"The Guilty Feminist": Transgender Rights: The Conversation We Should Be Having!
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with the brilliant Deborah Frances-White — comedian, author, and host of The Guilty Feminist — for a raw and courageous conversation about truth, identity, and the power of difficult conversations.
Deborah opens up about her early life in a high-control religious group and the journey of breaking free from the Jehovah’s Witnesses to forge a new life on her own terms. She shares the challenges of navigating identity, belonging, and voice — and how comedy became both a lifeline and a catalyst for change.
Drawing on her new book Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have, Deborah reveals why the hardest conversations — about religion, race, gender, money, and grief — are the ones that have the power to transform us. She shares practical insights for tackling the conversations we often avoid, and how facing discomfort with honesty can lead to deeper connection, freedom, and growth.
This is a conversation about reclaiming your story, challenging silence, and daring to speak the unspeakable. It’s honest, funny, fearless — and an invitation to live with more courage and compassion.
📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway?
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1:48:02
How Lifestyle Impacts Brain Aging & Dementia With Brain Expert Kimberley Wilson
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with the brilliant Kimberley Wilson — Chartered Psychologist, brain health expert, and author — for a powerful conversation about the science of the mind, and how we can all take better care of our brains.
Kimberly unpacks the latest research around dementia, and challenges the idea that brain decline is just an inevitable part of aging. Instead, she offers practical, science-backed strategies that put the power back in our hands.
In this honest and enlightening discussion, Kimberley explains why what we eat, how we sleep, how we move — and how we feel — all play a vital role in protecting our minds. She talks candidly about the myths we’ve been told about memory, menopause, and mental wellbeing, and why it’s never too early — or too late — to start caring for our brains.
This is a conversation about ownership, understanding, and the radical potential of prevention. Bringing clarity, calm, and compassion to a topic that affects us all — and her message is as inspiring as it is empowering.
📢 Drop a comment: How much focus do you put on Brain health & what’s your biggest takeaway?
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(00:00) Intro
(01:28) Davina Introduction
(03:36) Why Our Brains Are Always Hungry
(10:12) Connecting Nutrition and Mental Health
(11:23) The Rise of Dementia and Its Impact on Women
(18:43) How Stress Affects the Body
(22:29) Aging, Fear, and Self-Perception
(26:03) Why Brain Health Depends on Nutrition
(32:53) The Wonders of the Brain
(37:11) Life 360 Ad
(38:17) What Supplements Should You Be Taking?
(44:24) The Importance of Exercise for Mental Health
(49:44) The Vagus Nerve Explained
(54:30) Emotions and Their Connection to the Body
(1:00:15) How to Talk to Children About Their Bodies
(1:04:34) The Truth About Fasting
(1:11:06) How to Eat More Nutritiously
(1:16:33) Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Sponsored by:
Life360 - https://www.life360.com/uk/ Download Life360
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1:21:17
Andi Oliver: Grief, Racism, and the 35-Year Journey to Heal from the Loss of My Brother
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with old friend and renowned chef and TV personality, Andi Oliver, to discuss the challenges that shaped her life and career. Andi opens up about her difficult childhood, her early experiences with racism, and the impact these had on her journey. She reflects on her time in the pioneering band Rip Rig + Panic and the profound loss of her older brother, Sean, whose passing led Andi to struggle with an eating disorder. Through it all, Andi has repeatedly reinvented herself, embracing the ethos that “you just have to do it, even if it scares you.” In this candid conversation, Andi shares how she has navigated grief, growth, and the constant reinvention of her life, emerging as a powerful and inspiring figure who continues to face each challenge with resilience and determination.
📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway?
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(00:00) Intro
(02:33) Davina and Andi Reunite
(03:31) Childhood Memories
(04:10) Growing Up in Cyprus
(09:21) Returning to 70s Britain: Racism and Escapism
(14:41) Moving to London at 16: A New Beginning
(24:59) Motherhood, Career Risks, and Personal Growth
(28:32) London’s Music Scene and Meeting Neneh Cherry
(31:08) Ancient & Brave Ad
(45:15) Impact of Sickle Cell and the Death of Andi's Brother Sean
(46:37) Coping With Loss: Remembering Sean Oliver
(54:00) Overcoming an Eating Disorder and Rediscovering a Love for Food
(01:06:21) Finding Broadcasting
(01:20:56) Cooking as Art and Creative Expression
(01:24:22) Andi and Miquita’s Journey Through the Caribbean
(01:26:06) Overcoming Fear and Hosting Primetime TV
(01:30:34) The Journey To Self Love
(01:44:52) Key Takeaway's
Sponsored by:
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet
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1:48:12
Trisha Goddard: Why I’m Doing Celebrity Big Brother While Living With a Life-Limiting Illness
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with Trisha Goddard, the renowned TV host and mental health advocate, to discuss her experience after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Trisha opens up about her decision to join Big Brother despite living with a life-limiting illness, sharing the strength and perspective that led her to make this choice. Alongside her, Trisha’s daughter, Billie, offers an honest look at what it’s like to be the family member of someone living with cancer. Together, they explore the complexities of illness, the importance of living authentically, and finding purpose in uncertain times. This episode is a candid conversation about the realities of living with cancer and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.
📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway?
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Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/cancer-support/
(00:00:44) Intro
(00:02:44) Joining Celebrity Big Brother
(00:08:52) Parents and Childhood
(00:13:00) Having Masculine Energy
(00:15:29) Trisha's Childhood in East Africa
(00:16:43) Close Maternal Bond
(00:17:24) Overcoming Racial Abuse & Childhood Trauma
(00:25:32) Death of Her Mother
(00:30:04) Adobe Ad
(00:31:08) Ancient & Brave Ad
(00:32:24) Trisha's Accident and Cancer Diagnosis
(00:37:33) Wedding to Her Current Husband
(00:41:30) Working During Cancer Treatment
(00:43:42) Language Around Cancer
(00:55:47) Losing Friendships in Turmoil
(01:00:28) Challenges in Asking for Help
(01:04:05) The ‘Gifts’ of Cancer
(01:07:28) Finding Her Soulmate
(01:13:18) Why I Don’t Have a Bucket List!
(01:15:03) Why I’m Doing Big Brother!
(01:17:35) How Has the Diagnosis Changed You?
(01:19:23) Trisha's Daughter Billie Joins
(01:35:33) Davina’s Final Thoughts
Sponsored by:
Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet
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1:44:19
Patrick Cox: Reclaiming My Life Through Psychedelics
In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by iconic shoe designer turned psychedelic healer Patrick Cox. From the heights of fashion fame to the depths of identity loss and grief, Patrick opens up about losing everything—including his father to suicide—and how his journey with psychedelics helped him find joy, purpose, and a new beginning. Raw, uplifting, and deeply human, this is a story about healing, transformation, and the power of change at any stage of life.
📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Would you consider trying psychedelics for mental wellness? Yes, no, or maybe?
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Doors of Perception: http://www.doorsofperception-ibiza.com/
(00:00) Intro
(03:25) Davina Introduces Patrick Cox
(04:25) Catching Up: Davina and Patrick Reunite
(05:56) Patrick’s Early Life in Africa, Canada, and Family
(09:38) From Toronto to London: A Creative Journey
(14:16) Fashion Beginnings and Working With Vivienne Westwood
(19:04) The Birth of the Iconic Wannabe Loafer
(24:40) The Rise and Success of Patrick Cox
(28:10) Car Accident, Mental Health Struggles, and Leaving the Brand
(40:52) Healing Through Animals: Getting a Dog
(44:12) Rebuilding Identity After Crisis
(46:41) Lathbridge Shoes, Moving to Ibiza, and Rehab
(53:14) Microdosing and Self-Medication for Recovery
(55:19) Life-Changing Experience With Psychedelic Toad
(1:14:46) Meeting Caesar and Training as a Toad Shaman
(1:31:34) The Future of Psychedelics in Wellness
(1:34:33) Rediscovering Creativity and the Doors of Perception
(1:40:14) Coping With the Death of Patrick’s Father
(1:46:00) Facing Another Crisis and Finding Inner Peace
(1:49:25) Final Thoughts From Davina
This episode is sponsored by:
Life360 - https://www.life360.com/uk/ Download Life360
Indeed - https://indeed.com/beginagain
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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/
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