
How Do You Cope?
With 1 in 6 people experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s never been more important to find out how people are dealing with these challenges. In this podcast, comedian and broadcaster John Robins brings his trademark approach of heart and humour to the conversation, sitting down with guests and experts each week to ask the very simple question - How Do You Cope?Tune in every Monday for new episodes of How Do You Cope? with bonus minisodes landing every Thursday.Listen to How Do You Cope? on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/how-do-you-cope.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2025 • 20min
The Gratitude List: Gary Lightbody | 11
In this week’s bonus episode, Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for. Gratitude plays a big part in Gary’s life, and he describes a transcendental experience he had whilst swimming in Belfast Lough. Head to the main episode to hear about Gary’s experiences of grief after the death of his father, how he felt guilt and shame in the wake of his passing, and the importance of finding stillness and calm in his everyday life.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 6min
Gary Lightbody: ‘I thought I was broken, and I would never feel again’ | 11
What do you do when the grief of losing a loved one becomes all-consuming?Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody sits down with John to talk about losing his father, and the all-encompassing grief that followed. Gary talks about the sometimes challenging relationship he had with his Dad Jack. In the wake of Jack’s death, he was forced to confront the ways in which their relationship could have been better. He also discusses his experience of being a single man, and the importance of finding stillness in your everyday life.On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Gary shares the 5 things that he is currently grateful for.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 24, 2025 • 16min
The Gratitude List: Craig Mackinlay | 10
In this week’s bonus episode, member of the House of Lords Craig Mackinlay shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for.Beginning unsurprisingly with gratitude for life itself, Craig explains how, from the moment he woke up from his coma, he was determined to live.Head to the main episode to hear about Craig’s ordeal with sepsis; from losing both his arms and legs to having to relearn how to walk.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepodListen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 21, 2025 • 50min
Craig Mackinlay: ‘I woke up from the coma and could see that my arms and legs were dead’ | 10
How do you recover both mentally and physically from a life-changing operation? John sits down with member of the House of Lords Craig Mackinlay who developed sepsis in 2023 and was given a 5% chance of survival. Craig spent 16 days in an induced coma and then had both his arms and legs amputated. He discusses how his wife’s tenacity kept him alive, how he’s adapted to life with prosthetic arms and legs, and how old ladies often hug him when he’s out and about. You can find more information about sepsis on the following websites:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/ and https://sepsistrust.org/ On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Craig shares the 5 things that he is currently grateful for. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 17, 2025 • 19min
The Gratitude List: Bonnie “Prince” Billy | 9
In this week’s bonus episode, musician Bonnie “Prince” Billy, aka Will Oldham, shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for, and explains why he sees gratitude as acts of reverence and defiance.Head to the main episode to hear about Will’s experiences of caring for his mother when she developed Alzheimer’s, how he copes with grief, and why streaming has harmed our appreciation of music.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.Listen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 14, 2025 • 59min
Bonnie “Prince” Billy: ‘Grief is only bearable in micro moments’ | 9
How do you cope when caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s?John speaks to one of his musical heroes, the musician and actor Bonnie “Prince” Billy, aka Will Oldham. After the death of Will’s father, his mother started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease.John also discusses Will’s journey into music, his difficulty in calling himself an artist, and the effect that streaming has on our appreciation of music.On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Will shares the 5 things that he is currently grateful for.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.Listen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 10, 2025 • 26min
The Gratitude List: Rosie Jones | 8
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian Rosie Jones shares the 5 things she is currently grateful for. There’s an in-depth conversation about central heating, and Rosie extols the virtues of long (and slightly erotic) hot water bottles.Head to the main episode to hear about Rosie’s coping mechanisms in the face of online hate and abuse, how she was able to stand up to Matt Hancock, and why she’s unwilling to shape her career around others’ expectations.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.Listen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 59min
Rosie Jones: ‘Abuse is hard, but I know I’m being my true authentic self’ | 8
Comedian, writer, and actress Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, discusses how humor helps her cope with online hate. She shares her inspiring journey into comedy and her pride in creating the Edie Eckhart book series, which features a young girl with a disability. Rosie emphasizes the significance of representation and authenticity in her work while also tackling the challenges of fame and setting personal boundaries. The conversation is a powerful blend of resilience and laughter, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration.

Apr 3, 2025 • 39min
Your Correspondence
In a special episode, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. He shares the coping mechanisms he’s learnt from recent guests, and how his approach to interviews has changed since becoming sober.We also turn the Gratitude List over to you, to hear what’s making you smile. And John shares 5 things he’s currently thankful for...You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.Listen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 12min
Amanda Knox: ‘ I felt utterly ostracised by the rest of humanity’ | 7
How do you cope when you’re sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit?John speaks to writer and activist Amanda Knox, who was wrongfully incarcerated for the murder of Meredith Kercher at the age of just 22. Amanda spent a total of 4 years in an Italian jail before she was exonerated by Italy’s highest court in 2015.In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, Amanda talks about the methods she used, and the hope she leaned on, in order to get through her time behind bars. She discusses the unacknowledged misogyny at the heart of her case, and reflects on the ways Meredith’s death haunts her to this day.If you need support, you can find help and advice from the following organisations:Rape Crisis England & Wales - https://rapecrisis.org.uk/Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/Miscarriage Association - https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.Listen to How Do You Cope on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/howdoyoucope now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.