Begin Again with Davina McCall

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Davina McCall sits down with the fearless and refreshingly honest Cindy Gallop to dismantle the myths, taboos, and outdated narratives around sex.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

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.