On a Mission Podcast 2.0

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
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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.

Breaking the Silence: Nina Aoulik’s Unstoppable Mission to End Honour-Based Abuse

Some stories are difficult to hear, but they are even more dangerous to ignore.
In this powerful episode of On a Mission 2.0, I sit down with Nina Aoulik, a survivor, activist, and a woman on a mission to end honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and gender-based violence.
Nina’s story is harrowing. Born into a family that rejected her simply for being a girl, she endured years of extreme abuse, a forced marriage, and modern-day slavery right here in the UK. From being locked away as a child to surviving brutal violence at the hands of those meant to protect her, Nina shares her journey with raw honesty and unwavering strength.
But this episode isn’t just about trauma it’s about hope. It’s about turning pain into power and using her voice to help others escape the same fate. Today, Nina is a fierce advocate, fighting to challenge outdated cultural norms, push for policy change, and support survivors in reclaiming their lives.
⚠️ A Note to Listeners: This episode contains discussions of honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and sexual violence. While some moments are deeply challenging, Nina’s story is one of strength, resilience, and survival and it’s a conversation we all need to have.
EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS:
[00:03:24] A Childhood of Isolation & Modern-Day Slavery
Locked away in a room, only allowed out to cook and clean
Her family saw her as a burden for being a girl
[00:07:58] The Night That Changed Everything
At 14, Nina was raped by her father the start of a horrific cycle
Eight men followed, leaving her battered, broken, and pregnant
[00:09:48] Traded Like Property: The Forced Marriage
Considered “spoiled” and sold into a violent marriage at 16
Forced to live without a door, so she could be accessed at any time
[00:25:04] Honour-Based Attempted Murder
Nina returns home seeking love, but instead is ambushed
Her father and brother break her arm, stamp on her, and try to strangle her
[00:31:19] Escaping Over the Fence to Freedom
With life-threatening injuries, she scales a fence to flee her family
Seeks help at a police station only to be turned away
[00:45:05] The Ultimate Heartbreak: Losing a Child
After years of domestic abuse, she loses a baby at eight months pregnant
The unimaginable grief that nearly broke her completely
[00:57:09] The Moment That Saved Her Life
Her teenage daughter calls just in time, waking her up to a house filled with gas
Her ex-partner had turned on all the gas appliances in an attempt to kill them both
[01:00:33] Homeless & Fighting the System
Despite being a successful businesswoman on paper, she was left with nothing
The legal system failed her again and again
[01:20:00] Turning Pain into Purpose: Nina’s Mission Today
Now a leading advocate, Nina is dedicated to helping survivors escape abuse
Fighting to change laws, raise awareness, and give victims a voice
WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS
This isn’t just Nina’s story. It’s the story of thousands of women and girls still trapped in the cycle of honour-based violence, forced marriage, and abuse. It’s about a system that still fails survivors, and the urgent need for change.
But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It’s about resilience. It’s about the power of one voice to change lives.
How You Can Help:
✔️ Listen.
✔️ Share this episode. The more people hear stories like Nina’s, the more awareness we create.
✔️ If you suspect someone is at risk, speak up. You might just save a life.
Listen now. Because some stories need to be told.
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 Nina Aoulik:🔗 Website: https://ninaaouilk.com
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonslifecoach/?hl=en
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_thebrit/?hl=en

From Family to Felonies: Francesca Fattore’s Untold Story

Francesca Fattore had a loving childhood, a tight-knit Italian family, and a life that, on the surface, seemed worlds away from crime. But by her early teens, she was deep in a world of drugs, violence, and survival, running with dangerous people and making decisions that would ultimately land her behind bars.
In this real and raw episode, Francesca opens up about her descent from an innocent kid to a high-level drug dealer, the brutal realities of life on the streets, and the moment she had a gun to her head. She shares the shocking truth about addiction, prison, and the underworld that most people only ever see in films.
From the highs of fast money, first-class flights, and Rolexes to the crushing lows of addiction, overdoses, and the betrayal that landed her inside—this is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. And when she finally walked free, the real battle had only just begun.
Key moments and insights:
⏩ How childhood trauma shaped her choices – the family breakdown that sent her down a dangerous path.⏩ The gateway to crime – how a young girl with no criminal background ended up dealing drugs.⏩ The harsh reality of drug addiction – why it’s not just about willpower and how easy it is to get trapped.⏩ Life in the criminal underworld – the violence, the power, and the moments that made her question everything.⏩ The turning point – what finally made her walk away from the life that had defined her for so long.⏩ Breaking the cycle – how she built a new life and what others need to know about real rehabilitation.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Follow Francesca: https://www.instagram.com/ex_female_prisoner/
Follow Ellie: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
Follow On a Mission: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0?igsh=eDZkMWZ0ZzkwdGxv&utm_source=qr

Dean Forbes: From Rock Bottom to Multi-Million Pound CEO

This week on On a Mission, I’m joined by Dean Forbes, and his story is nothing short of incredible. From being homeless twice to leading multi-million-pound business exits, Dean opens up about the raw reality behind his success.
He talks about losing his football dream, drowning in debt at 17, and working in a Motorola call centre while crying in the toilets between shifts. But instead of staying stuck, he used that rock-bottom moment to fuel a career that’s seen him rise to the top of the business world.
Dean doesn’t hold back he shares the sacrifices, the mistakes, and the resilience it took to keep going, plus why he’s now focused on helping others through the Forbes Family Group.
This isn’t your typical success story. It’s honest, inspiring, and packed with lessons for anyone chasing their own breakthrough.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0?igsh=eDZkMWZ0ZzkwdGxv&utm_source=qr

Andrew Jenkins on Mental Health, Resilience, and Life After The Traitors

In this episode of the On a Mission podcast, I sit down with Andrew Jenkins, one of the standout finalists from BBC’s The Traitors. But there’s so much more to Andrew than what we saw on our screens. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and sheer determination.
At just 21, Andrew’s life took a drastic turn when he survived a horrific car accident that left him in a coma for four weeks. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive, let alone walk or talk again. But Andrew defied the odds, rebuilding his life piece by piece. That experience not only shaped who he is today but also fueled his passion for mental health advocacy, particularly among men a topic that still doesn’t get enough attention.
In our conversation, Andrew opens up about the real person behind the reality TV persona. We talk about life before The Traitors, how the show challenged him both mentally and emotionally, and how he’s using his platform now to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and resilience.
This isn’t just a chat about reality TV it’s a raw, honest conversation about overcoming life’s toughest moments and finding purpose on the other side. Andrew’s perspective is both humbling and inspiring, and I’m so grateful he’s shared his story with us.
Tune in you don’t want to miss this one.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0?igsh=eDZkMWZ0ZzkwdGxv&utm_source=qr

Breaking Free: Sara Al Madani on Healing, Spiritual Awakening & Redefining Success

This week on On a Mission, I’m joined by the unstoppable Sara Al Madani a trailblazing entrepreneur, speaker, and fierce advocate for personal growth and authenticity.
 
Sara started making money at just three years old, launched her first business at 15, and built a multimillion-pound empire. But behind the achievements was a woman battling deep personal struggles, societal expectations, and toxic relationships. In this no-holds-barred conversation, she opens up about spiritual awakening, resilience, and the courage to break free from conditioning.
 
We dive into:
•Are entrepreneurs born or made? Sara’s take on what truly defines success.
•Why traditional education is broken and how she’s raising her son differently.
•Climbing the wrong ladder what happens when you chase success but feel empty.
•The dark side of relationships narcissistic abuse, breaking toxic cycles, and self-worth.
•The art of surrender how trusting the universe transformed her life.
•Masculine vs. feminine energy why powerful women struggle to let go and how to reclaim true strength.
•The illusion of success when financial freedom isn’t enough.
•Why healing is the key how dealing with trauma unlocks clarity, passion, and real fulfilment.
•Living vs. existing shifting from autopilot to true purpose.
 
This isn’t just a conversation it’s a wake-up call. If you’re feeling stuck, questioning your path, or searching for deeper meaning, Sara’s story will challenge your thinking, ignite your curiosity, and inspire you to take control of your own destiny.
 
🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms!
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0?igsh=eDZkMWZ0ZzkwdGxv&utm_source=qr

Jessen James: The Truth About Mindset, Money, and Making an Impact

We’re welcoming back Jessen James to the On A Mission podcast and trust me, this one’s unfiltered, unapologetic, and packed with real talk.
Jessen isn’t just another entrepreneur talking mindset he’s a trained psychiatric nurse who’s taken his deep understanding of human behaviour and turned it into a blueprint for success. From battling financial hardship to becoming a self-made millionaire, Jessen has walked the walk.
In this episode, we get into:✔️ The biggest mindset shifts that separate the wealthy from the struggling✔️ Why traditional education is setting people up for failure✔️ The raw truth about money, business, and why most people stay broke✔️ How to rewire your thinking to achieve real financial freedom
Jessen doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and this conversation might just challenge everything you thought you knew. If you’re ready for some hard-hitting truths and game-changing insights, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in now and let us know what’s your biggest takeaway from Jessen’s wisdom?
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igsh=bDV3YW4wZzlhcWhq
https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0?igsh=eDZkMWZ0ZzkwdGxv&utm_source=qr