From Hollywood legends opening up about personal struggles to sports psychologists sharing performance secrets, this week's podcast landscape offered compelling conversations across entertainment, politics, and personal transformation. Mental health took centre stage on several shows, whilst technology, financial wisdom, and comedy provided lighter relief.
Robin Wright delivered a masterclass in resilience on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day, discussing overcoming self-doubt and the roles she turned down in her twenties due to fear. The "House of Cards" star shared candid thoughts about working with Tom Hanks and her worst experience with a bullying director, proving it's never too late to start over.
Echoing themes of reinvention, Cally Beaton shared her remarkable transformation on Happy Place with Fearne Cotton from "boring businessperson" to stand-up comedian. Her book "Namaste Motherfuckers" became the Happy Place Book Club pick, with Beaton candidly discussing being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder during perimenopause. Vogue Williams also appeared on Happy Place, exploring health anxiety and why having fun is just as important as exercise for wellbeing.
Mental health took centre stage on We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson for World Suicide Prevention Day, featuring powerful moments from Jordan Stephens, Ella Morgan, and DanTDM sharing their journeys. The show also concluded Kerry Katona's raw two-part interview about financial struggles and her turn to OnlyFans.
Alan Davies delivered perhaps the most powerful episode of the week on Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth, courageously sharing the devastating events of his childhood and his journey to healing. The virtually unedited conversation was both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful.
On the sporting front, Nicolas Hamilton opened up on The High Performance Podcast about his fight to be seen beyond being "Lewis's brother," discussing mental health and competing with cerebral palsy. Sports psychologist Dr Pippa Grange also appeared on the show, offering tools for overcoming the fear of not being good enough.
Benedict Cumberbatch appeared on The Adam Buxton Podcast to discuss his new film "The Roses," reflecting on his experience hosting Saturday Night Live and the challenges of balancing a successful career with married life and young children. The conversation also covered couples therapy and why actors sometimes lose control on film sets. Richard Armitage shared travel stories on Alan Carr's Life's a Beach, including encounters with Lady Gaga and his experiences filming "The Hobbit" in New Zealand.
Lara Lewington explained artificial intelligence applications in healthcare on Begin Again with Davina McCall, covering everything from wearable technology to early disease detection. On political matters, Ash Sarkar spoke to Radical with Amol Rajan about identity politics and her book "Minority Rule," arguing for a broader left-wing coalition approach.
Mawaan Rizwan selected his ideal menu on Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster whilst promoting the second series of "Juice." Comedian and poet Tim Key appeared on Great Company with Jamie Laing discussing his film "The Ballad of Wallace Island," which he both starred in and wrote, alongside sharing stories about faking his way into Cambridge Footlights and the loneliness of LA. Irish podcast hosts I'm Grand Mam joined Saving Grace with GK Barry to discuss their podcasting journey and recent tour experiences.
American guests included Selena Gomez on Good Hang with Amy Poehler discussing "Only Murders in the Building" and her business ventures. Charlie Sheen reflected on his public struggles and recovery on The Joe Rogan Experience, promoting his new book "The Book of Sheen." Comedian Carrot Top also appeared on Rogan's show to discuss his Las Vegas residency.
Codie Sanchez provided financial advice on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, focusing on wealth-building strategies for average earners. Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka discussed her recent US Open victory and mental preparation techniques with Shetty.
