The Life of Bryony

This week I’m joined by the extraordinary Rhian Mannings – a woman whose story of loss, resilience, and purpose has touched hearts around the world, even moving Prince William to tears. At 33, Rhian lost her baby son George and, just five days later, her husband Paul, took his own life. In this deeply moving conversation, she talks about surviving the unimaginable, the loneliness and stigma that accompany suicide, and how she channelled her pain into founding the charity 2wish, which supports families facing sudden bereavement. We also discuss the physical impact of grief, navigating motherhood after trauma, and the importance of speaking openly about mental health and suicide. Rhian’s honesty and openness shine through every word – a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there can be light, love, and purpose again.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:Rhian’s charity, 2wish:https://2wish.org.uk/Sue Ryderhttps://www.sueryder.org/ for expert grief support, including an online bereavement community available 24/7.SamaritansCall 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO LISTEN TO:'I never thought I'd be happy again in my life.' Lottie Tomlinson on Accepting GriefWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.CREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Rhian ManningsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ore Oduba is back to share the three things that have helped him become the truest version of himself. He opens up about how childhood fear and a need to please others once shaped his world, and how discovering Mel Robbins proved to be a genuine game-changer – so much so that her words now live with him in a way that’s hard to miss. Ore also reflects on rediscovering parts of his youth, from faith to the power of movement, and how these have given him a whole new lease of life. If you’re searching for a spark of inspiration, or perhaps wondering how to finally break free from old fears, this episode is for you.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the topics discussed in the episodes with Ore impact you in any way and you’d like to seek some support, please consider contacting the following charities:The Naked Truth Project, a charity helping those affected by unhealthy relationships with porn: https://nakedtruthproject.com/Pivotal Recovery, a charity offering guided online programmes to help people overcome porn, sex addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviours: https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ore OdubaProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Ore Oduba – the wonderfully warm presenter whose career has spanned everything from covering the Olympics to lifting the glitterball trophy on Strictly. But today, he’s here for one of our most vulnerable conversations yet. Ore opens up about his addiction to online pornography, a topic so rarely discussed yet one that impacts so many lives. Now nearly 18 months clean, he shares how shame and secrecy blighted his life, and why speaking out is the first step towards change. We talk about the childhood roots of addiction, the challenges of growing up in a digital age, and why removing shame is essential to recovery and self-acceptance. If you’ve ever struggled with an aspect of mental health or addiction, or you’re worried about your own children growing up online, Ore’s honesty about his journey will resonate deeply.LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf the topics discussed in today’s show impact you in any way and you’d like to seek some support, please consider contacting the following charities:The Naked Truth Project, a charity helping those affected by unhealthy relationships with porn: https://nakedtruthproject.com/Pivotal Recovery, a charity offering guided online programmes to help people overcome porn, sex addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviours: https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ore OdubaProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iskra Lawrence joins me again to reveal the three absolute essentials she simply couldn’t do without in her daily life. From family, to wellbeing routines, to the community that lifts her up, Iskra’s approach is both refreshingly real and inspiringly joyful. Whether you’re feeling a bit lost, looking to shake up your own daily rituals, or just want a healthy dose of positivity, this bite-sized episode is for you. Come be part of our inclusive community, and discover what really matters to one of the most uplifting people I know. Tune in, share, and let us know what your own essentials are!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Iskra LawrenceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with the unstoppable Iskra Lawrence – model, entrepreneur, and advocate for body acceptance – to explore how she transformed the fashion and beauty landscape. Iskra shares how she broke into modelling, weathered rejection in a ruthless industry, battled body dysmorphia and eating disorders, and redefined her self-worth on her own terms. We discuss the realities of performative inclusivity, why brands get it wrong - and how her own beauty company, Saltair, is fighting to make everyone feel welcome, and worthy. Iskra opens up about postpartum experience, finding the power to pivot when doors slam shut, and how self-care can be simple yet truly transformative. If you’ve ever felt ‘not enough’ in a world obsessed with size, or wondered how to bounce back from rejection, this conversation will spark hope and practical wisdom. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep being unapologetically you!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITSHost: Bryony GordonGuest: Iskra LawrenceProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the wonderful Kate Lawler returns to tackle listener questions on everything from finding creative purpose and podcast inspiration to navigating the realities of postnatal depression. Expect candid conversation, practical advice, and a heartfelt dose of hope as Kate shares her personal journey, her strategies for getting through anxiety and self-doubt, and why being open about struggles matters so much. If you’re searching for answers on creativity, parenthood, or mental health, or just want to hear women supporting women with no filter, this chat is for you.LINK TO SUPPORT GROUPIf the content around perinatal mental health resonated with you, please consider contacting PANDAS, the charity Kate discusses in the episode:https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEKate Lawler’s book, Maybe Baby: On the Mother Side, is available in all good book stores.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Kate LawlerProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor:  Alex GrahamExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by my brilliant friend Kate Lawler for a candid conversation about the hormonal rollercoaster that is perimenopause, and the peace that comes from owning your choices as a parent. Kate opens up about the symptoms that blindsided her – anxiety, insomnia, flooding, brain fog – and how discovering it was perimenopause changed everything. We explore why women are still expected to just “get on with it,” how it’s affected her relationship, and the confusing world of HRT, where conflicting advice leaves so many of us feeling lost. We also talk about being in a one-child family, and having to constantly justify a decision that feels right. Kate shares how happy she is being “one and done,” the joy of her bond with her daughter, and the relief of owning her own version of family. It’s a warm, funny and necessary conversation about the messy middle – a reminder that even when everything is changing, we’re far from alone.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Kate LawlerProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Alex GrahamExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louise Butcher is back and this time she’s letting us in on the three things she absolutely can’t live without. I promise, her choices are as honest, uplifting, and surprising as she is – but it’s her third essential that will really land – trust me, it’s one of the most powerful insights you’ll hear all year. If you’re looking for inspiration or just a gentle reminder of the things that matter most, this episode might be exactly what you need today.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Louise ButcherProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by the phenomenal Louise Butcher – a woman who runs topless as a powerful celebration of her post-breast cancer body. Louise shares her experience of living with and learning from breast cancer, and how losing her breasts transformed her life. We discuss the realities of health anxiety, the shock of diagnosis, and the journey through double mastectomy and flat closure. Louise describes how running topless became both a statement and a source of strength, helping her reclaim her body and inspire others facing similar journeys. Our chat unpacks grief, survival, body acceptance, and why sometimes the most liberating thing you can do is run in your pants. If you or someone you know needs hope – and a powerful reminder that scars can be a symbol of survival not shame – this episode will lift your spirits and remind you that you’re not alone. Listen, share, and let’s all celebrate living fearlessly, in every sense of the word.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot 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=LOBPrefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCredits: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Louise ButcherProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donna Ashworth is back in the studio with me – her last visit was unforgettable, and today she’s lifting the lid on the three things she simply can’t imagine life without. Donna’s uplifting spirit fills every part of this conversation, whether she’s recounting unique companions, cherished moments at home, or practices that help her reset and refocus. If her last episode left you inspired, this one will deepen your admiration even more. Stay tuned for a nourishing chat that might just prompt you to consider what your own essentials are – and don’t forget to message me on Instagram or leave a review with your favourite moments from Donna’s return. Look after yourself, and see you next time!BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEDonna’s new book, “Joy Chose You”, is available to buy now.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUGot 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=LOBPrefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Donna AshworthProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Tippi WillardStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.