How Do You Cope?

Nicky Campbell: ‘I was 9 when I saw my friend being abused next to me’

How Do You Cope?

Show Notes

Can you ever fully recover from experiences of childhood abuse?

John is joined by fellow BBC 5 Live presenter; broadcaster, author and musician Nicky Campbell. They explore Nicky’s experiences of adoption, his bipolar disorder, and experiencing and witnessing abuse whilst at school.

Nicky was taken in for adoption at a few days old, and describes the emotional journey of tracking down and meeting his birth mother.

He also opens up about the abuse he experienced and witnessed whilst at The Edinburgh Academy; how he felt a sense of duty to use his platform and speak out years later, and how the language used to describe what actually happened can make a real difference.

Nicky also celebrates the restorative power of dogs, and explains the healing role that music plays in his life.

Helpful links: https://thesurvivorstrust.org/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

You can send in your thoughts and reflections to [email protected] or via howdoyoucopepod.com

Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod

Follow the show on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @howdoyoucopepod

How Do You Cope is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from How Do You Cope?

Jul 23, 2026

In this week’s bonus episode, singer and actor Kate Nash shares what she is grateful for. John and Kate reflect on defining moments that have shaped her life, before Kate shares her gratitude list that features live touring, her dogs and her family, as well as her agents and music itself. Head to the main episode to hear Kate speak about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust, in an industry that’s constantly changing.

Jul 20, 2026

How do you survive the music industry without losing creativity - or yourself?

Jul 16, 2026

In this week’s bonus episode, comedian Nish Kumar shares what he is grateful for. Leading the list is Nish’s partner of 14 years, Amy, who he says is very wise and kind, “Clever is useless if it’s not got kindness going through it”.

Jul 13, 2026

What happens when you realise your mind has been protecting you in ways you never understood?

Jul 9, 2026

In this week’s bonus episode, comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri shares what she is grateful for. Fatiha explains her gratitude for the rain, discussing her belief that ‘there is mercy in the rain’ to John. She is also grateful to be back in London after a busy few weeks touring her debut show, and for her publicist meeting her when she got off the train.

See all episodes →