Explore every episode of the podcast Licence to Talk

As pupillage season comes to a close, Sonia and Sim reflect upon their experience of applying for pupillage and dealing with success and rejection. The girls discuss suffering from imposter syndrome at the Bar and share how manifestation and self-belief became powerful tools in helping them to overcome a feeling of fraudulence. 

In this episode, the girls reveal what The Secret is and whether it actually works.

When the tide is rising and you’re feeling overwhelmed, do you sink or swim? In this episode, the girls offer up their suggestions on how to take care of your mind, body and soul when faced with a stressful situation.

The girls introduce their very first guest, Nathan Alleyne-Brown, Barrister at 2 Dr Johnson’s Buildings. In light of the recent discussion of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in Parliament, Nathan shares his thoughts on the consequences of the Bill being passed. With a focus on our right to peacefully protest, Nathan discusses the implications of this new law that calls our freedom of speech into question.

Are police powers fuelled by ethnic disparities, racial stereotyping and institutional bias? In this episode, the girls reveal some shocking statistics. In a society where certain individuals are disproportionately affected, it is essential to know your rights. The girls break down what you need to know if you are ever stopped and searched or arrested by the police.

Disclaimer: This week’s episode includes discussions surrounding gender-based violence, sexual assault and women’s rights. Following the tragic news of Sarah Everard’s death, the ‘Reclaim The Streets’ movement has resurfaced to highlight the epidemic that is, violence against women. In this episode, the girls discuss the problematic nature of #NotAllMen and explain why men must become an active part of the solution.

The media. It plays a pivotal role in our society but are we awarding too much freedom to the press? In this episode, the girls debate two opposing positions - press freedom v privacy. From court proceedings to gossip columns, should the media be given free reign on what they can publish?

In this week’s episode, the girls consider the war on drugs. Taking cannabis as a case study, listen as the girls debate whether declaring a truce could be the only way to regulate an industry riddled with crime. Is legalisation the only route to tackling Britain’s deepening drugs crisis? Listen as the girls break down the societal and financial implications of legalisation.

On the 18th of February 2021, the High Court ruled that the Government acted unlawfully. Matt Hancock and his department broke the law by failing to disclose details of the PPE contracts the Government awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Judge found that the Government failed to act in accordance with transparency laws. In this episode, the girls break down the High Court’s ruling and share their opinions on why it is essential for the Government to be transparent when spending taxpayers’ money.

Donald Trump, the first President to face two impeachment trials. In light of Trump’s second impeachment trial, the girls consider what his acquittal means for the future of democracy in the United States.

This week the girls ask whether it is time to regulate harm in the online world. They discuss why it is necessary to hold online companies liable for the content that is published and shared on their sites. Conversely, the girls consider why over-regulation could be problematic and why instead, a balance must be struck. Do you think online platforms should owe a duty of care to their users?

This week the girls delve into the world of social media, from Twitter to Instagram and everything in between. Listen to the girls expose their screen times as they question whether our phones are hypnotising us. Is social media really a blessing or a curse in today’s society?

A year on from Covid-19, the girls talk about the reality behind the NHS rainbow and the impact of the pandemic on the legal world. Throughout, the girls highlight the importance of talking about mental health during these times and urge anybody struggling to reach out.

Samaritans 116 123

Mind 0300 123 3393

Calm 0800 58 58 58

Women’s Aid 0808 2000 247

Age UK 0800 678 1602

Childline 0800 1111

YoungMinds 0800 018 2138

RefugeCharity 0808 200 0247

GiveUsAShout 85258

The girls share their experiences of SFH (studying from home) and completing the Bar Professional Training course during a global pandemic. They offer up their top tips on how to survive Uni during these strange and uncertain times. For all of you students out there, this is not one to miss.

In the first full episode of Licence to Talk, Sonia, Sim and Candice discuss the pressures associated with living by society’s clock, that is hitting certain milestones at 'socially acceptable' ages. The girls question why so many people in their 20s feel like they're getting old. They suggest how success ought to be measured and put their case for why we should begin moving the hand's on society's clock. The trio leave you with a reassuring message, you are not too old and it is not too late!

Bringing you the very first episode of Licence to Talk. Listen to these future barristers navigate their 20s as they put the word content into contentious. The girls introduce themselves and welcome you to their passion project.