The Life of Bryony

Bryony Gordon is a British journalist and mental health campaigner who famously ran the London Marathon in her underwear to challenge body image stigma, and that fearlessness defines every episode of this podcast. She talks to guests about the hidden struggles most people don't say out loud, covering anxiety, addiction, breakups, bereavement, and everything in between, with absolutely no shame and no filters. The show has 137 episodes, releases twice a week, and carries a 4.8-star rating. Gordon's background as a Daily Telegraph columnist means she knows how to tell a story and draw people out. Her guests range from household names to ordinary people with extraordinary experiences, and Gordon treats every conversation with the same level of genuine interest. She's particularly skilled at getting people to open up about things they've never discussed publicly before. There's also a recurring segment called "The Life of You" where guests share their personal non-negotiables for mental health. These shorter episodes are surprisingly insightful. Gordon has written extensively about her own battles with OCD, addiction, and depression, and she brings that lived experience to her hosting. She doesn't pretend to be an expert. She's a fellow traveler who's learned a lot the hard way and wants to share what she's found. The show has a raw, unpolished energy that makes the more produced wellness podcasts feel a bit sterile by comparison.