Spencer Matthews: The Real Reason I Push Myself So Hard...

In this episode of Begin Again, Spencer Matthews opens up about the life-defining challenge that forced him to confront fear, trauma, and who he really wanted to become. Spencer shares the story behind Project 7, his mission to complete seven Ironman triathlons across seven continents, and the moments he thought it might break him. From the freezing waters of Antarctica to terrifying encounters in Cape Town, he speaks honestly about fear, fatherhood, and the pressure to prove he’s changed. He reflects on the death of his brother Michael, his struggles with alcohol, and how falling in love made him want to become someone entirely new. Spencer talks movingly about his relationship with his wife, Vogue, and how wanting to be worthy of her transformed every part of his life. Spencer also talks about masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and why pushing his limits helps him stay grounded. This conversation is raw, reflective, and full of insight for anyone trying to rebuild or redefine themselves. Whether you're chasing self-improvement, navigating grief, or figuring out how to begin again this episode will resonate deeply. Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱 Project 7:  https://givestar.io/gs/spencer-matthews-project-7 Follow us here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  (00:00) Intro(01:13) Project Seven & Breaking Two World Records(09:49) Learning to Show Emotion and Express Himself(19:35) Overcoming Fear and Embracing Personal Growth(25:54) How Spencer’s Wife Vogue Transformed His Life(33:56) Spencer's Journey to Self-Discovery(37:09) Sponsored: Adobe Ad(38:15) Sponsored: Aura Frames Ad(39:17) Losing His Brother Michael and How It Shaped Spencer(47:38) Spencer’s Ongoing Commitment to Self-Improvement(50:53) Struggles With Alcoholism and Finding Moderation(59:12) James’ Place: Supporting Men’s Mental Health(01:04:17) Addressing the Modern Crisis in Masculinity(01:08:50) Inside Spencer’s New Documentary: Am I a Psychopath?(01:10:26) What’s Next for Spencer? Sponsored by:  Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk use code DAVINA for £35 off Carver Matt Frames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, author and speaker Rob Parsons shares the extraordinary true story of how one simple act of kindness at Christmas changed his life, and the life of a homeless man named Ronnie, forever. Rob recounts the moment Ronnie showed up at his door on Christmas Eve with nothing but a frozen chicken and a plastic bag. What began as a one-night offer of shelter turned into a 40-year journey of love, family, and redemption. Through tears, laughter, and deeply moving moments, Rob reflects on how Ronnie, once abandoned and overlooked, became a beloved member of their home, helping raise his children and leaving an unforgettable legacy in their community. This is a story about what happens when you open your heart and your home, and how giving someone a second chance can transform everyone involved. Whether you're looking for hope this holiday season, questioning how to make a difference, or simply drawn to stories that restore your faith in humanity, this episode will stay with you. Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱 Follow us here: 📸www.instagram.com/beginagain 🎥https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod  Buy 'A Knock at The Door': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knock-Door-astonishing-self-learning-unbelievable/dp/0008708665 (00:00) Intro (01:16) Rob and the Power of Starting Over (02:36) The Importance of Believing in Someone (06:27) The Christmas a Stranger Knocked at the Door (13:03) Building a Life with Ronnie (21:41) Diane’s Struggles and Ronnie’s Support (23:50) Ronnie’s Endless Generosity (27:34) Letting Ronnie Know He Was Loved (30:48) Ronnie’s Bond with Rob’s Kids and the Community (34:43) How We Can Build a Better Society (37:52) The Gaping Hole Ronnie Left Behind (40:31) Homelessness, Care Leavers, and Social Responsibility (44:20) Gratitude and Final Reflections on Ronnie Sponsored by:  Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk  use code DAVINA for £35 off Carver Matt Frames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, singer Jamelia shares the deeply personal story of how she rebuilt her life from scratch after heartbreak and abandonment. Jamelia opens up about becoming a single mother of four after her husband left her while she was pregnant, and how she found unexpected strength in the love of her daughters. She talks about navigating loneliness, the silence from people she once supported, and how starting over in her 40s became the most empowering chapter of her life. She also reflects on her Rastafarian upbringing, her decision to homeschool her children, and what it means to truly heal while parenting. This conversation is full of warmth, vulnerability, and wisdom for anyone who’s had to pick themselves up when no one else was there. Whether you're facing a relationship breakdown, questioning your purpose, or simply looking for a story of resilience, you’ll find inspiration here. Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱 00:00 Intro 00:30 Jamelia’s Rastafarian Upbringing 05:53 Choosing To Home School 11:30 Jamelia’s Experience of Single Motherhood 16:53 Being Left During Pregnancy 24:11 Teaching Consent and Boundaries to Kids 26:30 Embracing Your Weirdness and Authentic Self 28:38 How Jamelia Got Her Start in Music 31:24 Adobe Express Ad 32:32 Aura Frames Ad 33:36 Jamelia’s Musical Journey 37:17 Gratitude for The Life Jamelia Has Now 43:16 Starting Over After Her Husband Left 51:27 Navigating a Manipulative Relationship 56:49 Rebuilding After a Traumatic Birth 1:04:27 Pride in Raising Empowered Daughters 1:07:01 Staying Humble 1:10:05 Her Final Release and Views on the Music Industry 1:14:22 Jamelia’s Comeback to Music 1:19:06 Reclaiming Her Voice and Bold Identity 1:20:35 A Letter from Her Daughter and Final Thoughts Sponsored by: Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk & use code DAVINA for £45 off Carver Matt Frames Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk use code DAVINA for £35 off Carver Matt Frames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the stories you tell yourself are the only thing standing between you and freedom? In this episode, Davina sits down with The Mind Architect Peter Crone to explore how our subconscious blueprints shape everything, from our relationships and self-worth to the fears that silently control us. Peter reveals how to let go of old narratives, why your past doesn’t define you, and the surprising truth about feeling "not enough." If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or trapped by your own mind this conversation might change everything. Don’t forget to leave us 5 ⭐️ 's, comment 💬, & follow for more stories🌱 (00:00) Intro   (02:51) Introduction to The Mind Architect   (04:23) Masculinity, Control, and the Need for Safety   (08:55) Finding Love and Living Authentically   (14:50) Peter on His Parents and Self-Sufficiency   (18:46) Love Epiphany and Becoming The Mind Architect   (20:39) What It Means to Be Human   (30:07) Aura Frames ad (31:20) From Trauma to Love and Self-Acceptance   (36:36) The Stories We Tell Ourselves and How to Let Go   (44:32) Finding Freedom Through Shifting Perspectives   (53:05) Davina’s Personal Experience with Feeling Loneliness  Sponsored by : Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk & use code DAVINA for £45 off Carver Matt Frames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, Laura Brown, former editor-in-chief of InStyle, shares her powerful journey from the top of the fashion world to navigating life after being fired. Laura opens up about the ups and downs of her career, how she rebuilt herself after losing a job, and why getting fired doesn’t have to be the end but rather, a fresh start. She discusses how women often struggle with self-doubt in the workplace, the importance of confidence, and how owning your experiences can change the way you view setbacks. Laura also talks about how she came to understand her true value, and why she’s not afraid to stand up for herself, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're currently facing a career challenge or just looking for inspiration, this episode is full of actionable tips and hard-won wisdom that will help you feel empowered to start again. What do you think? Have you ever faced a major career setback and come back stronger? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱 (00:00) Intro  (01:37) Who is Laura Brown? (01:50) Laura on Hustle, Work Ethic, and Drive (05:40) Taking Ownership: Women’s Confidence in the Workplace (10:03) Moving to New York and Breaking Into the Industry (19:11) Becoming the Editor-in-Chief of InStyle (23:03) Changing the Culture & Empowering Badass Women (28:19) Aura Frames Ad (29:35) Navigating the Changing Media Landscape (35:48) Life After Being Fired: Public Reaction (38:32) Being Fired: How to Handle a Workplace Exit (42:24) What to Do When You Get Fired (45:25) Even Oprah Got Fired (50:02) Top Tips for Troubleshooting in the Job Market Sponsored by:Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate one extraordinary year of Begin Again, we’ve curated the 6 most unforgettable pieces of advice that have helped our audience, and us, start over. From heartbreak and grief to love, sex, purpose and letting go, this episode is a soul-stirring guide to transformation. You’ll hear powerful insights from: Paul C. Brunson on dating and intimacy in midlife Cindy Gallop on owning your sexual confidence Robin Sharma on the mindset to truly change your life Gail McNeill on finding freedom by giving up everything Andi Oliver on navigating grief with grace Richard E. Grant on rediscovering joy after unimaginable loss Whether you’re at the beginning of something new or in the thick of change, these conversations will inspire you to begin again with courage, clarity and heart. Davina also shares a personal reflection on what this podcast has meant to her, and what’s coming next. 💬 Which moment resonated most with you? Leave us a comment. ❤️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this. (00:00) Intro   (02:19) Paul C. Brunson: Dating in Midlife and Keeping Your Marriage Exciting   (09:51) Cindy Gallop: Unlocking Your Sexual Confidence   (17:39) Robin Sharma: The Mindset to Change Your Life   (23:06) Adobe Ad   (24:14) Ancient & Brave Ad   (25:31) Gail McNeill: Getting Rid of Everything to Find Happiness   (31:34) Andi Oliver: The Best Advice on Managing Grief   (38:14) Richard E. Grant: Finding Joy After Losing the Love of Your Life   (43:19) A Message from Davina   Sponsored by: Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/Davina Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, makeup mogul and bestselling author Bobbi Brown takes us through her remarkable journey of reinvention. From building an iconic beauty empire to selling her namesake brand, Bobbi opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and personal life. She shares the challenges of stepping away from the company she created and the unexpected freedom that followed. Bobbi discusses her decision to start over at 60, launching her clean beauty brand, Jones Road, and the powerful lessons she learned about aging, health, and maintaining passion in her 60s. The conversation delves into her family dynamics, including the deep bond she shares with her husband Steven, the impact of her mother's mental health struggles on her upbringing, and the complex path to self-empowerment. Bobbi also reflects on her entrepreneurial spirit, the ethical values that guide her brands, and how to stay true to oneself despite external pressures. With candor and wisdom, Bobbi Brown offers an insightful perspective on how to navigate transitions, challenge societal expectations, and redefine success on your own terms. Bobbi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbobbidotcom/ "Still Bobbi": https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/still-bobbi-9781526687722/ Jones Road: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com/ 👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginagain/ 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod (00:01:25) Introduction to 'Still Bobbi' and Her Journey (00:03:19) Growing Up as the Eldest Child (00:04:45) Meeting Her Husband, Steven (00:05:40) Her Mum’s Breakdown and Bipolar Disorder (00:07:04) The Bond with Her Father (00:08:44) Struggling in School with ADD (00:12:12) Leaving High School to Pursue Makeup (00:14:50) Finding Her Way in the Fashion Industry (00:19:25) Becoming an Entrepreneur in Beauty (00:25:25) Motherhood and Partnership with Steven (00:30:32) The Creation of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (00:34:02) Selling the Brand and Moving On (00:35:36) Adobe Ad (00:36:45) Ancient & Brave Ad (00:37:53) Navigating a 25-Year Non-Compete Clause (00:39:05) Health, Fitness, and Living in Her 60s (00:40:56) Brand Ethics and Losing Influence (00:47:01) Leaving Bobbi Brown and Starting Fresh (00:54:59) Rebuilding Herself with a Life Coach (00:58:44) Launching Jones Road Clean Beauty (01:05:17) Confidence, Gratitude, and Being a Woman in Business (01:09:03) The Future of Jones Road and Family Involvement (01:12:40) Bobbi’s Journey Is Far From Over Sponsored by: Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/Davina Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, comedian, writer and mother Katherine Ryan opens up about the fierce, funny and sometimes controversial journey that shaped who she is today. Katherine shares her unfiltered take on feminism, aging, and identity from her early years navigating beauty standards and working at Hooters, to embracing her femininity and her candid thoughts on getting surgery without shame. She speaks openly about her parenting choices, including co-sleeping, early potty training, and raising her children in a way that challenges convention. The conversation dives into the emotional complexity of family life, including Katherine’s experience brokering her parents’ divorce at 15, her mother’s influence, and the story behind the face lift she gifted her. She also reflects on rekindling love with her high school sweetheart, and how their shared small-town values created an unexpected foundation for her family today. With trademark wit and remarkable vulnerability, Katherine Ryan invites us into her world a space where contradictions coexist, shame is optional, and motherhood, feminism, and identity are all up for redefinition. (00:00) Intro (01:22) Who Is Katherine Ryan? (01:50) Embracing Femininity and Feminism (03:59) Why Turning 40 Is Actually Great (07:09) Oversharing, Shame, and Owning Your Story (09:31) Protecting Children on Social Media (11:55) Katherine on Her Parents and Childhood (15:21) Learning to Stop Caring What Others Think (17:13) Dealing With Offense, Annoying People, and Growing Thick Skin (20:31) How Katherine Brokered Her Parents' Divorce at 15 (26:49) Single Motherhood and Spoiling Her Kids (31:29) Do Parents Really Have a Favourite Child? (32:34) Ancient & Brave Ad (33:40) Reuniting With Her High School Sweetheart (43:27) Working at Hooters: The Untold Story (49:37) Starting Stand-Up at 20 and Being a Woman in Comedy (56:33) Misogyny, the Patriarchy, Plastic Surgery, and Self-Love (01:05:56) Inside Katherine’s Parenting Style (01:15:24) Working in British Television (01:22:18) What Legacy Does Katherine Ryan Want to Leave? Sponsored by: Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, neuroscientist and author Dr. Tara Swart shares the extraordinary story of losing her husband, Robin and the signs of his presence she’s received from him ever since. Tara opens up about the deep grief that followed his passing, and how it challenged everything she believed as a scientist. What began as devastation slowly became a spiritual awakening, as Tara started noticing moments that defied explanation from vivid dreams to repeated symbols and numbers. In the process, she began to explore what it truly means to connect with someone after death. The conversation delves into the healing power of nature, the science behind intuition and signs, and the difficult realities of caregiving and loss. Tara also speaks movingly about writing her book The Signs, the comfort of ritual, and the surprising ways love continues even after someone is gone. With wisdom and vulnerability, Dr. Tara Swart offers a profound reflection on grief, healing, and the enduring connection between souls, showing us that love doesn’t end when life does. (00:00) Intro (00:38) Meet Dr. Tara Swart (01:30) Manifesting Love and Finding a Soulmate (04:46) The Connection Between Soul and Body (07:50) Grief and the Enduring Power of Love (11:27) Writing The Signs (17:45) Seeing the Signs in Love and Loss (22:58) The Biopsychosocial Model and End-of-Life Moments (25:25) Diagnosis, Caregiving, and Loving Through Illness (29:32) Sponsor Message: Ancient & Brave (30:36) How to Prepare Yourself to See Signs (35:48) Tools to Regulate the Nervous System (38:42) Designing a Brain-Healthy Life (45:10) Trauma Release, Creativity, and Neuroaesthetics (50:11) Seeing Signs: Personal Stories and Insights (59:11) Intuition, Self-Knowledge, and Meaningful Events Sponsored by: Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again, bestselling author and podcaster Elizabeth Day opens up about the deeply personal moments that have shaped her journey, from facing the end of a marriage to letting go of the dream of motherhood. Elizabeth shares how her divorce became a turning point, forcing her to re-evaluate her identity, desires, and the kind of love she truly needed. She speaks candidly about the grief and complexity of fertility struggles, revealing how she came to find peace and purpose beyond motherhood. The conversation explores the emotional weight of moving on, the power of female intuition, and the importance of holding space for ourselves and others in times of change. Elizabeth also reflects on rediscovering self-worth, dating in her 30s, and ultimately meeting her now-husband, Justin. Through her honesty and insight, Elizabeth offers a powerful message of resilience and self-trust, showing that sometimes starting over is the bravest thing we can do. 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @beginagain 🎥 Watch more on TikTok: @beginagainpod Elizabeth:One of Us by Elizabeth Day is published by 4th Estate on 25th and out now. You can by your copy here: https://lnk.to/OneOfUsElizabethDay?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafJqQ3qrv8oajlu2PZrgFYrKgEEhAYCMsapPDFScLQy4spsj82in7NVVwPl5w_aem_nMEEzcYNX-PjK4NZQqhvWA How To Fail with Elizabeth Day is available every Monday and Wednesday on podcast platforms and YouTube: https://link.chtbl.com/hHntV5ys (00:01:12) - Introducing Elizabeth Day (00:02:20) - Growing Up During The Troubles (00:06:09) - Building Self-Assurance from a Young Age (00:08:24) - The Psychic Experience That Changed Everything (00:14:56) - Feminine Instincts with Davina (00:16:23) - Elizabeth’s Childhood in Ireland (00:19:17) - Fertility Journey and Letting go of Motherhood (00:23:13) - Lessons from Therapy (00:30:48) - Adobe ad (00:31:53) - Elizabeth’s Journey to Journalism (00:42:34) - Faking Confidence in London (00:44:42) - Why Reality TV is Important (00:47:21) - Facing Fear and Finding Safety (00:50:00) - Realising Her Marriage Wasn’t Right (00:54:45) - Dating and Finding True Love in Her 30s (00:59:45) - Building Elizabeth’s ‘How to Fail’ Podcast (01:01:59) - Davina’s Podcast Fears and Meeting The Rock (01:05:09) - Elizabeth Day’s New Book ‘One of Us’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices