Standard Issue Podcast

Like it or loathe it, social media is a huge part of our everyday lives. That's the topic sociologist and journalist Kathryn Jezer-Morton grapples with in her new book, The Story of Your Life: Social Media, Storytelling and the Branding of Everyday Life, in which she attempts to uncover the deeper truths about how what we see and share on social media is rewriting the ways we make sense of our everyday experiences.

Jen chats to Kathryn about the book, the concept of personal branding, what’s an overshare in millennial terms and how that compares to today’s youth, and whether three glasses of wine are actually likely to ruin anyone’s life for three days.

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In this month's guide to the best and worst TV, we're watching Cape Fear, Katie Price: Nothing To Hide, Ann Droid, Jesy Nelson; Life Changing, The American Revolution and I, Jack Wright.

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Kathryn Bigelow’s “wet western” action-thriller has something for everyone: Keanu Reeves’ face if your Jen, Gary Busey in general if you’re Mick, and a dog being thrown at a person during a high-speed foot-chase if you’re Hannah. But will this wang-heavy surfer-bank-robber classic stand the test of time? And we did all know it was directed by a woman, right?

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On July 28, 1986, estate agent Suzy Lamplugh went to work as normal, preparing to meet a client. She was never seen again and no trace of her has ever been found. Suzy was declared legally dead, presumed murdered, in 1993. In response to her disappearance, her parents Paul and
Diana set up the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, and over the last 40 years, the Trust has been responsible for vital work around personal safety and stalking.

To mark the 40th anniversary of her disappearance, Jen caught up with Emma Linley-Clark, the Trust's interim CEO, to talk about its
#40YearsShouldHaveBeenEnough campaign, the impact of its work, and why stalking seems to be such a challenge for the justice system.

More information about the campaign and the Trust’s work, as well as information on the National Stalking Helpline, is available on the Trust’s website.

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Writer and music journalist Cathi Unsworth’s compilation for Ace records, Dressed in Black: Goth Divas From the Dark Side 1941-2025, shines a light on the women who laid the sonic and cultural foundations for Goth. The album is a dark joy and an excellent companion to Cathi’s 2023 book, Season of the Witch: The Book of Goth. And the perfect excuse for our Mick to get Cathi on the Zoom to chat what is Goth, why is Goth, and why it being the worst of times means there’s never been a better time to get your Goth on.

As ever, our £5 plus Patreons get an extra chunk of interview, so for Cramps love, more diva chat and how music soundtracks Cathi’s book, get involved here.
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