Podcasts and Interviews

Motherhood vs The Machine: Could mothers be replaced by feeding machines?

Breast is best, or best is fed? In this episode, we tackle one of the most controversial aspects of mothering: feeding.

BBC Woman's Hour

When art historian Joanna Wolfarth was pregnant with her first child, she assumed she would breastfeed, as her mother had fed her. This didn’t go according to plan.

Times Radio Off Air with Jane & Fi: Triggered by the word 'teats'

Jane and Fi are talking all things breastfeeding and they are joined by art historian Joanna Wolfarth.

The Story of Woman: From Ancient Bottles to Modern Struggles

A Deep Dive into Breastfeeding with Joanna Wolfarth and delve into the historical evolution of breastfeeding norms and practices, examining how societal changes impacted women's experiences. Through the lens of her own journey, Joanna also touches on the complexities of breastfeeding in public, the stigma associated with it, and the societal discomfort surrounding the maternal body. Beyond the historical and contemporary challenges of breastfeeding, Joanna advocates for systemic support, increased societal awareness, and the importance of sharing diverse stories to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for mothers.

History Extra podcast: Breastfeeding: a cultural history

Breastfeeding may seem like an innate human experience that transcends history. But, according to art and cultural historian Joanna Wolfarth, experiences of feeding babies have always been embedded in social and cultural customs.

Not Too Busy To Write: Joanna Wolfarth on non-fiction and writing intimate cultural history

Joanna talks about how needing to make sense of the experience of new motherhood, led to a furious dive into the research between feeds and in tiny snatches of time when her baby slept, how motherhood made her fearless when it came to writing and non-fiction that seeks to ask questions, rather than provide all of the answers.

BBC Radio 4 Child: 17. Milk

Milk. However it comes its a vital source of life. India Rakusen explores it’s various forms and the history and politics that have shaped the way we view how we feed our babies.

Wild Muse: Editing is Crucial

In this conversation with Joanna Wolfarth, winner of the Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize, we explore the role of external feedback in shaping a writer’s voice. Joanna shares how the process of revision – sometimes painful, always illuminating – transforms raw inspiration into something refined and resonant.

On the Irregular with Java Bere: Conversation with Joanna Wolfarth

We discuss shifting approaches to writing throughout her life, we talk about her book ‘Milk: An intimate History of humanity’s first food’, how motherhood and losing a close relative to suicide have impacted her life and work, about the ‘destruction and the construction’ of the self as a consequence and allowing herself to be more vulnerable.

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society: History of Breastfeeding

How has our relationship with breast milk changed through history? Why are there associations of shame with this most natural act, of us consuming humanities first food? And what does the formation of our galaxy have to do with it?