Question The Default

Strictly Come Dancing head judge and CALM Ambassador Shirley Ballas joins Harry for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations recorded on Question The Default.Shirley speaks with extraordinary honesty about the loss of her brother David to suic*de, the seven-year stalking ordeal that changed every part of how she lives, and her own experiences of suic*dal thoughts during the menopause.For the first time, Shirley reads aloud a letter she has carried in her heart for nearly 20 years. A letter to David. Words she has never written down, until now.In this deeply moving episode, Shirley opens up about:• Losing her brother to suic*de• The fear and hyper-vigilance caused by years of stalking• Protecting her mum and niece through that trauma• Living with grief and unanswered questions• Her own darkest moments and how counselling saved her• Why talking openly about mental health matters more than everThis is a conversation about love, loss, stigma, survival and the strength it takes to keep showing up.It’s also a reminder of why honest conversations about suic*de save lives – and why nobody should face these experiences alone.A hugely important episode, told with courage, vulnerability and heart.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin 🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgGamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Most people know Danni Menzies as the confident presenter from A Place in the Sun. Very few know the story behind the camera – the panic attacks, the trauma, the anxiety, and the strength it took to rebuild not once, but twice.In this raw and honest episode, Danni opens up about the two defining moments that changed her life.She talks about the severe panic attacks and agoraphobia that hit her at university, leaving her unable to leave the house. And then the devastating moped accident that came out of nowhere years later, derailing her career, confidence and sense of identity.Dani speaks candidly about:• What panic attacks really feel like in the body• The link between trauma, anxiety and ADHD• How EMDR, cold water, movement and therapy helped her recover• Rebuilding her career after a traumatic injury• Dating, egg freezing and life in her late 30s• Why she’s choosing a new chapterThis is an episode about agency, rebuilding and refusing to let a traumatic moment define your future.If you’ve ever felt like you’re starting again from zero – Danni’s story is a reminder that you can come back stronger than you ever imagined.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgGamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Most people know Dani Menzies as the confident presenter from A Place in the Sun.Very few know the story behind the camera – the panic attacks, the trauma, the anxiety, and the strength it took to rebuild not once, but twice.In this raw and honest episode, Dani opens up about the two defining moments that changed her life. She talks about the severe panic attacks and agoraphobia that hit her at university, leaving her unable to leave the house. And then the devastating moped accident that came out of nowhere years later, derailing her career, confidence and sense of identity.Full episode released Wednesday 26th of November.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin 🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgGamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Professional football is often painted as a world of glory, wealth and limitless opportunity – but for Michael Chopra, it was also the backdrop to a battle with addiction that nearly cost him everything.In this powerful, unfiltered podcast, former Premier League striker Michael Chopra opens up about his extraordinary rise from academy prospect to top-flight goalscorer, and the devastating gambling addiction that followed him every step of the way.Michael reveals:His journey through elite football The pressure and expectationsHow a seemingly harmless habit spiralled Coping with a life-controlling addictionFinancial and emotional consequences The moment where he almost took his own lifeThe turning points towards recovery What he’s learned along the wayThis episode is more than a story about football. It’s a raw, human look at the cost of gambling addiction, the realities behind the headlines, and the strength it takes to rebuild.Whether you’re a football fan, someone affected by addiction, or simply drawn to stories of perseverance, this podcast shines a light on the struggles many never see – and the hope that comes from speaking out.A note on language: Michael uses the phrase ‘committing suicide’ when speaking about his experience. This is a very common way people talk about suicide, rooted in a time when it was treated as a crime, which most people don’t realise. Many now prefer language such as ‘take my own life’ or ‘died by suicide’ to help reduce stigma.Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin 🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgGamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Professional football is often painted as a world of glory, wealth and limitless opportunity – but for Michael Chopra, it was also the backdrop to a battle with addiction that nearly cost him everything.In this powerful, unfiltered podcast, former Premier League striker Michael Chopra opens up about his extraordinary rise from academy prospect to top-flight goalscorer, and the devastating gambling addiction that followed him every step of the way.Out on Wednesday, 19th of November.Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin 🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgGamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Harry is joined by fellow CALM ambassadors Amber Rose Gill – Love Island winner, broadcaster, best-selling author, DJ and creator – and Tal Booker, talented artist and top tattooist, to talk honestly about mental health and the realities of living with a neurodivergent mind.All three share a personal connection to ADHD or autism, and a shared passion for breaking stigma, suic*de prevention, and honest conversations that help people feel less alone.From the pressure of public life and the hidden cost of fame, to how late ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnoses shaped who they are today, this is a conversation full of honesty and insight. Amber opens up about overnight fame, the aftermath of Love Island, and the lowest point of her life when she was at the centre of untrue tabloid stories. Tal speaks openly about grief, addiction and recovery after losing his cousin to suic*de – and why he’s determined to help young people before they hit rock bottom.They speak candidly about:• Living with ADHD and ASD • The pressure of instant fame • Coming back from rock bottom • Grief, addiction and recovery• Honesty about mental health• The danger of toxic productivityQuestion The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgIf you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

Harry is joined by fellow CALM ambassadors Amber Rose Gill – Love Island winner, broadcaster, best-selling author, DJ and creator – and Tal Booker, talented artist and top tattooist, to talk honestly about mental health and the realities of living with a neurodivergent mind. Out on Wednesday, 12th of November.Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin 🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgIf you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

When England’s Children’s Commissioner says a generation is still suffering from lockdown, it’s a warning we can’t afford to ignore.In this powerful episode, Dame Rachel de Souza joins Harry to speak candidly about what she’s heard from more than a million children – and why she believes we’re failing them.A former teacher and headteacher of 30 years, she reflects on the moment she realised the second school closure was “an unmitigated disaster” – and how decisions made in fear left deep scars on children’s education, confidence and mental health.From the rise in anxiety and school avoidance to the “dark labyrinth” of social media, Dame Rachel paints a stark picture of what it means to grow up in today’s world.She shares shocking findings from her national research: 25% of eight-year-olds have already seen hardcore pornography or violent content online; teenage girls’ happiness has plummeted; and AI “nudifying” apps are leaving young women and even teachers exposed to deepfake sexual abuse.This is a call to action from the person whose job is to make sure every child’s voice is heard.She speaks candidly about:• The second school closure “an unmitigated disaster”• What a million children said after lockdown• The rise in anxiety and school absence• Inside the “dark labyrinth” of social media• How early kids are seeing porn online• Why girls fear AI “nudifying” apps• Tech giants failing to protect young people• Building schools that include every child• Why government must listen to childrenQuestion The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.👤 Follow Host Harry Corin💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycorin📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/harry.corin🔗 Follow Question The Default📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/questionthedefaultpod🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/questionthedefaultpodcastThis episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.netMind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.ukShout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.orgIf you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.