Guests announced for How Do You Cope?

Elis James and John Robins’s Radio 5 Live mental health podcast How Do You Cope? is to return next week.

The BBC has announced that guests in the fourth season will include  trans comic Jordan Gray, television presenter Gabby Logan, British rowing champion James Cracknell, author Moisin Zaidi, activist and presenter, Katie Piper. snooker player Shaun Murphy and broadcaster turned counsellor Iain Lee.

All the guests will speak about some of the greatest challenges they’ve faced, both mentally and physically. 

And in the first episode, the hosts will talk about the struggles they have faced since recording the last series. James talks about the stresses of moving house with his family in tow, while Robins opens up about battling his relationship with alcohol.

James said: ‘Yet again it has been an absolute privilege to conduct some of the most illuminating conversations I have ever had for this new series. 

‘I can't wait for our listeners to hear people in the public eye speak so candidly about some of the challenges they have had to face in private. Whether it's Lady Unchained, discussing her experiences in prison and the power of poetry in her rehabilitation, or Maria Romanenko's experience as a journalist fleeing her native Ukraine and the challenges she faced beginning a new life in England, I have been enlightened, educated, and impressed in equal measure.’

Robins added: 'I’m so looking forward to sharing another selection of incredible conversations with remarkable people. 

‘What makes this podcast such a source of hope is that these discussions aren’t about superhuman responses to impossible problems, they are conversations about the kind of situations we all might find ourselves or our loved ones dealing with, lived experiences we can all draw inspiration and strength from.’

‘Now, more than ever, it’s vital to listen to, and understand, people whose lives may be very different from our own, but whose struggles are universal. I‘ve once again been blown away by the honesty and resilience of the people who have kindly shared with us their experience, strength and hope.'

A new episode will be released every week via BBC Sounds from next Tuesday. Listen to a trailer here.

James and Robins joined BBC Radio 5 Live in May 2019 and present a weekly entertainment show on Friday afternoons. 

Published: 1 Jun 2023