In this raw and deeply moving episode of Rise with Roxie, Roxie Nafousi sits down with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint for Men and JAAQ, to explore his extraordinary journey through Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), mental health struggles, and resilience. From being bullied for his appearance as a child to launching a game-changing men’s makeup brand, Danny shares how his toughest battles became the fuel for his mission—to challenge toxic masculinity, break the stigma around men’s beauty, and empower others to take ownership of their confidence. 

Danny doesn’t hold back as he revisits the moment he realised he ticked every box for BDD, after years of silent suffering. He reflects on the darkest chapters of his mental health journey, the unwavering support of his fiancée and family, and how those experiences ignited a movement—not just through War Paint for Men, but also JAAQ (Just Ask A Question), a revolutionary mental health platform designed to offer guidance and hope to those struggling. 

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. Whether you’ve faced self-esteem struggles, battled with mental health, or want to better understand the impact of BDD, Danny’s honest, unfiltered story will challenge you to rethink confidence, redefine self-worth, and stand in your power. 

If you have been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this episode, you can find support here: 

https://www.wheresyourheadat.org/advice/#advice-help 

www.hubofhope.co.uk 

In this transformative episode of Rise with Roxie, Roxie is joined by Dr. Tara Swart – world renowned neuroscientist, bestselling author, and expert in optimizing brain health for success and fulfillment. Together, they explore the science of gratitude, happiness, and personal transformation, uncovering how practices like visualization, affirmations, and gratitude can rewire the brain for success and align your energy with your goals. 

Dr. Swart delves into the challenges of healing and self-sabotage, explaining why change is so difficult, how trauma affects both the brain and body, and the best therapies for processing negative emotions. From “hormone hacking” with dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin to the science of stress and burnout, she shares practical strategies for improving emotional well-being, boosting energy, and counteracting the effects of stress—even slowing the aging process through meditation and breathwork. 

For those navigating love and relationships, Tara sheds light on the neuroscience behind attraction, why we’re drawn to people who reflect our wounds, and how to break free from toxic patterns. With insights on building deeper connections, managing the addictive early stages of love, and understanding whether relationships should feel calm or passionate, this episode offers powerful tools for anyone seeking more meaningful bonds and personal growth. 

Whether you're looking to heal, manifest your dreams, or live with more joy and energy, this conversation with Dr. Tara Swart will leave you inspired and empowered to take charge of your life. 

Roxie sits down with the legendary Craig David to explore the highs, lows, and transformative moments of his incredible career. From his meteoric rise with Born to Do It to the reinventions that kept him at the forefront of music, Craig reflects on his journey with both vulnerability and wisdom. He opens up about overcoming bullying, the challenges and pressures of fame so young, and how intuition guided him through pivotal decisions in his life. 

Craig delves into his deeply spiritual side, sharing how practices like Kundalini yoga, meditation, and breathwork have helped him balance his mind and body. He discusses the role of intuition in his life, and how these spiritual tools fuel his creativity and resilience.  

With heartfelt insights on love, personal growth, and the enduring impact of his music, Craig reflects on the lessons he’s learned and what it truly means to trust your vibes. Packed with humor, wisdom, and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating reinvention, spirituality, or their own journey of self-discovery. 

Simon Squibb’s journey is a testament to the power of strength, generosity, and purpose. From a tough childhood that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit to helping millions discover their dreams, Simon has turned challenges into a life of impact. 

In this episode of RISE with Roxie, Simon opens up about the pivotal moments in his life—from becoming homeless as a child, to starting his first business and now inspiring others through his viral TikTok videos. He shares the mindset shifts that helped him rise above adversity and explains why his philosophy of “Give Without Take” is the key to lasting success. 

Together, they explore how to find your purpose, overcome self-doubt, and pursue your dreams—even when the odds feel stacked against you. 

Simon shares practical advice on starting a business, the balance between mindset and luck, and the secret to recognizing a winning idea. With insights from his new book, What’s Your Dream?, this conversation will leave you inspired to step into your purpose and make your mark on the world. 

Dr. Tali Sharot, one of the most innovative neuroscientists of our time, joins us to explore the science of behaviour, happiness, and change. 

As the author of The Optimism Bias and The Influential Mind, Tali is an expert in how our brains shape our lives and decisions. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating concept of habituation—how our minds adapt to experiences over time, often dulling our joy and awareness. Tali reveals how dishabituation can bring variety, happiness, and meaning back into our lives, offering practical tools to help us wake up to the world around us. 

In the pursuit of happiness, Tali unpacks the interconnected roles of variety, meaning, and optimism, offering insights into why midlife often feels the least optimistic and how we can reverse the trend. From breaking bad habits to crafting a life of psychological richness, this episode is packed with science-backed tools to transform your mindset. 

Dr. Tali Sharot’s new book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There, is a must-read for anyone looking to break free from the ordinary and rediscover joy – available now. 

Leanne Hainsby-Alldis is more than a Peloton instructor—she’s a beacon of resilience, positivity, and strength.  

In this special branded episode of RISE with Roxie, in partnership with Peloton, Leanne shares how movement has been a transformative force in her life, both physically and mentally. From the science of endorphins to the emotional impact of a perfectly curated playlist, she dives into why we work out, how our motivations evolve, and the best ways to get started on your fitness journey.  

Leanne also opens up about her personal health battle: being diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s and choosing to continue teaching through chemotherapy. She reflects on the lessons her diagnosis taught her, how it reshaped her outlook on life, and how she found the strength to rise above.  

We also explore life behind the Peloton screen—how her background as a professional dancer shapes her classes, the care she puts into her playlists, and the community she’s built along the way. Leanne’s story is one of courage, determination, and a deep appreciation for life’s every moment.  

@LeanneHainsby is a Peloton instructor, former professional dancer, and wellness advocate. Check out her classes on Peloton for a dose of inspiration and motivation to move! 

Spencer Matthews has redefined resilience, transforming his life from reality TV star to record-breaking endurance athlete. 

In this episode of RISE with Roxie, Spencer opens up about his incredible journey—running 30 marathons in 30 days across the desert to set a world record, and how it gave him a new sense of purpose. He candidly shares his struggles with alcoholism and how going sober has helped him not only grow his confidence, but rediscover his worth.  

Spencer also delves into his struggles with the public’s perception of him, his complex relationship with Made in Chelsea, the loss of his brother, and the steps he’s taken to rise above his past as well as the lessons he’s learned from his family, fame, and fatherhood. 

 Spencer’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and rising above criticism to find a meaningful life. This chat really will give you the inspiration to embrace your own transformation. 

Jay Shetty’s mission is simple: to make wisdom go viral. 

Through his powerful social media presence, bestselling books, and one-on-one work with top leaders in business, politics, and entertainment, Jay has helped millions of people transform their lives. 

In this episode of RISE with Roxie, Jay shares his unique ability to break down life’s biggest ideas into practical, accessible wisdom—and he delivers exactly that as he opens up about presence, purpose, and how he rises above criticism. 

Jay and Roxie also dive into manifesting, with Jay offering actionable tips on starting your meditation practice. Having coached some of the most successful people on the planet, he reveals the surprising traits they all share—it’s not what you’d expect! 

@JayShetty is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, and purpose-driven entrepreneur.  Follow Jay on Instagram, subscribe to his podcast On Purpose, and sign-up for his weekly newsletter. 

Roxie Nafousi welcomes you to RISE with Roxie and tells us why she wanted to make a podcast