Mag Hags Podcast: Exploring the Legacy of Women’s Magazines in the UK

In the dynamic landscape of pop culture, Mag Hags, a new podcast hosted by acclaimed journalists Franki Cookney and Lucy Douglas, promises to shed light on the influential history of women’s magazines in the UK. Launching today, October 2, the podcast dives deep into the rich tapestry of women’s glossy publications that have captivated readers for the past 50 years.

Table of Contents

The History of Women’s Magazines

Each episode of Mag Hags will transport listeners back in time, as the hosts meticulously leaf through classic women’s magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Honey, and Company. This nostalgic journey not only highlights the aesthetics and storytelling of these publications but also pays homage to the impact they have had on journalism and popular culture.

Revisiting Iconic Titles

Cosmopolitan
Marie Claire
Honey
Company

These magazines have served as platforms for groundbreaking discussions on women’s rights, sexual freedom, and equal pay. The podcast aims to examine how these conversations have evolved—or, in some cases, stagnated—over the decades.

A Fresh Perspective on Timeless Issues

In addition to exploring the nostalgic aspects of women’s magazines, Mag Hags will delve into specific stories from the past that resonate with contemporary audiences. Each episode will feature a closer look at the themes that have shaped women’s experiences and how these issues continue to echo today.

Key Themes Explored

Sexual Freedom
Equal Pay
Cultural Shifts

Franki Cookney, an award-winning journalist known for her contributions to notable publications such as The Guardian, The Mirror, and Cosmopolitan, expressed her excitement about revisiting these vintage magazines. “Flicking through the pages of these vintage magazines brought back the thrill of discovering new insights as a teenager,” she remarked. Cookney’s passion for journalism and women’s rights shines through in her commentary.

Friendship and Collaboration

Alongside Cookney, Lucy Douglas, an esteemed editor with experience at The Guardian and The Telegraph, brings her unique perspective to the podcast. Like many women of her generation, Douglas’s love for magazines blossomed in the mid-90s while engaging with the problem pages of Sugar and Just17. Their friendship adds a personal touch to the discussions, creating a warm and relatable atmosphere for listeners.

Lucy Douglas on Rediscovering Stories

Douglas shared her thoughts on the enduring relevance of the stories found in women’s magazines. “We expected these magazines to feel really dated. What struck us was how familiar many of the stories felt,” she noted. This realization emphasizes the importance of examining the past while considering its implications for the present.

A Love Letter to Women’s Publications

With Mag Hags, Cookney and Douglas aim to honor the golden age of women’s magazines that inspired them both. Their heartfelt discussions not only celebrate these iconic titles but also explore how far society has come in addressing women’s issues.

Launch Details

Mag Hags will premiere today, with episodes released every Wednesday on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can also subscribe to the Mag Hags Substack for exclusive content related to the magazines discussed in each episode, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Why You Should Tune In

Insightful Discussions: Engage with the cultural significance of women’s magazines.
Timely Themes: Discover how past issues resonate with today’s societal challenges.
Personal Narratives: Enjoy the authentic friendship and camaraderie between the hosts.

As the podcast makes its debut, audiences can anticipate a blend of nostalgia, critical analysis, and entertaining banter that brings the history of women’s magazines to life.