How Do You Cope?7 Heinä 2025

David Challen: ‘My mum killed my dad but I fought to get her free’

How do you reconcile your mother killing her abuser, when her abuser was your father?

John speaks to domestic abuse campaigner and author David Challen. He shares his experiences of fighting to get his mother freed from prison after she killed his father.

David was just 23 when he found out his mother Sally was close to ending her own life after the incident. She was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. But David felt the need to speak out and uncover his parents’ relationship for what it was; one of serial abuse and coercive control.

David talks about the challenges of reassessing his childhood, his fight to release his mother from prison, and why more men should speak up about violence against women.

Helpful Links:

https://www.standingtogether.org.uk/

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

If you need help, or just to speak to someone, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247.

David’s new book ‘The Unthinkable: A Story of Control, Violence and My Mother’, is out now.

On Thursday in our bonus episode The Gratitude List, David shares the 5 things that he is currently grateful for.

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to hello@howdoyoucopepod.com or via howdoyoucopepod.com

Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod

Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod

If you need support, you can find advice and someone to talk to by visiting www.samaritans.org, emailing jo@samaritans.org or calling 116 123.

How Do You Cope is a Significant Production.

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

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(77)

The Gratitude List: Jason Fox

In this week’s bonus episode, presenter, writer, and former Royal Marine Commando Jason Fox shares what he is grateful for. Family, his physical and mental health and finding purpose through work all ...

28 Touko 15min

Jason Fox: ‘An emotion is an alarm bell telling us to pay attention, not to act’

How do you return to normal life after being trained for war?John is joined by presenter, writer, and former Royal Marine Commando Jason Fox.Jason opens up about the long-term psychological impact of ...

25 Touko 59min

Suzi Ruffell: The Gratitude List

In this week’s bonus episode, comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell shares what she is grateful for. Suzi’s into gratitude in a big way, and overnight oats, her wife and daughter and the beach a...

21 Touko 16min

Suzi Ruffell: ‘It's never too late to come out’

How do you learn to accept yourself after years of trying to be someone else?In today’s episode, John is joined by comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell.Suzi opens up about how childhood anxiety...

18 Touko 54min

Anthony Scaramucci: The Gratitude List

In this week’s bonus episode, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communications for Donald Trump Anthony Scaramucci shares what he is grateful for, health and his relationship w...

14 Touko 9min

Anthony Scaramucci: ‘Trump is a symptom of a disease in the West'

How do you handle working with Donald Trump, and what happens when failure plays out in public?John is joined by Anthony Scaramucci, Wall Street financier, broadcaster and former Director of Communica...

11 Touko 48min

Esther Ghey: The Gratitude List

In this week’s bonus episode, campaigner Esther Ghey shares what she is grateful for. John and Esther reflect on silent retreats, time with friends, morning walks and the tulips in Postman’s Park, as ...

7 Touko 16min

Esther Ghey: ‘Having mindfulness in my back pocket saved me’

How do you navigate the world after the murder of your child?John is joined by Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey who was murdered in 2023. Following her daughter’s death, Esther found herself confro...

4 Touko 1h