I Took In A Homeless Man At Christmas... I Didn't Expect This To Happen!
In this episode of Begin Again, author and speaker Rob Parsons shares the extraordinary true story of how one simple act of kindness at Christmas changed his life, and the life of a homeless man named Ronnie, forever.
Rob recounts the moment Ronnie showed up at his door on Christmas Eve with nothing but a frozen chicken and a plastic bag. What began as a one-night offer of shelter turned into a 40-year journey of love, family, and redemption.
Through tears, laughter, and deeply moving moments, Rob reflects on how Ronnie, once abandoned and overlooked, became a beloved member of their home, helping raise his children and leaving an unforgettable legacy in their community.
This is a story about what happens when you open your heart and your home, and how giving someone a second chance can transform everyone involved.
Whether you're looking for hope this holiday season, questioning how to make a difference, or simply drawn to stories that restore your faith in humanity, this episode will stay with you.
Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱
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Buy 'A Knock at The Door': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knock-Door-astonishing-self-learning-unbelievable/dp/0008708665
(00:00) Intro
(01:16) Rob and the Power of Starting Over
(02:36) The Importance of Believing in Someone
(06:27) The Christmas a Stranger Knocked at the Door
(13:03) Building a Life with Ronnie
(21:41) Diane’s Struggles and Ronnie’s Support
(23:50) Ronnie’s Endless Generosity
(27:34) Letting Ronnie Know He Was Loved
(30:48) Ronnie’s Bond with Rob’s Kids and the Community
(34:43) How We Can Build a Better Society
(37:52) The Gaping Hole Ronnie Left Behind
(40:31) Homelessness, Care Leavers, and Social Responsibility
(44:20) Gratitude and Final Reflections on Ronnie
Sponsored by:
Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter
Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk
use code DAVINA for £35 off Carver Matt Frames
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Jamelia: I Had To Start My Life From Scratch
In this episode of Begin Again, singer Jamelia shares the deeply personal story of how she rebuilt her life from scratch after heartbreak and abandonment.
Jamelia opens up about becoming a single mother of four after her husband left her while she was pregnant, and how she found unexpected strength in the love of her daughters. She talks about navigating loneliness, the silence from people she once supported, and how starting over in her 40s became the most empowering chapter of her life.
She also reflects on her Rastafarian upbringing, her decision to homeschool her children, and what it means to truly heal while parenting. This conversation is full of warmth, vulnerability, and wisdom for anyone who’s had to pick themselves up when no one else was there.
Whether you're facing a relationship breakdown, questioning your purpose, or simply looking for a story of resilience, you’ll find inspiration here.
Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱
00:00 Intro
00:30 Jamelia’s Rastafarian Upbringing
05:53 Choosing To Home School
11:30 Jamelia’s Experience of Single Motherhood
16:53 Being Left During Pregnancy
24:11 Teaching Consent and Boundaries to Kids
26:30 Embracing Your Weirdness and Authentic Self
28:38 How Jamelia Got Her Start in Music
31:24 Adobe Express Ad
32:32 Aura Frames Ad
33:36 Jamelia’s Musical Journey
37:17 Gratitude for The Life Jamelia Has Now
43:16 Starting Over After Her Husband Left
51:27 Navigating a Manipulative Relationship
56:49 Rebuilding After a Traumatic Birth
1:04:27 Pride in Raising Empowered Daughters
1:07:01 Staying Humble
1:10:05 Her Final Release and Views on the Music Industry
1:14:22 Jamelia’s Comeback to Music
1:19:06 Reclaiming Her Voice and Bold Identity
1:20:35 A Letter from Her Daughter and Final Thoughts
Sponsored by:
Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter
Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk & use code DAVINA for £45 off Carver Matt Frames
Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk
use code DAVINA for £35 off Carver Matt Frames
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:32:49
Peter Crone: How to Free Your Mind and Finally Feel Enough
What if the stories you tell yourself are the only thing standing between you and freedom?
In this episode, Davina sits down with The Mind Architect Peter Crone to explore how our subconscious blueprints shape everything, from our relationships and self-worth to the fears that silently control us. Peter reveals how to let go of old narratives, why your past doesn’t define you, and the surprising truth about feeling "not enough."
If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or trapped by your own mind this conversation might change everything.
Don’t forget to leave us 5 ⭐️ 's, comment 💬, & follow for more stories🌱
(00:00) Intro
(02:51) Introduction to The Mind Architect
(04:23) Masculinity, Control, and the Need for Safety
(08:55) Finding Love and Living Authentically
(14:50) Peter on His Parents and Self-Sufficiency
(18:46) Love Epiphany and Becoming The Mind Architect
(20:39) What It Means to Be Human
(30:07) Aura Frames ad
(31:20) From Trauma to Love and Self-Acceptance
(36:36) The Stories We Tell Ourselves and How to Let Go
(44:32) Finding Freedom Through Shifting Perspectives
(53:05) Davina’s Personal Experience with Feeling Loneliness
Sponsored by :
Auraframes - https://auraframes.co.uk & use code DAVINA for £45 off Carver Matt Frames
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:20:58
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1:20:58
Laura Brown: Life After Getting Fired Is Better Than You Think!
In this episode of Begin Again, Laura Brown, former editor-in-chief of InStyle, shares her powerful journey from the top of the fashion world to navigating life after being fired.
Laura opens up about the ups and downs of her career, how she rebuilt herself after losing a job, and why getting fired doesn’t have to be the end but rather, a fresh start. She discusses how women often struggle with self-doubt in the workplace, the importance of confidence, and how owning your experiences can change the way you view setbacks.
Laura also talks about how she came to understand her true value, and why she’s not afraid to stand up for herself, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're currently facing a career challenge or just looking for inspiration, this episode is full of actionable tips and hard-won wisdom that will help you feel empowered to start again.
What do you think? Have you ever faced a major career setback and come back stronger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more stories. Click the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes! 🌱
(00:00) Intro
(01:37) Who is Laura Brown?
(01:50) Laura on Hustle, Work Ethic, and Drive
(05:40) Taking Ownership: Women’s Confidence in the Workplace
(10:03) Moving to New York and Breaking Into the Industry
(19:11) Becoming the Editor-in-Chief of InStyle
(23:03) Changing the Culture & Empowering Badass Women
(28:19) Aura Frames Ad
(29:35) Navigating the Changing Media Landscape
(35:48) Life After Being Fired: Public Reaction
(38:32) Being Fired: How to Handle a Workplace Exit
(42:24) What to Do When You Get Fired
(45:25) Even Oprah Got Fired
(50:02) Top Tips for Troubleshooting in the Job Market
Sponsored by:Ancient + Brave -
https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:00:07
Your Ultimate Guide To Starting Over!
To celebrate one extraordinary year of Begin Again, we’ve curated the 6 most unforgettable pieces of advice that have helped our audience, and us, start over. From heartbreak and grief to love, sex, purpose and letting go, this episode is a soul-stirring guide to transformation.
You’ll hear powerful insights from:
Paul C. Brunson on dating and intimacy in midlife
Cindy Gallop on owning your sexual confidence
Robin Sharma on the mindset to truly change your life
Gail McNeill on finding freedom by giving up everything
Andi Oliver on navigating grief with grace
Richard E. Grant on rediscovering joy after unimaginable loss
Whether you’re at the beginning of something new or in the thick of change, these conversations will inspire you to begin again with courage, clarity and heart.
Davina also shares a personal reflection on what this podcast has meant to her, and what’s coming next.
💬 Which moment resonated most with you? Leave us a comment. ❤️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this.
(00:00) Intro
(02:19) Paul C. Brunson: Dating in Midlife and Keeping Your Marriage Exciting
(09:51) Cindy Gallop: Unlocking Your Sexual Confidence
(17:39) Robin Sharma: The Mindset to Change Your Life
(23:06) Adobe Ad
(24:14) Ancient & Brave Ad
(25:31) Gail McNeill: Getting Rid of Everything to Find Happiness
(31:34) Andi Oliver: The Best Advice on Managing Grief
(38:14) Richard E. Grant: Finding Joy After Losing the Love of Your Life
(43:19) A Message from Davina
Sponsored by:
Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/Davina
Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet and use code BEGINAGAIN for 20% off your order
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This show is dedicated to empowering people to embrace midlife as their most transformative era yet. Davina’s guests will share stories of growth and rediscovery, letting you in on their own life journeys - many of which have challenged outdated narratives and ideas. Whether it's through expert insights, candid discussions, or real-life inspiration, Begin Again will be a supportive community for everyone to explore the revitalising second act of life. Davina wants everyone to know that midlife is not the start of the end; instead, it's the perfect opportunity and time to Begin Again.
Instagram: @beginagain
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davina-mccall-82204a19b/
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