Rachel Daly: Losing My Dad & How My Bestie Got Me Through
Grief and Football: Rachel opens up about losing her dad and playing for England just days later.
Mental Reset: Millie shares how she’s been prioritising rest and stepping back after a long season.
Besties and Support: A raw, honest chat about how close friendships can carry you through the darkest moments.
Rachel Daly and Millie Bright dive deep into the emotional side of life as professional athletes. In one of their most personal episodes yet, Rach shares the experience of grief after losing her dad and what it was like to go into England camp just days later. She reflects on the complex, delayed nature of grief, the unexpected emotional waves, and how football became both a distraction and a lifeline.
Millie opens up about the importance of recognising when your body and mind need a break. The two also talk candidly about checking in on your friends, finding strength in little signs from loved ones, and the quiet ways we support each other even when we can’t find the words.
This episode is a tribute to resilience, rest, and real friendship.
If you’ve been through something similar, know that you’re not alone.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes open and emotional discussions around grief, loss of a parent, and coping with mental health challenges. Please take care when listening.
If you need support with any topics discussed in this podcast please consider using the resources below:
MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
YOUNG MINDS: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
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38:21
Would You Rather…
Would Millie rather win the World Cup with England or the Champions League with Chelsea? Would Rach rather spend the day being her mum or her pet dog Lexi? And crucially, given a choice for life, would the girls only eat potatoes or rice?
Our pair also delve into what gives them the “ick” - both on and off the pitch - and they reminisce about how they staved off boredom during the Covid-hit Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
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24:47
Celebrating The Treble, Big Name Investors & Summer Sunshine
How did Millie and the rest of the Chelsea team celebrate after finally being given the freedom of no curfews? Why is Alexis Ohanian’s investment good for the whole women’s game, not just Chelsea? What does the perfect summer holiday look like for our duo?
Rach and Millie also discuss the joy of the small things like travel pillows and how they couldn’t do the early morning flights without them.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
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33:33
Sentimental Body Art, Fighting Bears In Forests & Primark Bargain Hunting
What’s the meaning behind all of Millie and Rach’s tattoos and what drove them to get them? Would our pair rather take their chances living in the wilderness of a forest or sleep over in a haunted house? And where do the girls regularly shop for their clothes?
As exam season kicks in, Millie and Rach also give their words of encouragement and a few pointers to coping with the anxiety around these big life moments.
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25:32
Chelsea’s Invincibles, Dealing With Social Media Trolls & Saying Goodbye To Close Friends
Why is going unbeaten in the league this season one of Millie’s greatest ever achievements? What techniques do Rach and Millie use to help manage their mental health and why have they limited their social media presence? How difficult is it to deal with team-mates and friends leaving your club at the end of a season?
Rach and Millie also discuss the standout moments from each of their seasons and the key learnings they’ll also be taking into next year.
If you need support with any topics discussed in this podcast please consider using the resources below:
MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
YOUNG MINDS: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rachel Daly & Millie Bright. Best Friends. Bold Insights. All Things Football.
The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness isn’t just another football podcast, it’s a deep dive into the heart of women’s football, where the action on the pitch meets the culture that sets it apart. Hosted by Lionesses and best friends Millie Bright and Rachel Daly, this show blends expert match analysis and dressing room tales with thoughtful conversations about the growing influence of the sport away from the pitch.
Millie and Rachel go beyond the game, tackling important topics like diversity, player welfare, and cultural shifts that are shaping the future of the sport. Expect insightful interviews with big names, lively debates about the action on the pitch, and real talk on everything from groundbreaking policies to viral social media moments.
Bringing unmatched insight into the game and the vibrant community around it, The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness keeps you informed, entertained, and connected to the heart of the game.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Ireland