From Bake Off wisdom to dating advice, football management to financial freedom, this week's podcast guests covered the full spectrum of life. Dame Prue Leith shared hard truths about having it all, whilst Wales manager Craig Bellamy opened up about his transformation from volatile player to thoughtful leader. Elsewhere, menopause expert Tamsen Fadal broke taboos around women's health, dating podcasters offered fresh takes on modern romance, and entrepreneurs shared practical wealth-building strategies. Whether exploring ancient mysteries, discussing hormones, or getting drunk with YouTube gossip, this week reminded us that the best conversations happen when guests bring their whole selves to the table.
Dame Prue Leith appeared on Happy Place with Fearne Cotton sharing her philosophy that "you can't have it all" and explaining why she built her career before having children, plus discussing her passionate advocacy for legalising assisted dying.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor reflected on Begin Again with Davina McCall about her career resurgence following Saltburn, discussing her kitchen disco lockdown performances and finding happiness at 46. Speaking of iconic British entertainers, Professor Dame Mary Beard shared childhood memories on Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth, from her Shropshire upbringing to candidly discussing sexism in academia and a difficult experience in Italy during her student years.
Another familiar face from British television, Tom Ellis opened up on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day about modern fatherhood, navigating surrogacy with his wife, his fear of needles, and what it's like working on a series about sexual toxicity with his real-life partner at the helm.
Across the pond, Judge Judy Sheindlin joined Good Hang with Amy Poehler to discuss being herself, keeping baby Judge Judy out of AI's hands, knowing your worth, and her new Prime Video show "Justice on Trial."
Back to British sport, Wales manager Craig Bellamy opened up on The High Performance Podcast about his transformation from a player known for his fiery temper to leading his country, discussing mental health battles after losing Gary Speed and how therapy gave him tools to move forward.
Continuing the theme of personal transformation, Kerry Katona revealed emotional truths on We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson about her Atomic Kitten fame, childhood trauma, and discovering Brian McFadden's infidelity, whilst later in the week comedian Katherine Ryan and model Bre Tiessi discussed motherhood challenges with Ryan sharing why she schedules intimacy and Tiessi discussing postpartum depression.
The Joe Rogan Experience kept things varied with comedian Dave Landau discussing his memoir and comedy special, independent researcher Ben van Kerkwyk exploring ancient mysteries, comedian Tim Dillon tackling politics and culture, plus a fight companion featuring Gordon Ryan, Brendan Schaub, and Bryan Callen.
Meanwhile, On Purpose with Jay Shetty featured journalist Tamsen Fadal breaking down menopause myths and explaining often-hidden symptoms of perimenopause, dating podcast hosts Jared Freid and Jordana Abraham discussing modern love and dating app burnout, plus entrepreneur Codie Sanchez returning with practical financial advice about building wealth on a normal salary.
In the world of music, The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon chose his dream meal on Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster whilst sharing stories from his decades-long music career and promoting his new album.
Health and wellness took centre stage when fasting expert Dr Alan Goldhamer appeared on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett explaining how water-only fasting can burn belly fat, boost energy, clear brain fog, and potentially cure depression.
From physical health to technological concerns, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had a thoughtful conversation on Radical with Amol Rajan about AI's rapid development, exploring both possibilities and concerns about technology's impact on jobs and society.
Another deeply personal story came from ex-cyclist Philippa York on How Do You Cope, discussing transitioning from male to female, having her privacy invaded by the press, and the ups and downs of competing in cycling's most prestigious race.
Literature and comedy intersected when Natalie Haynes joined Full Disclosure with James O'Brien to talk about her unusual path from Birmingham bookshops to the Edinburgh Fringe, combining scholarship with humour, and why ancient tragedy and modern comedy illuminate each other.
Staying with comedy, Iain Stirling discussed travel stories on Alan Carr's Life's a Beach sharing holiday high-jinks and travel tales, whilst actor Richard Armitage also appeared later in the week.
Finally, GK Barry and Bambino Becky were entertaining on Saving Grace, getting drunk whilst playing "Say It or Shot It" and sharing outrageous confessions alongside YouTube gossip.
