Mercury retrograde. A new study into eating disorders. Clever working class women in the UK. Author Anne Enright. - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

Astrology concepts such as retrogrades and returns are no longer niche, they’re meme-worthy, and horoscopes have evolved from a bit of fun into revered life guidance. This isn’t the first time astrology has been part of the Zeitgeist, but it’s definitely enjoying a mainstream moment.
So as Mercury the planet that rules technology, travel and communication is retrograde for the first time this year, we look at what that really means and the impact it could have on our life.

An estimated 1.24 million people are affected by eating disorders in the UK, and less than half of those people make a full recovery. Yet the treatment and diagnosis is still comparatively misunderstood. We look at research which is just about to be launched that'll examine the possible genetic links.

Clever working class women in the UK – how do they break through and how are they seen by their peers and those in power?

Plus the author Anne Enright talks to us about her new novel "actress .


Presenter Jenni Murray
Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Yasmin Boland
Guest; Wendy Stacey
Guest; Melanie Reynolds
Guest; Panya Banjoko
Guest; Kristin O’Donnell
Guest; Anne Enright
Guest; Dr Janet Treasure
Guest; Andrew Radford

Further episodes of Woman's Hour

Further podcasts by BBC Radio 4

Website of BBC Radio 4