On a Mission Podcast 2.0

Jordan Wylie: War Zones, Wild Missions and the Fight to Find Himself

He’s dodged bullets, been held at gunpoint, worked as a private security contractor in the world’s most dangerous places and still says the scariest thing he ever did was sit still with his own thoughts.
This week, Ellie McKay is joined by the unstoppable force that is Jordan Wylie. Soldier. Adventurer. Author. TV personality. But underneath it all, a man who’s had to battle his demons harder than most.
In this brutally honest episode of On a Mission, Jordan opens up about the journey that took him from a council estate in Blackpool to the frontlines of Iraq, and then straight into a full-blown mental health crisis when the adrenaline ran out.
He talks about the high-stakes missions, the chaos, the wild expeditions and the slow, painful work of rebuilding himself after years of running on fumes. ADHD, PTSD, depression. He’s lived it, faced it and turned it into something meaningful.
Jordan isn’t here to play the hero. He’s here to tell the truth. And it might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on this podcast.
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Key moments include:
✔ Sleeping on a prison floor at 15 and how it changed everything✔ Why joining the Army gave him a reason to live✔ Life as a private contractor in war zones✔ The emotional crash that came when the chaos stopped✔ Getting addicted to recognition and losing his sense of self✔ Using adventure to mask the pain✔ How humanitarian work helped him find real purpose✔ Living with ADHD and finally getting the diagnosis✔ What it really takes to stop performing and start healing✔ Why being honest saved his life and how he’s helping others do the same
Subscribe to On a Mission for conversations that go there, the mess, the mindset, and the mission behind it all.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Jordan Wylie:
🔗 Website: https://www.jordanwylie.org/home/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjordanwylie/?hl=en
🔗 Antarctic Odyssey Fundraiser: https://armycadets.enthuse.com/cf/antarctic-odyssey?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacKf-hwYyce6LRmAfGJdLcjTH-A1ib4eCxwAoQzDtF-2HhJ9-EeeQbYAanLCg_aem_SjTF8cbh7S5j8eXhJNFYww
 

Philly J Lay: Exposing the Health Scandal That Affects Us All

Philly J Lay never set out to be a campaigner. But after a routine spinal fusion left her in agonising pain and heavily medicated, her world was turned upside down.
She spent years in bed, disconnected from everything she once knew, physically broken, emotionally exhausted, and unsure of what recovery could even look like. But it was through that experience that she began to question everything she had been told about health, healing, and the system we place our trust in.
In this episode of On a Mission, Philly shares her story with honesty and clarity. We talk about medical injury, addiction, grief, and the impact of trauma on the body. We explore the role of the gut, the power of natural healing, and the loss of connection to the world around us.
She opens up about her recovery journey and the shift in perspective that changed everything. Not to tell anyone what to think but to share what happened, and what she’s learned along the way.
It’s a conversation about resilience, intuition, and the importance of staying curious about the choices we make when it comes to our wellbeing.
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Key moments include:
✔ The life-changing impact of medical injury✔ Philly’s experience with opioids, alcohol, and chronic pain✔ Grieving the woman she once was✔ Understanding gut health and the mind-body connection✔ What it really means to heal from trauma✔ Thoughts on the healthcare system and why she began speaking out✔ Learning to listen to the body and reconnect with nature
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Philly J Lay:
🔗 Website: https://www.phillyjlay.com/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyjlay/?hl=en
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philly-j-lay-5776951a3/
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillyjlay1/?locale=en_GB 
🔗 Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-Wellness-Journal-Persons-Systems/dp/1982282703?ref_=ast_author_dp 
🔗 The Wellness Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-wellness-way/id1737796773

The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough: Talking Eating Disorders, Men’s Mental Health, and Infertility with The Man Behind The Muscle, James Roffey

Looking at James Roffey today, you see the strength, the discipline, the presence of a man who has done the inner work. But behind that calm exterior is a story that challenges everything we think we know about mental health, masculinity, and what it means to fall apart and put yourself back together again.
James is breaking down taboos and speaking openly about the topics that too often go unspoken. His story touches on eating disorders in men, the heartbreak of infertility, the pain of rejection, and the mental health battles that can bring even the strongest to their knees.
From losing his identity when his professional football dream was cut short, to spiralling into years of disordered eating and eventually being hospitalised weighing just five and a half stone, James has lived through it all. He shares what it felt like to be on the edge, the toll it took on his body and mind, and the long process of recovery that followed, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.
He also opens up about the breakdown of his marriage, rebuilding from rock bottom, and the reality of parenting while carrying deep pain. This is not about victimhood, it’s about ownership, growth, and choosing to live differently.
James is the kind of guest who brings truth to the table without ego. His honesty is powerful, his story is unforgettable, and his willingness to speak up is helping others realise they are not alone.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow James Roffey:
🔗 Website: www.ultimatebodyandmind.com
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.roffey?igsh=Y2tyaW02a3BnYW55
 

From Tabloid Target to Self-Made Powerhouse: Reinvention, Resilience and the Reality Behind the Headlines with Caprice Bourret

You think you know Caprice? Think again.
In this episode of On a Mission, Ellie McKay sits down with the model-turned-mogul for an unfiltered deep dive into a life that’s been anything but ordinary. From becoming one of the most photographed women in the world to building a multimillion-pound property portfolio and running successful businesses, Caprice Bourret opens up like never before.
This isn’t a tale of overnight success. It’s about grit, self-awareness and ruthless reinvention. It’s about walking away from the easy route, backing yourself in the face of rejection, and being willing to fail in full view of the world.
Caprice gets brutally honest about fame, money, motherhood, celebrity dating, health and so much more. She shares how a shocking brain tumour diagnosis forced her to reassess everything, why she’s done with people-pleasing, and how she’s managed to stay in the spotlight on her own terms.
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Key moments include:
✔ The tabloid moment that catapulted her to fame✔ Why she walked away from modelling at the top✔ Building a business empire in an industry that underestimated her✔ The mindset shift that came after brain surgery✔ The lessons learned from rejection and reinvention✔ Why she’s still doing it all, without nannies, filters or excuses✔ The new chapter: acting, property, purpose and real freedom 
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Caprice Bourret:
🔗 Website: https://www.capricebourret.com/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capricebourret?igsh=MWNzZGFrb2tidHpxdA==

Angharad Wrigley – Letting Go, Starting Over, and Becoming the Woman She Was Meant to Be

This is what happens when two good friends sit down and talk about the stuff that actually matters.
In this episode of On a Mission, Ellie McKay is joined by the brilliant, big-hearted and wonderfully honest Angharad Wrigley for a conversation about life, growth, and finding your way back to yourself after years of running on autopilot.
Angharad shares how it took her until her 40s to finally like the person she’d become. Along the way, she talks about the quiet decision to embrace sobriety, the shift from self-doubt to self-trust, and the sense of purpose she’s found through her business, her love for animals, and a totally new way of living.
From building confidence, to breaking habits, to rescuing dogs and cats and giving them a second chance, this is a story about letting go of what no longer fits and finally making space for what does.
It’s deep, funny, raw in all the right places and a reminder that you’re allowed to rewrite the script, no matter how late you start.
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Key moments include:
✔  The decision to live life with more clarity and less chaos✔  Why her 40s feel more grounded than any decade before✔  Learning to trust her gut and stop looking for outside validation✔  Letting go of drinking as part of rediscovering her identity✔  Finding unexpected purpose through animal rescue✔  Creating a business that fits around her values, not the other way around✔  The shift from functioning through life to actually living it✔  What changes when you stop trying to be everything to everyone✔  The power of slowing down, tuning in and doing life differently
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Angharad Wrigley:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/angharadwrigley?
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ynhrzLgP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angharadrocks?igsh=MzRuZHgweTl1cmVh
🔗 Website: https://hottubsrock.co.uk/
🔗 Hot Tub Rock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hottubsrock?igsh=MTdvMDYyeHdja2ptcA==
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Subscribe to On a Mission for real conversations that go far beyond surface-level success and speak to the heart of who we are becoming.

From Homeless and Written Off to a Global Voice for Human Potential – Dr. John Demartini on Rebuilding from Rock Bottom

Dr. John Demartini wasn’t supposed to make it.
Diagnosed with learning difficulties. Branded “uneducable.” Homeless at 14. By the world’s standards, his story should’ve ended before it ever really began.
But one powerful conversation changed everything.
In this episode of On a Mission, Dr. Demartini shares the truth behind his journey not the highlight reel, but the moments most people never see. The shame. The survival. The relentless work it took to rebuild his identity, word by word, thought by thought.
From living under bridges to teaching in over 100 countries, Dr. Demartini has spent his life helping others uncover their potential. But it started with facing his own darkness and making the decision to live with purpose, no matter what.
This is a conversation about trauma, healing, alignment and what it means to write a new story when the old one was never yours to begin with.
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Key moments include:
✔ The early diagnosis that almost sealed his fate
✔ Living on the streets and navigating addiction
✔ The moment a mentor told him he could do something extraordinary
✔ Learning to read one word at a time
✔ Repeating a daily affirmation for 49 years
✔ Why Dr. Demartini believes nobody is broken, just out of alignment
✔ Turning pain into purpose through education and service
✔ Creating the Demartini Method to help others unlock their true potential
✔ Why chasing pleasure won’t lead to fulfilment and what to pursue instead
✔ His mission to empower every individual to live intentionally
Dr. Demartini’s journey is proof that it’s not where you start, it’s what you decide to believe from this point forward.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Dr. John Demartini:
🔗 Website: https://drdemartini.com
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohndemartini?igsh=MTh1YWthazE0OGIybg==
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini?
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16N2SAjnat/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Subscribe to On a Mission for more honest, life-changing conversations that go far beyond the surface.

From Diagnosis to Defiance, Three Months to Live: What John Did Next Will Shock You

The day John Bygraves was told he had just three months to live, everything came crashing down.
His world, once filled with music, momentum and a fast-paced DJ lifestyle, suddenly stood still. What began as a small health concern turned into a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosis, and within moments, life as he knew it was gone.
Faced with a life-altering decision, John chose to explore a different path that challenged convention and called him to completely re-evaluate the way he lived, thought and healed.
This episode is a powerful exploration of what happens when you’re forced to confront everything you’ve avoided. From emotional trauma to daily rituals, John shares how he rebuilt his life piece by piece, with honesty, reflection and a willingness to look deeper. It’s raw, thought-provoking and a reminder that healing, whatever form it takes, often begins from within.
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Key moments include:✔ The diagnosis that changed everything✔ Why he initially declined conventional treatment✔ The role sound healing, fasting and meditation played in his recovery✔ How trauma, stress and early life experiences contributed to dis-ease✔ Why he believes cancer became his greatest teacher
John’s journey isn’t a prescription. It’s a deeply personal account of transformation, fuelled by curiosity, resilience and hope. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or seeking a fresh perspective, this is a story that encourages reflection on what it truly means to live with intention.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow John Bygraves
🔗 Website: https://www.soulrecodehealing.com/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbygraves?igsh=MWM2M2llZ292amY1ZQ==

Hooked by the System: The Truth About Prescription Addiction with Adam Ashburn

Adam Ashburn’s life changed in an instant when he was hit by a car travelling 100mph.
At just 19, he went from training as a professional golfer to being told he might never walk again. His injuries were extensive, multiple surgeries, years in recovery, and a complete rebuild of his physical body. But what followed was even tougher.
Hooked on prescription opioids, Adam found himself spiralling. Like so many others, he was following medical advice. Doing what he was told. But behind the scenes, the painkillers were slowly eroding his sense of self. Numbing everything, physically, emotionally, mentally.
And yet, this story is not about defeat.
It’s about radical responsibility. About making the decision, no one else is coming to save you, so what are you going to do about it?
In this episode, we dive into the real stuff. The messy stuff. From addiction and trauma to breaking free of victim mentality and reclaiming control. Adam opens up about the realities of recovery, the unspoken challenges of long-term medication, and what it takes to truly take your life back.
We also go wide. From media narratives to cancel culture, censorship to the importance of speaking your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.
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Key moments include:
✔ Surviving a 100mph car accident and the brutal physical aftermath✔ Prescription addiction: how it starts, how it’s sustained, and how he broke free✔ The mental game of recovery and why painkillers were harder to come off than the injuries themselves✔ The shift from victim to owner: what real accountability looks like✔ Leaving employment and stepping into business ownership✔ Why speaking up still carries risk and why he’s doing it anyway✔ Conversations most people are too afraid to have: big pharma, politics, cancel culture, and control✔ Why we need long-form conversations more than ever
This is a powerful episode with a message that will stay with you long after you finish listening.
Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Adam Ashburn:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ad-ttm
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ad_ttm_?igsh=aWttNmYzdHEweGFp

From Idea to Iconic: The Doncaster Festival Story with Andy O’Grady and Martin Semple

Most people go to festivals. Andy O’Grady and Martin Semple built one from scratch. No big sponsors, no safety net, just two mates with a vision and the sheer determination to make it happen.
From the very start, they were at the heart of it all, two lads from Doncaster who wanted to create something special. The first event was held in a field with a couple of hundred people. No one knew if it would work. Nearly a decade later, Donny Fest has grown into something massive, with thousands of tickets flying out and big-name headliners joining the lineup.
It sounds like a dream, but behind the scenes, it’s been an absolute rollercoaster.
Sky-high financial risks, last-minute disasters, bands missing their sets, and moments where everything could have collapsed.
Yet, somehow, they’ve built something extraordinary.
This isn’t just about music. It’s about what happens when you bet on yourself. The resilience it takes to build something from the ground up when no one hands you the blueprint. The pressure of going bigger every year when the stakes keep rising. The sleepless nights, the screw-ups, the relentless belief that failure is never the final chapter.
Andy O’Grady and Martin Semple have been through it all, and they’re telling the full story on On a Mission.
Because whether it’s building a festival, launching a business, or making an impact, the truth is the same, the ones who make it are the ones who refuse to quit.
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Key Takeaways:• How Andy O’Grady and Martin Semple turned a field party into a major festival• The brutal reality of festival finances, high risks, high stakes• Behind-the-scenes chaos, what really happens when artists don’t show up• Why betting on yourself is the only way to build something that lasts• The moments where it nearly all fell apart and how they pulled through
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Connect & Follow
🔗 Get your tickets for Donny Fest – https://tickets.donnyfest.co.uk/amf/donny-music-festival-2025/
Follow Donny Fest –
🔗 Website: https://donnyfest.co.uk
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnymusicfest?igsh=MTllOHU0Yzh6bGp6bA==
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16GQioG3uS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Follow me on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and upcoming guests:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
 

Reinvention, Resilience & Risk-Taking – Sophie Milliken on Selling a Business, Divorce & Starting Over

Success isn’t just about winning it’s about having the courage to start over when everything changes.
For years, Sophie Milliken was known as a successful entrepreneur, building a business from the ground up, helping founders raise their profiles, and even becoming a best-selling author. But behind the success was a reality few people saw. Selling a business isn’t always the dream exit it seems. Divorce isn’t just about splitting up it’s about rebuilding your entire life from scratch. Running a company while being a single parent adds another level of challenge most people never experience.
Sophie has been through it all, but instead of playing it safe, she doubled down on reinvention. She launched a thriving PR agency, built a successful podcast, and proved that starting over doesn’t mean starting from nothing. Reinvention is a choice, and it takes guts to take the leap.
This episode goes beyond business. It’s about resilience, risk-taking, and trusting yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. Sophie is brutally honest about the highs, the lows, and the moments she had to dig deep to keep going. She shares what she wishes she had known earlier, the power of personal branding, and why podcasting has been one of her biggest game-changers.
This is for anyone who has faced setbacks, felt the fear of starting over, or is ready to build something bigger than themselves.
Key moments include:
✔️ The untold truth about selling a business and why it isn’t always the smooth exit people expect✔️ How Sophie navigated divorce, financial struggles, and coming back stronger✔️ Why personal branding is the most powerful tool for entrepreneurs✔️ The game-changing opportunities podcasting has created for her and why she swears by it✔️ Balancing single parenthood with running a successful business and the reality of doing it alone✔️ Why the people around you can make or break your success—and how to choose wisely
🎧 Listen now and get On a Mission with Sophie Milliken
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🔥 Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps:
[00:00] From Corporate to PR Agency & Podcasting Power MovesWhy Sophie walked away from the 9-5 to help founders raise their profiles.
[08:30] The Reality of Selling a BusinessThe mistakes, lessons, and the rollercoaster ride no one warns you about.
[16:20] Divorce, Money Struggles & Rebuilding a Life from ScratchHow Sophie bounced back from personal and financial challenges.
[24:45] Why Personal Branding & Podcasting Are the Ultimate Business HacksHow putting yourself out there can transform your opportunities.
[34:10] The BS Women Face in Business & How to Overcome ItWhy misogyny and double standards still hold women back and what to do about it.
[41:30] Energy, Mindset & Surrounding Yourself with the Right PeopleWhy your network is your net worth and how to cut the dead weight.
[49:15] Final Thoughts & Where to ConnectSophie’s biggest lessons and how to follow her journey.
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🔥 Loved this episode? Here’s how to get involved:
✔️ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it✔️ Drop a review if this episode hit home✔️ Follow us & stay connected
Follow Ellie McKay:🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Sophie Milliken:🔗 Website: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moja_sophie/?hl=en
🔗 Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken/
🔥Success isn't about never failing, it's about how you rise after every fall. Keep pushing. Keep evolving. Keep getting On a Mission.