Begin Again with Davina McCall

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

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) Leaked Tape Scandal and Public Backlash(24:58) Depression, Media Attacks, and Mental Health Struggles(30:19) Inside the Sting Operation That Targeted Tulisa(32:46) Writing “Judgement”: Tulisa’s Process and Purpose(34:49) The Drug Sting: What Really Happened(46:14) Isolation, Betrayal, and Loss of Trust(49:11) The Breaking Story, Suicide Attempt, and Meeting ‘Jacob’(55:54) Tulisa’s Spiritual Awakening and Purpose-Driven Life(1:06:26) Finding Gratitude and Healing –  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices