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

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Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 Open When: A Companion for Life’s Twists and Turns by Dr Julie Smith

A 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 Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

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