It Can't Just Be Me

Today’s dilemma is from an entrepreneur and mum to two young children. She’s finding it increasingly frustrating that the responsibilities of parenting aren’t split equally between her and her male partner. It’s a cliche she’s always been keen to avoid, so she wants to know what practical steps she can take to redress the balance in her relationship. Cue iconic shoe designer, entrepreneur, and mum to five – Sophia Webster. Sophia has found a way to make this seemingly impossible balancing act work, although she admits that it isn’t always easy and she doesn’t have everything sorted, by any means.  Anna and Sophia are joined by psychotherapist, author, podcaster and parenting specialist, Anna Mathur. Together, they discuss navigating the career and motherhood jigsaw puzzle; feeling “mum guilt;” and Sophia shares how she and her husband manage to work together, live together, and parent together, all at the same time. And, naturally, there’s also a lot of talk about shoes!  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for regular updates

We are bursting with excitement as we have Dr Alex George in the studio this week to talk through a dilemma from a listener who’s thinking about cutting down on alcohol, in the run up to the festive season.  Dr Alex is a former A&E doctor, ex-Love Islander and expert Mental Health Ambassador. He gave up drinking in December 2022, so he couldn’t be better placed to give some advice to our listener.  With the help of psychotherapist Nadiyah Davis, Anna and Dr Alex talk about why it’s not just to do with the amount we drink, but also about reflecting on why we drink and how it makes us feel. They explore what we might gain from cutting down on alcohol, how to deal with the social side of not drinking, and share tips for anyone thinking of giving it a try. They also give advice to a listener seeking purpose in their life, and another listener experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.    If you’re worried about your alcohol consumption, please see this NHS webpage that has more information and includes advice about getting the help you might need: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/ . You may also like to contact the charity With You who provide free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.   

Come on into this episode where we’re talking all about coming out as a teenager.    In the studio with Anna, we have the inspiring LGBTQ+ advocate, author, TV presenter and celebrity-masterchef, Riyadh Khalaf.  Riyadh’s challenging, but incredibly powerful, story of coming out as a teenager to his then Irish Catholic mother and Iraqi Muslim father, means he has much wisdom to pass on to our listener today. Our dilemma is from a listener struggling to come out to her parents, whilst also dealing with grief over losing the only family member who knew she was gay and who was a great support to her.  Alongside Riyadh, we have best-selling author and much-loved psychotherapist, Owen O’Kane. Owen not only generously shares his expertise but also has his own coming out story to share, having come to terms with his sexuality while training to be a priest.  Anna, Riyadh and Owen have a conversation filled with warmth, laughter, pain and joy where they offer concrete advice to our listener on finding connection and acceptance, chosen families, bringing shame out into the light and, throughout it all, finding your courage.    While this episode is an inspiring listen, it does mention self-harm, suicide and a non-consensual sexual encounter. So please approach the episode with care.  If you or someone you love has been affected by any of the topics covered in this episode, help is available.  The NHS website contains guidance on how to access mental health support, and lists other helpful resources. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ The Samaritans also provide a safe space to call 24 hours a day at 116 123.  The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line run by Rape Crisis England & Wales offers support to anyone of any gender aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced any form of unwanted sexual behaviour. Webchat is available via the website at https://rapecrisis.org.uk, or you can call them at 0808 500 2222.  Rape Crisis Scotland provides support for Scottish listeners via their website http://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or via a call to 0808 801 03 02 Finally, the LGBT Foundation offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. Phone: 0345 3 30 30 30 (Daily 10am-10pm) https://lgbt.foundation — Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative  Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom  Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Grace Victory is one of those people who just draws you in — she is utterly compelling. So, it was a total pleasure to have her join Anna in the studio to offer some advice to a listener who is struggling with intimacy following a previous trauma. Having experienced trauma herself — both in her early years, and more recently — Grace generously shares her own story and the wisdom she's gathered on her own healing journey.  With the assistance of super psychotherapist, Sam Pennells-Nkolo, Grace and Anna discuss the listener’s dilemma, consider its echoes with Grace’s story, and ultimately share advice on how the listener can begin to confront her challenges with intimacy. They also consider the contested question of young children and screen-time, and what gifts to buy for a new mother.  This episode is powerful and amazing, but Grace’s story does cover heavy topics such as abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, anxiety, sexual assault, and depression. So please approach the episode with care.  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Anna can really relate to this week’s dilemma - it comes from a woman who’s severely struggling with her perimenopause symptoms and is asking why it seems to be so much harder for some women than others.  So, Anna has called on the expert sports broadcaster and host of The Mid.Point podcast, Gabby Logan, to share her sage advice. With the assistance of TV doctor extraordinaire, Dr Ellie Cannon, Anna and Gabby share anecdotes from their own perimenopause and suggest some of the tips and tricks that have helped them navigate this aspect of their mid-life journeys. The trio discuss the medical options available to those dealing with difficult menopause symptoms, highlight the importance of caring for and understanding our bodies as we grow older, and consider the value of naming and identifying the menopause to our families, friends and colleagues.  To hear more from Gabby on the subject of mid-life, you can listen to her brilliant podcast The Mid.Point (https://podfollow.com/midpoint). And you can find out more about Menopause Matters, the magazine and forum that supported on us on this episode, via their website. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

One more week until It Can't Just Be Me returns with special guest Gabby Logan! In the meantime, how's this to keep you busy? This is an episode of Where's Home Really?, an award-winning podcast that sets out to  discover what home means to famous faces from the worlds of TV, music, comedy, food and beyond. In this episode, Jimi meets chef, author and broadcaster Andi Oliver. to discuss cultural appropriation, jerk rice and the time Andi accidentally joined a punk band. You can subscribe to Where's Home Really? wherever you're listening to this. ___________________________________ Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com

We've got a little treat for you before Anna is back to solve more of your dilemmas and prove that it's not just you. This is an episode of Go Love Yourself, an award-winning podcast that’s helping us love ourselves a little more.  You might know its host, Laura Adlington, from the 2020 Bake Off final. Along with her best mate Lauren, Laura is unlearning everything she's been taught about body image, acceptance and confidence. This episode is about the effect that magazines have had on our body image and what we can do to repair the damage - we think you'll love it. You can find Go Love Yourself wherever you're listening to this. ___________________________________ Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com

There’s no question about it - sex is a big deal in an intimate relationship. How often do we have it? How do we feel about it? Do our expectations align with our partner? And, how should we communicate when they don’t?  Well, this week Anna has a listener dilemma that skirts around all of these questions. It’s from a woman in a happy relationship, who’s looking for some advice on how to navigate her dwindling desire for sex with her partner. To help out with this one, Anna is joined by someone who is no stranger to talking about sex on a podcast —  the brilliant TV chef and previous co-host of Sex, Lies & DM Slides, Gizzi Erskine.  With the help of super-psychotherapist, Sam Pennells-Nkolo, Gizzi and Anna offer advice — suggesting some tools and tricks to the listener about how to build intimacy, ask for what you want sexually, and understand your own desires. We’ve had so many emails about this in the It Can’t Just Be Me inbox, so I know this is one that lots of you will be interested in.  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

It’s Mental Health Awareness day this week, so who better to join Anna in the studio than mental health advocate and the host of the Hurt to Healing Podcast, Pandora Morris. Pandora’s story is one of survival and resilience. And, in today’s episode, she shares her journey in response to a listener’s dilemma — as a reminder that everyone’s mental health journey is different. With the guidance of psychotherapist, Shabnam Yasmin, Anna and Pandora respond to a dilemma from a listener who found that having a dog was detrimental to their mental health. What follows is a powerful and moving conversation around the complex topic of Mental Health and positions of responsibility and care. The trio also offer advice to a listener who is struggling with dating and anxiety, and they respond to a dilemma from a listener thinking about changing career. We speak about eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and severe mental health struggles in today’s episode. So, please take care when considering how, and when, to listen. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

This week, Anna is responding to a dilemma from a woman in her late 40s who has questions around her sexuality. This listener was in a relationship with a man for 30 years, but after the breakdown of this marriage, she had a whirlwind romance with a woman. Now, she’s navigating teenage kids, questions around her sexuality, and to top it all off… the menopause. Yikes!  To help Anna get to the bottom of this dilemma, she’s joined by the brilliant Milena Sanchez. Milena is one-third of The Receipts Podcast, and has a lot to share on the topic of this dilemma, having come to terms with her own sexuality after the birth of her daughter. With the assistance of Julian Pascal-Saadi, a psychotherapist with specialities in sexuality and gender, Anna and Milena offer advice to the listener drawing on their experiences navigating their own sexuality.  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Anna’s getting the low-down on non-monogamy this week, and, who better to guide us through this rich and fascinating topic than sex-positivity advocate, and practicer of non-monogamy themselves, Ruby Rare.  Ruby offers some guidance to a listener who has just opened up their previously monogamous relationship and is asking for some advice around how to approach conversations about their new sexual-liaisons with their long-term partner. With the assistance of Chris Sheridan (The Queer Therapist), Ruby shares some top tips and tricks on how they make non-monogamy work in their relationship. And, they open up about all the beautiful ways non-monogamy has enhanced every aspect of their life.  We also chat about tough break-ups and a certain condition that will spark a sense of dread in anyone with a vagina — thrush! So, buckle up for a sexy, but informative, ride! … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Charles Tomlinson Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Anna Richardson is back with a brand new season of It Can’t Just Be Me, and she's primed and ready to answer your burning questions! To kick-start the season, Anna is joined by superstar anonymous Agony-Aunt, LalalaLetMeExplain.  Anna and Lala trawl through some of the juiciest dilemmas in the inbox. From belly-button kinks, parenthood, icks, and dating apps - Anna and Lala leave no stone unturned and have a good old laugh along the way.  For more from LalalaLetMeExplain, you can listen to her podcast It’s Not You, It’s Them…But It Might Be You Please note, this episode strays into a discussion around blurred boundaries in relationships. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

You loved the glorious Cici Colman when she joined me for last week's episode of It Can't Just Be Me. So, I'm sharing the first episode of her brilliant podcast, First Dates: The Podcast with you this week whilst I take a break for the summer. First Dates: The Podcast, is like a podcast version of the debrief you have with your best friend after you've gone on a first date. Co-hosted by Cici and the fabulous Frankie Bridge - I just know you're going to love it! You can find the show wherever you're listening to this or on listentofirstdates.com.

Cici Coleman is amazing at many things — she's the nation's favourite waitress, the co-host of First Dates: the Podcast, and a brilliant fitness and life coach. But, one thing Cici isn’t very good at is making decisions. And there's one decision that plagues her more than any other — whether or not to have children.  So, for this episode, I’ve beckoned her into my podcast studio to respond to a dilemma from a woman who is child-free by choice and is struggling with feeling like she has to explain her decision to others.  With the help of Zoë Noble — the founder of We Are Childfree — Cici and I delve into a discussion about being childfree. We consider the childfree choice, how best to communicate our decisions about parenthood to others, and offer advice to listeners about how to engage with childfree women.  You can listen to all new First Dates: The podcast, co-hosted by the wonderful Cici, via this link. And, you can find out more about Zoë Noble's We Are Childfree photography series here.  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com. This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Sarah Myles Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

It’s no secret that I love talking about sex… and judging by our inbox, it seems that you lot do too! So, I decided that the time has come to give the people what they want — advice about sex, pleasure, and everything in between! To help me get stuck into this sexy special, I’ve invited our resident psychotherapist — the fabulous Sam Pennells-Nkolo — to join me.  It’s a hot and steamy ride — from secret masturbation, orgasms, infidelity, long-distance relationships, and even some scandalous personal revelations from me. You’re going to love it! … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Sarah Myles Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

It's been more than ten years since Sali Hughes, The Guardian’s resident beauty columnist, went through a divorce. But she says it's still the most traumatic thing she's ever been through. In this episode Sali joins Anna and divorce coach, Maxine Clancy, in the studio to reflect on her experience and offer advice to a listener in the early stages of a separation. Together they share tips on how to approach the horrible practical tasks that come with a separation — like divvying up shared stuff — and offer some glimmers of hope about what’s waiting on the other side. You can stay up to date with Sali via her Instagram. And if you or someone you know is going through a separation, they might be in need of some heartbreak therapy from today’s brilliant expert: psychotherapist and divorce coach Maxine Clancy. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Ever wondered if you have ADHD? In the past it seemed like this was a label reserved only for naughty boys, but these days more adults than ever are being diagnosed with the condition. Which begs the question: do some of us have it and don't even know? In this episode Anna is joined by comedian Shaparak Khorsandi, whose life was transformed for the better when she was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in her forties. With the support of NHS consultant psychiatrist Dr Jessica Eccles, Anna and Shaparak explore how ADHD can affect us as adults, and what we can do if we suspect we have it. We want to thank the wonderful Sarah and Chris from the online community HeyDHD who helped us out for this episode. You can follow them here. To learn more about Shaparak’s ADHD journey, you can read her book Scatterbrain, available in all good bookshops. And you can find out more information about Dr Eccles' research at @drbendybrain. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Pulama Kaufman Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Feed your soul with nourishing conversations from two best friends, one therapist - and zero filter. Listen to Best Friend Therapy with Elizabeth Day and Emma Reed-Turrell on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

Everyone wants to look their best for their wedding, but is it healthy to lose weight just for the big day? In this episode Anna is joined by Geordie Shore icon, body positivity advocate and soon-to-be-bride Vicky Pattison. Together, the pair grapple with a dilemma from a nutritionist who’s feeling conflicted: she tells her engaged clients they shouldn't lose weight just to look 'better', but now her own big day is coming up she's tempted to shed some pounds for the sake of those photos. With the expert guidance of Anna Sinski, a psychotherapist and food coach, Anna and Vicky consider why people feel the pressure to lose weight ahead of a wedding, and how to manage this. To hear more from superstar guest, Vicky Pattison, you can listen to her podcast The Secret To, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions around weight loss and body image. Please only listen if these kinds of conversations are helpful for you. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Charles Tomlinson Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Suzi Ruffell is a professional comedian, a parent, and one of few people who has managed to turn crippling anxiety into a successful comedy show. So Anna knew she was the person to call on for this week’s dilemma, which comes from a parent who's feeling anxious about the fact they're feeling anxious. With the help of our resident psychotherapist, the wonderful Sam Pennells-Nkolo, Anna and Suzi consider whether parents should be honest with their children about their anxieties, or if they should try and keep them hidden. They ask: is anxiety just part-in-parcel of being a parent? And - if we reframe it - is it actually the ultimate expression of parental love? If you want to hear more from Suzi (why wouldn’t you!) - you can listen to her brilliant podcast OUT, or her podcast Like-Minded Friends with Tom Allen. And you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest news. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to itcantjustbeme@podimo.com This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Sarah Myles Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates