How Do You Cope?
Comedian and broadcaster John Robins sits down with guests each week to ask the very simple question: How Do You Cope? The show explores personal stories and strategies for dealing with life's challenges. Listeners can send in their thoughts and reflections. The podcast is a Significant Production.
Episodes
Nish Kumar: 'What surprised me is how little I knew about my own mind'
What happens when you realise your mind has been protecting you in ways you never understood?In this episode, John is joined by comedian Nish Kumar. After a gig in 2019 became the catalyst for a period of anxiety, fear and hypervigilance, Nish eventually received a diagnosis of PTSD. In this conversation, he reflects on the changing political landscape, the impact of sustained online abu
Fatiha El-Ghorri: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri shares what she is grateful for. Fatiha explains her gratitude for the rain, discussing her belief that ‘there is mercy in the rain’ to John. She is also grateful to be back in London after a busy few weeks touring her debut show, and for her publicist meeting her when she got off the train. Head to the main episode to hear Fa
Fatiha El-Ghorri: 'When you are confronted with your bias, you explore it'
In this episode, John is joined by comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri.Fatiha grew up in Hackney as one of 13 children, in a British-Moroccan Muslim family.She reflects on how both her upbringing and comedy have become enduring sources of strength. She also speaks about forging a career while often feeling she didn't fit other people's ideas of who she should be, the challenge of existing be
Your Correspondence #5
In this correspondence special, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. Recorded at home, he responds to listener reflections on food addiction, the difficult relationship between shame and compulsive behaviour, therapy and 12-step programmes. John also shares five things he is currently grateful for.John's book references include Healing The Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw, I Th
Sam Bagshaw: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, content creator Sam Bagshaw shares what he is grateful for. Number one on Sam’s list is his parents, who have supported him and helped build his confidence over the years. Sam is now more comfortable with travelling, which also features on his list, along with his job. Head to the main episode to hear Sam speak about the impact having a stammer has had on his ide
Sam Bagshaw: 'My stammer isn't stopping me'
This week, John is joined by Sam Bagshaw, a content creator whose honest and insightful videos about living with a stammer have helped millions better understand the realities of speech difficulties.Sam speaks about the impact having a stammer has had on his confidence and identity, and how it has shaped his life, from friendships and dating to education and work. He reflects on years spent avoidi
Kelsey Waghorn: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Kelsey Waghorn, a survivor of the 2019 Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption in New Zealand, shares what she is grateful for.It was an early start for Kelsey, recording from New Zealand, so the fact it didn’t rain when she walked her dog this morning makes the list, along with her morning coffee and, finally, sitting down with John after months of planning this conv
Kelsey Waghorn: 'There’s nothing quite like someone telling you, "you are normal"'
This week, John is joined by Kelsey Waghorn, a survivor of the 2019 Whakaari/White Island Volcanic eruption in New Zealand. In their conversation, Kelsey reflects on surviving the disaster, the long and painful reality of burn recovery and the psychological impact of trauma. She speaks about developing PTSD and the impact it had on her life and relationships.Kelsey also discusses the therapy
Scout Tzofiya Bolton: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, author, poet, broadcaster and activist Scout Tzofiya Bolton shares what they are grateful for. Family, sugar-free energy drinks, and getting their eyelashes done by Poppy, are just some of the items on the list. Along the way, they reflect on sobriety, parenting, self-care, creativity and the small rituals that help keep them grounded.Head to the main episode to hear
Scout Tzofiya Bolton: 'Trust the patient'
What happens when a manic episode changes your life forever?This week, John sits down with author, poet, broadcaster and activist Scout Tzofiya Bolton.Scout speaks about living with schizoaffective disorder, experiencing psychosis, addiction and repeated struggles to access the right mental health support. They discuss the events that led to a prison sentence during a manic episode, the failings t
Rhian Mannings: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Rhian Mannings, founder of 2Wish shares what she is grateful for. Her parents, photos and videos feature, along with a discussion about ‘glimmers’ - Rhian’s term for the small moments of positivity we can try and find in the every day. Head to the main episode to hear about Rhian’s experience of the impact of grief, trauma, and the reality of trying to survive af
Rhian Mannings: ‘Everyone grieves differently, there is no rule book’
What happens when unimaginable loss changes your life forever?In today’s episode, John is joined by Rhian Mannings, founder of 2Wish.Rhian reflects on the devastating loss of her one-year-old son George, who died suddenly after suffering a seizure, and the death of her husband Paul just five days later. She speaks about grief, trauma, and the reality of trying to survive after losing what felt lik
The Gratitude List: Jason Fox
In this week’s bonus episode, presenter, writer, and former Royal Marine Commando Jason Fox shares what he is grateful for. Family, his physical and mental health and finding purpose through work all feature, alongside the barefoot shoes which helped him recover after breaking his leg.Head to the main episode to hear about Jason’s experience of the impact of active service, navigating PTSD and wha
Jason Fox: ‘An emotion is an alarm bell telling us to pay attention, not to act’
How do you return to normal life after being trained for war?John is joined by presenter, writer, and former Royal Marine Commando Jason Fox.Jason opens up about the long-term psychological impact of active service, the pressures military life places on the mind and body, and why PTSD is often more complex than people realise. He reflects on the difficulty of transitioning back into everyday life,
Suzi Ruffell: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell shares what she is grateful for. Suzi’s into gratitude in a big way, and overnight oats, her wife and daughter and the beach are just some of the things mentioned on her list. Head to the main episode to hear about Suzi’s relationship with anxiety, navigating self-acceptance and her experience of coming out. You ca
Suzi Ruffell: ‘It's never too late to come out’
How do you learn to accept yourself after years of trying to be someone else?In today’s episode, John is joined by comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell.Suzi opens up about how childhood anxiety shaped her early life, from intrusive thoughts and compulsive checking, to the fear of losing loved ones. She reflects on how these anxieties have evolved in the age of social media, and why she feel
Anthony Scaramucci: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communications for Donald Trump Anthony Scaramucci shares what he is grateful for, health and his relationship with his wife feature, as well as finding inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning.Head to the main episode to hear Anthony speak about how his childhood shaped his approach to wo
Anthony Scaramucci: ‘Trump is a symptom of a disease in the West'
How do you handle working with Donald Trump, and what happens when failure plays out in public?John is joined by Anthony Scaramucci, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communications for Donald Trump.Anthony reflects on how his childhood shaped his approach to work, and how it ultimately prepared him for one of the most high-pressure roles in politics today. He shares what t
Esther Ghey: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, campaigner Esther Ghey shares what she is grateful for. John and Esther reflect on silent retreats, time with friends, morning walks and the tulips in Postman’s Park, as well as the work of the Brianna Ghey Legacy project team. Head to the main episode to hear Esther speak about how her own past has shaped her capacity for compassion, and how mindfulness became a
Esther Ghey: ‘Having mindfulness in my back pocket saved me’
How do you navigate the world after the murder of your child?John is joined by Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey who was murdered in 2023. Following her daughter’s death, Esther found herself confronting an online world filled with hostility and harm.Esther shares how her own past has shaped her capacity for compassion, and how mindfulness became a lifeline in the aftermath of her daughter’s dea
Alison Spittle: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian, podcaster, writer and actor Alison Spittle shares the things she’s grateful for. Podcasting, the TV show Pointless, and late-90s pop bands such as the Spice Girls and S Club 7 all feature, along with Mounjaro and the freedom that comes from not constantly thinking about food.Head to the main episode to hear Alison speak about using food as protection, how it
Alison Spittle ‘The compulsion to eat was stronger than wanting to live’
What does it mean when your coping mechanism stops working for you?John speaks to comedian, podcaster, writer and actor Alison Spittle about using food as protection, and how it shaped her sense of self. After a serious health scare forced a change, Alison found herself confronting feelings she had numbed with food. She reflects on being treated differently since her weight change, how it fee
Richard Osman: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode best-selling author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman shares the things he's grateful for. Having suffered with poor eyesight his whole life, Richard appreciates the things he can see. Daytime TV and sport also feature, along with a detailed discussion about Ronnie O'Sullivan and what the last signs of humanity might be.Head to the main episode to hear about Richard
Richard Osman: 'The addiction itself becomes the shame'
John is joined by best-selling author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman for a conversation about food addiction, shame, and the challenge of changing behavioural patterns. Richard reflects on how his addiction developed during childhood, and why he sought therapy in his thirties after becoming “tired of weird behaviour”. Richard also speaks about his relationship with shame and how he
How Do You Cope is back for a brand new series!
How Do You Cope is back for a brand new series! Each week John Robins will be speaking to fascinating guests, including former Communications Director to Donald Trump Anthony Scaramucci, comedian Alison Spittle and campaigner and author Esther Ghey. The first episode drops on Monday 20th April and features author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman.Gratitude List bonus episodes are back
Your Correspondence #4
In the final episode of the series, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. We hear correspondence on our episodes with David Challen, Pierre Novellie and Nicky Campbell. And reflect on gratitude, neurodivergence and pets.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.comWatch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepodFollow the show on
Bryony Gordon: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode journalist, author and broadcaster Bryony Gordon shares the things she’s grateful for. Books, free coffees and Arsenal football club feature, along with discussions of the vital importance of rightsizing.Head to the main episode to hear about Bryony’s difficult journey from alcohol and drug addiction to sobriety, her coping mechanisms for quieting the negative voice in
Bryony Gordon: ‘I couldn’t associate myself with the word alcoholic’
How do you live a fulfilling life after coming to terms with addiction problems?John speaks to the journalist, author and broadcaster Bryony Gordon about confronting her alcohol and drug addictions, finding ways to quieten the negative voice in her head, and how running and exercise have transformed her life for the better.Bryony talks about her difficult and reluctant journey towards confronting
Izzy Judd: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode author, presenter and musician Izzy Judd shares the things she’s grateful for. From the life lessons you can learn from your children, to a life where therapy is both accessible and acceptable for her and her family.Head to the main episode to hear about Izzy’s journey to becoming a mum, the trauma of the accident that changed the course of her brother’s life forever a
Philippa York: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode ex-cyclist, now journalist and author Philippa York shares the things she’s grateful for. Philippa talks about the importance of health, describes the gratitude she has for existing how she wants to exist, and explains the differences she has experienced entering the female world.Head to the main episode to hear about Philippa’s lifelong body and gender dysmorphia, how
Philippa York: ‘Am I always going to be seen as the cyclist who transitioned?’
What do great sporting achievements mean when you’re born in the wrong body?John sits down with ex-cyclist Philippa York, who competed in the Tour de France under the name Robert Millar, to talk about transitioning from male to female, having her privacy invaded by the press, and the ups and downs of competing in cycling’s most prestigious race.As Robert Millar, Philippa was the first British cycl
Izzy Judd: ‘I had to learn to let go of control’
Can you ever prepare yourself for the challenges of parenthood — especially when faced with unexpected struggles?Author, presenter, and musician Izzy Judd joins John to talk about her experiences with IVF, miscarriage, and raising a neurodivergent child. Izzy reflects on her journey from growing up in a deeply musical family, through her early career as a violinist, to meeting her husband Harry Ju
Nicky Campbell: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode broadcaster, author and musician Nicky Campbell shares the things he’s grateful for. Unsurprisingly for a man who’s written a book about his dog, man’s best friend features front and centre of Nicky’s gratitude list. He also explores his love of the Scottish highlands, and gives thanks for the jobs he’s been able to do over the years.Head to the main episode to hear ab
Nicky Campbell: ‘I was 9 when I saw my friend being abused next to me’
Can you ever fully recover from experiences of childhood abuse?John is joined by fellow BBC 5 Live presenter; broadcaster, author and musician Nicky Campbell. They explore Nicky’s experiences of adoption, his bipolar disorder, and experiencing and witnessing abuse whilst at school.Nicky was taken in for adoption at a few days old, and describes the emotional journey of tracking down and meeting hi
Sophie Willan: The Gratitude List (Encore)
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian and actor Sophie Willan shares the 5 things she’s currently grateful for. No stranger to writing gratitude lists, Sophie delves into her trusty No Probllama note book (complete with a llama on the cover) to describe everything she is thankful for.Head to the main episode to hear about Sophie’s experiences of growing up in the care system, receiving her record
Sophie Willan: ‘In the care system you're either a tragic story or a hero’ (Encore)
How do you truly find your identity after growing up in care?John is joined by comedian Sophie Willan, the star and writer of Alma’s Not Normal, to talk about her experiences of the care system.Sophie discusses the many ways being in care has affected her life - from constantly thinking of herself as an outsider, to always feeling the need to make people happy. She also talks about growing up with
Jordan Stephens: The Gratitude List (Encore)
In this week’s bonus episode, musician and writer Jordan Stephens shares the five things he’s currently grateful for. There’s a disagreement about dogs, but a lot of excitement over a new way of drinking tea.Head to the main episode to hear about Jordan’s struggles with fame, addiction, and managing his ADHD. Plus why he thinks group therapy changed his life.You can send in your thoughts and refle
Jordan Stephens: ‘I had an appetite for self destruction’ (Encore)
How do you recover from a breakup you feel is your fault?John sits down with musician and writer Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of Rizzle Kicks, to talk about how his self-destructive behaviour led to infidelity and heartbreak.Jordan opens up to John about how he set his life back on the right path by admitting his faults, accepting his ADHD diagnosis, and throwing himself into group ther
Tom Rosenthal: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, author and comedian Tom Rosenthal shares the 5 things he is grateful for. He explains why he thinks dogs resonate at a higher frequency to people, and why he’s grateful to be part of the comedy world.Head to the main episode to hear about Tom’s spiritual journey from sceptic to believer, his experiences of losing an unborn child, and his approach to living life by bei
Tom Rosenthal: ‘I’ve had personal experience of a higher power’
How do we live the most fulfilled life possible?John sits down with his friend the comedian and actor Tom Rosenthal to discuss faith, coming to terms with loss, and experiencing a higher plane of existence.Tom describes how taking part in the BBC documentary Pilgrimage led to him confronting buried trauma around the loss of his unborn child.He also explains how he experienced a transcendental epis
Chermal Williams: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Chermal Williams from the charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse shares the 5 things she is grateful for. She explains how getting up at 5am every day has changed her life, and why she’s grateful for herself.Head to the main episode to hear about Chermal’s experiences of domestic abuse as a child at the hands of her stepfather. And how coaching a boys’ footb
Chermal Williams: ‘I want children to have the childhood I didn’t have'
How do you escape and recover from abuse by a parent?John talks to Chermal Williams, Head of Services for Health and Training at the charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, about her difficult childhood.Chermal was the victim of domestic abuse as a child at the hands of her stepfather, experiencing physical and psychological abuse. Later as an adult, she found herself in an abusive relat
Angela Scanlon: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, broadcaster and writer Angela Scanlon shares the 5 things she is grateful for. She explains how gratitude came into her life via Irish dancing, and expresses her love for the mundane.Head to the main episode to hear about Angela’s battles with anorexia and bulimia, her journey into parenthood, and how meditating for 10 minutes on the tube can change her day.You can se
Angela Scanlon: ‘My eating disorder made my world feel safe’
How do you recover from an eating disorder?John speaks to presenter, writer and broadcaster Angela Scanlon about living with anorexia and bulimia in her younger years.Angela noticed her relationship with food change in her late teens, and went on to struggle with eating disorders for 15 years. She talks about how controlling her eating gave her a sense of safety, which years later morphed into an
Your Correspondence #3
In a special episode, John reads a selection of your questions and emails.There are reflections on Megan Jayne Crabbe’s message of body positivity, reactions to Naga Munchetty highlighting the misogyny of the health service, and John answers questions about making big life decisions, and how to effectively check in on loved ones.You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepo
Anton Ferdinand: ‘It felt like me versus football’
Why should footballers have to tolerate racism?John sits down with ex-footballer Anton Ferdinand, who found himself at the centre of a national racism scandal.Anton was playing for Premier League team Queens Park Rangers in October 2011, when Chelsea and England defender John Terry was caught on camera apparently saying a racist slur. Terry was subsequently charged with racially abusing Anton, but
David Challen: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, domestic abuse campaigner and author David Challen shares the 5 things he is grateful for. In what turns out to be one of John’s favourite ever gratitude lists, David expresses his love for his bike and the film ‘You’ve Got Mail’.Head to the main episode to hear about how David fought to get his mother released from prison after she’d killed his father. He explains wh
David Challen: ‘My mum killed my dad but I fought to get her free’
How do you reconcile your mother killing her abuser, when her abuser was your father?John speaks to domestic abuse campaigner and author David Challen. He shares his experiences of fighting to get his mother freed from prison after she killed his father.David was just 23 when he found out his mother Sally was close to ending her own life after the incident. She was subsequently sentenced to life i
Megan Jayne Crabbe: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, author and digital creator Megan Jayne Crabbe shares the 5 things she is grateful for.Megan explains how her relationship with gratitude initially started from a place of scepticism. She also discusses the benefits of writing morning pages, and why she’s grateful for Gilbert the cat.Head to the main episode to hear about Megan’s journey with anorexia, transforming her
Megan Jayne Crabbe: 'Making my body smaller has only ever made my life smaller'
How do you learn to love your body?John sits down with writer, presenter, and digital creator Megan Jayne Crabbe to talk about her experience of eating disorders, her journey into body positivity, and the reasons why women make themselves small.Megan began posting online about body positivity under the handle Bodyposipanda at the age of 21. In her teens she struggled with anorexia and binge eating
Leslie Ash: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, actor Leslie Ash shares the things she’s grateful for, including The Chelsea Detective, and her blue roan Cocker Spaniel.Head to the main episode to hear about Leslie’s ordeal with the life-threatening infection MSSA, her long road to recovery, and her treatment by the tabloid press after a procedure to plump up her lips went wrong.You can send in your thoughts and re
Leslie Ash: ‘I was 2 hours from death’
What do you do when your career is derailed by a life-threatening infection?John speaks to actor Leslie Ash, best known for playing the role of Debs in the 90s sitcom Men Behaving Badly, about catching an infection that nearly killed her.After being admitted to hospital with cracked ribs, Leslie contracted the life-threatening infection MSSA, which left her unable to walk. She discusses her long r
Pierre Novellie: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian Pierre Novellie shares the 5 things he is grateful for. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gets a shout out, as does Pierre’s own memory.Head to the main episode to hear about Pierre’s experiences of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later in life, how hyper-focusing at school led to teachers thinking he was deaf, and why Pierre thinks TV show The Big Bang
Pierre Novellie: 'I wasn't able to get what I wanted out of life'
What do you do when a stranger at a gig tells you they think you have autism?Comedian, writer and broadcaster Pierre Novellie sits down with John to talk about his experiences of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Pierre wasn’t diagnosed with ASD until the age of 31, after an audience member at his stand up show told him they thought he was on the autistic spectrum.He talks about masking at a young ag
Self Esteem: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, shares the 5 things she is grateful for.Rebecca praises her hair and make up team, and expresses gratitude for a device that lets her listen to Peep Show whilst falling asleep.Head to the main episode to hear about Rebecca’s need to reinvent both herself and her career, and the coping mechanisms she’s developed for the days when s
Self Esteem: ‘It was easier to be a sexualised version of myself'
At what point do you decide to take the plunge and make that life-changing decision?John sits down with musician and actor Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, to talk about how she reinvented both herself and her career.Rebecca left the band Slow Club in 2017 and started releasing her own music under the moniker Self Esteem. She talks about the years leading up to the band’s split, and how the p
Hannah Maguire: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, RedHanded host Hannah Maguire shares the 5 things she is currently grateful for. Narrow ruled notebooks make an appearance, and there’s a heated debate around Lime bikes.Head to the main episode to hear about Hannah’s experiences of receiving an ADHD diagnosis aged 33, how taking the first dose of medication left her in tears, and how the loss of her father at the age
Hannah Maguire: 'I grieved for my unmedicated self'
Why are so many women only finding out as adults that they are neurodiverse?Host of the hugely successful true crime podcast RedHanded Hannah Maguire sits down with John to talk about her experiences of living with undiagnosed ADHD.Hannah always had an inkling that her brain worked differently to most people’s, but she was only diagnosed last year aged 33. She discusses why women are under-diagnos
Jason Arday: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Professor Jason Arday shares the 5 things he is grateful for. He explains how a McDonald’s triple cheeseburger acts a barometer for his gratitude, and why everyone needs to remain faithful.Head to the main episode to hear about Jason’s experiences of learning to speak aged 11, and read and write aged 18, and how was he able to channel his determination to become the y
Professor Jason Arday: 'I learned to mask within an inch of my life'
Jason was diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay as a child, and was non-verbal. Despite these challenges, through determination and the support of family and teachers, he learnt to speak aged 11, and read and write by 18, before going on to forge a successful career in academia. He discusses his incredible journey with John...On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Jaso
Andrew and Lisa Roussos: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew and Lisa Roussos share the 5 things they are grateful for.After losing their daughter Saffie in the Manchester Arena bombing, Andrew and Lisa questioned whether they would ever find joy again. Here they describe their gratitude for the emergency services, for the people of Manchester, and for Saffie herself.Head to the main episode to hear about Andrew and Lisa
Andrew and Lisa Roussos: ‘My world fell apart’
How do you survive an unimaginable tragedy?John sits down with Andrew and Lisa Roussos, parents to Saffie, the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing. The attack not only took their youngest daughter, but also left Lisa with life changing injuries. Lisa remained in a coma for 6 weeks following the terrorist attack, and awoke to the news that Saffie had lost her life.Andrew and Lisa then c
Naga Munchetty: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, broadcaster and author Naga Munchetty shares the 5 things she is currently grateful for.For Naga, Rory McIlroy and discovering strength training are both good reasons to be grateful. Plus John gets reprimanded for his sub-par golfing ethos.Head to the main episode to hear about Naga’s work to have women’s health taken seriously and her own experience battling painful
Naga Munchetty: 'Medical misogyny exists'
Why are women still asked to accept pain by the medical establishment?John speaks to broadcaster and author Naga Munchetty about how women’s health is still ignored and dismissed within our healthcare system.Naga discusses how her own painful periods have impacted every corner of her life, and the shocking stories she uncovered while researching her book “It’s Probably Nothing - Critical Conversat
Your Correspondence #2
In a special episode, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. He shares how he felt preparing for an interview with one of his favourite artists, Bonnie "Prince" Billy.He reflects on the joys of going to bed sober, and why it’s important to hear the experiences of people we don’t agree with.Lastly, he turns the Gratitude List over to you, to hear what’s making you smile.You can send in
Alastair Campbell: 'I didn’t want to identify myself as mentally ill'
At what point do you accept that you need help?John talks to political strategist, author and broadcaster Alastair Campbell about his battles with depression. Alastair has been very vocal about the after-effects of a psychotic episode that left him hospitalised in 1986, and seeing his brother Donald live with schizophrenia.He talks about his resistance towards seeking help, how his spell in hospit
Gary Lightbody: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for.Gratitude plays a big part in Gary’s life, and he describes a transcendental experience he had whilst swimming in Belfast Lough.Head to the main episode to hear about Gary’s experiences of grief after the death of his father, how he felt guilt and shame in the wake of his passing,
Gary Lightbody: ‘I thought I was broken, and I would never feel again'
What do you do when the grief of losing a loved one becomes all-consuming?Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody sits down with John to talk about losing his father, and the all-encompassing grief that followed.Gary talks about the sometimes challenging relationship he had with his Dad Jack. In the wake of Jack’s death, he was forced to confront the ways in which their relationship could have been be
Craig Mackinlay: The Gratitude List=
In this week’s bonus episode, member of the House of Lords Craig Mackinlay shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for.Beginning unsurprisingly with gratitude for life itself, Craig explains how, from the moment he woke up from his coma, he was determined to live.Head to the main episode to hear about Craig’s ordeal with sepsis; from losing both his arms and legs to having to relearn how to w
Craig Mackinlay: ‘I woke up from the coma and could see that my arms and legs were dead’
How do you recover both mentally and physically from a life-changing operation?John sits down with member of the House of Lords Craig Mackinlay who developed sepsis in 2023 and was given a 5% chance of survival. Craig spent 16 days in an induced coma and then had both his arms and legs amputated.He discusses how his wife’s tenacity kept him alive, how he’s adapted to life with prosthetic arms and
Bonnie “Prince” Billy: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, musician Bonnie “Prince” Billy, aka Will Oldham, shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for, and explains why he sees gratitude as acts of reverence and defiance.Head to the main episode to hear about Will’s experiences of caring for his mother when she developed Alzheimer’s, how he copes with grief, and why streaming has harmed our appreciation of music.You can
Bonnie “Prince” Billy: ‘Grief is only bearable in micro moments'
How do you cope when caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s?John speaks to one of his musical heroes, the musician and actor Bonnie “Prince” Billy, aka Will Oldham. After the death of Will’s father, his mother started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease.John also discusses Will’s journey into music, his difficulty in calling himself an artist, and the effect that streaming has on our appreciation o
Rosie Jones: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian Rosie Jones shares the 5 things she is currently grateful for. There’s an in-depth conversation about central heating, and Rosie extols the virtues of long (and slightly erotic) hot water bottles.Head to the main episode to hear about Rosie’s coping mechanisms in the face of online hate and abuse, how she was able to stand up to Matt Hancock, and why she’s un
Rosie Jones: ‘Abuse is hard, but I know I’m being my true authentic self’
How do you stay strong when you’re on the receiving end of online hate and abuse?John sits down with Rosie Jones to discuss the ways that humour and wit have helped her deal with the challenges she’s faced as a comedian and writer with cerebral palsy.She also talks about her journey into the world of television, and why writing her books about Edie Eckhart, a young girl with cerebral palsy, is the
Your Correspondence
In a special episode, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. He shares the coping mechanisms he’s learnt from recent guests, and how his approach to interviews has changed since becoming sober.We also turn the Gratitude List over to you, to hear what’s making you smile. And John shares 5 things he’s currently thankful for...You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoy
Amanda Knox: ‘ I felt utterly ostracised by the rest of humanity’
How do you cope when you’re sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit?John speaks to writer and activist Amanda Knox, who was wrongfully incarcerated for the murder of Meredith Kercher at the age of just 22. Amanda spent a total of 4 years in an Italian jail before she was exonerated by Italy’s highest court in 2015.In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, Amanda talks about the
Matt Forde: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian Matt Forde shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for.This is a list that John had been looking forward to, and it doesn’t disappoint. Granted, Matt does stray a little further than the permitted 5, but why shouldn’t he be allowed to express his gratitude for grass?Head to the main episode to hear about Matt’s cancer journey; from contemplating having n
Matt Forde: ‘I’m still alive, I’m still getting laughs; that’s a win isn’t it?’
How do you stay positive when facing life-altering surgery?John sits down with comedian, satirist, and friend, Matt Forde, to talk about his experiences of cancer.At the age of just 40 Matt was told he had a 1-in-a-million rare form of cancer that required radical surgery that would change his life forever. Matt explains how, despite having his positive outlook on life gravely tested, he was able
Joe Wicks: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, fitness coach Joe Wicks shares the 5 things he is currently grateful for. Joe explains how gratitude lists already play a part in his life, and talks about his reverence for bananas.Head to the main episode to hear about Joe’s experiences growing up with addiction in the family, his current struggles switching off from social media, and his belief that exercise can ch
Joe Wicks: ‘The antidote to addiction is connection’
How does being the child of an addict affect your life?John is joined by fitness and health coach Joe Wicks to explore the trauma from his childhood, living with addiction in the family, and switching off from social media.The son of a father with addiction problems and a mother with severe OCD and eating disorders, Joe grew up in a chaotic environment. He explains how he used exercise to escape f
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