Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

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.

This week on Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most authentic and resilient comedians — the legendary Kane Brown. From growing up in South London and becoming a father at 22, to building a property empire and then losing it all in the 2008 crash, Kane’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding laughter through life’s hardest lessons.He opens up about rediscovering himself through comedy, the power of self-belief, and building his own lane when the mainstream wouldn’t open its doors. Expect real talk, hilarious stories, and sharp reflections on fame, family, and what it takes to truly own your craft.Whether you know him from Rated 18 or his viral videos this episode shows you the man behind the mic — raw, reflective, and funny as ever.

This week, Mo sits down with the iconic Angellica Bell, whose 25-year career has made her one of British television’s most beloved presenters. From CBBC to The One Show, Angellica opens up about her journey from paper rounds and McDonald’s shifts to primetime success.Mo and Angellica reflect on growing up black in British TV, breaking barriers, surviving live television, and staying grounded through it all.

Comedy legend Slim joins Mo Gilligan for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud conversation on The Beginning, The Middle & The End. From driving London buses to performing at the Hollywood Comedy Store, Slim shares 30+ years of stories, lessons, and wisdom from one of the most influential careers in British comedy. Expect hilarious tales about his early gigs, his first ever set at Hackney Empire, wild Real Deal Comedy Jam tours, and how he went from the bus depot to the London Palladium.💬 It’s heartfelt, funny, and full of gems from one of the godfathers of UK stand-up.#MoGilligan #Slim #Podcast #StandUpComedy #BeginningMiddleEnd

ne of the UK’s most loved comedians, Scott Bennett, brings his Northern charm and razor-sharp observational wit to Mo Gilligan’s Beginning, Middle & End podcast. In this episode, Scott gets real about:🔥 From Product Designer to Comedy Star — how he quit his “safe” career to chase the stage.❤️ Turning Family Struggle Into Strength — how his hit show Blood Sugar Baby raised awareness of his daughter’s rare genetic condition.😂 Backstage Stories & Big Laughs — from smashing club gigs to touring with legends like Michael McIntyre & John Bishop.A must-listen for comedy fans and dream-chasers alike — raw, funny, and full of heart.

BAFTA-winning actor, writer, and director Adjani Salmon joins Mo Gilligan to share his journey from studying architecture to becoming the creative force behind Dreaming Whilst Black. Raised in Jamaica and returning to London at 18, Adjani reflects on cultural shifts, film school lessons, and the hustle of self-funding his web series that grew into one of the UK’s most acclaimed shows. He opens up about pressure, persistence, navigating the industry post-Black Lives Matter, and even making it onto Doctor Who. A conversation full of honesty, humour, and inspiration about carving your own lane in the creative world.

Comedian Rhys James joins Mo Gilligan on Beginning Middle End to talk about his journey from Hertfordshire open mics to becoming one of the sharpest voices in UK stand-up. They dive into his awkward teenage years, disastrous romantic gestures, and how he hustled his way through comedy competitions and the Edinburgh Fringe. Rhys also opens up about finding his comic voice, surviving tough gigs, and what it’s like going from writing poetry for girls at school to writing a book, You’ll Like It When You Get There.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with comedian, musician, actor, and writer Nick Helm— a true force of nature in British comedy. From his early days battling one-star reviews in Edinburgh, to breaking out with his explosive, music-fuelled stand-up and starring in the BAFTA-winning sitcom Uncle, Nick shares the highs, lows, and lessons from his unique journey. Expect candid chat about the grind of the comedy circuit, the chaos of Edinburgh, finding his voice through stand-up, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

From choirboy to CBE, Adrian Lester’s journey is the stuff of legend. On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with the acclaimed actor to talk about growing up in Birmingham, discovering the power of performance in a church choir, and carving out a career that’s taken him from RADA to Olivier Awards, Hustle, and beyond. With stories of resilience, craft, and the lessons learned on stage and screen, Adrian reflects on legacy, longevity, and why he still loves the thrill of live theatre. Engaging, funny, and full of gems for anyone chasing their passion—this is one you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Beginning, Middle and End Podcast, Mo Gilligan sits down with actor, writer, and director Aml Ameen — a man whose journey is as powerful as the roles he’s played.From bursting onto our screens in the cult-classic Kidulthood to holding his own on The Bill, Aml takes us back to those early London days and the rise of Black British culture that shaped him. He opens up about the pride of returning home, the reality of fame across the Atlantic, and the unexpected ways his work has impacted lives — including one fan who said Aml’s journey saved his own.In this inspiring conversation, Aml shares stories of growing up in a family rooted in community leadership, navigating Hollywood, partying with Prince, and ultimately finding his voice behind the camera with projects like Boxing Day. With 20 years in the game, he reflects on his legacy — not just as an actor, but as a storyteller determined to celebrate culture, love, and the richness of Black British identity.