In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with the legendary Ben Cooke—celebrity hair stylist, co-founder of Lockonego, and creative force behind some of the most iconic looks in pop culture. But this isn’t a conversation about fame—it’s about finding magic in real life.

Ben opens up about:

• Losing his father at 13 and the way grief shaped him

• Coming out later in life and discovering freedom in Australia

• Becoming a parent through adoption—and navigating teenagehood times two

• What he’s learned from decades behind the chair, from supermodels to Saturday clients

• Why a good haircut is about way more than hair

• And the unexpected power of being the same person for everyone—whether it’s Victoria Beckham or Susan from Hertfordshire.

He also shares what lights him up now, what he’s still learning, and why salon chairs are the original therapy couches.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Ben Cooke is one of London’s most respected and in-demand hair stylists. As co-founder of the award-winning salon Lockonego, he’s known for his effortless, glamorous style and his down-to-earth approach that keeps clients returning week after week.

Ben’s enviable career has included styling A-listers like David & Victoria Beckham, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Saoirse Ronan, and Olivia Rodrigo, alongside creative campaigns for Pantene, Head & Shoulders, and Living Proof. Despite his global success, he still works hands-on at Lockonego—cutting, chatting, and laughing with clients every Saturday and Monday.

This is a conversation about creativity, reinvention, friendship, and staying rooted in who you are—even when the world wants something else. Ben’s warmth, humour and grounded presence will leave you laughing, tearing up, and ready to reconnect with what really matters.

• Follow Ben on Instagram: @bencooke_lockonego

• Learn more about his award-winning salon: www.lockonego.com

In this very special episode—the first in our Behind the Magic series—we turn the mic on ourselves. Fresh from hosting our first Find Your Magic retreat exclusively for gay men, we sit down just days after the retreat to reflect on everything that went down: the magic, the messiness, the late sign-ups, and the moments of deep connection that reminded us why we do this work.

This is the real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create spaces of transformation, joy, and deep reset. If you've ever wondered what happens on a retreat, how we choose the program, or what it's like to hold space for a group of gay men from all over the world—this one’s for you.

We talk about:

• The stress and uncertainty that led up to the retreat (and how we handled it)

• What actually happens on the first day and how a group of strangers became a family

• The magic of structured spontaneity and why we don’t share the schedule in advance

• Creating space for joy, intimacy, and expression

• What we learned as facilitators (and as partners)

• Our dreams for the future of FYM retreats for gay men—and mixed groups

This is the first of our ‘Behind the Magic’ conversations—a new format within the podcast where we’ll share real talk about the work we do, how we do it, and what we’re learning as we go.

Next gay men’s retreat: June 5–12, 2026 | Crete, Greece

The Midlife Reset retreat: September 20-27, 2025 | Crete, Greece

Let us know what you think of this new format. We’d love to hear from you.

Ed & Rob xx

In this heartwarming episode, we talk with Mark Guest—aka Marky B, aka Magic Mark—about what it means to return to your joy later in life. Once a young magician performing at film premieres (including Jurassic Park for Steven Spielberg!), Mark took a detour through a 20-year corporate career before finding his way back to magic—this time through the world of mentalism and mind-reading.

He shares how grief, burnout, and a deep desire to feel alive again sparked a powerful return to the stage. Now selling out shows in London, Mark is living proof that it’s never too late to reconnect with your magic—literally.

About Mark

At just eight years old, Mark discovered his passion for magic, turning professional by the remarkable age of twelve. He began performing at children’s parties, but after the passing of his beloved magic rabbit, he pivoted his style to close-up magic, captivating audiences at high-profile events ranging from corporate gatherings to film premieres. Notably, he performed at the world premiere of Jurassic Park, where he astounded director Steven Spielberg with his magical prowess.

After a successful 21 year detour into corporate life, Mark has triumphantly returned to his first love—the mystifying art of magic—now focusing more on mentalism and bringing with him a lifetime of experience and wonder. He is currently writing and producing his first-ever West End show, transforming his grief over losing one of his best friends to cancer into something positive. The show is scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, at the Phoenix Arts Club, located at 1 Phoenix Street, Soho, WC2H 8BU.

Tickets will be going on sale soon and are likely to sell out quickly, as evidenced by the swift sell-out of two of his shows in Waterloo, which sold out in just 72 hours.

Connect with Mark

• Instagram: @magicmark15
• TikTok: @magicmark15

In this episode of Find Your Magic, we sit down with Steph Weatherill—former TV producer turned founder of House of Dog, a soulful and sustainable dog-care business that's helping London’s dogs live their best lives.

From producing acclaimed series like Don’t Tell the Bride and A Place in the Sun, to building a business from scratch in her 50s, Steph shares the real story of mid-life reinvention—from perimenopause to Portobello Road. We talk creativity, freedom, canine joy, and what it really takes to start over and thrive.

This conversation is full of warmth, wit and wisdom for anyone standing on the edge of something new.

About Steph Weatherill

After nearly three decades producing TV for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV, Steph swapped edit suites for nature trails and founded House of Dog. Her business combines enriching dog adventures with eco-conscious, joy-fuelled retail—and is fast becoming a favourite among West London’s dog lovers.

Steph lives in West London with her teenage daughter Maggie and her rescue collie cross Bandit, who has final say on every product she sells.

What we cover

• Why she walked away from a 28-year career in TV
• How grief, menopause, and lockdown sparked a major life pivot
• The unexpected power of dog-walking as a creative and therapeutic practice
• What she’s learned about community, retail, and sustainable growth
• What it really looks like to run a purpose-led business in midlife
• Why joy and play are non-negotiable (and contagious)
• The big goals she's aiming for in year four of House of Dog

Connect with Steph

• Instagram: @houseofdog.club
• Website & Online Shop: houseofdog.club
• Newsletter: The Woofington Post → subscribe via her website
• Visit Steph: Fridays & Saturdays at the top of Portobello Road (corner of Golborne Rd)

About Find Your Magic

We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic—a company supporting midlifers and gay men to reset, reconnect, and reignite their spark through retreats, coaching, and transformational tools.

Website: findyourmagic.co.uk

Instagram: @findyourmagiclife

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Franks, food writer, content creator, and the force behind Dom in the Kitchen. From working in fashion and experiential events to becoming one of Instagram’s favourite home cooks, Dominic’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. We talk about following your passion, the moment his career took off, and the realities of social media success.

About Dominic:

Originally from London, Dominic Franks now lives in Lincolnshire with his husband Andy. He is a food writer for Lincolnshire Life Magazine, the go-to food expert for BBC Radio Lincolnshire, and the creator of Dom In The Kitchen, a beloved food blog that has been feeding the internet since 2010. Dominic's love for food started young, inspired by Delia Smith, his Jewish heritage, and the vibrant cultural mix of London.

What We Cover:

• Dominic’s early creative career in fashion and events
• How he transitioned into food blogging and Instagram
• The viral moment that changed everything
• The challenges of social media success
• How to embrace reinvention and find your magic at any stage of life

Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway!

📲 Follow Dominic:

Instagram: @dominthekitchen

Website: dominthekitchen.com

About the Podcast

Welcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers and gay men to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. 

• Website: ⁠www.findyourmagicretreats.com⁠
• Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats

In this episode, we welcome Alexis Gregory, a playwright, performer, and theatre-maker whose work explores queerness, identity, and the power of storytelling. Alexis is known for creating bold, thought-provoking work that blends activism with humour, heart, and connection.

Alexis shares his journey from being a fearless child performer to carving out his own space in the theatre world—overcoming challenges, taking risks, and staying true to his artistic voice. We dive into the magic of self-expression, the impact of telling untold stories, and how queerness can be a superpower that fuels creativity and resilience.

Join us as we explore how Alexis has found and is living his magic, proving that true self-expression requires courage, risk, and an unwavering belief in your own voice.

About Alexis Gregory

Alexis Gregory is an acclaimed playwright, performer, and theatre-maker known for his work focused on LGBTQ+ stories and themes. His hit solo show, Riot Act, based on real-life interviews with queer activists, has toured the UK and was adapted into a digital production. His plays, including Slap and Safe, have been widely performed and praised for their powerful storytelling.

His work includes ‘Slap’, ‘Safe’, ‘Sex/Crime’, ‘Riot Act’, ‘FutureQueer’, ‘Neon Divine’, and ‘Smoke’, performed in the West End, across London and the UK, translated for international performance, and adapted as online ‘digital’ theatre. His plays have been Top Picks in Evening Standard, Metro, Time Out, Attitude, i-D Magazine, Sunday Express, and are published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

Beyond writing and performing, Alexis is passionate about mentoring emerging artists and creating work that challenges, inspires, and connects communities.

Connect with Alexis

• Follow Alexis on Instagram: @Alexis.Gregory
• Visit his website: www.alexisgregory.co.uk

About the Podcast

Welcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers and gay men to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. 

• Website: www.findyourmagicretreats.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats

In our second episode, we welcome Michael Burgess and his remarkable journey from dancer to senior diplomat to influential advocate for African arts and culture. As the Founder and Executive Director of Creative Resilience International, Michael has dedicated his career to uplifting Black and underrepresented creatives in art, design, and culture.

Michael shares his inspiring story of growing up in Belize and New York to utilising his skills to foster cultural exchange and elevate African creatives on global platforms, with a relentless passion for empowering others and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of creativity. Join us as we explore how Michael has found and is living his magic, showing us that true leadership lies in lifting others as we rise.

About Michael Burgess

Michael Burgess is the Founder and Director of Creative Resilience International, a leading social enterprise that empowers creatives from Black and underrepresented communities. He is also the High-Level Events Programming Manager for the Royal African Society, the UK's largest Africa-focused charity.

As a member of the Mayor of London’s Africa in London Committee, Michael has developed mentoring programs for institutions like Africa Fashion Week London and New York Parson’s School of Design. His recent accomplishments include co-producing Grace Jones' Meltdown Festival and curating the Royal African Society’s 120th Anniversary Gala. 

Michael’s commitment to cultural empowerment is evident in his role as Creative Director for the African Fashion Awards and his collaboration with international fashion icon ALPHADI.

Connect with Michael

• Follow Creative Resilience International: https://www.creative-resilience.org/
• Michael’s Email: [email protected]

About the Podcast

Welcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. 

• Website: www.findyourmagicretreats.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats

In our first fascinating episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Owain Gwynfryn Evans, who shares his journey of balancing two contrasting careers: Doctor of Chiropractic and celebrated baritone opera singer, as well as his latest venture, Big Gay Out, a London-based events organisation creating inclusive spaces for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men.

Owain opens up about navigating his early life, eventually finding harmony between his creative passion and his desire to help people, and how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to life and work. Owain has truly found and is living his magic and a great example that it is never too late to do what you love.

About Owain Gwynfryn Evans

Owain holds a Master’s degree in classical singing from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he was awarded the Keith Bonnington Prize for Male Voices. His operatic repertoire includes roles such as Harašta in the OFFIE-winning production of Cunning Little Vixen with Hampstead Garden Opera, and Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro, which won the NODA London Opera Award. He has performed in productions such as Tristan und Isolde, Cavalleria Rusticana, and Il Pagliacci at Grange Park Opera and West Green House Opera.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic and the Clinical Director of Backspace, the clinic he founded in 2016, Owain leads a multidisciplinary team focused on empowering patients through education on posture, movement, and lifestyle. He holds additional qualifications as a Personal Trainer, and his expertise includes Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Dry Needling, and Peripheral Joint Manipulation. He is also a Board Director for the British Chiropractic Association.

In 2023, Owain founded Big Gay Out, an events company for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men, providing a unique space for socialising outside of the usual gay scene. He is also about to qualify as a life coach, specialising in small business coaching, helping others achieve freedom from their businesses while balancing passion with practicalities.

Connect with Owain

• Owain’s Website: www.thebackspace.co.uk 
• Follow Owain on Instagram: www.instagram.com/owain_gwynfryn_baritone
• Big Gay Out Events: https://nas.io/big-gay-out 

About the Podcast

Welcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. 

• Website: www.findyourmagicretreats.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats