A new interview podcast featuring women who challenged expectations to build their own paths is being launched by Anita Rani.
Sisters of Defiance will see the BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour presenter and Countryfile host speak to women whose stories reflect resilience, risk-taking and determination.
Produced by Anita’s new company Illuminaunty Productions, the series is recorded in her home studio. Each episode will also be available as a video podcast.
The guest list includes Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity during a major rape trial in France, musician Anoushka Shankar, entrepreneur Emma Grede, Dame Meera Syal and comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri.
Anita said: “This podcast is another moment in which I’m breaking free to do things my own way, and to shout about people I see as fellow defiant ones, who’ve taken risks, broken rules and quietly or loudly changed the shape of things.
“It’s about the moments that disrupted the plan and what it really took to keep going when things got complicated. The honest stuff we don’t often get to talk about.”
The title draws on Anita’s own experience. She recalls her grandmother saying, “We don’t celebrate girls,” a comment that shaped her determination to live by her own rules and to centre women in her work.
The podcast is created in partnership with female-founded wellness company Ancient + Brave, which also sponsors the series.
Each episode includes a segment called The Last Offering, where Anita is joined by Dr Jenna Macciochi and Jo Woodhurst from Ancient + Brave. Together they discuss rituals, ancestral knowledge and daily practices designed to support wellbeing.
The series will include conversations about moments of rebellion, difficult decisions and the realities behind success.
Sisters of Defiance with Anita Rani will be available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube from Tuesday 26 May.
