Begin Again with Davina McCall

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with Trisha Goddard, the renowned TV host and mental health advocate, to discuss her experience after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Trisha opens up about her decision to join Big Brother despite living with a life-limiting illness, sharing the strength and perspective that led her to make this choice. Alongside her, Trisha’s daughter, Billie, offers an honest look at what it’s like to be the family member of someone living with cancer. Together, they explore the complexities of illness, the importance of living authentically, and finding purpose in uncertain times. This episode is a candid conversation about the realities of living with cancer and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway?Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/cancer-support/ (00:00:44) Intro(00:02:44) Joining Celebrity Big Brother(00:08:52) Parents and Childhood(00:13:00) Having Masculine Energy(00:15:29) Trisha's Childhood in East Africa(00:16:43) Close Maternal Bond(00:17:24) Overcoming Racial Abuse & Childhood Trauma(00:25:32) Death of Her Mother(00:30:04) Adobe Ad(00:31:08) Ancient & Brave Ad(00:32:24) Trisha's Accident and Cancer Diagnosis(00:37:33) Wedding to Her Current Husband(00:41:30) Working During Cancer Treatment(00:43:42) Language Around Cancer(00:55:47) Losing Friendships in Turmoil(01:00:28) Challenges in Asking for Help(01:04:05) The ‘Gifts’ of Cancer(01:07:28) Finding Her Soulmate(01:13:18) Why I Don’t Have a Bucket List!(01:15:03) Why I’m Doing Big Brother!(01:17:35) How Has the Diagnosis Changed You?(01:19:23) Trisha's Daughter Billie Joins(01:35:33) Davina’s Final ThoughtsSponsored by:Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by iconic shoe designer turned psychedelic healer Patrick Cox. From the heights of fashion fame to the depths of identity loss and grief, Patrick opens up about losing everything—including his father to suicide—and how his journey with psychedelics helped him find joy, purpose, and a new beginning. Raw, uplifting, and deeply human, this is a story about healing, transformation, and the power of change at any stage of life.📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Would you consider trying psychedelics for mental wellness? Yes, no, or maybe?Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Doors of Perception: http://www.doorsofperception-ibiza.com/ (00:00) Intro  (03:25) Davina Introduces Patrick Cox  (04:25) Catching Up: Davina and Patrick Reunite  (05:56) Patrick’s Early Life in Africa, Canada, and Family  (09:38) From Toronto to London: A Creative Journey  (14:16) Fashion Beginnings and Working With Vivienne Westwood  (19:04) The Birth of the Iconic Wannabe Loafer  (24:40) The Rise and Success of Patrick Cox  (28:10) Car Accident, Mental Health Struggles, and Leaving the Brand  (40:52) Healing Through Animals: Getting a Dog  (44:12) Rebuilding Identity After Crisis  (46:41) Lathbridge Shoes, Moving to Ibiza, and Rehab  (53:14) Microdosing and Self-Medication for Recovery  (55:19) Life-Changing Experience With Psychedelic Toad  (1:14:46) Meeting Caesar and Training as a Toad Shaman  (1:31:34) The Future of Psychedelics in Wellness  (1:34:33) Rediscovering Creativity and the Doors of Perception  (1:40:14) Coping With the Death of Patrick’s Father  (1:46:00) Facing Another Crisis and Finding Inner Peace  (1:49:25) Final Thoughts From Davina This episode is sponsored by:Life360 - https://www.life360.com/uk/ Download Life360Indeed - https://indeed.com/beginagain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author Owen O’Kane to unravel one of the most pressing mental health issues of our time: anxiety. Drawing from decades of clinical experience—and his own personal journey—Owen breaks down why anxiety has become so deeply embedded in modern life. He explains how our fast-paced world, past traumas, and inner narratives keep us trapped in cycles of stress and fear. But this conversation isn’t just about understanding anxiety—it’s about learning how to break free from it. With warmth, clarity, and powerful insights from his new book Addicted to Anxiety, Owen shares practical tools that can help you feel calmer, more in control, and truly at peace. Eye-opening, compassionate, and packed with real-life solutions, this episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed.📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Has your life been impacted by Anxiety? 📖 Owen's Book 'Addicted To Anxiety': https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462479/addicted-to-anxiety-by-okane-owen/9780241728321 Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Owens Book Available here: (00:00) Intro(01:21) Davina’s Introduction(01:53) Why We Need to Understand Anxiety(06:59) How My Anxiety Experience Inspired Me to Help Others(11:50) Can You Be Addicted to Anxiety?(23:07) Adobe Ad(24:11) Ancient & Brave Ad(25:46) Breaking the Stigma Around Anxiety and Depression(31:30) How to Stay Authentic and Check In With Yourself(41:07) Reclaiming Your Energy: Taking Control and Letting Go(50:20) Finding Pride in Progress and Personal Growth(57:07) A Heartfelt Thanks to Owen(57:56) Davina's Final ThoughtsSponsored by:Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with Nicola Kilner, the powerhouse CEO behind beauty empire DECIEM and founder of The Ordinary, to explore the highs and heartbreaking lows of her journey. From co-founding a $2.2 billion beauty empire in her 20s to navigating the tragic downfall of her business partner, Brandon Truaxe, Nicola opens up about the immense challenges she’s faced. She reflects on her father’s struggle with alcoholism, the resilience it instilled in her from a young age, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, loss, and finding purpose in chaos. Raw, inspiring, and deeply personal—this is a story of strength, survival, and redefining success on your own terms.📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(02:14) Nicola’s Childhood and Her Father’s Struggles with Alcohol(13:55) Early Entrepreneurial Spirit and the Power of Kindness(18:40) Meeting Brandon: A Life-Changing Connection(20:17) The Beginnings of Deciem: A Vision Takes Shape(23:37) How The Ordinary Was Born(31:51) (Ancient & Brave Ad)(33:10) (Adobe Ad)(34:13) Brandon’s Experimentation with Drugs(48:16) The Public Downfall(1:08:17) The Tragic Loss of Brandon(1:15:55) Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support(1:20:18) Starting Over and Finding Joy in Life(1:27:58) Championing Mothers in the Workplace(1:38:06) Davina’s Final ThoughtsSponsored by:Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with leading medical scientist Dr. Federica Amati to explore the fascinating link between alcohol and brain health. With Alzheimer’s on the rise, Federica unpacks the latest research on how certain drinking habits could protect against cognitive decline—while others may do more harm than we realize. She breaks down the science, busts common myths, and shares practical ways to make smarter choices for long-term health.Eye-opening, empowering, and packed with must-know insights—this is a conversation that could change the way you think about alcohol.📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Have your views on alcohol changed?Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Everybody should know this: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458947/every-body-should-know-this-by-amati-dr-federica/9780241679616 (00:00) Intro(02:02) The Impact of Lifestyle on Chronic Illnesses(03:09) How Where You Live Impacts Your Diet(06:19) How Much of a Difference Can Lifestyle Change Make?(07:16) Diet as a Part of Culture(10:10) The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods(13:38) Fear Around Food: Why Are We So Anxious About Eating?(16:04) Why Nutrition Advice Is So Confusing(18:35) How Much Fiber Should We Eat & What’s the Best Source?(23:58) Is Coffee Good for You?(32:18) Myths About Alcohol: What Science Says(37:30) Are Carbs Bad for Us?(38:35) Zoe Ad(39:57) Why Fruit Is Essential for a Healthy Diet(41:45) Are Oats Actually Healthy?(44:41) Do We Really Need Supplements?(52:13) Allergies & the Microbiome: Can We Train Our Gut for Prevention?(56:22) Does the Sequence of Food Matter?(57:55) Have We Lost Our Love of Eating?(1:02:06) Eating Mindfully: How to Build a Better Relationship With Food(1:04:59) Teaching Children About Food & Nutrition(1:08:01) Menopause & Food: What You Need to Know(1:15:04) How Much Protein Should We Consume?(1:20:01) How to Build Muscle as You Age(1:23:09) How Diet Impacts Lifespan & Longevity(1:25:41) Frederica's Book - "Every Body Should Know This"(1:27:36) Davina's Final ThoughtsSponsored by:Zoe - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with former rugby player Ed Jackson to explore his extraordinary journey of resilience and reinvention. After a devastating spinal injury ended his career, Ed was forced to confront his own mortality—but instead of giving up, he found a new purpose. He shares the mindset shifts that helped him defy expectations, the road to recovery, and how his near-death experience inspired him to live life to the fullest. From scaling mountains against all odds to empowering others to overcome their own challenges, Ed’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. Inspiring, uplifting, and deeply moving—this is one you won’t want to miss.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(01:38) Childhood and Beginnings in Rugby(06:51) The Power of Luck(08:33) Parenting: Nature vs. Nurture(14:26) Rugby Career(16:30) Falling in Love(19:01) The Accident That Changed Everything(30:36) Confronting Death and Embracing Life(36:38) Adobe Ad(37:54) Life360 Ad(39:03) Falling in Love With Being Alive(44:59) Paralysis and His Time in the Hospital(48:13) How My Support Network Saved My Life(51:02) Finding Motivation and the Road to Rehabilitation(54:06) The Recovery Journey(1:03:06) The Role of Friends and Family in Recovery(1:13:13) Millimeters to Mountains: A New Mission(1:27:25) Almost Dying on a Mountain(1:37:59) My Most Important Life Lessons(1:42:09) Being a Role Model and Redefining Masculinity(1:46:05) Final Thoughts with DavinaAdobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Life360 - https://www.life360.com/uk/  Download Life360 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with the fearless and refreshingly honest Cindy Gallop to dismantle the myths, taboos, and outdated narratives around sex. Cindy, the powerhouse behind Make Love Not Porn, reveals the crucial lessons we aren’t taught about intimacy, desire, and how to build a truly great sex life—at any age. From unlearning shame to embracing open communication, this conversation is an eye-opening deep dive into pleasure, empowerment, and why it’s never too late to rewrite the rules. Bold, insightful, and utterly liberating—you won’t want to miss this.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(00:46) Who Is Cindy Gallop?(02:44) Cindy Gallop on Her Upbringing & Sexual Awakening(05:43) Why You Don’t Need to Find "The One"(11:37) Why Cindy Dates Younger Men(13:55) How to Find the Right Dating Site for You(17:23) Unlocking Your Sexual Confidence(26:37) Cindy Gallop’s Guide to Successful Online Dating(36:52) Adobe Ad(37:58) Marriage vs. Sex Life – What You Need to Know(46:50) The Story Behind Make Love Not Porn(54:42) The Truth About Sex Education(1:08:38) Masturbation & How to Reach Climax(1:13:26) The Language of Sex & Porn(1:15:49) How Porn Affects Young People(1:16:40) What You Can Do to Make a Difference(1:20:11) Menopause, Lubrication & Intimacy(1:23:48) Cindy’s Hopes for the Future(1:27:00) Davina’s Final ThoughtsAdobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Richard E. Grant opens up about his turbulent childhood—growing up with a narcissistic mother, an alcoholic father, and the lasting impact of both. He reflects on finding true love with his wife Joan, their deep connection, and the grief of losing her four years ago. A raw and moving conversation about survival, love, and navigating life after loss.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(02:34) Childhood and Early Life(03:18) Guilty Pleasures(04:41) How to Find Excitement(06:22) Overcoming a Difficult Childhood(19:28) Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa and Taking Risks(26:33) Meeting His Wife, Joan(32:16) Mother, Relationships, and Reconciliation(40:23) Forgiveness and Coping With His Wife’s Passing(1:09:00) Life Lessons From Richard E. Grant(1:11:03) Falling in Love(1:20:05) Living With Grief(1:24:22) What's Next? A Pocketful of Happiness(1:26:33) Davina's Final Thoughts–Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Professor Sarah Berry, a leading researcher in nutrition and menopause. Together, they unpack the myths surrounding diet and its true impact on menopausal symptoms. Sarah reveals how small, science-backed changes can lead to big improvements, helping you take control of your health with confidence. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or want to better understand its effects, this conversation will challenge what you thought you knew—and leave you feeling empowered to make positive, lasting changes.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod 00:00 Intro(03:10) The Truth About Protein: How Much Do You Really Need?(06:49) The Hidden Impact of Processed Foods on Your Health(10:24) Rethinking Nutrition: A Balanced Approach(27:09) Understanding Inflammation & How to Reduce It(29:59) Sponsored: Zoe Ad(31:15) Sponsored: Adobe Ad(32:12) How You Eat Matters: The Key to a Healthy Diet(36:59) Home Cooking & Its Powerful Impact on Your Health(38:09) Menopause & Diet: What Really Helps?(50:47) Menowashing: What Is It & Why Should You Care?ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exclusive and deeply personal episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall steps into the guest seat as Steven Bartlett takes over hosting duties for a powerful role reversal like never before.For the first time, Davina opens up about the life-changing moment she discovered a 1-in-3-million brain cyst, the fear of undergoing surgery and the difficult decision to keep her diagnosis private until the day of her surgery. She shares the raw reality of waking up from major brain surgery, the emotional letters she wrote to her children, and the long road to reclaiming her sense of self. Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Diary of a CEO, guides this emotional conversation with care, as Davina reflects on the anger, uncertainty, and gratitude that shaped her recovery. This is a story of resilience, vulnerability, and the power to begin again—even when life takes an unexpected turn.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(01:22) A Message from Davina(04:54) How Does It Feel to Be Back?(06:40) Telling People About the Diagnosis(10:26) Finding Out About the Tumor(15:31) The Official Diagnosis & What It Means(17:11) Deciding to Have the Operation(24:35) It Can Happen to Anyone, No Matter How Healthy(27:31) Telling Friends(31:47) The Day of Diagnosis(35:33) Confronting Death(39:24) The Children & Motherhood(43:56) Adobe Ad(45:05) Rebuilding Her Relationship with Her Stepmum(58:26) Davina’s Relationship with Michael(01:01:22) Fear After the Operation(01:10:46) Public Reaction(01:13:14) Friends & Family(01:15:19) Gratitude(01:20:28) Coming Back to Work(01:27:18) Beginning Again(01:36:47) How Are You Feeling?Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices