How to have difficult conversations

This episode of Woman's Hour explores the art and necessity of difficult conversations, examining why they are often avoided—especially by women socialized to be people-pleasers—and how they can be approached with courage, empathy, and strategy. Host Nuala McGovern is joined by a diverse panel of experts: psychotherapist Gabrielle Rifkind, who draws on her international conflict mediation experience to argue that agreement isn’t the goal—understanding is. TV presenter Vicky Patterson and comedian Helen Thorne share personal stories of navigating divorce, fertility, and family trauma, highlighting how repeated, compassionate conversations can heal. In the workplace, entrepreneur Izzy Obeng and social worker Sophie Baker discuss the importance of dignity, clarity, and emotional regulation when addressing performance issues or sensitive topics like body odour or addiction. Romance author Talia Hibbert brings in the literary lens, showing how difficult conversations drive character growth and emotional arcs in fiction—though real-life communication should aim for connection, not drama. The episode ultimately reframes difficult conversations not as threats, but as opportunities for connection, growth, and resilience.