This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr Charlotte Ord – she’s an expert on body image and, honestly, exactly who you want to hear from if all this talk about weight loss and GLP-1 injections is making your head spin. We get into why it feels like progress in body acceptance has stalled, how the latest weight loss trends can really mess with your mental health, and most importantly, what you can actually do about it. Charlotte shares genuinely practical advice – from how to manage your social feeds to setting boundaries and staying rooted in self-compassion. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain fed up with the pressure to change your body, I promise you’ll come away from this conversation with real, doable ways to feel better and more at home in your own skin. Give it a listen – you’re not alone in this. LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS If the content around eating disorders resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities: BEAT: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ First Steps ED: https://firststepsed.co.uk/   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Charlotte Ord’s book, Body Confident You, Body Confident Kid, is available to buy now.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 – just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk 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: Dr. Charlotte Ord   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by the poet and author Nikita Gill for a conversation that feels like one of those late-night chats where you see yourself a little more clearly afterwards. I asked Nikita to share the three essential things she can’t live without – her answers were honest, illuminating, and full of surprises. We talk about why nurturing simple rituals matters, how to find hope in the everyday, and the quiet ways we can all anchor ourselves when life feels a bit much. If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps someone creative, grounded, and a little bit magical, this episode will speak to you.   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Nikita's book, Hekate, a retelling in verse of the life of a child of war turned all-powerful goddess of witchcraft, necromancy and crossroads, is available to buy now.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   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: Nikita Gill Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by poet and author Nikita Gill, whose powerful writing has helped millions find hope through heartbreak and uncertainty. We explore how language and storytelling can transform pain, how to let go of harmful societal fairytales, and why unlearning shame about our emotions is the first step toward healing. Nikita shares her journey through trauma and self-doubt, from growing up amid conflict to fighting feelings of loneliness and depression. We discuss finding strength in community, redefining our self-image, and embracing the messy, wild parts of ourselves. Nikita’s inspiring ideas on resilience, empathy, and rebuilding out of ruins offer comfort and clarity for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed. If you need reassurance, a dose of hope, or simply a reminder of your own power, this episode is for you. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Nikita's book, Hekate, a retelling in verse of the life of a child of war turned all-powerful goddess of witchcraft, necromancy and crossroads, is available to buy now.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   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: Nikita Gill   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode, Ellen Atlanta returns to reveal her three essentials: joyful Zumba classes at her local leisure centre, the comfort of home and relationships, and the simple pleasure of sweets and cheese. Together, we talk about why movement should be about feeling good, not punishment; how community brings genuine connection; and why a balanced approach to self-care matters more than“perfect” wellness routines. From building intergenerational friendships to embracing life at home (and on the sofa), Ellen shares honest insights on redefining wellbeing according to what brings true happiness, not just what looks good online. If you’ve ever questioned gym culture, wanted to find more joy in movement, or yearned for self-acceptance, this episode is for you.   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Ellen’s book, Pixel Flesh, explores the impact of digital beauty culture on women’s self-worth and mental health, and is available now in all good bookstores.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   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: Ellen Atlanta   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by author and beauty culture commentator Ellen Atlanta to explore how tweakments, filters and social media are reshaping not just our faces – but the way we see ourselves. From the rise of fillers in the UK to the constant pressures of online “perfection,” Ellen shares powerful insights from her book and from conversations with young women growing up in the middle of it all. Together, we talk about what it means to navigate beauty in the digital age, how social media has shifted our ideas of confidence and self-image, and why these treatments and filters have become such a big part of the conversation. If you’ve ever questioned your reflection, wondered how the online world is shaping your self-esteem, or simply wanted to better understand today’s beauty culture, this episode will give you fresh perspectives on acceptance, confidence, and defining beauty on your own terms. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Ellen’s book, Pixel Flesh, explores the impact of digital beauty culture on women’s self-worth and mental health, and is available now in all good bookstores.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk  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: Ellen Atlanta   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Miriam Margolyes returns to share her thoughts on some of life’s most important essentials - from the unwavering significance of bowel health (and her father’s daily question growing up), to the necessity of people and the simple joy of chocolate. We also discuss the reality of the pelvic floor, getting older, and the comfort of ensuring the loo is never too far away! Expect laughter, honesty, and a dash of delicious shock. If you thought the main interview covered everything, think again – this episode is full of the golden moments only Miriam can provide.   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 📚 Miriam’s latest book, The Little Book of Miriam, is available in all good bookshops from Thursday 11th September 2025.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk 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: Miriam Margolyes   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back! To kick off series 2, I’m joined by the one and only Miriam Margolyes - actor, national treasure, and unapologetic truth-teller. Beloved for her outrageous honesty and infectious humour, Miriam has spent decades stealing scenes on screen and stealing hearts off it. We get into what makes her speak without filters, why shame is a word she never entertains, and how she stays completely, authentically herself. There are conversations about sex, aging, Jewish identity, and exactly why she refuses to hold back even when others might wish she would. Miriam also shares stories that will make you laugh, wince, and maybe even blush - reminding us all that life is richer when lived with courage, mischief, and a healthy disregard for other people’s rules. This is a raw, outrageous, and utterly joyful conversation that will leave you feeling braver, lighter, and inspired to stop apologising for being exactly who you are. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 📚 Miriam’s latest book, The Little Book of Miriam, is available in all good bookshops from Thursday 11th September 2025.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk 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: Miriam Margolyes   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Keeley Hazell returns for a lively, personal chat about the comforts and habits that bring her the most joy. Keeley shares how she stays grounded, her use of sport as an outlet, and the creature comforts she can’t be without. This conversation offers an intimate glimpse into the routines and little luxuries that matter most to her - essential listening for anyone curious about what keeps a creative life in balance. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 📚 Keeley’s Memoir, Everyone’s Seen My Tits, is available in all good bookshops from 26th August 2025.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk 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: Keeley Hazell Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Henry Williams   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by Keeley Hazell – model, actress, and writer – whose early fame as one of the UK’s most recognisable glamour models was just the beginning of her story. We talk openly about the violence she has experienced, her exposure to drugs at a young age, and the ways the patriarchy has shaped her career and life. Keeley shares what it was like to survive abusive partners, the emotional fallout, and the long process of rebuilding her sense of self. We also reflect on wild nights out with footballers – and the darker realities they sometimes hid. Here, Keeley speaks candidly about her decision to move to Los Angeles, challenging herself to reinvent as an actress and pursue a new creative path on her own terms. What emerges is a portrait of Keeley that is raw, reflective, funny, and completely unfiltered – a story about resilience, survival, and reclaiming identity. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Keeley’s Memoir, Everyone’s Seen My Tits, is available in all good bookshops from 26th August 2025.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   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: Keeley Hazell Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Henry Williams Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special live episode, I’m joined by Gareth Thomas - legendary rugby player, advocate, and trailblazer in the fight to break HIV stigma. Gareth shares his powerful journey from the rugby pitch to public speaking: finding acceptance, resilience, and purpose after a lifetime of feeling he couldn’t truly exist as himself. We talk about how community can create spaces for openness, the impact of stigma on mental health, and why sitting around a real campfire leads to the kind of honest conversations we all need. Gareth also opens up about the profound shift from wanting to disappear to embracing life fully - and how he’s using his experience to empower others. If you’re interested in stories of strength, vulnerability, and the quest for belonging, this episode will move and inspire you. LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS If the content around HIV stigma resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:   Tackle HIV: ⁠https://tacklehiv.org/ The Terence Higgins Trust: https://www.tht.org.uk/ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   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: Gareth Thomas Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm  Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller  Special Thanks: Newsworks A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, bestselling author and journalist Sarah Vaughan, is back to answer some listener dilemmas. Here Sarah gets candid about writing fiction inspired by personal experience, especially when it involves the darker and more challenging moments of life. We discuss the fear so many feel when telling their own story – whether it’s in fiction or memoir – and why sharing these truths can be both liberating and daunting. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, guilt, or the fear of how others might judge your truth, Sarah’s insight and encouragement will make you feel empowered – and remind you that your story matters.   LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS If the content around maternal mental health and perinatal OCD resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities: Maternal OCD: https://maternalocd.org/ Maternal Mental Health Alliance: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 📚 Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan Sarah’s novel referenced in our conversation is Little Disasters: a gripping novel exploring motherhood, judgment, and the silent struggles many women face. It’s available in all good book shops, and the screen adaptation is currently on Paramount+.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Sarah’s insights helpful – it really makes a difference! Bryony xx    Credits:  Host: Bryony Gordon Guest: Sarah Vaughan Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’Sullivan Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware, this episode contains references to sensitive content around maternal mental health and mentions a potentially distressing fact around post-natal depression and harming children.   This week, I’m joined by Sarah Vaughan – acclaimed author and journalist – for an honest conversation about maternal mental health and parenting. Sarah opens up about her own experience with maternal OCD, shining a light on a subject that is so often misunderstood and left unspoken. We talk about the importance of sharing these stories, how being honest can help break down long-held stigmas, and the power of knowing you are not alone. Sarah shares her perspective on motherhood, the realities of navigating parenting alongside intrusive thoughts, and why talking openly can help others feel seen and supported. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your worries as a parent, or curious to understand more about maternal OCD, Sarah’s honestly and gentle wisdom will leave you feeling heard, supported, and far less alone. LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS If the content around maternal mental health and perinatal OCD resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities: Maternal OCD: https://maternalocd.org/ Maternal Mental Health Alliance: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/   BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 📚 Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan Sarah’s novel referenced in our conversation is Little Disasters: a gripping novel exploring motherhood, judgment, and the silent struggles many women face. It’s available in all good book shops, and the screen adaptation is available to stream on Paramount+.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk   If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Sarah’s insights helpful – it really makes a difference! Bryony xx   Credits:  Host: Bryony Gordon Guest: Sarah Vaughan Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O'Sullivan Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Life of Bryony, comedian and author Cally Beaton tackles real-life listener dilemmas. Drawing on her own journey of midlife reinvention, Cally explores why people pleasing holds many of us back and why setting boundaries – especially as women – can feel radical. Cally shares her insight into the messy realities of change, ignoring naysayers, and the freedom that comes from putting yourself first. If you want to quieten the inner critic, embrace self-acceptance and have the confidence to be unapologetically yourself, this episode is for you.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU  Got a question or a story to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Cally Beaton Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’Sullivan Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Life of Bryony, comedian and author Cally Beaton breaks down the taboos and stereotypes around midlife, menopause, and the supposed “invisibility” of women as they age. Drawing from her book, Namaste Motherf**kers, Cally shares personal stories and scientific insights, challenging what society – and the animal kingdom – really tell us about women and aging, and why life after 40 is just the beginning.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Got a question or a story to share?   Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB - Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Cally Beaton   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’Sullivan   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does rest feel so radical for women? In this episode, Bryony poses listeners’ questions to Nicola Jane Hobbs, looking at the hidden pressures women face to "do it all," especially during demanding periods like school holidays. Nicola shares practical advice on asking for help, having candid conversations with partners about the mental load, and why letting go of perfectionism can feel both scary and liberating. They unpack the link between self-worth and productivity, offer actionable tips for managing guilt around relaxation, and highlight how compassionate self-talk and community support can help women reclaim rest – and joy – in their daily lives.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Got a question or a story to share?   Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Nicola Jane Hobbs   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do so many women find it nearly impossible to truly relax? In this candid episode, Bryony sits down with psychologist and author Nicola Jane Hobbs, whose viral writing on burnout and rest has struck a chord across social media. Together, they unpack why women often feel they must “earn” rest, how societal and internalised pressures fuel chronic stress, and why relaxation can feel threatening or out of reach. With practical, science-backed tools – from micro-moments of respite to reframing self-worth – Nicola shows women how to reclaim relaxation in their daily lives, even amidst relentless to-do lists and summer holiday chaos.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Got a question or a story to share?   Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB - Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Nicola Jane Hobbs       Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever come out in the middle of a conga line? Singer and writer Kavana joins Bryony Gordon to answer listener questions about embracing who you are – whether you’re telling your cat or the world. From childhood obsessions with The Wizard of Oz to tips for setting boundaries, they chat about shame, social media anxieties, and why no one’s paying as much attention as you think. If you’ve ever worried about oversharing, feeling “loud and proud,” or just want some reassurance, tune in for laughs and wisdom – plus a reminder that you’re perfectly fine just as you are. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Got a question or a story to share?   Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Kavana   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when fame, addiction, and the longing for acceptance collide? In this deeply personal episode, Bryony sits down with Anthony Kavana – nineties hitmaker and now author of "Pop Scars” – for an unfiltered conversation about the highs and lows of pop stardom, coming out, and the painful realities of addiction.   Kavana shares how chasing validation in the spotlight led to a hidden spiral of drinking, drugs, and prolonged struggle. From heartthrob posters to rehab, he details the emotional cost of living a lie, the brutal cycle of relapse, and the raw process of rebuilding self-worth outside of fame. Through honest conversation, he shares lessons learned, the pain and growth found in hitting rock bottom, and how embracing vulnerability became his path to healing.   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Got a question or a story to share?   Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB   Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB - Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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: Kavana                   Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig   Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun   Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm   Editor: Luke Shelley   Exec Producer: Mike Wooller    A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, Ashley Roberts – former Pussycat Doll, broadcaster, and wellness advocate – joins Bryony to answer listener dilemmas about sleep, ageing, and self-acceptance. Ashley shares her honest take on battling an overactive mind at bedtime, the rituals that help her wind down, and why putting the phone away is her number one rule for better sleep. The conversation dives into feeling invisible with age, embracing confidence at every stage, and breaking free from societal hang-ups. And Ashley opens up about dating younger, finding joy in healthy relationships, and why she feels more vibrant than ever in her forties.  Packed with relatable advice and uplifting stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking real talk about wellbeing, self-worth, and living life unapologetically. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got a question or a story to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB  Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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 Roberts Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Ashley Roberts – former Pussycat Doll, broadcaster, and author – opens up about her journey through anxiety, sleep struggles, and the relentless pressures of fame. Ashley shares how breathwork became her lifeline, helping her manage burnout and find resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. And she speaks candidly about her experiences with grief following the loss of her father, her ongoing battles with self-doubt, and the importance of community and chosen family.  Whether you’re a fan of Ashley’s music or seeking inspiration for your own wellbeing, this episode delivers honest conversation and advice for anyone wanting to find calm amidst chaos. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Got a question or a story to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOB Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB  Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.com 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 Roberts Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke Shelley Exec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices