Find Your Magic

Marc Svensson on Loss, Identity and the You Are Loved CIC

Ed & Rob sit down with Marc Svensson, founder of the queer mental health nonprofit You Are Loved, to explore the intersection of identity, purpose, loss, and healing. Marc shares his journey from growing up in a small Swedish town and working in fashion design, to pivoting into psychology and LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy. Along the way, he opens up about personal transitions, the rising mental health crisis in queer communities, and why grief needs more space, especially among gay men. They talk chemsex, stigma, suicide, and the systemic gaps that You Are Loved is working to fill. They also explore what it means to rediscover your magic at midlife, how identity evolves, and how to turn frustration into fierce community service. If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt disconnected from who you were becoming, or wondered how to support queer lives more meaningfully - this conversation is for you. About Marc Svensson Marc Svensson is a published social psychologist and a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ mental health. He is the founder of You Are Loved, a non-profit organisation established in 2024 to raise awareness about the high rates of deaths in the LGBTQ+ community from suicide and drugs, whilst tackling the root causes. Marc is a respected speaker and advocate, frequently addressing issues related to queer mental health and chemsex, as well as the impact of stigma, shame, and loneliness. He appeared in the ITVX news documentary After the High: Chemsex, Beyond the Myths. He is originally from Sweden but lives in London, UK, with his husband Luca and their boxer Dexter. Links * You Are Loved: https://youare-loved.com/ [https://youare-loved.com/] and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youareloved.cic [https://www.instagram.com/youareloved.cic] * Article: “Why We’re Losing So Many Gay Men to Suicide + Drugs” in Attitude Magazine: https://www.attitude.co.uk/life/gay-men-chemsex-suicide-472683/ [https://www.attitude.co.uk/life/gay-men-chemsex-suicide-472683/] * Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.svensson [https://www.instagram.com/marc.svensson]

Ben Cooke on Hair, Humility & Life Beyond The Chair

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with the legendary Ben Cooke—celebrity hair stylist, co-founder of Lockonego, and creative force behind some of the most iconic looks in pop culture. But this isn’t a conversation about fame—it’s about finding magic in real life. Ben opens up about: * Losing his father at 13 and the way grief shaped him * Coming out later in life and discovering freedom in Australia * Becoming a parent through adoption—and navigating teenagehood times two * What he’s learned from decades behind the chair, from supermodels to Saturday clients * Why a good haircut is about way more than hair * And the unexpected power of being the same person for everyone—whether it’s Victoria Beckham or Susan from Hertfordshire. He also shares what lights him up now, what he’s still learning, and why salon chairs are the original therapy couches. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Ben Cooke is one of London’s most respected and in-demand hair stylists. As co-founder of the award-winning salon Lockonego, he’s known for his effortless, glamorous style and his down-to-earth approach that keeps clients returning week after week. Ben’s enviable career has included styling A-listers like David & Victoria Beckham, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Saoirse Ronan, and Olivia Rodrigo, alongside creative campaigns for Pantene, Head & Shoulders, and Living Proof. Despite his global success, he still works hands-on at Lockonego—cutting, chatting, and laughing with clients every Saturday and Monday. This is a conversation about creativity, reinvention, friendship, and staying rooted in who you are—even when the world wants something else. Ben’s warmth, humour and grounded presence will leave you laughing, tearing up, and ready to reconnect with what really matters. * Follow Ben on Instagram: @bencooke_lockonego [https://www.instagram.com/bencooke_lockonego/] * Learn more about his award-winning salon: www.lockonego.com [https://www.lockonego.com]

Behind The Magic 01: Our First Gay Men's Retreat

In this very special episode—the first in our Behind the Magic series—we turn the mic on ourselves. Fresh from hosting our first Find Your Magic retreat exclusively for gay men, we sit down just days after the retreat to reflect on everything that went down: the magic, the messiness, the late sign-ups, and the moments of deep connection that reminded us why we do this work. This is the real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create spaces of transformation, joy, and deep reset. If you've ever wondered what happens on a retreat, how we choose the program, or what it's like to hold space for a group of gay men from all over the world—this one’s for you. We talk about: * The stress and uncertainty that led up to the retreat (and how we handled it) * What actually happens on the first day and how a group of strangers became a family * The magic of structured spontaneity and why we don’t share the schedule in advance * Creating space for joy, intimacy, and expression * What we learned as facilitators (and as partners) * Our dreams for the future of FYM retreats for gay men—and mixed groups This is the first of our ‘Behind the Magic’ conversations—a new format within the podcast where we’ll share real talk about the work we do, how we do it, and what we’re learning as we go. Next gay men’s retreat: June 5–12, 2026 | Crete, Greece [https://www.findyourmagicretreats.com/8-day-retreat-in-crete-for-gay-men/] The Midlife Reset retreat: September 20-27, 2025 | Crete, Greece [https://www.findyourmagicretreats.com/the-magic-of-midlife-crete-retreat-september-2025/] Let us know what you think of this new format. We’d love to hear from you. Ed & Rob xx

Mark Guest on Magic, Mentalism and the Power of Doing What You Love

In this heartwarming episode, we talk with Mark Guest—aka Marky B, aka Magic Mark—about what it means to return to your joy later in life. Once a young magician performing at film premieres (including Jurassic Park for Steven Spielberg!), Mark took a detour through a 20-year corporate career before finding his way back to magic—this time through the world of mentalism and mind-reading. He shares how grief, burnout, and a deep desire to feel alive again sparked a powerful return to the stage. Now selling out shows in London, Mark is living proof that it’s never too late to reconnect with your magic—literally. About Mark At just eight years old, Mark discovered his passion for magic, turning professional by the remarkable age of twelve. He began performing at children’s parties, but after the passing of his beloved magic rabbit, he pivoted his style to close-up magic, captivating audiences at high-profile events ranging from corporate gatherings to film premieres. Notably, he performed at the world premiere of Jurassic Park, where he astounded director Steven Spielberg with his magical prowess. After a successful 21 year detour into corporate life, Mark has triumphantly returned to his first love—the mystifying art of magic—now focusing more on mentalism and bringing with him a lifetime of experience and wonder. He is currently writing and producing his first-ever West End show, transforming his grief over losing one of his best friends to cancer into something positive. The show is scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, at the Phoenix Arts Club, located at 1 Phoenix Street, Soho, WC2H 8BU. Tickets will be going on sale soon and are likely to sell out quickly, as evidenced by the swift sell-out of two of his shows in Waterloo, which sold out in just 72 hours. Connect with Mark * Instagram: @magicmark15 [https://www.instagram.com/magicmark15] * TikTok: @magicmark15

Steph Weatherill on Mid-Life Reinvention, Canine Joy & Building the Soho House for Dogs

In this episode of Find Your Magic, we sit down with Steph Weatherill—former TV producer turned founder of House of Dog, a soulful and sustainable dog-care business that's helping London’s dogs live their best lives. From producing acclaimed series like Don’t Tell the Bride and A Place in the Sun, to building a business from scratch in her 50s, Steph shares the real story of mid-life reinvention—from perimenopause to Portobello Road. We talk creativity, freedom, canine joy, and what it really takes to start over and thrive. This conversation is full of warmth, wit and wisdom for anyone standing on the edge of something new. About Steph Weatherill After nearly three decades producing TV for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV, Steph swapped edit suites for nature trails and founded House of Dog. Her business combines enriching dog adventures with eco-conscious, joy-fuelled retail—and is fast becoming a favourite among West London’s dog lovers. Steph lives in West London with her teenage daughter Maggie and her rescue collie cross Bandit, who has final say on every product she sells. What we cover * Why she walked away from a 28-year career in TV * How grief, menopause, and lockdown sparked a major life pivot * The unexpected power of dog-walking as a creative and therapeutic practice * What she’s learned about community, retail, and sustainable growth * What it really looks like to run a purpose-led business in midlife * Why joy and play are non-negotiable (and contagious) * The big goals she's aiming for in year four of House of Dog Connect with Steph * Instagram: @houseofdog.club [https://www.instagram.com/houseofdog.club] * Website & Online Shop: houseofdog.club [https://houseofdog.club/] * Newsletter: The Woofington Post → subscribe via her website * Visit Steph: Fridays & Saturdays at the top of Portobello Road (corner of Golborne Rd) About Find Your Magic We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic—a company supporting midlifers and gay men to reset, reconnect, and reignite their spark through retreats, coaching, and transformational tools. Website: findyourmagic.co.uk [https://findyourmagic.co.uk/] Instagram: @findyourmagiclife [https://instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats]