The Life of Bryony

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU'RE LOVING:We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3Welcome to The Life of YOU!WELCOME TO THE LIFE OF YOU!The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to navigate life’s trickier moments.This week, I’m joined by bestselling author and former lawyer Abigail Dean—writer of the Sunday Times hit Girl A and the powerful new novel The Death of Us.Today:💼 Lily asks whether she’s wasting her ‘successful’ career—and how to start living a life that feels like hers.📝 We discuss the myth of perfect creativity, and why done is always better than perfect.👶 Katie wonders if she’s cut out for motherhood—can you ever really know before it happens?⸻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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!Bryony xx⸻CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Abigail Dean🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU'RE LOVING:We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3MY GUEST THIS WEEK: ABIGAIL DEANThis week, I’m joined by Abigail Dean—bestselling author of Girl A, Day One, and now The Death of Us, a gripping psychological thriller that explores trauma, trust and romantic fear. But this conversation goes far beyond fiction. Abigail opens up about her teenage battle with anorexia and her time in the Priory.We talk about the long road to recovery, the decision to leave a high-flying legal career at Google, and how motherhood helped her finally make space to write. We also explore what it means to live with the threat of relapse, the emotional weight of writing dark stories, and the power of teenage friendship to save a life.If you’ve ever wondered how to rewrite your own story—or if it’s too late to do so—Abigail’s honesty and insight might be the answer you’re looking for.LET’S STAY IN TOUCH🗣 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 you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might be looking for inspiration—it really helps.Bryony xxBOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE📚 The Death of Us by Abigail Dean - Out Now!A chilling but tender psychological thriller about trauma, love, and what it means to trust someone—including yourself.📚 Girl A by Abigail DeanA bestseller about the long shadows of childhood trauma and the complicated bonds between siblings.📚 Day One by Abigail DeanAn exploration of collective grief, conspiracy theories, and community resilience in the aftermath of tragedy.CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Abigail Dean🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU'RE LOVING:We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3WELCOME TO THE LIFE OF YOU!The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice for life’s trickier moments.April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This week, I’m joined by Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek - siblings of the late Dame Deborah James, also known as Bowelbabe.In this special episode, we talk about how to support someone going through cancer, what grief has taught them about showing up, and the real emotions behind running for someone you love. Together, we answer your questions on:💬 How to stay motivated when you’re running in memory of someone you love🤔 What to do or say when your best friend has just been diagnosed with cancer💡 The power of small actions—like dropping off dinner, picking up kids, or just being there⸻🚽 TOILET TALK – THE VIDEO SERIESToilet Talk is a bold new video series from the Bowelbabe Fund and Cancer Research UK—featuring celebs on a neon-lit loo, smashing taboos one laugh at a time.🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_C_mAqiC58⸻💩 CHECK YOUR POO!https://www.bowelbabe.org/ Debs saved lives by saying the unsayable: check your poo.It’s not weird. It’s not embarrassing. It’s just good sense.Know the signs, trust your gut—and if something feels off, talk to your GP. It could save your life.⸻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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!Bryony xx⸻CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guests: Ben James & Sarah James🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU'RE LOVING:We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3MY GUESTS THIS WEEK: BEN JAMES & SARAH WIECZOREKApril is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m joined by Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek—siblings of the late, great Dame Deborah James.Deborah, also known as Bowelbabe, broke taboos, inspired millions, and changed how we talk about cancer—one brutally honest Instagram post (and poo emoji outfit) at a time. Since her death, Ben and Sarah have kept her legacy alive through the Bowelbabe Fund and are now training for the London Marathon in her honour.We talk about why so many of us still feel too embarrassed to talk about poo, how early detection of bowel cancer can save lives, and the bittersweet joy of remembering someone you love and miss every single day.Together we celebrate Debs, whose motto was clear: live life, loudly.⸻🚽 TOILET TALK – THE VIDEO SERIESToilet Talk is a bold new video series from the Bowelbabe Fund and Cancer Research UK—featuring celebs on a neon-lit loo, smashing taboos one laugh at a time.🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_C_mAqiC58⸻💩 CHECK YOUR POO!https://www.bowelbabe.org/ Debs saved lives by saying the unsayable: check your poo.It’s not weird. It’s not embarrassing. It’s just good sense.Know the signs, trust your gut—and if something feels off, talk to your GP. It could save your life.⸻📲 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 you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find it helpful—it really makes a difference!Bryony xx🎙 CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guests: Ben & Sarah James🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE (PRETTY PLEASE):We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3MY GUEST THIS WEEK: CALUM SCOTTWelcome to The Life of YOU! The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to help with life’s tougher moments.This week, I’m joined by singer and songwriter Calum Scott, whose voice may be familiar but whose vulnerability and insight might just surprise you. Together, we talk about rejection, perfectionism, and why asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.CALUM’S NEW MUSIC – GOD KNOWSCalum’s got new music out now - https://calumscott.lnk.to/godknowsLET’S STAY IN TOUCH🗣 Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message withLOB.💬 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 Calum’s story helpful—it really makesa difference!Bryony xx⸻HELPLINESIf you’re struggling or need someone to talk to, you’re not alone.📞 Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org📱 Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7 mental health support💬 Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk for advice and supportPlease reach out—you matter.CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Calum Scott🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

QUICK SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE (PRETTY PLEASE):We’re running a short survey to get to know you better—so we can keep making the kind of episodes you actually want to hear. Takes 2 mins, promise: https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=3MY GUEST THIS WEEK: CALUM SCOTTThis week, I’m joined by singer, songwriter and mental health advocate Calum Scott. You might know him from Britain’s Got Talent, but behind that viral moment is a powerful story of shame, self-worth, and survival. Calum opens up about coming out at 12, living with body dysmorphia, and how therapy—and his mum—helped him through his darkest moments. We talk about social media, self-acceptance, and what it meant to sing with Take That for the King. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong, this one’s for you.CALUM’S NEW MUSIC – GOD KNOWSCalum’s got new music coming out on Friday 4th April. You can pre-save it here: https://calumscott.lnk.to/godknowsLET’S STAY IN TOUCH🗣 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 Calum’s story helpful—it really makes a difference!Bryony xx⸻HELPLINESIf you’re struggling or need someone to talk to, you’re not alone.📞 Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org📱 Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7 mental health support💬 Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk for advice and supportPlease reach out—you matter.CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Calum Scott🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to navigate life’s trickier moments.This week, I’m joined once again by psychologist, best-selling author and social media favourite Dr Julie Smith. Her new book Open When is the kind of emergency toolkit we all need for those moments when life feels like a lot—and today, she’s here to help with some of yours.Together, we unpack your questions about moving on from break-ups, managing social media triggers, and dealing with self-critical thought spirals. Julie also shares her thoughts on anger at work, why it’s a last-resort emotion, and how unmet needs often lie beneath the surface.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in regret, shame or the habit of scrolling your ex’s feed on a Tuesday night (we’ve all been there), this one’s for you.Today:💔 Dean can’t stop looking at his ex’s social media. How do you let go without suppressing your emotions?📱 Sharon wants to know how to set better boundaries with social media—and her own negative thoughts.🤯 Dawn regrets snapping at work and worries she’s becoming “that person.” What’s really going on underneath the anger?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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!Bryony xxCREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Dr Julie Smith🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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 Dr Julie Smith – clinical psychologist, best-selling author and one of the most trusted mental health voices online. With over 9 million followers across social media, Dr Julie has made it her mission to share no-nonsense advice for the moments when life gets overwhelming.We talk about how fear shows up in our lives – from catastrophic thinking and compulsive behaviours, to why you wake up feeling like everything is too much. Julie opens up about receiving a breast cancer diagnosis while writing her latest book, Open When, and how it forced her to practise what she preaches: facing fear head-on and taking action in the service of your own rescue.We also explore the tools that help us reclaim agency in difficult times – including mindfulness, emotional regulation, and learning to question that inner voice telling you you’re not good enough. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a spiral of fear or self-criticism, this conversation is packed with practical guidance and real-life hope.LET’S STAY IN TOUCH🗣 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, please share it with someone who might need it. It really does help us reach more people.Bryony xxBOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE📚 Open When: A Companion for Life’s Twists and Turns by Dr Julie SmithA warm, practical guide to building resilience and emotional strength during the hardest moments of life.CREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Dr Julie Smith🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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 series where we tackle your dilemmas and share expert advice on navigating life’s trickier moments.This week, I’m joined by Clare Seal—finance writer, speaker, and founder of The Financial Wellbeing Forum. Clare rose to prominence with her Instagram account @myfrugalyear, where she openly shared her journey of getting out of £27,000 of debt. Since then, she’s become a leading voice in financial wellness, breaking down the emotional and psychological barriers that impact how we manage money.Together, we discuss the complex relationship between money, self-worth, and relationships, offering practical advice on how to overcome financial anxiety, communicate better with a partner about money, and build a healthier mindset around spending.Today’s Listener Questions:💸 Anon asks: “I’m a saver, but my partner is a spender. We keep fighting about finances—how do we stop money from becoming a constant source of stress?”💰 Marie asks: “I feel guilty when I spend money on myself, even when I can afford it. How do I change my mindset?”📉 Lisa asks: “Every time I check my bank account, I get a horrible sinking feeling. How can I break the habit of avoiding my finances?”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.ukIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!Bryony xxCREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Clare Seal🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.

Money—it’s something we all have to deal with, yet so many of us feel ashamed, overwhelmed, or anxious about it. Whether it’s debt, emotional spending, or the way we tie our self-worth to financial success, these struggles can have a profound effect on our mental health.This week, I’m joined by Clare Seal, finance writer, speaker, and author, who became a leading voice in financial well-being after launching her Instagram account My Frugal Year, where she shared her journey out of £27,000 worth of personal debt.Together, we discuss:💰 Why money remains one of our biggest taboos.😨 How financial stress impacts mental health—and vice versa.🛍️ Emotional spending, the ‘ADHD tax,’ and why many of us sabotage ourselves financially.🔄 How to break out of shame cycles and build a healthier relationship with money.Whether you’ve ever felt out of control with money or just want confidence around finances, 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 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 to hear it—it really helps!Bryony xxUSEFUL LINKSIf you’re struggling with debt or financial stress, these resources can help:🔹 StepChange Debt Charity – Free, expert debt advice and solutions:👉 https://www.stepchange.org🔹 National Debtline – Free and independent debt advice:👉 https://www.nationaldebtline.orgCREDITS🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon🎙 Guest: Clare Seal🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley📢 Executive Producer: Mike WoollerA 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.