Gisèle Pelicot: After Everything That Happened... I Didn’t Expect To Fall In Love Again  | Pt. 2

Begin Again Moments: Alcohol Awareness Week

Jul 5, 202616 minSummary

In this episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, the host explores the nuances of alcohol consumption, moving away from labels like alcoholic and toward a more honest discussion about alcohol use disorder and the benefits of sobriety. The conversation delves into the concept of moderation, the internal struggle of maintaining control, and the importance of self-awareness. The episode highlights how even occasional or social drinking can act as a barrier to personal growth, professional success, and mental clarity. By examining the physiological and psychological impact of alcohol, the discussion challenges listeners to consider what they might be numbing or missing out on in their daily lives. The guest shares a personal journey of transformation, noting that removing alcohol led to significant improvements in health, energy, and productivity, effectively allowing them to live more fully. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to shift their perspective, viewing sobriety not as a restriction, but as a way to reclaim the potential and performance that alcohol often obscures. It is an engaging look at how changing one’s relationship with drinking can lead to a more conscious and vibrant life.

We Saved Each Other From Addiction | Sarah Hiscox “I Wouldn’t Be Alive Without You”

Jul 2, 20261h 16mSummary

In this poignant episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, the host engages in a deeply personal and vulnerable conversation with her best friend of forty years, Sarah Hiscox. The discussion centers on their lifelong friendship, which has been anchored by a shared history of trauma, personal growth, and the mutual support that saved them both from the depths of addiction. Sarah opens up about her childhood, marked by neglect and a pervasive sense of inadequacy, which led her to experiment with powerful medications at a young age and later struggle with heroin addiction. The two friends recount a pivotal moment in their youth when Davina intervened, confronting Sarah about her drug use in an act of love that ultimately helped Sarah begin her journey toward sobriety. The episode further explores Sarah’s complex relationship with bulimia and the silent, destructive shame that accompanied it. They discuss the internal void they both sought to fill through external means, and how, through writing and self-reflection, Sarah eventually found a path to healing. It is a heartfelt tribute to the power of authentic connection, proving that even against all odds, meaningful recovery is possible when we stop hiding our true selves.

Begin Again Moments: Co-Parenting

Jun 27, 202612 minSummary

In this episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, Davina explores the complexities of co-parenting and navigating life after a relationship ends. Through candid conversations, the episode highlights the importance of maintaining friendship and mutual respect for the sake of children, even when a romantic partnership has run its course. The discussion emphasizes that while divorce is a significant identity shift that can feel dislocating, it does not have to be characterized by bitterness or legal conflict. Key insights include the necessity of prioritizing children’s emotional well-being above personal grievances, the value of choosing battles wisely, and the importance of generosity when dividing assets to ensure children feel at home in both parents' spaces. A standout takeaway is the idea that character is fundamental; choosing a partner with integrity—someone kind and respectful—is the best preparation for a potential future separation. Ultimately, the episode offers a compassionate roadmap for parents to transition from partners to effective, supportive teammates, proving that it is possible to maintain a loving, family-oriented bond long after a marriage has concluded.

Gisèle Pelicot: My Life Before The World Knew My Name | Pt. 1

Jun 25, 202621 minSummary

In this powerful opening episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, Gisèle Pelicot shares her harrowing journey of survival and discovery following the revelation of the systematic abuse she endured. Pelicot, who gained international attention for waiving her right to anonymity during her high-profile legal case, recounts the shock of discovering that her husband of several decades had been drugging her and orchestrating her assault by strangers. The conversation delves into the psychological toll of this profound betrayal, exploring how Pelicot lived for years without any knowledge of her husband’s secret life. She reflects on the manipulation she faced, the confusion caused by her unexplained health symptoms, and the trauma of being confronted with evidence of her own victimization by authorities. Despite the gravity of her experience, Pelicot speaks with immense courage about her decision to go public. She emphasizes the necessity of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence and firmly asserts that the shame belongs to the perpetrators, not the victims. This episode serves as an unflinching examination of trauma, resilience, and the critical importance of speaking out against domestic abuse.

Moments: Father's Day Special

Jun 22, 20267 minSummary

In this special Father’s Day episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall celebrates the profound impact of fatherhood through deeply personal reflections and heartfelt surprises. The episode centers on the emotional bond between parents and their children, highlighting the legacy that fathers leave behind through their actions, values, and relationships. The highlight of the episode occurs when Davina surprises her guest, Jamie, with touching, handwritten letters from his children, Poppy and Woody. These tributes offer an intimate look at the influence Jamie has had on his family, emphasizing his unwavering support, his encouragement of their individuality, and his dedication to raising them with kindness and humility. The discussion beautifully explores the complexities of parenthood, touching on the shared laughter, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the realization of how one's own traits and habits are passed down through generations. Through humor and vulnerability, the conversation underscores the beauty of watching children grow into well-adjusted, independent adults, while celebrating the enduring, meaningful connections that define a family. It is a heartwarming tribute to the lifelong influence of a devoted father.

The Press Shamed Me So Much I Left The Country | Amanda de Cadenet

Jun 18, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode, Davina McCall sits down with her longtime friend, photographer, and activist Amanda de Cadenet for an intimate conversation about the challenges of fame, resilience, and the power of finding one's voice. Reflecting on her early life in the public eye, de Cadenet describes the immense pressure of being "tabloid fodder" as a teenager in London. She shares the harrowing experience of being made a ward of court and placed in a children's home while simultaneously managing a high-profile career as a television host. De Cadenet opens up about the generational trauma she navigated and the survival-based decision-making that defined her youth. The discussion shifts to the importance of financial independence and the lasting impact of sexual assault, highlighting her journey toward sobriety and healing. De Cadenet explains how therapy and writing her memoir have allowed her to process past shame with newfound compassion. Ultimately, the two hosts explore the themes of personal agency and emotional growth, celebrating de Cadenet’s ability to turn early life hardships into a foundation for empathy, storytelling, and self-acceptance.

Begin Again Moments: Letters of Gratitude

Jun 14, 20269 minSummary

In this heartwarming episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, titled Begin Again Moments: Letters of Gratitude, the focus shifts to the power of appreciation and the profound impact of expressing love to those closest to us. Throughout the episode, the atmosphere is deeply emotional and authentic as guests are surprised with personal, handwritten letters from their loved ones. These messages celebrate not only professional milestones and the drive to pursue one’s dreams but also the quiet, everyday moments that define meaningful relationships. The conversation highlights how these acts of gratitude serve as anchors, connecting the past and the present while reinforcing the bonds of family and partnership. The discussions touch upon the realities of modern parenting, the beauty of supporting a partner’s ambitions, and the small, human quirks that make life together both challenging and joyful. By highlighting these intimate exchanges, the episode serves as a poignant reminder that taking the time to articulate pride and love can transform our perspectives, encouraging listeners to reflect on the people who have shaped their own journeys and the importance of acknowledging them with heartfelt sincerity.

Fatboy Slim The Chaos Behind The Fame, Fatherhood & The Legacy of Fatboy Slim!

Jun 11, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, legendary DJ and musician Norman Cook—widely known as Fatboy Slim—sits down for an intimate and nostalgic conversation. The discussion spans his journey from a suburban teenager in Surrey to global stardom, exploring the foundational influences that shaped his career. Cook candidly discusses the complex relationship with his father, whose skepticism toward the music industry served as a powerful, negative inspiration that fueled his ambition to prove that a career in music was a legitimate path. The conversation delves into the transformative power of the 1970s punk movement, which provided him with a sense of identity, community, and the rebellious spirit he craved. Cook shares his transition from playing in bands to finding his true rhythm as a DJ, a craft he honed in unconventional venues like weddings and hockey clubs before becoming a global dance music icon. Beyond the music, the two discuss the evolving nature of fame, the challenges of parenting, and how they navigate their own roles as parents while reflecting on their childhoods. It is an engaging look at legacy, creative evolution, and the enduring power of music to connect people across generations.

Begin Again Moments: The Midlife Pivot

Jun 7, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of Begin Again with Davina McCall, the host engages in a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the power of midlife pivots and personal transformation. The discussion centers on the idea that middle age serves as a critical juncture, offering a unique opportunity to reassess one’s life path and move away from stagnant habits. The guest shares her personal journey of professional reinvention, detailing how she transitioned through various career paths—including designing bags and studying psychotherapy—after finding herself unexpectedly displaced from her previous television work. A central theme of the conversation is the "five-second rule," a technique developed by the guest during a period of significant personal and financial struggle. She explains that the act of counting backward from five serves as a cognitive disruptor, helping individuals bypass hesitation, anxiety, and the instinct to hit the "snooze" button on their potential. The episode emphasizes that life-changing progress is rarely the result of a sudden breakthrough, but rather the cumulative effect of small, often tedious actions taken consistently. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the importance of choosing action over waiting for inspiration, encouraging listeners to push past their excuses and take ownership of their own beginnings.

Author Jojo Moyes: Me Before You, Rejection & Starting Again In Her 40s

Jun 4, 20261h 16mSummary

In this episode of Begin Again, host Davina McCall sits down with acclaimed author Jojo Moyes to discuss her journey from an unconventional, bohemian upbringing to becoming a worldwide literary phenomenon. The conversation explores the resilience required to navigate early career rejections, the challenges of midlife, and the power of pivoting. Moyes reflects on her childhood in Hackney, noting how the lack of stability and early exposure to a creative, hard-working environment shaped her drive. She shares a poignant moment from her experience with therapy and hypnosis, where she revisited her younger self to process long-held anxieties and the feeling of abandonment she carried into adulthood. The episode highlights the reality behind Moyes’ success, specifically the years of persistence before her breakthrough novel, Me Before You. She details the vulnerability of being rejected by publishers and the grit it took to keep writing while balancing motherhood and financial uncertainty. Ultimately, Moyes offers a sage perspective on the necessity of bouncing back, emphasizing that while the world will have its way with you, the ability to keep moving forward is the true key to living a life you love.