Bridge launches mental health podcast ahead of new book

Presenter and author Frankie Bridge has launched a brand-new podcast interviewing guests about their mental health, ahead of publication of her first book Open (Octopus).

In Open Mind Bridge will open up about her ongoing journey with her own mental health – from her struggles with depression, anxiety and panic attacks to her breakthroughs – while inviting each guest to share their experiences.

With a different guest each week, the first four guests will be: BBC Radio 1 presenter and Bridge's former The Saturday's bandmate Mollie King, bestselling author, podcast host and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, DJs and presenters The Mac Twins, and bestselling author and presenter Andrea McLean. The Open Mind podcast, produced by Pixiu, will be available on Apple, Spotify, and all major podcast apps. 

Bridge said: “Speaking to other people about their experiences of mental health has really helped me with my own journey, and so I decided I’d like to put some of those conversations out there in the hope of helping others.”

Best known as a member of The Saturdays, Bridge became an ambassador for charity Mind after her hospitalisation in May 2012 and has spoken out about her experiences with anxiety, depression and panic attacks.  

The podcast comes ahead of Bridge's book, Open, which will be published by Octopus in February 2020. Romilly Morgan, senior commissioning editor at Octopus, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown. 

Open sees the TV star talk about her breakdown and the progress she has made. The synopsis states: “It will also feature practical guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who pulled her back from the brink alongside their notes throughout her recovery. In opening up about her battles, she hopes to help a generation of people to be more open about their mental health. Speak out. Ask for help. And be helped.”