Begin Again with Davina McCall

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

In this episode of Begin Again, Australian singer songwriter and global pop icon Delta Goodrem shares the deeply personal story behind her sudden and life altering cancer diagnosis at just 18, right as her career was exploding. From topping charts and starring on Neighbours to waking up in a cold sweat with a terrifying premonition, Delta opens up about the whirlwind that followed. Public scrutiny, treatment in the spotlight, and the emotional toll of losing her voice, her identity, when the world was watching. She speaks with raw honesty about isolation, resilience, and how it took years to truly come back to herself. Now, decades later, she reflects on the gifts hidden inside the chaos, the support she received, and how gratitude became her way through. 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod Delta: https://www.instagram.com/deltagoodrem/?hl=en (00:00) Intro (01:19) Delta’s Story & Starting Over (03:55) The Power of Language (04:30) Gratitude and Curiosity About Life (05:44) First Steps into Acting and Family Support (07:50) Her Mother’s Accident and Traumatic Birth (09:44) Musical Beginnings and a Twist of Fate (12:32) Recording a Demo at 13 and the Sydney Swans Connection (18:02) Recording Her First Album at 15 (21:16) Trusting Her Inner Voice (23:07) Landing Neighbours and Rising to Fame (29:28) Airbnb Ad Break (30:31) Realizing She Had a Hit (31:43) A No. 1 Album and Growing Concerns (36:08) Intuition Before the Storm (41:09) Cancer Diagnosis at 18 (45:33) Outpouring of Support from Fans and Community (49:22) Treatment Journey and Road to Recovery (52:29) Life After Beating Cancer (54:49) Losing Her Voice and Starting Over Again (58:58) Letting Go of Control and Resetting (01:01:42) Meeting Her Partner Matt – Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Tulisa Contostavlos, N-Dubz star, solo artist, and the youngest judge in X Factor history, shares the untold truth behind her rise, fall, and rebuilding. From chart-topping success to a leaked tape, depression, and the 2012 drug sting that nearly destroyed her career, Tulisa opens up about betrayal, media pressure, and the darkest years of her life. She speaks candidly about how those experiences pushed her to the edge, and how she found strength, purpose, and spirituality to rebuild. With her new book Judgement, Tulisa reflects on resilience, survival, and why no matter how far you fall, you can begin again. 💬 Comment below: What part of Tulisa’s story resonates with you most? 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod Tulisa's Book: "Judgement": https://geni.us/judgementtulisa (00:00) Intro   (01:07) Tulisa: Early Life and Introduction   (02:56) Tulisa’s New Book “Judgement” Explained   (03:45) Musical Roots and the Rise of N-Dubz   (04:59) Growing Up Fast: Life Lessons from a Young Age   (08:06) Alternative Families: Uncle B and the Misfit Household   (11:45) N-Dubz Blow Up: Storytelling and Staying Authentic   (13:41) Becoming an X Factor Judge at Age 22   (18:55) From Stardom to Homelessness: Tulisa’s Fall   (22:17) Airbnb Ad   (23:09) Leaked Tape Scandal and Public Backlash   (25:50) Depression, Media Attacks, and Mental Health Struggles   (31:11) Inside the Sting Operation That Targeted Tulisa   (33:38) Writing “Judgement”: Tulisa’s Process and Purpose   (35:41) The Drug Sting: What Really Happened   (47:06) Isolation, Betrayal, and Loss of Trust   (50:03) The Breaking Story, Suicide Attempt, and Meeting ‘Jacob’   (56:46) Tulisa’s Spiritual Awakening and Purpose-Driven Life   (1:07:18) Finding Gratitude and Healing   –  Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Squibb, a resilient entrepreneur who triumphed over homelessness, shares his inspiring journey of transformation. He discusses the shortcomings of the traditional education system, advocating for a focus on individuality and problem-solving rather than strict metrics. Simon emphasizes the power of giving back, highlighting how helping others can lead to true fulfillment. Through personal anecdotes, he reveals the importance of empathy and building strong relationships, encouraging listeners to find purpose in service and understand the real value of education.

Jo Malone, the founder of Jo Malone London and Jo Loves, shares her inspiring journey of resilience after surviving breast cancer. She discusses the profound impact of her personal challenges on her life view and how they fueled her rebirth at 50. With a focus on transformation, Jo reflects on the importance of faith, family, and the power of reinventing oneself. Her candid anecdotes reveal that it's never too late to start anew, emphasizing that true strength lies in embracing change and pursuing happiness.

Tom Davis, actor and comedian known for 'Murder in Successville' and 'King Gary', shares his heartfelt journey through sobriety and fatherhood. He opens up about overcoming crippling anxiety and imposter syndrome that threatened his stand-up career. Tom reflects on how giving up alcohol provided clarity and how becoming a dad transformed his life. He candidly discusses grief and the challenges of supporting his partner during tough times, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-acceptance on the path to personal growth.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sabina Brennan, a leading neuroscientist and author of 'Still Me,' shines a light on practical lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk. She shares insights from her personal experience as a caregiver, emphasizing the importance of social engagement, sleep, and managing hormonal changes. Dr. Brennan explains the link between hearing health and cognitive function while advocating for proactive measures everyone can take to safeguard their brain health. Her empowering strategies provide hope and practical advice for both caregivers and individuals concerned about their cognitive futures.

Gillian Anderson, the award-winning actress known for her iconic roles in The X-Files and Sex Education, shares her journey of embracing sexuality and navigating mental health challenges. She candidly discusses how open communication about desires can empower women, questioning the lingering shame surrounding female fantasies. Through her personal experiences and therapy insights, Gillian inspires listeners to reclaim their power and advocate for their needs, both in bed and in life, making this conversation a profound exploration of female empowerment and sexual honesty.

In a fascinating discussion, Professor Steve Peters, a world-renowned psychiatrist and author of The Chimp Paradox, reveals how understanding our 'inner chimp' can enhance mental and emotional well-being. He explains the Chimp Paradox theory, offering strategies to manage thoughts and behaviors effectively. Listeners will learn to shift negative patterns, improve resilience, and make wiser life choices. Steve's insights on emotional responses and mental clarity provide invaluable guidance for personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking fulfillment.

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.