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.

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 a drug-addicted mother and the boundaries she had to put in place to take care of her mental health.

On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Sophie shares the 5 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.

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, 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 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.