Begin Again with Davina McCall

• Podcast Home
• Download Episode

Thursday, 26 June 2025 - 1 hour 17 minutes

In this episode of Begin Again, global pop icon and actress Rita Ora sits down for her most open conversation yet. She reflects on the intense scrutiny she’s faced, the pressure of fame, and why speaking her truth now matters more than ever.

Rita shares how Beyoncé’s support helped her through a time when her identity and integrity were under attack. She speaks honestly about the journey to feel seen on her own terms, the impact of tabloid pressure in her twenties, and how she finally feels more grounded, more herself, than ever before.

The episode dives into her marriage to Taika Waititi, the joy and complexity of becoming a stepmother, and what it means to fully embrace her sexuality. With warmth, wisdom, and clarity, Rita reveals how she’s built a more peaceful, authentic life—one shaped by self-trust, real love, and personal growth.

🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?

Follow me here:

www.instagram.com/beginagain

https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod

(00:00) Intro

(00:04:26:10) Celebrating Confidence & Sexuality

(00:07:03:02) False Headlines

(00:10:04:17) Rita’s Fanbase: The Ritabots

(00:11:53:19) Rita’s Work Ethic & Refugee Life

(00:17:38:19) Signing with Jay-Z’s Label

(00:22:11:24) 'Hot Right Now' Global Success

(00:24:19:00) Love-Hate Relationship with the Press

(00:28:01:00) Media Impact on Mental Health

(00:31:42:23) Ridiculed for Embracing Sexiness

(00:33:37:19) The Masked Singer Journey

(00:35:09:12) Rita's Acting Career

(00:36:48:10) Ancient & Brave Ad

(00:38:35:14) Friendship With Beyoncé

(00:43:44:23) Rita’s Relationship with Taika

(00:58:17:07) Overcoming Challenges

(01:00:00:06) Becoming a Stepmother

(01:05:01:24) Rita’s Proposal to Taika

(01:08:14:14) Plans for the Future

(01:09:30:02) Mental Health & Hypochondria

Sponsored by:

Ancient + Brave - https://ancientandbrave.earth/pages/planet with code BEGINAGAIN

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to this podcast

• Apple Podcasts
• Apple Podcasts
• RSS Feed