In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Extraordinary Life Stories with John Reynolds, David Gandy shares the story behind the public image, opening up about fatherhood, identity, masculinity, and what success really means in today’s world.

Known globally as one of the most recognisable faces in fashion, David reveals how he built his career not just on looks, but on long-term thinking, resilience, and a clear vision of where he wanted to go. From early rejection to becoming a global brand, he explains the importance of discipline, self-belief, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

David speaks candidly about being a present father, raising daughters in a digital age, and why he’s deliberately kept his children grounded despite growing up around fame. He also addresses the growing challenges facing young men today, from identity and role models to the influence of social media—and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

Together, they explore:

- The balance between public persona and private life

- Modern masculinity and the “lost boys” conversation

- Parenting in a world of screens, algorithms, and constant distraction

- The dangers of social media for children and families

- Why resilience, structure, and role models still matter

- Building a career with purpose, not just chasing quick success

This is an honest, thought-provoking discussion about doing things your way, standing by your values, and redefining success on your own terms.

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Ryan Libbey.

In a world where masculinity is often misunderstood, Ryan offers a refreshing and deeply honest perspective.

He shares the life-changing experiences that pushed him to confront his emotions, support his partner through trauma, and become the father his son deserves.

This conversation dives into the crisis facing young men today, the importance of role models, and why authenticity, not external validation, is the real measure of success.

In this full length episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with broadcaster, musician, author and campaigner Myleene Klass for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and using your voice when it matters most.

Myleene reflects on 25 years in the public eye, from early pop stardom to a career in radio and classical music and why she refuses to stay in one “lane.” She opens up about motherhood across three very different ages, the brutal brilliance of raising teenagers, and the hard-won lessons of boundaries, work ethic, and self-belief.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Myleene speaks candidly about racism, belonging, and allyship, and about her tireless campaigning to transform miscarriage care, from data collection and access to specialist support, to changing how society talks about loss. Alongside the heavy, there’s humour, warmth, and plenty of “TED Talk” moments, including the surprising ways her kids keep her grounded.

An honest, uplifting episode about pivoting with purpose, building community, and turning personal experience into lasting legacy.

Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with Robin Hutson OBE, the visionary behind Hotel du Vin and The Pig

Robin didn’t set out to become one of Britain’s most influential hotel entrepreneurs. In fact, he left school with just two O-levels.

In this episode, Robin shares the remarkable journey that took him from running trays as a waiter at Claridge’s to building some of the UK’s most beloved hospitality brands, including Hotel du Vin and The Pig Hotels.

They discuss:

• How failing at school pushed him into hospitality

• Learning the industry from the ground up

• The moment at 35 he decided to risk everything and start his own hotel

• Putting his house up as collateral to launch Hotel du Vin

• The restaurant critic who changed everything overnight

• The creative skill that helped him transform derelict buildings into extraordinary spaces

• Why understanding your craft matters more than calling yourself an entrepreneur

Robin also reflects on success, stepping away after 50 years in hospitality, and the mindset needed to build something truly original.

This is a conversation about vision, risk, craftsmanship, and building a life doing what you love.

Olympic champion Dame Denise Lewis joins John Reynolds in this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories to share the mindset that carried her to gold and the lessons she learned when the medals stopped.

From visualising victory and overcoming injury before the Sydney Olympics, to navigating the emotional challenge of retiring from elite sport, Denise opens up about resilience, purpose and identity beyond performance.

They explore the power of mentorship, the importance of role models, and why success isn’t always about winning, it’s about living your truth and helping others rise.

A powerful conversation about belief, reinvention, and what it really takes to build an extraordinary life.

Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with Charles Gordon‑Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond in the historic surroundings of Goodwood House to uncover the remarkable journey behind one of Britain’s most iconic estates and motorsport events.

From growing up surrounded by the legacy of his grandfather, to reinventing that heritage for a modern world, the Duke shares how passion for cars, history, and community led to the creation of the globally celebrated Goodwood Festival of Speed.What began in 1993 as a bold experiment, with little more than a hill, a string line, and fewer than 100 cars, has grown into one of the largest motorsport celebrations on Earth.

In this candid conversation, the Duke reveals the chaos and emotion of that first event, the tragedies and triumphs that shaped it, and the entrepreneurial drive required to sustain a 300 year old estate in the modern age.

The conversation also explores how the Duke has expanded Goodwood into a calendar of world class experiences beyond the Goodwood Festival of Speed. From the nostalgic magic of the Goodwood Revival, where the golden age of motorsport is brought vividly back to life, to the historic sport of Glorious Goodwood at Goodwood Racecourse, the estate continues to celebrate its centuries-old sporting heritage.

More recently, the Duke has even introduced Goodwoof, a joyful festival dedicated entirely to dogs, showing how Goodwood continues to evolve, blending tradition, innovation, and community in ways few places in the world can match.Along the way, he reflects on family legacy, the pressure of stewardship, the magic of bringing legendary machines and drivers together, and why passion has always been at the heart of Goodwood.

This is a story about vision, resilience, and the extraordinary power of following what you love. 🏁

Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories with John Reynolds, John sits down with one of the most electric talents in rugby, Ellie Kildunne. Known for her blistering pace, fearless playing style, and remarkable versatility, Ellie has become a standout figure in the world of rugby union.

Ellie shares the story behind her rise from a sports-obsessed kid trying everything from athletics to football, to becoming a star for England and one of the most exciting players in the women’s game today. She opens up about the determination it took to break through, the challenges of elite sport, and the mindset required to perform on the biggest stages.

John and Ellie also explore the human side of high-performance sport, handling pressure, overcoming setbacks, and the passion that drives athletes to keep pushing their limits. Along the way, Ellie reflects on the moments that shaped her career and the future she hopes to help build for women’s rugby.

Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this 30 minute episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with broadcaster, musician, author and campaigner Myleene Klass for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and using your voice when it matters most.

Myleene reflects on 25 years in the public eye, from early pop stardom to a career in radio and classical music and why she refuses to stay in one “lane.” She opens up about motherhood across three very different ages, the brutal brilliance of raising teenagers, and the hard-won lessons of boundaries, work ethic, and self-belief.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Myleene speaks candidly about racism, belonging, and allyship, and about her tireless campaigning to transform miscarriage care, from data collection and access to specialist support, to changing how society talks about loss. Alongside the heavy, there’s humour, warmth, and plenty of “TED Talk” moments, including the surprising ways her kids keep her grounded.

An honest, uplifting episode about pivoting with purpose, building community, and turning personal experience into lasting legacy.