"I didn't plan on this" - podcast episode guide

Episode: Zoe Fox & Gary Dawson — Rebuilding Life, Redefining Identity

“A raw, uplifting conversation that sets the tone for the whole series.”

Meet Zoe Fox and Gary Dawson, hosts of I Didn’t Plan on This. Both had their lives transformed in an instant by spinal cord injury — but neither allowed that moment to define their future. In this powerful kick off episode, Zoe and Gary talk openly about navigating trauma, rebuilding identity and finding strength in vulnerability. With honesty, humour and zero filters, they dive into the realities many shy away from, showing what’s possible when determination meets the right support. Their journey now fuels their work with the Spinal Injuries Association, where they empower others to take control of their new beginning.

 

Episode: John & Jade Reynolds — Love, Laughter and Going Viral

“A heartwarming, laugh out loud episode about resilience, romance and refusing to see accessibility barriers as anything other than a daily challenge to outwit.”

When John and Jade Reynolds went viral for their first date story — John carrying Jade up a flight of stairs when the cinema lift failed — many fell in love with them. Jade was paralysed at age 12 due to transverse myelitis, but her partnership with John shows what life looks like when love and humour lead the way. With two children and a thriving social following, they’ve built a community by sharing the reality — and hilarity — of life as an interabled couple.

 

Episode: David Holmes & Rosie Mayes — Finding Love After Life Changes (Part One)

“An emotional, deeply human conversation about connection, vulnerability and rediscovering possibility.”

Former Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes had his world upended during a stunt test for the seventh film, resulting in a life changing spinal cord injury. Years later, he shared his journey with the world through the documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived. But this episode tells a different story — how he found love again with Rosie Mayes, who sustained a similar injury in 2009. For the first time, David and Rosie speak publicly about the relief, hope and unexpected joy that came with finding each other after believing love might not be possible again.

 

Episode: David Holmes & Rosie Mayes — Love, Intimacy & Everyday Reality (Part Two)

** Contains some adult themes **

“A brave, candid and funny conversation that challenges assumptions and celebrates love in its truest form.”
In part two, David and Rosie go even deeper. From the practicalities to the emotional complexities, they speak with rare honesty about intimacy, partnership and the realities of building a life together with high level spinal cord injury. Their openness is refreshing, disarming and important — offering a perspective rarely heard but deeply needed.

 

Episode: Hannah Cockroft & Nathan Maguire — The Power Couple of Paralympic Sport

“High energy, honest and inspiring others to use their voice — this is the story behind the medals.”

Eight time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft and elite athlete Nathan Maguire are a sporting powerhouse — but behind the medals lies a story of teamwork, sacrifice and shared ambition. From competing together to getting engaged after Tokyo, then marrying shortly after Paris 2024, their journey is anything but ordinary. In this unfiltered conversation, they open up about success, frustration, rivalry, and the pressure of performing as individuals while functioning as a team.

 

Episode: Mohammed Belal & Elizabeth Penny — Redefining What’s Possible

“A remarkable story of innovation, courage and the belief that purpose doesn’t disappear after injury — it evolves.”

In 2021, surgeon Mohammed Belal was struck by a falling tree while cycling, resulting in a spinal cord injury. With the unwavering support of his wife Elizabeth, he returned to the operating theatre using a hydraulic standing wheelchair — becoming the first UK surgeon to operate after paralysis. Together as parents, partners and leaders in their community, Mo and Elizabeth share how faith, determination and perspective helped them face enormous hurdles.

 

Episode: Steve Brown, Becca & Baby Lyra — A Future They Fought For

“A beautiful, honest conversation about love, representation and the family they fought so hard to build.”

TV presenter and former wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown credits his spinal cord injury for opening unexpected doors, from elite sport to mainstream television on Countryfile and Escape to the Country. But nothing tested him and his wife Becca like their IVF journey. In this intimate episode, they share the emotional highs and lows of trying to become parents — a path filled with uncertainty, hope and perseverance. Their story leads to the arrival of baby Lyra, the little girl they once feared might never be possible.

 

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