to protect people's identity.

Extract from Episode 1: Dexter Turner

This episode contains sexual content, language listeners may find offensive and references to drug use.

Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Characters:
Dexter Turner - He has briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.

Rowan - One of my best mates who introduced me to a whole new life in London.

Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012.

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth