How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John

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Elis James and John Robins talk to a range of guests about the challenges and hurdles they've faced in their own lives, whilst asking the question... How Do You Cope?

BBC Radio 5 live


    • Aug 22, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 5m AVG DURATION
    • 54 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John

    S4 Listener Correspondence: ‘Thank you for creating a safe space and content that's inclusive'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 47:31


    For the final episode of series four Elis and John read through some of your correspondence about the topics covered over the last few months. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Shaun Murphy: ‘Even in the darkest of moments remember that you are actually in control'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 74:36


    In the final guest episode of this series Elis and John are joined by snooker player and broadcaster Shaun Murphy, who discusses his struggles with his weight and his relationship with religion. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Gabby Logan: ‘The grief never really leaves, you just learn to make friends with it'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 91:40


    This week Elis and John speak to broadcaster Gabby Logan about the loss of her brother Daniel at the age of 15, how she's coped in her professional life, and witnessing the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 James Cracknell: ‘The neurologist said “Where you are after three years will be where you are for the rest of your life”'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 84:43


    This week Elis and John are joined by double Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell, who opens up about suffering a brain injury in 2010, his recovery, and how it has affected his life. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 John McCarthy: ‘If I was still bitter I'd still be a hostage'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 89:45


    This week, Elis and John are joined by journalist John McCarthy who shares his experience of being held hostage for over 5 years during the Lebanon hostage crisis, and some of the camping mechanisms he developed in order to survive. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Jordan Gray: ‘I wasn't bitten by a radioactive woman'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 88:15


    On this week's episode of How Do You Cope Elis and John chat to comedian Jordan Gray about gender identity and transgender issues. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Mohsin Zaidi: ‘We're told to grow in a certain way and we acclimate'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 95:54


    In this week's episode Elis and John are joined by author Mohsin Zaidi, who shares his experiences growing up queer in a devout Muslim family. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Iain Lee: 'Suddenly I was incredibly high, and this voice in my head said “Welcome back son”'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 91:33


    Broadcaster Iain Lee shares his journey to becoming a counsellor, and retiring from his former profession. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Lady Unchained: ‘I don't want somebody to think “Only when I get to prison I can be creative”'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 91:05


    Podcaster and poet Lady Unchained discusses her time in prison, the prison system, and how discovering poetry has helped her cope. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Maria Romanenko: ‘We were just a peaceful country, living our life like you guys are'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 80:25


    Journalist Maria Romanenko talks about fleeing Ukraine due to the full-scale Russian invasion, how she has settled into life in the UK, and her plans to return. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Katie Piper: ‘Why don't I let go of what I thought should happen and start living in what is happening?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 89:44


    In the second episode of this series Elis and John chat to broadcaster and author Katie Piper about her story of recovery, and some of the things that have helped her cope. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S4 Stressed Elis and Sober John: ‘It was like the last light got switched off'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2023 71:55


    In the first episode of a new series of How Do You Cope Elis and John share what they've been through over the past year, including Elis's experiences with stress and John addressing his relationship with alcohol. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    How Do You Cope - Series 4 teaser

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 3:07


    Elis and John are back with a new series of How Do You Cope, and they're here to share what they've got in store, including some of the guests that will be featuring. Remember, all previous episodes of How Do You Cope are available online, featuring the likes of Sir Brian May, Azeem Rafiq, George Ezra, Josie Long and Adam Kay.

    S3 Listener Correspondence: 'You've made me feel less alone'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 48:45


    In the final episode of series three Elis and John read through a selection of your messages and reflect on some of the topics covered throughout the series. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Elise Christie: ‘Replacing a negative habit with a positive one is the most important thing'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 60:11


    In this week's episode Elis and John are joined by former speed skater Elise Christie to discuss her mental health battles, her experiences as a professional athlete and her life post-retirement. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Professor David Nutt: ‘If anyone ever criticises or comments on your drinking, take it seriously'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 76:29


    In this week's episode Elis and John are joined by neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt to discuss the effect drugs and alcohol have on the body and mind. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Gail Porter: ‘I had a great time, but with great times comes bad times'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 69:26


    In this week's episode Elis James and John Robins are joined by broadcaster Gail Porter, where they discuss her mental health battles and her diagnosis with alopecia. This episode contains some strong language. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Brian May: ‘My name's Brian and I'm a depressive'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 73:28


    This week Elis and John are joined by Queen guitarist Brian May. They talk to him about living with depression, the grief that came from losing his father and bandmate in the same year and his experiences with therapy. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Lemn Sissay: ‘I only knew the importance of family by not having it'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 85:35


    This week Elis and John are joined by poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay to discuss growing up in the care system and the journey to his identity. This episode contains strong language. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Guvna B: ‘The toxic view of masculinity shouldn't stop you from talking'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 67:36


    In this episode Elis and John are joined by rapper and author Guvna B to discuss toxic masculinity, his experience with counselling and how it's helped him deal with grief. This episode contains strong language. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Mike Kerr: ‘Being sober is like life in HD'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 71:43


    This week Elis and John are joined by Mike Kerr, one half of the rock band Royal Blood, to discuss going sober and how the touring lifestyle has impacted his mental health. This episode contains strong language. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Katy Wix: ‘Finding meaning in all this pain has been really helpful for me'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 84:18


    Elis and John chat to actor, comedian and writer Katy Wix about some of the topics covered in her book Delicacy, including eating disorders, grief and issues around body image. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Mark and Maddy Austin: ‘It was never about the food'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 66:52


    Elis and John are joined by Sky News presenter Mark Austin and his daughter Maddy to discuss her battle with anorexia, the impact on their family and her subsequent recovery. Please note: NHS England and South West England were contacted regarding comments made by Maddy and Mark in the episode about access to treatment, but did not respond to our requests for comment. Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of anorexia and may not be suitable for all audiences. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with an eating disorder, you can find links to organisations who can provide help and support on the BBC Action Line website.

    S3 Matt Edmondson: ‘I just thought I sometimes got depressed'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 71:04


    Elis and John chat to Radio 1 presenter about living with cyclothymia, the impact of losing his Dad and how creating music has become a coping mechanism for him. Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can find links to organisations who can provide help and support on the BBC Actionline website.

    S3 George Robinson: ‘Life is still fulfilling, and as fulfilling as it was'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 75:19


    This week Elis and John are joined by actor George Robinson to discuss the accident that led to his sudden paralysis, and how he approached starring in the series ‘Sex Education'. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or the rest of the series there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Ruby Wax: ‘We live in a society where the thoughts never shut down'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 54:24


    Elis and John are joined by comedian and entertainer Ruby Wax, who shares her mental health journey and how mindfulness strategies have helped her cope. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Azeem Rafiq: ‘All it needed was “sorry, we got it wrong”'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 63:58


    Elis and John chat to cricketer Azeem Rafiq about his struggles with mental health as a result of his experience with racism in cricket, as well as the impact of him and his wife losing their son. This episode contains strong language and discussion of miscarriage and racism that some people might find offensive or upsetting. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    S3 Reverend Richard Coles: ‘Our life is rounded by sleep'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 74:50


    In the first episode of a new series of How Do You Cope Elis and John are joined by Rev. Richard Coles to discuss the loss of his husband David after a long battle with alcoholism, and how he's dealt with the subsequent grief. This episode contains strong language that some people might find offensive. If you're affected by any of the issues raised in this episode there's more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    sleep rev rounded reverend richard coles richard coles
    How Do You Cope - Series 3 teaser

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 3:12


    Elis James and John Robins return with Series 3 of How Do You Cope, and here they are to talk about some of the guests they've got lined up.

    S2 Damon Gough: 'Every day should be Mental Health Awareness Day'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 62:51


    Elis and John talk to musician Damon Gough AKA Badly Drawn Boy, about how he copes with his mental health issues and alcoholism.

    S2 Michael Rosen 'Hello body, what can you do?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 65:46


    Elis and John talk to children's author and poet Michael Rosen about his battle with Coronavirus and how he coped when he lost his son, Eddie.

    S2 Chris Packham 'My autism is a gift'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 60:36


    Elis and John talk to TV presenter Chris Packham about how he copes living with autism and how it's impacted his life.

    S2 Candice Brathwaite - 'It’s not on black people to solve racism'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 62:57


    Elis and John are joined by Candice Brathwaite who wrote about her experiences as a black British mother.

    S2 Simon Thomas: ‘I’m going to pursue life again’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 67:51


    After a short illness, Simon Thomas lost his wife Gemma to cancer at the age of 40. He talks to Elis and John about how life has been since this traumatic moment in 2017.

    S2 Terri White: ‘Memory isn't built out of metaphors’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 65:02


    After a number of traumatic childhood experiences, Empire magazine editor Terri White discusses her subsequent battles with self harm and alcohol abuse.

    S2 Grace Woodward: 'Excuse me, if I’m freaking out'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 61:32


    Elis and John chat to Grace Woodward about how she coped with her mother's eating disorder and how her career in fashion effected her mental health.

    S2 Monty Panesar 'I've dug myself a massive hole'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 66:15


    Elis and John chat to Monty Panesar about how his mental health issues impacted his cricketing career.

    S2 Alex Brooker ‘It’s my insecurity, not theirs'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 57:17


    Elis and John chat to Last Leg host Alex Brooker about how his disability affected his youth, career, family and mental health.

    S2 Emma Barnett: ‘I feel like I’m being pulled down to the ground’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 60:52


    Elis and John chat to 5 Live broadcaster Emma Barnett about suffering from endometriosis and how it's affected her life and family.

    S2 Fabrice Muamba: 'Tomorrow isn't guaranteed to anyone'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 57:52


    Elis and John talk to former footballer Fabrice Muamba about the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch where his heart stopped for 78 minutes.

    S2 Josie Long: 'I'm not invisible'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 54:13


    Elis and John are joined by comedian Josie Long to talk about how she dealt with sexism and harassment from online trolls in her career.

    S2 George Ezra: ‘I’m not a freak, I’m not alone’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 63:45


    In the first episode of a new second series, Elis and John are joined by singer songwriter George Ezra to talk about his career and how he copes with his anxiety and OCD. This episode contains some strong language, and discussion on intrusive thoughts which some people may find offensive.

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