On a Mission Podcast 2.0 with Ellie Mckay (Ellie Mckay)

Welcome back to On a Mission 2.0. I’m Ellie Mackay, and this one’s a little different… it’s just me today, and I have to admit, I didn’t plan on doing this so soon. But here we are—my very first solo episode.

To be honest, the thought of recording a solo episode has always filled me with dread. With over 200 episodes behind me, I’ve never recorded on my own—there’s always been a bit of a mental block about it. But after the incredible feedback from Episode 1, I felt like I had to just get over myself and press “record.”

This journey is about growth—not just mine, but ours. So, in this episode, I’m sharing in real time: the highs, the lows, and everything that’s happened since relaunching. It’s all about changing habits, getting a handle on those thoughts that try to hold us back, and understanding that our happiness is something we have more control over than we think.

If you’re feeling stuck or facing your own struggles, I hope this episode speaks to you. Remember, happiness is an inside job—it’s all about how we choose to respond to life.

Let’s see where this journey takes us.

Right, let’s just be clear to set the expectations 😂—this is as unplanned, unscripted, and unprofessional as it gets. Just me, my phone, and 10 minutes of real talk. No fancy equipment, no script, just whatever comes out of my mouth. Life’s been a whirlwind, and I’m here to share, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

What’s really blown me away is how quickly this podcast community has grown. Seems like people are done with the polished highlight reels—they want to see behind the curtain. So, as long as you’re all keen to hear the real, messy stuff, I’ll keep recording these updates, however unpolished they may be!

This is a proper fly-on-the-wall look at my life, no filter, no fluff. If you’re looking for something polished and professional, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re after the real, raw version of life as it happens, then stick around 🫶🏻

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of human trafficking, abuse, and war that may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Lurata Lyon, a survivor of human trafficking and the Yugoslav Wars. At just 17 years old, Lurata’s life was shattered when she was kidnapped and held captive by a human trafficking and organ-harvesting gang during the violent split of former Yugoslavia. For six harrowing months, she faced unimaginable abuse, fear, and darkness. Her brave rescue eventually brought her to the UK as a political refugee, where she began the challenging journey of healing and rebuilding her life.

However, Lurata’s challenges did not end there. In an extraordinary turn of events, after returning home, she was kidnapped again—this time by Serbia's illegitimate army. For six months, she endured torture, abuse, and captivity once more. Her journey of survival against all odds is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to overcome the darkest of circumstances.

Today, Lurata is an international public motivational speaker, and the author of Unbroken: Surviving Human Trafficking. In this episode, she shares her journey of survival against all odds, from enduring the horrors of captivity to finding the strength to rise and inspire others. Her story is one of pain, resilience, hope, and the indomitable will to survive.

Tune in to hear Lurata’s incredible journey, how she escaped captivity, and how her experiences have shaped her mission to empower others and shed light on the realities of human trafficking.

Key Episode Highlights:

- Lurata’s harrowing experience as a victim of human trafficking and organ harvesting

- The brutal conditions of solitary confinement, abuse, and fear she faced at just 17 years old

- Her daring rescue and journey to the UK as a political refugee

- Lurata’s second kidnapping and the unimaginable suffering she endured at the hands of Serbia's illegitimate army

- Her journey of healing, recovery, and resilience

- Lurata’s work today as a public speaking coach, motivational speaker, and advocate against human trafficking.

This week, I’m back with another short episode in the Solo Series, giving you a look at life behind the lens. It’s raw, unfiltered, and completely unplanned—just me, talking into my phone and sharing what’s been going on.

No polished script - just real insights into my journey, with all its ups and downs. I’m peeling back the curtain and letting you in on the challenges, the wins, and the moments that have pushed me to dig deep. Vulnerability and strength go hand in hand, and this episode is all about embracing both. 

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TV icon Gail Porter’s story is as raw as it gets. She’s faced an onslaught of challenges: depression, homelessness, self-harm, and even losing her hair to alopecia—all while being in the public eye. Gail's battle with mental health was intensified by the media’s relentless intrusion, including the infamous projection of her nude photo, which left her feeling violated and powerless. Despite being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and enduring the lowest of lows, Gail found the strength to rebuild her life, channeling resilience and finding light in everyday blessings, Gail Porter on optimism and living one day at a time.

What stands out most is her courage to keep pushing forward, no matter how dark things got. She’s open about the ongoing process of healing—focusing on gratitude, taking things day by day, and embracing life’s imperfections. It’s not just about overcoming the trauma; it’s about reclaiming her story and refusing to let it define her. 

Gail's journey is a reminder that resilience doesn’t mean being unbreakable—it means rising every time you fall.

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Welcome to On a Mission 2.0! I’m Ellie McKay, and in this brand-new season, we’re diving deeper than ever before. Life doesn’t always go to plan—but it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you react that counts. 

In this first episode, I’m joined by my incredible friend and fellow podcast host Toni Gargan, as we chat openly about those moments when you feel like the world’s crumbling, and how you rise from the ashes.

This isn’t about sugar-coating success stories. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve hit rock bottom and wondered how to get back up. If you’re ready for some straight-talking truth and a bit of inspiration make sure you hit subscribe.

This episode is deeply personal for me. At the time of recording, I was navigating one of the darkest periods of my life, and Unstressable by Mo Gawdat and Alice Law resonated on a profound level. Sitting down with Mo and Alice felt like a masterclass in understanding the roots of stress and transforming it into a force for growth. They shared not only the science behind stress but also real-life insights on dealing with loss, anxiety, and the relentless demands of modern life.

For Mo, this isn’t just theory—it’s rooted in his own experiences, including coping with the loss of his son, and for Alice, it’s about turning personal trauma into resilience. Their framework doesn’t just help you “manage” stress—it’s about learning how to approach life’s challenges with clarity and strength. The tools and perspectives they share during our chat genuinely shifted my own outlook, offering strategies that I’ve since applied to my life.

Being a podcast host is like getting a front-row seat to life’s greatest lessons, and this conversation was one that left a mark on me. If you’re struggling to cope or seeking deeper understanding, I know this episode will provide something meaningful for you, too. Tune in to discover how to become truly unstressable in a world that never seems to slow down.

The mind-blowing and often hilarious story of a young lad from Widnes and his transition from the stocks trade to the drugs trade, rubbing shoulders with Mexican cartels, the mafia, and neo-Nazis within one of the most challenging prisons in the United States.

This is the journey that Shaun Attwood ended up on as he rose to become an ecstasy kingpin with a substantial drug trafficking empire in Arizona. Shaun shares stories of how he went from being a hotshot trader to wild parties, encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous individuals, and the crazy challenges he faced along the way.

Facing a sentence of up to 200 years, Shaun was locked up alongside some of the most intimidating inmates imaginable. Somehow, through strategic alliances, quick thinking, and his distinctive English accent, Shaun emerged on the other side with one hell of a story to share. 

Somehow Shaun emerged on the other side unscathed and with a remarkable story to share. Today, Shaun is a successful YouTuber, Podcaster, and Author, utilising his platform to share his experiences and advocate against the perils of drugs and crime.