The Life of Bryony

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.

This week, I’m joined by the extraordinary poet and bestselling author, Donna Ashworth. If, like me, you’re one of her millions of followers, you’ll know how powerfully her words speak to the heart. In this episode, Donna opens up about overcoming anorexia, learning to embrace grief, and her lifelong connection to spirituality. We talk about how eating disorders can feel like an addiction, why sharing our ‘ugly truths’ brings healing, and the importance of community and vulnerability. Plus, Donna shares the science behind meditation and affirmations, offering practical ways to find light even in dark times. Whether you’ve wrestled with grief, addiction, or simply want to live more joyfully, this conversation is truly a soul cleanse. Listen in and DM me your thoughts – let’s keep the conversation going.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxBOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEDonna’s new book, “Joy Chose You”, is available to buy now.IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:Protecting Your Mental Health in a World of Weight Loss Injections - with Body Image Expert Dr. Charlotte OrdLINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf 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/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.ukCREDITS: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Donna AshworthProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Jamie East  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Page is back! And this time she’s sharing the three things she can’t live without (and trust me, her choices are nothing short of surprising and very, very relatable). We talk everything from idyllic beach life to what she really enjoys doing with her husband, and she also reveals the unwelcome gift she got from Gareth Gates one Christmas. If you’ve ever thought about letting go of all life’s pressures and joining us in a bra-free paradise, this is your official invitation. As always, don’t forget to follow, rate, and get in touch if you fancy joining our virtual caravan.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxBOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:Joanna’s new autobiography, Lush, 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.ukCREDITS:Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Joanna PageProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Joanna Page – star of Gavin & Stacey, proud mum, and now the author of Lush – and let’s just say, there’s nothing off-limits. We dive straight into the wild and wonderful, from streaking down Mumbles seafront as a teen to breathing through your anus in drama school (yes, really), and get painfully honest about body image, bullying, and surviving rejection in the business. Joanna shares how it felt to be labelled "too Welsh" at drama school and reflects on the gritty reality of sexual bullying on set – plus, why presenting gives her more control and why perfectionism still sometimes sneaks up on her. If you want a real conversation about living life imperfectly – this is the episode. I left this chat with my heart a little bigger, and I hope you will too. BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEJoanna’s new autobiography, Lush, 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: Joanna PageProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Mike Wooller  A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Charlotte Ord to talk about the simple but powerful routines that keep her well, drawing from her experience as both psychologist and patient. We get into why habits like breathwork, movement, and time outdoors matter so much to her recovery and resilience. Charlotte shares honestly about learning to care for herself in new ways, and how those choices now shape her work with others. If you’re looking for practical ideas to feel stronger in mind and body, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf 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 EPISODEDr. Charlotte Ord’s book, Body Confident You, Body Confident Kid, isavailable 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=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! Bryonyxx 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 GROUPSIf 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 EPISODEDr. Charlotte Ord’s book, Body Confident You, Body Confident Kid, isavailable 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=LOB Prefer 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! Bryonyxx 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 EPISODENikita'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 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=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 GordonGuest: Nikita GillProducer: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.