Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

From a chance appearance on Blind Date to becoming a familiar face on British television, Ortis Deley joins Mo Gilligan to talk about the opportunities, setbacks and unforgettable moments behind his career. Ortis reveals how a pharmacy student ended up presenting on Trouble and Live & Kicking, revisits his memorable Rihanna interview, and shares what happened when his 2011 live athletics coverage went wrong — a setback he says stalled his career for two years. There are stories from The Gadget Show, high-speed chases on Police Interceptors, and plenty of laughs about why jungle life isn’t for him. Plus, Ortis reflects on Black representation on screen and why hearing “you were my childhood” means more to him than an award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before influencers, daily vlogs and creators turning their lives into TV, Stevo The Madman was already doing it. Stevo joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious and surprisingly revealing conversation about the journey from professional football and producing grime records to becoming one of the most recognisable personalities of the early UK social media era. Stevo takes us back to producing music around Skepta, Dexplicit and the grime scene, playing professional football, working as a van driver and accidentally finding an audience by simply filming the madness happening around him. He also tells the incredible story of filming a comedy sketch with a realistic BB gun that ended with ARMED POLICE surrounding him, spending eight hours in a cell and having to convince officers that he was actually making comedy. They get into the rise of Snapchat, Filthy Fellas, building an audience of more than a million followers, pulling huge viewing numbers before the platform was properly monetised, turning his family life into must-watch entertainment and why translating that raw energy to traditional TV proved much harder than expected. Stevo also opens up about watching his daughters grow up, his relationship with his audience, why he nearly tried stand-up, and his plans to reinvent the original Stevo format through live streaming and The Mad House. A proper look back at one of the pioneers of UK creator culture — and a reminder of just how far ahead of the game Stevo really was. 👇 What was the FIRST Stevo The Madman video or Snapchat story you remember watching? LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From being given away at just three months old in Jamaica to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British television, Mr Motivator’s story is much bigger than Lycra and morning workouts. In this episode of Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan sits down with the legendary Mr Motivator — Derrick Evans — for an incredible conversation about resilience, fatherhood, ambition, health and the extraordinary journey that made him a household name. Mr Motivator opens up about arriving in Britain as a child, facing prejudice, becoming a single father, experiencing homelessness and taking whatever jobs he could to keep food on the table. He also reveals the entrepreneurial ventures that came before television, the business mistake that cost him everything, and the TEN-YEAR pursuit that eventually led to his breakthrough on GMTV. He shares the remarkable story of advertisers initially refusing to back a Black man doing fitness on breakfast television — before viewers jammed the phone lines demanding more. From selling 1.2 MILLION copies of his first fitness video and working out with some of the world’s biggest stars, to his incredible resurgence during lockdown, receiving an MBE and now tackling bed poverty through Mr Motivator’s Bed Bank, this is a story about refusing to stop moving — whatever life throws at you. At 73, Mr Motivator says he plans on making it to 114. After hearing this conversation, you might believe him. Watch to the end for some brilliant stories involving Tony Blair, Luther Vandross, Cindy Crawford and why Mo finally has to promise Mr Motivator he’ll get on a bike. 👇 What’s YOUR earliest memory of Mr Motivator? Let us know in the comments. 👍 Like the episode, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a little motivation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From accidentally discovering stand-up through a pop-up ad to becoming a breakout star of Taskmaster, Fatiha El-Ghorri’s route into comedy has been anything but conventional. Fatiha joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious, honest and surprisingly emotional conversation about the reality behind her rise — including starting comedy after her second divorce, being heckled as a Muslim woman, dealing with the pressure of representing a community and why giving her unsolicited comedy advice might be a very bad idea. She also opens up about what viewers never saw during Taskmaster: while she was making people laugh on screen, Fatiha was privately going through a painful breakup and crying between takes. Plus, Fatiha talks about her huge family, her debut tour Cockney Stacking Doll, Edinburgh nerves, her upcoming novel The Peaks of My Hijab and the moment her success allowed her to send her mum on a pilgrimage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chip has been doing this for TWO DECADES… and he’s STILL got bars. 🔥 Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most respected MCs to go all the way back — from selling CDs in the playground and tearing up pirate radio as a teenager, to MOBO wins, number one records, moving to Atlanta, working with T.I. and Chris Brown, and becoming one of the most fearless clash MCs Britain has produced. Chip opens up about the story behind Oopsy Daisy, making pop records when parts of the grime scene questioned him, recording diss tracks AND videos within hours, and why he believes today’s clash culture has moved away from the art of simply proving who’s the better MC. But after achieving most of his musical bucket list by 21, the conversation takes a more personal turn. Chip talks candidly about the years of normal life he missed, rebuilding his relationship with his mum, finding happiness away from music and why these days something as simple as going for a walk can mean more than performing two shows in Dubai. From 16-year-old grime prodigy to 20-year veteran, this is Chip looking back on the moments, decisions, clashes and sacrifices that made him. What era did YOU first discover Chip? 👇 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People Just Do Nothing fans, this one’s for you. 👊 Mo sits down with Asim Chaudhry for a proper trip back to where it all started — long before Chabuddy G became one of British comedy’s most iconic characters. Asim reveals how messing around with his mates, making music, recording ridiculous prank calls and even getting fired from a call centre eventually planted the seeds for People Just Do Nothing. He breaks down where Chabuddy G really came from, why the character is heavily inspired by his dad and the characters he grew up around in Hounslow, and how a show they were barely even bothering to edit became a cult British comedy classic. But there’s plenty more along the way — growing up in Hounslow, school failures, chasing creativity when nobody around you thinks it’s a real job, football, fame, getting success later in life, acting alongside some huge names and the realities behind a career that can look very different from the outside. Funny, nostalgic and surprisingly personal, this is Asim Chaudhry beyond Chabuddy G — and the story of how a group of mates messing around somehow created something people are still obsessed with today. 🎧 Watch/listen to the full episode now and let us know: who’s your favourite People Just Do Nothing character? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From pulling sickies from his finance job to work with some of the biggest artists in the world, to becoming one of the most influential producers shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats — Juls’ journey is all about betting on yourself. Juls sits down with Mo Gilligan for a proper conversation about leaving the security of a nine-to-five to chase music, the opportunities he nearly missed along the way, and what it’s really like creating with Burna Boy, Wizkid, Stormzy and Lauryn Hill. He opens up about the politics behind the music industry, dealing with rejection, anxiety at industry events and why networking in the UK feels completely different to America. Juls also breaks down his relationship with African and Caribbean sounds, why experiencing South African music first-hand changed the way he approached Amapiano, and why he believes the UK has been too quick to abandon sounds like grime, jungle, funky house and Afroswing. Plus, he talks family, fatherhood, building something that lasts beyond him — and his dream of one day bringing the full Juls live experience to the Royal Albert Hall. A brilliant conversation about music, culture, ambition, legacy and knowing when it’s finally time to go all in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dizzee Rascal joins Beginning, Middle & End for an unfiltered conversation about the journey that changed British music forever. From knocking on DJ Target’s door for second-hand records to creating Boy In Da Corner, Dizzee takes Mo Gilligan behind the scenes of the grime movement, revealing how pirate radio, youth clubs and East London shaped an entire generation. He opens up about clashing on the mic, producing legendary beats, winning the Mercury Prize as a teenager, and why he never fully understood the industry’s obsession with awards. They also dive into working with Calvin Harris, touring with Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, opening the door for UK artists overseas, sneaker collaborations with Nike, and the surprising stories behind iconic moments that fans have talked about for years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From starring on A Place in the Sun and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to performing in West End musicals and playing alongside football legends at Soccer Aid, Scarlett has packed more into one career than most people do in a lifetime. But behind the TV success are stories of rejection, resilience and rebuilding. Scarlett opens up about the harsh reality of performing arts training, why I’m A Celebrity didn’t transform her career in the way she expected, chasing opportunities in Hollywood, the challenges Black women still face in television, and how property investing became the unexpected key to her success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mo sits down with one of the most unique minds in comedy – the incredible Nina Conti. From growing up in an acting dynasty to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated ventriloquists, Nina opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to comedy, the struggles of finding her true voice, and why her puppet monkey might actually know her better than she knows herself. The pair dive into the pressures of following in famous footsteps, bombing in Edinburgh, creating comedy that feels authentic, and the strange freedom that comes from hiding behind a character. Nina also reveals the emotional story behind her award-winning film, her experiences performing inside a giant monkey suit, and why she plans on taking Monkey with her into the afterlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Green has lived a hundred lives in one. From growing up on a Hackney estate and becoming one of the UK’s most respected battle rappers, to scoring a No.1 record with Read All About It, making powerful documentaries, and becoming one of the country’s most important voices on mental health, this is a conversation full of honesty. In this episode, Prof opens up about the early days of battle rap, the pressure of success, addiction, money, grief, losing his dad to suicide, and why talking about our struggles can be life-changing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Lenny Henry joins Mo Gilligan for one of the most honest conversations of his career. From growing up in Dudley as the son of Jamaican immigrants and dealing with racism on a daily basis, to becoming one of Britain's most influential comedians, Lenny reflects on the moments that shaped him, challenged him, and changed him forever. He opens up about losing family members, finding his voice in comedy, carrying the responsibility of being one of the only Black faces on British television, creating iconic characters, and making the leap from stand-up to Shakespeare. Along the way, he shares incredible stories about Comic Relief, television, acting, Buckingham Palace, and the realities of navigating fame across five decades. Funny, moving, and packed with wisdom, this is Sir Lenny Henry like you've never heard him before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like being one of Britain’s most recognisable doctors? In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with TV doctor, GP, bestselling author and podcast host Dr Amir Khan for a funny, honest and eye-opening conversation about life inside and outside the consulting room. From delivering shocking diagnoses and unexpected pregnancies to dealing with patients who stop him in garden centres for medical advice, Amir shares the stories they never teach you in medical school. He also opens up about growing up in Bradford, navigating NHS pressures, becoming a familiar face on television, and the reality behind modern healthcare. Plus, the pair dive into social media health advice, ChatGPT diagnoses, why GP appointments feel impossible to get, and the surprising science behind nature’s impact on our mental and physical health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Brodkin joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious and revealing conversation about one of the most unconventional careers in British comedy. Before becoming Lee Nelson, pulling off headline-making stunts on FIFA, Donald Trump and Theresa May, Simon was training to be a doctor. In this episode, he reveals why he walked away from medicine, how a homemade tape landed him on television, and the unbelievable stories behind some of the world’s most talked-about pranks. From getting recognised in a tracksuit on the streets of London to infiltrating some of the most heavily guarded events on the planet, Simon shares the planning, obsession and sheer nerve required to make global headlines. He also opens up about finding success as himself after years of performing as characters, the challenges of stand-up comedy, family life on tour, and why he’s more passionate about comedy now than ever before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation with Mo Gilligan, the Manchester rap star opens up about life behind the balaclava, the personal story behind Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, growing up in Gorton, working with Dave, performing at the BRIT Awards, and the mindset that turned SoundCloud freestyles into one of UK rap’s biggest success stories. From grief and resilience to fame, fashion, family, and the future, this is Meekz like you’ve never heard him before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From writing chart-topping hits for Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue and David Guetta to building her own artist career, Kamille joins Mo Gilligan in the brand new studio. They dive into growing up in South London, writing songs in minutes, the truth behind global pop success, social media pressure, imposter syndrome, parenting, networking, and why success isn’t always what it looks like from the outside. This is a rare look inside the mind of one of the UK’s most successful songwriters—and the challenges that come with stepping into the spotlight yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From playing drums in church and youth clubs in Enfield to winning BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize with Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso joins Mo Gilligan for a powerful conversation about music, faith, friendship, and perseverance. They discuss the early days of Ezra Collective, life on the road, performing at the BRITs, turning down opportunities that didn’t align with their vision, and why giving back to the next generation matters more than any award. This is a conversation about staying true to yourself, building community, and creating something bigger than success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dawn French is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, but her journey to becoming a national treasure is far more surprising than you might think. In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Dawn sits down with Mo Gilligan to reveal how a shared flat with Jennifer Saunders changed her life forever, the heartbreak she carried after losing her father, and the unexpected path that led her from teaching drama to performing comedy above a Soho strip club. She shares never-before-heard stories from the birth of alternative comedy, working alongside legends like Rik Mayall and Robin Williams, The Vicar of Dibley, and the friendship that has kept her and Jennifer Saunders together for over four decades. Funny, honest, moving and packed with incredible stories, this is Dawn French like you’ve never heard her before. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the world’s biggest entertainers, comedians and cultural icons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From sofa surfing in London to chart-topping success — Maverick Sabre joins Mo Gilligan for a raw and inspiring conversation about music, hustle, and staying true to yourself. Maverick opens up about being discovered by Plan B at 17, grinding through London’s open mic scene, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why he walked away from major labels to reclaim his artistry. He also shares untold stories about mentoring Jorja Smith, life on chaotic early tours, industry “angels and sharks,” and how music gave him purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan joins Mo Gilligan for a brutally honest and hilarious conversation about turning real life chaos into award-winning TV. From getting expelled from school after turning up drunk in a bikini, to building the hit series Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie opens up about the moments that shaped her career — including how her grandma inspired her creativity, the reality of writing a TV series from scratch, and why becoming a mother has completely changed how she looks at work. Mo and Sophie also dive into stand-up nerves, Edinburgh comedy memories, growing up in Bolton, and the gritty early days of chasing a creative career. Expect laughs, honesty, and a proper behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to turn life experience into comedy gold. Topics in this episode: Becoming a BAFTA-winning writer Sophie Willan’s chaotic teenage years The truth about writing TV shows Edinburgh comedy circuit stories Parenthood and creativity Why stand-up comics are built differently Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest voices in comedy, culture and entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vikkstar joins Beginning, Middle & End for a candid deep-dive into the journey behind one of the internet’s biggest success stories. From the early days of uploading videos and building Sidemen, to navigating fame, pressure, business moves, and staying relevant in a constantly changing digital world — this episode covers the real story behind the screens. We talk ambition, burnout, money, friendships, discipline, and what it actually takes to stay at the top for over a decade. Honest, insightful, and packed with lessons for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something big. Whether you know him as Vikkstar123, gamer, entrepreneur, or one of the OGs of UK YouTube — this is Vikkstar like you’ve never heard him before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From labouring jobs in London to building a multi-million pound fashion brand, Tommy Fordham’s journey is anything but normal. In this episode, Tommy sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk about the reality behind success — from being cast on TOWIE and suddenly becoming famous, to building global sneaker brand Mallet and generating over £100M in sales. But the story doesn’t stop there. Tommy opens up about losing millions, starting again from scratch, being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, and why he believes failure was the best thing that ever happened to him. This is a raw conversation about entrepreneurship, fame, mental health and what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you’re interested in business, fashion, or the mindset behind success, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like growing up famous on one of Britain’s biggest TV shows? This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. From starting on the show at just 10 years old, to dealing with tabloid pressure as a teenager, Natalie opens up about the reality of growing up in front of millions. They talk about the surreal moment she realised Walford wasn’t a real place, the pressure of filming 6 days a week, and why people still treat her like Sonya Fowler in real life. Plus: The truth about soap rivalries Growing up on TV What life is really like behind EastEnders Why Natalie decided to leave after 30 years The weirdest fan encounters This is one of the funniest and most honest conversations about fame, TV and growing up in the public eye. 🎧 Listen now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manny Norte is known as “The Name You Can Trust” in UK music — but his story runs deeper than radio. In this episode, Manny sits down with Mo Gilligan to break down the untold journey behind UK nightlife, radio, fashion, and global culture. From dance battles and pirate radio to DJing for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake and Kanye, Manny reveals how he became one of the most trusted tastemakers in the game. They talk about: The wild West End club era when DJs were superstars The truth about modern DJs vs vinyl culture Playing private parties for Dave Chappelle, Naomi Campbell & Stormzy Launching Kanye’s Yeezy in London Breaking artists on Capital XTRA radio The reality of staying relevant for 20+ years in music Plus Manny reveals the industry secrets behind brand events, fashion circles, and celebrity after-parties. If you love music culture, UK nightlife history, and stories from behind the velvet rope — this one is special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ovie Soko finally sits down with Mo Gilligan for a conversation that goes way beyond Love Island. From playing basketball in America to suddenly becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, Ovie opens up about the surreal moment he realised his life had changed forever — including fans literally stopping traffic when he walked into Selfridges. They talk about the pressure of being a Black man in the spotlight, life on US college campuses, dating after reality TV, and why Ovie chose to go back to basketball instead of chasing the influencer lifestyle. This episode is honest, funny and reflective — a rare look at what happens after the villa. Expect stories about American culture shock, fame, identity and staying true to yourself when the whole world suddenly knows your name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

East London storyteller Hak Baker joins Mo Gilligan to talk about the moments that shaped his life — from growing up on the Isle of Dogs to learning guitar in prison and becoming one of the UK’s most unique voices in music. Hak opens up about redemption, staying loyal to lifelong friends, refusing to be boxed in as an artist, and the moment that changed everything. This is a powerful conversation about mistakes, growth, music, and finding your voice when life forces you to sit down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isaac Ryan Brown might only be 20 years old — but his career already reads like a Hollywood biography. He first went viral at 6 years old singing Michael Jackson on America’s Got Talent, before becoming one of Disney Channel’s breakout stars on Raven’s Home. Since then he’s worked on major shows like Black-ish, voiced characters in Family Guy, and is now launching his music career after hitting #1 on UK iTunes. In this episode, Isaac sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk about: • Growing up in Detroit before moving to Hollywood • Auditioning for Disney and landing Raven’s Home • The reality of child stardom behind the scenes • Staying grounded while fame hits young • Working on shows like Black-ish and Family Guy • Why the music industry is a completely different game He also shares incredible stories about performing as a kid, the pressures of Hollywood, and the lessons he learned growing up in the spotlight. This is Isaac Ryan Brown’s Beginning, Middle & End. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with K Trap for one of the most honest conversations about fame, music, and growth you’ll hear all year. From the moment K Trap removed the balaclava that defined his early career, to scoring a global hit with “Warm,”he’s been navigating the pressure of evolving in a genre that often refuses to let artists change. In this episode they talk about: The real reason K Trap took off the mask — and why people said he was “finished” How Drake bringing him out at Wireless changed everything Why drill music gets blamed for everything Being recognised in the Maldives playing tennis The pressure on young rappers to flex chains and success Building a business empire beyond music Fatherhood and finding purpose outside the industry Plus K Trap opens up about being an introvert, the anxiety behind fame, and why he’s determined to become a global artist — not just a drill rapper. This is the Beginning, Middle & End of K Trap’s journey so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From child wizard to Shakespearean king. This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with Alfred Enoch — the actor many first met as Dean Thomas inHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — to talk about the wild journey from childhood fame to leading the Royal Shakespeare Company. They dive into the reality of growing up inside one of the biggest film franchises in history, the surreal moment Alfred realised people saw themselves in his character, and how landing How to Get Away with Murder changed his life overnight. It’s a funny, thoughtful conversation about identity, craft, and what it means to take your place on stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to discover a generational superstar? In this episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with music industry legend Darcus Beese — the man behind artists like Amy Winehouse, Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Jessie J, and Sugababes. From starting out making tea at Island Records to becoming the first Black president of a major record label, Darcus shares the real stories behind the music industry: the risks, the pressure, and the magical moments when you hear a classic record for the very first time. He reveals what it was like hearing Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” for the first time in the studio, why most artists fail before their first hit, and how the music industry has completely changed in the streaming era. Darcus opens up about the cost of success, the regrets that come with chasing greatness, and the reality of balancing ambition, family, and mental health. This is a rare look behind the curtain of the music industry—from someone who helped shape it. If you love music, creativity, and the untold stories behind iconic careers, you’re going to love this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with the one and only Paloma Faith. From growing up in Hackney to winning at the Brit Awards, Paloma opens up about signing a “terrible” first record deal, living in a rented flat while already famous, and why imposter syndrome never really goes away. She talks motherhood, money, trolls, gratitude, and the surprising moment that made her album shoot to number one. There’s chaos, wisdom, and a few industry secrets along the way — including wild rider stories, after-party politics, and why Samuel L. Jackson might be her most honourable contact. This isn’t just a music chat. It’s about resilience. It’s about recognising opportunity. It’s about staying human in an industry designed to change you. Raw, funny and vulnerable — this is the REAL Paloma Faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rapper and artist Denzel Curry joins Mo Gilligan for a deep conversation about music, ownership, and survival in the industry. From touring with rock legends to stage-diving chaos, Denzel opens up about the importance of owning his masters, dealing with loss, and building a legacy beyond hits. They talk viral success, XXL fame, independent deals, and why hip-hop needs community again — plus wild stories from tours around the world. This is Denzel Curry like you’ve never heard him before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of Beginning, Middle & End with Mo Gilligan, Mo sits down with comedian Marlon Davis for a conversation that’s as funny as it is unexpectedly deep. Marlon takes us right back to the beginning. His school days learning fine arts, discovering creativity before comedy, and how those early artistic influences shaped the performer he’d eventually become. It’s a side of Marlon people don’t often hear about. From there, we get into the middle including the life-altering moment he woke up from a coma and had to piece his memory, identity and sense of self back together. What does it do to you when you can’t remember parts of your own story? And how do you rebuild your confidence when life hits reset? And of course, the end… or at least where he is now. The graft, the growth, the laughs — and the mindset it takes to survive this industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Brixton estates to New York runways, and finally to the raw, unpredictable world of stand-up comedy — Michelle doesn’t do ordinary career paths. In this episode, she joins the podcast to unpack the wild pivot from modeling to comedy, the reality of chasing success across continents, and why reinvention is sometimes the bravest move you can make. Michelle’s journey is unpredictable, fearless, and seriously funny — and this conversation is no different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with trailblazing actor, author, and former stand-up Andi Osho for a rare, expansive conversation about creativity, courage, and knowing when to walk away. From growing up in East London to working behind the camera before stepping into the spotlight, Andi opens up about her rise through stand-up comedy, appearing on Live at the Apollo during its golden era, navigating fame, burnout, and depression — and why she ultimately left comedy at its peak. She also talks candidly about life in LA, returning home, embracing her identity as an artist, and finding freedom through writing. With her new satirical novel Most Wanted on the way, Andi reflects on storytelling, success, and what it really means to follow your instincts — even when it means starting again. Honest, funny, and deeply human, this is a conversation about reinvention, ownership, and creating on your own terms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From growing up in Bradford facing bullying and racial tension, to using magic as a form of protection, Dynamo opens up about the reality behind the illusion. He speaks honestly about living with chronic illness, losing himself at the height of fame, and the moment he almost walked away from magic forever. Dynamo also reveals incredible stories involving Dave Chappelle, Banksy, and Chris Martin — and explains why magic today isn’t about tricks, but about making people believe in themselves. This is not just a podcast episode. It’s a story about survival, identity, and finding purpose when everything falls apart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with comedy powerhouse Joanne McNally. From selling out shows across the world to accidentally taking a sleeping pill before going on stage, Joanne talks touring exhaustion, dating while never being in the same country twice, and why success doesn’t always come with a blueprint. She opens up about podcast power, creative freedom, being brutally honest on stage, and whether New York might be her next move. Sharp, funny, and completely unfiltered — this is Joanne McNally exactly as she is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From viral clips to prime-time TV, Guz Khan joins Mo Gilligan to unpack the highs, lows, and realities of breaking through without losing your soul. A must-listen on representation, resilience, and why sometimes the bravest move is walking away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by entrepreneur, author, and investor Timothy Armoo, one of the most influential voices shaping modern business and Gen Z culture. Raised between Ghana and South London, Timothy’s journey began on a fourth-floor council estate on Old Kent Road — before founding Fanbytes from his university bedroom at just 21. What followed was a meteoric rise: Forbes 30 Under 30, partnerships with global brands like Nike and McDonald’s, and the eventual sale of Fanbytes for tens of millions. In this deeply personal conversation, Timothy opens up about identity, grief, ambition, and the realities behind success. He speaks candidly about losing his father, the pressure of leadership, mistakes made with early money, and why gratitude, not flash, is his real measure of wealth. This is a powerful episode about purpose over perception, long-term thinking, and why believing in yourself — even before anyone else does — can change everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by BAFTA Award-winning actor Malachi Kirby for a powerful conversation about craft, courage, and carving your own lane. Growing up in Battersea, Malachi found acting through local drama classes before becoming part of a generation-defining wave of British talent. From portraying Kunta Kinte in Roots, to his BAFTA-winning performance in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, to Black Mirror and now series two of A Thousand Blows on Disney+, Malachi reflects on the roles that shaped him — and the ones he turned down. They talk about introversion, identity, trusting instinct over hype, navigating pressure after awards, and why movement — creatively and personally — has been central to Malachi’s life. Honest, reflective, and deeply grounded, this episode is about longevity over noise, truth over performance, and building something that lasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most exciting and thoughtful actors, Hammed Animashaun. From growing up in East London to finding his voice through performance, Hamed reflects on his journey from youth theatre to Shakespeare, blockbuster fantasy (The Wheel of Time), and his BAFTA-nominated role as the unforgettable K in BBC’s Black Ops. They talk about discipline, identity, creative patience, and why not every success story needs a Hollywood relocation. Hamed opens up about the realities of stage vs screen, the pressure of awards season, the long waits between jobs, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Larbi joins Mo Gilligan on the Beginning, Middle & End podcast for a warm, honest conversation about creativity, purpose, and finding happiness in everyday life. David opens up about his upbringing, early love for music and football, and how writing became a way to understand himself and the world around him. He reflects on growing up with big expectations, navigating university, and learning to trust his creative instincts — even when the path didn’t look traditional or secure. As the conversation unfolds, Mo and David dive into the realities of chasing a creative life: rejection, money pressures, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of being seen. David speaks candidly about writing Frequently Happy, the impact it’s had on readers around the world, and the responsibility that comes with sharing your inner world so openly. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t something you arrive at — it’s something you practise, moment by moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and hilarious episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the original architects of Black British comedy — the incomparable Rudi Lickwood. From his early days as an Eddie Murphy lookalike to becoming a razor-sharp social commentator who reshaped the narrative of Black British identity on stage, Rudi shares 38 years’ worth of stories, wisdom, and war wounds. Rudi opens up about navigating hostile classrooms, systemic biases, and rebuilding himself to become a headliner across the UK. He breaks down the birth of the Black comedy circuit and the ongoing fight with gatekeepers who shaped (and limited) British TV. Mo and Rudi go deep on craft, legacy, timing, audience psychology, and the power of standing on each other’s shoulders. From military tours in Afghanistan to the peak Jongleurs era, this is a masterclass in comedy, survival, culture, and purpose. A thoughtful, funny, and essential conversation with a true OG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most dynamic tech leaders — Dean Forbes — a man who went from growing up on a South London estate, juggling responsibility at home and dreams of playing professional football, to leading companies through multi-billion euro exits and championing social mobility at scale. Mo and Dean dive deep into the resilience, humour, and hustle that shaped Dean’s journey, unpacking how those early experiences fuelled his rise from telesales to the boardroom, and why he’s now using his platform to empower the next generation through the Forbes Family Group. It’s a powerful, inspiring conversation about identity, ambition, and breaking ceilings — all delivered with the honesty, vulnerability and laughs you’d expect when these two worlds collide. Companies mentioned in this episode: Forbes Vodafone Motorola Oracle HSBC Morgan Stanley Google Crystal Palace ACLT Partners Group Andy Warhol Basquiat Jamiroquai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mo Gilligan sits down with the globally loved, relentlessly funny Russell Howard for a wide-open conversation packed with belly laughs, proper honesty, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. From touring the world to becoming a dad, to breaking down how comedy really works, Russell brings his trademark mix of warmth, sharpness and pure silliness. We dig into Bristol life, TV fame, Mock the Week battles, global touring chaos, and his brand-new tour “Don’t Tell The Algorithm.” If you love stand-up, creativity, or just want an hour where you feel good about the world again — this episode delivers. 🔥 Expect: • Mo & Russell’s unfiltered chat about the grind, the glow-ups, and the gig disasters • Finding a balance with a career and family life. • Why laughter is STILL the best way to understand the world Tap in, laugh hard, and share this with someone who needs a lift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.