Laura Adlington: Body Confidence, Bake Off Fame, and Overcoming Diet Culture

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

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Laura Adlington, beloved Great British Bake Off finalist and advocate for body acceptance and mental health. Today, Laura helps listeners navigate a series of deeply personal dilemmas: Becky feels "stitched up" as a bridesmaid dealing with a non-inclusive boutique. Priya’s struggling with body confidence and fears around intimacy after ghosting experiences. And Lexi is battling anti-fat bias in healthcare when all she wanted was a rabies jab! Laura brings her trademark warmth and wit to share advice on setting boundaries, finding confidence, and advocating for yourself when the world makes it difficult. Follow Laura Adlington on Instagram: @laura.adlington Pre-order Laura's book in paperback: here WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB 📧 Or email us at [email protected] SOME GREAT RESOURCES Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Beat Eating Disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Health at Every Size Movement: www.haescommunity.com Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: LAURA ADLINGTON Bryony Gordon sits down with Great British Bake Off alum and advocate Laura Adlington to discuss body image, self-acceptance, and living life unapologetically. Laura shares her journey from struggling with diet culture and disordered eating to becoming a vocal champion for body neutrality and inclusivity. She talks openly about the challenges of existing in a society that prioritises appearance over health, the impact of social media, and how fashion can be a tool for self-expression. From rejecting extreme weight-loss surgery to finding joy in life’s everyday moments, Laura’s story is one of resilience, growth, and refusing to live a half-life. Laura’s message is clear: everyone deserves respect and representation, no matter their size. This episode is a celebration of individuality, courage, and the importance of embracing yourself fully. Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.adlington Get in Touch 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at [email protected] Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from it! Bryony xx For More Information and Support: This episode touches on topics such as disordered eating and body image. If you’re struggling, here are some resources for support: 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-hour support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care expert with over 30 years of experience, to address some deeply personal and important listener questions about death, grief, and end-of-life care. Follow Kathryn on Twitter Find her book, With the End in Mind WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click Here 📧 Or email us at [email protected] SOME GREAT RESOURCES Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Marie Curie (End-of-Life Support): www.mariecurie.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we tackle life’s toughest challenges head-on. GUEST: LOTTIE CLARKE In this deeply moving episode, Bryony Gordon speaks with Lottie Clarke about her husband James’s devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis and his decision to travel to Switzerland for an assisted death. Lottie shares the emotional toll of supporting James’s choice while navigating the complexities of family life, grief, and a system that left them feeling powerless. This is a powerful story of love, resilience, and the fight for the right to choose a peaceful end. Lottie’s courage highlights why open conversations about death, dignity, and autonomy are so vital. Get in Touch 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut -https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at [email protected] For More Information and Support: We discuss motor neurone disease, grief, and assisted dying in this episode. If you need support or want to take action, here are some resources: Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA): www.mndassociation.org My Name'5 Doddie Foundation: https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/ Dignity in Dying: www.dignityindying.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org If Lottie’s story inspired you, consider writing to your MP to ask their stance on the Assisted Dying Bill, which will be debated on November 29th.  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where we tackle life’s toughest moments with honesty and humour. I’m joined by Abbey Feltham to answer some truly personal and challenging listener dilemmas. Follow Abi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abi.feltham/?hl=en WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a dilemma you need help with? Send it our way! 🗣️ Text or voice note us at 07796657512 (start your message with LOB) 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click Here 📧 Or email us at [email protected] SOME GREAT RESOURCES: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Mind UK: www.mind.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: ABI FELTHAM In this deeply honest episode, Bryony Gordon sits down with content creator Abi Feltham to discuss her journey through alcoholism, sobriety, and a recent cancer diagnosis. Abi shares her experience of addiction, the impact of childhood trauma, and the challenges she faced as she moved from place to place, seeking to escape her inner struggles. She opens up about the moments that led her to sobriety and how she’s using that same resilience now to face a life-threatening illness with grace and grit. Abi’s message is powerful and uplifting: no matter how dark life may seem, there is always hope, and recovery is possible. This episode offers insight into the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-compassion on the road to healing. Follow Abi: https://www.instagram.com/abi.feltham/ Get in Touch 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - Click Here 📧 Or email me at [email protected]  Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from it! Bryony xx For More Information and Support: We discuss suicide, addiction and recovery in this episode. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some resources for support: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk or call 0800 9177 650 for support with alcohol addiction. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk for information on mental health support. Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24-hour support if you're feeling overwhelmed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we’re here to navigate them together (or at least not make them worse!). This time, I’m joined by the brilliant Dawn O’Porter, ready to dish out advice on your latest, most intriguing questions. Today… 💬 Chat S**t, Get Blocked: Sarah’s patience with her WhatsApp group is running thin. 🛠️ The Unfinished Office: Paul can’t seem to do it himself. 💔 Lost Friendship: James feels like he’s been put on the subs bench. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: Click here to send a message! 📧 You can also email me at: [email protected] Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices