All podcasts

Begin Again with Davina McCall

Latest Episode

When I Thought I Was Going To Die… I Realised I’d Never Lived For Myself | Dearbhla Mescal

Episodes

1 hour 19 minutes | Thursday, 19 February 2026
One mother’s journey to self-love, resilience, and reinvention. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Dearbhla Mescal, mother of Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal and singer-songwriter Nell Mescal, shares how a life dedicated to her children’s dreams transformed into a life of self-discovery and strength after a life-changing cancer diagnosis. For over three decades, Dearbhla prioritised her children's needs, guiding them through their own ambitions while silently putting herself last. But when cancer entered her life, everything shifted. Through her personal battle, Dearbhla explai...
11 minutes | Sunday, 15 February 2026
What happens when you have to re-enter the dating world after years in a relationship? Paloma Faith reveals the unexpected emotional challenges of dating in her 40s, from feeling out of place on apps to redefining what she truly wants. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she chose to see it as a chance to Begin Again. Alongside her, Paul C. Brunson shares the practical roadmap for midlife dating, how to approach it differently, how to protect your confidence, and how to turn fear into possibility. Dating again isn’t about going backwards. It’s about stepping into a new chapter, with...
1 hour 8 minutes | Thursday, 12 February 2026
One big dream could be all it takes to begin again. In this awe-inspiring episode, Dame Maggie Aderin shares how growing up as a dyslexic Black girl in 1970s London, at a time when racism was overt and dreams were small, sparked her wildest ambition: to reach for the stars, literally. A world-renowned space scientist, Maggie opens up about the personal journey behind the lab coat, from watching the moonlight with her father as a child, to falling in love with astronomy through cartoons, to dreaming of becoming the first woman named Maggie to walk on the moon. She explains how scien...
23 minutes | Sunday, 8 February 2026
Grief is something we all face at some stage. In this bonus "Begin Again Moments" episode, Andi Oliver opens up about the deep loss of her brother Sean, reflecting on his life and the impact of his passing. Buddhist Monk Gelong Thubten shares his wisdom on processing grief, offering a compassionate perspective on how we can approach life's impermanence. Together, they explore the power of making space for both love and loss, offering profound insights on navigating the complexity of grief. Follow us here: 📸 www.instagram.com/beginagain 🎥 https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod...
1 hour 4 minutes | Thursday, 5 February 2026
This is what it takes to begin again when you feel like you’ve lost everything. In this powerful episode, comedian Seann Walsh opens up about the reality behind the laughs, his turbulent childhood, addiction, and public shaming, and how hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild his entire life from scratch. Seann shares how sobriety became the turning point that reconnected him with the version of himself he lost in the chaos: the ten-year-old boy who just wanted to make people laugh. He talks honestly about feeling like a failure at the height of success, the deep shame that followed a...
11 minutes | Sunday, 1 February 2026
Join Deliciously Ella and Davina McCall for a 10-minute kitchen reset 🍅🥦 This is your invitation to take the overwhelm out of healthy eating. In this Reset Month bonus episode, Ella shares the top 10 ingredients she always keeps on hand, and how to use them for quick, delicious, family-friendly meals. No fancy gadgets, no complex recipes, just real food, real fast. 🌱 This is the episode for you if: You want to eat better but don’t know where to start You’re tired of wellness advice that feels overcomplicated You’re looking for simple wins in the kitchen ✨ Ella's Essentials include: E...
1 hour 20 minutes | Thursday, 29 January 2026
What if asking for help is the one thing you’ve been avoiding that could change everything? Reset Month 5: HAPPINESS This month, we dive deep into a powerful and often overlooked tool for healing: asking for help. In this episode of Reset Month, Nadia and Katia, renowned for their work on nervous system regulation and self-care, share how the simple act of vulnerability can be life-changing. Many of us are stuck in “fight or flight,” constantly feeling like we’re running on empty and unable to truly connect with ourselves or others. Nadia and Katia explain why you are not broken, y...
23 minutes | Sunday, 25 January 2026
Rewire your habits in just 5 minutes a day 📝✨ This is your invitation to stop fighting impulses and start understanding them. In this Reset Month bonus episode, award-winning psychologist Shahroo Izadi shares a simple daily practice for building impulse control, breaking self-sabotaging patterns, and creating lasting change. No willpower battles. No self-punishment. Just a short morning and evening routine that helps you understand your triggers, plan kinder responses, and gather real data on who you are, not who you think you “should” be. 🌱 This episode is for you if: You keep falling ...
1 hour 2 minutes | Thursday, 22 January 2026
Reset Month 4: ALIGN Why Your Body Isn’t Broken, It’s Confused. In this powerful episode of Begin Again, movement expert Roger Frampton challenges everything we’ve been told about aging, pain, and flexibility. If you've ever thought, “My body just isn’t what it used to be,” this conversation will make you rethink what’s really going on. Roger reveals how our modern world, from the way we sit to how we exercise, has deprogrammed our bodies from moving the way they were designed to. He explains why it's not your age that's holding you back, but decades of learned stillness, and how to take...
1 hour 11 minutes | Thursday, 15 January 2026
Reset Month 3: Habits  In this episode of Begin Again, Shahroo Izadi, award-winning psychologist and bestselling author, shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming food addiction and how self-compassion became her key to lasting change. As part of Reset Month, Shahroo discusses how her Kindness Method goes beyond just food, it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to find balance in areas where moderation feels difficult. Whether it’s sugar, alcohol, social media, or any other habit, her method helps you break free from unhealthy cycles by shifting away from self-punishment and e...
1 hour 12 minutes | Thursday, 8 January 2026
Reset Month Episode 2: NOURISH! @DeliciouslyElla In this episode of Begin Again, plant-based author and entrepreneur Deliciously Ella shares her personal journey of transforming her health through food and why nourishing your body doesn’t need to be complicated. As part of Reset Month, Ella opens up about how she went from feeling unwell and overwhelmed to finding a simpler, more joyful way of eating that supports both physical and mental wellbeing. She explains how wellness culture has made healthy living feel confusing and unattainable and how getting back to basic, whole foods can be a...
1 hour 14 minutes | Thursday, 1 January 2026
Rest Month Episode 1: MOVE! In this episode of Begin Again, fitness expert Joe Wicks joins us for an inspiring conversation about building the perfect exercise plan for 2026. As part of Reset Month, Joe breaks down how to create a sustainable fitness routine, the importance of movement for both physical and mental health, and how to stay motivated long-term. Joe opens up about his own fitness journey, the challenges of staying consistent, and how he’s helped millions of people around the world find joy in movement. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to reset your routine, Joe’s adv...
1 hour 33 minutes | Wednesday, 24 December 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, The Spice Girls' Mel C reflects on her journey from global pop star to empowered solo artist. She opens up about the challenges of fame, the power of sisterhood, and the personal battles she faced along the way. Mel C shares how being part of the Spice Girls shaped her, the pressures of living up to expectations, and how her journey led her to embrace her true self. She discusses the joy of the Spice Girls legacy, the importance of self-care, and finding strength through reinvention. This episode is for anyone looking to find strength in friendship, redefin...
1 hour 15 minutes | Thursday, 18 December 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, Spencer Matthews opens up about the life-defining challenge that forced him to confront fear, trauma, and who he really wanted to become. Spencer shares the story behind Project 7, his mission to complete seven Ironman triathlons across seven continents, and the moments he thought it might break him. From the freezing waters of Antarctica to terrifying encounters in Cape Town, he speaks honestly about fear, fatherhood, and the pressure to prove he’s changed. He reflects on the death of his brother Michael, his struggles with alcohol, and how falling in love...
52 minutes | Thursday, 11 December 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, author and speaker Rob Parsons shares the extraordinary true story of how one simple act of kindness at Christmas changed his life, and the life of a homeless man named Ronnie, forever. Rob recounts the moment Ronnie showed up at his door on Christmas Eve with nothing but a frozen chicken and a plastic bag. What began as a one-night offer of shelter turned into a 40-year journey of love, family, and redemption. Through tears, laughter, and deeply moving moments, Rob reflects on how Ronnie, once abandoned and overlooked, became a beloved member of their home...
1 hour 33 minutes | Thursday, 4 December 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, singer Jamelia shares the deeply personal story of how she rebuilt her life from scratch after heartbreak and abandonment. Jamelia opens up about becoming a single mother of four after her husband left her while she was pregnant, and how she found unexpected strength in the love of her daughters. She talks about navigating loneliness, the silence from people she once supported, and how starting over in her 40s became the most empowering chapter of her life. She also reflects on her Rastafarian upbringing, her decision to homeschool her children, and wha...
1 hour 21 minutes | Thursday, 27 November 2025
What if the stories you tell yourself are the only thing standing between you and freedom? In this episode, Davina sits down with The Mind Architect Peter Crone to explore how our subconscious blueprints shape everything, from our relationships and self-worth to the fears that silently control us. Peter reveals how to let go of old narratives, why your past doesn’t define you, and the surprising truth about feeling "not enough." If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or trapped by your own mind this conversation might change everything. Don’t forget to leave us 5 ⭐️ 's, comment 💬, & ...
1 hour | Thursday, 20 November 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, Laura Brown, former editor-in-chief of InStyle, shares her powerful journey from the top of the fashion world to navigating life after being fired. Laura opens up about the ups and downs of her career, how she rebuilt herself after losing a job, and why getting fired doesn’t have to be the end but rather, a fresh start. She discusses how women often struggle with self-doubt in the workplace, the importance of confidence, and how owning your experiences can change the way you view setbacks. Laura also talks about how she came to understand her true value...
49 minutes | Thursday, 13 November 2025
To celebrate one extraordinary year of Begin Again, we’ve curated the 6 most unforgettable pieces of advice that have helped our audience, and us, start over. From heartbreak and grief to love, sex, purpose and letting go, this episode is a soul-stirring guide to transformation. You’ll hear powerful insights from: Paul C. Brunson on dating and intimacy in midlife Cindy Gallop on owning your sexual confidence Robin Sharma on the mindset to truly change your life Gail McNeill on finding freedom by giving up everything Andi Oliver on navigating grief with grace ...
1 hour 17 minutes | Thursday, 6 November 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, makeup mogul and bestselling author Bobbi Brown takes us through her remarkable journey of reinvention. From building an iconic beauty empire to selling her namesake brand, Bobbi opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and personal life. She shares the challenges of stepping away from the company she created and the unexpected freedom that followed. Bobbi discusses her decision to start over at 60, launching her clean beauty brand, Jones Road, and the powerful lessons she learned about aging, health, and maintaining passion in her 60s. The...
1 hour 28 minutes | Thursday, 30 October 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, comedian, writer and mother Katherine Ryan opens up about the fierce, funny and sometimes controversial journey that shaped who she is today. Katherine shares her unfiltered take on feminism, aging, and identity from her early years navigating beauty standards and working at Hooters, to embracing her femininity and her candid thoughts on getting surgery without shame. She speaks openly about her parenting choices, including co-sleeping, early potty training, and raising her children in a way that challenges convention. The conversation dives into the emot...
1 hour 11 minutes | Thursday, 23 October 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, neuroscientist and author Dr. Tara Swart shares the extraordinary story of losing her husband, Robin and the signs of his presence she’s received from him ever since. Tara opens up about the deep grief that followed his passing, and how it challenged everything she believed as a scientist. What began as devastation slowly became a spiritual awakening, as Tara started noticing moments that defied explanation from vivid dreams to repeated symbols and numbers. In the process, she began to explore what it truly means to connect with someone after death. The...
1 hour 12 minutes | Thursday, 16 October 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, bestselling author and podcaster Elizabeth Day opens up about the deeply personal moments that have shaped her journey, from facing the end of a marriage to letting go of the dream of motherhood. Elizabeth shares how her divorce became a turning point, forcing her to re-evaluate her identity, desires, and the kind of love she truly needed. She speaks candidly about the grief and complexity of fertility struggles, revealing how she came to find peace and purpose beyond motherhood. The conversation explores the emotional weight of moving on, the power of fema...
1 hour 17 minutes | Thursday, 9 October 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, journalist and menopause campaigner Kate Muir opens up about her personal journey through the menopause and midlife crisis, revealing how these experiences have shaped her life and work. Kate discusses her groundbreaking work in menopause advocacy, from writing her book to challenging societal taboos around women's health. She shares her own story of navigating the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause, the impact on her relationships, and how menopause became a driving force for change. Kate also dives into the science of menopause, explorin...
1 hour 22 minutes | Thursday, 2 October 2025
In this powerful episode of Begin Again, Penny Lancaster shares the story behind her extraordinary life, from international model to police officer, mother, and menopause campaigner. Opening up with raw honesty, Penny revisits the traumatic events that shaped her childhood, including a violent attack at age 12 and a devastating encounter at 17 that she buried for decades. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her confidence, her relationships, and her drive to protect others. Penny also discusses life in the spotlight, her modeling career, meeting and marrying Rod Stewart, and ...
1 hour 17 minutes | Thursday, 25 September 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, philosopher and bestselling author Alain de Botton shares a deeply compassionate guide to repairing your love life and building a relationship with yourself that can last a lifetime. He opens up about his early struggles with belonging, the emotional weight of childhood trauma, and the transformative lessons he’s learned through decades of studying human relationships. Through gentle wisdom and radical honesty, Alain unpacks what keeps us stuck in patterns of pain, why love so often goes wrong, and how we might begin again with ourselves and with each othe...
1 hour 16 minutes | Thursday, 18 September 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, world-renowned chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver shares the real reason he has fought so hard to change the way we eat and live. Telling his life story in full, Jamie reflects on growing up in a pub kitchen, navigating school with dyslexia, and rising to fame as a young chef whose cookbooks would go on to sell millions of copies around the world. He opens up about the highs and lows of his career, from building his mentoring restaurant Fifteen to taking on the government with his school dinner campaigns. Jamie also speaks movingly about family life, his ...
1 hour 20 minutes | Thursday, 11 September 2025
In this episode of Begin Again, AI expert and journalist Lara Lewington explores how artificial intelligence is transforming our health for the better. From wearable tech that tracks your every heartbeat to AI that can detect cancer, depression, and even Alzheimer’s before symptoms show, Lara shares the groundbreaking ways machines are helping humans live longer, healthier lives. She talks candidly about what the future of healthcare looks like, why we should stop fearing AI, and how embracing it might just be the key to solving some of medicine’s biggest challenges. Through extensive r...
1 hour 15 minutes | Thursday, 4 September 2025
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 ...
1 hour 6 minutes | Thursday, 28 August 2025
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 y...
See more...
When I Thought I Was Going To Die… I Realised I’d Never Lived For Myself | Dearbhla Mescal
Begin Again with Davina McCall

-
Use the arrow keys to increase and decrease the volume, or space to toggle mute.