

The Life of Bryony
Daily Mail
Ever feel like everyone else has it together, while you’re clinging on for dear life? You’re not alone and Bryony Gordon is here to prove it. Each week, Bryony and her guests explore the hidden struggles so many of us face but rarely say out loud. If you’ve ever thought is it just me? Welcome. You’re in the right place. From anxiety to addiction, break-ups to bereavement, this is your go-to space for honest conversations about the messier bits of life, with no shame and no filters.Got a question or dilemma? Email us at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.ukFollow us on Insta or TikTok @lifeofbryonypodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheLifeofBryony Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2024 • 13min
The Life of YOU: 'I've been given 15 years to live—and I want every second to count'
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 YOUDo 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.ukSOME GREAT RESOURCES:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMind UK: www.mind.org.ukMacmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.ukSamaritans: www.samaritans.orgBryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 2024 • 40min
'Every time I thought I’d hit rock bottom, I grabbed a shovel and kept digging.' Abi Feltham on Surviving Addiction, Loss, and Finding Strength in Sobriety
Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments.GUEST: ABI FELTHAMIn 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 xxFor 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 2024 • 16min
The Life of YOU: 'Can we not bitch about people on here?' with Dawn O'Porter
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 YOUYou 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.ukBryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 2024 • 47min
'Life doesn’t come with a handbook, but friends help': Dawn O'Porter on the Power of Female Friendship
Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dig into life’s messiest moments.GUEST: DAWN O’PORTERIn 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.ukDon’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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 2024 • 13min
The Life of YOU: 'If he has a big penis, he probably knows about it' with Helen Flanagan
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 YOUYou 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.ukBryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 2024 • 38min
'I needed someone good for me, mentally and emotionally.' Mental Health Check-in with Helen Flanagan
Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments.GUEST: HELEN FLANAGANIn 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.ukDon’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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 25, 2024 • 15min
The Life of YOU: Stop Being a People-pleaser and Start Asking for What You Want!
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 YOUYou 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.ukAnd 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 2024 • 43min
'It changed my life. I couldn’t carry on living, giving myself away like an endless resource.' Anna Mathur on Good Girl Syndrome and People-Pleasing
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.ukDon’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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 2024 • 19min
The Life of YOU: 'Should I have kids if I have OCD?'
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 YOUYou 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.ukThanks again to Kimberley Nixon and join us again on Monday for more!Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2024 • 50min
'I was so ashamed that these thoughts would even occur to me.' Kimberley Nixon on OCD
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!) - ElomiAlso, 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 xxFOR 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


