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 rediscover...
Richard E. Grant: Richard E. Grant: Losing The Love Of My Life & Growing Up With An Alcoholic.
In this episode of Begin Again, Richard E. Grant opens up about his turbulent childhood—growing up with a narcissistic mother, an alcoholic father, and the lasting impact of both. He reflects on finding true love with his wife Joan, their deep connection, and the grief of losing her four years ago. A raw and moving conversation about survival, love, and navigating life after loss.
Follow me here:
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
(00:00) Intro
(02:34) Childhood and Early Life
(03:18) Guilty Pleasures
(04:41) How to Find Excitement
(06:22) Overcoming a Difficult Childhood
(19:28) Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa and Taking Risks
(26:33) Meeting His Wife, Joan
(32:16) Mother, Relationships, and Reconciliation
(40:23) Forgiveness and Coping With His Wife’s Passing
(1:09:00) Life Lessons From Richard E. Grant
(1:11:03) Falling in Love
(1:20:05) Living With Grief
(1:24:22) What's Next? A Pocketful of Happiness
(1:26:33) Davina's Final Thoughts
–
Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:30:55
How Diet Affects Menopause Symptoms. Are We Eating Too Much Protein? With Professor Sarah Berry.
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Professor Sarah Berry, a leading researcher in nutrition and menopause. Together, they unpack the myths surrounding diet and its true impact on menopausal symptoms. Sarah reveals how small, science-backed changes can lead to big improvements, helping you take control of your health with confidence. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or want to better understand its effects, this conversation will challenge what you thought you knew—and leave you feeling empowered to make positive, lasting changes.
Follow me here:
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
00:00 Intro
(03:10) The Truth About Protein: How Much Do You Really Need?
(06:49) The Hidden Impact of Processed Foods on Your Health
(10:24) Rethinking Nutrition: A Balanced Approach
(27:09) Understanding Inflammation & How to Reduce It
(29:59) Sponsored: Zoe Ad
(31:15) Sponsored: Adobe Ad
(32:12) How You Eat Matters: The Key to a Healthy Diet
(36:59) Home Cooking & Its Powerful Impact on Your Health
(38:09) Menopause & Diet: What Really Helps?
(50:47) Menowashing: What Is It & Why Should You Care?
ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10
Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:03:44
Davina McCall: The Brain Surgery Experience That Changed My Life. | With Steven Bartlett.
In this exclusive and deeply personal episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall steps into the guest seat as Steven Bartlett takes over hosting duties for a powerful role reversal like never before.
For the first time, Davina opens up about the life-changing moment she discovered a 1-in-3-million brain cyst, the fear of undergoing surgery and the difficult decision to keep her diagnosis private until the day of her surgery. She shares the raw reality of waking up from major brain surgery, the emotional letters she wrote to her children, and the long road to reclaiming her sense of self. Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Diary of a CEO, guides this emotional conversation with care, as Davina reflects on the anger, uncertainty, and gratitude that shaped her recovery. This is a story of resilience, vulnerability, and the power to begin again—even when life takes an unexpected turn.
Follow me here:
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
(00:00) Intro
(01:22) A Message from Davina
(04:54) How Does It Feel to Be Back?
(06:40) Telling People About the Diagnosis
(10:26) Finding Out About the Tumor
(15:31) The Official Diagnosis & What It Means
(17:11) Deciding to Have the Operation
(24:35) It Can Happen to Anyone, No Matter How Healthy
(27:31) Telling Friends
(31:47) The Day of Diagnosis
(35:33) Confronting Death
(39:24) The Children & Motherhood
(43:56) Adobe Ad
(45:05) Rebuilding Her Relationship with Her Stepmum
(58:26) Davina’s Relationship with Michael
(01:01:22) Fear After the Operation
(01:10:46) Public Reaction
(01:13:14) Friends & Family
(01:15:19) Gratitude
(01:20:28) Coming Back to Work
(01:27:18) Beginning Again
(01:36:47) How Are You Feeling?
Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:46:00
Reinvention: The Secret To Finding Yourself. Every Woman Needs to Know This About Midlife! With Eleanor Mills.
In this transformative episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by acclaimed journalist and author Eleanor Mills to explore the powerful concept of renewal and reinvention after 50. Eleanor shares her wisdom on how women can overcome societal expectations, navigate the fear of change, and embrace midlife as an opportunity for growth and joy.
Drawing from her personal experiences and the stories of others, Eleanor redefines what it means to thrive in later life, offering actionable advice for finding purpose and creating a vibrant, fulfilling future. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical guidance, this empowering conversation will leave you energised and ready to embrace the possibilities of a new chapter.
Follow me here:
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
(00:00) Intro
(02:02) Changing The Perception Of Aging For Women
(04:55) Made Redundant In Midlife
(11:33) Eleanor's Organisation
(12:29) Psychedelics Changed My Life!
(17:22) Rebirth After Redundancy
(21:55) How To Make The Changes You Need
(24:43) Zoe Ad
(28:46) The Impact Of The Patriarchy On Women In Midlife
(40:18) Eleanor's Vision For The Future
(42:30) What Can Businesses Do To Change Perceptions Of Women In Midlife?
(48:40) How Can Women Reframe The Way Society Looks At Women?
(55:00) Eleanor's Book
Sponsored by:
ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code BEGIN10
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
58:18
Anti-Aging: Could This Be The Miracle Drug? The Secret To Living Longer. With Expert Andrew Steele
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina is joined by Andrew Steele, scientist, author, and advocate for unlocking the secrets of human longevity. Andrew delves into the fascinating science of ageing, challenging the notion that growing older as we know it is inevitable. Drawing on cutting-edge research and groundbreaking developments in anti-ageing science, he explores the transformative potential of extending not just lifespan but health-span. Through this eye-opening conversation, Andrew reveals how small changes today could lead to a future where we age better, and perhaps even slower, offering the knowledge and inspiration to rethink our approach to ageing and well-being.
Follow me here:
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod
(00:00) Intro
(01:32) Andrew's Interest In Aging
(05:14) What Is The End Goal?
(07:06) Life Span vs. Health Span
(10:16) Menopause And Aging In Women
(21:06) The Anti-Aging Miracle Drug
(25:05) How Close Are We To Having An Anti-Aging Drug?
(25:46) What Other Anti-Aging Drugs Are Being Developed?
(27:31) The Truth About Inflammation
(32:13) Holistic Medicine
(32:50) Funding Research
(35:22) Andrew's Dream For Your Future
(36:58) What Will Death Look Like With Anti-Aging Drugs?
(38:42) Misconceptions About Aging
(42:50) Zoe Ad
(44:20) Longer Life Spans And Overpopulation
(47:54) Spreading The Word
(52:05) How Would We Take An Anti-Aging Drug?
(54:48) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(57:16) The Hallmarks Of Aging
(1:00:11) Societal Changes
(1:02:11) The Best Advice For A Long And Healthy Life
(1:14:50) Andrew's Book
(1:19:15) Davina's Round-Up
Sponsored by: ZOE - https://zoe.com and use code DAVINA10
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
Instagram: @beginagain
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davina-mccall-82204a19b/
Listen to Begin Again with Davina McCall, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand