How Do You Cope?

Significant Productions

Comedian and broadcaster John Robins sits down with guests each week to ask the very simple question; How Do You Cope?

Send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com.

Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod.

Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

How Do You Cope is a Significant Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

92 episodes
Updated July 23

Episodes92

Newest first

May 11 · 48 min
Anthony Scaramucci: ‘Trump is a symptom of a disease in the West'
How do you handle working with Donald Trump, and what happens when failure plays out in public? John is joined by Anthony Scaramucci, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communications for Donald Trump. Anthony reflects on how his childhood shaped his approach to work, and how it ultimately prepared him for one of the most high-pressure roles in politics today. He shares what the experience taught him about pressure, loyalty and knowing when to walk away. Anthony also opens up about failure on a global stage, the importance of self-awareness and why integrity is so important. Anthony’s book From Wall Street To The White House and Back is available now. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 7 · 16 min
Esther Ghey: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, campaigner Esther Ghey shares what she is grateful for. John and Esther reflect on silent retreats, time with friends, morning walks and the tulips in Postman’s Park, as well as the work of the Brianna Ghey Legacy project team. Head to the main episode to hear Esther speak about how her own past has shaped her capacity for compassion, and how mindfulness became a lifeline in the aftermath of her daughter’s death. Esther’s book Under a Pink Sky is available now. You can find out more about Esther’s campaigning work via Phone Free Education and Brianna Ghey Legacy Project If you need support, you can find advice and someone to talk to by visiting Mind or Samaritans. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 4 · 1 hr
Esther Ghey: ‘Having mindfulness in my back pocket saved me’
How do you navigate the world after the murder of your child? John is joined by Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey who was murdered in 2023. Following her daughter’s death, Esther found herself confronting an online world filled with hostility and harm. Esther shares how her own past has shaped her capacity for compassion, and how mindfulness became a lifeline in the aftermath of her daughter’s death. Now, Esther is campaigning for phone-free schools, and shares urgent insights for parents navigating the difficulties of the online world. Esther’s book Under a Pink Sky is available now. You can find out more about Esther’s campaigning work via Phone Free Education and Brianna Ghey Legacy Project There’ll be more from Esther on Thursday in our bonus episode, The Gratitude List, where she shares the five things she’s most grateful for right now. If you need support, you can find advice and someone to talk to by visiting Mind and Samaritans You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 23 min
Alison Spittle: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian, podcaster, writer and actor Alison Spittle shares the things she’s grateful for. Podcasting, the TV show Pointless, and late-90s pop bands such as the Spice Girls and S Club 7 all feature, along with Mounjaro and the freedom that comes from not constantly thinking about food. Head to the main episode to hear Alison speak about using food as protection, how it shaped her sense of self, and her journey through weight change. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 27 · 1 hr 8 min
Alison Spittle ‘The compulsion to eat was stronger than wanting to live’
What does it mean when your coping mechanism stops working for you? John speaks to comedian, podcaster, writer and actor Alison Spittle about using food as protection, and how it shaped her sense of self. After a serious health scare forced a change, Alison found herself confronting feelings she had numbed with food. She reflects on being treated differently since her weight change, how it feels to address emotions she had previously buried, and the complexity of labels. On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Alison shares the 5 things that she is currently grateful for. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 23 · 25 min
Richard Osman: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode best-selling author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman shares the things he's grateful for. Having suffered with poor eyesight his whole life, Richard appreciates the things he can see. Daytime TV and sport also feature, along with a detailed discussion about Ronnie O'Sullivan and what the last signs of humanity might be. Head to the main episode to hear about Richard's food addiction, his relationship with shame and navigating changing behavioural patterns. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 20 · 1 hr 9 min
Richard Osman: '⁠The addiction itself becomes the shame'
John is joined by best-selling author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman for a conversation about food addiction, shame, and the challenge of changing behavioural patterns. Richard reflects on how his addiction developed during childhood, and why he sought therapy in his thirties after becoming “tired of weird behaviour”. Richard also speaks about his relationship with shame and how he manages it, as well as sharing some practical insights for anyone navigating similar struggles with food addiction. There’ll be more from Richard on Thursday in our bonus episode, The Gratitude List, where he shares the five things he’s most grateful for right now. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 15 · 2 min
How Do You Cope is back for a brand new series!
John's back to speak to some amazing new guests.
Sep 18, 2025 · 22 min
Bryony Gordon: The Gratitude List
In this week’s bonus episode journalist, author and broadcaster Bryony Gordon shares the things she’s grateful for. Books, free coffees and Arsenal football club feature, along with discussions of the vital importance of rightsizing. Head to the main episode to hear about Bryony’s difficult journey from alcohol and drug addiction to sobriety, her coping mechanisms for quieting the negative voice in her head, and the role that moving and exercise now play in her life. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 18, 2025 · 32 min
Your Correspondence #4
In the final episode of the series, John reads a selection of your emails and feedback. We hear correspondence on our episodes with David Challen, Pierre Novellie and Nicky Campbell. And reflect on gratitude, neurodivergence and pets. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 14, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Bryony Gordon: ‘I couldn’t associate myself with the word alcoholic’
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. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 11, 2025 · 19 min
Izzy Judd: The Gratitude List
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 4, 2025 · 19 min
Philippa York: The Gratitude List
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 1, 2025 · 59 min
Philippa York: ‘Am I always going to be seen as the cyclist who transitioned?’
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 31, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Izzy Judd: ‘I had to learn to let go of control’
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 28, 2025 · 13 min
Nicky Campbell: The Gratitude List
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 25, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Nicky Campbell: ‘I was 9 when I saw my friend being abused next to me’
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 21, 2025 · 18 min
Sophie Willan: The Gratitude List (Encore)
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18, 2025 · 55 min
Sophie Willan: ‘In the care system you're either a tragic story or a hero’ (Encore)
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod 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. How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 14, 2025 · 26 min
Jordan Stephens: The Gratitude List (Encore)
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 via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.