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

• Learn more about his award-winning salon: www.lockonego.com

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

The Midlife Reset retreat: September 20-27, 2025 | Crete, Greece

Let us know what you think of this new format. We’d love to hear from you.

Ed & Rob xx

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
• TikTok: @magicmark15