Send us a text

Be present in the joy.

Actor, dancer, teacher and all-round powerhouse Darren Brownlee joins Mollie and Kyle for one of our most honest and energising conversations yet. From River City and panto life to his early days at PACE Youth Theatre, Darren opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons of a life on stage — and what it really means to build confidence, face rejection, and find your people.

We talk about growing up as a twin in Paisley, navigating London’s elite arts schools without privilege or a safety net, and why he walked away from the West End “machine” in search of creative freedom and authenticity. Darren reflects on the industry’s obsession with perfection — from the mirror to social media — and how years of dance training shaped both his discipline and his inner critic.

In one of the most moving sections, he shares how therapy and self-reflection helped him shift from people-pleasing to peace-seeking, redefining success not by applause, but by kindness — both to others and himself. We dive into online hate, mental health, and how his River City domestic abuse storyline gave a voice to others experiencing the same pain.

But there’s laughter too: tales from panto, teaching, hospitality shifts in London, and an unforgettable story involving a Chanel suit and a very leaky steak board.

At its heart, this episode is about choosing to live with joy — even when it feels fleeting — and recognising that a no can be as powerful as a yes. Because both mean you were brave enough to show up.

Support the show