Explore every episode of the podcast I Didn't Plan On This

Two mums. Two spinal cord injuries. One honest conversation.
 For International Women’s Day, Zoe Fox and Dani Czernuszka‑Watts open up about motherhood, identity, resilience, and the moments no one talks about — but every woman needs to hear.

 In this powerful International Women’s Day special, host Zoe Fox sits down with her friend Dani Czernuszka‑Watts for a conversation about life, identity, and motherhood after spinal cord injury.

Dani sustained a T10 spinal cord injury following an illegal rugby tackle—an event that changed her life overnight. But what followed is a story of resilience, grit, and a refusal to be defined by circumstance. As a mum of three, she’s constantly breaking down barriers and challenging assumptions about disability.

With Zoe by her side, the two dive into the realities that are often left unsaid, how injury shapes their roles as mothers, where they find hope on the hardest days, and what it means to show up for themselves while showing up for their families.

Raw, real, and full of heart. If you’ve ever needed a reminder of the power of women supporting women—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Hannah Cockroft & Nathan Maguire: The Power Couple of Paralympic Sport

Eight‑time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft and elite athlete Nathan Maguire are a sporting powerhouse, but behind the medals lies a story of teamwork, sacrifice and shared ambition.

From competing together to getting engaged after Tokyo, then marrying shortly after Paris 2024, their journey is anything but ordinary. In this unfiltered conversation, they open up about success, frustration, rivalry, and the pressure of performing as individuals while functioning as a team.

High energy, honest and inspiring others to use their voice — this is the story behind the medals.

John & Jade Reynolds — Love, Laughter and Going Viral

When John and Jade Reynolds went viral for their first‑date story — John carrying Jade up a flight of stairs when the cinema lift failed — many fell in love with them.

Jade was paralysed at age 12 due to transverse myelitis, but her partnership with John shows what life looks like when love and humour lead the way. With two children and a thriving social following, they’ve built a community by sharing the reality and hilarity of their life together.

A laugh‑out‑loud episode about resilience, romance and refusing to see accessibility barriers as anything other than a daily challenge to outwit.

Steve Brown, Becca & Baby Lyra: A Future They Fought For

TV presenter and former wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown credits his spinal cord injury for opening unexpected doors, from elite sport to mainstream television on Countryfile and Escape to the Country. But nothing tested him and his wife Becca like their IVF journey.

In this intimate episode, they share the emotional highs and lows of trying to become parents — a path filled with uncertainty, hope and perseverance. Their story leads to the arrival of baby Lyra, the little girl they once feared might never be possible.

An honest conversation about love, resilience and the family they fought so hard to build, featuring gorgeous baby Lyra!

Mohammed Belal & Elizabeth Penny: Redefining What’s Possible

In 2021, surgeon Mohammed Belal was struck by a falling tree while cycling, resulting in a spinal cord injury. With the unwavering support of his wife Elizabeth, he returned to the operating theatre using a hydraulic standing wheelchair, becoming the first UK surgeon to operate after paralysis.

Together as parents, partners and leaders in their community, Mo and Elizabeth share how faith, determination and perspective helped them face enormous hurdles.

A remarkable story of innovation, courage and the belief that purpose doesn’t disappear when life dramatically changes — it evolves. 

David Holmes & Rosie Mayes: Love, Intimacy & Everyday Reality (Part Two)

Contains some adult themes.

In part two, David and Rosie go even deeper. From the practicalities to the emotional complexities, they speak with rare honesty about intimacy, partnership and the realities of building a life together with high‑level spinal cord injury.

Their openness is refreshing, disarming and important — offering a perspective rarely heard but deeply needed.

A brave, candid and funny conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights the strength in community.

David Holmes & Rosie Mayes: Finding Love After Life Changes (Part One)

Former Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes had his world upended during a stunt test for the seventh film, resulting in a life‑changing spinal cord injury. Years later, he shared his journey with the world through the documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived.

But this episode tells a different story — how he found love again with Rosie Mayes, who sustained a similar injury in 2009. For the first time, David and Rosie speak publicly about the relief, hope and unexpected joy that came with finding each other after believing love might not be possible again.

A raw and emotional conversation about connection, vulnerability and rediscovering possibility.

Meet Zoe Fox and Gary Dawson, hosts of I Didn’t Plan on This. Both had their lives transformed in an instant by spinal cord injury, but neither allowed that moment to define their future.

In this powerful kick off episode, Zoe and Gary talk openly about navigating trauma, rebuilding identity and finding strength in vulnerability. With honesty, humour and zero filters, they dive into the realities many shy away from, showing what’s possible when determination meets the right support.

The journey they faced now fuels their work with Spinal Injuries Association, where they empower others to take control of their new beginning.

 “A raw, uplifting conversation that sets the tone for the whole series.”