Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

How Maverick Sabre Survived the Music Industry 27.05.2026 52min

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.

How Sophie Willan Turned Her Life Into a Hit TV Show 20.05.2026 52min

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 writerSophie Willan’s chaotic teenage yearsThe truth about writing TV showsEdinburgh comedy circuit storiesParenthood and creativityWhy stand-up comics are built differentlySubscribe for more conversations with the biggest voices in comedy, culture and entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vikkstar Opens Up About Money, Burnout & Building The Sidemen 13.05.2026 53min

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.

Tommy Fordham | I Built a £100M Brand… Then Lost Everything 06.05.2026 58min

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.

Natalie Cassidy: Growing Up in Front of 10 Million Viewers 29.04.2026 58min

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 rivalriesGrowing up on TVWhat life is really like behind EastEndersWhy Natalie decided to leave after 30 yearsThe weirdest fan encountersThis 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.

The Tastemaker Behind UK Music Culture - Manny Norte 22.04.2026 46min

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 on Fame, Basketball & Surviving Love Island 15.04.2026 1h

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.

Hak Baker: “I Learned Guitar in Prison… It Changed My Life” 08.04.2026 51min

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 | What Disney Doesn’t Tell You About Child Stars 01.04.2026 55min

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 gameHe 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.

K Trap Reveals The Truth About Drill Music 25.03.2026 51min

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 everythingWhy drill music gets blamed for everythingBeing recognised in the Maldives playing tennisThe pressure on young rappers to flex chains and successBuilding a business empire beyond musicFatherhood and finding purpose outside the industryPlus 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 Harry Potter to Shakespeare’s King | Alfred Enoch 18.03.2026 56min

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.

Darcus Beese: Inside the Music Industry Nobody Talks About 11.03.2026 1h 8min

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.

Paloma Faith on Imposter Syndrome, Brits Wins & Surviving the Music Industry 04.03.2026 54min

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 Denzel Curry on Stage Diving, Fame & Survival 25.02.2026 43min

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.

Marlon Davis: Finding Comedy back after his coma. 18.02.2026 54min

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.

Michelle De Swarte from Modelling to Comedy and Everything In Between 11.02.2026 1h 8min

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.

Andi Osho on Creativity, Control & Letting Go 04.02.2026 59min

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.

Dynamo: I Met Dave Chappelle at Banksy’s House! 28.01.2026 1h 16min

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.

Joanne McNally on Success, Single Life & Saying No to Normal 21.01.2026 1h 3min

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.

Guz Khan Gets Real on Success, Culture & Not Selling Out 14.01.2026 1h 14min

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.