Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

Ep 101 - "Talking Saved My Life" - Professor Green 22.07.2026 1ó 11p

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.

Ep 100 - How Sir Lenny Henry Changed British Comedy Forever 15.07.2026 1ó 7p

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.

Ep 99 - Amir Khan: What Doctors Really Think (And Never Say Out Loud) 08.07.2026 1ó 5p

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.

Ep 98 - The Man Who Humiliated FIFA, Trump & Theresa May | Simon Brodkin 01.07.2026 50p

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.

Ep 97 - Meekz Opens Up About Success, Grief & Never Giving Up 24.06.2026 58p

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.

EP 96 - Kamille: How A South London Girl Became Pop Music Royalty 17.06.2026 1ó 1p

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.

Ep 95 - Femi Koleoso on Success, Faith & Building Ezra Collective 10.06.2026 54p

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.

Ep 94 - Dawn French: From Strip Club Gigs to National Treasure 03.06.2026 1ó 8p

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.

How Maverick Sabre Survived the Music Industry 27.05.2026 52p

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 52p

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 53p

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 58p

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 58p

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 46p

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 1ó

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 51p

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 55p

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 51p

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 56p

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 1ó 8p

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.