S1 Ep1: The Extraordinary Ordinary with Sylvia Mac and Mel Giedroyc

The Extraordinary Ordinary, the podcast from Women of the Year

Sylvia Mac overcame an appalling trauma as a young child to become a vocal supporter of, and dedicated campaigner for, people living with disfigurement. After a lifetime of agonising about what she saw as her ugly body, a moment of revelation changed her mindset and her attitude and she launched herself into creating an organisation she calls Love Disfigure, through which she supports others and challenges the fashion retail and media industries to be more inclusive and representative.

Sylvia describes the harrowing experience of the accident that changed her life, the years of treatment and procedures she has endured, and continues to need, and the mental toll they have taken on her. She recalls the moment her self-image changed for ever and describes the work she does to empower and inspire others who are struggling with their mental health and self-esteem because of their body issues. She also answers the four quick-fire questions we ask each of our Extraordinary Ordinary women:

In this episode we’re also joined by the brilliant actress, comedienne and presenter, and host of the Women of the Year Lunch, Mel Giedroyc, who remembers getting very over-excited on her first time at the event by an encounter with one particular guest and the joyous, joyful and joy-spreading nature of the lunch each year.