Former MP Jonathan Ashworth sits down with Calum Best — TV personality, entrepreneur, and son of football legend George Best — for an open and emotional conversation about family, addiction, and hope. Calum shares powerful stories of growing up with his famous father, how he learned to channel pain into purpose, and why he’s dedicated to supporting the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa UK). Together, they explore fatherhood, resilience, and how to break the cycle for future generations. Support Nacoa UK: https://nacoa.org.uk Nacoa provides vital help and resources for children affected by parental drinking. Please visit and donate if you can. Topics in this episode: George Best’s football legacy and personal struggles Calum’s journey through fame, loss, and recovery The emotional impact of growing up with an alcoholic parent Finding purpose through charity, running, and helping others The importance of breaking stigma around addiction and mental health Follow Jonathan Ashworth for more conversations that shine a light on untold stories and real lives. YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Jonathan Ashworth on why this podcast matters 00:29 – Welcoming Calum Best: TV personality and Nacoa patron 02:12 – George Best’s legacy and early life at Manchester United 04:53 – Growing up as George Best’s son 06:35 – Finding meaning and gratitude through hardship 07:23 – “I wouldn’t change a thing” – lessons from childhood 09:17 – Family connections, Manchester memories, and shared history 10:16 – The love behind the chaos: remembering their fathers 11:08 – Why telling these stories matters for children of alcoholics 13:24 – Life in California and visiting his father in London 15:08 – Lessons learned from fame, family, and the press 16:31 – The pool hall fight: a wild memory from youth 20:01 – How trauma shaped Calum’s mindset and resilience 25:14 – Reflections on addiction as illness vs. choice 29:12 – The genetic side of addiction and breaking the cycle 30:30 – Masculinity, stigma, and men’s mental health 32:18 – Running for Nacoa: the Chasing Yesterday challenge 35:26 – The tribute football matches and Calum’s love of the game 37:13 – Carrying George Best’s legacy with pride 39:57 – Using pain for purpose: the power of Nacoa 41:34 – George Best as an icon and the “fifth Beatle” 43:41 – Reflections on family, love, and his mother’s strength 44:59 – Calum’s message of gratitude and hope

I’m Jonathan Ashworth,  As a politician, in parliament I championed the cause of COAs, the children of alcoholics. It opened up a word of voices to me I’d never heard before.  Now it’s my mission to share real stories from people from all walks of life affected by parental addiction.  I know how healing it can be to find a common thread of fellow feeling. I know how painful it be to feel alone.  And through these conversations I want to shine a light on experiences too often kept in the shadows.  Come with me on this journey to explore the challenges, the hope, and the healing. This is, ‘In their Words: COA Lives.’