Episodes

  • I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape

    I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape
    Nov 26 2025
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 12Dan Cooper | I Used To Be...A Victim of RapeMore than two decades ago, at just 19 years old, Dan Cooper’s life was shattered by a devastating sexual assault at the hands of someone he knew and trusted. What followed were years of battling the hidden scars - both mental and physical - that lingered long after the attack. Eventually, Dan found the strength to report the assault for a second time, and after months of enduring the complexities of the criminal justice system, his perpetrator was finally put to justice.In this raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic episode, Dan sits down with Dean James to share the truth behind his journey; how he fought through trauma, navigated the courts, and faced the overwhelming glare of media attention. His story is not just about survival, but about reclaiming power and finding purpose in the aftermath of pain.Today, Dan has transformed his experience into a mission. Through social media, he amplifies his voice to reach others who may feel silenced, offering hope, insight and solidarity. Beyond his advocacy, he serves as a mental health and well-being coach and dedicates himself to protecting others as a Fire Fighter. Proof that resilience can ignite strength, and that even the darkest chapters can lead to a life of impact.Follow Dan here:TikTokInstagramLinkedInFind out more about Dan's Story here: BBC NewsIf you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:Rape CrisisThe Survivor's TrustCALMSamaritansDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • I Used To Be...Physically Dependant

    I Used To Be...Physically Dependant
    Nov 12 2025
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 11Joe O'Connor | I Used To Be...Physically Dependant At 14, Joe survived a near-fatal road accident. At 32, he fell 400 feet during SAS selection, breaking his neck and facing a prognosis of lifelong paralysis. In between, he served with distinction in the British Army, became a top-tier financial adviser in the City of London, and earned elite status as a Class 1 Army PTI and bomb disposal expert.But Joe’s story doesn’t end with survival...it’s about reinvention. After losing everything post-injury, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. Today, he’s the founder of The Transformer Company, a six-time Times-recognized top UK coach, and a man on a mission to help 1 million veterans achieve financial and personal success.In this powerful conversation with Dean James, Joe opens up about the mindset that helped him overcome trauma, paralysis, and personal loss. He reflects on lessons from the battlefield that apply to business, money, and everyday life. He inspires people to choose purpose after devastation, and discusses why resilience is a decision and perspective is everything when facing life’s toughest challenges.Joe’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. He turned pain into purpose - and how you can too.Find out more about Joe's work here: Joe Teams Success ClubThe Transformer Transformation For VeteransFollow Joe here:InstagramLinkedInIf you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links: Help For HeroesThe SamaritansMind CALMDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete

    I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete
    Oct 29 2025
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 10Michael Bugary | I Used To Be...A Pro AthleteMichael Bugary rose from a promising young athlete to the Major Leagues, playing baseball for the Boston Red Sox. But a brutal arm injury shattered his career - and his identity. In this raw and honest episode he speaks to Dean James about spiralling into addiction and depression, and later facing a brain tumour the size of a lacrosse ball. After surviving multiple surgeries and cancer treatments, his battle with mental health and addiction continued...until he met Lingo. His therapy dog gave him new purpose and hope. Lingo helped Michael focus on his recovery and live in the moment, accepting what he can't change, but working hard to change what he could no longer accept.Now sober and thriving, Michael channels his journey into public speaking, inspiring audiences worldwide. His debut book, The Disease of Me, is set to release soon - a raw, powerful account of resilience, recovery, and reinvention.Find out more here...Michael BugaryBe the first to hear about the release of The Disease of Me...Sign Up to the Waitlist Follow Michael:InstagramLinkedInTikTokFacebookIf you were affected by any of the themes explored in this episode:UK Based:MindAlcoholics AnonymousSamaritansUSA Based:HelpMental Health AmericaDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • I Used To Be...A Cop

    I Used To Be...A Cop
    Oct 15 2025

    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 9

    David Booth | I Used To Be...A Cop


    From the Fast Lane to a New Life. In this gripping episode, David Booth sits down with Dean James to reflect on his decades-long journey as a traffic cop in Atlanta, Georgia. A career marked by high-speed chases, close calls, and the everyday grit of keeping the roads safe. But everything changed in an instant. A catastrophic accident not only ended his time in uniform but left him fighting for his life. What follows is a story of resilience and reinvention. David opens up about the physical and emotional toll of recovery, and how he found new purpose beyond the badge. Today, he’s channelling his experience into educating the next generation of drivers and training motorcycle enthusiasts for Harley-Davidson. It’s a powerful conversation about identity, impact, and the road to rebuilding.


    Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

    www.u2bdc.com

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    Amazon Music

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • U2BDC: I Used To Be...Hopeless

    U2BDC: I Used To Be...Hopeless
    Oct 1 2025

    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 8

    Brezz Hall | I Used To Be...Hopeless


    In this raw and powerful episode, Brezz Hall opens up to Dean James about his lifelong battle with addiction, shaped by deep trauma and a family history of substance abuse. Gripped from a young age, Brezz hit rock bottom, but he didn’t stay there. He broke the cycle, got clean, and now dedicates his life to helping others do the same as a peer support worker. Living so long with no hope, Brezz now has hope and purpose.


    Beyond recovery, Brezz is sparking real conversations through his apparel brand, 4th Dimension Apparel, where fashion meets purpose. A portion of every sale goes to organisations helping people get and stay sober.

    This is more than a comeback. It’s a movement.


    Find out more about Brezz here...Brezz Hall


    Explore Brezz's Apparel Collection here...4th Dimension Apparel


    If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

    UK Based:

    Mind

    Alcoholics Anonymous

    Samaritans



    USA Based:

    Help

    Mental Health America


    Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

    www.u2bdc.com

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    Apple

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    Amazon Music

    Deezer


    Instagram

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • U2BDC: I Used To Be...A Woman

    U2BDC: I Used To Be...A Woman
    Sep 17 2025

    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 7

    Kane Howard | I Used To Be...A Woman


    In this raw and powerful episode, Kane Howard sits down with Dean James to share his unfiltered journey of transitioning from female to male. From emotional upheaval to financial strain, Kane opens up about the realities of transitioning in the USA and what it means to be a Trans man in today's age. But this isn’t just a story of struggle—it’s one of triumph. Now living as his true, authentic self, Kane has reclaimed his pride, redefined his purpose, and reignited his creativity. He’s written a book, re-educated himself, and is channelling his lived experience into bold new ventures. This is more than a transition—it’s a transformation.


    Find out more about Kane's books here: Kane Jesse Howard


    And follow Craig on:

    Instagram

    Facebook

    TikTok


    If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

    UK Based:

    Trans Directory

    Good Law Project

    Terrence Higgins Trust


    USA Based:

    Trans Directory

    Trans Lifeline


    Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

    www.u2bdc.com

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • U2BDC: I Used To Be...A Soldier at War

    U2BDC: I Used To Be...A Soldier at War
    Sep 3 2025

    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 6

    Craig Maddern | I Used To Be...A Soldier at War


    Craig Maddern spent 15 years in the British Army, serving in global conflict zones including Afghanistan. But the battles didn’t end when he left the front lines. In this gripping episode, Craig opens up to Dean James about the physical toll, the mental scars, and the fight to reclaim his life after a bipolar diagnosis, deep depression and PTSD. Now a best-selling author and life coach for high-stress dads, Craig shares how he turned breakdowns into breakthroughs—and why vulnerability, communication, and purpose are the new pillars of strength for modern men. Raw, real, and deeply inspiring.


    Find out about the wonderful work Craig is doing here: CraigMaddernCoaching


    Get Craig's Best-Seller here: How I Went From Stress and Hospital Beds, to Enjoying My Life


    And follow Craig on:

    Instagram

    Facebook

    LinkedIn


    If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

    Help For Heroes

    Samaritans

    Mind

    Calm

    Royal British Legion


    Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

    www.u2bdc.com

    Spotify

    Apple

    YouTube

    Amazon Music

    Deezer


    Instagram

    Facebook

    TikTok

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • U2BDC: I Used To Be...Psychotic

    U2BDC: I Used To Be...Psychotic
    May 28 2025

    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 5

    Anthony Palacin| I Used To Be...Psychotic


    Anthony Palacin joins Dean James for a fearless conversation about surviving a psychotic episode and being sectioned in a psychiatric ward. With raw honesty, Anthony unpacks the trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles that once consumed him—and the radical healing journey that followed. From confronting deep-rooted pain to breaking destructive patterns, Anthony shares how he rewired his life, reduced his reliance on medication, and discovered the power of flow-states. Now a coach helping others unlock clarity, resilience, and productivity, Anthony’s story is a masterclass in transformation, self-awareness, and the courage to rewrite your narrative.


    Find out about the wonderful work Anthony is doing on his website: https://www.palacin.co.uk/


    And follow Anthony on:

    Instagram

    Facebook

    LinkedIn


    If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

    Samaritans

    Mind

    Calm

    MHFA


    Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

    www.u2bdc.com

    Spotify

    Apple

    YouTube

    Amazon Music

    Deezer


    Instagram

    Facebook

    TikTok

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 15 mins