Podcast Title: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons
Episode: Season 2, Episode 15: Charlene White
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Host: Caroline Hirons
Guest: Charlene White

1. Introduction of Guest: Charlene White [02:43]

Caroline Hirons welcomes Charlene White, a distinguished figure in British journalism with over two decades of experience. Described as one of the most widely recognized faces on ITV News and a panelist on the popular show Loose Women, Charlene discusses her latest book, There’s No Place Like Home.

Charlene White:
"Thanks for having me. Caroline, I'm really excited. You're a legend to me."
[02:43]

2. Charlene’s Background and Career in Journalism [12:16 - 17:22]

Charlene delves into her motivation for entering journalism, driven by a desire to tell people's stories and be a voice for the silenced. She shares personal experiences, including visiting her uncle in Brixton prisons at a young age, which fueled her passion for justice and storytelling.

Charlene White:
"I wanted to be a sort of voice for those who tend to be silenced and those who don't really have a voice."
[12:32]

She recounts her initial steps into journalism, sending out 50 letters for work experience and eventually securing a position at The Guardian, which she views as a pivotal moment in her career.

Charlene White:
"But you've been in the industry for how long now? Over 20."
[15:23]

3. Experiences with Racism and Diversity in the UK [05:54 - 19:53]

Charlene discusses her upbringing in a Jamaican household in South London, highlighting the cultural duality she experienced. She reflects on the challenges her family faced, including racism and hostility from neighbors, which gradually transformed as her parents built relationships within the community.

Charlene White:
"I think if there were more people raised in the kinds of environments I was raised in in southeast London, how different the country would see other cultures."
[09:28]

She emphasizes the importance of diverse environments in reducing racism and fostering understanding, contrasting her experiences in multicultural South London with the less diverse countryside, where she encountered overt racism.

Charlene White:
"But, you know, you also need that diversity within the teams, within the makeup teams."
[54:59]

4. Working on Loose Women [21:26 - 50:50]

Charlene shares her journey to joining Loose Women, emphasizing her determination and the supportive environment of the show. She praises her co-hosts, particularly Denise, for their honesty and camaraderie, detailing humorous and heartfelt interactions that enhance the show's dynamic.

Charlene White:
"And I think we're sort of at an era where it's nice for... I think we're sort of at an era where it's nice for us being here to be authentic."
[28:06]

She recounts memorable moments, including interactions with celebrities like Jason Donovan and Hugh Jackman, illustrating the blend of professionalism and personal connection that defines Loose Women.

Charlene White:
"They never know what question's going to come. And I never know what story they're going to tell."
[38:07]

5. Beauty and Skincare Insights [44:15 - 61:58]

Transitioning to skincare, Charlene discusses her personal skincare routines and challenges. She reveals recent changes due to an allergic reaction, emphasizing the importance of adapting skincare practices to individual needs.

Charlene White:
"I've had to completely change all the brands that I use. Haven't been to Dermatologist."
[45:28]

Caroline and Charlene explore favorite products, beauty disasters, and essential skincare tips. Charlene highlights the significance of micellar water in her regimen and shares insights on combating dark circles, advocating for hydration and appropriate eye creams.

Charlene White:
"Micellar water for me and it's the cerave one that I use, takes off the remnants so that my skin is squeaky clean."
[56:27]

6. Personal Stories and Anecdotes [51:12 - 65:15]

Throughout the episode, Charlene shares personal anecdotes that reveal her personality and the supportive relationships within Loose Women. From humorous tales about makeup mishaps to heartfelt stories about her family, she provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into her life.

Charlene White:
"I remember how Trev used to glide down the hallway... it's a big star, fair play."
[26:22]

She illustrates the camaraderie and genuine connections with her co-hosts, highlighting moments of levity and mutual support that make the show engaging and relatable.

7. Listener Q&A [62:11 - End]

In the concluding segment, Charlene addresses listener questions, focusing on skincare concerns such as dark circles under the eyes. She offers practical advice, emphasizing hydration, effective concealers, and the use of light-reflective eye creams to mitigate the appearance of dark circles.

Charlene White:
"Ultimately, though, you are predisposed. You're going to be more... So a good concealer and keep it hydrated with a lovely eye cream."
[63:36]

Caroline and Charlene engage in light-hearted banter, reinforcing their authentic and approachable dynamic. Charlene also shares her favorite fragrances and discusses the practicality of maintaining a makeup-free routine, reflecting her commitment to simplicity and effectiveness in skincare.

Charlene White:
"I do Le Labo, but I forget to spray it on and is."
[60:54]

8. Conclusion [65:15 - End]

Caroline wraps up the episode by thanking Charlene for her insightful contributions and encouraging listeners to tune in to future episodes for more engaging conversations. The episode closes with a tease for the next week's listener questions segment.

Charlene White:
"Thank you so much for coming on."
[65:35]

Caroline Hirons:
"Thank you for having me."
[65:35]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Charlene White on Diversity:

  "I think if there were more people raised in the kinds of environments I was raised in in southeast London, how different the country would see other cultures."
  [09:28]

• Charlene White on Loose Women:

  "They never know what question's going to come. And I never know what story they're going to tell."
  [38:07]

• Charlene White on Skincare:

  "Micellar water for me and it's the cerave one that I use, takes off the remnants so that my skin is squeaky clean."
  [56:27]

• Charlene White on Listener Q&A:

  "Ultimately, though, you are predisposed. You're going to be more... So a good concealer and keep it hydrated with a lovely eye cream."
  [63:36]

Key Takeaways:

• Charlene White’s Passion: Her drive to tell underrepresented stories and advocate for marginalized voices stems from personal family experiences with injustice.

• Experiences with Racism: Charlene shares poignant stories of facing racism in less diverse communities, emphasizing the need for greater cultural understanding and diversity.

• Dual Roles in Media: Balancing her role on Loose Women with her journalism career, Charlene illustrates the importance of authenticity and versatility in media roles.

• Skincare Insights: Personal anecdotes about skincare routines highlight the importance of tailored skincare practices and the challenges of maintaining healthy skin amidst professional demands.

• Community and Camaraderie: The supportive and humorous relationships among Loose Women hosts create a dynamic and engaging environment, fostering both personal and professional growth.

This episode offers a deep dive into Charlene White's multifaceted career, her advocacy for diversity, and her practical beauty and skincare advice, all delivered with warmth and authenticity by both Charlene and Caroline Hirons.