Life Changing
Psychology & Relationships
About
In this series Dr Sian Williams talks to people who have lived through extraordinary events that have set their lives on an entirely different course.This podcast is all about the human experience, how people deal with obstacles that turn their lives upside down. The journeys are not always straightforward and there are often some remarkable discoveries along the way.Would you like to appear on the podcast? Do you have an extraordinary story to tell? We'd love to hear from you: lifechanging@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
- I fled for my life at 16 to escape the Iranian regime
This episode features 19-year-old Rozhan, who discusses her escape from Iran at age 16 after the authorities discovered her mother's participation in an underground Christian church. She recounts her journey to the UK and the challenges of…
- The agony of losing my son in Nottingham attack
Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby who was killed in the 2023 Nottingham attack, shares her personal anguish. She also discusses her campaign for an inquiry into the system failures that led to her son's death.
- Turning trauma into award-winning art
Michael Ashcroft discusses his experience recovering from brain tumor surgery and how he turned his journey into a career as an award-winning painter. He speaks with Dr. Sian Williams about the challenges of his recovery and his path into…
- A long wait for justice
Jess Martinez shares her experience of seeking justice for being sexually abused as a teenager. She tells Dr Sian Williams about the challenges of the legal process and the impact of finally seeing her abuser brought to account.
- Two Days Underground
In this episode, caver George Linanne discusses his accident in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system in Wales, the extensive rescue operation that followed, and his return to caving and cave rescue work. He speaks with host Dr. Sian Williams a…
- Camel Tours and Sliding Doors
Jacqui Furneaux recounts how a planned camel tour in India turned into a different journey after meeting a Dutch biker. This chance encounter initiated seven years of travel and personal rediscovery.
- I shook hands with the man who nearly killed me
Paul Kohler describes the violent home invasion he survived in 2014 and the unexpected impact of meeting one of his attackers through a Restorative Justice program. The experience, discussed at the Hay Literary Festival, also led him into…
- Lost at sea
Angie Dailey shares her experience of losing her father at sea in 1975 when she was five. She explains how opening a box of his belongings on the 50th anniversary of his death helped her understand him and her own life.
- A traumatised veteran’s unlikely saviour
Geoff Stear, a Falklands veteran, suffered from severe trauma affecting his daily life. A chance encounter introduced him to Charlie, who has become an unlikely saviour, helping Geoff overcome his challenges and find a renewed sense of pur…
- The Vicar of Bray's Daughter
Carol Cairns details a passionate but brief affair with poet Benedict Ryan in 1960s Dublin. Separated by social differences, they eventually reunited after nearly 50 years, with Carol using Skype to find him after her 70th birthday.
- The Singing Bus Driver
Phillip Browne's life took an unexpected turn after a severe ear infection impacted his hearing, leading him to a career as a London bus driver. A chance encounter reignited his passion for performing, setting him on a path to the West End.
- The Yachtsman Survivor
Yachtsman Robin Elsey Webb and his partner Liz share their harrowing experiences after Robin suffered severe head injuries from a violent attack in Antigua, an event that jeopardized his dream of competing in the Vendee Globe race.
- The Great Escape
Angela Tilley shares her journey of overcoming debilitating panic attacks and phobias, stemming from workplace stalking as a teenager. Despite significant personal costs, she discusses how a specific purchase ultimately changed her life, a…
- The Reluctant Hero
Larry O’Brien, a lorry driver, details his experience during the Zeebrugge ferry disaster on March 6th, 1987, where he rescued 30 people despite not being able to swim. He discusses his feelings about not seeing himself as a hero, coping w…
- The Girl Gambler
Stacey Goodwin shares her story of overcoming an eight-year gambling addiction that led to significant financial loss, shame, and isolation. She discusses reaching a crossroads after damaging those closest to her and finding the strength t…
- The Piano Tuner's Tale
Ed Stewart shares his life-changing journey, beginning with a violent incident in 1977 that reshaped his life. Despite adversity, he became a renowned piano tuner, developing a positive outlook on life.
- A White Christmas for Annabelle
Lisa Hover discusses her daughter Annabelle's early sight loss and a life-shortening genetic condition. Annabelle faced her challenges with determination, pursuing her dream of a white Christmas with her family.
- Volunteering for Freedom
Mohammed Zaman recounts his arrival in Britain and subsequent experience as a victim of modern slavery. He shares how volunteering at a community club in Lewisham became a turning point, helping him regain his freedom.
- Everything and Nothing
Paul Mason discusses the life-changing experience of having triplets with Dr. Sian Williams, detailing the challenges of their birth and the unexpected kindness of strangers.
- Finding a New Voice
Tanja Bage, a mother of two, faced a cancer diagnosis requiring the removal of her vocal chords. She discusses the challenges of motherhood and learning to speak again, and introduces a new artistic project.
- From Skid Row to Stardom
Dan Edozie shares his experience of homelessness in Los Angeles at age 12 and how a pivotal moment led him to pursue sporting success. He discusses taking control of his destiny with Dr Sian Williams.
- A Wild Child’s Buried Trauma
Sarah Fairbairns, reflecting on her 'wild child' youth in the 1960s and 70s, shares how discovering a childhood medical trauma brought relief from lifelong sadness and depression. Now in her seventies, she discusses confronting her past wi…
- Hostage Survival
Civil engineer Nick details his survival of a violent 2013 hostage situation at an Algerian gas facility, an event linked to Al-Qaeda. He now uses his experience to support others facing similar trauma.
- Introducing the new series of Life Changing
Dr Sian Williams previews the new series of Life Changing, which will showcase a range of extraordinary stories.
- The crocodile, the twins and the bond that saved them
In 2021, twins Georgia and Melissa Laurie went for a swim in a Mexican lagoon during a trip that was meant for sisterly bonding, but ended in a terrifying fight for survival. They shared their story, explaining how their mutual love helped…
- 'I will make amends'
Dr. Tony Redmond discusses his experiences with two major global disasters in December 1988, which initially led him to consider leaving medicine. He shares his story on the podcast Life Changing.
- Excluded
Tier Blundell, who felt excluded growing up between two cultures, recounts his experience of being removed from school without qualifications and his subsequent determination to re-engage with the education system.
- Finally Meeting Mum
The podcast episode "Finally Meeting Mum" on the show "Life Changing" features Su Chantry
- Trading places
Dan Simmonds discusses his early career as an oil trader in London, an environment he found challenging to his values, and a later discovery that altered his life and career path.
- Delivering Change
Agnes Nisbett, a nurse and midwife who arrived in the UK with the Windrush generation, reflects on her career in the NHS. Facing systemic flaws and personal loss, she was inspired to advocate for change within the healthcare system.
- Witness
Georgia Gabriel-Hooper, now 20, discusses the profound impact of witnessing her mother's murder as a child. She has since courageously used her testimony to raise awareness and create change regarding domestic abuse.
- Harriet: What Happened Next
Recorded live at the Hay Festival, this episode revisits Harriet Ware-Austin, who first shared her story in 2021 about the deaths of her two sisters in a 1972 plane crash. She discusses the long-lasting impact on her family and the unexpec…
- Hurting the One You Love
Connor Allen shares his story of growing up mixed race in Newport, bottling up emotions, and resorting to violence against his mother, which led to a prison sentence. He recounts his experience at the Hay Festival in May 2023.
- Bluebells on Bunny Hill
Irene and Alan recount their story of meeting as isolated children in a strict children's home in 1959. Their friendship was discovered and they were separated, only to reunite forty years later.
- 'I knew I could never make it right'
Teresa Clark shares her story of rebuilding her life after a 2006 car crash she caused, which resulted in the death of three friends. Convicted and imprisoned, she now works in mental health, honoring her vow to live for her friends and do…
- Blink Once
Officer Clodagh Dunlop, 35, recounts her terrifying experience of being trapped in her own body while training for a run. She shares with Dr. Sian Williams how she found the strength to achieve a remarkable breakthrough.
- The Baroness
Rachel Watkyn shares her experience of growing up in an aristocratic but impoverished family, facing isolation and feelings of inadequacy. Years later, her father revealed a startling secret on his deathbed.
- Dead Calm
Will Darby pursued an adventurous life in the Solomon Islands searching for surf, only for his idyllic existence to be upended when the sea disappeared. He shares his story with Dr. Sian Williams, detailing the events that forged a lasting…
- 'It started as a perfect wedding day'
Emily King describes how her wedding day in the summer of 2008 took a terrifying turn, involving a chase. Years later, she explains to Dr Sian Williams how she fought for survival and how the incident gave her "superpowers".
- 'If I panic I die'
Stephen shares his harrowing experience of a violent crime and the profound impact it had on his life, leading him to 'press the reset button' for his family. He tells his story publicly for the first time, hoping to aid his own healing an…
- Speechless
Polly Evans shares her experience with Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia, which caused her public humiliation and led to a re-evaluation of her identity and career path. She discusses finding fulfillment in new ways after her turning point.
- Overheard
Hazel Ellis-Saxon, raised in a busy household in the 1960s, overheard a teacher call her 'mentally retarded,' which led her to believe she was a disappointment and would not have a full life. Dr. Sian Williams discusses how this label shap…
- From the rubble
Jessica Williams and her two sons survived a house explosion and, with the help of their community, began the process of rebuilding their lives.
- The box under the bed
After his father Peter’s death, Joe Jaquest Oteng found documents revealing a different life story than he was told. Joe uncovered new truths about his father’s past in Ghana, leading to personal discoveries.
- Taken: Lisa’s story
Lisa shares her story of being taken to Pakistan in 2000 under the false pretense of a holiday, only to learn her mother had died. The episode details her difficult adaptation to a new life, her eventual return to England at age 17, and th…
- Taken: Tracey’s story
Tracey recounts the harrowing experience of her husband taking their children to Pakistan during divorce proceedings. Despite efforts involving the police, Foreign Office, and Interpol, she faced a decade-long struggle to reunite with her…
- Baby steps
Jason and Liz's life changed dramatically after Jason suffered a brain injury, requiring him to relearn to walk as their son began his own steps. They share their story of navigating this unexpected path.
- Love and the law
Aderonke Apata shares her experience of facing deportation from the UK to Nigeria because of her love for another woman. She successfully fought her case, which led her to a new career in law.
- Ripple effect
Electra Rhodes recounts how her intervention after a man collapsed on a London street, using her recent first aid training to perform CPR, inadvertently triggered a chain of events that significantly altered four lives. She shares her stor…
- Meal deal
In 2011, Nicola Shaughnessy experienced a life-altering encounter while buying lunch, which triggered a journey through psychiatric care and eventually led to a deeper self-understanding. Now a university professor, she discusses her exper…