The Life of Bryony

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Matt Willis, musician, actor, and advocate for recovery, alongside Nav Dhesi, a recovery mentor. Together, we discuss the raw and honest realities of addiction and recovery, offering advice, hope, and insight for anyone on this journey or supporting someone who is. Today: How do you reach out for help when shame and embarrassment are holding you back? What are the practical steps for making it through day one of sobriety? How to begin again after a relapse? Matt and Nav share their personal experiences, invaluable lessons from their journeys, and practical strategies for staying sober and finding hope after a relapse. Matt’s story of recovery shows that it’s possible to build a life beyond your wildest dreams—and that the first step is reaching out. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? You can text or send me a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Or use the WhatsApp shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at [email protected]. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! MY WEEKLY RECOMMENDATION Sophie and Oli's fundraiser for CRELD1 Warriors - Donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/creld1-7in7?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%252Fcreld1-7in7&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share Bryony xx SOME GREAT RESOURCES In this episode, we discuss addiction, recovery, and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, these organisations can help: Forward Trust: Visit www.forwardtrust.org.uk for resources on addiction and recovery. Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for free, 24/7 support. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk Alcoholics Anonymous: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk For more of Matt’s story, check out his BBC documentary 'Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction'. Presenter: Bryony Gordon Guest: Matt Willis & Navraj Dhesi 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 messier moments. MY GUEST THIS WEEK: MATT WILLIS This week, I’m joined by the incredible Matt Willis—singer, actor, and passionate recovery advocate. You may know him as part of the band Busted, but Matt’s story goes far beyond the music. He shares his raw and honest journey with addiction, relapse, and recovery, offering invaluable insights for anyone facing their own struggles. We talk about the stigma surrounding addiction, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the surprising comfort that comes from connecting with others who understand. Matt opens up about the moments that changed his life, his evolving relationship with fame, and how he’s learned to embrace a healthier, more grounded way of living. Whether you’re on your own recovery journey, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a candid and inspiring conversation, I hope you’ll find something here to hold on to. Let’s Stay in Touch 🗣️ Got something to share? You can text or send me a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Or 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! Bryony xx Presenter: Bryony Gordon Guest: Matt Willis Producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan Executive Producer: Mike Wooller A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular For More Information and Support In this episode, we discuss addiction, recovery, and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, these organisations can help: Forward Trust: Visit forwardtrust.org.uk for resources on addiction and recovery. Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24/7 support. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk. For more of Matt’s story, check out his powerful BBC documentary Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments. In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Jess Griffiths, an experienced eating disorder therapist and advocate for compassionate recovery. Together, we explore the often-overlooked challenges of disordered eating and how to find balance in a world obsessed with diet culture. Today: Allison is trapped in a binge-eating cycle and asks, “What are the first steps to breaking free?” Mark seeks advice after a disheartening visit to his GP Dawn wonders, “Is avoiding trigger foods a sustainable recovery strategy?” Jess' book 'Eating Disorders: The Basics - The Basics' is available to buy - https://www.waterstones.com/book/eating-disorders-the-basics/elizabeth-mcnaught/janet-treasure/9781032379579 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 🗣️ Got something to share? You can text or send me a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Or use the WhatsApp shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at [email protected]. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! Bryony xx SOME GREAT RESOURCES: Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Beat Eating Disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. MY GUEST THIS WEEK: JESS GRIFFITHS This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Jess Griffiths, an eating disorder expert who brings both personal and professional insights to our chat. We talk about the challenges of recovery, how self-compassion plays a key role, and why hope is always possible—even when it feels like the hardest thing to hold on to. Jess and I touch on the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of being kind to ourselves, and practical tips for building resilience. Whether you’re facing an eating disorder yourself, supporting someone you love, or just trying to be gentler with yourself, I really think this conversation will resonate with you. Let’s Stay in Touch 🗣️ Got something to share? You can text or send me a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB. 💬 Or use the WhatsApp shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at [email protected]. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might need it—it really helps! Bryony xx For More Information and Support In this episode, we talk about eating disorders, mental health, and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, these organisations can help: Beat Eating Disorders: Call 0808 801 0677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk. Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24/7 support. Jess' book 'Eating Disorders: The Basics - The Basics' is available to buy - https://www.waterstones.com/book/eating-disorders-the-basics/elizabeth-mcnaught/janet-treasure/9781032379579 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices