Begin Again with Davina McCall

Latest Episodes:

Everything You Need to Know About The Menopause! Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

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, exploring its effects on the brain, memory, and Alzheimer’s risk, while emphasizing the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone. She reflects on the emotional highs and lows of midlife, including her divorce, dating at 54, and finding her true self.

Through her powerful activism, Kate is helping shift the narrative on menopause, encouraging women to embrace it and reclaim their vitality and self-worth in midlife.

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(00:01:28) - Kate & Davina: Shifting the Menopause Conversation

(00:04:09) - A Guide to a Magnificent Midlife Crisis

(00:04:58) - The ‘Menodivorce’ & Midlife Crisis

(00:10:18) - Hormonal Rage & Shame in Perimenopause

(00:11:16) - Rewiring Your Brain: The 3 Ps

(00:13:42) - The Mental Health Toll of Perimenopause

(00:17:01) - Menopause Hormones & Alzheimer’s Risk

(00:22:51) - Hormone Therapy & Testosterone for Women

(00:29:56) - The Economic Cost of Menopause

(00:32:42) - New Science & Menopause Myths

(00:38:39) - Adobe Ad

(00:39:13) - Midlife Crisis: Grief, Divorce, Therapy

(00:44:20) - Building Self-Compassion in Midlife

(00:46:30) - The ‘Vagibiome’: Dryness & UTIs

(00:52:06) - Kate’s Affair & Midlife Dating

(00:55:39) - Finding Love at 54

(00:57:45) - Kate’s Journey to Her True Self

(00:59:50) - Davina’s Gratitude & the Miracle Scan

(01:01:56) - Synthetic Hormones & The Pill

(01:07:05) - Why Male Contraceptives Don’t Exist

(01:08:22) - Kate’s Activism

(01:09:46) - Kate’s Lifelong Championing of Women

(01:10:28) - What’s Next for Kate?

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Penny Lancaster: The Menopause Nearly Broke Me, Why I Chose To Speak Out! Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

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 the unexpected twists that led her to retrain as a Special Constable at 50. With emotion and clarity, she describes the mental toll of perimenopause, her misdiagnosis with depression, and the moment everything finally made sense.

In this moving conversation, Penny reveals what it means to reclaim your voice, how she found strength in vulnerability, and why speaking out was never just for her—it was for every woman still in the dark.

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(00:00) Intro

(00:01:27) Who Is Penny Lancaster?

(00:03:03) Early Life & Struggles at School

(00:07:53) Assault at 12: Surviving Childhood Trauma

(00:15:43) Lessons Learned From Parents

(00:19:31) Modelling at 17 & Assault by a Client

(00:29:13) Life After Trauma: Navigating the Modeling Industry

(00:35:46) Love, Relationships & Dating

(00:38:35) The Night She Met Rod Stewart

(00:45:27) First Date… Nine Months Later

(00:47:54) How Rod Became Her Biggest Champion

(00:51:22) Rod’s Support Through Menopause

(00:52:33) Penny’s Perimenopause Journey: Symptoms & Support

(01:04:38) Becoming a Special Constable at 50

(01:13:37) Reflections on Family and “Someone Like Me”

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Alain de Botton: How To Fall In Love Again Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

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 other.

From understanding victimhood and building emotional resilience, to facing regret and redefining success, this conversation invites you to rethink what it really means to live well.

With philosophical clarity and a therapist’s care, Alain de Botton offers a roadmap not just to falling in love again, but to becoming the person you’re proud to be.

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(Intro)

(00:01:37) Who Is Alain de Botton?

(00:02:37) Finding Inner Strength Through Love

(00:08:22) Healing Emotional Wounds From Childhood

(00:13:44) Letting Go of the Victim Mentality

(00:22:48) Choosing Love When Life Feels Hopeless

(00:26:27) Why Deep Friendships Matter in Adulthood

(00:29:38) The Fear of Love and 'The One'

(00:37:34) Adobe Ad

(00:38:42) Saying No and Discovering Your True Self

(00:46:32) Feeling Safe With Your Weirdest Self

(00:53:27) How to Find the Right Therapist

(00:57:29) Creating Space for Emotional Reflection

(01:00:49) Learning to Live With Regret

(01:04:31) Moving On With Emotional Scars

(01:08:28) Life Always Renews Itself With Love

Sponsored by:

Adobe - http://adobe.ly/Davina

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Jamie Oliver: Changing The Way We Eat Didn't Make Me Popular! Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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 enduring relationship with wife Jools, fatherhood, and the emotional moments that have shaped him most.

With honesty, insight, and passion, Jamie reveals how food became his purpose, how activism became his calling, and why creating change has always been personal.

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(00:00) Intro
(00:01:00) 30 Years of The Naked Chef
(00:02:00) Forming a Relationship With Food
(00:04:43) Jamie the Activist: How It All Began
(00:07:16) Jamie’s School Years and Dyslexia
(00:10:30) Where Jamie’s Confidence Comes From
(00:11:55) Finding Value in Pain and Failure
(00:14:58) From Public Figure to University: Studying Nutrition
(00:17:24) Jamie on Choice, Food Culture, and Unlocking Potential
(00:20:54) Fifteen: Jamie’s Mentorship-Driven Non-Profit Restaurant
(00:33:36) Adobe Ad
(00:34:45) Fifteen’s Legacy and the Power of Human Connection
(00:44:08) Fame at 23: TV Stardom and Loneliness
(00:47:40) School Dinner Activism and Jamie’s Support Team
(00:54:38) Jamie on Jools and Family Life
(00:59:01) A Memorable Moment at Fifteen
(01:00:16) 25 Year Marriage
(01:03:16) Surprise Letter From Jamie’s Daughter
(01:06:19) Turning 50: Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth
(01:08:16) Jamie’s New Cookbook and TV Show: Eat Yourself Healthy

Sponsored by:

Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host

Adobe - http://adobe.ly/Davina

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AI and Your Health: What You Need to Know (And Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared!) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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 research and real-world reporting, Lara explains how she is learning to embrace AI and how you can too. From boosting our wellbeing to extending our lives, she reveals why AI is not something to fear but a powerful tool here to help us live longer, healthier, and ultimately happier lives.

Lara's Book 'Hacking Humanity': https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/465031/hacking-humanity-by-lewington-lara/9780753561140

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(00:00) Intro
(01:50) Should We Fear AI?
(05:54) Four Pillars of Wellness
(08:08) Importance of Sleep
(12:56) Adobe Ad
(14:06) Loneliness and Health
(18:32) AI in Women’s Health
(25:10) Detecting Depression Early
(31:31) AI Ethics and Access
(37:12) AI Use in Therapy
(38:47) AI, Kids, and Disinformation
(44:52) Fighting Cancer with AI
(49:32) Rethinking Diet with AI
(53:34) Biggest AI Myths
(55:36) AI and Heart Health
(01:02:52) Best Mental Health Apps
(01:05:01) Frictionless Tech
(01:12:10) Lara’s Key Discovery

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Sponsored by:

Adobe - http://adobe.ly/Davina

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Sophie Ellis-Bextor: The Moment I Said Yes to Saltburn & Why I'm Happier Than Ever at 46! Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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 signature humility and sharp insight, Sophie reflects on the strength she found through setbacks, and how saying “yes” to joy, and to herself, made her happier than ever at 46.

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(01:13) Introduction to Sophie

(02:41) The ‘Saltburn’ Phenomenon & Recent Success

(09:37) Sophie's First Record Deal

(11:36) Losing Her Record Deal

(13:27) Almost Turning Down "Groovejet"

(18:12) The Joy of Aging & Falling in Love With Disco

(20:46) Parenting and Sophie’s Famous Parents

(31:02) Airbnb Ad

(32:05) Adobe Ad

(33:13) Motherhood, Lockdown & the Beginning of Kitchen Disco

(38:30) Meeting Richard at 22 and Getting Pregnant at 24

(42:29) Preeclampsia and the Miracle of Birth

(49:04) Protecting Our Children From the Public Eye

(53:44) Embarrassing Our Kids and Loving It

(55:35) Sophie & Richard's 20-Year Marriage

(01:01:01) Giving Advice & Guiding Our Children

(01:03:50) The Joys of Kitchen Disco

(01:06:02) Naming the New Album 'Perimenopop'

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Sponsored by:

Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host

–

Sponsored by:

Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host

Adobe - http://adobe.ly/Davina

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delta Goodrem: I Faced Cancer With The World Watching Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

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 years to truly come back to herself. Now, decades later, she reflects on the gifts hidden inside the chaos, the support she received, and how gratitude became her way through.

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Delta: https://www.instagram.com/deltagoodrem/?hl=en

(00:00) Intro

(01:19) Delta’s Story & Starting Over

(03:55) The Power of Language

(04:30) Gratitude and Curiosity About Life

(05:44) First Steps into Acting and Family Support

(07:50) Her Mother’s Accident and Traumatic Birth

(09:44) Musical Beginnings and a Twist of Fate

(12:32) Recording a Demo at 13 and the Sydney Swans Connection

(18:02) Recording Her First Album at 15

(21:16) Trusting Her Inner Voice

(23:07) Landing Neighbours and Rising to Fame

(29:28) Airbnb Ad Break

(30:31) Realizing She Had a Hit

(31:43) A No. 1 Album and Growing Concerns

(36:08) Intuition Before the Storm

(41:09) Cancer Diagnosis at 18

(45:33) Outpouring of Support from Fans and Community

(49:22) Treatment Journey and Road to Recovery

(52:29) Life After Beating Cancer

(54:49) Losing Her Voice and Starting Over Again

(58:58) Letting Go of Control and Resetting

(01:01:42) Meeting Her Partner Matt

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Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host

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Tulisa: I Was Set Up by the Media, Here’s the Truth! Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Begin Again, Tulisa Contostavlos, N-Dubz star, solo artist, and the youngest judge in X Factor history, shares the untold truth behind her rise, fall, and rebuilding.

From chart-topping success to a leaked tape, depression, and the 2012 drug sting that nearly destroyed her career, Tulisa opens up about betrayal, media pressure, and the darkest years of her life. She speaks candidly about how those experiences pushed her to the edge, and how she found strength, purpose, and spirituality to rebuild.

With her new book Judgement, Tulisa reflects on resilience, survival, and why no matter how far you fall, you can begin again.

💬 Comment below: What part of Tulisa’s story resonates with you most?

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Tulisa's Book: "Judgement": https://geni.us/judgementtulisa

(00:00) Intro (01:07) Tulisa: Early Life and Introduction
(02:56) Tulisa’s New Book “Judgement” Explained
(03:45) Musical Roots and the Rise of N-Dubz
(04:59) Growing Up Fast: Life Lessons from a Young Age
(08:06) Alternative Families: Uncle B and the Misfit Household
(11:45) N-Dubz Blow Up: Storytelling and Staying Authentic
(13:41) Becoming an X Factor Judge at Age 22
(18:55) From Stardom to Homelessness: Tulisa’s Fall
(22:17) Leaked Tape Scandal and Public Backlash
(24:58) Depression, Media Attacks, and Mental Health Struggles
(30:19) Inside the Sting Operation That Targeted Tulisa
(32:46) Writing “Judgement”: Tulisa’s Process and Purpose
(34:49) The Drug Sting: What Really Happened
(46:14) Isolation, Betrayal, and Loss of Trust
(49:11) The Breaking Story, Suicide Attempt, and Meeting ‘Jacob’
(55:54) Tulisa’s Spiritual Awakening and Purpose-Driven Life
(1:06:26) Finding Gratitude and Healing

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Simon Squibb: The Education System is Failing us! This is Why We Need to Rethink School Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Begin Again, Simon Squibb shares his extraordinary story of overcoming adversity, personal transformation, and resilience. From being kicked out of his home at 15 to navigating the harsh realities of homelessness, Simon reveals how these challenges shaped his path to success.

Simon, best known for his social series What's Your Dream, opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, his struggles with loss, survival, and finding purpose, and how these experiences fueled his entrepreneurial journey. With a mission to help others and empower them to pursue their dreams, Simon talks about the power of pain in driving passion, the importance of supporting others, and how his desire to uplift those who are struggling keeps him going.

In this candid conversation, Simon reflects on his unconventional path, the lessons he’s learned about empathy, failure, and rebuilding, and how helping others is the key to finding true happiness.

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to begin again and build a life driven by purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Simon?

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Follow Simon here:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simonsquibb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonsquibb/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimonSquibb

(00:00) Intro
(01:17) The Power of Helping Others
(03:48) Simon’s Difficult Childhood Story
(06:31) Caring for Himself at Just 8 Years Old
(09:18) Homeless at 15 After Being Kicked Out by His Mother
(11:04) Reflections on Motherhood and Narcissistic Traits
(14:44) Losing His Father at 15 and Lessons Learned
(17:22) Turning Pain Into Motivation to Help Others
(18:37) How Lack of Parental Support Impacts Dreams
(19:30) Life Lessons From Experiencing Homelessness
(23:39) Choosing Money vs. Happiness
(24:26) How to Find Your True Purpose in Life
(25:48) Starting His First Business ‘Fluid’ at Age 24
(26:56) The Life-Changing Gift of Giving
(28:00) Supporting and Encouraging Your Partner’s Dreams
(36:17) How Pain Can Drive Your Purpose
(38:02) Why the Education System Fails and How to Successfully Home-School Your Kids
(44:46) Why Failure Is the Key to Success
(48:29) Why You Only Need Your First Customer to Start
(52:48) Practicing Gratitude and Turning Pain Into Strength
(58:14) How to Manage People Who Dislike You
(1:01:53) Simon’s Biggest Dream for the Future

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Ms. Jo Malone CBE: From Surviving Breast Cancer to Rebuilding My Life Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Begin Again, Jo Malone CBE opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and reinvention. Best known for creating iconic fragrance brands, Jo takes us behind the scenes of her personal battles—from childhood struggles to surviving breast cancer—and how these challenges fuelled her success and growth.

Jo candidly shares how surviving cancer not only reshaped her outlook on life but also sparked a new chapter of self-discovery and starting over at 50. With deep reflections on faith, family, and perseverance, she reveals how she rebuilt her life and brand after the hardest moments, and how a renewed sense of purpose drives her forward.

In this powerful conversation, Jo talks about the importance of resilience in both life and business, how embracing reinvention can lead to a new beginning, and what it takes to live life on your own terms.

This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of transformation, and the belief that it’s never too late to restart.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Jo’s journey?

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(00:00) Intro

(00:01:14) Resilience and Career Shifts

(00:03:15) Like & Subscribe!

(00:03:34) Growing Up with a Gambling Father and Working-Class Roots

(00:07:15) Caring for Family: Jo's Early Childhood

(00:12:04) Overcoming School Struggles and Pursuing a Better Future

(00:13:16) Jo's Relationship with Her Mother and Moving Forward

(00:14:50) Moving to London at 16: Beginning a Career

(00:16:05) Faith and Doubt: Jo’s Spiritual Journey