Begin Again with Davina McCall

Join Bobbi Brown, the iconic makeup entrepreneur and bestselling author, as she shares her inspiring journey of reinvention after selling her brand. She discusses launching her clean beauty line, Jones Road, at 60 and the powerful lessons she's learned about aging and passion. Bobbi opens up about her family dynamics, her mother's mental health struggles, and how they shaped her resilience. With insights on navigating transitions and redefining success, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in today’s world.

In a candid chat, comedian and writer Katherine Ryan, known for her sharp wit, dives into the complexities of feminism and aging. She reflects on her experiences at Hooters and how they shaped her identity. Katherine shares her eccentric parenting choices like co-sleeping and early potty training, along with stories of her parents' divorce and how it influenced her resilience. With humor, she discusses the stigma around cosmetic surgery, including gifting her mother a facelift, merging humor and honesty in every aspect of her life.

Dr. Tara Swart, a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of *The Signs*, shares her transformative journey after losing her husband, Robin. She discusses the signs of his presence—even in the depths of grief—and how this experience challenged her scientific beliefs. Tara explores the healing power of nature and daily rituals, and reveals her methods of manifestation. She also highlights the importance of trusting intuition, detailing incredible synchronicities and symbols that connect the living with the departed, showcasing love’s enduring nature.

In this engaging conversation, Elizabeth Day, bestselling author and host of How To Fail, shares her poignant journey through divorce and fertility struggles. She discusses the gut instinct that prompted her to leave a marriage that wasn’t right, and the emotional release of letting go of motherhood dreams after a revealing psychic reading. Elizabeth also reflects on the challenges of dating in her late 30s, her surprise at finding love with Justin, and how this journey has shaped her understanding of self-worth and resilience.

Kate Muir, a journalist and dedicated menopause campaigner, shares her personal journey through menopause and advocates for women's health. She discusses the emotional and relational impacts of perimenopause, exploring how hormonal shifts often lead to life transformations. Kate emphasizes the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its potential to reduce Alzheimer's risk. She also touches on dating at midlife, navigating grief, and the power of self-compassion in rebuilding one's life after significant change.

Penny Lancaster, a model and TV personality turned menopause campaigner, shares her harrowing journey through childhood trauma and the modeling industry. She reveals how a brutal assault at 12 and another at 17 impacted her life, leading her to become a voice for women's health. Discussing her experiences with perimenopause and the common misdiagnosis of depression, Penny emphasizes the importance of speaking out. She also explores her unexpected career shift to becoming a Special Constable at 50, showcasing her resilience and desire to protect others.

In this enlightening conversation, philosopher Alain de Botton explores the intricate dynamics of love and self-acceptance. He shares insights into how childhood experiences shape our adult relationships and the importance of recognizing emotional lopsidedness. Alain discusses escaping the victim mentality, reclaiming personal worth, and the power of vulnerability. He emphasizes the value of deep friendships and the path to resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace their quirks and redefine what it means to love and live well.

Jamie Oliver, a world-renowned chef, cookbook author, and public health campaigner, shares his inspiring journey from a dyslexic child in a pub kitchen to a culinary icon. He discusses the mission behind his mentorship-driven restaurant, Fifteen, and reflects on the challenges of fame and activism, particularly in school-dinner reform. Jamie also opens up about his deep connection to family life and how these experiences fueled his latest cookbook, aiming to empower healthier living. Passionate and honest, he reveals the heart behind his calling.

Lara Lewington, an AI expert and journalist, discusses the transformative power of artificial intelligence in healthcare. She highlights advancements like AI in cancer detection and early diagnosis of conditions such as depression and Alzheimer’s. Lewington emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to improve well-being and offers insights on how wearable technology can empower health management. She also addresses ethical concerns and the role of AI in mental health support, reassuring listeners that AI can be a valuable ally in living longer, healthier lives.

In this episode of Begin Again, British singer, disco icon, and mother of five Sophie Ellis-Bextor opens up about the unexpected resurgence sparked by Saltburn and how it reconnected her to the song that changed everything, Murder on the Dancefloor. From topping charts in the early 2000s to performing in her kitchen during lockdown, Sophie shares the real story behind her many reinventions. She talks candidly about the highs of her solo career, the heartbreak of a band breakup at 21, and the challenges of early motherhood, pre-eclampsia, and building a creative life around family. With signature humility and sharp insight, Sophie reflects on the strength she found through setbacks, and how saying “yes” to joy, and to herself, made her happier than ever at 46. 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod (01:13) Introduction to Sophie   (02:41) The ‘Saltburn’ Phenomenon & Recent Success   (09:37) Sophie's First Record Deal   (11:36) Losing Her Record Deal   (13:27) Almost Turning Down "Groovejet"   (18:12) The Joy of Aging & Falling in Love With Disco   (20:46) Parenting and Sophie’s Famous Parents   (31:02) Airbnb Ad   (32:05) Adobe Ad   (33:13) Motherhood, Lockdown & the Beginning of Kitchen Disco   (38:30) Meeting Richard at 22 and Getting Pregnant at 24   (42:29) Preeclampsia and the Miracle of Birth   (49:04) Protecting Our Children From the Public Eye   (53:44) Embarrassing Our Kids and Loving It   (55:35) Sophie & Richard's 20-Year Marriage   (01:01:01) Giving Advice & Guiding Our Children   (01:03:50) The Joys of Kitchen Disco   (01:06:02) Naming the New Album 'Perimenopop'   –  Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host –  Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Adobe - http://adobe.ly/Davina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices