Begin Again with Davina McCall

Why does desire fade in long-term relationships? And could everything we’ve been taught about female pleasure be wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by clinical psychologist and psychosexologist Dr Karen Gurney to explore the truth about female pleasure, sexual desire and intimacy, and why so much of what we’ve been taught is holding us back. Karen challenges the idea of “foreplay”, explains why arousal can come before desire, and unpacks why feeling like you have a “low libido” doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. From the orgasm gap and women’s pleasure to the myths surrounding male desire, she shares what really shapes a fulfilling sex life. Together, Davina and Karen talk honestly about why passion can fade in long-term relationships, how to rebuild intimacy without pressure, and the surprisingly powerful role of flirting, affection and kissing simply for the joy of it. They also explore how to talk to your partner about sex without shame, how body confidence affects pleasure, and why getting older can bring a wonderful new sense of sexual freedom. 🌟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 Dr Karen Gurney here: https://www.instagram.com/thesexdoctor/ (00:00) Intro (01:36) Why Brits Struggle With Sex Talk (04:37) How Women's Views On Sex Become Distorted (08:21) Why "Virginity" And "Foreplay" Are Problematic Words (10:34) Educating Young People On Healthy Sex (12:04) Talk To Your Kids About Masturbation & Pleasure (20:36) Male vs. Female Orgasms (26:35) How Women Can Enjoy Sex More (29:03) BHF Ad (30:14) Do Health Ad (31:24) Better Communication Transforms Sex Lives (39:44) Ancient & Brave Ad (46:28) What Keeps Sexual Desire Alive (01:05:28) Why Body Confidence Is Key To Great Sex Sponsored by: British Heart Foundation - To help fund lifesaving research, visit https://bhf.org.uk/keepusbeating to donate now and keep us beating 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 Ancient & Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/planet use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off Sync ID: MB01D4FTYUDNHXL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Begin Again Moments, Davina McCall revisits two honest, eye-opening conversations with relationship expert Paul C. Brunson and psychosexual therapist Dr Karen Gurney, exploring how you can rebuild intimacy, reconnect with your partner and rediscover desire at any age. Paul reveals why his sex life is better after 23 years of marriage, the importance of emotional connection, and why foreplay begins long before you reach the bedroom. Dr Karen Gurney shares practical relationship advice on navigating different sex drives, overcoming feelings of rejection, and why scheduling intimacy could be the surprising secret to a happier, healthier relationship. Whether you're struggling with a lack of intimacy, feeling disconnected from your partner, or wondering how to keep love alive after years together, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that passion, connection, and closeness can grow stronger over time. To hear the full conversations, watch the complete episodes on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 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 Sponsored by: British Heart Foundation: To help fund lifesaving research, visit https://bhf.org.uk/keepusbeating to donate now and keep us beating Ancient & Brave: https://ancientandbrave.earth/planet use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off Sync ID: MB01FIT6I84BLZD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: 📸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 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 Ancient & Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/plant use code BEGINAGIN for 20% off 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 SYNC ID: MB01T1TMLNT92BF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices