Simon Brodkin joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious and revealing conversation about one of the most unconventional careers in British comedy.

Before becoming Lee Nelson, pulling off headline-making stunts on FIFA, Donald Trump and Theresa May, Simon was training to be a doctor. In this episode, he reveals why he walked away from medicine, how a homemade tape landed him on television, and the unbelievable stories behind some of the world’s most talked-about pranks.

From getting recognised in a tracksuit on the streets of London to infiltrating some of the most heavily guarded events on the planet, Simon shares the planning, obsession and sheer nerve required to make global headlines.

He also opens up about finding success as himself after years of performing as characters, the challenges of stand-up comedy, family life on tour, and why he’s more passionate about comedy now than ever before.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation with Mo Gilligan, the Manchester rap star opens up about life behind the balaclava, the personal story behind Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, growing up in Gorton, working with Dave, performing at the BRIT Awards, and the mindset that turned SoundCloud freestyles into one of UK rap’s biggest success stories.

From grief and resilience to fame, fashion, family, and the future, this is Meekz like you’ve never heard him before.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From writing chart-topping hits for Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue and David Guetta to building her own artist career, Kamille joins Mo Gilligan in the brand new studio.

They dive into growing up in South London, writing songs in minutes, the truth behind global pop success, social media pressure, imposter syndrome, parenting, networking, and why success isn’t always what it looks like from the outside.

This is a rare look inside the mind of one of the UK’s most successful songwriters—and the challenges that come with stepping into the spotlight yourself.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From playing drums in church and youth clubs in Enfield to winning BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize with Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso joins Mo Gilligan for a powerful conversation about music, faith, friendship, and perseverance.

They discuss the early days of Ezra Collective, life on the road, performing at the BRITs, turning down opportunities that didn’t align with their vision, and why giving back to the next generation matters more than any award.

This is a conversation about staying true to yourself, building community, and creating something bigger than success.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dawn French is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, but her journey to becoming a national treasure is far more surprising than you might think.

In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Dawn sits down with Mo Gilligan to reveal how a shared flat with Jennifer Saunders changed her life forever, the heartbreak she carried after losing her father, and the unexpected path that led her from teaching drama to performing comedy above a Soho strip club.

She shares never-before-heard stories from the birth of alternative comedy, working alongside legends like Rik Mayall and Robin Williams, The Vicar of Dibley, and the friendship that has kept her and Jennifer Saunders together for over four decades.

Funny, honest, moving and packed with incredible stories, this is Dawn French like you’ve never heard her before.

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the world’s biggest entertainers, comedians and cultural icons.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From sofa surfing in London to chart-topping success — Maverick Sabre joins Mo Gilligan for a raw and inspiring conversation about music, hustle, and staying true to yourself.

Maverick opens up about being discovered by Plan B at 17, grinding through London’s open mic scene, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why he walked away from major labels to reclaim his artistry. He also shares untold stories about mentoring Jorja Smith, life on chaotic early tours, industry “angels and sharks,” and how music gave him purpose.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan joins Mo Gilligan for a brutally honest and hilarious conversation about turning real life chaos into award-winning TV.

From getting expelled from school after turning up drunk in a bikini, to building the hit series Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie opens up about the moments that shaped her career — including how her grandma inspired her creativity, the reality of writing a TV series from scratch, and why becoming a mother has completely changed how she looks at work.

Mo and Sophie also dive into stand-up nerves, Edinburgh comedy memories, growing up in Bolton, and the gritty early days of chasing a creative career.

Expect laughs, honesty, and a proper behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to turn life experience into comedy gold.

Topics in this episode:

• Becoming a BAFTA-winning writer
• Sophie Willan’s chaotic teenage years
• The truth about writing TV shows
• Edinburgh comedy circuit stories
• Parenthood and creativity
• Why stand-up comics are built differently

Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest voices in comedy, culture and entertainment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vikkstar joins Beginning, Middle & End for a candid deep-dive into the journey behind one of the internet’s biggest success stories. From the early days of uploading videos and building Sidemen, to navigating fame, pressure, business moves, and staying relevant in a constantly changing digital world — this episode covers the real story behind the screens.

We talk ambition, burnout, money, friendships, discipline, and what it actually takes to stay at the top for over a decade. Honest, insightful, and packed with lessons for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something big.

Whether you know him as Vikkstar123, gamer, entrepreneur, or one of the OGs of UK YouTube — this is Vikkstar like you’ve never heard him before.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.