How do you return to normal life after being trained for war? John is joined by presenter, writer, and former Royal Marine Commando Jason Fox. Jason opens up about the long-term psychological impact of active service, the pressures military life places on the mind and body, and why PTSD is often more complex than people realise. He reflects on the difficulty of transitioning back into everyday life, the strain it can place on relationships, and the role communication plays in recovery. Jason als...
May 25, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 39
In this week’s bonus episode, comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell shares what she is grateful for. Suzi’s into gratitude in a big way, and overnight oats, her wife and daughter and the beach are just some of the things mentioned on her list. Head to the main episode to hear about Suzi’s relationship with anxiety, navigating self-acceptance and her experience of coming out. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch and subs...
May 21, 2026•16 min•Ep. 38
How do you learn to accept yourself after years of trying to be someone else? In today’s episode, John is joined by comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell. Suzi opens up about how childhood anxiety shaped her early life, from intrusive thoughts and compulsive checking, to the fear of losing loved ones. She reflects on how these anxieties have evolved in the age of social media, and why she feels truly peaceful and present when performing on-stage. Suzi also explores her experience of coming...
May 18, 2026•55 min•Ep. 38
In this week’s bonus episode, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communications for Donald Trump Anthony Scaramucci shares what he is grateful for, health and his relationship with his wife feature, as well as finding inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning. Head to the main episode to hear Anthony speak about 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. A...
May 14, 2026•10 min•Ep. 37
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...
May 11, 2026•48 min•Ep. 37
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 ...
May 07, 2026•17 min•Ep. 36
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 navi...
May 04, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 36
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 an...
Apr 30, 2026•23 min•Ep. 35
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...
Apr 27, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 35
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 ca...
Apr 23, 2026•25 min•Ep. 34
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 addi...
Apr 20, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 34
How Do You Cope is back for a brand new series! Each week John Robins will be speaking to fascinating guests, including former Communications Director to Donald Trump Anthony Scaramucci, comedian Alison Spittle and campaigner and author Esther Ghey. The first episode drops on Monday 20th April and features author, podcaster and TV host Richard Osman. Gratitude List bonus episodes are back on Thursdays too. Plus, now you can watch watch full episodes on YouTube . Subscribe to make sure you don’t ...
Apr 15, 2026•3 min
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 som...
Sep 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 32
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 thought...
Sep 18, 2025•22 min•Ep. 31
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 shar...
Sep 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 31
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@howdoyouc...
Sep 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 30
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 ...
Sep 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 29
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...
Sep 01, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 29
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 f...
Aug 31, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 30
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 platfor...
Aug 28, 2025•14 min•Ep. 28
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 Edinbu...
Aug 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 28
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 thou...
Aug 21, 2025•19 min•Ep. 27
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 heal...
Aug 18, 2025•56 min•Ep. 27
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 @how...
Aug 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 26
How do you recover from a breakup you feel is your fault? John sits down with musician and writer Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of Rizzle Kicks, to talk about how his self-destructive behaviour led to infidelity and heartbreak. Jordan opens up to John about how he set his life back on the right path by admitting his faults, accepting his ADHD diagnosis, and throwing himself into group therapy. On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, Jordan shares the 5 things that he is cu...
Aug 11, 2025•56 min•Ep. 26
In this week’s bonus episode, author and comedian Tom Rosenthal shares the 5 things he is grateful for. He explains why he thinks dogs resonate at a higher frequency to people, and why he’s grateful to be part of the comedy world. Head to the main episode to hear about Tom’s spiritual journey from sceptic to believer, his experiences of losing an unborn child, and his approach to living life by being a vessel for a higher power. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucope...
Aug 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 25
How do we live the most fulfilled life possible? John sits down with his friend the comedian and actor Tom Rosenthal to discuss faith, coming to terms with loss, and experiencing a higher plane of existence. Tom describes how taking part in the BBC documentary Pilgrimage led to him confronting buried trauma around the loss of his unborn child. He also explains how he experienced a transcendental episode where he encountered a different plane of existence, and outlines his approach to spiritualit...
Aug 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 25
In this week’s bonus episode, Chermal Williams from the charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse shares the 5 things she is grateful for. She explains how getting up at 5am every day has changed her life, and why she’s grateful for herself. Head to the main episode to hear about Chermal’s experiences of domestic abuse as a child at the hands of her stepfather. And how coaching a boys’ football team allows her to give children the childhood she didn’t have. You can send in your thoughts a...
Jul 31, 2025•13 min•Ep. 24
How do you escape and recover from abuse by a parent? John talks to Chermal Williams, Head of Services for Health and Training at the charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, about her difficult childhood. Chermal was the victim of domestic abuse as a child at the hands of her stepfather, experiencing physical and psychological abuse. Later as an adult, she found herself in an abusive relationship. But through reading self-help books, working with children, and finding time for herself,...
Jul 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 24
In this week’s bonus episode, broadcaster and writer Angela Scanlon shares the 5 things she is grateful for. She explains how gratitude came into her life via Irish dancing, and expresses her love for the mundane. Head to the main episode to hear about Angela’s battles with anorexia and bulimia, her journey into parenthood, and how meditating for 10 minutes on the tube can change her day. You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com Watch ...
Jul 24, 2025•33 min•Ep. 23
