Bryony Gordon's Mad World

Welcome to a very special, pink-hued episode of The Poshcast! This week, Sophia Money-Coutts and Cleo Watson are running wild in Hertfordshire. They've parked their bottoms on the hallowed velvet sofa of Camfield Place—home of the undisputed queen of romantic fiction, Dame Barbara Cartland.To help us unpack the intriguing, outrageous, and thoroughly exhausting paradox that is Dame Barbara, Cleo and Sophia are joined by writer Matthew Sweet, author of a new biography, The Great Dictator. Together, they dive nose-first into her eccentricities: why did she use Meltonian shoe cream instead of mascara? How did she rack up 49 proposals? And was she really as much of a prude about sex as she may have seemed? From travelling across America with a stuffed Pekingese under her arm to her legendary, claws-out television showdown with Jackie Collins, no pink feather is left unturned.And because we're obsessed with what 'the done thing' is, Sophia and Cleo leaf through Dame Barbara's vintage etiquette tips to see if they hold up in the 21st century. Get ready for some serious home truths on interior decorating, dietary fusspots, and praising your husband’s lovemaking… So hold on to your hats for a riotously funny look at the 20th century's most magnificent romantic force, the Great Dictator herself, Dame Barbara Cartland. 📧 Email us: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @theposhcastThe Great Dictator by Matthew Sweet is out now.To order your copy for £19.99, call 0330 173 0523 or visit Telegraph Books.📰 Read: ‘Women should be like pretty chocolate boxes’: The bizarre world of Barbara CartlandVideo Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:Should women ever say I love you first?The Barbara Cartland Special Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September has arrived, which means one thing for a niche cohort of the British population: it’s back to boarding school. As Prince George heads off to Eton, Sophia and Cleo dissect the bizarre world of public school education—from trunks and tuck to the ‘pash’ system and polo pitches. Plus, they discuss the eye-watering fees in 2026 and how some parents have resorted to bartering to get their little angels in the top schools.Finally, they answer the eternal question: in an age of texts and emails, is the handwritten thank you letter finally dead? Spoiler: Sophia still has them rattling around her handbag. Forget civilisation burning—we’re here to debate whether you should be writing thank you notes in the back of a limo.Send your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:Back to (Boarding) SchoolIs the Thank You letter dead?Chapters:00:00 ‘At the weekend’ vs ‘On the weekend’05:00 Making adult friends07:00 Sophia’s South Devon pilgrimage10:00 Back to school14:00 Public vs. Private: Why is it called ‘Public School’?15:00 Boarding school memories & the ‘pash’ system23:00 Modern boarding schools: Cushy living & pastoral care35:30 Manners Mail: Are thank you letters dead? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not just tiaras and tafetta here - this week The Poshcast gets political.This week Sophia Money-Coutts and Cleo Watson dive into the increasingly barbaric noise levels in our public spaces. From people watching films loudly on the train to the “pestilential” behaviour of playing music without headphones, Sophia and Cleo celebrate a recent crackdown on this anti-social trend and share their tips for maintaining a little sanity in a noisy world.And, fingers on the pulse as ever, the pair discuss Liechtenstein’s decision to bin off male primogeniture and what this means for the British aristocracy (and why we’re still stuck in the Henry VIII era).Plus, the duo tackles another thorny listener dilemma: how on earth do you get dinner party guests to leave when they’ve clearly overstayed their welcome? From “loading the dishwasher” tactics to the ultimate “hostile environment” strategy, Cleo and Soph provide you with a sure-fire guide to this etiquette conundrum. Don't say we don't treat you. Send your questions to [email protected]: Wetherspoons bans customers from using phones on loudspeaker: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/08/18/wetherspoon-bans-customers-from-using-phones-on-loudspeaker/Video Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights: Why do people think it’s acceptable to use their phones on loudspeaker in public?How to get dinner party guests to pleave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget politics, war, and the crushing weight of modern existence—we’re here to tackle the questions that really matter. This week, we’ve raided the mailbag to answer the dilemmas keeping you up at night.In this episode, Sophia and Cleo navigate the perilous social etiquette of sunbathing in Sardinia, debate the tackiness of digital jewellery, and finally settle the age-old question: at what point is it “gross” to still call your parents Mummy and Daddy?Plus, Cleo and Sophia delve into culture by discussing a new mockumentary about an eccentric Lady, and decrying the insufferable bore that is the television snob.Send your questions to [email protected]: Is it ever appropriate to sunbathe topless with your father? - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/should-daughter-ever-sunbathe-topless-with-father/Video Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsChapters:00:00 - Introduction01:30 - Important Port Protocol Update05:15 - Culture Corner: Reviewing the new film ‘Lady’09:20 - Cleo’s Mirror Disaster & A Scottish Holiday Update14:15 - Are Owls the New Peacocks?18:15 - Mommy & Daddy: When to draw the line?22:15 - Is 'The Traitors' posh TV?25:15 - Topless Sunbathing: Benidorm or European Chic?29:15 - The Great Nail Debate: Garish or Neat?33:15 - Are the Posh fleeing Instagram?36:15 - The Wedding Ring Dilemma39:15 - Rafe vs. Ralph: The Ultimate Pronunciation GuideHighlights:The Poshcast Q&A specialWhen is too old to say ‘Mummy’ and ‘Daddy’? And other dilemmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August is upon us, and you know what that means: the annual migration of the upper classes to the Highlands. This week on The Poshcast, Sophia and Cleo are dusting off their tweed, ignoring the blood-sucking midges, and asking why posh people are all so obsessed with heading north to shoot things.As Cleo is loch-bound in August for the first-time, Sophia gives her top tips to decoding the Scottish summer getaway. Why does your suitcase need to contain both a tiara and a bottle of high-strength DEET? And is it possible to navigate a lodge where the bathwater is brown but the black tie is mandatory? Plus, we tackle another burning listener dilemma: is it actually possible to organise a ‘tasteful’ hen do? From the trauma of organised fun to the dreaded conversation about budgets,, we share our survival guide to the tackier side of pre-wedding celebrations. So do please, hold on to your tam o’shanters and cry freedom for the next episode of The Poshcast. Send your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights: Why posh people think Scotland is the best place to be in summerIs it actually possible to organise a ‘tasteful’ hen do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whack out your wellies: In today’s Poshcast Cleo and Sophia delve into the muddy topic of festivals.From wet-wipe-filled endurance tests to carefully curated weekends of glamping and glitter, we’re debating whether festivals can ever truly be ‘posh.’Sophia and Cleo share their ever so slightly tongue-in-cheek survival tips, such as packing cashmere socks and wine deliveries, the perils of the Portaloo and the importance of steering clear of mystery pad thai and spontaneous piercings. Plus they answer a burning listener question: should you ever approach a celebrity for a selfie on holiday, or is the classy option to leave them to their sun lounger?You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: Send your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:The Poshcast guide to festivalsBoat shoes and Bloody Marys all round!Chapters:00:00 Welcome to The Poshcast04:19 Remote Control Nicknames08:50 Wilderness aka ‘Poshstock’ Highlights11:59 Latitude Dust and Cool Families13:15 Posh Festival Survival Tips19:30 The Perils of Portaloos20:49 Glyndebourne Picnic Opera22:15 Festival Piercing Horror23:57 Family Piercing Rules26:41 Gap Year Tattoo Regret32:21 Boarding School Piercing Craze33:21 Celebrity Selfie Etiquette41:13 Final Take Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may have been been a scorcher yet again this week, but that’s no excuse to lose control. In today’s Poshcast Cleo and Sophia tackle the thorny issue of table manners.What matters, these days, and what doesn’t? Do we care about elbows on the table anymore, or is that a fusty old Victorian throwback? Is it deeply common to clink glasses and say ‘cheers?’ From which body part should you eat caviar, and is it ever acceptable to have your phone beside your plate?Plus they answer a question from a nervous young listener who’s off on holiday with her boyfriend’s parents for the first time and wants to make a good impression (no bawdy chipolata jokes).They may not have the answer to all Britain’s problems, but Sophia and Cleo can offer strong opinions on knives and napkins — what further encouragement do you need to watch The Poshcast?You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mbuXBuO_5sESend your questions to [email protected] shouldn’t matter when it comes to matters of the heart, Sophia Money-Coutts: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/relationships/sophia-money-coutts-height-shouldnt-matter-affairs-of-heart/Video Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Alex MarshallExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights: Phones besides plates, elbows on the table and clinking coupesThe Poshcast guide to table mannersChapters:00:00 Welcome to The Poshcast01:03 Punctuality Rant03:15 Airbnb Interior Nightmares05:58 Height Lies on Dating Apps09:38 Toilet Break Film Debate11:11 Clink or Not to Clink13:23 Champagne Glass Rules15:08 Miffers Controversy16:44 Napkins and Cutlery Etiquette21:27 Bread Roll Etiquette23:51 Asparagus and Pear Protocol24:47 Meghan Markle and Pud Debate27:10 Bathroom Breaks during Meals29:19 Salt Pepper and Passing Port32:39 Phones and Bags at Table34:56 Napkin Rings36:18 Holiday With Boyfriend's Family41:31 Final Tips and Sign Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nothing gets the people of Britain more animated than man’s best friend, so this week on The Poshcast, Sophia Money-Coutts and Cleo Watson are debating which pooch can hold the title of posh top dog. Can the Jack Russell take the crown, given their association with The King and Queen? Where do shivering whippets rank on the scale, and, crucially, where to The Poshcast dogs – the esteemed Hippo and Dennis – fall on the scale?Plus, after police had to step in to control behaviour, they discuss the tradition of public school teenagers partying on the beaches of Polzeath.And Cleo and Soph reveal their most unquestionably un-posh habits. You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/knuYbqqP9tQSend your questions to [email protected] Producer: James EnglandSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights: How posh is your dog? The tradition of public school revellers causing chaos in CornwallChapters: 00:00 Introduction02:29 A Top Dog Excuse 05:14 World Cup Rants06:58 The Definition of 'Chichi'08:05 Champong at The Goring13:40 Posh Cookbooks and Castles16:23 Engagement Roast Chicken18:09 Jack Russells Comeback23:13 Posh Dog League28:43 Cornwall Teen Chaos32:54 Poshest Activities36:35 Unposh Habits39:49 Sign Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning your summer holiday? This week on The Poshcast, Sophia Money-Coutts and Cleo Watson debate the biggest summer travel etiquette questions and the unwritten rules of flying.When is it acceptable to have your first Wetherspoons pint or champagne cocktail? Should you ever take your shoes off on a plane? And is bringing a wheel of pungent French cheese in your hand luggage completely unacceptable—or surprisingly reasonable?They also ask whether the man making headlines after donating to Reform UK - convicted fraudster "Posh George" Cottrell - is actually that posh...You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AWVWNqwCPJYSend your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgProducer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Poshcast, Sophia and Cleo tackle the minefield of matrimony. They celebrate why Brits do weddings best, while questioning the creeping influence of American imports - from the over-the-top spectacle of Taylor Swift’s recent wedding at Madison Square Garden to irritating trends like rehearsal dinners, endless speeches, and the horror of "plus ones" who are total strangers. Plus, they debate a listener’s scorching dilemma: is it acceptable to pack a portable air conditioning unit for a weekend away at a friend's place?You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RrMgiekMKGgSend your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Poshcast, Sophia and Cleo don their whites to discuss Wimbledon – the soothing “thwack” soundtrack, the strawberries and cream and, of course, the slightly squiffy spectators. However, can tennis still claim to be the poshest summer ballsport? Sophia serves up the defence, despite her own lack of racquet skills, and Cleo lobs in a particularly posh tennis memory involving the Princess of Wales. Plus they debate a listener's question about asking for honeymoon donations as a wedding gift, and they finally crown the Poshcast’s taxidermied mouse mascot. You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y0UVLekCA64Send your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:Is tennis still the poshest summer sport? Do I have to contribute to my friends' honeymoon fund as a wedding gift?Chapters:00:00 Welcome to The Poshcast00:44 Sophia’s Sex Cruise03:33 Wimbledon Obsession05:09 Tennis Shame and Injuries07:40 Caribbean Tennis with Royals11:34 How Tennis Got Posh15:02 Getting Into Wimbledon18:09 Wimbledon Etiquette and Whites20:40 Padel Takes Over22:52 Cricket Jumpers24:00 Golf Club Snobbery25:03 Croquet, Boules And Holiday Games27:36 Football: Posh or Not?29:55 Wimbledon Crushes31:03 Honeymoon Fund Etiquette37:23 Naming The Taxidermy Mouse38:57 Final Thanks Sign Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Poshcast with Cleo Watson and Sophia Money-Coutts, two Jilly Cooper characters transposed into 2026.This week Sophia and Cleo discuss how to survive this heatwave sartorially, from office shorts to avoiding sweat patches. Plus they tackle the great question of our time: is it ever ok for a man to wear an open-toed shoe?And the question from the audience this week is about the minefield of modern greetings, prompted by Prince Edward kissing the King on both cheeks at Ascot last week. Sophia delves into her copy of Debrett’s for guidance on handshakes, hugs, air kisses, and whether you can get away with more flamboyance as an Italian Duke.You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iVP6Gc7pl1YSend your questions to [email protected] Producer: Carla MercerSocial Editor: Ruby BorgExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:Is it ever OK for a man to wear an open-toed shoe?How to greet someone: one kiss or two?Chapters:00:00 Welcome to The Poshcast03:11 Hippo and Dennis update05:58 Listener Feedback Roast08:49 Heatwave Dressing17:20 Men’s Sandal Debate25:42 Modern Greetings Etiquette31:40 Debrett’s Social Kissing Rules34:36 Mouse Naming Finale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ascot: posh pastime or plain naff?Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Poshcast with Cleo Watson and Sophia Money-Coutts, your favourite group-chat in podcast form.Join Sophia and Cleo as they delve into the murky world of modern social norms, class anxiety and all matters that generate furious online opinions. This week we are donning our hats (never fascinators) to talk Ascot - how to say it, the dress-code minefield from jumpsuits to compulsory socks, and why the whole thing can feel like a pricey, performative logistical nightmare unless you’ve arrived by helicopter.Plus we’ll wade into picnic politics (Scotch eggs, leaking deli tubs and Fortnum hampers), discuss the apparently atrocious standard of Father's Day cards these days, and ask listeners to christen The Poshcast mouse-mascot with a suitably befitting title.You can watch The Poshcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CyEqqzeY6BMSend your questions to [email protected] ‘picky bits’ and pre-mixed cans: My rules for the ultimate picnic, Sophia Money-Coutts: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/13/my-rules-for-the-ultimate-picnic/BBC Archive 1983: What’s your perfect picnic?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZEwjeKgAgI/?igsh=aDB1OWtkaG9tMHQ3Video Producer: James EnglandExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHighlights:Is Ascot now a little bit naff?Who is buying these crude Father's Day cards?Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Poshcast05:42 Bath Weekend Confessions08:47 Picnics and Picky Bits11:03 Picnic Practicalities15:03 Prince George School Scoop16:27 Ascot Hats and Pronunciation18:48 Should You Even Go20:32 Car Park Picnic Culture23:48 Flat vs Jump Racing25:05 Dress Codes Explained30:29 Listener Fathers Day Dilemma38:08 Taxidermy Mouse Mascot39:22 See you Next Week Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Sophia Money-Coutts and Cleo Watson on The Poshcast a new podcast from The Telegraph.Available every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast, we take a deep dive into women’s football. The Telegraph’s women’s football reporter Kathryn Batte is joined by former internationals, for England and Scotland respectively, Izzy Christiansen and Rachel Corsie as well as commentator Ellen Ellard to reflect on a huge year for the sport and look ahead to the future. From the Lionesses to Arsenal’s Champions League win to VAR, they have all bases covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does your gut microbiome really do? What’s the best hangover cure? How do you start a business? What’s the best thing to cook in an air fryer? Why is skipping so good for your health?Anita Rani is finding it all out – and more – as she sits down with celebrities and experts to uncover the tips, life hacks, apps and bright ideas they use to make life a little happier every day.Anita’s eclectic guests, including Andi and Miquita Oliver, Dr Ranj and Alexander Armstrong, talk homelife, careers, the surprising benefits of lifelong learning and why having fun is too often overlooked.Subscribe for your weekly dose of bright ideas and read more at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/smart-life/Watch the series on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL737agZQMvKQ5mBKcF-xGZ4yLkb8G4SeDBright Ideas with Anita Rani, brought to you by EE, is a Listen production for Telegraph Media Group.#brightideas #lifehacks #anitaraniCreditsListenHost: Anita RaniProducer: Richard PowerLead Executive Producers: Kellie Redmond, Jonathan PascoeVideo Editor: Carla MercerTelegraph Media GroupExecutive Producers: Alice Treasure, Tom Gadd, Vanessa WoodgateCreative Director: Jonathan Clayton-Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport podcast, we’re talking about money. Host Dame Laura Kenny is joined by three guests to delve into the financial landscape of women’s sports. Dani Rowe, a former British cyclist, shares her experiences with the stark pay disparities in road cycling. In 2018, she earned just €30,000, while her male counterparts made more than half a million. She discusses the importance of investing not only in the top tiers of sport but also at the grass-roots level to create a sustainable future. Maggie Murphy, a champion for gender equality in sports, discusses the commercial opportunities that arise from athletes leveraging their multifaceted personalities. She talks about how integrating personal interests can make sponsorships more appealing and impactful. Jenny Mitton, women’s sport lead at M&C Saatchi, highlights how younger sports fans value and reward brands that invest in women’s sports. She points out that these fans are motivated by more than just the games; they seek to support the overall growth and visibility of women’s sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this extra episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport Podcast, we’re tackling a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of sports: the impact of kit on female athletes. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we’re joined by a line-up of guests who know the challenges all too well. Tess Howard, a pioneering England and GB hockey player, shares her journey advocating for rule changes that allow women to wear shorts instead of skorts, explaining the practical and symbolic significance of this change for female athletes.Olympic gold medallist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill takes us back to her early career, outlining the discomfort she faced with ill-fitting sportswear, and discusses the positive changes brought about through athlete feedback and collaboration with kit brands.We also hear from Laura Youngson, co-founder of IDA Sports, and netball star Britney Clarke, who shares her personal struggles with kit sizes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast, we're delving into the topic of body image. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we bring together three women to share their stories and insights. Ellie Boatman, a Great Britain rugby sevens player, opens up about her journey through body image struggles and overcoming an eating disorder to develop a healthier relationship with her body and food. She emphasises the influence of social media on body perceptions and the importance of education around its dangers. Amy Truesdale, an Paralympic taekwondo champion, speaks about her confidence in competing in a male-dominated sport despite her disability. She highlights the necessity of focusing on performance over aesthetics, celebrating individual differences, and rejecting societal pressures. Kate Dale, campaign director of "This Girl Can" at Sport England, brings her expertise in promoting women's participation in sports, discussing the need for positive reinforcement and conscious behaviour around diet culture and appearance. She champions the importance of understanding female physiology in training to shift focus from appearance to performance. If you have been affected by an eating disorder, contact the NHS or Beat for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a preview of Katie Morley's new podcast Money Confidential. Listen to the full episode here: https://podfollow.com/moneyconfidentialWould you let your adult child move back home and not pay rent? As the housing market becomes more unaffordable, many adults are not only relying on the bank of mum and dad, but the house of mum and dad, with reports suggesting there’s up to 5 million of them in Britain. For some this set up will be hunky dory, but for others it can lead to toe-curling conversations about money.In this episode, Katie chats to “Mark”. Last summer, his adult daughter moved back into the family home with her partner and family in tow. Nine months later, he’s had enough and he’s off. We also hear from financial expert Lisa Conway-Hughes and Telegraph columnist Michael Deacon on practical solutions as well as tips and tricks for navigating this awkward situation.✉️ Need your awkward money problem solved? Email Katie or send a voice-note to [email protected]✍️ Tell Katie your money dilemma and keep up with all our case studies every week: https://telegraph.co.uk/moneyconfidential💰 Discover more of our leading Money journalism: telegraph.co.uk/money📰 Subscribe to the Telegraph here: https://telegraph.co.uk/moneypodcast🗞️ Read more about adult children living at home and what you can do: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/adult-child-living-at-home-how-to-help-get-them-leave/💬 Follow Katie Morley on Instagram: @MoneyBackMorleyKatie Morley, The Telegraph's Consumer Champion, has won back £10 million in compensation for readers. Now, she's hitting the road for a brand new podcast, Money Confidential, to hear directly from you. Would you let your grown-up child move back home and not pay rent? Is it fair for your richer siblings to go skiing and leave you behind? Are private schools really worth it? This is the place where we discuss everyday money problems affecting your life and relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing a new podcast from The Telegraph: Money Confidential! Katie Morley, The Telegraph's Consumer Champion, has won back £10 million in compensation for readers. Now, she's hitting the road for a brand new podcast, Money Confidential, to hear directly from you. Would you let your grown-up child move back home and not pay rent? Is it fair for your richer siblings to go skiing and leave you behind? Are private schools really worth it? This is the place where we discuss everyday money problems affecting your life and relationships.Each episode, Katie is also joined by a financial expert in their field to help solve these dilemmas, as well as a Telegraph commentator offering their tuppence. And of course, as the name suggests, all problems can be shared in absolute confidence. If you've got something you'd like to get off your chest, Katie would love to hear from you. 🎧 To listen, search for Money Confidential in your preferred podcast app or click here.✉️Send Katie your money dilemma via email or voice-note: [email protected].💰Discover more of our leading Money journalism: telegraph.co.uk/money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Olympic hockey legend Sam Quek and a host of top guests to discuss all the big issues and talking points of women's sport, from from ACL injuries and activism to menstruation and motherhood.Follow now wherever you're listening to this. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabor Maté is a doctor and expert in addiction, stress and childhood development. But he's also something of a revolutionary, challenging all our assumptions about what it is to be well. His book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, was a great comfort to Bryony when she had to get sober, and you've probably heard her talk about it with other guests here on Mad World. His new book, The Myth of Normal, looks at trauma, illness and healing in a toxic culture.Gabor joins Bryony to talk about why he would ban the word 'addict' and how he thinks that in 150 years we'll look back in horror that we've been separating the mind and the body in healthcare.The Myth of Normal, by Gabor MatéThis bonus episode was recorded to mark Addiction Awareness Week by Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust. Find our more here about their campaign for #SupportNotStigma.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode contains discussion of suicide.Joe Tracini is an actor, comedian and champion magician. He's also frequently suicidal. Joe suffers from borderline personality disorder and since speaking publicly about it, he's not shied away from talking about the 'unfashionable' side of mental illness. He's now written a book called '10 Things I Hate About Me: how to stay alive with a brain that's trying to kill you', which he says he wrote to save his life.Joe joins Bryony to talk about the worst thing he's ever done and why he decided to commit it to paper, introduces Bryony to 'Mick', his name for his BPD, and asks listeners to always remember one phrase: wait for a bit.10 Things I Hate About Me: how to stay alive with a brain that's trying to kill you, by Joe Tracini Find out more about National Suicide Prevention DayRead Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Purefoy is one of Britain's most prolific actors, appearing in everything from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Netflix's Sex Education. But his latest film, Fisherman’s Friends: One and For All, while ostensibly about a bunch of Cornish blokes who sing sea shanties, is really about the fragile issue that is male mental health. James joins Bryony to talk about dealing with the grief of his father, while playing a character grieving their father, boarding schools as a place to 'cauterise people’s emotions' and the power of articulating your pain. Fisherman’s Friends: One and For All is in cinemas across the UK and Irelands from Friday 19th August |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charmain Bynoe is one of our favourite guests here at Mad World, an unsung hero making a difference in our communities. She's a housing officer for Southwark, in London, and you may have seen in the Channel 4 TV series, Council House Britain. The work she does in helping vulnerable people is vitally important, but often overlooked. Now she's written a book, The Estate, which lays bare the challenges so many are facing in the midst of the UK's housing crisis.Charmain joins Bryony to talk about helping those dealing with hoarding, how the community spirit on estates is so important, plus how she dealt with her own burnout and important of 'letting the TV watch you'.The Estate: My Life Working on the Front Line of Britain's Housing Crisis, by Charmain Bynoe |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salma El-Wardany has been described as a half Egyptian, half Irish Muslim writer, travelling the world, eating cake and dismantling the patriarchy - but even that doesn't quite sum up the unapologetic brilliance of her. Now, she's released her first novel, These Impossible Things, which charts the friendship of three British Muslim women and what life throws at them. Salma joins Bryony to talk about the hurt of not finding yourself in the pages of the books you love, the impact of growing up Muslim in the wake of 9/11, and why she wants all women to have the pleasure of the soft things in life. These Impossible Things, by Salma El-Wardany |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abi Morgan is the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning screenwriter of films like Suffragette, Shame and The Iron Lady, as well as creating the impossibly brilliant BBC drama The Split. But all the screenwriting expertise in the world could not have prepared her for the series of cataclysmic events that shattered her life three years ago. Now she's written a book about those events, 'This is Not a Pity Memoir.' It's a love story, but not as you know it.Abi joins Bryony to talk about the 'quiet drama' of a loved one in a coma, continuing to find joy in the darkness, and the terrifying realisation that she couldn't hide behind actors and directors in her own life.This is not a Pity Memoir, by Abi Morgan |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right now, 332 million people across the globe are suffering from depression. You might be one of them. And yet despite the prevalence of this illness, it is still barely understood, with precious few treatment options available. The science writer Alex Riley - this week’s guest on Mad World - has now produced the most comprehensive history of depression ever written, with the hope of changing this.In A Cure For Darkness, Riley busts a whole host of myths about depression. It is not a modern illness - in fact, it is as old as humans - and it is certainly not a western illness, with people all around the world experiencing it. He also explores the treatment options available, and why there are so few of them - plus, he goes into some of the exciting new options for depression on the horizon, and some of the awful practices that have been used in the past, including the ice pick lobotomy. Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self Esteem AKA Rebecca Taylor is a multi-award winning and Brit Award nominated artist, touring the globe and supporting Adele. And yet, during her 20s, she was crippled by shame and feeling like she was never accepted as herself. She found time to come on Mad World and talk openly and honestly about mental health and the role it's played in her life, including shaking off the shackles of patriarchy and getting out of self destruct mode.Listen to Self Esteem |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2018, Rebecca Humphries was thrust into the spotlight when her boyfriend cheated on her very publicly with his Strictly dance partner. Seeing your partner snogging someone else on the front page of a tabloid might not be the ideal way to discover you've been cheated on, but Humphries has come to realise it was the best thing that could ever have happened to her. Set free from an emotionally abusive relationship, she was able to finally live the life she wanted to... with amazing results. Rebecca joins Bryony to discuss her book about the painful but valuable lessons she learnt through the very public disintegration of her long term relationship, from the impact of Little Mo in Eastenders and Disney, to learning your own worth. Why Did You Stay? by Rebecca Humphries |Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To his millions of fans, he was Avicii - music producer and DJ extraordinaire who created some of the most anthemic dance music of recent years. But behind the global superstar DJ was Tim Bergling, an anxious boy from Sweden who first saw a therapist at the age of 14, and years later tragically took his own life.Swedish journalist Måns Mossesson was given extraordinary access by Tim’s parents to the artist’s friends, family and colleagues, as well as his texts and emails to write 'Tim', the biography of a man whose battles with mental health will resonate with many. Måns joins Bryony to talk about how he hopes the book lets us meet Tim, rather than Avicii, and how Tim's story is so much more nuanced than a tale of the evils of fame, money and the music industry.Please note that this episode contains discussion about suicide and suicidal thoughts.The Tim Bergling Foundation: https://www.timberglingfoundation.org/ |Tim: The Official Biography of Avicii, by Måns MosessonRead more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Joanna Scanlan was in her twenties, she had a breakdown and was told by her doctor that if she didn't do what she loved, she would never get better. Thank goodness for that doctor's words, because today she is an award winning actress and screenwriter, starring in the Thick of It, Getting On and her recent film After Love, for which she won the best actress BAFTA. Joanna joins Bryony about the dark thoughts that came young and followed her into later life, having to make an effort to learn the language of emotions, and the tools she uses to get through those duvet days when all you want to do is "smother yourself in custard and not pick up the phone at all". Read more from Bryony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is on a mission to transform the way we view people addicted to drugs. This year, Professor Dame Carol Black led a government review into the way we handle drug addiction in this country - be that treatment and recovery, or even prevention. She called for a more health-based approach and more than £500 million investment over five years.This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Dame Carol tells Bryony why alcohol is "just as dangerous" as other drugs, why she feels addiction should be treated as a chronic health condition, and explains why the current system is "broken".You can read Professor Dame Carol Black's review here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-drugs-by-professor-dame-carol-black |Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal and England legend Tony Adams has done as much in his career to challenge the stigma around addiction as he has to make footballing history. From becoming sober very publicly back in the 90s, to setting up Sporting Chance, a charity that provides mental health support to current and former professional athletes, he's made it his mission to help others by sharing his story. This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Tony tells Bryony how following a 12-step programme changed his life, how the new generation of footballers is battling a very different addiction, and why he's heading back to Chelmsford prison, three decades after serving time there.Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |Tony's charity, Sporting Chance, can be found here: https://www.sportingchanceclinic.com/ |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 90s there was rarely a week where Davinia Taylor wasn't on the television or in the newspapers, as an actor, presenter and well-known member of the so-called "Primrose Hill set". But behind the seemingly glamorous partying was a person in the grips of addiction.This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Davinia tells Bryony about the alcoholic seizures she experienced trying to go cold turkey, opens up about her quest to find out why she drank, and bemoans the fact that addiction treatment doesn't often join up mental and physical well-being. Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When today's Mad World guest first sought help, she didn't even realise she was a gambling addict. But within a few years Hayley had lost her job, her home, and she had arrived at a rehab centre with a small suitcase containing all of her possessions. This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Hayley tells Bryony how betting was actually a substitute for alcohol, describes the relief of speaking to others dealing with the illness, and lays bare the hurdles she had to clear to even get help.Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Camilla Tominey isn't writing in the Telegraph, she's the patron of Nacoa, The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, a charity that provides a space for people, young and old, to discuss the effect parental drinking has had on their life. This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Camilla tells Bryony about the slow realisation that her childhood wasn't normal, why she's keen to paint a picture of her mum beyond her alcoholism, and how she wishes she didn't have to explain why she doesn't drink.Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |If you are a child of an alcoholic you can get advice and support from Nacoa for free on 0800 358 3456 |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode. Read more from Camilla Tominey: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ca-ce/camilla-tominey/ |Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary musician and producer Nile Rodgers joins Bryony for the first episode of this special series of Mad World.This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.Listen as Nile tells Bryony how he grew up surrounded by the illness, describes the euphoria of his first gig playing sober, and shares how Keith Richards was the unlikely inspiration for his sobriety.Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode. Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Bryony talks to someone with a very unusual - but important - job. Laura Campbell is the suicide prevention manager for Govia Thameslink Railway - the first person to have that title and the only suicide prevention manager for any train company. Laura joins Bryony to talk about how she trains railway staff to carry out suicide interventions at their stations, shares invaluable tools to support vulnerable people and opens up about the painful childhood experience that drew her towards this role. Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like a fraud? That you don't belong in the room? That you could get found out at any moment? You're not alone - and we have a podcast to help you. As this series of Mad World comes to a close, Bryony Gordon introduces The Telegraph's Women's Editor, Claire Cohen, and her new show, Imposters. Each week, Claire meets a woman at the top of her game and finds out how she defeated imposter syndrome to get there.Follow Imposters to make sure you don't miss an episode: https://www.playpodca.st/imposters |Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fearne Cotton's voice is instantly recognisable, whether from TV or the radio waves, or now on her Happy Place podcast. Like Bryony, she's dedicated her recent career to continuing the conversation around mental health - and through that work, the pair have become firm friends. Fearne joins Bryony on Mad World to talk about the importance of setting yourself boundaries, why we have to consider the link between mental and physical health, and why sometimes we shouldn't be so quick to judge online trolls. Plus, listen out for Fearne's assessment of Bryony's Dua Lipa impression...Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |Speak Your Truth by Fearne Cotton: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/fearne-cotton/speak-your-truth/9781409183198/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicideProfessor Rory O'Connor has dedicated himself to research into suicide and suicide prevention for over 25 years, and his new book, When It Is Darkest, aims to untangle the complex reasons why people take their own lives. He joins Bryony on Mad World to dispel unhelpful myths, give practical advice to both those suffering and their loved ones, and to talk candidly about the painful reality of losing a friend to suicide as an expert on the subject.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |When It Is Darkest by Rory O'Connor: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/112/1120269/when-it-is-darkest/9781785043437.html |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shadow Minister for Mental Health, MP for Tooting and an NHS doctor working throughout the pandemic: it's safe to say Rosena Allin-Khan has had a busy year. She manages to find time to join Bryony to discuss why we need to treat ourselves as we would our best friends, how the country can best support healthcare workers after the year gone by, and which guilty pleasure TV show has been helping her switch off.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlett Moffatt and her infectious giggle burst onto our TV screens back in 2013 when her and her family featured on Channel 4's Gogglebox. But while she was becoming an on-screen favourite, she was also battling with her mental health, and eventually had to ring the Samaritans for help. She joins Bryony at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week to discuss why she's joining the organisation that helped her as an Ambassador, and why she wants to give her online trolls a hug.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being an addict is a difficult thing for anybody to navigate - but Hunter Biden’s struggles with addiction were put under worldwide scrutiny when his father, Joe Biden, was running for president. Now he’s taking control of his own narrative with the publication of a brutally honest memoir. In it, he opens up about the tragedy that has befallen the Biden family - from the car crash that killed Hunter’s mother and sister, to the loss of his brother, Beau to cancer in 2015. In this powerful interview, he tells Bryony Gordon why the pain saw him turn to alcohol and drugs, but how - despite his best efforts - his family simply wouldn’t let him “disappear”. Plus, he lays out why he’s adamant that addiction should be treated as a mental health issue rather than a matter of criminal justice.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Vex King has made it his goal to make talking about trauma accessible to everyone. After a difficult start in life, he now uses his immensely popular Instagram account and self-help books to try to give others the tools that helped him on his own path to self-acceptance. He tells Bryony how Bruce Lee played a surprising role in his journey towards self love, why positive thinking isn't just "woo-woo", and the secret to collectively healing after Covid. Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicidal thoughts. Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can anyone light up a room like Stacey Solomon? She's brought joy to millions by sharing her positivity and beautiful family on her incredibly popular Instagram account. So it might be a surprise to many that she, like a lot of us, has had her own battles with her mental health. Stacey joins Bryony just after a recording of Loose Women to discuss why she's come to terms with her anxiety, the lingering guilt she feels after postnatal depression, and how she uses crafting as meditation. Plus, she and Bryony celebrate Stacey's recent move into the now insta-famous Pickle Cottage.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winning the Booker Prize is a serious coup for any writer, but for author Douglas Stuart the achievement is personal as well as professional: successfully channeling childhood trauma into art. The result is his debut novel, Shuggie Bain, which follows the childhood of a young boy, Shuggie, and his alcoholic mother, Agnes, and was loosely based on Douglas' own life growing up in Glasgow. Douglas joins Bryony from his home in New York to discuss why representation drives his desire to write, and to explain why sometimes just getting by is the bravest thing you can do. Plus he gives listeners a cheeky glimpse into the subject of his next book.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a sea of beauty hacks, home inspo and brunch snaps, Bryony Gordon's first guest of this new series of Mad World might seem an unlikely Instagram star. But artist Charlie Mackesy’s poignant and heartfelt illustrations have taken the platform by storm - and have earned him over a million followers.His debut book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, is billed as a vehicle for ‘hope in uncertain times’, and after a year of true uncertainty, he tells The Telegraph's Bryony Gordon that giving that glimmer of hope to his readers is worth more than any plaudits.Plus Charlie talks about how he’s struggling to feel connected to others, why he sees drawing as a form of therapy, and how grief for a lost friend reared its head in an unusual form as a teenager. And if the conversation doesn't leave you feeling just that little bit calmer, the soothing sounds of nature outside Charlie's barn certainly will.Read Bryony's columns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/madworld |Follow Bryony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/ |The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, by Charlie Mackesy: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1117718/the-boy--the-horse--the-fox-and-the-mole/9781529105100.html |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.