How to Date in Midlife and Reignite Your Sex Life!
In this episode of Begin Again, celebrated relationship expert and Married At First Sight psychologist Mel Schilling shares the most powerful lessons she's learned from decades of guiding couples — and from her own late-in-life love story.
Mel opens up about what dating later in life really looks like, why modern romance requires a different mindset, and how anyone — at any age — can find meaningful connection. She reflects on her journey of becoming a mother in her forties, meeting her partner abroad, and the myths we need to unlearn about love, sex, and intimacy as we age.
With warmth, clarity, and a no-nonsense approach, Mel explains how to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships, why emotional intimacy is often misunderstood, and the practical shifts every couple can make to deepen their connection.
This episode is full of honest insights, surprising truths, and expert strategies for anyone navigating love — whether you're starting over or trying to reignite what you already have.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
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https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod00:00 Intro
01:00 Davina’s Introduction
01:55 Mutual Appreciation and Warm-Up
04:22 Mel’s Early Ambition and Power of Manifestation
07:25 Where Psychology Meets Peak Performance
09:02 Finding Love Later in Life: Mel’s Story
11:01 Trust, Safety, and Dating After 40
13:39 Building a Dating Brand: Self-Awareness and Authenticity
16:30 Letting Go of Old Identities in Relationships
19:13 Mindset Shifts That Transform Dating Perspectives
25:20 Rejection, Resilience, and Emotional Strength in Dating
29:11 Knowing Your Dealbreakers While Actively Dating
33:15 Core Relationship Values
35:23 Mel’s Honest Miscarriage Journey
38:37 The Reality of Sex While Trying to Conceive
41:13 Mel’s IVF Experience and Emotional Impact
44:40 Thoughts on Parenthood and Family Life
47:35 Ancient + Brave Ad
49:04 Davina Reflects on Her Relationship with Michael
51:45 Ranking Relationship Values with Michael and Davina
1:13:13 Davina and Michael on Marriage and Commitment
1:13:45 Which Values Matter Less in a Relationship?
1:17:37 Understanding Consent in Modern Relationships
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1:32:01
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1:32:01
Rita Ora: I Proposed to my Husband Taika!
In this episode of Begin Again, global pop icon and actress Rita Ora sits down for her most open conversation yet. She reflects on the intense scrutiny she’s faced, the pressure of fame, and why speaking her truth now matters more than ever.
Rita shares how Beyoncé’s support helped her through a time when her identity and integrity were under attack. She speaks honestly about the journey to feel seen on her own terms, the impact of tabloid pressure in her twenties, and how she finally feels more grounded, more herself, than ever before.
The episode dives into her marriage to Taika Waititi, the joy and complexity of becoming a stepmother, and what it means to fully embrace her sexuality. With warmth, wisdom, and clarity, Rita reveals how she’s built a more peaceful, authentic life—one shaped by self-trust, real love, and personal growth.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
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(00:00) Intro
(00:04:26:10) Celebrating Confidence & Sexuality
(00:07:03:02) False Headlines
(00:10:04:17) Rita’s Fanbase: The Ritabots
(00:11:53:19) Rita’s Work Ethic & Refugee Life
(00:17:38:19) Signing with Jay-Z’s Label
(00:22:11:24) 'Hot Right Now' Global Success
(00:24:19:00) Love-Hate Relationship with the Press
(00:28:01:00) Media Impact on Mental Health
(00:31:42:23) Ridiculed for Embracing Sexiness
(00:33:37:19) The Masked Singer Journey
(00:35:09:12) Rita's Acting Career
(00:36:48:10) Ancient & Brave Ad
(00:38:35:14) Friendship With Beyoncé
(00:43:44:23) Rita’s Relationship with Taika
(00:58:17:07) Overcoming Challenges
(01:00:00:06) Becoming a Stepmother
(01:05:01:24) Rita’s Proposal to Taika
(01:08:14:14) Plans for the Future
(01:09:30:02) Mental Health & Hypochondria
Sponsored by:
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1:16:37
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1:16:37
Shaolin Master: The Hidden Mental Trap You Fall Into Daily! Why You’re Always in Fight or Flight
In this episode of Begin Again, Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi reveals the hidden mental trap that keeps millions of us stuck in fight-or-flight mode. He shares how modern life quietly poisons our peace of mind—and why stress, anxiety, and overwhelm have become our default state. Through the lens of ancient Shaolin wisdom, Shi Heng Yi offers a powerful alternative: mastering the breath, reconnecting with the body, and breaking free from inherited emotional patterns.
The conversation explores how discipline, self-reflection, and stillness can transform even the most chaotic life. From his own journey growing up in a refugee household to becoming a Shaolin Master, he explains why inner mastery—not escape—is the path to true peace. You'll learn the real reason you're exhausted, the unconscious habits keeping you disconnected, and how to begin again with clarity, purpose, and calm.
Whether you're navigating burnout, trauma, or simply feeling lost in a noisy world, this episode offers deep insight, grounded philosophy, and tools to reclaim your mind.
🧘♂️ Drop a comment: What mental habit are you ready to break?
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Shaolin Spirit: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464095/shaolin-spirit-by-yi-shi-heng/9780241715192
(00:00:00:00) Intro
(3:51) Shi Heng Yi: Becoming a Shaolin Master
(6:50) Dangers of a Scattered Mind
(10:34) Legacy, Self-Assessment & Growth
(15:15) Building True Self-Perception
(19:23) Unity Through Breath Awareness
(24:22) How to Master Breathwork
(29:50) Ancient & Brave (Ad)
(31:18) How to Handle Stress Effectively
(35:31) Taking Ownership for Self-Mastery
(37:38) Letting in the Light: Breaking the Cycle
(43:28) Two Common Mistakes on the Path to Truth
(46:27) Burnout Recovery: From Robots to Nature
(49:01) Clarify & Live Your Core Values
(51:03) How to Build Discipline in 21 Days
(55:11) Reviving Shaolin Temple Europe
(56:01) Experiencing the Shaolin Lifestyle
(1:00:37) Transforming Self-Perception
(1:03:00) Learning to Truly Let Go
(1:09:31) Gratitude & Discovering Your Unique Path
Sponsored by:
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1:16:35
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1:16:35
Mel Robbins: These 2 Words Will Fix Your Relationships!
In this episode of Begin Again, Mel Robbins reveals how she escaped £800,000 in debt, overcame crippling anxiety, and rebuilt her life using a simple tool known as the 5 Second Rule. She opens up about hitting rock bottom, the moment that sparked her transformation, and why waiting to “feel ready” is a lie. Mel also shares the science behind breaking bad habits and how small, consistent actions create real change.
The conversation also dives into Mel’s viral “Let Them” Theory—a powerful mindset shift that’s helping millions let go of control and heal their relationships. From navigating marriage struggles and parenting challenges to building inner peace, Mel offers hard-earned wisdom, practical tools, and emotional honesty. This is a must-watch for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to begin again.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
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"Let Them" Available here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1788176189/ref=tmm[…]1OoSw1UBXmoh1rOflxcVGDm_jVjrYTds--OUYM&qid=1749572663&sr=8-1
(00:00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:03:02) Coming Up...
(00:01:12:07) Gratitude
(00:01:40:02) Becoming Mel Robbins
(00:07:05:17) Mel's Personal Journey and Finding Motivation (00:14:33:09) How I Got Out of $800,000 in Debt
(00:17:44:17) Being the Villain of Your Own Story
(00:19:09:21) Talking About Family
(00:20:14:17) 5 Second Theory
(00:27:52:07) Ancient & Brave Ad
(00:29:21:16) TEDx Talk in 2011
(00:33:47:06) Science Behind the 5 Second Theory
(00:35:59:05) Understanding Motivation and What Holds Us Back (00:37:57:13) Let Them Theory
(00:41:16:00) Control, Power, and Relationships
(00:47:52:05) When 'Let Them' Becomes 'Let Me'
(00:52:36:12) Mel on Working with Her Daughter & Breakups
(01:00:54:12) Applying the Let Them Theory to Children
(01:04:52:06) Dealing with a Fight or Flight Mentality
(01:12:56:23) Navigating Adult Friendships
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1:23:20
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1:23:20
Katie Piper: From Surviving an Acid Attack to Finding Faith & Love
In this powerful episode of Begin Again, Katie Piper opens up about her remarkable journey following the horrific acid attack in 2008. She reflects on her path to survival, the deep emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the profound transformation that followed. From struggling with agoraphobia and navigating countless surgeries to discovering her faith, Katie shares how she rebuilt her life. Alongside this, she reveals the moments of humour and strength that helped her endure.
Katie also discusses how she found faith in her 20s, a journey that’s shaped her perspective on life and healing. She opens up about finding love, building a deep connection with her husband, and the joy of navigating motherhood—experiences that have been pivotal in her recovery. With raw honesty, she speaks about the loneliness of recovery and how she learned to embrace her new identity.
This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, the power of faith and love, and the ongoing process of healing as Katie navigates life after trauma. Her story is one of profound strength, transformation, and the importance of embracing the complexities of life’s challenges.
Katie’s Book ‘Still Beautiful’ - https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241722596-still-beautiful/
Upcoming Events for Katie - https://www.katiepiper.co.uk/book-tour
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(00:00:00) Coming up…
(00:01:02) Davina's Introduction
(00:02:18) Meeting Katie Piper
(00:05:21) Katie on Finding Her Faith
(00:10:51) Katie's Acid Attack Story
(00:18:03) Who Was Katie Before the Attack?
(00:24:37) Immediate Aftermath & Hospital Life
(00:30:25) The Impact of Loneliness After Trauma
(00:31:26) Identity & Physical Appearance Post-Attack
(00:36:33) Life in Rehab
(00:38:40) Mental Health Impact After Being Attacked
(00:43:16) Katie Isolating Herself After the Attack
(00:49:48) Katie’s Mum's Diary Entries: A Personal Look
(00:58:09) Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
(01:02:50) Drawing Confidence from Suffering
(01:05:03) Dealing with Misogyny & Inspiration from Deborah James
(01:09:34) Finding Comfort in Aging
(01:13:27) Navigating Dating
(01:18:49) Meeting Her Partner & Finding Romance
(01:28:07) Pregnancy & Parenting After Trauma
(01:33:38) Letter from Katie’s Mum
(01:37:01) Parenting Through Trauma & Healing
(01:41:19) Katie’s Foundation: Giving Back & Raising Awareness
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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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