Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

This week, Mo sits down with one of the most unique minds in comedy – the incredible Nina Conti.

From growing up in an acting dynasty to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated ventriloquists, Nina opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to comedy, the struggles of finding her true voice, and why her puppet monkey might actually know her better than she knows herself.

The pair dive into the pressures of following in famous footsteps, bombing in Edinburgh, creating comedy that feels authentic, and the strange freedom that comes from hiding behind a character. Nina also reveals the emotional story behind her award-winning film, her experiences performing inside a giant monkey suit, and why she plans on taking Monkey with her into the afterlife.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Green has lived a hundred lives in one.

From growing up on a Hackney estate and becoming one of the UK’s most respected battle rappers, to scoring a No.1 record with Read All About It, making powerful documentaries, and becoming one of the country’s most important voices on mental health, this is a conversation full of honesty.

In this episode, Prof opens up about the early days of battle rap, the pressure of success, addiction, money, grief, losing his dad to suicide, and why talking about our struggles can be life-changing.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Lenny Henry joins Mo Gilligan for one of the most honest conversations of his career.

From growing up in Dudley as the son of Jamaican immigrants and dealing with racism on a daily basis, to becoming one of Britain's most influential comedians, Lenny reflects on the moments that shaped him, challenged him, and changed him forever.

He opens up about losing family members, finding his voice in comedy, carrying the responsibility of being one of the only Black faces on British television, creating iconic characters, and making the leap from stand-up to Shakespeare. Along the way, he shares incredible stories about Comic Relief, television, acting, Buckingham Palace, and the realities of navigating fame across five decades.

Funny, moving, and packed with wisdom, this is Sir Lenny Henry like you've never heard him before.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like being one of Britain’s most recognisable doctors?

In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with TV doctor, GP, bestselling author and podcast host Dr Amir Khan for a funny, honest and eye-opening conversation about life inside and outside the consulting room.

From delivering shocking diagnoses and unexpected pregnancies to dealing with patients who stop him in garden centres for medical advice, Amir shares the stories they never teach you in medical school. He also opens up about growing up in Bradford, navigating NHS pressures, becoming a familiar face on television, and the reality behind modern healthcare.

Plus, the pair dive into social media health advice, ChatGPT diagnoses, why GP appointments feel impossible to get, and the surprising science behind nature’s impact on our mental and physical health.

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

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.