Begin Again with Davina McCall

How do you take control of your future when you can't change your past?

In this uplifting episode of Begin Again, Strictly Come Dancing star and judge Anton Du Beke joins Davina McCall to share his extraordinary life story, and why he's always been determined to create a future on his own terms.

Anton opens up about his difficult relationship with his father and growing up around violence. But he's clear that he doesn't want sympathy, and has never wanted those experiences to define him. He explains why never hitting back and avoiding confrontation was his way forward, and how he refused to let his childhood dictate the rest of his life.

He reflects on leaving school at 15 to pursue ballroom dancing, working his way to Strictly Come Dancing and his wonderful friendship with Bruce Forsyth. Alongside a conversation about his wife Hannah's experience with endometriosis, their IVF journey, and the incredible joy of becoming a father to twins at 50.

Full of warmth, humour and wisdom, this is a conversation about resilience, self-belief and why your past doesn't have to determine your future.

🌟Like, comment and subscribe for more honest conversations about purpose, resilience, love, loss and beginning again.

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Follow Anton Du Beke here: https://www.instagram.com/mrantondubeke/

Buy ‘Steps In Time’ by Anton Du Beke at: https://linkly.link/314Yk or buy the audio book at: https://linkly.link/314Yw

(00:00) Intro

(01:00) Writing His Memoir 'Steps In Time'

(03:44) Leaving School At 15

(05:00) Growing Up With Immigrant Parents

(09:25) Discovering His Passion for Dance

(11:54) Working With Bruce Forsyth

(21:21) Following In Bruce Forsyth's Footsteps

(24:50) Where His Work Ethic Came From

(26:16) Why Dancing Is His Escape

(27:52) BHF Ad

(29:03) Ancient + Brave Ad

(30:42) Cutting Contact With His Abusive Father

(42:54) Falling In Love With Hannah

(47:03) Becoming A Dad Later In Life

(56:36) A Special Message From Anton's Kids

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In this episode of Begin Again Moments, Davina is joined by award-winning writer Caitlin Moran and acclaimed journalist and author, Eleanor Mills, for two uplifting conversations about finding happiness, rediscovering yourself and learning to live a more hopeful life.

Caitlin shares the small but powerful changes that can transform how we feel about our lives. From finding joy in everyday moments and reconnecting with the people around us, to embracing community and doing things for others, she explores how we can feel less anxious, more connected and fall back in love with the world around us.

Then, Eleanor opens up about navigating the challenges of midlife and discovering who you really want to be. She shares why it's never too late to make a change, how to rediscover the things you once loved and why even our darkest chapters can lead to extraordinary new beginnings.

Together, these conversations are a reminder that happiness isn't always found in the big things. Sometimes, it's about changing our perspective, finding purpose and giving ourselves permission to begin again.

To hear the full conversations, watch the complete episodes on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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What if the secret to a happier life isn’t controlling what happens to you, but changing how you respond?

In this inspiring episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with bestselling author and Daily Stoic creator Ryan Holiday to explore how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can help us find calm, courage and purpose when life feels overwhelming.

Ryan explains why so much of our anxiety, anger and unhappiness comes from focusing on things we can’t control, and how the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca can help us face life’s challenges differently.

Together, Davina and Ryan explore how to let go of regret, overcome procrastination, build emotional resilience, and use journaling to make more intentional choices. They also discuss why accepting our mortality can help us feel more alive, and why Stoicism isn’t about shutting down our emotions, but learning how to respond with greater wisdom.

🌟Like, comment and subscribe for more honest conversations about purpose, resilience, love, loss and beginning again.

Follow us here:

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Follow Ryan Holiday here:

📸https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday/

🎥https://youtube.com/@ryanholidayofficial?si=fSfGMNvYF-2t1yC_

The Daily Stoic – 10th Anniversary Edition: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is available now from Profile Books. Get your copy at: https://linkly.link/2zELj

(00:00) Intro

(01:32) Selling 10 Million Books Worldwide

(04:31) How Stoicism Changes Our View Of Death

(09:45) Stoic Parenting: Learning To Let Go

(12:02) The Power Of Apologising

(13:59) Ryan On Dropping Out Of University

(16:58) Where Can Young Men Find Guidance Today

(18:30) How Stoic Philosophy Changes With Age

(20:31) BHF Ad

(21:42) Ancient + Brave Ad

(23:20) Why Ancient Stoicism Still Applies To Modern Life

(28:56) Stoicism Isn't About Suppressing Emotions

(38:09) Do Health Ad

(39:19) How Stoicism Helps You Learn From Mistakes & Overcome Regret

(46:22) Ryan's Favourite Stoic Philosophers

(47:08) The Obstacle Is The Way: Overcoming Adversity

(50:40) Ryan's Book Recommendations

Sponsored by:

British Heart Foundation: To help fund lifesaving research, visit https://bhf.org.uk/keepusbeating to donate now and keep us beating

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Do Health - The waitlist is open. Begin Again listeners get fixed early access pricing when they sign up today at dohealth.co/beginagain use code BEGINAGAIN

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In this episode of Begin Again Moments, Davina brings together two heartfelt conversations with the late Married at First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling and Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith, exploring why it's never too late to find love, rebuild trust and open your heart to new beginnings.

Mel Schilling shares her expert dating advice for finding love after heartbreak, overcoming the fear of rejection and rediscovering your self-worth. From navigating dating apps to understanding what you truly deserve in a relationship, Mel reveals why learning to love yourself is the first step towards finding someone new.

Prue Leith shares the beautiful, unexpected story of falling in love with her husband John at 70, reminding us that romance, connection and happiness have no age limit.

A hopeful reminder that no matter your age or what you've been through, it's never too late to love and be loved.

To hear the full conversations, watch the complete episodes on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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What if life's biggest setbacks are actually blessings in disguise?

In this hilarious episode of Begin Again, comedian, actress and writer Daisy May Cooper joins Davina McCall to share the extraordinary journey behind her success, and the personal struggles that have shaped her life.

Best known for creating the hit BBC comedy This Country with her brother Charlie Cooper, Daisy opens up about growing up with very little money, her difficult experience at drama school, and the years of rejection and self-doubt that nearly ended her career before it began.

She also reflects on her parents’ unexpected separation, her changing relationship with her mum, and how family heartbreak has brought surprising opportunities for healing, growth and new beginnings.

Davina and Daisy also explore their belief in the supernatural, experiences with psychics and spirituality, and why learning to trust your intuition can change your life.

This is a beautiful conversation about resilience, family, trusting yourself, finding hope and believing that even when life falls apart, something wonderful might still be waiting.

🌟Like, comment and subscribe for more honest conversations about purpose, resilience, love, loss and beginning again.

Follow us here:

📸www.instagram.com/beginagain

🎥https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod

✨Sign up for the Begin Again newsletter for behind-the-scenes access, recommendations and much more: https://linkly.link/2g2xm

Follow Daisy May Cooper here: https://www.instagram.com/daisymaycooper/

Buy ‘What Took You So Long’ by Daisy May Cooper here: https://linkly.link/2xcJV

We'd love you to share your Get Busy Living stories with us at https://getbusyliving.beginagainshow.com/

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) A Surprise For Daisy

(02:47) Davina's Gift For Daisy

(03:13) Daisy's New Book 'What Took You So Long'

(06:15) Her Parents Divorce

(09:39) A Letter From Daisy's Mum

(14:19) Her Traumatic 3 Years At RADA Drama School

(19:00) Starting Writing With Charlie

(21:43) Monzo GBL Ad

(24:07) Creating 'This Country'

(33:00) The Reception To 'This Country'

(35:08) Working With Her Brother & Dad

(37:14) Monzo 90 Days Ad

(40:26) Experiences With The Supernatural

(45:11) Daisy Gives A Tarot Reading

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