Begin Again with Davina McCall – Details, episodes & analysis

This show is dedicated to empowering people to embrace midlife as their most transformative era yet. Davina’s guests will share stories of growth and rediscovery, letting you in on their own life journeys - many of which have challenged outdated narratives and ideas. Whether it's through expert insights, candid discussions, or real-life inspiration, Begin Again will be a supportive community for everyone to explore the revitalising second act of life. Davina wants everyone to know that midlife is not the start of the end; instead, it's the perfect opportunity and time to Begin Again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with Fearne Cotton, a familiar face from our TV screens who found her true self after stepping away from the spotlights of fame and other people's expectations. Starting her career as a TV presenter at just 15 years old, Fearne shares her journey of battling anxiety, panic attacks, and eating disorders while navigating the pressures of being in the spotlight. It wasn’t until she stepped back from TV that she learned to prioritise her well-being and embrace the power of saying ‘no.’ Now navigating her through her midlife, Fearne reflects on finding peace, rejecting societal expectations, and gaining new perspectives. Fearne Cotton is the founder of Happy Place and the host of the Happy Place podcast. Listen more here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J6Ddy4dcXjFZDmWQs3Pu0 – Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  – (00:00) Intro (02:01) Fearne Cotton On Aging Gracefully (05:25) Fearne Cotton's Mental Health Journey (24:15) Media Scrutiny & Growing Up In The Spotlight (28:36) Fearne Cotton's Career Transformation (34:42) Zoe Ad (36:09) Adobe Ad (37:07) How Tough Times Shaped Fearne Cotton's Gratitude (43:22) Who Is Fearne Cotton Today? (48:50) The Importance Of Therapy In Fearne Cotton's Life (51:08) Trigger Warning: Sensitive Topics Ahead (51:23) Fearne Cotton's Battle With Bulimia (57:00) How Motherhood Changed Fearne Cotton (01:00:30) Life Lessons Fearne Cotton Learned From Podcast Guests (01:04:51) What's Next For Fearne Cotton? (01:08:58) Fearne Cotton's Words Of Wisdom (01:11:21) Davina McCall's Episode Recap (01:12:33) Fiverr Ad – Sponsored by: Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 Fiverr - https://fvrr.co/davina – SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Begin Again, Davina welcomes the incredibly inspiring Women’s Health Expert and GP, Dr. Nighat Arif. In this episode, Dr. Nighat joins Davina to talk about her career dedicated to breaking the taboos surrounding reproductive health. Born in Pakistan and having moved to the UK aged nine, Dr. Nighat shares how her personal journey and cultural background have driven her passion for advocating for women’s health, from menstruation to menopause. She reflects on her ongoing mission to empower women of all ages to approach their health with confidence, understanding, and without stigma. Find Dr Nighat's book "The Knowledge: Your guide to female health – from menstruation to the menopause" here: https://amzn.to/4fcOXh6 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (01:24) What Is Nighat's Mission For Women's Health? (04:48) Growing Up In Pakistan: Nighat's Story (08:29) How Nighat's Father Inspired Her Family's Success (12:23) Nighat's Journey: Identifying The Need To Support Women's Health (13:53) Misogyny In Medicine (15:53) Uncovering Racism In The Healthcare System (20:13) The Menopause Explained: What Every Woman Needs To Know (23:44) The Stigma Of Women's Health In South Asian Communities (25:31) How To Find Help For Menopause: Nighat's Advice (27:49) YouTube Health: A Platform For Women's Health Awareness (29:15) Adobe Ad (30:24) Spotify Ad (31:23) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): What You Need To Know (33:01) Breast Cancer And HRT: Understanding The Risks And Benefits (34:57) The Health Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy (36:48) Vaginal Oestrogen And Breast Cancer: Separating The Myths From Facts (41:57) Why Women Have Been Misled About Their Health (43:28) Is Age A Limiting Factor For Oestrogen Therapy? (45:41) Are We Over-Medicalising Women's Health? (50:35) The "Tough It Out" Mentality: Why Women Deserve Better Healthcare (53:13) Nighat's New Book: A Must-Read For Women’s Health Sponsored by: Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Shopify - Shopify.co.uk/DAVINA SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina sits down with renowned relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, a trusted voice on Married at First Sight UK and professional matchmaker. In this episode Paul shares the psychology behind dating and relationships, uncovering why we choose the partners we do and how anyone, at any age, can change their dating patterns to create more fulfilling connection. Paul offers practical insights into the steps we can all take to transform our relationships and make meaningful choices in love. Paul hosts the We Need to Talk podcast, where he explores these topics and more. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/@WeNeedToTalk-Podcast Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (01:18) How To Tell If A Relationship Is Worth Saving (04:20) Setting Priorities & Expectations In Relationships (06:55) Should You Stay Together For The Kids? (08:51) Dating Again: Finding Love The Second Time Around (12:07) Tips For Feeling Younger And More Energetic (12:39) Self-Acceptance: The Key To Peace And Confidence (14:36) Confronting Inner Demons And Embracing Self-Acceptance (16:35) Being Your True Self But Still Struggling To Find Love? (19:57) Keeping The Spark Alive In Long-Term Relationships (21:40) How To Be Unapologetically Yourself (22:30) Building A Support Network That Champions You (23:16) Becoming Your Authentic Self (24:13) How To Find Love In Midlife (27:30) Fiverr Ad (28:20) Adobe Ad (29:17) Can You Really Save A Failing Relationship? (31:31) Healthy Conflict Resolution In Relationships (32:51) Why Partners Should Be On The Same Team (33:49) How To Handle Constructive Feedback In Relationships (37:06) Is Intimacy Essential In Long-Term Relationships? (40:40) Secrets To A Fulfilling Sex Life (42:34) How To Initiate Better, Spontaneous Intimacy (47:36) We Need To Talk (48:30) Find Love (49:34) Key Takeaways (51:04) Zoe Ad Sponsored by: Fiverr - https://fvrr.co/davina Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Paloma Faith—singer, songwriter, author and actress. Paloma dives into her experiences with relationships, knowing when it's time to walk away, dating apps, the challenges and rewards of dating over 40, and how her views on feminism has evolved. Paloma offers insights on finding balance, embracing vulnerability, and creating a life that feels genuinely fulfilling. Paloma explores these topics and more in her book, which you can find here: https://amzn.to/3Auau61 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (01:06) Paloma’s Journey Accepting Help (02:23) Lessons From Past Relationships (04:24) Navigating Separation Therapy (08:15) Pregnancy (12:39) The Challenges Of Being The Breadwinner (15:26) The Power Of Vulnerability (17:43) Midlife Dating: Finding Love Later In Life (22:45) How Therapy Changed My Life (24:16) Inside Her Book (26:01) Adobe Ad (27:10) Inspiration Behind Her New Album (28:47) Exploring Music Preferences And Taste (29:39) Ageing Gracefully And Planning For The Future (36:02) Defining Your Unique Style (40:00) Top 5 Ways For Women To Start Fresh (42:02) Finding Yourself: A Guide To Self-Discovery (43:58) Final Thoughts Sponsored by: Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Marisa Peer—world-renowned therapist, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) trainer, and best-selling author. With nearly three decades of experience, Marisa has been celebrated for her impactful approach to transforming lives. In this conversation she shares practical tools to empower listeners, highlighting the profound impact of self-belief, thought control, and how shifting your mindset can set you on a path toward fulfillment, resilience, and personal growth. Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (0:00) Intro (0:58) Get A Pen & Paper! (2:27) The Path To Inner Peace (4:55) Building Self-Esteem: Steps To Love Yourself (7:15) How To Truly Love Yourself: Practical Tips (8:58) Mind And Body Connection: Why It Matters (13:22) Parenting Tips For A Healthier Family Bond (17:03) What Is RTT Therapy And How It Can Transform You (24:19) Best Places To Practise Self-Affirmations (25:09) How Long Does It Take To See Real Change Within? (27:20) Spotify Ad (28:20) Adobe Ad (29:16) Overcoming Perfectionism: Strategies That Work (33:26) The AAA Approach: A Proven Method For Personal Growth (39:22) Why The AAA Method Is So Effective For Change (46:13) Is Redemption Possible For Everyone? (49:29) Key Takeaways (51:02) ZOE Ad Sponsored by: Shopify - Shopify.co.uk/DAVINA Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina welcomes Johann Hari, an acclaimed journalist, TED speaker, and New York Times best-selling author of The Magic Pill, Chasing the Scream, Lost Connections, and Stolen Focus. Renowned for his exploration of mental health, addiction, and the societal factors shaping our well-being, Johann offers profound insights into why tackling the root causes of our challenges is key to true transformation. Find more of Johann’s work here: www.johannhari.com FB: @JohannHari.Page Insta: @johann.hari TikTok: @johannhari Twitter: @johannhari101 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (0:00) Intro (1:26) How to Move Forward in Life After Setbacks (6:18) Healthy Ways to Cope with Trauma (13:44) Why Anti-Depressants Aren't the Only Solution to Depression (15:01) The Importance of Finding Your Support Network (20:54) Why Tough Love Often Backfires (23:45) How Hatred Controls Our Lives and How to Break Free (30:07) Adobe Ad (31:15) Fiverr Ad (32:05) Escaping the Social Media Rabbit Hole (40:00) How to Reframe Negativity into Positivity (50:04) The Healing Power of Feeling Truly Loved (51:17) How to Use Your Inner Power to Create Positive Change (01:59:22) Johann's Book (01:01:50) Davina's Takeaways Sponsored by: Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/ Fiverr - https://fvrr.co/davina" SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Susie Moore, a celebrated confidence expert, and author of the best-selling book Let It Be Easy. Known for her uplifting perspective on self-improvement, Susie and Davina dive into some transformative themes that serve as a guide to building confidence, reframing challenges, and finding the courage to take bold steps towards a life of fulfilment, joy and intention. Find Susie’s podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-it-be-easy-with-susie-moore/id1614486542 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (02:41) Overcoming Childhood Trauma (03:52) Coping with Struggles (08:53) Is It Ever Too Late to Transform Your Life? (10:24) Preparing Kids for Life’s Challenges (12:07) How to Help Someone Let Go and Move Forward (14:31) Control in Relationships: How to Maintain Healthy Boundaries (19:29) The Power of Being Assertive and True to Yourself (21:01) Breaking Free from People-Pleasing Behaviors (24:38) How Susie Reinvented Her Career (27:35) Fiverr Ad (28:25) ZOE Ad (29:53) Life Coaching (32:53) Taking Risks in Midlife (35:49) Finding Inner Strength (39:52) Dating After Divorce (50:13) How Men Process Emotions (52:05) Spiritual Journeys (55:12) Conversation Takeaways Sponsored by: Fiverr - https://fvrr.co/davina  ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Professor David Nutt, a renowned drug researcher, psychiatrist, and former chief drug advisor to the UK government. Known for his bold stance on drug policy reform, Professor Nutt sheds light on the facts and fiction of drugs, the untapped potential of psychedelics, and reveals the factors shaping current drug policies.  Professor David Nutt’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelics-Revolutionary-Change-Life_A-Expert/dp/0306835282 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (01:10) Why David Believes Drug Policies Are Fundamentally Flawed (07:12) The Impact of Drugs At Different Ages (08:49) How To Talk To Kids About Drugs (10:16) Media Backlash Against Drug Reform (15:54) Can Psychedelics Cure Addiction? (20:49) Understanding Drug Classifications (25:07) How Politics Shape Drug Policies (27:06) Shopify Ad (28:06) Ranking Substances By Danger (31:18) The Hidden Risks Of Cannabis Use (34:16) How Psychedelics Can Revolutionise Treatment (39:12) Psilocybin’s Potential To Treat Mental Health (40:30) The Future of Drug Reform (43:06) Deciding Drug Policy (45:22) The Counties Getting It Right (49:50) Should We Decriminalise Drugs? (50:32) Ecstasy Myths (57:47) How To Change Lives (59:42) Safe Alcohol Consumption (01:02:29 Alcohol and Driving Sponsored by: Shopify - Shopify.co.uk/DAVINA   SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again Davina is joined by Dr. Vonda Wright, a world leading expert on the science of ageing well. Dr Wright is a pioneering surgeon, researcher, and author who shares her expertise on longevity, mobility and the lifestyle habits that will help you build physical resilience and achieve vitality. Dr Wright’s Website: www.drvondawright.com Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro (01:22) Early Career in Oncology and Transition to Orthopaedics (04:35) Biggest Challenges of Becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon (06:39) Life Expectancy Trends in the U.S. (07:17) Understanding the Aging Process (12:17) How Men and Women Age Differently (14:04) The Connection Between Muscles, Bones, and the Brain (18:26) Best Practices for Bone Health (21:47) Essential Bone Health Tips for Your Late 20s and Early 30s (25:15) Recovering Physically and Mentally After Injury (26:28) Zoe Ad (27:55) Understanding Lower Heart Rates During Base Training Workouts (33:00) Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising (33:55) Shocking Percentage of Americans Who Don’t Exercise (34:29) The Average Daily Time Spent Sitting (37:15) Tips for Staying Active With a Desk Job (38:44) How Sleep Impacts Physical and Mental Health (41:45) Understanding Menopause and Its Effects (47:09) How Talking About Menopause Can Support Others (48:27) Key Takeaways Sponsored by: ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10 SetArtwork provided by Kimi Zoet. Enquiries: kimizoet.artsales@gmail.com https://g2ul0.app.link/oQMAPbdSGNb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices