The Life of Bryony

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. MY GUEST THIS WEEK: JESS GRIFFITHS This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Jess Griffiths, an eating disorder expert who brings both personal and professional insights to our chat. We talk about the challenges of recovery, how self-compassion plays a key role, and why hope is always possible—even when it feels like the hardest thing to hold on to. Jess and I touch on the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of being kind to ourselves, and practical tips for building resilience. Whether you’re facing an eating disorder yourself, supporting someone you love, or just trying to be gentler with yourself, I really think this conversation will resonate with you. Let’s Stay in Touch 🗣️ Got something to share? You can text or send me a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Or use the WhatsApp shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! Bryony xx For More Information and Support In this episode, we talk about eating disorders, mental health, and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, these organisations can help: Beat Eating Disorders: Call 0808 801 0677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk. Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24/7 support. Jess' book 'Eating Disorders: The Basics - The Basics' is available to buy - https://www.waterstones.com/book/eating-disorders-the-basics/elizabeth-mcnaught/janet-treasure/9781032379579 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Laura Adlington, beloved Great British Bake Off finalist and advocate for body acceptance and mental health. Today, Laura helps listeners navigate a series of deeply personal dilemmas: Becky feels "stitched up" as a bridesmaid dealing with a non-inclusive boutique. Priya’s struggling with body confidence and fears around intimacy after ghosting experiences. And Lexi is battling anti-fat bias in healthcare when all she wanted was a rabies jab! Laura brings her trademark warmth and wit to share advice on setting boundaries, finding confidence, and advocating for yourself when the world makes it difficult. Follow Laura Adlington on Instagram: @laura.adlington Pre-order Laura's book in paperback: here WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Or email us at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk SOME GREAT RESOURCES Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Beat Eating Disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Health at Every Size Movement: www.haescommunity.com Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: LAURA ADLINGTON Bryony Gordon sits down with Great British Bake Off alum and advocate Laura Adlington to discuss body image, self-acceptance, and living life unapologetically. Laura shares her journey from struggling with diet culture and disordered eating to becoming a vocal champion for body neutrality and inclusivity. She talks openly about the challenges of existing in a society that prioritises appearance over health, the impact of social media, and how fashion can be a tool for self-expression. From rejecting extreme weight-loss surgery to finding joy in life’s everyday moments, Laura’s story is one of resilience, growth, and refusing to live a half-life. Laura’s message is clear: everyone deserves respect and representation, no matter their size. This episode is a celebration of individuality, courage, and the importance of embracing yourself fully. Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.adlington 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 might benefit from it! Bryony xx For More Information and Support: This episode touches on topics such as disordered eating and body image. If you’re struggling, here are some resources for support: Beat Eating Disorders: Call 0808 801 0677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk. 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 The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care expert with over 30 years of experience, to address some deeply personal and important listener questions about death, grief, and end-of-life care. Follow Kathryn on Twitter Find her book, With the End in Mind WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click Here 📧 Or email us at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk SOME GREAT RESOURCES Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Marie Curie (End-of-Life Support): www.mariecurie.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we tackle life’s toughest challenges head-on. GUEST: LOTTIE CLARKE In this deeply moving episode, Bryony Gordon speaks with Lottie Clarke about her husband James’s devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis and his decision to travel to Switzerland for an assisted death. Lottie shares the emotional toll of supporting James’s choice while navigating the complexities of family life, grief, and a system that left them feeling powerless. This is a powerful story of love, resilience, and the fight for the right to choose a peaceful end. Lottie’s courage highlights why open conversations about death, dignity, and autonomy are so vital. 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 For More Information and Support: We discuss motor neurone disease, grief, and assisted dying in this episode. If you need support or want to take action, here are some resources: Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA): www.mndassociation.org My Name'5 Doddie Foundation: https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/ Dignity in Dying: www.dignityindying.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org If Lottie’s story inspired you, consider writing to your MP to ask their stance on the Assisted Dying Bill, which will be debated on November 29th.  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. I’m joined by Abbey Feltham to answer some truly personal and challenging listener dilemmas. Follow Abi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abi.feltham/?hl=en WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click Here 📧 Or email us at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk SOME GREAT RESOURCES: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: ABI FELTHAM In this deeply honest episode, Bryony Gordon sits down with content creator Abi Feltham to discuss her journey through alcoholism, sobriety, and a recent cancer diagnosis. Abi shares her experience of addiction, the impact of childhood trauma, and the challenges she faced as she moved from place to place, seeking to escape her inner struggles. She opens up about the moments that led her to sobriety and how she’s using that same resilience now to face a life-threatening illness with grace and grit. Abi’s message is powerful and uplifting: no matter how dark life may seem, there is always hope, and recovery is possible. This episode offers insight into the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-compassion on the road to healing. Follow Abi: https://www.instagram.com/abi.feltham/ 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 - Click Here 📧 Or email me at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk  Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from it! Bryony xx For More Information and Support: We discuss suicide, addiction and recovery in this episode. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some resources for support: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk or call 0800 9177 650 for support with alcohol addiction. 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 if you're feeling overwhelmed. 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 brilliant Dawn O’Porter, ready to dish out advice on your latest, most intriguing questions. Today… 💬 Chat S**t, Get Blocked: Sarah’s patience with her WhatsApp group is running thin. 🛠️ The Unfinished Office: Paul can’t seem to do it himself. 💔 Lost Friendship: James feels like he’s been put on the subs bench. 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 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