A new podcast series produced by Golden Cat Studios, along with founder of the BooBee campaign Margo Cornish, seeks to break down breast cancer’s ‘last taboo’, with a panel of experts and women who have, or have had the disease taking an unflinching look at the impact on their love lives and intimate relationships.
The Sex and the Titty podcast explores the challenges of intimacy in the face of a battle with breast cancer and the impact it has not only on relationships but also on the body image and self-love of women coming to grips with a diagnosis.
Divided into four episodes – all named after Take That songs – proceeds from the podcast will support Prevent Breast Cancer and Make 2nds Count, a UK-wide secondary (metastatic) breast cancer charity.
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Aptly named ‘Patience’, the first episode of the podcast discusses sexuality and intimacy. Secondary breast cancer patient Jackie Wilson, who unfortunately has passed away since the recording of the podcast, reflects on her wife’s support during the process and the challenges many face when their relationships come under strain in the midst of their diagnosis.
In Episode 3 Sarah, her wife, also reflects on the changes breast cancer had on Jackie: “Being Jackie’s carer and partner, of course you see a different side to her, but I saw a different side to her that I loved even more. She wasn’t only my wife and the mother of my children but a warrior who had battled cancer and I loved her even more for that.”
In addition to the impact on intimate relationships, the podcast also navigates subjects including changes to a woman’s body and sense of identity.
The podcast is the brainchild of fundraiser Margo Cornish, founder of the BooBee Campaign, an annual fundraiser for Prevent Breast Cancer in Greater Manchester, and is produced with Jamie Griffiths and Kyle Evans from Golden Cat Studios.
Cornish said: “My discussions with breast cancer patients over a number of years drew parallels that couldn’t be ignored – sex and intimacy are continually put on the back burner for many people, and discussing these issues can become a taboo even in the most loving relationships, in the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Issues like body image and self-confidence can create long-term barriers to returning to a normal life, even after a breast cancer battle has been won, and we wanted to create a space for women to share these experiences in an open discussion.
“The podcast is a crucial step to getting the conversation about intimacy’s role in cancer diagnosis and survival out in the open. The podcast helps open up those important conversations, whether that’s with other women who are going through breast cancer, or with partners struggling to navigate delicate questions, or simply to offer support and reassurance that talking about intimacy, sex and self-love is a crucial part of every woman’s journey.”
Griffiths and Evans from Golden Cat Studios added: “When Margo first mentioned the idea, we just had to be involved and, using our audio experience in podcast production to tell these incredible stories on a subject rarely spoken about. We hope it helps others facing these challenges with cancer.”
Jo Lloyd, the podcast’s host, said: “Opening up dialogue with these amazing women, experts and partners was eye-opening. This podcast provides a new direction for many of these women who previously only discussed these topics behind closed doors. I am honoured to be hosting this and look forward to hearing other woman’s experiences once they have listened to it.”
Sex and the Titty is available for streaming on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music.
