Spinning Plates with Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Episode 195: Frankie Bridge

Spinning Plates with Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Summary

Sophia Despexter shares insights into the challenges and joys of motherhood while balancing a career in the entertainment industry in her latest podcast episode. She reflects on her experiences as a busy working mother of five sons, emphasizing the difficulty of finding time for personal ambitions amidst family responsibilities. Despexter discusses the recent half-term break, highlighting the importance of family time and the joy of simple activities like decorating for Halloween.

In a conversation with guest Frankie Bridge, a former pop star and mother of two, they explore the pressures of growing up in the public eye and the impact of early fame on personal identity. Bridge recounts her journey from being a member of S Club Juniors to navigating motherhood while maintaining a career in entertainment. The two discuss the evolution of their careers, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of community and support among women.

The episode delves into the complexities of motherhood, the societal expectations placed on women, and the significance of mental health awareness. Both Despexter and Bridge emphasize the need for open conversations about the realities of parenting and the pressures of maintaining a public persona. As they reflect on their experiences, they highlight the importance of self-acceptance and the value of building a supportive community for women navigating similar challenges.

Show Notes

Frankie Bridge began her pop career aged just 12, as a member of S-Club Juniors. She was later in the hugely successful girl band The Saturdays.

We talked about the pressures of being successful as a young teenager, and how Frankie has pivoted and reinvented herself so many times since.

Frankie had her two boys, now aged 11 and 13, when she in her 20s. We talked about how her mental health was affected when her body changed during her first pregnancy, while she was still performing on stage, and how every change was scrutinised and criticised in the press.

10 years ago she started the online business @favestheedit. Faves began as a place where she shared her high street fashion finds every week, and has now become a strong online community where Frankie aims to empower women and give them confidence and authority as their own lives change.

Frankie and I agreed that the timing of our chat was perfect as it marks a very special anniversary for us - our Trick or Treating anniversary! Frankie was about 12 at the time, and I was about 22! Tune in to find out how my Halloween maths let me down disastrously that day!

Spinning Plates is presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, produced by Claire Jones and post-production by Richard Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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