On a Mission Podcast 2.0

Matt Pink: The Better Life Guy

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Matt Pink, also known as The Better Life Guy. Matt is the bestselling author of the book called 'Better Me Better You'. He is a speaker, coach, and sober influencer, making a significant impact in the sober community through sharing his creative, funny, and direct approach to choosing sobriety.
Like many of us, Matt Pink was immersed in the "work hard, play hard" lifestyle, prioritising ambition and partying over his own mental health. We talk candidly about how his relationship with alcohol deteriorated after the tragic death of his young son and how this led to him losing everything.
The comeback started for him after a chance spiritual encounter. Initially sceptical, a meeting with a stranger (ironically in the pub!) led to Matt completely turning his life around. In this episode, it's not all about sobriety as we delve into other areas of wellness, self-development, and how hitting rock bottom can be the catalyst needed to find your true passion.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

Relationships Are Currency: Keira Hoyte Steps Into the Spotlight

On a Mission 2.0 – If you’ve been following our relaunch, you’ll know it’s been a turbulent year, to say the least. I’ve always believed that relationships are the truest form of currency, and this year has proved that more than ever. I’ve often said that no one’s coming to save you, but I’d add that no one is an island, either. I couldn’t have made it through the past year without the loyalty and support of those who’ve stood firmly in my corner—no one more so than Keira.
In this episode, we’re turning the lens around. Keira, usually the steady hand behind the scenes, steps in front of the camera with me as we look back on the hard lessons, and the raw realities of rebuilding. It’s a candid glimpse into the journey of On a Mission 2.0 and the people who make it possible.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

The Meaning of Malice: The Black Widow and The Courage to Face COVID-19 with John Leake

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling true crime author John Leake to unravel the chilling story of a Dallas socialite who lived in luxury while evading suspicion of serial murder. With fresh evidence and unflinching detail, John dives deep into how she managed to escape the grasp of law enforcement for so long.
But John’s work goes beyond true crime. As co-author of The Courage to Face COVID-19, he teams up with renowned cardiologist  Dr. Peter McCullough to spotlight the doctors who risked everything to develop an early COVID treatment—only to face fierce resistance from a powerful Bio-Pharmaceutical Complex.
This conversation uncovers not only the dark side of human nature but also the resilience of those determined to bring truth to light, even when the odds are stacked against them. 
Listen in for a deep dive into crime, courage, and the fight for transparency.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

Laughter, Lessons, and Real Talk with Billy Farrell

I’m back with another episode, sitting down with an old friend and all-around legend, Billy Farrell. No glossing over the hard stuff here; we’re going all in, tackling the highs, lows, and those quiet battles that no one sees.
Billy and I get into the raw, unfiltered truths – the struggles that forge us, the laughs that keep us going, and the resilience it takes to get back up, even when the world thinks you’re down for good. We’re cutting through the fluff, leaning into the real journey, and sharing those honest moments that remind us why we keep pushing.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

Gail Porter’s Story of Strength and Survival

TV icon Gail Porter’s story is as raw as it gets. She’s faced an onslaught of challenges: depression, homelessness, self-harm, and even losing her hair to alopecia—all while being in the public eye. Gail's battle with mental health was intensified by the media’s relentless intrusion, including the infamous projection of her nude photo, which left her feeling violated and powerless. Despite being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and enduring the lowest of lows, Gail found the strength to rebuild her life, channelling resilience and finding light in everyday blessings, Gail Porter on optimism and living one day at a time.
What stands out most is her courage to keep pushing forward, no matter how dark things got. She’s open about the ongoing process of healing—focusing on gratitude, taking things day by day, and embracing life’s imperfections. It’s not just about overcoming the trauma; it’s about reclaiming her story and refusing to let it define her. 
Gail's journey is a reminder that resilience doesn’t mean being unbreakable—it means rising every time you fall.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
 

How To Become Unstressable with Mo Gawdat & Alice Law

This episode is deeply personal for me. At the time of recording, I was navigating one of the darkest periods of my life, and Unstressable by Mo Gawdat and Alice Law resonated on a profound level. Sitting down with Mo and Alice felt like a masterclass in understanding the roots of stress and transforming it into a force for growth. They shared not only the science behind stress but also real-life insights on dealing with loss, anxiety, and the relentless demands of modern life.
For Mo, this isn’t just theory—it’s rooted in his own experiences, including coping with the loss of his son, and for Alice, it’s about turning personal trauma into resilience. Their framework doesn’t just help you “manage” stress—it’s about learning how to approach life’s challenges with clarity and strength. The tools and perspectives they share during our chat genuinely shifted my own outlook, offering strategies that I’ve since applied to my life.
Being a podcast host is like getting a front-row seat to life’s greatest lessons, and this conversation was one that left a mark on me. If you’re struggling to cope or seeking deeper understanding, I know this episode will provide something meaningful for you, too. Tune in to discover how to become truly unstressable in a world that never seems to slow down.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

Surviving the Unspeakable: Lurata Lyon's Fight Against Human Trafficking

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of human trafficking, abuse, and war that may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Lurata Lyon, a survivor of human trafficking and the Yugoslav Wars. At just 17 years old, Lurata’s life was shattered when she was kidnapped and held captive by a human trafficking and organ-harvesting gang during the violent split of former Yugoslavia. For six harrowing months, she faced unimaginable abuse, fear, and darkness. Her brave rescue eventually brought her to the UK as a political refugee, where she began the challenging journey of healing and rebuilding her life.
However, Lurata’s challenges did not end there. In an extraordinary turn of events, after returning home, she was kidnapped again—this time by Serbia's illegitimate army. For six months, she endured torture, abuse, and captivity once more. Her journey of survival against all odds is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to overcome the darkest of circumstances.
Today, Lurata is an international public motivational speaker, and the author of Unbroken: Surviving Human Trafficking. In this episode, she shares her journey of survival against all odds, from enduring the horrors of captivity to finding the strength to rise and inspire others. Her story is one of pain, resilience, hope, and the indomitable will to survive.
Tune in to hear Lurata’s incredible journey, how she escaped captivity, and how her experiences have shaped her mission to empower others and shed light on the realities of human trafficking.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Lurata’s harrowing experience as a victim of human trafficking and organ harvesting
- The brutal conditions of solitary confinement, abuse, and fear she faced at just 17 years old
- Her daring rescue and journey to the UK as a political refugee
- Lurata’s second kidnapping and the unimaginable suffering she endured at the hands of Serbia's illegitimate army
- Her journey of healing, recovery, and resilience
- Lurata’s work today as a public speaking coach, motivational speaker, and advocate against human trafficking.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq

From Darkness To Dawn: The Power of Starting Over

Welcome to On a Mission 2.0! I’m Ellie McKay, and in this brand-new season, we’re diving deeper than ever before. Life doesn’t always go to plan—but it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you react that counts. 
In this first episode, I’m joined by my incredible friend and fellow podcast host Toni Gargan, as we chat openly about those moments when you feel like the world’s crumbling, and how you rise from the ashes.
This isn’t about sugar-coating success stories. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve hit rock bottom and wondered how to get back up. If you’re ready for some straight-talking truth and a bit of inspiration make sure you hit subscribe.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq