The Life Of Bryony

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dig into life’s messiest moments. GUEST: DAWN O’PORTER In this week’s episode, I’m joined by author Dawn O'Porter to discuss female friendship, navigating adulthood, and her latest novel, Honeybee. Dawn shares insights from her own life, including the challenges of motherhood, the unexpected strength found in friendships, and how we sometimes need a varied selection of friends to get us through the toughest times. Our conversation covers everything from the pressure to have it all together to the messy, real, and often humorous sides of growing up. Dawn's candid reflections bring a refreshing perspective to the pressures we face in adulthood and how friendship can be a lifeline. Plus, we get into how her experiences inspired her to write Honeybee, a story about love, loyalty, and female solidarity. GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it! Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we’re here to navigate them together (or at least not make them worse!). This time, I’m joined by the fantastic Helen Flanagan, diving into your latest, juiciest questions. Today… 🍆 Penny’s 'Sizeable' Situation: Penny is smitten, but her new partner’s ahem attributes are proving a little overwhelming. Can she find a way to communicate her concerns without hurting his feelings? 🩸 Crampy Cathy’s Period Predicament: Cathy’s housemate Rory thinks periods are a minor inconvenience. She’s ready to set the record straight but could use some backup explaining the reality of “biblical” period pain. ✨ Freya’s Too-Muchness Crisis: Freya has always been told she's "too much" for the subdued world of PR. How can she embrace her enthusiasm without alienating her colleagues—or should she even care? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click here to send a message! 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: HELEN FLANAGAN In this week’s episode, I’m joined by actress Helen Flanagan for an honest mental health check-in, where we talk about her struggles with OCD, navigating motherhood, and finding peace after toxic relationships. Helen opens up about living with intrusive thoughts, the weight of “pure OCD,” and how it impacted her self-worth and sense of identity, especially post-pregnancy. She also shares candid insights into learning to love herself and breaking free from the pressure to be perfect. This open conversation covers the importance of a supportive relationship, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and how Helen redefined her mental health journey after years of self-doubt. She leaves us with a powerful reminder: we’re not alone in our struggles, and we all deserve to find someone who’s good for us mentally and emotionally. Tune in to hear Helen’s journey of resilience, self-compassion, and her path to healing. GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we try our best to solve them (or at least not make things worse!). In this bonus episode, I’m joined by the amazing Anna Mathur, returning to help me tackle your latest concerns. Today… 📉 Fiona can’t account for her mother’s bad behaviour. How can she manage her mother’s dismissiveness and stand up for herself without causing family drama? 🎉 Amara is on the verge of 40 and doesn’t feel like it’s a party. How can she find a sense of identity and joy as she approaches this milestone? 😬 Mia is wondering if it’s time to say ‘no more’ to her Mr Nice Guy. Is her partner’s ‘vanilla’ approach to intimacy holding her back from truly enjoying their relationship? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk And don’t forget to check out Anna Mathur’s latest book, The Uncomfortable Truth. It’s packed with insights to help you stop living for others and embrace your true self! Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments. GUEST: ANNA MATHUR: In this week’s episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist Anna Mathur, who discusses the debilitating effects of "Good Girl Syndrome." We chat about the pressures women face to please others, the emotional toll it takes, and the internal conflict of suppressing one's true self for the sake of being liked. Anna shares her own experiences, from people-pleasing to burnout, and the journey toward setting boundaries and reclaiming her sense of self. This candid conversation covers the difficulties of saying 'no,' the need to unlearn perfectionism, and the empowering moment when you realise that you don’t have to be ‘good’—you just have to be you. Anna’s latest book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth: Change Your Life By Taming 10 of Your Mind's Greatest Fears’ is out now.   GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where your questions take centre stage, and we try our best to help. In this bonus episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Kimberley Nixon as we tackle your most pressing concerns. We’re also marking OCD Awareness Week with a special focus on mental health and OCD. Today… 🔴Jane’s 17-year-old son is struggling with OCD and has been waiting for CBT treatment. How can she support him in the meantime?  🔴Charlie is terrified that his OCD will impact his ability to be a good parent one day.  🔴And where’s the balance between supporting someone and enabling their compulsions? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk  Thanks again to Kimberley Nixon and join us again on Monday for more! Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments. GUEST: KIMBERLEY NIXON: This week, I’m joined by Kimberley Nixon, who shares her deeply personal and raw journey through postnatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after the birth of her son. Kimberley opens up about the terrifying intrusive thoughts, the overwhelming sense of responsibility, and how her experience of postnatal OCD has shaped her as a mother. Her honesty sheds light on a condition many suffer from but few speak about. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope for recovery and support. LINKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:  The reel I was talking about in the intro - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOLXcpoWLS/  This was the sports bra brand I was talking about (not an ad!) - Elomi Also, love this app (not an ad either!) - https://insighttimer.com/en-gb  GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk. Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT: We discuss suicide and postnatal OCD in this episode. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some UK-based resources for confidential support: 📞 OCD Action: Visit ocdaction.org.uk for information, support, and peer groups for people living with OCD. 📞 Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk for information on mental health support. 📞 Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24-hour support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we try our best to solve them (or at least not make things worse!). In this bonus episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Lottie Tomlinson as we tackle your latest concerns. Today… ✂️ Rachel is feeling the pressure of dating a “pretty boy” and wonders how to handle her own body insecurities. Can she stop overthinking it before it spirals out of control? 🌸 Anna is grappling with grief and asks for advice on remembering her mother without being consumed by sadness. How can she honour her memory while still living her life? 👶 Jess is obsessing over baby milestones and wants help finding balance in early motherhood. How can she stop comparing and enjoy this precious time without losing her sanity?  WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Is your life an absolute bin fire at the moment? You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk  Also, check out Lottie Tomlinson's latest book Lucky Girl, available now. It’s a powerful story of resilience, love, and navigating grief. Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments. GUEST: LOTTIE TOMLINSON This week, I’m joined by Lottie Tomlinson, who shares her deeply personal journey through grief after losing both her mother and sister. At just 26, Lottie opens up about the emotional toll of such profound loss and how she’s managed to find strength in the most difficult times. Her new book Lucky Girl is out now. GET IN TOUCH 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast! Bryony xx FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT We discuss grief and bereavement in this episode. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some UK-based resources for confidential support: 📞 Sue Ryder: Visit sueryder.org for expert grief support, including online bereavement counselling and community support. 📞 Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24-hour support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we try our best to solve them (or at least not make things worse!). In this bonus episode, I'm joined by the wonderful James Middleton as we dive into your most pressing concerns. Today… 📈 Emma’s career in finance is just not adding up – should she trade spreadsheets for sketchpads? 😫 Jessica’s on the night shift, and not by choice – will she ever get a full 8 hours? 🐕  And it’s a family affair – will my 11-year-old daughter convince her parents to get a dog? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk Also, check out James Middleton’s latest book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, a heartwarming tale about love, loss, and the special bond between a man and his dog. Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments.  GUEST: JAMES MIDDLETON This week, I’m joined by James Middleton and his Cocker Spaniel, Inca. In this heartfelt episode, James opens up about his mental health journey and how his dog, Ella, helped him through his darkest days. GET IN TOUCH 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email us at lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast! Bryony xx FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT It’s worth noting that we do discuss depression and suicide in this episode. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Reach out to these UK-based helplines for confidential support: 📞 Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24-hour support. 💬 Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 for mental health support, or visit mind.org.uk. 📱 Shout: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis text support. 🛑 Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net for suicide prevention support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we try our best to solve them (or at least not make things worse!). In this bonus episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Matt Haig as we dive into your most pressing concerns. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk Also, check out Matt Haig’s latest book The Life Impossible, an inspiring adventure about finding yourself through loss and new beginnings.   Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, the podcast where we dive headfirst into life’s messier bits. GUEST: MATT HAIG In today’s episode, I’m joined by the marvellous Matt Haig! Matt has written so beautifully about the fragility of mental health and how we can find resilience in the darkest of places. He opens up about revisiting locations in his life that once held so much pain and how reclaiming those spaces has been a healing journey for him. 📚 Matt’s latest book, The Life Impossible, is a must-read and is out now. Also, if you haven’t already, check out The Midnight Library and Reasons to Stay Alive—two books that have helped so many of us. GET IN TOUCH 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk BRYONY RECOMMENDS You asked, and here it is—my current favourite mascara is the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara. Two coats and you’re good to go! (This is NOT an ad, by the way, just something I genuinely love.) Join me again on Friday for a special bonus episode of The Life of You, where Matt and I will answer your questions and do our best to tackle your troubles. Bryony xx FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT It’s worth noting that we discuss depression and suicide in this episode. For more info and support you can visit: Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where you share your dilemmas and we try our best not to make things worse. In this bonus episode, I’m joined by the amazing Adele Roberts (yes, she's back!) as we tackle your life’s most pressing issues. In this episode, we hear from Sarah, who's battling the body wash blues (yes, that's a thing), Samantha, who's going all out with the filters, and Rosie, a mum trying to run her way to inner peace... WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say about a problem shared? Why not get in touch!  🗣️I’m only a text or a voice note away send your message to 07796657512 start your message with LOB OR if you want to make it a bit more anonymous - you can always email 📧lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk   And hey, don't forget to subscribe and rate the podcast (apparently, the higher-ups say it's vital). No pressure, though. Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the very first episode of Life of Bryony, the podcast where we dive headfirst into life’s messier bits and skip the shame. Today’s all about bodies—the bits we love, hate, and everything in between. GUEST: ADELE ROBERTS I'm joined by the incredible Adele Roberts, a woman who not only survived bowel cancer but ran a world record marathon with a stoma. She’s here to talk about body acceptance, breaking records, and how she came out the other side stronger (and faster!) than ever. 📚Adele’s Book is Called ‘Personal Best: From Rock Bottom to the Top of the World’ and is out now!  💸 Adele’s Just Giving Page - https://www.justgiving.com/page/adeleandaudreyruntheworldforcruk  GET IN TOUCH 🗣️If you want to get in touch I’m only a text or a voicenote away send your message to 07796657512 start your message with LOB 💬 Whatsapp Shortcut https://wa.me/00447796657512 📧You can email lifeofbryony@mailonline.co.uk   FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT It’s worth noting that we do discuss cancer and disordered eating on this podcast. For more info and support you can visit: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/ https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices