Episodes
Skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2020, amassing millions of followers and securing the number eight spot on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators, Alix Earle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also been on my dream guest-list for a long time, so while I was in LA I was delighted to sit down with her…We began by connecting over our shared experiences with anxiety. Alix opened up about her first terrifying panic attack, which landed her in the hospital, and how she’s learned to navigate her mental health since. She also reflected on the challenges of rebuilding trust ...
James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the business, but I think if I were to ask him, he’s say he’s still a North Sea fisherman at heart.In order to answer this question, I reached out to an old friend from my MIC days, who also happens to be James’ fiancé, Georgia Toffolo (Toff to me) to ...
If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour.From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was his calling, but his journey to success was far from easy. At just four years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother - an experience that shaped him, taught him resilience and maintaining a sense of calm in a storm. Despite the heights of his...
After reaching the heights of success so quickly, it all came crumbling down for Rizzle Kicks when Harley’s anxiety left him incapable of performing. In an attempt to help him, Jordan realised he too had demons to conquer. Now, almost ten years later, Rizzle Kicks are back! - and I was lucky enough to chat to them about the journey from then to now…Known as the quiet one, Harley opens up for the first time in a public space about his battles with his mental health, his OCD and how he found a way out of the dark space he was in that led to the break in the music. Jordan also discusses his jo...
From her breakout role as Charlotte in The Inbetweeners and gracing the covers of lads’ mags, Emily Atack always knew she’d be famous but the level of attention that came with it wasn’t quite what she’d bargained for, especially when that attention has gotten nasty.Emily and I have been friends for some time but this is the first time I’ve seen her since becoming a mum so it was fantastic having the chance to chat to her about her career and how having a child has changed her world view. We chatted about her experience with the press and the toxic language we use around weight and women in ...
Former BBC North America Editor, Jon Sopel spent eight years in Washington, D.C. covering the Obama administration, to Trump, and far too many mass shootings. He now hosts The News Agents podcast and I must admit, I was a little nervous to speak to Jon, as he’s such an experienced broadcaster and commentator, but the conversation was fantastic - he was warm, insightful and a great guide through some complex topics.We discussed the gun crisis in the states where there are, on average, 700x more deaths by guns than here in the UK. Jon shared the surprising truth of what it’s like to travel in...
The news can be pretty overwhelming at times and the politics of it all can be confusing too but there are people who make it understandable and possible to engage with; Munya Chawawa’s satire is smart, it’s funny and it gets people talking. He, himself is smart and funny and I was keen to get him talking - he’s a guest I’ve been eager to speak to for a while so was delighted when he came into the studio to chat!At the start of his career, Munya was told he needed 30K followers be taken seriously, so he made it his mission to do that, putting out video after video, and accrued millions of f...
From increased risks of chronic diseases to sleepless nights and even leaving workplace, menopause can have a profound impact on women's lives —but what exactly is it? I’ll admit, I was embarrassed by how little I knew, despite knowing the word. That’s why I’m delighted to have leading expert and Chief Scientist at ZOE, Professor Sarah Berry, joining me for this special expert episode.Professor Berry breaks down the truth about HRT, debunking common myths and shedding light on the surprising symptoms women experience during menopause. She also shares her groundbreaking research on how diet ...
Imagine being scouted to be in one of the biggest bands of the 00s, going on to tour the globe and have thousands of fans worldwide, and then one day it all just stops. S Club 7 was a band I grew up with and until now, I’d ‘Never Had A Dream Come True…’Rachel Stevens has topped the charts in both a band and as a solo performer, but the imposter syndrome she was battling never faded. Speaking candidly about her experience in the industry and being constantly reduced to just her looks, she opens up about how this has affected the way she raises her daughters, her divorce and the tragic loss o...
‘How are you?’ - a question we don't ask enough, but one Simon Gunning wants us to ask more often. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, I’m joined by Simon, CEO of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a charity dedicated to suicide prevention, raising awareness, and offering practical support. As an ambassador for CALM and someone who has had struggles with anxiety myself, this conversation means a lot to me, and one that is important to share.TW - this conversation contains discussion of suicide which some listeners might find distressing.There are some staggering stats about death by su...
Posh, tall and hilarious - believe it or not, I’m not describing myself - this week I have the wonderful Jack Whitehall joining me on the show. Jack and I have known each other for years, but in that time, his rise has been astronomical: from a gigging standup to the big screen, Jack is one of the most successful British comics of our day.Getting a friend on the show is always an interesting experience as I get to discover things I never knew - for instance Jack’s failed career in textiles, the reality of working so closely with family (both the joys and challenges) and how becoming a fathe...
Alain de Botton views the world in a way that is profound yet easy to understand; a modern-day philosopher and essayist, he set up the School of Life, which explores self-understanding and aims to educate people on the aspects of life we don’t get taught at school - like relationships, careers, anxiety, ageing and so much more. I had the honour of sitting down with Alain to chat, and am so pleased it was recorded as I’ll be listening back to this episode aplenty.What is love? How do we navigate heartbreak? Why is our childhood so informant on the rest of our lives? How do we sit with oursel...
The fastest-selling male album debut of the 2010s, winning two BRITs and touring with Shania Twain, you might expect Rag’n’Bone Man to be arrogant but Rory Graham is shy and self deprecating, seemingly unaware of his star - and therefore immediately likeable.Before the astronomical success of “Human”, Rory spent years in the underground music scene, alongside being a carer - the best job he’s had besides being a popstar. Rory and I chat about school bullies, and he opens up about losing his mum and how the grief hits differently being a parent himself. We also chat about blended families an...
I'm not a big reader, but last year, I read a book called The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and was so moved by it, I DM’d the author, never expecting a reply… Robin Sharma is an internationally renowned author and motivational speaker, who responds to DMs with kindness and time. This is the conversation that followed that DM…Finding your joy, embracing suffering and how constant optimism can come at a cost, Robin challenges conventional notions of success: having coached billionaires, he shares how his personal journey, particularly a transformative visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, led h...
What is ADHD? Are you born with it? How can it affect your life and the people around you? Nicole Vignola, neuroscientist and ADHD expert joins me for an expert special episode of Great Company to talk all things ADHD.Branded as a naughty child, with difficulty regulating emotions and concentrating, I was diagnosed with ADHD while at school, and later in life struggled with chasing thrills which left me feeling empty. With Nicole, I ask all the questions I've ever wanted answered about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and discover the reason behind the rise in adult diagnose...
Growing up in a space you don’t fit in; feeling like a fish out of water around your own family, Rob Rinder’s polished accent and loquacious tone might not point to his working class roots. We're often mistaken for brothers, but Rob’s background is starkly different from mine…Opening up, Rob discusses his attitude to privilege and the undeniable love he felt from parents who perhaps didn’t fully understand him.Concerned his sexuality might disappoint his single mother and Tottenham Hotspur obsessed father, Rob trained as a barrister, working across a vast array of cases which led to burnout...
From the heights of winning the original Pop Idol, to the depths of an anxiety disorder during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Will Young is a stalwart of pop culture, selling over 10 million albums globally, winning two BRITs and an Olivier nomination. Growing up watching him at weekends whilse I was at boarding school, I get to chat to Will, my Saturday night saviour about his experience at boarding school and the abuse he endured. We also discuss the impact of Will’s coming out as gay in 2002 and the time a fan shared the importance of that act, and how being single in your 40s is not...
How much does it cost to become an Olympic athlete? Equipment, kit, gym, a coach, competitions, travel and time to train. When funding is cut for a sport, it makes an already tough mountain all the more impossible to climb. Emily Campbell is one such athlete who had to self-fund her Olympic career and has gone on to become the only female Olympic medalist in British weightlifting history, winning Silver in Tokyo. Ahead of the Paris Games, she came into the studio to chat to me candidly.Growing up in a deprived area of Nottingham, Emily’s strength is evident far beyond the bars: overcoming i...
Loneliness, grief and addiction juxtaposed by an incredible fearlessness and strength, beauty founder, Trinny Woodall became a household name in the 00s on our television screens, but now you’ll find her products from Trinny London all over the internet.From TV star to CEO, Trinny and I have plenty to talk about, from building a brand to enormous television success, Trinny’s path has not been straightforward; starting on the trading floor, she hit rock bottom at 26 with an addiction to drugs. Navigating the loneliness that comes with recovery and a complicated bereavement of her ex-husband,...
Can being more productive lead to a more fulfilling life? World-leading expert and entrepreneur, Ali Abdaal sits down with me to talk about the pressure of finding purpose in life and the importance of finding the fun.Ali Abdaal has garnered over 5 million subscribers with his insightful productivity tips and study hacks, amassing more than 380 million views. Before his online success, Ali was on a different path, training and working as a junior doctor. But in 2019 he came to crossroads, he had a pivotal realisation: the conventional path he was on might not be the one he truly wanted…Ques...
From singing Bohemian Rhapsody on American Idol to singing it with Brian May for the Queen at the Platinum Jubilee, Adam Lambert’s voice has taken him to astronomical heights, winning 14 awards internationally.Growing up in California, with no queer role models, he found his voice through theatre and performing. Unbeknownst to him, his mother sought advice from a local community group for parents of queer children, something she didn’t reveal to him until years laterWorking relentlessly in theatre ensemble casts, he made a decision to be fearless and quit his job to audition for American Id...
Big white collar, black specs, and a bald head. Harry Hill is a cherished part of television culture from TV Burp to You’ve Been Framed, for many (including me!), he was a big part of childhood.Having quickly discovered that he was not cut out to be a doctor, Harry pursued a career in comedy, becoming the first ever winner of the Edinburgh New Comer (formerly Perrier) award. Together, Harry and I ponder his iconic look, why he’ll never be caught swearing publicly and Harry pitches me a pretty dodgy television proposal.This is a playful conversation that investigates the importance of being ...
Posting online every single hour, of every single day, for years. That’s how founder of The Good Quote, Meggan Roxanne, grew her staggering 24.3million followers online. Propelling the careers of Jay Shetty, Steven Bartlett and more, Meggan launched The Good Quote (previously Kush and Wizdom) during a deep depression. Years later, after battles with depression, Meggan received life changing news when her mother was given a terminal diagnosis, something that made her stop everything to care for her. A hugely defining experience, she shares with me the full rollercoaster, from her mother comi...
An obsession with fame, a breakdown that left him unable to make a cup of tea, and THAT scene on X Factor with Nicole Scherzinger, Rylan Clark joins me for this week’s episode.Rylan hit our screens in 2012 on TV talent show, X Factor and quickly became one of the most talked about contestants. Fast forward 12 years and he’s gone from TV joke to national treasure. But all the success came at a cost, when Rylan suffered a breakdown in 2021 and had to step away from the limelight.Opening up about why he triggered that change, and the difference between his onscreen presence, Rylan, and his tru...
Panic attacks, the value of true friendship and having a crush, Madeline Argy sits down with me for a rare interview away from her own camera.Madeline's candour and skill in honest and hilarious storytelling has built her a Tiktok empire of over 5 million followers. As a fellow oversharer, this interview is unfiltered and dives straight into Madeline's wild distraction techniques as an anxious child, why friendships are more important than partners and the real reason she started TikTok.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't ...
Living with Tourette's, overcoming anxiety, and realising I don't resemble Judge Rob Rinder quite as much as he thought, I welcome a guest whose success has inspired millions, including myself - one of the original YouTuber's, Caspar Lee.Having started his channel as a teenager his subscriber count quickly skyrocketed to seven million, I now have the chance to sit down with Caspar to chat about life after YouTube. Despite his massive following, Caspar battled anxiety, to the point where he couldn't even go on a date with his fiancée [13.51]. He explores how he transitioned to running four s...
TW: This episode contains graphic descriptions of birth loss, trauma and PTSDLife-threatening haemorrhages, almost dying on the operating table, and suffering with post natal depression, I sit down with my old friend, Louise Thompson to simply ask: How are you?Since growing up together on Made in Chelsea, Louise’s life drastically changed in November 2021, when she gave birth to her son, Leo, in a complicated emergency C-section [09.20] - a day she called the ‘best and worst day of my life’. Louise opens up to me about the moment she thought she had died [28.01] and the devastating fallout,...
Let's Go Girls....Overcoming grief, illness, heartbreak, sexism, losing her voice, Shania Twain is a cultural icon whose resilience is truly astonishing. Selling over 100 million albums worldwide, her story is one of fearlessness and strength.Shania joins me to share her wisdom and optimism, always finding the silver lining in life. Growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, she reached a pivotal moment at her lowest point; choosing to never feel so miserable again, she convinced her mother to leave her father [18:45]. From there she eventually went on to becoming an international su...
Reframing the narrative on psychedelics, how alcohol is the most destructive drug in society, and the debate on legalising drugs, leading expert in psychedelic research, Dr Rayyan Zafar joins me to change your perspective on this fascinating topic.With only 30% of the population actually responding to anti-depressants, Dr Zafar reveals the potential of psychedelics as an alternative to anti-depressants [17.53], the REAL reason why drugs are illegal [35.48] and explains how gambling addictions are a serious mental health illness [48:44].This is an eye-opening conversation aiming to really ch...
From the cult-like world of Playboy, financial abuse at the hands of her husband and building her life up after leaving the “bunny” empire at 31, Crystal Hefner is a NYT best selling Author, American model and the third wife of Hugh Hefner.Crystal reveals how she entered the Playboy mansion as a young, introverted women; the collateral damage of a highly competitive and misogynistic environment. Running away from a cover-shoot 5 days before her wedding, and how she took back her power over the last decade.This is an empowering conversation about choosing yourself after years of objectificat...