Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

From child wizard to Shakespearean king.This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with Alfred Enoch — the actor many first met as Dean Thomas inHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — to talk about the wild journey from childhood fame to leading the Royal Shakespeare Company.They dive into the reality of growing up inside one of the biggest film franchises in history, the surreal moment Alfred realised people saw themselves in his character, and how landing How to Get Away with Murder changed his life overnight.It’s a funny, thoughtful conversation about identity, craft, and what it means to take your place on stage.

What does it take to discover a generational superstar?In this episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with music industry legend Darcus Beese — the man behind artists like Amy Winehouse, Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Jessie J, and Sugababes.From starting out making tea at Island Records to becoming the first Black president of a major record label, Darcus shares the real stories behind the music industry: the risks, the pressure, and the magical moments when you hear a classic record for the very first time.He reveals what it was like hearing Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” for the first time in the studio, why most artists fail before their first hit, and how the music industry has completely changed in the streaming era.Darcus opens up about the cost of success, the regrets that come with chasing greatness, and the reality of balancing ambition, family, and mental health.This is a rare look behind the curtain of the music industry—from someone who helped shape it.If you love music, creativity, and the untold stories behind iconic careers, you’re going to love this episode.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with the one and only Paloma Faith.From growing up in Hackney to winning at the Brit Awards, Paloma opens up about signing a “terrible” first record deal, living in a rented flat while already famous, and why imposter syndrome never really goes away.She talks motherhood, money, trolls, gratitude, and the surprising moment that made her album shoot to number one. There’s chaos, wisdom, and a few industry secrets along the way — including wild rider stories, after-party politics, and why Samuel L. Jackson might be her most honourable contact.This isn’t just a music chat. It’s about resilience. It’s about recognising opportunity. It’s about staying human in an industry designed to change you.Raw, funny and vulnerable — this is the REAL Paloma Faith.

Rapper and artist Denzel Curry joins Mo Gilligan for a deep conversation about music, ownership, and survival in the industry. From touring with rock legends to stage-diving chaos, Denzel opens up about the importance of owning his masters, dealing with loss, and building a legacy beyond hits.They talk viral success, XXL fame, independent deals, and why hip-hop needs community again — plus wild stories from tours around the world.This is Denzel Curry like you’ve never heard him before.

On this week’s episode of Beginning, Middle & End with Mo Gilligan, Mo sits down with comedian Marlon Davis for a conversation that’s as funny as it is unexpectedly deep.Marlon takes us right back to the beginning. His school days learning fine arts, discovering creativity before comedy, and how those early artistic influences shaped the performer he’d eventually become. It’s a side of Marlon people don’t often hear about.From there, we get into the middle including the life-altering moment he woke up from a coma and had to piece his memory, identity and sense of self back together. What does it do to you when you can’t remember parts of your own story? And how do you rebuild your confidence when life hits reset?And of course, the end… or at least where he is now. The graft, the growth, the laughs — and the mindset it takes to survive this industry.

From Brixton estates to New York runways, and finally to the raw, unpredictable world of stand-up comedy — Michelle doesn’t do ordinary career paths. In this episode, she joins the podcast to unpack the wild pivot from modeling to comedy, the reality of chasing success across continents, and why reinvention is sometimes the bravest move you can make.Michelle’s journey is unpredictable, fearless, and seriously funny — and this conversation is no different.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with trailblazing actor, author, and former stand-up Andi Osho for a rare, expansive conversation about creativity, courage, and knowing when to walk away.From growing up in East London to working behind the camera before stepping into the spotlight, Andi opens up about her rise through stand-up comedy, appearing on Live at the Apollo during its golden era, navigating fame, burnout, and depression — and why she ultimately left comedy at its peak. She also talks candidly about life in LA, returning home, embracing her identity as an artist, and finding freedom through writing.With her new satirical novel Most Wanted on the way, Andi reflects on storytelling, success, and what it really means to follow your instincts — even when it means starting again.Honest, funny, and deeply human, this is a conversation about reinvention, ownership, and creating on your own terms.

From growing up in Bradford facing bullying and racial tension, to using magic as a form of protection, Dynamo opens up about the reality behind the illusion. He speaks honestly about living with chronic illness, losing himself at the height of fame, and the moment he almost walked away from magic forever.Dynamo also reveals incredible stories involving Dave Chappelle, Banksy, and Chris Martin — and explains why magic today isn’t about tricks, but about making people believe in themselves.This is not just a podcast episode.It’s a story about survival, identity, and finding purpose when everything falls apart.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with comedy powerhouse Joanne McNally.From selling out shows across the world to accidentally taking a sleeping pill before going on stage, Joanne talks touring exhaustion, dating while never being in the same country twice, and why success doesn’t always come with a blueprint.She opens up about podcast power, creative freedom, being brutally honest on stage, and whether New York might be her next move.Sharp, funny, and completely unfiltered — this is Joanne McNally exactly as she is.

From viral clips to prime-time TV, Guz Khan joins Mo Gilligan to unpack the highs, lows, and realities of breaking through without losing your soul.A must-listen on representation, resilience, and why sometimes the bravest move is walking away.

This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by entrepreneur, author, and investor Timothy Armoo, one of the most influential voices shaping modern business and Gen Z culture.Raised between Ghana and South London, Timothy’s journey began on a fourth-floor council estate on Old Kent Road — before founding Fanbytes from his university bedroom at just 21. What followed was a meteoric rise: Forbes 30 Under 30, partnerships with global brands like Nike and McDonald’s, and the eventual sale of Fanbytes for tens of millions.In this deeply personal conversation, Timothy opens up about identity, grief, ambition, and the realities behind success. He speaks candidly about losing his father, the pressure of leadership, mistakes made with early money, and why gratitude, not flash, is his real measure of wealth.This is a powerful episode about purpose over perception, long-term thinking, and why believing in yourself — even before anyone else does — can change everything.

This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by BAFTA Award-winning actor Malachi Kirby for a powerful conversation about craft, courage, and carving your own lane.Growing up in Battersea, Malachi found acting through local drama classes before becoming part of a generation-defining wave of British talent. From portraying Kunta Kinte in Roots, to his BAFTA-winning performance in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, to Black Mirror and now series two of A Thousand Blows on Disney+, Malachi reflects on the roles that shaped him — and the ones he turned down.They talk about introversion, identity, trusting instinct over hype, navigating pressure after awards, and why movement — creatively and personally — has been central to Malachi’s life. Honest, reflective, and deeply grounded, this episode is about longevity over noise, truth over performance, and building something that lasts.

This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most exciting and thoughtful actors, Hammed Animashaun.From growing up in East London to finding his voice through performance, Hamed reflects on his journey from youth theatre to Shakespeare, blockbuster fantasy (The Wheel of Time), and his BAFTA-nominated role as the unforgettable K in BBC’s Black Ops.They talk about discipline, identity, creative patience, and why not every success story needs a Hollywood relocation. Hamed opens up about the realities of stage vs screen, the pressure of awards season, the long waits between jobs, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating success.

David Larbi joins Mo Gilligan on the Beginning, Middle & End podcast for a warm, honest conversation about creativity, purpose, and finding happiness in everyday life. David opens up about his upbringing, early love for music and football, and how writing became a way to understand himself and the world around him. He reflects on growing up with big expectations, navigating university, and learning to trust his creative instincts — even when the path didn’t look traditional or secure.As the conversation unfolds, Mo and David dive into the realities of chasing a creative life: rejection, money pressures, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of being seen. David speaks candidly about writing Frequently Happy, the impact it’s had on readers around the world, and the responsibility that comes with sharing your inner world so openly. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t something you arrive at — it’s something you practise, moment by moment.

In this powerful and hilarious episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the original architects of Black British comedy — the incomparable Rudi Lickwood. From his early days as an Eddie Murphy lookalike to becoming a razor-sharp social commentator who reshaped the narrative of Black British identity on stage, Rudi shares 38 years’ worth of stories, wisdom, and war wounds.Rudi opens up about navigating hostile classrooms, systemic biases, and rebuilding himself to become a headliner across the UK. He breaks down the birth of the Black comedy circuit and the ongoing fight with gatekeepers who shaped (and limited) British TV.Mo and Rudi go deep on craft, legacy, timing, audience psychology, and the power of standing on each other’s shoulders. From military tours in Afghanistan to the peak Jongleurs era, this is a masterclass in comedy, survival, culture, and purpose.A thoughtful, funny, and essential conversation with a true OG.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most dynamic tech leaders — Dean Forbes — a man who went from growing up on a South London estate, juggling responsibility at home and dreams of playing professional football, to leading companies through multi-billion euro exits and championing social mobility at scale.Mo and Dean dive deep into the resilience, humour, and hustle that shaped Dean’s journey, unpacking how those early experiences fuelled his rise from telesales to the boardroom, and why he’s now using his platform to empower the next generation through the Forbes Family Group. It’s a powerful, inspiring conversation about identity, ambition, and breaking ceilings — all delivered with the honesty, vulnerability and laughs you’d expect when these two worlds collide.Companies mentioned in this episode: Forbes Vodafone Motorola Oracle HSBC Morgan Stanley Google Crystal Palace ACLT Partners Group Andy Warhol Basquiat Jamiroquai

Mo Gilligan sits down with the globally loved, relentlessly funny Russell Howard for a wide-open conversation packed with belly laughs, proper honesty, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.From touring the world to becoming a dad, to breaking down how comedy really works, Russell brings his trademark mix of warmth, sharpness and pure silliness. We dig into Bristol life, TV fame, Mock the Week battles, global touring chaos, and his brand-new tour “Don’t Tell The Algorithm.”If you love stand-up, creativity, or just want an hour where you feel good about the world again — this episode delivers.🔥 Expect: • Mo & Russell’s unfiltered chat about the grind, the glow-ups, and the gig disasters • Finding a balance with a career and family life. • Why laughter is STILL the best way to understand the worldTap in, laugh hard, and share this with someone who needs a lift.

This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of England’s most naturally gifted footballers: Joe Cole. From breaking through at West Ham as a teenage prodigy, to winning Premier League titles with Chelsea, to representing England at three World Cups, Joe has lived the full spectrum of the beautiful game.In this episode, Joe opens up about:⚽ Growing up in Paddington & Camden and learning football in London cages⚽ Why he didn’t play academy football until age 11⚽ The madness of Sunday League vs. stepping onto world-class pitches⚽ The pressure of debuting in the Premier League as a teenager⚽ Playing alongside legends like Lampard, Carrick, Rio & Wrighty⚽ Being a flare player in an era where you got kicked for it⚽ His new book Luxury Player and what he learned looking back on his careerJoe also reflects on how the game has changed—from grassroots culture to VAR—and what today’s young stars face on and off the pitch.It’s honest, insightful, funny, and full of unbelievable stories.Tap in and enjoy the conversation with the legendary Joe Cole.

This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with the one and only DJ Mak 10 — the original architect of the grime sound and heartbeat of the legendary N.A.S.T.Y Crew. From spinning vinyl in East London bedrooms to uniting Wiley and Dizzee Rascal two decades later, Mak 10’s story is pure UK music history.They dive into his roots growing up with five brothers, his dad’s reggae band influence, and the wild early days of pirate radio and sidewinders. Mak 10 opens up about taking grime back to the streets — literally — with his now-iconic outdoor sets across London. Expect raw nostalgia, laughter, and serious insight into what it takes to be a pioneer who’s still pushing the culture forward.

From girl group superstardom to carving her path as a solo artist, Leigh-Anne Pinnock sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk beginnings, balance, and being boldly independent. In this candid conversation, Leigh-Anne opens up about life after Little Mix, embracing motherhood, finding her creative freedom, and the lessons behind her powerful documentary Race, Pop & Power.They dive into her musical roots, the pressure of fame, her evolving identity, and what it really means to be an artist on her own terms. Honest, funny, and deeply human—this is Leigh-Anne Pinnock like you’ve never heard her before.