How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John

By BBC Radio 5 live

What's How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John about?

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?

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How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John episodes:

08.22.2023
S4 Listener Correspondence: ‘Thank you for creating a safe space and content that’s inclusive’
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...
08.15.2023
S4 Shaun Murphy: ‘Even in the darkest of moments remember that you are actually in control’
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...
08.08.2023
S4 Gabby Logan: ‘The grief never really leaves, you just learn to make friends with it’
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...
08.01.2023
S4 James Cracknell: ‘The neurologist said “Where you are after three years will be where you are for the rest of your life”’
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...
07.25.2023
S4 John McCarthy: ‘If I was still bitter I’d still be a hostage’
This week, Elis and John are joined by journalist John McCarthy who shares his experience of being held hostage for over five years during the Lebanon hostage crisis, and some of the coping mechanisms he developed in order to survive....
07.18.2023
S4 Jordan Gray: ‘I wasn't bitten by a radioactive woman’
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...
07.11.2023
S4 Mohsin Zaidi: ‘We’re told to grow in a certain way and we acclimate’
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...
07.04.2023
S4 Iain Lee: 'Suddenly I was incredibly high, and this voice in my head said “Welcome back son”'
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...
06.27.2023
S4 Lady Unchained: ‘I don’t want somebody to think “Only when I get to prison I can be creative”’
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...
06.20.2023
S4 Maria Romanenko: ‘We were just a peaceful country, living our life like you guys are’
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...
06.13.2023
S4 Katie Piper: ‘Why don’t I let go of what I thought should happen and start living in what is happening?’
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...
06.06.2023
S4 Stressed Elis and Sober John: ‘It was like the last light got switched off’
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...
05.30.2023
How Do You Cope - Series 4 teaser
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...
06.07.2022
S3 Listener Correspondence: 'You've made me feel less alone'
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. Details of organisations that can provide help and support on some of...
05.31.2022
S3 Elise Christie: ‘Replacing a negative habit with a positive one is the most important thing’
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. Details of organisations that can provide help and support...
05.26.2022
S3 Professor David Nutt: ‘If anyone ever criticises or comments on your drinking, take it seriously'
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. Details of organisations that can provide help and support on some of the...
05.17.2022
S3 Gail Porter: ‘I had a great time, but with great times comes bad times’
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. Details of organisations that can provide help...
05.10.2022
S3 Brian May: ‘My name’s Brian and I’m a depressive’
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. Details...
05.03.2022
S3 Lemn Sissay: ‘I only knew the importance of family by not having it’
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. Details of organisations that can provide help and...
04.26.2022
S3 Guvna B: ‘The toxic view of masculinity shouldn’t stop you from talking’
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. Details of organisations that can...
04.19.2022
S3 Mike Kerr: ‘Being sober is like life in HD’
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. Details of organisations...
04.12.2022
S3 Katy Wix: ‘Finding meaning in all this pain has been really helpful for me’
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. Details of organisations that can provide help and support...
04.05.2022
S3 Mark and Maddy Austin: ‘It was never about the food’
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...
03.29.2022
S3 Matt Edmondson: ‘I just thought I sometimes got depressed’
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...
03.22.2022
S3 George Robinson: ‘Life is still fulfilling, and as fulfilling as it was’
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’. Details of organisations that can provide help and support...
03.15.2022
S3 Ruby Wax: ‘We live in a society where the thoughts never shut down’
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. Details of organisations...
03.08.2022
S3 Azeem Rafiq: ‘All it needed was “sorry, we got it wrong”’
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...
03.01.2022
S3 Reverend Richard Coles: ‘Our life is rounded by sleep’
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...
02.22.2022
How Do You Cope - Series 3 teaser
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.
11.24.2020
S2 Damon Gough: 'Every day should be Mental Health Awareness Day'
Elis and John talk to musician Damon Gough AKA Badly Drawn Boy, about how he copes with his mental health issues and alcoholism.
11.17.2020
S2 Michael Rosen 'Hello body, what can you do?'
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.
11.10.2020
S2 Chris Packham 'My autism is a gift'
Elis and John talk to TV presenter Chris Packham about how he copes living with autism and how it's impacted his life.
11.03.2020
S2 Candice Brathwaite - 'It’s not on black people to solve racism'
Elis and John are joined by Candice Brathwaite who wrote about her experiences as a black British mother.
10.27.2020
S2 Simon Thomas: ‘I’m going to pursue life again’
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.
10.20.2020
S2 Terri White: ‘Memory isn't built out of metaphors’
After a number of traumatic childhood experiences, Empire magazine editor Terri White discusses her subsequent battles with self harm and alcohol abuse.
10.13.2020
S2 Grace Woodward: 'Excuse me, if I’m freaking out'
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.
10.06.2020
S2 Monty Panesar 'I've dug myself a massive hole'
Elis and John chat to Monty Panesar about how his mental health issues impacted his cricketing career.
09.29.2020
S2 Alex Brooker ‘It’s my insecurity, not theirs'
Elis and John chat to Last Leg host Alex Brooker about how his disability affected his youth, career, family and mental health.
09.22.2020
S2 Emma Barnett: ‘I feel like I’m being pulled down to the ground’
Elis and John chat to 5 Live broadcaster Emma Barnett about suffering from endometriosis and how it's affected her life and family.
09.15.2020
S2 Fabrice Muamba: 'Tomorrow isn't guaranteed to anyone'
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.
09.08.2020
S2 Josie Long: 'I'm not invisible'
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.
09.01.2020
S2 George Ezra: ‘I’m not a freak, I’m not alone’
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...
08.25.2020
How Do You Cope - Series 2 teaser
Elis James and John Robins talk about some of the guests they've got lined up for the return of How Do You Cope.
12.24.2019
S1 Sally Phillips: ‘Life is harder, but it’s much funnier’
For the final episode of this series, actor and comedian Sally Phillips talks to Elis and John about bringing up her son Olly, who has Down’s syndrome.
12.17.2019
S1 Paul Sinha: ‘It’s my story, it’s not anybody else’s story’
Comedian and quizzer Paul Sinha discusses with Elis and John the challenges he’s faced in the comedy world, as well as his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
12.10.2019
S1 Jane Couch: ‘Keep going, keep going, just keep going’
Former boxer Jane Couch talks to Elis and John about how she battled to become the first ever licensed female boxer in Britain and the challenges she faced in the process.
12.03.2019
S1 Poorna Bell: ‘I was never angry at him’
Journalist Poorna Bell talks to Elis James and John Robins about how she coped with the grief of losing her husband to suicide in 2015.
11.26.2019
S1 Mark Watson: ‘I blame myself for a lot of the problems’
Comedian and novelist Mark Watson discusses anxiety, relationships and his near-death experience on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.
11.19.2019
S1 Bryony Kimmings: 'I didn’t want to be someone’s sorrow'
Performance artist Bryony Kimmings discusses her struggles with psychosis, postpartum depression, and the health of her son.
11.17.2019
S1 Tom Bradby: ‘The mental health equivalent of a heart attack’
Journalist and novelist Tom Bradby talks to Elis and John about his past struggles with insomnia and what brought on this disorder in the first place.

What's How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

How Do You Cope? …with Elis and John episodes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do You Cope - Series 4 teaser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do You Cope - Series 3 teaser

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

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

S2 Chris Packham 'My autism is a gift'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S2 Josie Long: 'I'm not invisible'

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

How Do You Cope - Series 2 teaser

S1 Sally Phillips: ‘Life is harder, but it’s much funnier’

S1 Paul Sinha: ‘It’s my story, it’s not anybody else’s story’

S1 Jane Couch: ‘Keep going, keep going, just keep going’

S1 Poorna Bell: ‘I was never angry at him’

S1 Mark Watson: ‘I blame myself for a lot of the problems’

S1 Bryony Kimmings: 'I didn’t want to be someone’s sorrow'

S1 Tom Bradby: ‘The mental health equivalent of a heart attack’