Life by Misadventure with David Brown

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Life by Misadventure is an independent interview podcast hosted by David Brown, featuring honest conversations with people whose lives have taken unexpected turns. Each episode centres on one guest and one life story. The conversations explore the moments, decisions, setbacks and strange turns that shaped them, from illness and loss to reinvention, resilience, identity, work, family and personal change. The show is not just about what happened. It is about what happened next. How did that moment change the way they saw themselves? How did it affect their choices, relationships, confidence, humour, work, family or sense of purpose? What did they carry from it? What did they leave behind? The format is simple: thoughtful long-form interviews, led by curiosity rather than sensationalism. Guests are given time to tell their story properly, without being rushed towards a neat lesson, tidy ending or polished version of events. Some stories are dramatic. Some are quiet. Some are funny, painful, surprising or strange. What connects them is the mark they leave. This is a podcast for listeners who enjoy real personal stories, reflective conversation and the messy truth of being human. It is for people navigating change in their own lives, people interested in lived experience, and anyone who knows that ordinary lives often contain extraordinary stories. Listen if you are drawn to stories about resilience, identity, loss, recovery, reinvention and the moments people carry with them. Life by Misadventure is about the things that happen to us, the people we become because of them, and the stories we only understand properly with time.

Listen to episodes

27 recent

August 27, 20261 hr 11 min

A Dead Man in the Driveway | Jody McHugh

Jody McHugh is an Atlanta storyteller and writer whose childhood changed abruptly after witnessing a fatal heroin overdose at eight years old, followed by violence, poverty and the collapse of his family’s once-stable home. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Jody recalls growing up around drugs and murder, the young hippies who stepped in when his family could not, and how those experiences eventually became stories he could share with others. Jody has learned that talking about the darkest parts of his past can be a way of dealing with them, while choosing to focus on the kindness, humour and humanity that existed alongside them. You can buy a digital copy of Jody's book, The Damage Done, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damage-Done-Jody-McHugh-ebook/dp/B00B6T246W --- About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuZnxBLBaCFU7seF6CvslECdaNyjkRSgV&si=BqJzc0FX1FvuaBvJ

August 20, 20261 hr 8 min

Three Months With a Killer | Grainne Canavan

Grainne Canavan is a former resident of 9 Wellington Terrace in Cork whose teenage search for independence placed her alongside people who would later become central to a disturbing murder investigation. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Grainne remembers living with Fred Flannery, her friendship with missing man Cathal O'Brien, the disappearances connected to the house, and how she gradually came to understand what may have happened after she left. Grainne reflects on the unsettling truth that people aren't simply good or bad, and how someone she remembers treating her with kindness could also be connected to events she has spent decades trying to understand. Blog post with images can be found on the show website at https://www.lifebymisadventure.com/blog/i-lived-with-a-serial-killer-inside-corks-house-of-horrors/ -- About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuZnxBLBaCFU7seF6CvslECdaNyjkRSgV&si=BqJzc0FX1FvuaBvJ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

August 6, 20261 hr 5 min

The Crash That Rewrote Everything | Jagger Waters

Jagger Waters is a writer, storyteller and creative strategist whose life changed in an instant after a catastrophic car accident left them battling PTSD, cognitive impairment and the challenge of rebuilding both a career and a sense of self. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Jagger shares how months of insomnia, isolation and losing confidence in her own mind forced them to rethink everything they believed about success, relationships, work and healing, before finding a new path through community, creativity and learning to embrace change instead of resisting it. This is a conversation about accepting life's interruptions, discovering that recovery cannot be rushed, and realising that sometimes the greatest growth comes not from becoming stronger, but from allowing yourself to become softer. About the Show Life by Misadventure is a podcast about the moments that change us. Hosted by David Brown, each episode features an honest conversation with someone who has faced an unexpected challenge, setback or turning point, and explores what they learned on the other side. From survival and resilience to business, relationships, creativity and personal growth, these conversations reveal how life's biggest misadventures often become our greatest teachers. If you're fascinated by real stories, remarkable people and the experiences that shape who we become, you're in the right place. Find guest profiles, social links, blog posts, merchandise and more at: https://www.lifebymisadventure.com Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1805318350 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2wQOWQJzkOQwQk3kJjQj Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod

July 25, 20261 hr 8 min

Lost in the Desert With a Bottle of Water | Andrew Clough

Andrew Clough set off on what was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, but after a vehicle breakdown in Egypt's Western Desert he found himself stranded with a nomadic guide, walking nearly 100 kilometres through extreme heat with almost no water in a desperate fight to stay alive. In this episode of Life by Misadventure , Andrew recounts the journey from carefree backpacker to survival mode, sharing the mistakes that led him there, the hallucinations, exhaustion and impossible decisions along the way, and the remarkable rescue that allowed him to continue travelling the world for years afterwards. It is a story about resilience, perspective and the extraordinary lengths people will go to when every step could be their last, reminding us that sometimes the only way through life's hardest moments is simply to keep moving forward. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch the UNCUT video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

July 20, 20261 hr 20 min

War, Concentration Camp and Refugee Survivor | Danijela Čolić

Danijela Čolić is an entrepreneur, strategist and Bosnian war refugee who has turned personal loss, displacement and hardship into a life built around business, community and helping others grow. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Danijela talks about the strength she draws from her family, the stories behind her tattoos, building Club Quantum and the lessons she has learned from running several businesses. This is a conversation about using pain as fuel, letting go of what no longer serves you and having the courage to build a life that reflects who you really are. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch the UNCUT video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

June 27, 202645 min

Surviving the Dubai Missile Strikes | Liam Hopper

Liam shares the story of a business trip to Dubai that turned into a terrifying fight for safety after a drone was intercepted near the Palm and explosions started echoing through the city. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Liam talks about running from the Palm, hiding in a building site, leaving goodbye messages for his children, finding a way home, and trying to make sense of what happened afterwards. His story is about fear, family, survival, friendship, and the moment you realise that the things you thought mattered most can change very quickly. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch the UNCUT video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

June 21, 202656 min

Growing Up Mixed-Race in the 70s | David Thomson

David Thomson is the founder of Suada whose life was shaped by growing up mixed-race in 1970s Britain, poverty, violence at home, and the fight to build a different future. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, David talks about racism at school, joining the army at 16, becoming a boxing champion, discovering sales, and using persuasion, self-education and discipline to change the direction of his life. David shares how resilience can come from harsh beginnings, but also why young people need better systems, stronger communication skills, and people willing to teach them rather than write them off. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch the UNCUT video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

June 9, 20261 hr 7 min

Surviving Su*cide, Self-Harm and Bulimia | Olivia-Louise Hamilton

Olivia Hamilton is the founder of Changing Minds Training, a mental health training company that helps professionals have better, more human conversations about mental health, crisis and suicide prevention. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Olivia talks openly about growing up in a chaotic home, struggling with self-harm from a young age, developing bulimia as a teenager, and living through suicide attempts, family breakdown and long waits for the right support. She also reflects on the shame, secrecy and confusion that often surround self-harm, and why people in pain are not usually looking for attention. They are often looking for help, connection and relief. Olivia also shares practical insight into how parents, friends and professionals can respond when someone is struggling. Sometimes the most useful thing is not trying to fix the problem or deliver advice. It is staying calm, listening properly, asking what support they need, and helping them feel seen rather than judged. Community note: This episode includes open discussion of suicide, self-harm, bulimia, alcohol misuse, family trauma and mental health crisis. Please take care while listening, especially if any of these subjects feel close to home. Olivia-Louise shares her story with honesty and care, but the conversation is not intended as clinical advice. If you are struggling, please speak to someone you trust or contact a mental health support service in your area. UK support: Samaritans - Call 116 123 - Available 24 hours a day SHOUT - Text SHOUT to 85258 - Free 24/7 crisis text support Mind - mind.org.uk Changing Minds Training - changingmindstraining.com About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch the UNCUT video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

May 27, 20261 hr 31 min

30 Years Ago I Had Six Months To Live | Lyn Parent

Lyn Parent was born in Paris, raised in England, and built a life full of reinvention, risk, resilience and unexpected turns. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Lyn shares the story of being diagnosed with HIV in 1990, being told she had six months to live, moving to New Zealand, becoming a mother, facing stigma, surviving control and emotional abuse, and using her own experience to support other women. Lyn’s story is about much more than one diagnosis. It is about refusing to be defined by fear, rebuilding a life from scratch, and turning personal pain into advocacy through Just Women Live. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d

May 15, 20261 hr 5 min

A Psychotherapist on Healing | Sonya Black

Sonya Black is a psychotherapist and CBT specialist whose work focuses on trauma, anxiety, depression and helping people understand what happens when the brain’s alarm system gets switched on. In this episode of Life by Misadventure, Sonya explains why trauma is not always about the event itself, but how the brain and body process what happened afterwards. She talks about safety, powerlessness, flashbacks, rumination, shame, post-traumatic growth and why some memories feel as if they are still happening now. Sonya also shares practical insight into how people can support someone after a difficult experience. Sometimes the most useful thing is not trying to fix anything. It is asking, “How can I show up for you right now?” and giving someone space, safety and time to make sense of what happened. About the Show Life by Misadventure is hosted by David Brown and features honest, engaging conversations with interesting people about life, loss, resilience, ideas, and the experiences that shape us. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4dmbrown/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebymisadventurepod/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-by-misadventure/id1782077287 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z1MszCU19QglChFb11Pw2?si=98ab1a34db074b3d