Rich Clarke on Hiding His Identity, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Coming Out

In this special Pride Week episode, I sit down with broadcaster Rich Clarke for a deeply personal conversation about identity, authenticity, and the toll of hiding in plain sight. Rich shares his journey of navigating a high-profile media career while carrying a secret identity, and how years of masking his true sexuality led to burnout, breakdown, and ultimately, a turning point.

We explore what it really means to come out — not just to the world, but to ourselves — and how the weight of shame, fear, and societal expectation can shape (and limit) our lives. From therapy and sobriety to standing on stage at Brighton Pride and finally saying, “I’m gay,” Rich reflects on what healing has looked like for him, and why connection, honesty, and self-compassion are essential to moving forward.

Find Rich Clarke:

Instagram: @therichclarke

Listen to This Was Always Me Podcast: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L3VY/

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