Episodes
Growing up in the Valleys, to London’s West End to the big screen in Hollywood, Luke Evans joins me in the studio and his story is incredible!Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, in a strict religious community, Luke knew his true identity was in conflict with his beliefs. After persistent bullying throughout his schooling, at age 16, he left home, and his new life began. From strength to strength, Luke’s career has seen him star in over 40 movies, but the life he left behind was one he knew he’d never be able to return to fully. Despite being disfellowshipped from the church, his parents never w...
Ruby Wax is a legend in the world of interviewers; having spoken to the likes of Donald Trump and O.J. Simpson, she’s a person I’ve long admired and feel an affinity to in our interview styles, so I was really excited to have her join me on the show this week.Ruby was disarmingly charming, opening up about her relationship with her parents, admitting she never truly knew or felt love for them. Her raw honesty is remarkable as she shared her experience of depression, admitting she barely remembers being unwell, often relying on her own books to piece together those periods. She also spoke ab...
Jason Derulo is a force of nature: a global hitmaker who’s sold over 250 million singles and been writing songs since the age of 8. Beyond his chart-topping career, he’s also a savvy entrepreneur and an inspiring storyteller. I’ll admit, I was a little star-struck sitting down with him, but I was excited to uncover the more human side of the pop icon—and to learn what drives his relentless success.Jason’s obsession with excellence extends far beyond music—it shapes everything he does, and this unyielding determination has been the cornerstone of his success. Life, however, hasn’t been witho...
It’s the new year, a new series and I’m thinking about making good intentions for 2025 so who better to kick off the year with than Professor Tim Spector - founder of Zoe and leading voice in nutrition to talk to me all about the link between our gut and mental health, his opinion on Ozempic and how eating better really can change our quality of life.Having received an OBE for his research in the health sector, Tim is a real voice of authority when it comes to the gut microbiome. In this episode, he breaks down the gut-brain connection, explaining how changes to your diet can decrease level...
Happy New Year! To celebrate the end of Great Company’s first chapter after 40 episodes we’re treating you to something special. For this bonus episode, the tables are turned, and I’m in the hot seat! Producer Jemima, who’s been there through it all, takes the reins to interview me!I open up about my time on Made in Chelsea, sharing how it shaped me, strained relationships, and led to social anxiety that pushed me to rely on alcohol as a crutch. We also tackle the topic of babies - a big step I’m finally ready for after years of fearing the permanence and responsibility of parenthood. And f...
Surprise - it’s a Monday release! Christmas can get a bit hectic but we wanted to make sure you still had your weekly dose of Great Company - just like the December payday, we’re a little early…What really happened on the fishing trip? It’s the question Rob Brydon—beloved Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey—gets asked a lot, and with their Christmas special just around the corner, I couldn’t wait to have him on the show to ask myself….Rob Brydon is a stalwart of British television, from hosting panel show, Would I Lie to You to starring alongside Steve Coogan in The Trip, the journey there was f...
I would say that Grace Keeling, (or GK Barry) is the first person in the UK to successfully navigate herself from TikTok to mainstream television. Fresh from her time in the I’m A Celeb jungle, Grace came in to the studio to chat everything from bush-tucker trials to her love life.GK Barry gained her huge following on TikTok for her unadulterated and hilarious videos, leading to hosting her own podcast, Saving Grace and now Loose Women’s youngest presenter. But Grace hasn’t always been the confident persona she is online; bullied at school and often dealing with anxiety that left her unable...
Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always been struck by how truly fascinating her story is so I’m so pleased to have her on the show this week…Shirley’s journey began on a housing estate in Northern England, where she grew up with her single mother and older brother, learning resilience ea...
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 ...