If you’ve ever felt crippled by perfectionism, terrified of rejection, or spent your life trying to make everyone happy – even at your own expense – then this episode is for you. I’m joined by Alex Partridge, host of the ADHD Chatter podcast and author of the new book ‘Why Does Everyone Hate Me?’, to talk about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a little-known but deeply felt condition that’s finally being recognised as a disability. Alex explains how RSD affects those with ADHD and neurodivergent minds, how the quest for perfectionism leads to exhaustion, and the emotional toll this takes on relationships, work, and self-esteem. We also dive into real-life stories, strategies for coping, and why understanding RSD is so important for anyone who feels ruled by fear of criticism or rejection. Whether you have ADHD or just want to understand your chattering mind better, this is a conversation that will make you feel less alone.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Alex’s new book ‘Why Does Everyone Hate Me?’ is released on 24th March 2026 and is available to pre-order now.

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: Alex Partridge

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the wonderful Frankie Bridge is back – after our deep-dive main episode – to share the three things she absolutely cannot live without when life feels chaotic, noisy and a bit too much. We talk about why moving your body with other people can feel like therapy in disguise, how getting support to reframe unhelpful thoughts has changed Frankie’s day-to-day, and the surprisingly simple tools she turns to when her anxiety starts spiralling. We also get very honest about inconsistency, perfectionism, and why “trying” is sometimes more than enough. If you’re craving realistic wellbeing habits that don’t require a personality transplant, this one’s for you.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of Frankie's episodes resonated with you and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Samaritans

Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.

Mind

Call 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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

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

CREDITS:

Host: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Frankie Bridge

Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig

Assistant Producer: Sam Rhodes

Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm

Editor: Luke Shelley

Exec Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Frankie Bridge – singer, author, businesswoman and long-time mental health advocate – for one of the most open, moving conversations I’ve ever had on this show. From being catapulted to fame at 12 in S Club Juniors, to global success with The Saturdays, Frankie shares the truth about breakdown, depression, and being hospitalised in her early twenties when it all became too much.​ We talk about anxiety that started in childhood, disordered eating in the girl-band years, and what it’s really like to perform while having panic attacks and feeling like a shell of yourself. Frankie explains how ketamine therapy has been life-changing for her treatment‑resistant depression, why mum guilt is still her biggest battle, and how healing her inner child has helped her finally feel more whole.​ If you’ve ever felt like a burden, or wondered why you can’t just “be grateful” for the life you have, this episode will make you feel seen, less alone, and a lot kinder towards yourself.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

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

Samaritans

Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.

Mind

Call 0300 102 1234 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/

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: Frankie Bridge

Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig

Assistant Producer: Sam Rhodes

Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm

Editor: Luke Shelley

Exec Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.