Begin Again with Davina McCall

• Tulisa: I Was Set Up by the Media, Here’s the Truth!

  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? 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod 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) Airbnb Ad   (23:09) Leaked Tape Scandal and Public Backlash   (25:50) Depression, Media Attacks, and Mental Health Struggles   (31:11) Inside the Sting Operation That Targeted Tulisa   (33:38) Writing “Judgement”: Tulisa’s Process and Purpose   (35:41) The Drug Sting: What Really Happened   (47:06) Isolation, Betrayal, and Loss of Trust   (50:03) The Breaking Story, Suicide Attempt, and Meeting ‘Jacob’   (56:46) Tulisa’s Spiritual Awakening and Purpose-Driven Life   (1:07:18) Finding Gratitude and Healing   –  Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Simon Squibb: The Education System is Failing us! This is Why We Need to Rethink School

  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? 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod Follow Simon here: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simonsquibbInstagram: 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) Airbnb Sponsorship (25:19) How to Find Your True Purpose in Life (26:41) Starting His First Business ‘Fluid’ at Age 24 (27:49) The Life-Changing Gift of Giving (28:53) Supporting and Encouraging Your Partner’s Dreams (37:10) How Pain Can Drive Your Purpose (38:55) Why the Education System Fails and How to Successfully Home-School Your Kids (45:39) Why Failure Is the Key to Success (49:22) Why You Only Need Your First Customer to Start (53:41) Practicing Gratitude and Turning Pain Into Strength (59:07) How to Manage People Who Dislike You (1:02:46) Simon’s Biggest Dream for the Future –  Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ms. Jo Malone CBE: From Surviving Breast Cancer to Rebuilding My Life

  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? 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod (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 (00:18:51) Ancient & Brave Ad (00:20:18) Airbnb Ad (00:21:29) Letting Go of Jo Malone Business and Facing Cancer (00:29:15) Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction Journey (00:32:49) Unexpected Participation in Cancer Treatment Trial (00:35:01) Survival, Hope, and Reclaiming Her Life After Cancer (00:36:26) Losing Her Sense of Smell During Cancer Treatment (00:39:12) Leaving Jo Malone London: A Crisis of Identity (00:42:08) Rediscovering Purpose with Jo Loves (00:46:35) Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Change (00:53:16) Taking a Gap Year at 60 (00:58:11) Jo and Gary’s Relationship and Support (01:01:26) Smelling Gary’s Illness: A Unique Gift (01:05:33) Expanding Jo Loves and Exploring the Five Senses Sponsored by:Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet  Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Tom Davis on Sobriety, Fatherhood & the Anxiety That Took Him Off Stage

  In this episode of Begin Again, actor, comedian, and writer Tom Davis opens up about the battles behind the laughter—and how sobriety and fatherhood helped him find himself again. Best known for Murder in Successville, King Gary, and his raw, relatable humour, Tom shares the quieter struggles that shaped his journey: crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the fear that nearly stopped him from ever stepping on a stand-up stage again. In this intimate and revealing conversation, Tom explains how giving up alcohol brought him clarity, how becoming a father changed everything, and what it took to return to comedy after years of self-doubt. Alongside his partner Kathryn, he also speaks candidly about grief, IVF, and the strength it takes to support a loved one through illness. This is a powerful story of growth, vulnerability, and learning to show up for the people you love—especially yourself. Whether you're battling self-belief or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again, Tom’s journey is funny, moving, and packed with perspective. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Tom’s journey? 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod (00:00) Intro (00:24) Overcoming Dyslexia: Tom’s School Struggles (00:59) Imposter Syndrome & Believing in Yourself (03:50) How Early Jobs Shape Identity (08:56) Finding Comedy (14:27) Anxiety and the Pressure to Succeed (19:16) Losing Yourself on the Path to Success (25:24) Ancient & Brave Ad (29:35) Airbnb Ad (31:02) Supporting a Partner Through Illness (32:47) Kathryn’s Fertility Journey (35:17) Coping with Grief: Tom Opens Up (41:02) Choosing a Surrogate & Quitting Alcohol (44:02) Gaining Perspective & Returning to Stand-Up (51:03) Fatherhood and Life with Daughter Grace (55:11) Lifestyle Changes and Getting Fit (57:28) Failing Forward: Being Kinder to Yourself (01:03:25) Tom’s Hero & a Message from Kathryn - Sponsored by: Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Brain Health Doctor: Do This To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia!

  In this episode of Begin Again, Davina sits down with Dr. Sabina Brennan, a leading neuroscientist and brain health expert, to explore how simple lifestyle changes can prevent dementia and enhance brain health. Drawing from her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother, alongside her deep scientific knowledge, Dr. Brennan reveals actionable strategies for boosting cognitive function, preventing dementia, and improving care for those living with it. Discover how brain health goes beyond genetics and learn practical steps you can take right now to safeguard your mind. Whether you're caring for a loved one with dementia or concerned about your own cognitive future, this episode offers powerful insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories of hope and transformation. – Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Dr Sabina Brennan: Linktree to various purchase points of Still Me - https://linktr.ee/stillmesabinabrennan  Sabina's website - www.sabinabrennan.ie  –  (00:01:08) Intro to Sabina and 'Still Me' (00:02:33) Brain Fog vs. Dementia and Ageism (00:09:16) The Science Behind Dementia (00:13:35) How You Can Prevent Dementia (00:15:03) How Knowledge Impacts Dementia Outcomes (00:15:45) How to Manifest & What It Really Means (00:18:14) 3 Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Symptoms of Dementia (00:28:29) Napping & the Importance of Sleep (00:33:40) Hearing Loss & Dementia (00:40:52) 12 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia (00:45:11) Supporting a Loved One with Dementia (00:50:28) Live Well While Caring for Someone with Dementia (00:50:28) Self-Care and Dementia Care (00:54:55) UTIs, Delirium, and Misunderstood Symptoms (01:00:15) Davina’s Final Message from Her Father (01:04:45) Back to 'Still Me' and Poem - Sponsored by: Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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