Karen Carpenter’s sound was decade-defining – the sound of the 70’s. The beat she created as drummer and lead singer of The Carpenters takes you back to that era in every track. With a voice that Burt Bacharach described as "clean, clear, like a flag flying over the song," Karen was a female icon in a male-dominated music world and quickly soared to the dizzying heights of fame, literally at the top of the world.

But the pressures of her success and the complicated family dynamics in her band took their toll, exacerbating the anorexia which would eventually take her life at just 32.

This week, Samantha Parker takes the lead again to tell Karen’s story, looking beyond the smiling photos and honey infused sound, to explore an inner life dominated by a desperately misunderstood illness. We’ll discover how Karen found her voice, hear about The Carpenters’ meteoric rise to fame, but also explore the incredible toll that such a rise can have on young musicians, and women in particular.

This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is a clip of Karen playing drums and singing ‘Dancing in the Street’. An iconic performance which cemented Karen’s place as one of seventies’ s most incredible drummers and singers, this is one of the best entrance’s to Karen and the Carpenters’ music. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PAy6Ab3CcQ)

Content Warnings: mental health, eating disorders, her hospitalisation for anorexia, childhood trauma, and themes of emotional neglect.

IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999.

If you or someone you know has been affected by an eating disorder, here are some organisations you or they can speak with to get help: 

Beating Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/ 

Eating Disorder Hope: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/international/united-kingdom/u-k-eating-disorder-organizations-charities

For other useful organisations which can help with any other themes we touch on, see Attune’s website here: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast 

Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries.

You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/

Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune 

and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ 

Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard

Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB 

This is a Message Heard Production

Produced by - Emma Crampton

Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari

Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd

Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree