The Life of Bryony

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 on07796657512 - 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.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it - it really helps! Bryony xx Credits: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Cally BeatonProducer: 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.

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

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

In this enlightening conversation, psychologist and author Nicola Jane Hobbs tackles the struggle many women face when it comes to relaxation. She discusses the societal pressures that make rest feel unattainable and how these expectations can lead to chronic stress. Nicola shares practical tools for reclaiming relaxation, emphasizing the importance of unlearning harmful narratives and embracing self-compassion. Through personal anecdotes and actionable strategies, she inspires women to prioritize genuine moments of rest amidst their busy lives.

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

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. Throughhonest conversation, he shares lessons learned, the pain and growth found in hitting rock bottom, and how embracing vulnerability became his path tohealing. 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.comIf 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 YOUGot a question or a story to share?Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOBUse the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! Bryony xxCredits: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ashley RobertsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant 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.

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 YOUGot a question or a story to share?Text or send a voice note on 07796657512 - just start your message with LOBUse the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB Prefer email? Drop us a line at  lifeofbryony@dailymail.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xxCredits: Host: Bryony GordonGuest: Ashley RobertsProducer: Laura Elwood-CraigAssistant 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.

Welcome to The Life of YOU. The bonus episode where we answer your questions and try to make sense of life’s messier moments. This week, I’m joined by Jules Von Hep, author of The Confidence Ritual. A firm believer that beauty radiates from within, Jules shares the power of affirmations and why the way we speak to ourselves is key to affirming both the version of ourselves and the life we want. Today's dilemma is all about the shame surrounding spray tanning- does this make us someone we’re not? Jules explains why it's so important to follow your own values and definitions of beauty, rather than for the eye of others.  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.co.uk If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! Bryony xx Host: Bryony Gordon Guest: Jules Von Hepp Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun 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.

If you have ever looked in the mirror and immediately apologised for the body staring back at you, then today’s episode is exactly what you need. This week, Bryony is joined by the radiant Jules Von Hep: spray tanner to the stars, founder of the cult beauty brand Isle of Paradise, and author of The Confidence Ritual. With two decades spent in a world that likes to airbrush out every blemish and dimple, Jules knows a thing or two about the myths the beauty industry sells us and the reality of how every single body has its own insecurities. They talk all about the conditioning that teaches us to hate our bodies, the tricks companies use to profit from our insecurities, and—most importantly—how to start unlearning all of it. Brimming with charm and heartfelt honesty, Jules shares his own journey from deep self-loathing to loving life, and the practical confidence rituals that can help you glow up from the inside out. Whether you’re a bronzing pro or a self-tan novice, this episode has a whole lot of gold for you. Jules Von Hep’s book, The Confidence Ritual, is out now. Get ready to glow up, from the inside out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.