The episode pulls no punches. From the very first question, hosts Alex and Em decide to challenge every assumption, every stereotype, and every bit of ingrained prudishness they’ve ever carried about nudity. And Helen guides them through it all with warmth, honesty, and a good dose of humour.
Naturism vs nudism, and why it matters
Helen begins by clearing up a common misconception: naturism isn’t about sex, shock, or exhibitionism. It’s a philosophy grounded in respect, acceptance, non-sexual social nudity, and a deep connection with both self and environment.
She shares how she first came to naturism, reluctantly, at first, and how, years on, it’s become a transformative part of her life.
The practicalities (yes… including bare bums on furniture)
One of the joys of this episode is how frankly everyone speaks about the logistics that people are usually too embarrassed to ask about. Chairs, weather, where to look, how group environments feel, it’s all there, approached with curiosity rather than judgement.
By meeting these questions head-on, Helen helps strip away (excuse the pun) the mystique around naturism and show what it really looks like in everyday life.
Healing, body image, and reclaiming comfort
Perhaps the most powerful thread in the conversation is the role naturism plays in healing and body acceptance. Helen talks openly about the profound shift in self-image she experienced through social nudity, how shedding clothes can sometimes be the first step in shedding shame.
The hosts reflect on their own anxieties around safety, boundaries, and vulnerability, and how understanding naturism more clearly reshaped their perspective.
“Helen, you sold it to us!”
By the end of the episode, the hosts jokingly declare that the podcast will now be recorded naked, well, almost! But their playful comment reflects something real: naturism, once understood, is far less intimidating and far more inviting than most people imagine.
The episode is thoughtful, funny, open-minded, and genuinely informative and Helen shines bringing two newbies into our community.
Where to listen
🎧 Listen to Helen’s episode of Should I Delete That?
We Take the Bins Out Naked (with naturist Helen Berriman)
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/we-take-the-bins-out-naked-with-naturist-helen-berriman/id1602088590?i=1000740132222
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSASE3ZiNV3/?hl=en
Discover more
🌿 Helen’s podcast: British Naturism: Women in Focus
🌐 Learn more about British Naturism: https://bn.org.uk/
💛 Support the Women in Naturism campaign
📸 Follow Helen on Instagram: @helen.berriman
