Begin Again with Davina McCall

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.

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? Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod "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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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.

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.