Best Sam Van Ryder Podcasts (2025)

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ON WRITING... With Salman Rushdie and Kazuo Ishiguro 24:18

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18h ago24:18

24:18

Welcome to another special edition of How to Fail, where I revisit conversations from the How to Fail archives. Each week, we shine a light on a particular theme, hopefully offering inspiration, perspective and comfort through the words of past guests. This week’s theme is on writing - appropriately, because my new book ‘One of Us’ is out this week…

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Saving Sara with Mayra Foose and Maggie Torres 38:00

6h ago38:00

38:00

It’s our 50th episode! This week Michael and Sam are joined by guests Mayra Foose and Maggie Torres from LyondellBasell to discuss their work in cybersecurity education, the programs they partner with to support their mission, and the importance of diversity and passion in the field. They share inspiring stories about working with students, buildin…

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Mark Ronson - The Stories Behind ‘Uptown Funk,’ Amy Winehouse & ‘I’m Just Ken’ 50:59

5d ago50:59

50:59

Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of drug use. Mark Ronson is the hitmaker behind some of the most iconic music of the past two decades. A nine-time Grammy-winning producer, DJ, and Oscar-winning songwriter (yes - he wrote “I’m Just Ken”), Ronson has collaborated with legends like Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus and Duran Duran…

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ON GRIEF… With Mo Gawdat and Bonnie Tyler 13:28

8d ago13:28

13:28

Welcome to the newest evolution of How to Fail! Each week, I’ll be diving into the archives to spotlight key themes that have come up throughout my conversations with How to Fail guests. I’ll be sharing bite-sized takeaways every Monday to support, inspire and help with whatever you might be going through. This week’s theme is a big one: we’re talk…

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Robin Wright on ageing, confidence and the myth of being ‘too late’ 49:50

12d ago49:50

49:50

‘I didn’t think I had that confidence, so I turned those roles down.’ Robin Wright is the legendary star of The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump, House of Cards, and Amazon’s gripping new thriller The Girlfriend. An Emmy-nominated actress, Golden Globe winner and now an acclaimed director, Wright joins How To Fail to talk about fear, self-worth, womanh…

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ON HEARTBREAK... With Alain de Botton and Jay Shetty 15:17

15d ago15:17

15:17

Welcome to this brand-new concept for How to Fail – where I dive into the back catalogue of the How to Fail archives, highlighting specific themes each week to bring you bitesize takeaways! Hopefully these episodes can bring some clarity on similar issues you’re facing or great stories that you might find comfort from. This week we’re looking at he…

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It’s not magic – it’s just AI with Daniel Miessler 38:00

6d ago38:00

38:00

In this episode, Michael and Sam sit down with Daniel Miessler, founder of Unsupervised Learning, for a thought-provoking conversation that spans the future of cybersecurity and Daniel’s unique personal journey. They dive into the escalating arms race between attackers and defenders, explore how Daniel’s path shifted from pre-med to cybersecurity t…

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Tom Ellis - Fatherhood, Surrogacy and Years of Therapy 49:40

19d ago49:40

49:40

You may know Tom Ellis as the devilishly charming lead in Netflix’s Lucifer, or as the lovable Gary in the BBC sitcom Miranda. He's also made waves in the U.S., starring alongside Gina Rodriguez in Players, and appearing in Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, created by his wife, Meghan Oppenheimer. In 2023, Tom and Meghan welcomed a daughter via surrogate, addin…

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Failure Throwback: Jameela Jamil 58:34

26d ago58:34

58:34

Jameela Jamil is an actor, activist, and founder of the I Weigh movement. From teaching English to starring in The Good Place, Jameela shares the highs, lows, and radical honesty that define her journey. This episode first went out in February 2021. We talk about: Her struggle to be a "good" celebrity Body image battles and self-kindness Financial …

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Get in Loser, We’re Going to ShmooCon with Matt Johansen 36:50

20d ago36:50

36:50

In this episode, Michael and Sam are joined by Matt Johansen, founder of Vulnerable U, to discuss his journey in cybersecurity, the importance of networking, and the evolution of technical content creation in the industry. Things Mentioned: · Vulnerable U - https://www.vulnu.com/ · Spain under fire for contracting Huawei to store judicial wiretaps …

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Failure Throwback: Glennon Doyle 1:07:01

1M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Author of Untamed and fierce truth-teller Glennon Doyle joins me for a raw and revelatory episode, first recorded in July 2020. We dive into: Why we chase approval instead of trusting our inner voice Her struggles with body image, love, and emotional resilience The failures that shaped her—from family breakdowns to learning self-protection Every mo…

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Failure Throwback: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 1:08:02

1M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

This week we revisit one of my all-time favourite guests: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, recorded in July 2021. Best known for Americanah and her globally resonant TED Talks, Chimamanda opens up about the profound grief of losing both her parents within a year—and the raw journey of coping in its aftermath. We talk candidly about: Her essay Notes on Gri…

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Watching Each Other’s Backs with Sean Jones & Kaloyan Ivanov 37:55

1M ago37:55

37:55

Michael and Sam chat with HOU.SEC.CON 2025 speakers Sean Jones and Kaloyan Ivanov! In this episode, they explore how pathways into the cybersecurity industry have evolved across generations, what it takes to go undercover in cybercriminal communities, and why accountability is crucial when engaging in such high-risk work. Things Mentioned: DarkForu…

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Sir Tony Robinson - ‘I learned comedy as a defence mechanism’ 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

Recorded with a live audience in Cambridge, this captivating conversation delves deep into the life and career of a cultural force of the last half-century. Known of course for his iconic role as Baldrick in Blackadder, Sir Tony's sharp intelligence and dry humour have had a formative influence on generations. In this candid discussion, he opens up…

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Fern Brady - ‘I make more money in comedy than I ever did from stripping‘ 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

In this searingly funny and deeply affecting live conversation, Elizabeth speaks to stand-up comedian, author and Taskmaster favourite Fern Brady about her autism diagnosis, her working-class roots, and the failures that shaped her award-winning memoir Strong Female Character. Fern opens up about late diagnosis, social masking, and stripping to fun…

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Preserving Hacker History with Emily Crose 33:33

2M ago33:33

33:33

In this episode Michael and Sam sit down with Emily Crose - cybersecurity professional, speaker, and author of “Hack to the Future”. Emily shares her journey into the field, the project that sparked the idea for her debut novel, and her candid thoughts on hacker culture. Emily will be a featured speaker and author at HOU.SEC.CON. 2025, so be sure t…

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Dorinda Medley on Grief, Identity and The Real Housewives: ‘I was angry. I was lost. I felt like I got cheated.’ 43:33

2M ago43:33

43:33

What happens when the life you thought you’d built - the one with love, money, recognition - seems to slip away? This week, Elizabeth speaks to Dorinda Medley, author, TV personality and iconic former Real Housewife of New York, about reinvention, resilience and learning to be okay with not being liked by everyone. Dorinda opens up about the loss o…

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Vanessa Williams - ‘It would be hard to be married to me!’ 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

As a recording artist, Vanessa Williams has earned 13 Grammy nominations and racked up over 212 million digital streams over the course of her eight albums. Her most popular hit, Save The Best For Last, was Number 1 for five weeks in 1992. She is also a highly successful stage and screen actor, appearing in Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. She …

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Suzi Ruffell - ‘I didn’t know I was gay until I saw Titanic’ 47:35

2M ago47:35

47:35

In this special live edition of How to Fail, Elizabeth is joined by comedian Suzi Ruffell. Suzi has performed five sellout runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as appearing on live at the Apollo and filming an Amazon special of her show ‘Dance Like Everyone Is Watching’. She was nominated for Best standup show in the National Comedy Awards and has…

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Dad Jokes with Doug Landoll 38:43

2M ago38:43

38:43

We’re chatting with another fantastic HOU.SEC.CON. author and speaker, Doug Landoll! In this episode Michael and Sam talk to Doug about his book “Security Risk Assessment Handbook”, how he transitioned from traditional IT to cybersecurity, and why others should consider a similar path before moving into a GRC role. Things Mentioned: · HSC User Grou…

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Pamela Anderson - ‘It wasn’t about being pretty, it was about being brave’ 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

I can’t believe I get to say this but…PAMELA ANDERSON! ON HOW TO FAIL! The one and only! A woman I grew up watching on TV, Pamela was an icon of a generation…But the second act of her career has been the most powerful and Anderson joins me for a vulnerable chat about her long journey of embracing beauty on her own terms, understand her self-worth, …

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Melinda French Gates - ‘Just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you’re wise’ 50:25

3M ago50:25

50:25

Melinda French Gates studied computer science and economics and completed an MBA before joining a tech start-up called Microsoft, in 1987. She rose through the ranks to become Manager of Information Products and married the boss in 1994. His name was Bill Gates. Together, the couple founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation, where, for more than …

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It Sucks to Be First with Robert Hansen 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

We’re back with another keynote speaker, Robert “RSnake” Hansen! He chats with Michael and Sam about his new book, AI’s Best Friend (and how to get a free copy!), how he started hacking, and his upcoming HOU.SEC.CON. presentation around his research on the CVSS framework. Things Mentioned: · HSC User Group on June 26, 2025 – https://www.hscusergrou…

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Monica Lewinsky - ‘I would have liked a more normal life’ 47:50

3M ago47:50

47:50

Monica Lewinsky is an activist, podcaster and producer. At the age of 24, Lewinsky, a White House intern, found herself in the eye of a global scandal. She was subjected to a mass public shaming - losing her livelihood, her anonymity and the future she had once imagined for herself. Now, 51 Lewinsky has garnered a new generation of admirers, who wi…

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AJ Tracey - ‘Buying my mum a house will always be my proudest achievement’ 50:48

3M ago50:48

50:48

Rapping phenomenon and Tottenham Hotspur superfan AJ Tracey joins us this week to talk about supporting his mum through her cancer journey, the pressures of staying an independent artist and what football has taught him about failure. AJ Tracey has been rapping since the age of four. He dropped out of his Criminology degree at London Metropolitan U…

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How To Cope With A Friendship Break-Up - with Cynthia Nixon - Special Release 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Cynthia Nixon joins Elizabeth to answer YOUR questions and failures including: whose failures would you most like to hear (dead or alive) how to cope with a friendship break up and how to know when to have kids. Elizabeth then takes a moment to reflect on meeting Cynthia, and everything they covered. To hear Cynthia tackling your failures join our …

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The Never-Ending Cat and Mouse Game with Dmitri Alperovitch 36:12

3M ago36:12

36:12

Michael and Sam are back with another HOU.SEC.CON. keynote speaker – Dmitri Alperovitch! In this episode they talk about his new book, what he’s been up to since CrowdStrike, and what will be covered in his opening keynote. Things Mentioned: HSC User Group on June 26, 2025 – https://www.hscusergroup.com TAB Cyber Foundation Scholarship Closing July…

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Cynthia Nixon - ‘Being brave is feeling scared and doing it anyway’ 51:44

3M ago51:44

51:44

Whilst Cynthia Nixon’s versatility is beyond question, it's fair to say that she has become permanently associated with one character, Miranda Hobbs, in Sex and the City and its companion piece, And Just Like That. She won an Emmy for her performance and a generation of fans who identified with the ambitious type-A lawyer whose cynicism disguised a…

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Christine McGuinness - ‘I don’t want to hold back anymore - I date women! So what?’ 50:31

4M ago50:31

50:31

TW: discussions around anorexia and sexual abuse. In an incredibly powerful episode (and a How To Fail first), Christine McGuinness speaks publicly about her sexuality for the first time. She reveals she had a long-term relationship with a woman before her marriage to comedian Paddy McGuinness and that she’s now dating women again. She refuses to l…

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Vicky Pattison - ‘You don't become old and wise if you haven't been young and daft’ 55:32

4M ago55:32

55:32

Vicky Pattison was 22 when her life changed and she was cast in reality TV show Geordie Shore. She was on the show for nine seasons between 2011 and 2014, during which time the cameras followed her falling in love, becoming engaged, then breaking up. Now 37, Pattison has rarely been off our screens - whether it’s as a finalist on Celebrity Masterch…

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Forcing Innovation with Jeremiah Grossman 43:19

4M ago43:19

43:19

HOU.SEC.CON.'s first keynote speaker is returning for our 15-year anniversary! This week Michael and Sam are talking to cybersecurity legend Jeremiah Grossman about his start in cyber at just 19 years old, what we can learn from cybersecurity insurance companies, and what to expect at HOU.SEC.CON. 2025! Things Mentioned: · What Works in Cybersecuri…

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Dannii Minogue - ‘I hit low points where I thought: “I just can’t take this any more.” 56:33

4M ago56:33

56:33

In her most revealing interview to date, Dannii Minogue talks openly about the pressures of fame, the relentless comparisons with her sister, Kylie, and navigating a divorce that left her broke. It’s an extraordinary conversation with a woman who found fame as a 10-year-old in her native Australia. As a teenager Dannii, signed a record deal and act…

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Julia Stiles - ‘I ran in the other direction from fame’ 53:26

4M ago53:26

53:26

For many of us who grew up in the the 90s, Julia Stiles was an integral part of our coming of age. Her portrayal of the clever, acerbic Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You was a radical reinvention of the blonde teenage female rom-com lead. Her roles in Save The Last Dance and Mona Lisa Smile spoke to our adolescent feminist awakenings and catapulted…

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OT Security with Watch Mr. Wizard Star Sean Curry 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Michael and Sam are catching up with Principal Consultant and Co-Founder at Cavalry Solutions, Sean Curry! Sean talks about his transition from the military to the private sector, the importance of standards like IEC 62443 for OT security, and the best way to align IT and OT teams. Things Mentioned: · New study reveals 92% of industrial sites at ri…

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John Bishop - ‘I’ve always wanted someone to say: you’re good enough’ 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

John Bishop has been a hugely successful stand-up comedian for 25 years. Yet that wasn’t his first dream, which was to play football. We discuss his failure to do so professionally, his challenges at school, the working-class upbringing that shaped him and how comedy saved his marriage when he and his wife were at the ‘decree nisi stage’ of divorce…

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Simon Cowell - ‘I often think: what gives me the right to judge people?’ 59:58

5M ago59:58

59:58

Simon Cowell has built an entertainment empire on his ability to say exactly what he thinks and an uncanny ability to judge the public mood. From launching Pop Idol in 2001, The X Factor in 2004 and the cultural behemoth Britain’s Got Talent in 2007, he has been at the helm of primetime around the world for over a quarter of a century. His TV shows…

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Predicting the Future of Malware with Dr. Marcus Botacin 35:21

5M ago35:21

35:21

In this episode Michael and Sam are talking to malware researcher Dr. Marcus Botacin. Dr. Botacin discusses his journey from early work in sandboxing to advanced malware detection through machine learning, his recent efforts combining LLMs with GANs to create an iterative malware generation system that enhances evasion capabilities, and the importa…

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Celeste Barber: the FUNNIEST woman on the internet 51:37

5M ago51:37

51:37

My guest today has been an integral part of my feminist awakening. Celeste Barber’s instagram posts - which parody the unattainable standards of the fashion and beauty industry - are both hilarious and revolutionary. Her work has helped a generation of women to feel better about their bodies - and made her a star in the process. (Plus she’s been bl…

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Emma Dabiri - ‘We are still so obsessed with how we look’ 43:00

5M ago43:00

43:00

This episode of How To Fail was recorded in front of a live audience at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy theatre. Emma Dabiri is a broadcaster, historian, and bestselling author whose work delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and race through art history and current affairs. She's now written a number of books - culture shifting works which …

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All about YOUTH.SEC.CON.! 46:18

5M ago46:18

46:18

Today’s episode looks a little different as Michael and Sam are talking to the entire YOUTH.SEC.CON. team! Arthi Vasudevan, Reynaldo Gonzalez, and Mary DiFiore-Smith joined the podcast to discuss all aspects of our first event focused on 9th – 12th grade students. Listen now to learn about the talks and activities, eligibility, registration, safety…

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Sally Phillips - ‘I saw Colin Firth and thought - he’s mine!’ 50:20

5M ago50:20

50:20

This episode of How To Fail was recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Barbican Theatre. Sally Phillips has appeared in a string of the most influential and hilarious comedy series of all time - from Smack The Pony, Miranda, The Thick of It and Veep. Not forgetting, of course, her star turn as Bridget Jones’s best friend, Shazza, in the h…

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Mae Martin - 'Everything I do is about proving those high school bullies wrong.' 51:01

6M ago51:01

51:01

Over on Failing with Friends this week, Mae Martin talks about self-care, how to stop pushing people away and we tackle a listener’s failure to be messy in their twenties. To hear Mae Martin's brilliant advice, join our community of subscribers: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Canadian comedian, writer, producer and singer/songwriter M…

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Definitions of Pen Testing with Darin Fredde 35:33

6M ago35:33

35:33

Sam and Michael are joined by Offensive Security Advisor, Darin Fredde! They discuss the need to move beyond compliance checkboxes, the importance of continuous pen testing, and the disconnect between marketing claims and real-world security implementations. Things Mentioned: Having trouble with your OT.SEC.CON. or EXEC.SEC.CON. ticket? Reach out t…

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Jonathan Van Ness - 'I was one wrong thing away from losing everything' 48:13

6M ago48:13

48:13

Over on Failing with Friends this week, JVN and I get into relationship therapy and the perfect length of shorts on a man. To hear JVN tackling your failures, join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Jonathan Van Ness, one fifth of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, three-times New York Times bestseller, podca…

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How To Date: BONUS EPISODE - Your dating questions answered… 39:49

6M ago39:49

39:49

For this bonus episode, Elizabeth and Mel open up the post bag to answer the burning questions YOU have when it comes to dating… And, let’s just say, we cover A LOT of ground. After you’ve listened, you can get all the resources and worksheets discussed at www.thepodclass.co.uk Mel and Elizabeth are on a mission to revolutionise the world of dating…

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Sam Ryder - ‘Fame is like giving a dog a treat every single day. You get used to it.’ 53:13

6M ago53:13

53:13

Over on Failing with Friends - Sam Ryder talks about panic attacks, how to forgive, and (in a How To Fail first) why he likes to cut his toenails outdoors. To hear Sam tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Sam Ryder is a British singer-songwriter who started posting covers on Tik…

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How To Date: The most important relationship you’ll ever have 57:48

6M ago57:48

57:48

For the final episode of How To Date (sob!) Mel and Elizabeth look at the most important relationships any of us can have in our lives: the one with ourselves. We unpack what this means in practical terms. How do we nurture a healthy sense of self-respect - and why can this sometimes feel so challenging? How can we ensure interdependence rather tha…

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AppSec Fish in a Barrel with Steven Schmidt 36:28

6M ago36:28

36:28

Michael and Sam are joined by Field CTO, Steven Schmidt! They discuss the early days of application security, the evolution of AppSec tools and processes, and challenges in balancing developer speed with security requirements. Thank you to Snyk for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about building secure applications at https://snyk.io and chat wi…

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Olivia Attwood - ‘It’s either vodka and a gay club until 5am, or hyperbaric oxygen’ 48:48

6M ago48:48

48:48

Olivia Attwood first appeared on our TV screens in 2017 as a contestant in the third series of Love Island, and instantly became a star due to her dry humour and gobby relatability. You might also know her as a regular panellist on Loose Women or from her hit documentaries for ITV. Last year, she launched her podcast, Olivia Attwood’s So Wrong It’s…

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How To Date: How to cope with heartbreak and rejection 44:43

6M ago44:43

44:43

Elizabeth and Mel face one of the most challenging parts of dating: heartbreak and rejection. We are joined by life coach and author Michelle Elman who went through a devastating, public break-up after being notified via an Instagram DM that her fiance of 24-hours had been cheating on her. Michelle, Mel and Elizabeth explore the impact an experienc…