It Can't Just Be Me – Details, episodes & analysis

Anna is joined this week by Irish icon, Vogue Williams – one of the few people who could bring a touch of humour to the difficult subject of grief. Vogue reflects on her own experience of navigating grief, after losing her dad, Freddie, in 2010. She recounts the guilt she felt following his passing, and – with the power of perspective gained after 14 years – considers her reaction in the early days of grief. 

With the assistance of psychotherapist Fiona Kau, Vogue and Anna respond to a dilemma from a listener who is looking for advice on how to support her partner to move through the process of grieving his mother. And they also talk through a dilemma about grief and intimacy. 

If you’re struggling with grief, help is available. You can call Cruse, the bereavement support group, on 0808 808 167. Mind also has information about where to find support following a bereavement, including links to specialised services and guidance on peer-support networks. 

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Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative 

Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale

Editor: Kit Milsom

Theme music: Kit Milsom 

Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White

Executive Producer for Mags: Faith Russell 
Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. You can also watch the full episode on Youtube.  

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

This week, Anna is joined by comedian, author, actor and host of the podcast 28 Dates Later, Grace Campbell to talk all about family breakdowns over politics and toxic jealousy in friendships. 

Anna, Grace and psychotherapist Fiona Kau discuss Grace’s experience growing up in a family where she witnessed her fair share of intense debates. Now, as an adult, Grace speaks about how she sees her feminism influencing her father's (Alastair Campbell) politics.

Together, they get into a dilemma from a listener who has fallen out with a family member over differing political views, and discuss whether it’s ever possible to separate the person from their beliefs. They also tackle a dilemma from a listener who has intense feelings of jealousy towards her friend, and reflect on whether jealousy can ever be a useful emotion.   

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If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]. With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative
Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale
Editor: Kit Milsom
Music: Kit Milsom
Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White
Executive Poducer for Mags: Faith Russell
Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. And, you can watch the full episode on Youtube.

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

In today's episode, Anna digs into rage, anxiety and intrusive thoughts with Psychotherapist, best-selling author and fellow podcaster, Anna Mathur. 

Together, they speak candidly about collective rage in the world today, the shame attached to anger and how to express this emotion in a healthy way in our personal relationships. They also tackle two dilemmas - one from a listener who’s struggling to live with her partner’s temper and another from a listener who is experiencing intrusive thoughts after having a baby.

If you are worried that you might be in an abusive relationship, please see this NHS information and advice which includes how to get help and support. 

If you are struggling with your mental health, please do reach out to your GP. The mental health charity, Mind, has online mental health resources that you can access, as well as helplines where you can get more information and advice on where to get support. 

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If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]. With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative
Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale
Editor: Kit Milsom
Music: Kit Milsom
Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White
Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. And, you can watch the full episode on Youtube.

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

Is it ever possible to transition from a romantic relationship to a friendship? This week, Anna welcomes writer, actor, presenter, comedian and all-around National Treasure - Sue Perkins - to unpick this very question, along with the help of psychotherapist Sam Pennells-Nkolo.

The trio hear from a listener who, after coming out as gay to her husband, is struggling with their new dynamic. Together they consider how deep love and respect can still exist in a relationship even when it's no longer romantic, how younger generations are finally embracing more fluidity when it comes to sexuality and Sam offers expert advice for our listener on how to navigate this situation with their children's welfare in mind.

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If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]. With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative

Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale
Editor: Kit Milsom
Theme music: Kit Milsom
Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White

Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. 

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ANNA and get on your way to being your best self.”

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

This week, Anna invites the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley into the studio to respond to a dilemma from a listener who is apprehensive about preparing for her second baby. She recounts just how challenging she found her first weeks and months of early motherhood and shares some of her unique memories of this time. 

Anna and Jess are joined by psychotherapist, Sam Pennells-Nkolo, who shares her professional advice, as well as relating to Tiffany as a mum. The trio discuss the importance of building a network, consider the value they found in returning to work, and encourage Tiffany to be a little bit kinder to herself. 

This episode discusses postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis (also known as postpartum psychosis) If you or someone you love has been affected by any of the topics covered in this episode, help is available. 

• The NHS website contains guidance on how to access support for postnatal depression https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/ and postpartum psychosis, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/ 
  
  

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If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]. With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative 

Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale

Editor: Sarah Myles

Theme music: Kit Milsom 

Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White

Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. And, you can watch the full episode on Youtube.  

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ANNA and get on your way to being your best self.”

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

This week we have a special treat for anyone missing the glitz and glam of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing – Anna is joined in the studio by the show’s head judge, Shirley Ballas! In the spirit of looking forward to the New Year, and the changes that may be on the horizon, they’re talking all about change, and how best to navigate it. 

With the assistance of psychotherapist Fiona Kau, Shirley and Anna respond to a dilemma from a listener called Amanda. She’s experiencing two major changes – one personal, and the other professional – and is looking for advice around how to step into a new phase of her life. The trio dissect Amanda’s dilemma, sharing advice from their own experiences navigating life-altering events.

This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you love has been affected by any of the topics covered in this episode, help is available. 

• The NHS website contains guidance on how to access mental health support, and lists other helpful resources. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ 
• The Samaritans also provide a safe space to call 24 hours a day at 116123. 
• Shirley is an ambassador for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can learn more about their work and the support they offer at https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 

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Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative 

Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale

Editor: Sarah Myles

Theme music: Kit Milsom 

Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White

Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. And, you can watch the full episode on Youtube.  

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

This week we’re looking back on some of the fun, powerful and moving moments captured on It Can’t Just Be Me so far.  

Since launching the podcast, we've welcomed extraordinary guests and experts into the studio who have shared their personal stories with us and given their advice in response to your burning dilemmas.

So here are just some of our highlights from the series - are they the same as yours? 

Get in touch and let us know your favourite moments from the series so far! We’ll be back next week with a new episode of It Can’t Just Be Me. 

In this episode, you will hear: 

1:14 - Kinks, Icks, and Parenthood: An Extended Quick Fire Round with LalalaLetMeExplain
4:09 - Managing Perimenopause? With Gabby Logan
6:33 - Coming out as a teenager? With Riyadh Khalaf
12:21 - Questioning my sexuality? With Milena Sanchez
15:20 - Non-monogamy? With Ruby Rare
18:15 - Cutting down on alcohol? With Dr Alex George
20:37 - Festive Fun with Sophie Habboo

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Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.

From Podimo & Mags Creative 

Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale

Editors: Pulama Kaufman, Patrick Carter

Theme music: Kit Milsom 

Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White

Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for weekly updates. And, you can watch the full episode on Youtube.  

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

It’s a festive special in the studio today as Anna and guests tackle the classic seasonal dilemma of how to split your time at Christmas while doing your very best to keep everyone happy. Our listener Ellie is not only trying to figure out how to fit in time with family and friends alongside a job with anti-social hours, but she’s also in a long-distance relationship.

Luckily, Anna has seasoned podcaster, TV personality and content creator Sophie Habboo on hand to help work through Ellie’s conundrum. Sophie not only co-hosts the podcast Wednesdays but she is, of course, co-star of the podcast Newlyweds with her husband Jamie Laing. Having spent several Christmases with Jamie’s family already, and with both parents living abroad, Sophie is no stranger to finding creative ways to portion up her time over the festive season.

Bringing psychological expertise (as well as even more Festive magic) to the conversation is psychotherapist Fiona Kau. Together, Anna, Sophie and Fiona discuss why we put so much pressure on ourselves at this time of year, unspoken family dynamics and learning to make space for your partner’s family. Not to mention the guilt, arguments, and passive-aggressive emails! They also share advice for a listener who is, like so many of us, on a tight budget this Christmas, and offer up tips for someone who wants to approach the New Year with a more positive mentality.  

So get comfy with your favourite festive treat. This one’s a Christmas feast for the ears!  

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Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you.

If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected]

This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. 

From Podimo & Mags Creative
Producers: Laura Williams and Christy Callaway-Gale
Editor: Kit Milsom
Theme music: Kit Milsom
Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White
Follow @itcantjustbemepod and @podimo_uk on Instagram and @itcantjustbemepod on TikTok for regular updates. 

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