How Do You Cope?
How Do You Cope?
Significant Productions
Nicky Campbell: ‘I was 9 when I saw my friend being abused next to me’
1 hour 6 minutes Posted Aug 25, 2025 at 1:00 am.
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Show notes

Can you ever fully recover from experiences of childhood abuse?


John is joined by fellow BBC 5 Live presenter; broadcaster, author and musician Nicky Campbell. They explore Nicky’s experiences of adoption, his bipolar disorder, and experiencing and witnessing abuse whilst at school.


Nicky was taken in for adoption at a few days old, and describes the emotional journey of tracking down and meeting his birth mother.


He also opens up about the abuse he experienced and witnessed whilst at The Edinburgh Academy; how he felt a sense of duty to use his platform and speak out years later, and how the language used to describe what actually happened can make a real difference.


Nicky also celebrates the restorative power of dogs, and explains the healing role that music plays in his life.


Helpful links:

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/


You can send in your thoughts and reflections to [email protected] or via howdoyoucopepod.com


Watch and subscribe on YouTube @howdoyoucopepod


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How Do You Cope is a Significant Production.


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