Great Company with Jamie Laing

Jason Donovan is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I grew up knowing him as the golden boy from Neighbours so, it was surprising to hear how desperate he was to shake off that teenage heart throb image.Fame hit him young and fast, and before he’d had chance to figure out who he was, Jason found himself trapped in a world that expected him to stay the same blue eyed, blonde haired version of himself that everyone had fallen in love with.In the ‘90s, he pushed back hard: three-day bender, a coc*ine overdose at LA’s Viper Room and using dr*gs to escape the squeaky-clean persona that followed him from Neighbours to the West End.He doesn’t regret those years, but says they taught him a hell of a lot about himself.We cover:His need to shake off the teen heartthrob image and be “cool”Bingeing on coc*ine at the height of his fameHow becoming a dad changed everything and led him to quit dr*gsHis relationship with Kylie and how it’s followed him throughout his careerWhat it’s like to age in the public eyeThis conversation is a reminder that even the brightest stars carry shadows and that facing them can be the most powerful comeback of all.Jason Donovan is Great Company. This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including substance abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by anything in this episode and need support, please see the suggested helpline and website links below.Coc*ine Anonymous UK0800 612 0225helpline@cauk.org.ukFranktalktofrank.comIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Executive Producers: Ewan Newbigging-Lister & Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettSocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Portas is a retail expert who has built her career on instinct, creativity and a drive to do things differently.She redefined Britain’s shopping culture in the 1990s, transforming Harvey Nichols from a tired department store into the ultimate shopping destination and later, became a household name through her hit TV series, Mary, Queen of Shops.I first met Mary a few months ago and she completely blew me away. What I didn’t know then were the circumstances that pushed her into retail in the first place. By 19, Mary had lost both her parents and found herself homeless, suddenly responsible for supporting herself and her younger brother. What began as a search for a ‘proper’ job turned into the beginning of an extraordinary career.We cover:Losing both her parents by the age of 19Becoming homeless and finding her unexpected start in retailHer game-changing years at Harvey Nichols and the magic behind her iconic shop windowsHow her brother, Lawrence, became the biological father of her sonThe significant loves of Mary’s lifeIn this conversation, Mary reminded me that identity isn’t inherited, it’s created. And sometimes it’s only after losing everything that you learn how to build a life that feels like home.Mary Portas is Great Company.If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Executive Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettSocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Garraway is a woman who has lived several lifetimes. There’s the broadcaster we all know: bright, curious, endlessly warm. And then there’s the Kate who has weathered unimaginable change, held a family together through crisis, and somehow emerged with her hope and positivity intact.This episode isn’t a retelling of headlines - it’s the Kate we rarely hear: a woman learning how to breathe again after six years of being on high alert and re-discovering her joy.We cover:Losing her husband and life after griefKate's wild years in her 30sHow she met her late husband DerekGrowing up with low confidenceStarting out in the TV industryCelebrity TraitorsKate showed me that strength isn’t about being unbroken, it’s about allowing yourself to be broken and choosing to rebuild.Kate Garraway is Great Company.You can find out more about Kate's new project, The Sharing Life, HEREIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettSocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanne McNally is a hilarious woman. Her comedy has resonated with people all over the world, with her tours selling out wherever she goes, making history as the first Irish female comic to headline Dublin’s 3Arena. And with her podcast, ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’, Joanne has become one of the most compelling, unfiltered voices in comedy right now.What I love about Joanne is that she didn’t follow the “perfect plan”. She built her comedy career in her thirties after realising she wasn’t living the life she actually wanted. Feeling unfulfilled and eager to tap into her creative side, she took the most vulnerable parts of her past - being adopted and recovering from an eating disorder - and turned them into comedy that’s honest, fearless and completely her.And that’s why people can’t get enough of her. She’s witty, she’s brutally truthful and genuinely hilarious.We cover:What is was like being adopted in Ireland in the 1980sHow Joanne used humour to get through tough timesHer journey recovering from an eating disorderHer career shift from publicist to an international comedianSearching for love on dating appsWhy her therapist actually ghosted herMy conversation with Joanne reminded me the story we’re born into isn’t the one we’re meant to stay in and that embracing your true voice can change everything.Joanne McNally is Great Company.You can listen to the Jo Brand episode HEREIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Jake Ji & Riley KirbySocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few presenters feel as instantly familiar as Alex Jones. For over 15 years, she has been the heart of The One Show and her warmth, wit and natural connection with people shines through. In real life, she’s an even brighter star, lighting up every room she enters.What stands out about Alex is her disarming honesty. Despite decades in the spotlight, she speaks so openly about self-doubt and what it truly takes to stay grounded in an industry that’s always moving.In our conversation, she shares some of the parts of her life rarely seen on camera. From growing up in West Wales with a ‘small town big dreams’ mentality to building a long-lasting career and supporting her husband through his mental health struggles.We cover:The importance of making mistakes to succeedSitting her university finals on the set of a reality TV showHow she broke into the TV industryHow Alex’s view on mental health changed after supporting her husband through his mental health battlesHer thoughts on Jermaine Jenas getting axed from The One ShowAlex reminded me that success isn’t just about talent it’s about consistency, empathy and courage.Alex Jones is Great Company.You can listen to the Rylan episode of the show HEREIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With an average of more than 1 billion hours of content watched every single day on YouTube, the platform vastly outperforms traditional television and signifies a huge change in the media landscape.Vikkstar is a part of British YouTube royalty, the Sidemen. I have always been fascinated with the group and how they've managed to build a YouTube empire from constant content creation, crazy ideas and a strategy that works unbelievably well. I was so excited to sit down with Vikkstar and find out more about who he is and his incredible success.We cover:•⁠ ⁠How the Sidemen were formed•⁠ ⁠Why Vikkstar felt like an outcast at the start of his YouTube career and how he overcome it•⁠ ⁠The secrets behind the sidemen's success•⁠ ⁠The importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to gain success•⁠ ⁠Making tough decisions in order to change for the better•⁠ ⁠What happened when fans crashed his weddingHe is truly one of the hardest working people I have ever met. His dedication to success, passion for content and the talents that he brings to the Sidemen, is so impressive.Vikkstar is Great CompanyYou can listen to the Italian Bach episode of the show HEREIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jill Scott is England's second most capped player of all time. A Lioness legend, Euros winner and Queen of the Jungle, she is without a doubt one of the hardest working footballers that England has ever produced.What I love about Jill is her determination to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against her. Growing up in Sunderland, she was bullied by her classmates - and their parents - for playing football. But she kept showing up, every single day, training harder than anyone else and never once gave up on her dreams.Jill talks so openly about her vulnerabilities and the pressures she’s felt during her career. To hear someone who’s achieved so much, admit they’ve questioned themselves too… that’s seriously powerful.We cover:Being bullied as a child and how football taught her resilienceHow Jill builds confidence when she’s out of her comfort zoneThe mindset that made her one of England’s most-capped playersTackling imposter syndrome, anxiety, and how training keeps her mentally strongWhat sport can teach you about teamwork and being a good personLove, family and her hopes of becoming a parent one dayJill is one of those people who reminds you that you don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. You just need to show up, consistently, with heart.This conversation will make you laugh, think and hopefully encourage you to stay determined and keep chasing your dreams. Jill Scott is Great CompanyListen to Ashley Roberts' incredible episode of Great Company hereIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Lydia BrownellVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan-  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all fell for Dani Dyer when she appeared on Love Island back in 2018. She’s a proper family girl - lives just a 6 minute drive from her parents - she once tried living 20 minutes away but that was too far, and I think this is what people love about Dani: she’s warm, charming and down to earth. Her dad also happens to be the tough guy actor, Danny Dyer which makes her bubbly sweetness even more likeable. I was excited to have her into the studio for a proper chat.What stood out to me the most about our chat was her battles with self confidence, which I believe something to be so universal. We all can suffer from lack of confidence, and all have our own worries, insecurities and anxieties and it is by opening up that we realise that we are not so alone.We cover:•⁠ ⁠Her struggles with confidence from a young age•⁠ ⁠How an accident led her to Love Island - plus her dad’s reaction to her being on the show•⁠ ⁠Failed relationships and what she’s learnt from them•⁠ ⁠Her dad’s addiction struggles and the impact on her growing up•⁠ ⁠How she dealt with the father of her first child going to prison•⁠ ⁠Meeting her husband, Jarrod Bowen (and the song the fans like to sing) Dani came across to me as such a bright spirit and a reminder to me that everyone has their own battles to fight and by opening up we are not so alone. Dani Dyer is Great Company.You can check out Dani's clothing collection here: The Dani Dyer Clothing Collection | Peacocks Listen to Live and Let Dyers podcast hereIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan-  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Marler is a former England rugby player and currently on Celebrity Traitors who spent fifteen years as one of the sport’s biggest personalities, both on and off the pitch. He’s described himself as a bully who battled through a rocky career… and maybe that’s true. But what really stands out to me is how openly Joe now talks about his mental health and how passionate he is about encouraging other men to do the same.Talking about your feelings can be really hard - it’s something I’ve found tough over the years too. But hearing someone like Joe, a proper “man’s man” speak so vulnerably is really refreshing.Today’s episode we cover:•⁠ ⁠Tackling toxic masculinity in rugby - learning that he didn’t need to be the alpha male all the time•⁠ ⁠Why he thought quitting rugby would fix his depression•⁠ ⁠How Joe has used his big personality for both good and evil•⁠ ⁠His relationship with his wife Daisy who he credits with saving his life•⁠ ⁠Why filming Celebrity Traitors was the most insane & best experience he’s ever hadJoe inspires me to be more open with my male friends. And to reach out, because you never know when someone is struggling… This conversation will make you laugh, make you think and hopefully encourage you to talk to your friends. Joe Marler is Great Company.I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan-  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Manderson aka Professor Green, in today’s episode really reminded me to listen. The most successful people are the ones who listen rather than talk, they learn rather than pretending to know it all. Although we come from totally different backgrounds, we’ve always connected in such a genuine way. We first met when life was very different; Stephen was dating my friend Millie Mackintosh. A lot has happened since then, a lot of growing up and self reflection...When people come into the studio, sometimes they might ask to not discuss certain topics but Stephen was a complete open book, so no stone was left unturned…We cover:•⁠ ⁠His relationship with Millie Mackintosh •⁠ ⁠Getting an autism diagnosis later in life, and how that has changed the way he looks at his past•⁠ ⁠Surviving getting stabbed in the neck and how knife crime will remain high until we tackle poverty•⁠ ⁠How he’s turned negative life experiences into learning opportunities•⁠ ⁠The self reflection that comes with becoming a father•⁠ ⁠Losing his father & Uncle to suicide and how he handles the grief•⁠ ⁠Why we shouldn’t blame our elders for getting stuff wrong as they didn’t have access to therapyStephen is such a breath of fresh air. Our conversation reminded me how important it is to keep learning, keep being interesting and interested - keep growing as a person.Professor Green is Great Company. Professor Green has new music out which you can listen to here: https://drop.cobrand.com/d/ProfessorGreen/welcome-to-the-party?fbclid=PAdGRleANbYF9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpxiZ7IFQomLPel2XvNLAzZTyts6f7ec5Yf8gJZPJDy4EZWy5GEQTN8oKh-1W_aem_7w4riV-g0zJirVldl3htAQAnd I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter -  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might not have heard of Ben Parker, but you’ve almost definitely heard of Runna — the incredible running app that just sold to Strava for millions For me, this one’s probably my biggest regret but also one of my biggest lessons. A few years ago, a young entrepreneur came up to me after an event to tell me about his business. It sounded brilliant, but honestly… I couldn’t see it: “Why would a running app take off?” I thought. Well, that business was Runna, the app that’s now one of the biggest fitness apps in the world. And that young entrepreneur was Ben Parker. Missing the chance to invest in Ben’s vision taught me a powerful lesson: always look for the opportunity in someone else’s passion.Fast-forward four years and Ben’s built — and sold — a business that most would call “impossible.” But behind that success is a story of sacrifice, pressure, and what ambition really costs. In today’s episode, Ben opens up like never before about the realities of building something extraordinary — the highs, the lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.We cover:How to turn your purpose into a thriving businessThe personal sacrifices behind successWhat makes a truly great founderHow to build a culture that winsWhat it really takes to make it to the topAs much as I’m still a little gutted I didn’t invest, I’m blown away by what Ben’s achieved — and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.This is one of those rare, raw conversations you don’t want to miss.And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter -  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Katherine Ryan turned grit into greatness. Katherine Ryan might just be the funniest person on Earth. She’s a brilliant comedian, actress, writer and podcaster who says it exactly how it is.I first met Katherine a few years ago and I’ve always admired her energy and determination to succeed. Long before she became one of the UK’s biggest comedians, she was working on the stand-up circuit while raising her daughter Violet as a single mum. Now, with an incredible career and her fourth child on the way, she’s still doing it all completely on her own terms.We cover:How Katherine navigated life as a single mum in her twentiesShifting her mindset: overcoming insecurities and embracing gratitudeHer journey to succeed in a male-dominated industryWhy she treats her kids as capable individuals, not babiesOvercoming the challenges of maintaining intimacy during pregnancyI love every conversation I have with Katherine - and this one was no different. It reminded me how we can always learn more about ourselves and the way we approach life.Listen to Katherine’s new show, Write Me Dirty, where two comedians write FILTHY fiction about each other, here: OUT NOW!And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter -  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spencer Matthews is a very old friend of mine - we grew up together sharing some pretty embarrassing moments on television, making a name for ourselves as podcasters interviewing (and winding up) some of Hollywood’s finest, in our podcast, ‘6 Degrees’.However, in the last few years, our friendship has begun to wane, and it’s a question I’m asked all the time: "Have you and Spencer fallen out?". To tell the truth, I've never really known the answer to this… We’ve hardly seen each other for a number of reasons, and so when he reached out about this recording, I thought it’s time to get to the bottom of this, because friendships are important and worth fighting for.We cover:Why he wasn’t invited to my London weddingWhere he was during my ultramarathonsWild stories of our time on Made In ChelseaSpencer shares the lowest points of his alcoholismHow the grief of losing his brother as a child, has impacted his capacity for emotionsThis podcast was created for connection in a world of disconnection, and this episode is quite raw for me. Like many men, I’m not always the greatest communicator, and I think Spencer would say the same for himself, so having this opportunity to sit down together, and lay it all out on the table was really special.And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk I also sat down with Spencer on his podcast, Untapped, which, if you loved this, you can check out too: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/untapped/id1788474884 If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter -  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gstaad Guy is a creator I’ve followed for a few years, the anonymous creator who lifts the lid on the 0.01%. He gained fame for impersonating and poking fun at the lavish lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy in luxury ski resorts like Gstaad, created an alter ego, Cousin Colton, to represent the "new money" crowd.The fascinating thing about Gstaad guy is that despite satirising the ultra-wealthy, poking fun at their absurdity, he is loved by billionaires, with a huge concentration of them among his following. I was absolutely fascinated to have him in the studio to find out more…We cover:The madness of Gstaad, the secret billionaire hide out in SwitzerlandThe inspiration behind the character of ConstantineWhy we’re obsessed with wealthThe issues wealthy parents instil in their kidsHow we find happiness and dealing with failureHow he ended up working with luxury brands like Loro Piana and Audemars Piguet This conversation really opened my eyes to how some people live, but how ultimately, regardless of money, we’re all find happiness in connection with others.And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk  If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa Video: Jake Ji & Josh BennettAudio: Rafi Amsili Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter -  Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Key is a poet, a comic and someone who I developed an unlikely friendship with through various television appearances together. A few months ago, I went to see The Ballad of Wallis Island and was totally blown away by Tim who not only starred in the movie, but wrote it too. He is a total star and I was excited to have him in the studio - his dry wit combined with my restless energy always makes for a fun time.Tim is quite a personal guy, and like many comics, uses humour to deflect, but he shared a side of him I’d never really seen.We cover:How Tim faked going to Cambridge to get into the Footlights theatre groupBrotherly relationships and how some memories shape usFilming and writing The Ballad of Wallis IslandThe loneliness of LABecoming a comedian and summers in EdinburghI loved this conversation - it’s a little more lighthearted than other episodes, but within that light, we are still able to uncover the deep.Tim shared some poems from his new book, L.A. Baby! which you can find here: www.utterandpress.co.uk/And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.ukIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony BarterGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alain de Botton came on the show one year ago and totally blew me away. We spoke about relationships with parents, partners, attachment styles and so much more. And now he’s back and we’re talking all about a relationships we often overlook but is potentially one of the most important in our lives: friendship.Alain artfully dissects the issues we run into with deepening our friendships, why it’s so scary to vulnerable but how and why letting people in can lead us to a richer life. We cover:How to open up to having more meaningful friendshipsSexual anxiety in friendship particularly among menHow polyamory could be born from a lack of real friendshipFriendship break-ups and why they can be a good thingWhy people might be bad friendsHow to argue well in relationshipsAs expected, my mind was well and truly blown again. This conversation reminded me we can all have richer relationships if we take down our guards and ask the questions we really want to be asked.If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukIf you'd like to get Alain's latest book, 'The Secrets of Successful Friendships', you can find it here: shop.theschooloflife.com/products/the-secrets-of-successful-friendshipsYou can also hear more about The School Of Life here: www.theschooloflife.com/signup/And I’m also releasing a book, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ which you can pre-order here: https://boysdontcry.co.uk/--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony BarterGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louie Spence is a showbiz icon. For thirty years he was a professional dancer, performing on the West End and touring with the Spice Girls and Take That. But it was his starring role on Sky 1’s Pineapple Studios that made him a celebrity. I’ve met Louie a couple of times before now and he genuinely lights up every room he’s in. But beneath his larger-than-life character is a different, quieter person who has struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as he can remember. We cover: His lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression His mum Pat’s secret battle with alcoholismFinding his people at Italia Conti stage schoolGrowing up as gay during the Aids epidemicHis decision not to become a parent I came away from our conversation knowing more about who the real Louie Spence is - and I think he is far more entertaining and interesting than he could possibly ever know. If you’ve been affected by anything mentioned in today’s podcast, here are some links:samaritans.orgmind.org.ukIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSProducer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony BarterExec Producer: Jemima RathboneGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessie J’s voice is unparalleled - a true superstar. Having been a fan for years, I was so excited to have her in the studio, but what she revealed during the record I had never expected to hear…In May, Jessie came into record and shared with me that she’d recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. A week later, she asked if she could come back in to record following her surgery. We’ve never recorded an episode in two parts before, but it felt important to give Jessie the space to share her story in the way that felt most authentic to her.For the first time in a long form, Jessie explains the full diagnosis story and updates us on life post surgery. She shares the experience of doing Capital’s Summertime Ball knowing it was her last performance before her surgery, how the experience has changed her, and the impacts on her relationships too.We cover:Jessie’s breast cancer diagnosis and journey to surgeryLife post surgeryHow she met and fell for her partnerHer experience of miscarriageWinning the Chinese singing competition, SingerThis conversation is all about not taking life for granted because you never know what’s around the corner. It’s about looking for silver linings, and sucking life for all its worth. Jessie - thank you for sharing your story with us, we’re sending you all the love and support.If you’ve been affected by anything mentioned in today’s podcast, here are some links:coppafeel.orgwww.cancerresearchuk.orgwww.macmillan.org.ukIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow usInstagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony BarterGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may know Tulisa from N-Dubz or as an X Factor judge in the 2010s, but one day it all came crashing down as she found herself at the heart of a sting, which saw her lose her reputation, her career and almost her life. She came into the Great Company studio to chat openly and exclusively with me about the last few years and share ALL the detailsWe cover:The court case that almost ruined her lifeThe truth behind those headlines that changed everythingFinding fame with N-DubzWhy she chooses to be celibateThis conversation is a wild ride and a reminder of never taking anything for granted. LOCK IN!If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow usInstagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSProducer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony BarterExec Producer: Jemima RathboneGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am addicted to my phone. I use it for work, I use it for my personal life, I use it to unwind to and be entertained by, but I’m also very aware I probably use it too much. TJ Power is a neuroscientist whose mission is to explain and help us take control of the dopamine addictions so many of us nurture - be it co-dependence on our phones, overwatching porn or struggling to motivate ourselves through the day. Author of ‘The DOSE Effect’, TJ explains the roles dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins play on our decision making, the importance of finding balance and harmony between them.We cover:How chasing dopamine is impacting your dating life or long term relationshipWhy watching porn is destroying the male brainTips to reduce your phone usageHow we’re flooded with oxytocin in childbirthThe power of nature in rebalancing our brain chemistryTips to make us less dopamine addictedThis conversation seriously blew me away and has inspired me to be more proactive in my relationship with my phoneIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow usInstagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcastTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcastAnd if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake JiAudio: Rafi AmsiliSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.