Steve Backshall

Iain Liam Ward is known on social media as The King of Chemo, and he joins Gaby for a special episode of Reasons To Be Joyful. Not long after his 31st birthday, Iain was told he had Stage 3 brain cancer. Rather than dwell on this grim diagnosis, remarkably he decided to try and break a world record and raise some much needed funds for cancer research in the process. Since then, Iain has completed MANY marathons in his attempt to break the record for the most money raised for running a marathon - living proof that exercise can have so many physical and mental health benefits. Iain tells Gaby all about where this drive comes from, and his belief that if you can do something good - you should! Iain also shares the freak sequence of events that led to the discovery of his asymptomatic brain tumour in the first place; his very unique approach to fundraising and why he doesn’t (necessarily) want you to donate; as well as how he lives with the phrase “terminal illness”.The King of Chemo is full of optimism, and we hope you will be after listening to this, too!You can pre order Iain’s book Terminally Optimistic, and join his 9.5 million followers on Instagram @thekingofchemo to follow his progress and help him reach his many goals. 

One of Gaby’s favourite shows is back - This City Is Ours! And to celebrate the BBC’s release of season two, star of the show Julie Graham joins Gaby on the podcast this week.As an actress, Julie has long been an established part of British television, starring in a huge variety of shows, but she’s also established herself as a fierce champion for women and defender against age discrimination in the industry.She talks to Gaby about all of this, as well as dishing out some no-nonsense advice when it comes to saying no; her advice for aspiring actors; the joy of a long bath; and of course, whether there will be a third season of This City Is Ours?! Follow Gaby @gabyroslin for more reasons to be joyful, or watch all episodes on our YouTube channel @GabyRoslinReasonsToBeJoyful

Lacey Turner played an iconic role in Eastenders for 16 years, making her one of the best known actors in British soap history - and as the ultimate Eastenders fan girl, you know that Gaby is bursting with joy to be in the studio with Lacey this week! Lacey reveals how her dream to be on the show nearly didn’t come true, and why we might not have seen the last of her character, Stacey Slater…Lacey’s currently taking on a whole new challenge; delighting Strictly faithfuls every Saturday night by taking to the ballroom floor with her dance partner Vito Coppola. They chat about why bravery can sit alongside shyness, and how nervous Lacey gets before the live show.They also talk about some of the stories you'll find in her new book, Gold Dust, where Lacey tells the story of her life so far through the powerful women that have helped shape it.Their joy-filled chat covers all of this and much more, including Lacey’s farm life with her three children - plus, she reveals a very special Show and Tell!

Gaby welcomes naturalist, explorer and writer - Steve Backshall - to the studio. They chat about his passion for wildlife, animals and nature - and his new Deadly Live tour! Steve believes we all have an inherent fascination in nature - and gets so much joy from sharing his love of nature with audiences, especially with young people. From his early career in TV, to bestselling books and shows - Steve is as passionate and joyful as ever - and his enthusiasm is infectious! Tickets for the live show are available now: DEADLYLIVETOUR.COM

Singer and broadcaster, Fleur East, joins Gaby for a natter about all things joy. They talk about women helping women - and how Fleur is encouraging everyone to grow their networks, and help lift each other up. Women are exhausted - but there is unity!They talk about motherhood, coming up against stigmatism in the workplace and why more and more the loud, negative voices are being amplified - but are not the ones we should be listening to.Fleur is busy busy - and has a varied career; so they chat about her radio career, her singing - and of course - what brings her the most joy!

Gaby welcomes former racing driver turned pundit and commentator, Billy Monger, to the podcast. They chat about his brilliant career, love of racing, his new book - and all things joy! Billy is a pundit for the F1 coverage on Channel Four, along with Steve Jones, David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Lee McKenzie and many others....His passion for the sport is infectious, and his zeal for life is wonderful to listen to! We hope you enjoy the chat

Author and positive energy spreader, Vex King, joins Gaby for a chat about joy and love and positivity. We're also joined by Vex's wife - Kaushal - his biggest champion, and another joy spreader! They chat about how they met, about kindness, love - and why their mission is to spread kindness and positivity wherever they go. Vex's books have sold millions of copy worldwide and give advice to those who are seeking a spiritual guide, emotional healing and good energy. His books are focused on self-love and help people all over the world.

The delightful, brilliant, funny pals - Mel & Sue - join Gaby for a natter! (after being 40 minutes late - tut tut) They talk about their friendship, working together, their new ITV show - 'Win Win' - a life in comedy and why they love each other so much. The two of them know each other so well...and work so well together (and separately too). THE BIG TOPIC of discussion is what is the nation's favourite sandwich filler? Gaby also asks about Last One Laughing - and if it's genuinely as funny doing it, as it is for us watching it... We hope you enjoy this joyful, fun and silly conversation!

Actors Helen George and Yvette Robinson join Gaby for a natter about all things joy! The two friends have launched a new podcast - Mystic Mates - in which they will explore mystical happenings and supernatural situations through meaningful conversations, light-hearted laughs and wild personal stories. Featuring special guests, readers and real-life stories from their audience.Helen & Yvette first met performing together in the West End, however it was their interests in the esoteric that forged their friendship in the stars. After buying a pack of tarot cards in Covent Garden twenty years ago, their love for the spiritual realm has helped them navigate two decades worth of love, loss, grief and many unexpected turns that life has thrown their way. However, they’re not alone. In fact, a YouGov poll showed that over 40% of British women said they’d had a tarot reading, as cards and witches spells fill the shelves of high-street shops.Gaby delves into their hilarious and heartwarming stories from twenty years of friendship, as well as unpacking how their spiritual beliefs have lifted them up during troubling times and the spiritual encounters which have led to some of their happiest moments including how an intention setting session at a New Years party led Helen to meeting ’the one’ the following day! 

Henry Lewis and Dave Hearn from Mischeif Theatre (The Play That Goes Wrong) join Gaby for chat - and a bit of cheeky mischief of course! Their new show - The Comedy About Spies - is in full flow in London's West End and is HILARIOUS! Gaby chats to them about how they met, how The Play That Goes Wrong came about, and the early years of the company. One of the things they have learned from doing these silly shows is how much they have resonated with people going through tough times. Often the cast are told by audience members that they have helped them get through a tough time. There's something quite powerful about laughter - and about the joyful release of laughter. They now have shows on in London, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney - as well as TV specials and new shows in the works. The mischief never stops!!!