Prof Clare McGlynn, Running around Britain, Chronic pain

This episode of Woman's Hour explores three powerful themes: personal endurance, societal harm from mainstream pornography, and the invisible burden of chronic pain. Megan Boxall, a 33-year-old runner, shares her extraordinary journey of completing 200 marathons in 204 days around Britain’s coastline, driven by mental health recovery and a desire to raise awareness and funds for the Samaritans. Her story is one of resilience, positivity, and the profound impact of community support. In a stark contrast, Professor Clare McGlynn discusses her new book *Exposed*, which reveals how extreme, patriarchal pornography—depicting incest, racism, and sexual violence—has become normalized on mainstream platforms, with serious societal consequences. She calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws, public education, and future-proof legislation to combat image-based abuse. Finally, the programme turns to chronic pain, with Professor Nicole Tang and Fiona, a long-term sufferer, explaining how 'mental defeat'—a sense of helplessness and identity loss—intensifies suffering. They highlight the emotional toll, the challenges of being taken seriously in medical settings, and the vital importance of peer support and self-advocacy. The episode ends with a discussion of Samantha Harvey’s stage adaptation of Barbara Pym’s *Quartet in Autumn*, a poignant exploration of loneliness and unspoken connection in midlife. Key takeaways include: 1) Mental resilience and community support are essential for overcoming physical and emotional challenges; 2) Mainstream pornography’s normalization of extreme content poses real societal risks and demands urgent regulatory action; 3) Chronic pain is not just physical—it’s a psychological and social crisis requiring empathy and systemic change; 4) Self-advocacy and peer support are lifelines for those living with invisible illnesses; 5) Public education and future-proof legislation are critical to protecting individuals from evolving digital harms; 6) Stories of loneliness and connection remain deeply relevant across generations; 7) The power of narrative—whether in sport, law, or literature—can inspire change and healing. The overall tone is one of cautious hope, acknowledging deep societal problems while celebrating human strength, solidarity, and the possibility of transformation.