Begin Again
What if the place you’re meant to feel safest… never was?
In this episode of Begin Again, Ruby Wax opens up about a life shaped by chaos, fear, and an unrelenting search for safety. Growing up in a home filled with instability and emotional unpredictability, Ruby shares how those early experiences have stayed with her, long after she left.
She reflects on the strange reality that, even now, she often feels safest in the most dangerous situations and why home has never been the place that gives her comfort. From childhood trauma to a lifelong battle with depression, Ruby speaks candidly about what it really feels like to live inside a mind that can turn against you.
She also revisits some of the most defining moments of her career, interviewing figures like Bill Cosby and Donald Trump, navigating the power dynamics and darkness she encountered along the way. These weren’t just interviews, they were experiences that shaped how she sees people, the world, and herself.
At the heart of this conversation is Ruby’s journey toward understanding her mind. From studying neuroscience to exploring mindfulness and meditation, she shares how she’s learned to manage the noise, the fear, and the patterns that once controlled her.
This is a story about survival, self-awareness, and what it takes to rebuild a sense of safety from the inside out.
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Ruby’s Tour “Absolutely Famous”
https://www.rubywax.net/livetour
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(00:00) Intro
(01:24) Ruby On Her Upcoming Tour “Absolutely Famous”
(04:16) Why She Is Unable To Lie
(05:13) Interviewing Bill Cosby And Donald Trump
(07:54) Her Parents And Challenging Upbringing
(10:33) Discovering The Truth About Her Family History And Generational Trauma
(16:33) Safety And Insanity
(18:43) Finding Safety In Dangerous Situations
(20:13) Feeling Like An Outsider Growing Up
(21:33) Ruby’s Experience Of Menopause
(26:21) Airbnb Ad
(27:28) Paramount+ Ad
(28:44) Her Depression And Learning To Manage It
(34:49) Ruby Reflects On Her Relationship With Husband Ed
(37:40) Getting “Kicked Out Of TV” And Finding A New Purpose
(39:20) Ruby’s Menopause
(40:17) Friendship With Alan Rickman And Carrie Fisher
(46:20) Becoming Ruby Wax And Asking Her Husband To Marry Her
(49:11) I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Friendship With Angry Ginge
(50:43) Discovering The Power Of Mindfulness
(57:18) Relationship With Gelong Thubten And A Month-Long Silent Retreat
(01:01:15) Being With Alan Rickman When He Died
(01:05:20) A Letter From Alan Rickman’s Niece
Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.co.uk/Host
Paramount+ - Episodes 1-3 of The Madison are available to stream on Paramount+ now: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/the-madison/
Episodes 4-6 will be available to stream on 21 March.
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In this week's episode, Gail McNeill opens up about the moment she realised that having more wasn’t making her happier. She shares the powerful story of selling her house, letting go of almost all of her possessions, and discovering a new sense of freedom in living with less. Reflecting on her journey, Gail explores how success, status, and material things can leave us feeling emptier than we expect, and why true contentment often comes from within rather than from what we own.
Following that, Robin Sharma explores what it really means to find happiness in a world that constantly tells us to want more. He offers a deeper perspective on fulfilment, reminding us that lasting peace doesn’t come from achievement or external validation, but from our relationship with ourselves. Together, these conversations offer a moving reflection on freedom, self-worth, and the secret to a happier life.
The full conversations with Gail and Robin are available now from wherever you get your podcasts.
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We surprised Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt with a room full of kittens… just because we could 🐾
Apologies to audio listeners…
🎙️ Full episode with Kimberly and Davina is out now , where Kimberly opens up about her childhood, how dance saved her, and the journey to the Pussycat Dolls.
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Sometimes beginning again means surviving what should have broken you.
In this episode of Begin Again, Kimberly Wyatt opens up about growing up in an environment where she felt vulnerable and unheard, and how those early experiences shaped her confidence, her identity, and her need to escape. Dance became more than a passion; it became her outlet, her therapy, and the first place she felt truly seen.
She shares what it really felt like to enter the world of the Pussycat Dolls; the pressure, the intensity, and the emotional toll of chasing a dream that meant everything to her. A dream that, at times, made her question her worth, her place, and whether she was enough.
And yet, it was also the thing that changed her life.
Kimberly reflects on how dance and the Dolls gave her power, purpose, and a way to reclaim her story. From feeling replaceable to rebuilding her self-worth, this is a journey of resilience, identity, and learning how to stand in your own space.
She also opens up about motherhood, healing, and what it means to finally create the safety for her children that she didn’t always have growing up.
This episode is about survival, self-worth, and the courage to keep going, even when no one is there to catch you.
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(00:00) Intro
(00:24) Intro to Kimberly and Her Relationship to Davina
(01:44) Small-Town Upbringing & Discovering Her Love of Dance
(06:30) Surviving Abuse Within Her Family
(08:21) Overcoming Her Trauma Through Dance
(11:14) Rebuilding a Sense of Safety
(15:40) Having Her Kids and Unexpected Third Child
(18:23) Leaving for Dance School in New York at 14
(21:09) Building Her Dance Academy and Its Mission
(22:49) Saily Ad
(23:45) Paramount Ad
(25:01) Moving to LA at 17 and Becoming the Pussycat Dolls
(30:35) Internal Competition in the Pussycat Dolls
(34:46) The Pussycat Dolls’ Image and Owning Her Story
(37:52) Airbnb Ad
(43:05) Finding a Way Out of the Pussycat Dolls
(46:43) Coming Back to Dance and Moving to London
(50:12) Familial Estrangement and Her Siblings
(53:27) Her 12 Years With Husband Max
(55:10) COVID Affected the Pussycat Dolls Reunion
(56:44) The Return of the Pussycat Dolls
(01:02:35) The Dolls’ Lineup and New Music
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Paramount+ - Episodes 1-3 of The Madison are available to stream on Paramount+ now: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/the-madison/
Episodes 4-6 will be available to stream on 21 March.
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In this week's episode, we dive into the evolving dynamics of parenting as your children grow into adults. Dearbhla Mescal shares her journey of adjusting to her children's adulthood, discussing how to navigate the shift from traditional parenting to supporting them as independent adults. She reflects on how to remain close while respecting their autonomy, finding balance in the new stage of their relationship.
Following that, Mel Robbins offers practical advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your adult children. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, staying connected, and embracing the changes that come with this stage of life, while also highlighting the crucial role of communication in sustaining strong, supportive bonds.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how to gracefully transition into a new phase of parenting as your children become adults, offering insights and real-life wisdom on fostering these crucial relationships.
Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.co.uk/Host
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Sometimes beginning again means not starting over, but learning how to see your life in a new way…
In this episode of Begin Again, Joel Dommett opens up about the unexpected path behind his success, and the quiet insecurities that never quite go away.
From growing up feeling like he wasn’t naturally good at anything, to performing hundreds of gigs just to get better, Joel shares the reality of building a career through persistence rather than talent. What looks like overnight success is, in truth, years of rejection, self-doubt, and relentless effort.
But this conversation goes far beyond comedy.
Joel reflects on how becoming a father completely changed his perspective on time, success, and what really matters. For the first time, he began to slow down, to be present, and to recognise just how quickly life moves. And with that joy came something he didn’t expect… fear.
He speaks candidly about the vulnerability that comes with loving your life, your partner, your child, and the quiet anxiety that it could all be taken away. It’s an honest and deeply human exploration of what it means to feel grateful, and scared, at the same time.
From near-misses in his career to moments that could have gone completely wrong, Joel shares how some of the most uncertain decisions led to the biggest opportunities, and why embracing the unknown is often the thing that moves us forward.
This episode is about joy, perspective, and the courage to keep going, even when you don’t feel like you’re the most naturally talented person in the room.
🌟 Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations about resilience, growth, and beginning again. Tap the bell to stay connected with new episodes of Begin Again.
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Follow Joel: https://www.instagram.com/joeldommett/
See Joel Live: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/joel-dommett-happy-idiot/
Comic Relief: https://www.comicrelief.com/
(00:00) Intro
(01:10) Co-Hosting Comic Relief With Davina and Catherine Tate
(08:20) Joel on Landing The Masked Singer
(12:54) Learning to Slow Down and Enjoy His Life
(15:45) Air BnB Ad
(16:54) Paramount Ad
(18:13) Joy The Masked Singer Brings
(23:50) The Masked Singer Secrets!
(29:02) Becoming a Father
(33:18) Bloom & Wild Ad
(34:22) Stand-Up and the Comedy Scene
(39:44) Joel on Moving to London and Finding Comedy
(49:31) Catfish Gate and Not Letting it Define Him
(01:02:06) Meeting his Wife, Hannah
(01:10:56) A Special Letter to Joel
Sponsored by:
Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.co.uk/Host
Episodes 1-3 of The Madison are available to stream on Paramount+ now: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/the-madison/
Episodes 4-6 will be available to stream on 21 March.
Bloom & Wild - use code DAVINA for 15% off at https://www.bloomandwild.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=begin_again
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Whoever your mother figure is, celebrate them this weekend with our sponsor Bloom & Wild. Use code DAVINA for 15% off at https://www.bloomandwild.com?utm_source=podcast+&utm_medium=podcasted&utm_campaign=Mother%27s+Day
In this heartfelt Mother's Day Special, we hear from a collection of remarkable women sharing personal stories of motherhood and the powerful bonds they share with their mothers.
Fearne Cotton reflects on how becoming a mother transformed her, bringing new perspectives and emotional depth. Sophie Ellis-Bextor opens up about her own mother’s influence, revealing how her upbringing shaped the loving mother she is today. Katie Piper touches on the strength of her relationship with her mum, who helped her navigate one of the hardest periods of her life. Finally, Rita Ora shares how stepping into the role of a stepmum has brought profound joy, describing it as one of the best experiences she's ever had.
Join us for an emotional, honest conversations about the complex, beautiful journey of motherhood. From the joys of step-parenting to the raw realities of healing and growth, this special episode will resonate with anyone who has experienced the transformative power of love from a mother or maternal figure.
The full episodes of these interview are available to listen to now!
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No matter how far you fall, it’s never too late to rebuild your life…
In this episode of Begin Again, DJ Fat Tony sits down for a raw and deeply honest conversation about survival, healing, and what recovery really looks like.
Tony opens up about a childhood shaped by trauma, the chaotic world of London’s club scene, and the years he spent chasing escape in nightlife, fame, and excess. From discovering the dancefloor as a teenager to building a career surrounded by music, fashion, and iconic figures, Tony reflects on the highs that defined an era and the personal battles happening behind the scenes.
With remarkable candour, he shares how unresolved pain, loss, and self-destruction eventually forced him to confront the life he was living. What follows is a powerful story of reckoning, resilience, and the long road to rebuilding a life with honesty and self-respect.
This conversation is not just about the past, it’s about the courage it takes to change, the truth about recovery, and the possibility of beginning again no matter how far you’ve fallen.
Join DJ Fat Tony as he reflects on the moments that nearly broke him, the lessons that saved him, and why transformation is always possible.
🌟 Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations about resilience, healing, and reinvention. Tap the bell to stay connected with new episodes of Begin Again.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:29) Special Letter From His Therapist & Co-Author, Tara
(11:07) Tony on Childhood Trauma and Relationship With His Father
(21:34) Airbnb Ad
(22:40) Bloom & Wild Ad
(23:35) Finding Himself in the Club Scene
(30:33) His Close Friendship With Boy George
(33:16) Tony's Sex, Alcohol, and Drug Addictions
(38:58) DJ Career and Breaking Into Music
(50:10) Tony's Mother’s Hospitalisation and Rock Bottom
(58:35) HIV Diagnosis
(01:00:54) The Path to Recovery
(01:03:48) The Steps of Sobriety and Supporting Others
(01:05:33) Arrest and Imprisonment
(01:11:30) Meeting His Love, Stavros, and Finding Himself
(01:22:12) Tony's New Book, Recover Me
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What do you do when you feel like you've lost yourself?
In this Begin Again Moments, comedian and actor Tom Davis opens up about his battle with anxiety, sharing how it led him to step away from stand-up comedy for six years. Tom reflects on how, during this period, he lost belief in both himself and his talent, struggling with imposter syndrome and the overwhelming pressure to perform. He discusses the emotional weight of feeling like a fraud, despite outward success, and how these feelings affected his personal and professional life.
Following Tom, Professor Steve Peters, renowned psychologist and author of The Chimp Paradox, dives into the science of our emotional responses. He explains how the three parts of the brain, human, chimp, and computer, work together to shape our reactions to the world around us. Professor Peters provides actionable insights on how we can take control of our emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and reclaim a sense of self, empowering us to face life's challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
This episode is a powerful exploration of overcoming self-doubt, managing anxiety, and learning to trust yourself again. Whether you're struggling with mental health, facing self-belief issues, or simply looking for tools to take control of your emotions, this conversation is for you.
Full episodes with Tom and Professor Steve Peters out now!
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Finding Confidence in Your Sex Life Can Change the Way You Live…
In this episode of Begin Again, Cindy Gallop, sex educator, advocate, and founder of Make Love Not Porn IS BACK! Sharing her unfiltered thoughts on how to know what you want in bed and, more importantly, how to get it.
Cindy talks about the importance of sexual agency, why communication is the key to great intimacy, and how we can all break free from shame around desire. With her signature boldness, Cindy dives into why sex isn’t just about physical pleasure but about emotional connection, self-confidence, and empowerment.
She also opens up about her own experiences, challenging societal taboos, and reimagining how we can talk about sex, no matter our age. From tackling societal shame to unlocking your sexual desires, Cindy’s advice is both raw and real, making this a must-watch for anyone seeking to reclaim their pleasure and confidence.
Join Cindy as she proves it’s never too late to begin again, especially when it comes to embracing your truest self.
🌟 Follow for more thought-provoking episodes on self-discovery, empowerment, and reinvention. Leave a comment below, who or what would you like to see next?
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Instagram:
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Follow us here:📸 www.instagram.com/beginagain🎥 https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod (00:00) INTRO
(01:14) Why Dressing for Yourself Matters
(04:37) Why We Don’t Talk About Sex
(07:52) Sextortion: Why We Should Talk to Our Kids About Sex
(21:49) Making Sex Real, Not Performative
(26:13) Normalising Conversations Around Pleasure
(28:01) Airbnb Ad
(29:06) Bloom & Wild Ad
(30:14) How Communication Gives You Sexual Power
(36:06) Building Confidence in Bed
(37:55) Thriving Sexually as You Get Older
(46:31) Navigating the Evolving Sexual Landscape
(54:32) Exploring Polyamory, Swinging, and Non-Monogamy
(58:55) Why Desire and Self-Love Matter
(01:02:31) Keeping Sex Alive in Long-Term Partnerships
(01:06:08) What Every Man Should Understand About Sex and Intimacy
(01:08:40) Cindy Answers Your Questions
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In this heartwarming Begin Again Moments, Richard E. Grant reflects on falling in love with his wife, Joan. He speaks tenderly about the deep connection they share, the unexpected beauty of their journey together, and how their bond continues to thrive, even as time passes. With vulnerability and warmth, he opens up about the joy and comfort of knowing someone in such a profound way, and the magical way love can grow in the most unanticipated moments.
Following Richard’s personal story, relationship expert Mel Schilling, from Married at First Sight, delves into the dynamics of love, providing insight into what truly makes relationships last. She shares her professional perspective on the foundations of deep emotional connection and offers practical advice on nurturing love through life’s many stages. Mel sheds light on the intricate balance of self-awareness, communication, and mutual respect that shapes lasting partnerships.
This short episode features moving clips from both conversations, available to watch or listen to now.
If you’ve ever wondered about the power of love or are seeking guidance on how to deepen your own relationships, this conversation is for you.
Watch the full episodes with Richard E. Grant and Mel Schilling now.
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