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 once again by Owen O’Kane—psychotherapist, bestselling author, and anxiety expert. His book Addicted to Anxiety reveals why so many of us get stuck in worry loops—and more importantly, how to break free.

Together, we answer your questions about overthinking, people-pleasing, and how to stop anxiety from taking over your life.

Today:

💬 Lucy constantly worries she’s upset people, even when she hasn’t—how can she break this exhausting habit?

💭 Judi struggles to switch off, even when she’s relaxing—how can she stop her brain from ruining moments she’s meant to enjoy?

🤯 Aaron asks why anxious thoughts feel more real than rational ones—why do they always seem so convincing?

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 [email protected]

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!

CREDITS

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Owen O’Kane

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony

Where we explore life’s messy, beautiful, and challenging moments.

MY GUEST THIS WEEK: OWEN O’KANE

This week, I’m joined by Owen O’Kane—psychotherapist, bestselling author, and former NHS clinical lead for mental health. His new book, Addicted to Anxiety, challenges everything we think we know about anxiety, arguing that it’s not just a feeling we experience, but a habit we’ve learned—and can unlearn.

We talk about how anxiety isn’t just a mental state but a pattern of behaviour, how we unknowingly fuel it in our daily lives, and why so many of us are resistant to letting it go. Owen opens up about his own childhood growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the trauma that shaped his anxious self, and how he’s learned to navigate life without abandoning the most frightened parts of himself.

We explore why we cling to our fears, how we mistake overthinking for problem-solving, and why true freedom from anxiety comes from sitting with discomfort rather than running from it.

If you’ve ever struggled with spiralling thoughts, panic, or that constant feeling of “what if?”—this episode will change the way you see anxiety.

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: Click here.

📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Owen’s insights helpful—it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 Addicted to Anxiety by Owen O’Kane

A groundbreaking book that redefines anxiety as an addictive process—and offers a way out.

Buy from Waterstones

SOME GREAT RESOURCES

🧠 Mind UK – Mental health support and information: www.mind.org.uk | Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

💭 Anxiety UK – Support and resources for anxiety and panic: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

CREDITS

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Owen O’Kane

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the brilliant Tuppence Middleton—actress and author of Scorpions, her powerful memoir about living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Together, we answer your questions about OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how to navigate relationships while living with anxiety.

Today:

💬 Katie worries that her OCD is exhausting for her supportive partner—how can she balance honesty with not feeling like a burden?

💭 Rachel struggles with intrusive thoughts—how can she stop them from taking over?

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your thoughts, remember: You are not your thoughts—you are just the person who hears them.

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 [email protected]

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!

CREDITS:

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Tuppence Middleton

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony Where we explore life’s messy, beautiful, and challenging moments.

MY GUEST THIS WEEK: TUPPENCE MIDDLETON

This week, I’m joined by Tuppence Middleton—actor and author of Scorpions. In her book, Tuppence explores her lifelong experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and emetophobia (a debilitating fear of vomiting).

We discuss how OCD isn’t just about cleanliness or order—it’s about fear, control, and mental gymnastics that can take over your life. Tuppence opens up about her constant battle with intrusive thoughts, the exhausting need for reassurance, and how her emetophobia has shaped so many aspects of her life—from acting, to motherhood, to even deciding what foods to eat.

She shares how OCD and phobias can make everyday experiences—like travelling, touching objects, or even interacting with people—deeply distressing, and how she’s learned to live with what she calls the ‘scorpions’ in her mind.

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or an overwhelming fear that controls parts of your life, this episode is a must-listen.

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 [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Tuppence’s insights helpful—it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 Scorpions by Tuppence Middleton

A deeply personal and powerful exploration of OCD, emetophobia, and intrusive thoughts, and how they shape our lives.

Buy from Waterstones

SOME GREAT RESOURCES

🧠 Mind UK – Mental health support and information: www.mind.org.uk | Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

💭 Anxiety UK – Support and resources for anxiety and panic: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

CREDITS

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Tuppence Middleton

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU! The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to navigate life’s trickier moments.

Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr Alexandra Shaker, psychologist, researcher, and author of The Narrowing, for an insightful Q&A on anxiety, mental health, and breaking the cycle of overthinking.

Today:

💬 Simon struggles with anxiety making him socially withdrawn—cancelling plans, avoiding messages, and feeling guilty.

💔 Niamh can’t stop seeking reassurance in relationships—how can she break the habit?

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 me a line at [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!

CREDITS:

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Dr Alexandra Shaker

🎧 Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony Where we explore life’s messy, beautiful, and challenging moments.

MY GUEST THIS WEEK: DR ALEXANDRA SHAKER

This week, I’m joined by Dr Alexandra Shaker—psychologist, researcher, and author of The Narrowing. Alexandra’s work rethinks our understanding of anxiety, not as a weakness, but as a strength—something we can learn from rather than fight against. We discuss how anxiety manifests in the body, why quick fixes don’t work, and how we can reframe our relationship with mental health.

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 [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Alexandra’s insights helpful—it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 Mad Woman by Bryony Gordon

Bryony’s latest memoir, now available in paperback, offers an insightful and fearless reflection on mental health.

Buy from Waterstones

📚 The Narrowing by Dr. Alexandra Shaker

A transformative exploration of anxiety, examining the connections between our emotional, psychological, and physical lives.

Buy from Waterstones

SOME GREAT RESOURCES

Mind UK – Mental health support and information: www.mind.org.uk | Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

Anxiety UK – Support and resources for anxiety and panic: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

CREDITS

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Dr Alexandra Shaker

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU! The bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to navigate life’s trickier moments.

Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Ruby Rare, sex educator and author of The Non-Monogamy Playbook, for a candid Q&A session on love, relationships, and exploring non-monogamy with confidence.

Today:

💬 Jealous Jo wonders how people in open relationships find the time for it all.

💔 Ben fears his monogamous relationship is at risk as his partner considers opening things up.

🤔 Tom asks how to explore non-monogamy without reducing it to just sex.

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 me a line at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!

CREDITS:

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guest: Ruby Rare

🎧 Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messy, beautiful, and challenging moments.

MY GUEST THIS WEEK: RUBY RARE

This week, I’m joined by Ruby Rare—sex educator, speaker, and author of The Non-Monogamy Playbook. Ruby is on a mission to help people explore and embrace their sexuality without shame, offering a refreshingly open and non-judgmental perspective on relationships, intimacy, and pleasure.

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 [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Ruby’s insights helpful—it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

SOME GREAT RESOURCES

Brook: A leading charity supporting young people’s sexual health and education. Visit www.brook.org.uk.

CREDITS

Presenter: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Ruby Rare

Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail Production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, the bonus series where we tackle your dilemmas and share advice to navigate life’s trickier moments.

In this bonus episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Christie Watson and Rowan Egberongbe, co-authors of No Filters, for a candid Q&A session.

Today:

Sarah’s struggle with her 14-year-old son’s TikTok obsession and Fiona’s son is paralysed by climate anxiety

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 me a line at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps!

MY WEEKLY RECOMMENDATION:

🛍️ Joanie Clothing – I recorded this episode in my new favourite T-shirt, which says Bring Snacks. Joanie is a brilliant, size-inclusive brand, and their clothes are the perfect mix of comfort and style.

Bryony xx

SOME GREAT RESOURCES:

• YoungMinds UK – Support for young people struggling with mental health: www.youngminds.org.uk

• Mind (Mental Health Support) – Help for anxiety, addiction, and stress: www.mind.org.uk | Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

CREDITS:

🎙️ Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙️ Guests: Christie Watson & Rowan Egberongbe

🎧 Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messy, beautiful, and challenging moments.

MY GUESTS THIS WEEK: CHRISTIE WATSON AND ROWAN EGBERONGBE

This week, I’m joined by Christie Watson—former NHS nurse, bestselling author, and professor—and her daughter, Rowan Egberongbe. Together, they’ve co-written No Filters, a deeply personal and poignant exploration of Rowan’s mental health crisis during her teenage years. Their story is one of unconditional love, resilience, and finding connection in the darkest moments.

In this episode:

• How Christie and Rowan navigated the loneliness and chaos of parenting and mental illness.

• The power of humour and “loud love” in rebuilding trust and connection.

• Insights into the youth mental health crisis and how social media plays a complex role.

A gentle warning: This episode contains discussions about self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide. We’ve included resources below for those who may be affected.

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 [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Christie and Rowan’s story helpful—it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

SOME GREAT RESOURCES

• Young Minds: The UK’s leading charity for children and young people’s mental health. Visit www.youngminds.org.uk or call their helpline at 0808 802 5544.

• The Mix: Free, confidential support for people under 25. Visit www.themix.org.uk or call their crisis line at 0808 808 4994.

• Mind (Mental Health Support): Help for anyone struggling with their mental health. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

Presenter: Bryony Gordon

Guests: Christie Watson and Rowan Egberongbe

Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail Production. Seriously Popular.

Let me know if you’d like any changes or additional details!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices