The Life of Bryony

My guest this week is my new musical obsession, Paris Paloma – an artist whose songs about diet culture, ageism, mental illness and toxic beauty standards have racked up hundreds of millions of streams around the world. Paris writes blisteringly honest music about what it means to live as a woman under patriarchy, and why so many of us are taught to shrink ourselves just to survive. We talk about the viral success of “Labour” and the messages she gets from listeners who say her work has transformed the way they see themselves and their place in the world. We dig into what it means to be labelled a “political” artist, why nothing is truly apolitical, and how patriarchy harms men as well as women. Paris also opens up about depression, therapy and the “warring parts” of herself that inspired her song “Hunter”, and why turning pain into art can be a lifeline.ALBUM DETAILS:Paris’ new album, Fatal Flaw is releasing on the 4th September 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Paris PalomaProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Mitchell LiasProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ruby Wax is back and, instead of talking about fame and despots, she’s letting us into the three things she genuinely can’t live without. These are the anchors she leans on when life feels a bit wobbly and she needs something to bring her back to herself – from the pills that keep her stable, to the “mind gym” practices that help her stay present, to the furry companions who somehow make everything softer and funnier. We talk about what actually supports her day-to-day, how she keeps herself on a more even keel, and why looking after your mind is mostly about small, consistent acts of care. If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps Ruby steady(-ish), this episode is for youUSEFUL LINKS:Tickets to Ruby’s tour, Absolutely Famous, can be bought here.And you can join Frazzled Café online 7 days a week here: https://www.frazzledcafe.org/ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ruby WaxProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Mitchell LiasProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniEditor: Rowan JacobsExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Ruby Wax – comedy hurricane, TV icon and the woman who gave many of us permission to talk honestly about our own “mad” minds. Ruby looks back on the glory days of nineties telly, when she was let loose on the world’s biggest names and told to make mischief – all while quietly battling depression behind the scenes. We talk about fame as an addiction, why being liked felt like her life support, and how she ended up in clinic even when everything looked perfect on paper. There are unforgettable stories of chaotic interviews with Madonna and Trump, surreal dinners with Fergie and Andrew, and despots who thought she was their new best friend – plus what all of that taught her about ego, fear and survival. If you’ve ever wondered how someone can be the funniest person in the room and still be struggling inside, this episode will stay with you long after you’ve listened.USEFUL LINKS:Tickets to Ruby’s tour, Absolutely Famous, can be bought here.And you can join Frazzled Café online 7 days a week here: https://www.frazzledcafe.org/ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ruby WaxProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Mitchell LiasProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniEditor: Rowan JacobsExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sian Williams is back! In our main episode we talked about anxiety, overwhelm and why so many of us feel like we’re just white-knuckling our way through the week; now Sian is sharing the three things she personally leans on to keep herself grounded. We talk about the movement that gets her out of her head and back into her body, how her five kids quietly (and not so quietly) keep her ego in check, and why music – from upbeat playlists, to first gigs to an unexpectedly brilliant Barry Manilow study – has shaped the way she thinks about confidence, nostalgia and not caring what other people think. If you’re juggling a busy brain, big feelings and a lot of responsibilities, this one’s for youBOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODESian’s new book, The Power of Anxiety, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Sian WilliamsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Mitchell LiasProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by Dr Sian Williams – former BBC news anchor turned NHS counselling psychologist – who has swapped the newsroom for the therapy room to sit with people living through complex trauma, anxiety and stress. She talks about what she’s learned from reporting on some of the world’s worst days and now helping people survive their own, and why so many of us feel we don’t “deserve” our feelings. We get into anxiety as a full-body, thinking-feeling-doing experience, why trying to out-think it only makes it louder, and how to stop self-silencing and people-pleasing at the expense of yourself. Sian shares her “orchids and dandelions” way of understanding highly sensitive people, and why changing your environment – not who you are – is the key to finally feeling like you’re enough. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive” or wished you could grow a thicker skin, this episode is your reminder that you have always mattered, and your feelings really do count.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODESian’s new book, The Power of Anxiety, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Sian WilliamsProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Mitchell LiasProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People‑pleasing psychotherapist extraordinaire Emma Reed Turrell is back! In our main episode we talked about why so many of us are terrified of letting people down; now Emma is sharing the three things she personally leans on to keep her own people pleaser in check. We talk about the tiny nudges that help her move from “whatever you like” to “this is what I want”, how she spots the early warning signs in her body, and why the right friendships and family dynamics make all the difference. It’s gentle, honest and weirdly reassuring – like eavesdropping on your therapist’s real life. If you struggle to say no, or slow down, this one’s for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMy new book, People Pleaser, and Emma’s book, Please Yourself, are both available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma Reed TurrellProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Rowan JacobsExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by psychotherapist and author Emma Reed Turrell, the woman I basically tried to blag a free therapy session from. With my new novel, People Pleaser, out this week, I’ve asked Emma to help me – and you – untangle our chronic urge to keep everyone else happy. Emma specialises in people pleasing: that paralysing fear that someone’s cross with you and that you’ve let the whole world down. Together we dig into why people pleasing is actually a survival response, why it’s not as kind as it looks, and why it might even be selfish not to put yourself first. Emma shares why it’s essential that some people are annoyed with us, how to let others be “wrong” about you, and why co‑regulation (not bubble baths) is what our nervous systems really crave. If you’ve ever lost sleep over a throwaway text, casual email or simple work critique, this episode is for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMy new book, People Pleaser, is available to pre-order and is out on 23rd April. And Emma’s book, Please Yourself is available to buy now.LINK FOR SPA VOUCHERTo be in with a chance to win a £200 spa voucher to celebrate the release of People Pleaser, enter the competition here.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma Reed TurrellProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Rowan JacobsExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, makeup artist and internet star Genevieve Turley is back, and this time we’re tipping out her handbag to find the three beauty essentials she cannot live without. From quick hair fixes to glow-giving skincare and a clever multitasking makeup staple, Genevieve proves you don’t need a 27-step routine to feel like your best self. We talk about real-life beauty for women our age, how to feel good in the skin you’re in, and why simple products can be genuinely transformative on busy days, school runs and nights out. If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror feeling overwhelmed by products and expectations, this one’s for you.LINK TO TICKETSGenevieve’s debut show, Laughter Lines, is at the Leicester Square Theatre on 10th May 2026. Grab your tickets here.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Genevieve TurleyProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by the utterly brilliant Genevieve Turley – former military burns nurse turned bridal makeup artist and accidental Instagram sensation. Genevieve talks about swapping the Air Force and life‑changing injuries for a career helping women feel genuinely comfortable in their own skin, and why seeing real trauma means she no longer sweats the small stuff about ageing. We get into toxic beauty culture, Botox pressure, and why she’d rather invest in SPF than fillers. She shares properly useful, affordable skincare basics: how to work out your skin type with a post‑shower test, why double cleansing matters, and the simple routines that actually fit around kids, chaos and real life. If you’ve ever felt invisible at a makeup counter or confused by beauty trends, this one will make you feel seen, represented and a bit less alone. LINK TO TICKETSGenevieve’s debut show, Laughter Lines, is at the Leicester Square Theatre on 10th May 2026. Grab your tickets here.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Genevieve TurleyProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our main conversation, Josie helped us navigate the wild west of supplements and wellness marketing; today, we’re zooming in on the everyday habits she genuinely relies on, none of which involve complicated regimes or expensive powders.​ I ask Josie to share the three things she simply can’t live without when it comes to feeling grounded, energised and sane in modern life. We talk about food rhythms, why your body hates surprises, and how simple movement and ultra‑practical tweaks can change your mood, hormones and sleep far more than a new pill ever could.​If you’ve ever wished someone would just tell you what actually helps in real life, this episode is for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEJosie’s book, How Not to Take Supplements, is available to pre-order now and will be released on 4th June 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Josie PorterProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by dietician and author Josie Porter, who has written a brilliantly myth‑busting book called How Not to Take Supplements. If you’ve ever stared at an Instagram ad for collagen, creatine or a very chic greens powder and thought “Do I really need this?”, this episode is for you. We talk about why the supplements industry is booming, how clever marketing and “natural” branding manipulate our fears, and why more pills do not automatically mean better health. Josie explains what third‑party testing actually is, the red‑flag claims to avoid, and when supplements like vitamin D, Omega-3 or creatine might genuinely help. We also get into cheaper, easier food swaps that can replace a lot of pricey bottles, the power of good old tap water, and why a decent poo is still one of life’s greatest joys.​ If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by wellness noise, I promise this conversation will leave you feeling calmer, clearer and a lot less confused. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEJosie’s book, How Not to Take Supplements, is available to pre-order now and will be released on 4th June 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Josie PorterProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Mitchell LiasEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Corden is back and after our main conversation about bodies, food and self-worth, it felt only right to ask Ruth about the three things she leans on to stay vaguely sane in this ridiculous world. We get into the TV show she’s obsessively loyal to, the thing that leaves her with DOMS but also a much clearer head, and the lifelong relationships that hold her together when everything else feels wobbly. If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps someone going behind the big conversations, this one is for you.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ruth CordenProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regular listeners will know this is not a podcast where we glamorise weight loss stories or before-and-after pictures. As someone with a long history of eating disorders, I’ve spent years rejecting the idea that our worth lives and dies on the bathroom scales. But in this episode, I sit down with Ruth Corden to talk about what it means when healing your relationship with your body does involve losing weight – and how to do that without feeding fatphobic bullsh*t. Ruth talks honestly about living in a fat body, food addiction, “food noise”, and starting semaglutide – not as a vanity project, but as a lifeline for her health and sanity. We get into thin privilege, weaponised body positivity, fertility grief, shame in the GP’s office, and how lifting heavy weights helped her finally feel at home in her skin. It’s not a weight loss story. It’s a story about finally inhabiting the body you live in.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ruth CordenProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley James is back with me, after our main episode on body image and shame, and we get into the three things that keep her genuinely grounded when her kids are up at 5am, her social battery is dead, and the wellness industry is telling her to “just get up an hour earlier.” We talk about why female friendships feel like soulmates rather than side characters, the joy of getting completely lost in a really good book, and how certain quietly obsessive hobbies can switch off the noise in your head in a way Instagram never will.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAshley’s new book, Bimbo, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ashley JamesProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by broadcaster, DJ and author Ashley James for a big, honest conversation about women and the shame we’re taught to feel about our bodies. We talk about how that shame starts in girlhood – from periods and pubic hair to the way we’re told to shrink ourselves and ‘bounce back’ after birth – and why so many of us learn to make ourselves smaller to be lovable, acceptable, or just left alone.​ Ashley shares how diet culture and punishing exercise ruled her life for years, what finally made her say “enough”, and how she slowly unpicked all the messages that told her she should hate herself. If you’ve ever hidden a tampon up your sleeve, worried about your “belly fat”, or felt like your body was somehow wrong, this episode will help you feel seen – and maybe start being a little kinder to the person in the mirror. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAshley’s new book, Bimbo, is available to buy now. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xx CREDITS:Host: Bryony Gordon Guest: Ashley James Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After our main conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood, I had to ask Lorraine and Rosie all about the three things they each cannot live without. From the people who keep them afloat to the tiny rituals that make the chaos feel manageable, Lorraine and Rosie share the everyday lifelines that help them survive and actually thrive as mums and as a grandmother–mother duo. We talk about leaning on other women, finding comfort in unlikely places, and why it is never “needy” to ask for help. These are the unfiltered, practical things that make modern motherhood just that bit more bearable.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODERosie’s new book, Mother to Mother: Navigating Motherhood Through the Generations, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Lorraine Kelly & Rosie Kelly SmithProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, to mark Mother’s Day, I’m joined by actual daytime telly royalty: Lorraine Kelly and her brilliant daughter, Rosie Kelly Smith. We talk about what really happens after you have a baby – the bits the antenatal classes and “what to expect” books never quite prepare you for. Rosie opens up about her C‑section recovery, postnatal anxiety, dark intrusive thoughts and the terrifying street incident that left her scared to even leave the house with her baby. Lorraine shares how it feels watching your child become a mum, why women are so used to looking after everyone else, and how you can let yourself be mothered too. We chat therapy, medication, and the importance of building your own village when the old ones have disappeared. If you’re pregnant, a new mum, or still healing years on, this one’s for you. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODERosie’s new book, Mother to Mother: Navigating Motherhood Through the Generations, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Lorraine Kelly & Rosie Kelly SmithProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Partridge is back with me to share three essentials for coping with life as someone with ADHD. We talk about what it means to live in the “now”, how to quieten imposter syndrome, and why so many of us develop what Alex calls “success amnesia” and forget our achievements almost as soon as they’ve happened. Alex also shares the tiny daily practices that can gently build self-awareness, and explains why finding your people isn’t a luxury but a total lifesaver when your brain works differently. If you’ve ever felt “too much”, “not enough”, or just completely alone in how you experience the world, this one’s for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAlex’s new book ‘Why Does Everyone Hate Me?’ is released on 24th March 2026 and is available to pre-order now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Alex PartridgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt crippled by perfectionism, terrified of rejection, or spent your life trying to make everyone happy – even at your own expense – then this episode is for you. I’m joined by Alex Partridge, host of the ADHD Chatter podcast and author of the new book ‘Why Does Everyone Hate Me?’, to talk about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a little-known but deeply felt condition that’s finally being recognised as a disability. Alex explains how RSD affects those with ADHD and neurodivergent minds, how the quest for perfectionism leads to exhaustion, and the emotional toll this takes on relationships, work, and self-esteem. We also dive into real-life stories, strategies for coping, and why understanding RSD is so important for anyone who feels ruled by fear of criticism or rejection. Whether you have ADHD or just want to understand your chattering mind better, this is a conversation that will make you feel less alone. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAlex’s new book ‘Why Does Everyone Hate Me?’ is released on 24th March 2026 and is available to pre-order now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Alex PartridgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the wonderful Frankie Bridge is back – after our deep-dive main episode – to share the three things she absolutely cannot live without when life feels chaotic, noisy and a bit too much. We talk about why moving your body with other people can feel like therapy in disguise, how getting support to reframe unhelpful thoughts has changed Frankie’s day-to-day, and the surprisingly simple tools she turns to when her anxiety starts spiralling. We also get very honest about inconsistency, perfectionism, and why “trying” is sometimes more than enough. If you’re craving realistic wellbeing habits that don’t require a personality transplant, this one’s for you.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of Frankie's episodes resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following charities:SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.MindCall 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Frankie BridgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Frankie Bridge – singer, author, businesswoman and long-time mental health advocate – for one of the most open, moving conversations I’ve ever had on this show. From being catapulted to fame at 12 in S Club Juniors, to global success with The Saturdays, Frankie shares the truth about breakdown, depression, and being hospitalised in her early twenties when it all became too much.​ We talk about anxiety that started in childhood, disordered eating in the girl-band years, and what it’s really like to perform while having panic attacks and feeling like a shell of yourself. Frankie explains how ketamine therapy has been life-changing for her treatment‑resistant depression, why mum guilt is still her biggest battle, and how healing her inner child has helped her finally feel more whole.​ If you’ve ever felt like a burden, or wondered why you can’t just “be grateful” for the life you have, this episode will make you feel seen, less alone, and a lot kinder towards yourself.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.MindCall 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Frankie BridgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harriet Tyce is back and this time we’re getting seriously nosy about the three things she absolutely cannot live without. We talk about the rituals that keep her grounded when life feels as intense as a round table, the unlikely TV habit that helps her switch off, and the one very ordinary daily pleasure that she will never give up. Harriet also shares how she protects her reading time, even when doom‑scrolling is calling, and why reconnecting with simple joys has mattered more than any grand life overhaul. If you’re feeling frazzled, this episode might just inspire you to rediscover your own non‑negotiables.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEHarriet’s new gripping thriller, Witch Trial, is available to buy from 26th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Harriet TyceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Harriet Tyce – former criminal barrister, million‑copy bestselling author, and the breakout star of The Traitors – for a raw, funny and gloriously honest conversation about booze, burnout and beginning again. We talk about how a high‑functioning drinking habit crept into blackouts, anxiety and shame, and why giving up alcohol in her late forties became the greatest gift she’s ever given herself (after her husband). Harriet shares how leaving the bar, and feeling creatively unchallenged in early motherhood, eventually pushed her towards writing – and to the smash‑hit novel Blood Orange. We also get into female friendship, brutal schoolgirl politics, and her electrifying new thriller, Witch Trial. If you’ve ever thought “I can’t change, it’s too late,” this episode might just prove you wrong. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEHarriet’s new gripping thriller, Witch Trial, is available to buy from 26th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Harriet TyceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lou Beckett is back to talk about the three things she simply cannot live without. From accepting help without guilt to refusing to dismiss “just a coffee” with friends as frivolous, Lou shares the habits and mindsets that keep her vaguely upright while juggling kids, school admin and everyone else’s emotions. We chat about why asking for help is actually a life skill we need to model for our children, why social time is stress relief not indulgence, and how finding a comforting, low-stakes TV obsession can be its own form of meditation. If you’re an exhausted default parent, this one is for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODELou’s Book, Lessons from a Default Parent: Surviving the Front Line of Family Life (Without Losing Your Sh*t), is available to buy from 12th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Lou BeckettProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Lou Beckett – mum of two, history teacher and wife of comedian Rob Beckett – who shares a hilariously raw take on what it really means to be the default parent. Lou talks about carrying the invisible labour and mental load while Rob is away, the identity freefall of stepping away from work, and why women are still expected to “have it all” while running on no sleep. We get into birth trauma, breastfeeding guilt, and why feeding your baby formula is not a moral failing. Lou explains what it really means to be the default parent, why schools always ring mum first, and how resentment quietly builds over time. We also talk about being completely “touched out” by kids hanging off you all day, and then being expected to switch into sex kitten mode the minute your partner walks through the door. This is a funny, deeply validating conversation for anyone who has ever thought: I love my kids, but I am absolutely done. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODELou’s Book, Lessons from a Default Parent: Surviving the Front Line of Family Life (Without Losing Your Sh*t), is available to buy from 12th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Lou BeckettProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the wonderful Emma Kirk-Odunubi is back with us. If you heard her main episode, you’ll know she’s a 15-time marathon runner, coach and all‑round running legend – but today, we’re finding out the three things she simply cannot live without.​ We talk about why the most important part of running might happen when you’re not running at all, why it’s sometimes not just okay but wise to skip a run, and how “forwards is a pace” became Emma’s mantra on and off the road. This is a gorgeous, grounding conversation for anyone who needs permission to slow down, be kinder to themselves, and still call themselves a runner.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEEmma’s book, Find Your Pace, is available from 5th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma Kirk-OdunubiProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sprinted (okay, jogged) into the studio this week because I knew this conversation would change how you think about running. My guest is performance coach and running legend Emma Kirk‑Odunubi, whose new book Find Your Pace is the gentle, funny, no‑nonsense guide I wish I’d had when I first stumbled out in leopard‑print Converse and a Tommy Tippee cup.​ We talk about how Emma found running in the depths of grief after losing her dad, and how moving her body helped her mind when nothing else worked. She explains why “just showing up is where the magic happens”, why walking breaks don’t make you any less of a runner, and how her “FETCH” method and chunking tricks make running feel doable, even if you’re a very busy, very tired human. Whether your goal is 10 minutes alone, a first parkrun or a marathon, this episode will get you lacing up. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEEmma’s book, Find Your Pace, is available from 5th February 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma Kirk-OdunubiProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lovely people, Charley Webb is back. In the main episode, Charley talked about being a mum of three, navigating her mum’s Alzheimer’s and trying to stay afloat in the middle of it all. In this bonus conversation, she lifts the lid on the three non‑negotiables she leans on to keep going – the everyday things that help her feel connected, calm and vaguely human. We talk about the power of real friendship, why small rituals matter when life feels overwhelming, and how giving yourself permission to do “nothing” can actually be the most productive choice of all. If you are part of the exhausted sandwich generation, or just craving a few simple ideas to make your own days feel more manageable, this one is for you.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf Charley’s story of her mother’s illness resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Dementia UK:https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/Alzheimer’s UK:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/getting-supportWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Charley WebbProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If, like me, you are a bit of a soap addict, you will know Charley Webb from her decades-long stint on Emmerdale. But in this episode of The Life of Bryony, you will hear a far more intimate, unfiltered version of her story. Charley talks candidly about pursuing an autism and ADHD diagnosis, parenting a neurodivergent child, and how hyperfixation shows up everywhere from skincare to intrusive thoughts.​ She also revisits the sudden death of her dad when she was 14, the bullying that oddly set her free, and the complicated, lonely reality of her mum’s early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We talk about grieving someone who is still here, the guilt of struggling to visit, and why honesty about “not coping” can be such a relief.​ If you are navigating dementia, neurodivergence, or that exhausting sandwich-generation juggle, this conversation might help you feel a little less alone.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf Charley’s story of her mother’s illness resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Dementia UK:https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/Alzheimer’s UK:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/getting-supportWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Charley WebbProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Sam RhodesStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alex George is back to share the three things he absolutely cannot live without. These aren’t flashy wellness fads, but grounded, realistic practices that support his mental fitness, help him reset on tough days, and remind him that life can still feel joyful and expansive. We talk about why movement has become completely non‑negotiable for him, how a simple daily ritual changes the tone of his whole day, and the slightly surprising passion that makes him feel most alive.​ If you’re looking for doable ideas to weave into your own routine – without becoming a full‑time self‑improvement project – this episode is a very gentle place to start.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAlex’s new book ‘Am I Normal?’ is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Dr. Alex GeorgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Alex George for an incredibly powerful and tender conversation. Alex talks about losing his younger brother, Llŷr, to suicide, the strange expectation that we should “get over” grief, and what really happens to a family when the worst thing imaginable actually happens. We discuss how alcohol became his way of pushing the pain down, the day he decided he couldn’t drink – or live – like that anymore, and why stopping drinking was the single best decision he has ever made. Alex also opens up about a late diagnosis of OCD, the torture of rumination, and the night a run quite literally saved his life. If you’ve ever felt broken by loss, plagued by your own mind, or unsure you can face another day, this conversation is for you. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEAlex’s new book ‘Am I Normal?’ is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Dr. Alex GeorgeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After our main chat about addiction and the difference between fast, spiky dopamine and the slower, steadier kind, Catherine returns to share the three things that genuinely keep her grounded.​ We dig into what “slow dopamine” actually feels like in real life – the kind of calm, long-lasting reward you don’t regret the next morning – and Catherine talks me through the simple daily habits that help her get there. We cover movement, mindset and even what you put on your body, and why all of it matters if you’re trying not to be at the mercy of your moods.​ If your brain tends to wake up shouting “the end is nigh” and you’re craving more ease, this conversation is for you.​BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODECatherine’s new book, Little Addictions, is available to buy from the 29th January 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Catherine GrayProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you already “failed” at Dry January? If that’s the case, welcome to the club. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Catherine Gray to unpick why you can’t just grit your teeth and get through a month off booze – and why resolutions in general are so hard to keep. We talk about what is really going on in your brain when you suddenly remove your usual drink, why your nervous system kicks off, and how shame and self‑loathing make you more likely to reach for the thing you’re trying to quit. From Dry January to doom‑scrolling, biscuits, vapes, porn, shopping and phone use, Catherine explains how our “stone age” brains are trying to survive in an ultra‑addictive modern world.​ We dig into dopamine, “little addictions”, friction, and tiny cogs of change – so you can feel informed and be a little bit kinder to yourself. If you’ve ever wondered “What’s wrong with me?” around addiction, this episode will help you realise: absolutely nothing. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODECatherine’s new book, Little Addictions, is available to buy from the 29th January 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Catherine GrayProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Cooke is back with me to reveal the daily non‑negotiables that keep him grounded, sane and able to show up for his life. He shares the simple practices that support his body, brain and energy, and explains how you can start building your own versions, even if you think you’re too busy, too “all over the place”, or too burnt out to begin. We talk morning and evening routines, movement that calms a racing mind, and how to protect your energy from the people and situations that drain you.​ If you’ve ever wondered what really underpins a “high‑vibe” life, this chat is your sign to find your own three things.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMatt’s book, Beyond Wanting, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Matt CookeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is manifestation coach, speaker and author Matt Cooke, whose book Beyond Wanting genuinely shifted how I think about this stuff. Matt was once a stressed‑out estate agent and total sceptic, until grief, a strange spiritual experience and a deep dive into quantum physics blew his world open.​ We talk about how manifestation really works, why it is not as simple (or as cruel) as “your thoughts create your reality”, and how to use it safely if you live with anxiety, OCD or intrusive thoughts. Matt explains the science of observation, neuroplasticity and why your brain always drags you back to the old path, plus the simple daily tools he uses – journaling, affirmations, meditation and “gratitude for what isn’t here yet”.​ If you’ve ever thought, “Manifesting is for other people”, this episode is for you. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMatt’s book, Beyond Wanting, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Matt CookeProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most wonderful – or sometimes, challenging – time of year, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome back the glorious Gaby Roslin for this very special festive bonus episode! Gaby’s back to share her three top tips for having a truly joyous Christmas. We chat tiny tasks, courage in colour, and why it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference during the Christmas season. Settle in with your favourite treat, enjoy the sparkle, and remember: joy is found in the little things (and in this episode!).BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEGaby’s book, Spread the Joy, is available to buy in paperback now.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of Gaby’s episodes resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following charities:SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.MindCall 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Gaby RoslinProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by TV and radio legend, Gaby Roslin and we’re talking all about hacking happiness – especially when life feels anything but festive. Together, we chat about why Christmas and the holidays can feel really hard, what loneliness actually looks like (and how to talk about it), navigating toxic people, and why it’s okay to just let yourself feel down sometimes. Gaby shares her own struggles with shyness and self-judgment, her family’s approach to gratitude, and her tips for finding small moments of brightness when everything around you feels dark. We also dive into the joy of musical theatre, embracing your age, compassionate living – and of course, plenty of laughter. If you need a little lift (or just some solidarity), this episode is one for you. Find helpful links and helplines in the show notes below – don’t forget, you are never alone. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEGaby’s book, Spread the Joy, is available to buy in paperback now.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.MindCall 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Gaby RoslinProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Gannon is back with me, fresh from talking about her ‘year of nothing’, to share the three things she simply cannot live without. As someone who has come through serious burnout, Emma has thought deeply about what genuinely keeps her grounded, rested and sane – and it’s probably not what you’d expect. We chat about carving out tiny pockets of sanctuary at home, the importance of true laughter and connection, and the simple rituals she uses to listen to her intuition. If you’re exhausted, over-stimulated, or just craving a bit more everyday magic, this gentle, cosy conversation is for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEEmma’s new book, ‘A Year of Nothing’ is available to pre-order now and will be released on 22nd January 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma GannonProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by my friend Emma Gannon – award-winning author and Substack writer – to talk about something so many of us are secretly fantasising about: stopping. Properly stopping. Emma tells me about her “year of nothing”, the breakdown that forced her to confront burnout, and how stepping off the hustle treadmill completely changed her life. We talk about the fantasy of being “hospitalised for exhaustion”, why so many women feel they can’t hack modern life, and what happens when your body says “no more”. Emma shares her experience with panic attacks and disassociation, the friendships and work she had to let go of, and how she learned to rest deeply instead of putting on a show of productivity. If you’re exhausted, edging towards burnout, or just craving permission to do less, this conversation is for you.​ BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEEmma’s new book, ‘A Year of Nothing’ is available to pre-order now and will be released on 22nd January 2026.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Emma GannonProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millie Mackintosh is back to chat about the three absolute essentials she relies on to not just survive but thrive without alcohol during the festive season. We talk wellbeing, self-care, finding little rewards that feel even better than a tipple, and just how transformative those small daily choices can be. Whether you’re newly sober or just curious, Millie’s approach – and her honesty about learning to embrace Christmas in a whole new light – will leave you feeling inspired and supported. This chat will give you some practical advice, a giggle or two, and a reminder that you’re not alone this December!BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMillie’s book, Bad Drunk, is available in paperback from the 8th January 2026.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of Millie’s episodes resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following:DRINKLINE – For anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.To speak to someone call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).ALCOHOL CHANGE UK – For anyone seeking help with their own or someone else’s drinking.Visit https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ THE FORWARD TRUST – For anyone needing support to recover from addiction.Chat to someone online at https://forwardtrust.org.uk/talk-to-us (weekdays 9am-5pm) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – For anyone who feels their drinking is causing problems or who has a desire to stop drinking.Call 0800 917 7650 visit https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:Bad Drunk: Millie Mackintosh on Sobriety, Motherhood, and HealingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Millie MackintoshProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Life of Bryony, I’m joined by my wonderful friend Millie Mackintosh to talk about something so many of you have been asking for – how to survive and actually enjoy the festive season without alcohol. Millie shares her honest and heartfelt experiences of giving up drinking, the challenges of those first few Christmases sober, and practical tips for navigating parties, family gatherings, and the pressures of December without drowning out your feelings with booze. We discuss how to plan your social calendar, finding your tribe, and the small wins that make all the difference. If you’re sober curious or newly sober, this episode will remind you you’re not alone. Bryony xx BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEMillie’s book, Bad Drunk, is available in paperback on the 8th January 2026.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today, and you would like support, please consider the following:DRINKLINE – For anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.To speak to someone call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)ALCOHOL CHANGE UK – For anyone seeking help with their own or someone else’s drinking.Visit https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ THE FORWARD TRUST – For anyone needing support to recover from addiction.Chat to someone online at https://forwardtrust.org.uk/talk-to-us (weekdays 9am-5pm) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - For anyone who feels their drinking is causing problems or who has a desire to stop drinking.Call 0800 917 7650 visit https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:Bad Drunk: Millie Mackintosh on Sobriety, Motherhood, and HealingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Millie MackintoshProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, psychotherapist Sophie Scott joins me again to answer listener questions on supporting loved ones with mental health challenges: How do you step back from a parent’s mental health needs when guilt keeps pulling you in? What’s the best way to help a sibling with OCD, beyond just managing their rituals? And how do you avoid feeling completely drained by a friend who’s is struggling? Sophie shares how setting boundaries can actually be an act of love, and why “detaching with love” might be the healthiest thing you can do – for you and for them. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance caring for others while protecting your own wellbeing, you are absolutely not alone – this chat is for you.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODESophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/ OCD Action – for people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.Call 0300 636 5478 or visit https://ocdaction.org.uk/Al Anon – for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.Call 0800 0086 811 or visit https://al-anonuk.org.uk/FamAnon – for family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.Call 0207 4984 680 or visit https://famanon.org.uk/SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.CREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Sophie ScottProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’SullivanAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist and author Sophie Scott to talk about what it really takes to support loved ones through mental health challenges without losing yourself along the way. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in a family touched by OCD and loss, and how those experiences shaped her approach to mental health. We explore the power of listening over giving advice, why boundaries are essential for everyone’s wellbeing, and how burnout affects caregivers who often feel unseen or unsupported. Sophie offers practical strategies – from the 4-7-8 breathing technique to finding individual purpose and accepting messy emotions that can help you care for others and for yourself. If you’re navigating relationships affected by OCD or other mental health issues, this episode is packed with compassion, relatability, and genuinely helpful advice.BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODESophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/ Al Anon – for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.Call 0800 0086 811 or visit https://al-anonuk.org.uk/FamAnon – for family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.Call 0207 4984 680 or visit https://famanon.org.uk/OCD Action – for people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.Call 0300 636 5478 or visit https://ocdaction.org.uk/SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.CREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Sophie ScottProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’SullivanAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on The Life of Bryony, Rhian Mannings returns to share the three things that helped her survive unthinkable loss and begin to find her way through grief. She shares how small acts of kindness, tough love from friends, and the courage to keep showing up made all the difference in her healing. And we laugh about lasagnas left on doorsteps, reflect on how grief changes what really matters, and talk about the simple, surprising things that can carry us through the darkest days. It’s a tender, funny, and deeply human conversation that reminds us there’s no right way to survive loss – only small glimmers that light the way forward.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Rhian’s charity, 2wish:https://2wish.org.uk/Sue Ryderhttps://www.sueryder.org/ for expert grief support, including an online bereavement community available 24/7.SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Rhian ManningsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by the extraordinary Rhian Mannings – a woman whose story of loss, resilience, and purpose has touched hearts around the world, even moving Prince William to tears. At 33, Rhian lost her baby son George and, just five days later, her husband Paul, took his own life. In this deeply moving conversation, she talks about surviving the unimaginable, the loneliness and stigma that accompany suicide, and how she channelled her pain into founding the charity 2wish, which supports families facing sudden bereavement. We also discuss the physical impact of grief, navigating motherhood after trauma, and the importance of speaking openly about mental health and suicide. Rhian’s honesty and openness shine through every word – a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there can be light, love, and purpose again.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Rhian’s charity, 2wish:https://2wish.org.uk/Sue Ryderhttps://www.sueryder.org/ for expert grief support, including an online bereavement community available 24/7.SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO LISTEN TO:'I never thought I'd be happy again in my life.' Lottie Tomlinson on Accepting GriefWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.CREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Rhian ManningsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ore Oduba is back to share the three things that have helped him become the truest version of himself. He opens up about how childhood fear and a need to please others once shaped his world, and how discovering Mel Robbins proved to be a genuine game-changer – so much so that her words now live with him in a way that’s hard to miss. Ore also reflects on rediscovering parts of his youth, from faith to the power of movement, and how these have given him a whole new lease of life. If you’re searching for a spark of inspiration, or perhaps wondering how to finally break free from old fears, this episode is for you.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the topics discussed in the episodes with Ore impact you in any way and you’d like to seek some support, please consider contacting the following charities:The Naked Truth Project, a charity helping those affected by unhealthy relationships with porn: https://nakedtruthproject.com/Pivotal Recovery, a charity offering guided online programmes to help people overcome porn, sex addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviours: https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ore OdubaProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Ore Oduba – the wonderfully warm presenter whose career has spanned everything from covering the Olympics to lifting the glitterball trophy on Strictly. But today, he’s here for one of our most vulnerable conversations yet. Ore opens up about his addiction to online pornography, a topic so rarely discussed yet one that impacts so many lives. Now nearly 18 months clean, he shares how shame and secrecy blighted his life, and why speaking out is the first step towards change. We talk about the childhood roots of addiction, the challenges of growing up in a digital age, and why removing shame is essential to recovery and self-acceptance. If you’ve ever struggled with an aspect of mental health or addiction, or you’re worried about your own children growing up online, Ore’s honesty about his journey will resonate deeply.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the topics discussed in today’s show impact you in any way and you’d like to seek some support, please consider contacting the following charities:The Naked Truth Project, a charity helping those affected by unhealthy relationships with porn: https://nakedtruthproject.com/Pivotal Recovery, a charity offering guided online programmes to help people overcome porn, sex addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviours: https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ore OdubaProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iskra Lawrence joins me again to reveal the three absolute essentials she simply couldn’t do without in her daily life. From family, to wellbeing routines, to the community that lifts her up, Iskra’s approach is both refreshingly real and inspiringly joyful. Whether you’re feeling a bit lost, looking to shake up your own daily rituals, or just want a healthy dose of positivity, this bite-sized episode is for you. Come be part of our inclusive community, and discover what really matters to one of the most uplifting people I know. Tune in, share, and let us know what your own essentials are!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Iskra LawrenceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with the unstoppable Iskra Lawrence – model, entrepreneur, and advocate for body acceptance – to explore how she transformed the fashion and beauty landscape. Iskra shares how she broke into modelling, weathered rejection in a ruthless industry, battled body dysmorphia and eating disorders, and redefined her self-worth on her own terms. We discuss the realities of performative inclusivity, why brands get it wrong - and how her own beauty company, Saltair, is fighting to make everyone feel welcome, and worthy. Iskra opens up about postpartum experience, finding the power to pivot when doors slam shut, and how self-care can be simple yet truly transformative. If you’ve ever felt ‘not enough’ in a world obsessed with size, or wondered how to bounce back from rejection, this conversation will spark hope and practical wisdom. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep being unapologetically you!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITSHost: Bryony GordonGuest: Iskra LawrenceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the wonderful Kate Lawler returns to tackle listener questions on everything from finding creative purpose and podcast inspiration to navigating the realities of postnatal depression. Expect candid conversation, practical advice, and a heartfelt dose of hope as Kate shares her personal journey, her strategies for getting through anxiety and self-doubt, and why being open about struggles matters so much. If you’re searching for answers on creativity, parenthood, or mental health, or just want to hear women supporting women with no filter, this chat is for you.LINK TO SUPPORT GROUPIf the content around perinatal mental health resonated with you, please consider contacting PANDAS, the charity Kate discusses in the episode:https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEKate Lawler’s book, Maybe Baby: On the Mother Side, is available in all good book stores.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Kate LawlerProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor:  Alex GrahamExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.