Begin Again with Davina McCall

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

Eleanor Mills, an acclaimed journalist and author, dives into the theme of women's reinvention after 50. She discusses redefining the narrative around aging, emphasizing the transition from societal expectations to self-discovery. Eleanor shares her own journey through redundancy and transformative experiences with psychedelics, which sparked personal growth. She also highlights the importance of community through her initiative, Noon, advocating for women's voices and value in midlife. Get ready for a conversation that inspires joy and empowerment during life’s second act!

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Andrew Steele, scientist, author, and advocate for unlocking the secrets of human longevity. Andrew delves into the fascinating science of ageing, challenging the notion that growing older as we know it is inevitable. Drawing on cutting-edge research and groundbreaking developments in anti-ageing science, he explores the transformative potential of extending not just lifespan but health-span. Through this eye-opening conversation, Andrew reveals how small changes today could lead to a future where we age better, and perhaps even slower, offering the knowledge and inspiration to rethink our approach to ageing and well-being.Follow me here:www.instagram.com/beginagainhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) Intro(01:32) Andrew's Interest In Aging(05:14) What Is The End Goal?(07:06) Life Span vs. Health Span(10:16) Menopause And Aging In Women(21:06) The Anti-Aging Miracle Drug(25:05) How Close Are We To Having An Anti-Aging Drug?(25:46) What Other Anti-Aging Drugs Are Being Developed?(27:31) The Truth About Inflammation(32:13) Holistic Medicine(32:50) Funding Research(35:22) Andrew's Dream For Your Future(36:58) What Will Death Look Like With Anti-Aging Drugs?(38:42) Misconceptions About Aging(42:50) Zoe Ad(44:20) Longer Life Spans And Overpopulation(47:54) Spreading The Word(52:05) How Would We Take An Anti-Aging Drug?(54:48) Artificial Intelligence (AI)(57:16) The Hallmarks Of Aging(1:00:11) Societal Changes(1:02:11) The Best Advice For A Long And Healthy Life(1:14:50) Andrew's Book(1:19:15) Davina's Round-UpSponsored by: ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Gail McNeill, founder of Fifty Sister and a midlife transformation advocate, shares her inspiring journey from excessive drinking to a flourishing plant-based lifestyle. She opens up about the freedom found in decluttering her life and embracing her gray hair. Gail discusses the importance of discovering one's 'why' for change, and how a health scare prompted her shift to plant-based eating. She also touches on meditation, the significance of authenticity in womanhood, and offers practical advice for those looking to transform their lives.

Ruari Fairbairns, founder of One Year No Beer, is a sobriety advocate dedicated to changing how we view alcohol. He dives into his own journey overcoming dependence and the hidden impact of drinking on mental health and relationships. Ruari discusses the connection between alcohol and menopause, the pressure of societal norms, and the importance of mindfulness in navigating sobriety. He shares insights on breaking free from peer pressure and highlights the emotional toll of alcohol, encouraging a healthier, more mindful relationship with it.

Julia Bradbury, a broadcaster and health advocate, shares her insightful journey through breast cancer, emphasizing the lessons learned about life and wellness. She discusses the critical importance of self-exams and how the pandemic affected her diagnosis. Julia opens up about the startling truths behind sugar consumption and its health ramifications. Their conversation delves into the often-overlooked risks associated with alcohol and encourages a mindful approach to healthful living, highlighting the power of lifestyle changes.

Gelong Thubten, a Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, shares profound insights on finding inner peace and resilience in today's chaotic world. He discusses his journey from burnout to monastic life and the transformative power of meditation. Gelong emphasizes that distractions are part of the meditative process, redefining them as opportunities for compassion. He also tackles modern stressors, the importance of embracing self-acceptance, and integrating mindfulness into daily life, making tranquility accessible for all.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a globally renowned physician and best-selling author, dives into the pressing health concerns we face today. He discusses the shortcomings in conventional medicine and the importance of preventative care. Chronic stress is explored as a major health culprit, along with Rangan's personal journey in overcoming back pain. He emphasizes the need for emotional resilience and the role of community support in healing. Listeners gain insights into navigating their unique health journeys while fostering personal transformation through adversity.

Dr. Vonda Wright, a world-leading expert on aging, shares her insights on maintaining vitality and resilience as we age. She discusses the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle, emphasizing the crucial connection between muscles, bones, and overall well-being. Dr. Wright highlights the importance of everyday movement, even for those with desk jobs, and dispels myths around exercise intensity. The conversation also touches on sleep's vital role in health, especially during menopause, underscoring tips for enhancing sleep quality and embracing aging with confidence.

Joining Davina is Professor David Nutt, a leading drug researcher and former chief drug advisor to the UK government. They dive into the flaws in current drug policies and the societal dangers of alcohol, which Nutt insists is the deadliest substance despite its common use. The discussion highlights the untapped potential of psychedelics for treating addiction and mental health. Nutt advocates for harm reduction strategies and a shift in public perception around drugs, emphasizing that open dialogue is crucial in educating the youth.