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 her alcoholism, how even associating herself with the word was a huge challenge. She and John share their recovery journeys, and talk about the importance of reaching out for help.

On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Bryony shares the 5 things that she is currently grateful for.

If you need support, you can find advice and someone to talk to by visiting www.samaritans.org, emailing jo@samaritans.org or calling 116 123.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

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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 and raising a neurodivergent child.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyocopepod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 transitioning has affected her loved ones, and why meeting a young trans girl whilst filming a TV advert had a profound effect on her.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 cyclist to win the King of the Mountains jersey in 1984’s Tour de France, and paved the way for future British cycling success.

But ever since she was young, Philippa knew that something wasn’t right within her body, and it was only after retiring from cycling and withdrawing from the public eye, that Philippa was able to transition. She talks about the impact of body and gender dysmorphia, and discusses how transitioning affected not only herself, but all of her loved ones too.

On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Philippa shares the things that she is currently grateful for.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Judd and navigating the complexities of starting a family.

She opens up about the emotional toll of fertility struggles, the importance of hope, and the moments of beauty she found during the IVF process. Izzy also shares what she’s learned about supporting a neurodivergent child, the power of community, and the small strategies that help her family thrive.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyocopepod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 about Nicky’s powerful journey of experiencing abuse whilst at school and choosing to use his platform to bring his perpetrators to justice, his experience of tracking down and meeting his birth mother, and how bipolar disorder affects his life and work.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 his birth mother.

He also opens up about the abuse he experienced and witnessed whilst at The Edinburgh Academy; how he felt a sense of duty to use his platform and speak out years later, and how the language used to describe what actually happened can make a real difference.

Nicky also celebrates the restorative power of dogs, and explains the healing role that music plays in his life.

Helpful links:

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 records in a plastic bag at a train station, and why it’s okay to just be okay.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com, or follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @howdoyoucopepod.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.