The Life of Bryony

This week, I’m joined by my friend Emma Gannon – award-winning author and Substack writer – to talk about something so many of us are secretly fantasising about: stopping. Properly stopping. Emma tells me about her “year of nothing”, the breakdown that forced her to confront burnout, and how stepping off the hustle treadmill completely changed her life. We talk about the fantasy of being “hospitalised for exhaustion”, why so many women feel they can’t hack modern life, and what happens when your body says “no more”. Emma shares her experience with panic attacks and disassociation, the friendships and work she had to let go of, and how she learned to rest deeply instead of putting on a show of productivity. If you’re exhausted, edging towards burnout, or just craving permission to do less, this conversation is for you.​

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Emma’s new book, ‘A Year of Nothing’ is available to pre-order now and will be released on 22nd January 2026.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Got something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.

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

CREDITS:

Host: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Emma Gannon

Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig

Assistant Producer: Tippi Willard

Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm

Editor: Luke Shelley

Exec Producer: Jamie East 

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Millie Mackintosh is back to chat about the three absolute essentials she relies on to not just survive but thrive without alcohol during the festive season. We talk wellbeing, self-care, finding little rewards that feel even better than a tipple, and just how transformative those small daily choices can be. Whether you’re newly sober or just curious, Millie’s approach – and her honesty about learning to embrace Christmas in a whole new light – will leave you feeling inspired and supported. This chat will give you some practical advice, a giggle or two, and a reminder that you’re not alone this December!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Millie’s book, Bad Drunk, is available in paperback from the 8th January 2026.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of Millie’s episodes resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following:

DRINKLINE – For anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.

To speak to someone call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

ALCOHOL CHANGE UK – For anyone seeking help with their own or someone else’s drinking.

This week on The Life of Bryony, I’m joined by my wonderful friend Millie Mackintosh to talk about something so many of you have been asking for – how to survive and actually enjoy the festive season without alcohol. Millie shares her honest and heartfelt experiences of giving up drinking, the challenges of those first few Christmases sober, and practical tips for navigating parties, family gatherings, and the pressures of December without drowning out your feelings with booze. We discuss how to plan your social calendar, finding your tribe, and the small wins that make all the difference. If you’re sober curious or newly sober, this episode will remind you you’re not alone. Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Millie’s book, Bad Drunk, is available in paperback on the 8th January 2026.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of this episode resonated with you today, and you would like support, please consider the following:

DRINKLINE – For anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.

To speak to someone call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)

ALCOHOL CHANGE UK – For anyone seeking help with their own or someone else’s drinking.

In this episode, psychotherapist Sophie Scott joins me again to answer listener questions on supporting loved ones with mental health challenges: How do you step back from a parent’s mental health needs when guilt keeps pulling you in? What’s the best way to help a sibling with OCD, beyond just managing their rituals? And how do you avoid feeling completely drained by a friend who’s is struggling? Sophie shares how setting boundaries can actually be an act of love, and why “detaching with love” might be the healthiest thing you can do – for you and for them. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance caring for others while protecting your own wellbeing, you are absolutely not alone – this chat is for you.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Sophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.

This week, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist and author Sophie Scott to talk about what it really takes to support loved ones through mental health challenges without losing yourself along the way. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in a family touched by OCD and loss, and how those experiences shaped her approach to mental health. We explore the power of listening over giving advice, why boundaries are essential for everyone’s wellbeing, and how burnout affects caregivers who often feel unseen or unsupported. Sophie offers practical strategies – from the 4-7-8 breathing technique to finding individual purpose and accepting messy emotions that can help you care for others and for yourself. If you’re navigating relationships affected by OCD or other mental health issues, this episode is packed with compassion, relatability, and genuinely helpful advice.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Sophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.