Begin Again with Davina McCall

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.

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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.

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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.

Follow us here:📸 www.instagram.com/beginagain🎥 https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod 

(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

Sponsored by:

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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?

Follow Cindy & Make Love Not Porn:

MakeLoveNotPorn Academy: https://www.makelovenotporn.academy/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cindygallop

https://www.instagram.com/makelovenotporn

https://www.instagram.com/mlnpacademy

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

Sponsored by -

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