“I’m a feminist but… I don’t know who Deborah Frances-White is.”
Deborah Frances-White is a comedian, Amnesty International UK Ambassador, and creator of the podcast The Guilty Feminist.
Born and raised in Australia, Deborah took a ‘gap year’ to the UK where she broke away from her religion as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Today, Deborah looks to empower women and uses her platform to spotlight the amazing creations by women from all over the UK.
After reading English at Oxford she turned to stand-up comedy. She later co-founded The Spontaneity Shop, a theatre company which specialises in improvisation.
The Guilty Feminist
She is arguably most well-known for her podcast, The Guilty Feminist. The podcast made its debut three years ago and has since been downloaded over 60 million times.
Each podcast begins with a confession from Deborah and her guests: “I’m a feminist, but…”
The podcast discusses the topics all 21st-century feminists agree on, without ignoring the hypocrisies and insecurities which undermine them.
Also, it features a panel of guests who are making waves in the community. The hosts candidly discuss and debate contemporary feminist and cultural topics such as #metoo and Repeal the North.
The most recent podcast featured actress Adjoa Andoh who is co-directing and starring in the first ever all-female BME production of Richard II in Shakespeare’s Globe.
Deborah makes a conscious effort to be inclusive in her podcasts, inviting members of the LGBTQ+ and BME community to ensure diversity throughout the panel.
In addition, she uses her platform to speak out for Help Refugees and Amnesty International UK. Her podcasts often act as a vehicle for discussing refugee rights. She provides opportunities to raise money for and support refugees throughout the year.
Deborah’s The Guilty Feminist Tour is visiting Cardiff next month on 15th May at St David’s Hall.
The tour is exclusive to ticket holders and will not be recorded, a special occasion for many listeners. Her guests for the panel are Suzi Ruffell, Jess Fostekew and Kemah Bob, and also features music from Grace Petrie. Tickets are on sale now.
Words by Corrie David
