Sarah Vaughan Discusses ‘Little Disasters’: Maternal OCD, Motherhood Truths, and Breaking the Stigma
TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware, this episode contains references to sensitive content around maternal mental health.
This week, I’m joined by Sarah Vaughan – acclaimed author and journalist – for an honest conversation about maternal mental health and parenting. Sarah opens up about her own experience with maternal OCD, shining a light on a subject that is so often misunderstood and left unspoken.
We talk about the importance of sharing these stories, how being honest can help break down long-held stigmas, and the power of knowing you are not alone. Sarah shares her perspective on motherhood, the realities of navigating parenting alongside intrusive thoughts, and why talking openly can help others feel seen and supported.
If you’ve ever felt isolated in your worries as a parent, or curious to understand more about maternal OCD, Sarah’s honestly and gentle wisdom will leave you feeling heard, supported, and far less alone.
LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS
If the content around maternal mental health and perinatal OCD resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:
Maternal OCD: https://maternalocd.org/
Maternal Mental Health Alliance:
https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/
BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE
📚 Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan
Sarah’s novel referenced in our conversation is Little Disasters: a gripping novel exploring motherhood, judgment, and the silent struggles many women face. It’s available in all good book shops, and the screen adaptation is available to stream on Paramount+.
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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Sarah’s insights helpful – it really makes a difference!
Bryony xx
Credits:
Host: Bryony Gordon
Guest: Sarah Vaughan
Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O'Sullivan
Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun
Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm
Editor: Luke Shelley
Exec Producer: Mike Wooller
A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.
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The Life of Bryony
Ever feel like everyone else has it together, while you’re clinging on for dear life? You’re not alone and Bryony Gordon is here to prove it.
Each week, Bryony and her guests explore the hidden struggles so many of us face but rarely say out loud. If you’ve ever thought is it just me? Welcome. You’re in the right place.
From anxiety to addiction, break-ups to bereavement, this is your go-to space for honest conversations about the messier bits of life, with no shame and no filters.
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- No. of episodes: 90
- Latest episode: 2025-08-18
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