U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 1, Episode 5

Chavier Lowe | I Used To Be...Obese

Chavier Lowe once tipped the scales at over 100kg, trapped in a body that no longer reflected the life he wanted to live. In this powerful episode, he opens up to Dean James about the moment he realised his health had spiralled out of control—and the fire that sparked his epic transformation. From battling self-doubt to building unstoppable momentum, Chavier shares the mindset shifts, emotional hurdles, and practical strategies that helped him reclaim his body, his confidence, and his life. Now fighting fit and full of purpose, he’s here to help you do the same. This isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about taking your power back.

Here are some links which may able to provide help and support if you or someone you know is going through some of the issues explored in this episode.

NHS Lose Weight

Coach Greg - mentioned by Chavier

Sean Fitzness - mentioned by Chavier

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVISE TO SUPPORT YOUR WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH JOURNEY!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 1, Episode 4

Paul Whittaker | I Used To Be...an Alcoholic

Paul Whittaker’s descent into alcohol dependency was slow, silent, and devastating. What began as a mild habit spiralled into a life-threatening addiction, dragging him through some of his darkest moments. In this brutally honest episode, Paul sits down with Dean James to share his full-circle journey—from the chaos of abuse, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to the clarity of sobriety, healing, and peace. Now living a happy, healthy, and content sober life, Paul’s story is a testament to the power of transformation and the courage it takes to face your demons head-on. Warning: contains strong language and sensitive themes.

Here are some links to organisations who may be able to provide support if you or someone you know is going through some of the issues explored in this episode:

Adfam

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mind

Calm

Samaritans

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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Apple

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 1, Episode 3

Kimberley Maynard | I Used To Be...Straight

Kimberley Maynard lived the life she thought she was supposed to—marriage, children, grandchildren. But beneath it all, a quiet truth was waiting to be heard. In this refreshingly honest and deeply inspiring episode, Kimberley sits down with Dean James to share her journey of coming out later in life, embracing her sexual identity, and stepping into a loving, joyful same-sex relationship. With unapologetic clarity, she reflects on the courage it took to live authentically—and the freedom that followed. This is the story of a mother, a grandmother, and a woman who chose truth over tradition, and found happiness on her own terms.

Follow Kimberley's latest project here...On The Couch With Kim

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 1, Episode 2: The Pilot

Dean James | I Used To Be...A Writer

For Liam Hobbs, writing wasn’t just a passion—it was his entire identity. But when his dream of publishing a novel began to unravel, so did his mental and emotional health. In this raw and revealing episode, Liam opens up to Dean James about the crushing weight of creative ambition, the heartbreak of perceived failure, and the extreme decision to walk away from the one thing he thought defined him. What happens when your dream becomes your undoing? Liam’s story is a powerful reflection on identity, healing, and the space between letting go and starting again. He used to be a writer...but what is he now?

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 1, Episode 1

Dean James | I Used To Be...A Lot of Things

In this powerful opening episode, Dean James flips the mic on himself. Before diving into the stories of transformation, reinvention, and resilience from others, Dean shares his own journey—how life’s twists and turns led him to podcasting, and why he’s so passionate about giving voice to people who’ve lived through change. From personal struggles to professional pivots, Dean opens up about what drives him, what listeners can expect, and why this podcast is more than just conversation—it’s connection, catharsis, and community. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lived many lives in one, this is your home.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

www.u2bdc.com

Spotify

Apple

YouTube

Amazon Music

Deezer

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you found any of the themes explored in this episode difficult, please take a look at the Websites below for support:

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

Home - Mind

Sue Ryder | Because no one should face death or grief alone

Home - Cruse Bereavement Support

Home – The Good Grief Trust

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count - Podcast Trailer & Introduction

‘Used to Be’s’ do indeed count! “I used to be…” refers to a past human state, condition identity or experience. Understanding the importance of what or who someone ‘used to be’ can provide valuable insight into one’s life journey and experiences.

Dean talks to his guests, revealing the most intriguing, interesting and enthralling stories of past experiences, successes, failures and life’s lessons as we reflect on who or what one ‘used to be’.

We’re not dwelling on the past in a negative, stagnant way. We are giving it it’s proper time, power and reflection, so we can understand the impact it has had on who we are today! 

WEBSITE: www.u2bdc.com

SOCIALS: @U2BDC

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

I used to be a Professional Dancer.

I used to be an Alcoholic.

I used to be Straight.

I used to be Obese.

I used to be a Cleaner.

I used to be in a toxic relationship.

Our Used To Be’s really do count!

This is not about living in the past, being stagnated or not moving on. Quite the opposite…this is about discovering stories from incredible people who truly have moved on.

This is about giving your ‘used to be’ it’s time, respect and reflection, in order to understand the impact it’s had on you today.

You see somebody’s past identity, state, role, condition; inevitably has a direct impact on who that person is today. And sometimes we should look back, reflect on our ‘used to be’ and take stock of just how far we’ve come.

I’ll be talking to people who are successful today in their own right, but delving into their compelling stories of the past.

A multi-millionaire property developer might have started off by cleaning the very apartments they now own?

A successful youth worker may have been previously incarcerated. Reflecting on their experience of the prison system and now using that experience to redirect young people at risk of offending.

A mother and grandmother who is now in a loving, supportive same-sex relationship. She was previously living a hetero-normative life, but can now reflect on how far she has come now she is living her truth.

A professional dancer’s lifespan, (just like an athlete) can be fairly short. So, what does one do when their performing career comes to an end? Where does all of that life-long training go?

Join me, Dean James as I uncover incredible stories of people’s past. We’ll be discussing a person’s past state, identity, role or condition, and we’ll be reflecting on how that ‘used to be’ really does count towards who that person is today! This is a podcast that celebrates change, transformation and a person’s natural evolution through life.

Who knows, it might even spur you to reflect on your own ‘used to be’ and celebrate how far you’ve come. After all, today’s ‘I am’, is only possible because of yesterday’s ‘used to be’, and Used To Be’s Do Count. 

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