
Begin Again with Davina McCall
This show is dedicated to empowering people to embrace midlife as their most transformative era yet. Davina’s guests will share stories of growth and rediscovery, letting you in on their own life journeys - many of which have challenged outdated narratives and ideas. Whether it's through expert insights, candid discussions, or real-life inspiration, Begin Again will be a supportive community for everyone to explore the revitalising second act of life. Davina wants everyone to know that midlife is not the start of the end; instead, it's the perfect opportunity and time to Begin Again.Instagram: @beginagainLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davina-mccall-82204a19b/
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
How to Date in Midlife and Reignite Your Sex Life!
Join relationship expert Mel Schilling, known for her insightful guidance on Married At First Sight, as she shares her wisdom on dating in midlife. Mel discusses the unique challenges of finding love later in life, the importance of emotional intimacy, and how to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships. She unveils myths surrounding love and aging and highlights the significance of self-awareness and vulnerability. With her own journey of love and motherhood in her forties, Mel offers strategies to navigate modern romance with clarity and confidence.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 17min
Rita Ora: I Proposed to my Husband Taika!
In this episode of Begin Again, global pop icon and actress Rita Ora sits down for her most open conversation yet. She reflects on the intense scrutiny she’s faced, the pressure of fame, and why speaking her truth now matters more than ever.
Rita shares how Beyoncé’s support helped her through a time when her identity and integrity were under attack. She speaks honestly about the journey to feel seen on her own terms, the impact of tabloid pressure in her twenties, and how she finally feels more grounded, more herself, than ever before.
The episode dives into her marriage to Taika Waititi, the joy and complexity of becoming a stepmother, and what it means to fully embrace her sexuality. With warmth, wisdom, and clarity, Rita reveals how she’s built a more peaceful, authentic life—one shaped by self-trust, real love, and personal growth.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
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(00:00) Intro
(00:04:26:10) Celebrating Confidence & Sexuality
(00:07:03:02) False Headlines
(00:10:04:17) Rita’s Fanbase: The Ritabots
(00:11:53:19) Rita’s Work Ethic & Refugee Life
(00:17:38:19) Signing with Jay-Z’s Label
(00:22:11:24) 'Hot Right Now' Global Success
(00:24:19:00) Love-Hate Relationship with the Press
(00:28:01:00) Media Impact on Mental Health
(00:31:42:23) Ridiculed for Embracing Sexiness
(00:33:37:19) The Masked Singer Journey
(00:35:09:12) Rita's Acting Career
(00:36:48:10) Ancient & Brave Ad
(00:38:35:14) Friendship With Beyoncé
(00:43:44:23) Rita’s Relationship with Taika
(00:58:17:07) Overcoming Challenges
(01:00:00:06) Becoming a Stepmother
(01:05:01:24) Rita’s Proposal to Taika
(01:08:14:14) Plans for the Future
(01:09:30:02) Mental Health & Hypochondria
Sponsored by:
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet with code BEGINAGAIN
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Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 17min
Shaolin Master: The Hidden Mental Trap You Fall Into Daily! Why You’re Always in Fight or Flight
In this episode of Begin Again, Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi reveals the hidden mental trap that keeps millions of us stuck in fight-or-flight mode. He shares how modern life quietly poisons our peace of mind—and why stress, anxiety, and overwhelm have become our default state. Through the lens of ancient Shaolin wisdom, Shi Heng Yi offers a powerful alternative: mastering the breath, reconnecting with the body, and breaking free from inherited emotional patterns.
The conversation explores how discipline, self-reflection, and stillness can transform even the most chaotic life. From his own journey growing up in a refugee household to becoming a Shaolin Master, he explains why inner mastery—not escape—is the path to true peace. You'll learn the real reason you're exhausted, the unconscious habits keeping you disconnected, and how to begin again with clarity, purpose, and calm.
Whether you're navigating burnout, trauma, or simply feeling lost in a noisy world, this episode offers deep insight, grounded philosophy, and tools to reclaim your mind.
🧘♂️ Drop a comment: What mental habit are you ready to break?
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Shaolin Spirit: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464095/shaolin-spirit-by-yi-shi-heng/9780241715192
(00:00:00:00) Intro
(3:51) Shi Heng Yi: Becoming a Shaolin Master
(6:50) Dangers of a Scattered Mind
(10:34) Legacy, Self-Assessment & Growth
(15:15) Building True Self-Perception
(19:23) Unity Through Breath Awareness
(24:22) How to Master Breathwork
(29:50) Ancient & Brave (Ad)
(31:18) How to Handle Stress Effectively
(35:31) Taking Ownership for Self-Mastery
(37:38) Letting in the Light: Breaking the Cycle
(43:28) Two Common Mistakes on the Path to Truth
(46:27) Burnout Recovery: From Robots to Nature
(49:01) Clarify & Live Your Core Values
(51:03) How to Build Discipline in 21 Days
(55:11) Reviving Shaolin Temple Europe
(56:01) Experiencing the Shaolin Lifestyle
(1:00:37) Transforming Self-Perception
(1:03:00) Learning to Truly Let Go
(1:09:31) Gratitude & Discovering Your Unique Path
Sponsored by:
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet with code BEGINAGAIN
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Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 23min
Mel Robbins: These 2 Words Will Fix Your Relationships!
In this episode of Begin Again, Mel Robbins reveals how she escaped £800,000 in debt, overcame crippling anxiety, and rebuilt her life using a simple tool known as the 5 Second Rule. She opens up about hitting rock bottom, the moment that sparked her transformation, and why waiting to “feel ready” is a lie. Mel also shares the science behind breaking bad habits and how small, consistent actions create real change.
The conversation also dives into Mel’s viral “Let Them” Theory—a powerful mindset shift that’s helping millions let go of control and heal their relationships. From navigating marriage struggles and parenting challenges to building inner peace, Mel offers hard-earned wisdom, practical tools, and emotional honesty. This is a must-watch for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to begin again.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
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"Let Them" Available here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1788176189/ref=tmm[…]1OoSw1UBXmoh1rOflxcVGDm_jVjrYTds--OUYM&qid=1749572663&sr=8-1
(00:00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:03:02) Coming Up...
(00:01:12:07) Gratitude
(00:01:40:02) Becoming Mel Robbins
(00:07:05:17) Mel's Personal Journey and Finding Motivation (00:14:33:09) How I Got Out of $800,000 in Debt
(00:17:44:17) Being the Villain of Your Own Story
(00:19:09:21) Talking About Family
(00:20:14:17) 5 Second Theory
(00:27:52:07) Ancient & Brave Ad
(00:29:21:16) TEDx Talk in 2011
(00:33:47:06) Science Behind the 5 Second Theory
(00:35:59:05) Understanding Motivation and What Holds Us Back (00:37:57:13) Let Them Theory
(00:41:16:00) Control, Power, and Relationships
(00:47:52:05) When 'Let Them' Becomes 'Let Me'
(00:52:36:12) Mel on Working with Her Daughter & Breakups
(01:00:54:12) Applying the Let Them Theory to Children
(01:04:52:06) Dealing with a Fight or Flight Mentality
(01:12:56:23) Navigating Adult Friendships
Sponsored by:
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet
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Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 48min
Katie Piper: From Surviving an Acid Attack to Finding Faith & Love
Katie Piper shares her incredible journey of resilience after surviving a horrific acid attack. She discusses overcoming agoraphobia, navigating extensive surgeries, and embracing her transformed identity. Katie reflects on how faith became a cornerstone of her healing process. With humor and warmth, she recounts finding love and the joys of motherhood. The conversation dives into societal pressures around beauty and the importance of self-acceptance. Through her heartfelt narrative, she emphasizes the complexities of recovery and the power of connection.

May 29, 2025 • 50min
Women's Health Expert: It's Not Just Hormones! Why Doctors Get It Wrong For Women. Dr. Hazel Wallace
Dr. Hazel Wallace, a women's health expert and author of 'It's Not Just a Period,' shares her journey from personal loss to medicine. She discusses the alarming misdiagnosis of women in healthcare and why reliable health information is critical. Hazel reveals her decision to freeze her eggs and educates on the emotional complexity of the process. The conversation also highlights the importance of open discussions around women’s health, aiming to challenge societal biases and empower women to advocate for their bodies.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 30min
Jamie Theakston: How a Cancer Diagnosis Made Me Live Life to the Fullest
Jamie Theakston, a broadcaster known for his energetic presence on Heart Radio, opens up about his life-altering cancer diagnosis. He shares the emotional weight of informing his family while navigating his mother’s loss and his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Jamie highlights how these profound challenges shifted his outlook on life, urging him to cherish every moment with his loved ones. With honesty and vulnerability, he emphasizes the power of family support and the importance of early cancer detection.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 45min
Leading Sex Expert Tracey Cox on How to Have the Best Sex of Your Life!
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with internationally renowned sex and relationships expert Tracey Cox for a bold and enlightening conversation about the myths that sabotage our most intimate connections.
Tracey shares decades of insight into what really drives desire, why so many couples lose their spark, and how outdated beliefs about sex, orgasms, and aging are quietly damaging our relationships. With honesty, humour, and hard truths, she explains how midlife can be the beginning of your best sex yet — if you’re willing to unlearn what you’ve been taught.
Together, Davina and Tracey explore the psychology of attraction, the silent killers of intimacy, and the emotional blocks that stop us from asking for what we want in bed. They uncover how shame, performance pressure, and unspoken expectations hold us back — and what it really takes to feel empowered, connected, and satisfied.
This is a conversation about rewriting the rules, reclaiming your pleasure, and reimagining what intimacy can look like at any age. Brave, liberating, and packed with wisdom — Tracey’s message is a wake-up call to anyone who wants more from their love life.
📢 We’d love to hear from you: What’s one sex myth you’re ready to leave behind?
Follow me here:
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(00:00) Intro
(01:54) Meet Tracey Cox: Sex & Relationships Expert
(03:34) How to Talk to Kids About Sex
(15:14) Rethinking the Orgasm Experience
(20:11) Is Porn Numbing Our Sexual Desire?
(23:00) Keeping Your Sex Life Alive Long-Term
(37:35) Vaginal Health Essentials Every Woman Should Know
(41:42) Facing Bedroom Performance Pressure
(43:04) Erotica, Fantasy, and Reigniting Desire
(49:24) Understanding 'Sexless' Relationships
(56:30) Spontaneous vs. Planned Sex: What Works Best?
(58:54) Love Languages Decoded for Better Intimacy
(1:02:07) Sex After 50: What Changes and What Doesn’t
(1:06:11) Inside Open Relationships: Polyamory & More
(1:14:58) Lubrication Myths Busted and Facts That Matter
(1:19:47) Men's Libido, Testosterone & Sexual Health
(1:24:38) What Viagra Really Does (and Doesn’t)
(1:27:32) Can You Truly Recover from Cheating?
(1:33:52) Tracey’s Top 5 Game-Changing Sex Tips
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5 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 46min
The Happiness Expert: It’s Not Too Late To ReInvent Yourself, 5 Steps To A Better Life! With Robin Sharma
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with world-renowned happiness expert, bestselling author, and leadership coach Robin Sharma for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about how we can all live more meaningful, joyful lives.
Robin shares the transformative lessons that reshaped his own path — from breaking free of fear and self-doubt, to embracing silence, journaling, spiritual practice, and daily routines as tools for happiness and self-mastery. With his signature mix of depth and clarity, he explains how small shifts in mindset and behaviour can lead to radical change — no matter your age or stage in life.
Together, Davina and Robin explore the truth about reinvention, the neuroscience of fulfilment, and the emotional power of letting go of what no longer serves you. They unpack how to parent with purpose, create space for stillness, and age with intention and grace — while staying connected to your deepest values.
This is a conversation about starting over, showing up, and choosing joy on purpose. Grounded, inspiring, and rich with wisdom — Robin’s message is a timely reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.
📢 We’d love to hear from you: What’s one habit you’ll adopt to boost your happiness after listening?
Robin’s mentoring programme The Deep Magic of Daily Consistency, is available now with 10% off for Begin Again Listeners at: https://bolindaoriginals.supercast.com/?coupon=DAVINA
Follow me here:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
(00:00) Intro
(01:02) Robin’s Life Transformation
(02:23) A Special Gift for Davina
(03:24) Faith and Bold Life Choices
(08:20) Starting Over in Midlife
(09:41) 5 Questions to Start Your Day
(13:22) Rewire Your Brain for New Thinking
(17:26) Managing Stress and Recovery
(20:43) Digital Detox and Boundaries
(32:31) Indeed Ad
(34:04) Overcoming Victim Mindset
(38:03) Letting Go of the Past
(43:54) Purposeful Parenting
(48:50) Robin’s Morning MVP Routine
(54:40) Spirituality and Daily Prayer
(56:50) How Words Shape Self-Belief
(1:02:52) Journaling for Mental Clarity
(1:07:04) Fitness and Health Habits
(1:12:39) Power of Silence
(1:14:17) Aging Gracefully
(1:27:05) Robin’s Advice on Love
(1:39:03) Davina’s Takeaways
Sponsored by:
Indeed - https://indeed.com/beginagain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 1h 48min
"The Guilty Feminist": Transgender Rights: The Conversation We Should Be Having!
Deborah Frances-White, the witty comedian and author behind The Guilty Feminist, shares her transformative journey from a high-control religious group to embracing her true self. She delves into the importance of engaging in difficult conversations about identity, gender, and belonging. With humor and vulnerability, Deborah discusses how comedy helped her break free and explore profound topics, including the nuances of feminism and the significance of personal storytelling. This dialogue encourages listeners to confront what they often avoid, leading to deeper connections and growth.