Gobsmacked!

I first met Emma Mead years ago when she was at the top of her game in a high-powered corporate role—driven, sharp, and full of energy. Life, however, had different plans. When our paths crossed again, Emma was navigating an unimaginable reality: a terminal breast cancer diagnosis. As if that weren’t enough, her husband was also living with incurable brain cancer, forcing them both to figure out how to balance their battles while prioritising each other.Emma’s story is not just about illness—it’s about defiance, determination, and the relentless pursuit of life. She is not someone who simply accepts conventional wisdom when the clock is ticking. Instead, she seeks knowledge, fights for options, and refuses to waste a second on anything that doesn’t serve her mission to live fully.Our conversation in the studio was poignant, moving, and surprisingly energising—a testament to the power of the human spirit. I encourage you to listen, reflect, and take something from the way Emma chooses to live.

When pain hits hard, you have two choices: let it break you or turn it into something bigger than yourself. Rachel Ollerenshaw chose the latter. After losing her beautiful daughter, Molly, to a rare cancer, she didn’t just grieve, she built a legacy. Molly Olly’s is more than a charity; it’s a movement bringing comfort, smiles, and a little bit of magic to seriously ill children. This isn’t just a story about loss, it’s about purpose, determination, and the power of a wish. Raw, real, and full of heart, this one’s a must-listen.

Like many guests on Gobsmacked!, the birth of her son, Tom, led Nicola Enoch down a completely new path. Initially thrown and disoriented by Tom’s Down syndrome diagnosis, Nicola soon realised how societal attitudes had shaped her perceptions. Determined to challenge these outdated views, she founded The Ups of Downs in 2006, a charity dedicated to supporting families and promoting inclusion. Her journey didn’t stop there; in 2017, she launched Positive About Down Syndrome, aiming to provide accurate information and support to expectant and new parents. Nicola’s unwavering commitment has been instrumental in changing perceptions and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome across the UK.What a blend of guts, righteous indignation, and tiger mother love can achieve to tackle perceptions and catalyse change.Tune in to hear Nicola’s unfiltered account of challenging the status quo, fighting for her son’s rights, and her relentless pursuit of a more inclusive society.

This episode of Gobsmacked! is a special one—it’s all about overcoming life’s curveballs and celebrating true grit and graft, and it just so happens to air on my 60th birthday! What better way to mark the occasion?Xander Van de Poll at just 18, had life changed forever when he broke his back in a freak accident. But instead of letting it define him, Xander has gone on to defy the odds in ways that will leave you truly gobsmacked From taking his medical exams from a hospital bed to becoming a practising doctor, and even training for the 2028 Paralympics in paracanoe, Xander is a living, breathing testament to the power of attitudeWe talk about everything: the tough days, the small wins, the big dreams, and what it means to find strength when life feels impossible. Whether you need a dose of inspiration or just want to hear an incredible story of resilience, this one’s not to be missed.

Earlier this year, Matt Gallagher recorded his first-ever podcast for Gobsmacked. Reeling from his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2023, Matt opened his heart and family life to raise awareness and offer rapid support to others facing similar challenges. Eight months on, Matt returns to the studio to introduce his dear friend, Ollie Russell, who recently attempted a world record: 48 hours of burpee broad jumps.Ollie, a 26-year-old fitness coach and athlete, has a deeply moving backstory, shaped by the loss of his father to cancer. Inspired by Matt’s journey and their shared resilience, Ollie’s challenge was a testament to determination, raising vital funds for the Matt Gallagher Foundation, which has already contributed over £370,000 to the MND community.Tune in to Episode 39 of Gobsmacked to hear their incredible stories of heroism, stoicism, and heart.

Lianne Kirkman has openly described her life as an emotional rollercoaster, A pivotal moment occurred on a railway platform, where a miraculous event saved her life, igniting a deep well of love, generosity, and compassion that continues to guide her mission. With her formative years dogged by depression. Her personal struggles bless her with a profound compassion for marginalised individuals. Consistently drawn to those whom society often overlooks. Her dedication to women’s welfare is immense; inspired by a childhood aspiration to create a sanctuary for women, she has tirelessly pursued this vision throughout her life.