The Life of Bryony

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 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 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 EPISODEEllen’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 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 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by author and beauty culture commentator EllenAtlanta to explore how tweakments, filters and social media are reshapingnot just our faces – but the way we see ourselves. From the rise of fillers inthe 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 EPISODEEllen’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 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: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 goodbookshops 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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it - it really helps! Bryonyxx 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 goodbookshops 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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryonyxx 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryonyxx Credits: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Keeley HazellProducer: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 waslike 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 EPISODEKeeley’s Memoir, Everyone’s Seen My Tits, is available in all good bookshops from 26th August 2025. 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: Keeley HazellProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Henry WilliamsAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: 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.

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 GROUPSIf 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 GordonGuest: Gareth ThomasProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam Chisholm Editor: Luke ShelleyExec Producer: Mike Wooller Special Thanks: NewsworksA 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.

In this episode, bestselling author and journalist Sarah Vaughan, is back toanswer 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 othersmight judge your truth, Sarah’s insight and encouragement will make you feel empowered – and remind you that your story matters. LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPSIf 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 VaughanSarah’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 GordonGuest: Sarah Vaughan Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’SullivanAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec 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.

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware, this episode contains references to sensitive content around maternal mental health. 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 GROUPSIf 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 VaughanSarah’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 GordonGuest: Sarah VaughanProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O'SullivanAssistant Producer: Ceyda UzunStudio Manager: Sam ChisholmEditor: Luke ShelleyExec 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.