Rylan: How to Be... - podcast cover

Rylan: How to Be...

BBC Soundswww.bbc.co.uk

How to Be in Love - Rylan is embarking on a mission to find love. He’s loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to find love once again.

But what is love truly about? And how can we find it – and make it last?

From a young age, we’re taught that love is the ultimate fairytale – that finding ‘the one’ will finally complete us. But is it time to look at love differently?

Over 13 episodes, Rylan’s guests will help him rediscover what love is – what we should be looking for in a partner (or partners!) and attempting to find the secrets of a healthy, long-term relationship.

A Mindhouse production for BBC Sounds.

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Episodes

How to Be in Love: Louis Theroux: Falling in love with his wife and what he's learned from his documentaries

For the final episode of the series, Rylan is joined by documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux. Louis discusses how the subjects of his documentaries have challenged and changed the way he thinks about love, and also tells Rylan the story of how he fell in love with his wife. With Louis’s help, Rylan reflects on the advice and knowledge shared by the previous guests of the series. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does...

Aug 20, 202541 min

How to Be in Love: Mel Robbins: Why we can’t control each other’s actions

Rylan sits down with powerhouse podcaster and author Mel Robbins. Mel teaches Rylan her ‘Let Them’ theory and explains how he can apply it to his relationships, as he hopes to embark upon his next romantic chapter. Mel also discusses the best way to get over a break-up and shares how she and her husband of 28 years have navigated the trials and tribulations of their marriage. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does h...

Aug 13, 202540 min

How to Be in Love: Matt and Emma Willis: The power of their partnership and loving someone with addiction

Rylan is joined by his good friends Matt and Emma Willis who discuss the lessons they have learnt from 20 years of being in love. The 'Love Is Blind' hosts open up about overcoming the darkest moments in their marriage, including Matt’s battle with addiction, and how their love is now stronger than ever. Matt and Emma also offer their advice on the qualities Rylan should be looking for in his next partner. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to redisc...

Aug 06, 202539 min

How to Be in Love: Vanessa Williams: On her three divorces, and why love is no longer her priority

With Rylan looking to find love again after experiencing the heartbreak of divorce, he turns to actor Vanessa Williams to find out if the breakdown of a marriage changes the way you view love. Vanessa discusses the lessons about love she has learnt from her three husbands, and her three divorces, and why she is celebrating her freedom and no longer making love her priority. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does he ...

Jul 30, 202539 min

How to Be in Love: Dr Tara Swart: ‘Good chemistry’ and the science behind being in love

What rules the way we love: our heads or our hearts? And are romantic feelings little more than a set of chemical reactions in our brain? Rylan is joined by neuroscientist and best-selling author, Dr Tara Swart, to uncover the science behind being in love. Dr Tara explains how our ability to love has been embedded in our brains since the days of the cavemen and reveals how hormones influence the different ways men and women bond in relationships. As a self-admitted lover of fragrance, Rylan also...

Jul 23, 202541 min

How to Be in Love: Calum Best: On being branded a lothario, and why he’s never truly been in love

Media personality Calum Best was branded a lothario by the tabloid press, as he enjoyed the seemingly endless fruits of the international party scene during the 2000s. But how fair was this label? And has that reputation impeded him from finding true love? Rylan speaks to Calum about dating under the glare of the spotlight and finds out if now, at the age of 44, he is finally ready to be in love. Calum also discusses his experience of growing up with an alcoholic parent, and how his relationship...

Jul 16, 202543 min

How to Be in Love: Tasha Ghouri: Finding love on TV, and breaking up in the public eye

Rylan is joined by model and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tasha Ghouri who discusses how her experience of falling in love for the first time was broadcast on TV. Tasha rose to prominence on reality TV dating show Love Island, with millions of viewers watching her fall in love with her then partner, Andrew Le Page. For over two and a half years, Tasha and Andrew appeared to have the perfect relationship, documented heavily across social media. However, at the start of the 2025, the co...

Jul 09, 202542 min

How to Be in Love: Rebecca More: Exiting the adult entertainment industry to find love

Rylan speaks to former porn star Rebecca More about what she has learnt about love from a 15-year career in the sex industry. Rebecca reveals how heartbreak brought on a sex addiction and shares her unique insight into the secret, and somewhat shocking, desires of her former clients. Rebecca also discusses the stigma of finding love as a sex worker, and how her decision to quit the world of porn was sparked by her desire to find true love. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost m...

Jul 02, 202538 min

How to Be in Love: Munroe Bergdorf: Transitioning is the biggest decision to love yourself

Rylan is joined by writer and activist Munroe Bergdorf. Growing up as a trans woman, Munroe never believed that love was possible. She speaks to Rylan about pushing the boundaries of her sexual identity and discusses how falling in love with a woman for the first time was the most unexpected, yet pivotal, moment in her own journey with love. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does he need to look at love differently ...

Jun 25, 202541 min

How to Be in Love: Philippa Perry: There is no such thing as ‘The One’

Does ‘The One’ exist? How does our childhood impact our romantic relationships? Rylan and psychotherapist Philippa Perry take a deep dive into what could be holding us back from finding long-lasting love. Philippa also shares how her husband of 33 years, the artist Grayson Perry, changed her understanding of what love could be. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does he need to look at love differently before he can ...

Jun 18, 202542 min

How to Be in Love: Richard Coles: On losing the love of his life and casual roadside encounters

Rylan is joined by the writer and broadcaster Reverend Richard Coles who shares how his life, and his faith, have shaped his understanding of love. Richard discusses how he turned his back on the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle and anonymous roadside romances, to follow the calling of Christ to become a vicar. He also speaks about finding the love of his life, in his late partner David, and how his experience of grief had him believe he would never want to love again. Richard opens up abo...

Jun 11, 202540 min

How to Be in Love: Self Esteem: On bisexuality, non-monogamy, and her ‘current male lover’

Rylan is joined by musician and actor Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem. Rebecca shares her experience of being in non-monogamous relationships and pushing back against societal norms. She also discusses being bisexual and how her relationship with her ‘current male lover’ has challenged her preconceived ideas of what she wanted love to be. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to rediscover what ‘love’ is. But does he need to look at lov...

Jun 04, 202539 min

How to Be in Love: Stephen Fry: From 15 years of celibacy to finding love

Rylan sits down with actor, writer and President of Mind, Stephen Fry, who discusses how love has helped shaped his life. From the impossibly high standards set by his parents’ relationship, to the impact of living through the AIDS crisis, and a self-imposed 15-year stretch of celibacy. Plus, having recently celebrated 10 years of marriage, Stephen shares how being in an age-gap relationship has unexpectedly introduced him to the worlds of wrestling and rap. How to Be in Love – Rylan has loved p...

Jun 04, 202541 min

How to Be in Love: Trailer

Rylan is embarking on a mission to find love. He's loved passionately, lost messily, and is now ready to find love once again. But what is love truly about? And how can we find it - and make it last? From a young age, we're taught that love is the ultimate fairytale - that finding 'the one' will finally complete us. But is it time to look at love differently? Over 12 episodes, Rylan's guests will help him rediscover what love is - what we should be looking for in a partner (or partners!) and att...

May 21, 20252 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Francis Bourgeois – On viral fame and dealing with criticism

Rylan is joined by trainspotter Francis Bourgeois to discuss becoming an overnight internet sensation. Francis tells Rylan about his tricky teenage years and growing up as an outsider, confronting accusations that his train persona is “fake”, and trainspotting with Joe Jonas. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Satema Tarawally Edit Producer: Katie Grant Producer: Millie Chu P...

Aug 20, 202438 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Ekin-Su - Navigating fame and the personal impact of reality TV

Rylan is joined by Love Island winner Ekin-Su to discuss her mixed experiences in the spotlight. Ekin tells Rylan about her high-profile break-up with Love Island boyfriend Davide, her fall from grace after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, and the psychological damage of reality TV. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Satema Tarawally Edit Producer: Katie Grant Producer: Mi...

Aug 13, 202439 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Will Young - Leaving Strictly and homophobia in the music industry

Rylan speaks to pop sensation Will Young about life in the spotlight. Will discusses facing homophobia in the music industry, his experience on Strictly and facing mental health struggles in the public eye. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Satema Tarawally Edit Producer: Katie Grant Producer: Millie Chu Production Manager: Francesca Bassett Executive Producers: Barnaby Coug...

Aug 06, 202439 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Big Zuu - On classism in TV and stealing delivery food

Rylan sits down with Big Zuu to talk about his unique rise to fame - from rapper extraordinaire to double BAFTA award-winning TV presenter. They discuss making grime mainstream alongside Stormzy, Dave and AJ Tracey, his viral BAFTA acceptance speech for 'Big Zuu's Big Eats' and dealing with classicism in the TV industry. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Satema Tarawally Edi...

Jul 30, 202434 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Matt Goss - On Brosmania and fans under the bed

Rylan is joined by singer and frontman of iconic 80s band, Bros, Matt Goss. With fedora in place, Matt and Rylan chat about finding fans under the bed at the height of Brosmania, having an 11 year-long Las Vegas residency, and wanting to reconcile with his brother and bandmate, Luke. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Maisie Williams Producer: Millie Chu Production Manager: F...

Jul 23, 202429 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Charlotte Church – Being a child star and weird fan encounters

Rylan is joined by singer and host of ‘Kicking Back with The Cardiffians’ Charlotte Church to discuss her mixed experiences in the spotlight. Charlotte tells Rylan about growing up as a child star and singing for the Pope as a 12-year-old, press intrusion in her rebellious years, and being accused of anti-Semitism. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Monetta Pierre Edit Produc...

Jul 16, 202439 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Andy Coulson – Launching the Spice Girls and being arrested

Rylan speaks to Andy Coulson, former editor of News of the World and host of the ‘Crisis What Crisis’ podcast, about the highs and lows of his career in tabloid journalism. They discuss his role in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in the spotlight, including the Spice Girls and The Beckhams, as well as his arrest in the wake of the infamous phone-hacking scandal. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the...

Jul 09, 202432 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Ainsley Harriott - Racism in the food industry and becoming a meme

Rylan speaks to TV chef and national treasure Ainsley Harriott about life in the spotlight. Ainsley tells Rylan about dealing with racism as a chef, providing in-flight entertainment for Richard Branson, and how he’s enjoyed becoming a Gen-Z meme. How to Be in the Spotlight - Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Monetta Pierre Edit Producer: Katie Grant Producer: Millie Chu Pro...

Jul 02, 202438 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Jameela Jamil – Online feuds and problematic Vogue shoots

Rylan speaks to actor and activist Jameela Jamil about her experiences in the spotlight. Honest as ever, Jameela tells Rylan about the raucous years working at T4, accidentally getting her role on The Good Place, and the online feuds she regrets most. Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Details of help and support with eating disorders is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Mon...

Jun 25, 202440 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Leigh Francis – Bo' Selecta! and shedding his personas

Rylan speaks to comedian and star of Celebrity Juice and Bo' Selecta!, Leigh Francis. Joining Rylan in the studio, Leigh discusses the origin stories behind his most iconic characters, reappraising his portrayals of celebrities in Bo' Selecta!, and shedding his personas and becoming himself in the public eye. Rylan: How to Be in the Spotlight explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Mone...

Jun 18, 202435 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Emily Atack – Growing up famous and leaving “sexy schoolgirl” roles behind

Rylan is joined in the studio by actor and comedian, Emily Atack to talk about her life in the spotlight. Emily tells Rylan about growing up in a famous family, breaking free from “sexy schoolgirl” roles, and how she deals with negative tabloid headlines. Rylan: How to Be in the Spotlight explores the good, the bad and the ugly of what it's like to be thrust into the public eye – with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Maisie Ellen Williams Producer: Millie Chu ...

Jun 11, 202438 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Daisy May Cooper – On divorce and feeling underwhelmed after BAFTA win

Rylan speaks to the actor and writer Daisy May Cooper. Dialling in from her home in the Cotswolds, the star of This Country talks about the real-life inspiration behind her character Kerry, her turbulent time at RADA, and dealing with personal issues in the public eye. Rylan: How to Be in the Spotlight explores the good, the bad and the ugly of being thrust into the spotlight - with those who've lived to tell the tale. Host: Rylan Assistant Producer: Maisie Ellen Williams Producer: Millie Chu Pr...

Jun 11, 202437 min

How to Be in the Spotlight: Trailer

How to Be in the Spotlight – Rylan explores the good, the bad and the ugly of what it's like to be thrust into the public eye – with those who've lived to tell the tale. Over 12 episodes, Rylan will be joined by guests who will share how they have learned to navigate the spotlight, reflecting on what they did right – and what they did very wrong… Listen to the first two episodes on Tuesday 11 June 2024. A Mindhouse production for BBC Sounds.

Jun 04, 20242 min

How to Be a Man: Kit Brown

Rylan Clark is joined by school teacher, CBBC presenter and TikTok star Kit Brown for a wide-ranging discussion about education and the pressures faced by children growing up in the 2020s. Kit, who is just 23 years old, thinks the rulebook on how to be a man is being rewritten and also reflects on his own life, which saw him abandon hopes of becoming a professional footballer to become a primary school teacher. He also reveals that his first class thought he was a married man of 40. In this seri...

Jun 13, 202329 min

How to Be a Man: Janet Street-Porter

Rylan Clark is joined by writer and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter for her take on the challenges faced by men and boys in the 2020s. She reflects on her career as one of the only women working on Fleet Street in the 1960s and 1970s and how she adopted ‘masculine characteristics’ to get on. She also gives her opinion on the plight of working class boys and why they are failing in education, and lifts the lid on her four marriages and why she hates the word ‘couple’. In this series, Rylan Clark ...

Jun 06, 202328 min

How to Be a Man: Freddy McConnell

Rylan Clark is joined by trans man and dad of two, Freddy McConnell. In a frank and fascinating discussion, Freddy talks about transitioning, taking testosterone, becoming pregnant and how surgery has impacted on his life. He also opens up about solo parenting and how he deals with the challenges of gender stereotypes while bringing up his two children. In this series, Rylan opens up the fault lines of masculinity in lively and revealing conversations with diverse, prominent figures and celebrit...

May 30, 202329 min
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