Great Company with Jamie Laing

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 know 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 Assistant 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 Rathbone  Assistant 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 RathboneEditor: 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 RathboneVideo: 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.org mind.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 JiSocial 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 RathboneVideo: 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 JiSocial 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 RathboneEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of Love Island. Having come up on reality, I know how tough it can be both during the show and building a career afterwards, maintaining relationships that the public feel ownership over, and what that does to your mental health. Chloe Burrows was on the seventh series of Love Island in 2021, and was a fan favourite for her no-filter charm. She’s also one of the few islanders who’s managed to make a name for herself beyond the villa, hosting her own hugely successful podcast and numerous TV docs…We cover:•⁠ ⁠How she ended up on Love Island as a bombshell•⁠ ⁠The celeb she almost ended up dating•⁠ ⁠The back story to the ‘married man’ comments in her VT•⁠ ⁠Getting ADHD diagnosis from being on Love Island•⁠ ⁠The worst relationship she’s ever been in•⁠ ⁠Falling in love again•⁠ ⁠Her new dating show and leaving the appsThis conversation is warm, wild and packed with heart, just like Chloe.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.ukAnd if you'd like to watch Chloe's new show, 'Love In The Wild', you can find it here: www.channel4.com/programmes/love-in-the-wild-untold--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve sadly never been heralded for my fashion sense but one man who definitely has, is David Gandy. He’s one of the most successful international male models, standing out in an industry where very few men have reached his level of fame and house-hold recognition. David didn’t plan on becoming a model. In fact, it all started when a friend secretly entered him into a modelling competition on ITV’s ‘This Morning'. He ended up winning and his life changed almost overnight. From there, he became the face of exclusive designers Dolce & Gabbana, famously fronting their hugely successful D&G Light Blue fragrance campaign. I was so excited to have him on the pod and speak about his career, life after modelling and of course, find out if he's ever been approached for a movie (answer - he has and you won't believe the role he turned down...!) We cover:•⁠  ⁠Working in a female-dominated industry with some of the most iconic supermodels of all time•⁠  ⁠Toxic masculinity and advocating for the ‘Lost Boys’ who are getting sucked in•⁠  ⁠Overcoming shyness and being an introvert in the public eye•⁠  ⁠Facing up to making mistakes and looking at our insecurities•⁠  ⁠David’s venture into growing his own brand, WellWear•⁠  ⁠And of course, some wild after-party stories! This conversation was a reminder of the value of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone - you never know where it will take you…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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Emily D'SouzaVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains discussion of suicideI’ve know Ashley Roberts for a long time - she’s someone who lights up whatever room she walks into, but the thing that always strikes me about her, is that she’s lived a tough life and yet still has this sunny disposition. I was really excited to have her come onto the pod and she did not disappoint - laughs, tears and everything in between…We cover:The brutal reality of being in the pussycat dollsHow she honours her dad’s memory after losing him to suicideBeing the break in the cycle of family traumaThe power of breathwork to calm her anxietyDeciding to be child-freeOur experience on Strictly Come Dancing (and whether we still watch our dances back with a glass of wine)This conversation was brimming with energy and emotion - Ashley is proof of how opening yourself to your own vulnerabilities can lead to a richer life - rich in sadness, rich in joy and rich in laughter too. You can buy Ashley’s book on Breathwork here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathwork-Techniques-better-emotional-physical/dp/1785124625If 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 RathboneEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Emily D'SouzaVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a first for me - a part 2. If you haven’t heard my first interview with Riordan Maynard, the businessman who got sent to maximum security prison in the US for 6 years, go back and listen now! The reaction from that first episode was astonishing so we simply had to get him back in to answer all those burning questions you all had sent in…We talk about the lasting impact of prison on his confidence, his identity, and most of all, his family. And of course, dive into the ins and outs of what prison in the states is really like.We cover:•⁠ ⁠The PTSD he now lives with after leaving jail•⁠ ⁠The unexpected friendships (and business offers) he made in prison (including an offer to be the European Cocaine King!!)•⁠ ⁠Mental resilience he developed inside•⁠ ⁠The impact of his time away on his kids and wife•⁠ ⁠How he’s rebuilding his life nowThis is a conversation about second chances and what it really takes to rebuild your life after everything has fallen apart. I admire Riordan’s honesty and sheer resilience more than ever - and I think you’ll understand why.If you're interested in finding out more about Riordan's work, you can head to https://www.mindfort.co/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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Emily D'SouzaVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve loved watching the F1 on a Sunday afternoon since I was a kid - the cars, the glamour, the spraying everyone in champagne on the podium - it’s iconic. It’s a sport that’s known for its opulence and, despite being a gender mixed sport, it’s always been a male dominated space, but things are finally starting to change… Bianca Bustamante is a 20 year old driver from the Philippines. Her family sacrificed everything to get her to where she is today: her story is one of determination and perseverance. I was absolutely delighted to have her come join me in the studio to talk about her journey but also nerd-out about F1. We cover:•⁠  ⁠The physical training needed to be a race car driver•⁠  ⁠Being a woman in a male dominated sport•⁠  ⁠The impact of humble beginnings in Formula 1•⁠  ⁠Embracing and overcoming the fear of failure•⁠  ⁠How not to relate your self worth to your career This conversation illuminated what a crazy world Formula 1 can be but also how a positive approach to life can be such a game-changer to success.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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneProducer: Ewan Newbigging-ListerEditor: Dan KingAssistant Producer: Gurlina Heer + Emily D'SouzaVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aitch - or as he’s known to his mother, Harrison James Armstrong, is a Manchester born rapper, who’s known for his cheeky personality and insane freestyle talent. He hasn’t released music for a while, but he’s back with his new album, ‘4’, so I was excited to have him in the studio to find out about what he’s been up to in that break, and the reason he took it…We cover:•⁠ ⁠The impact of becoming an adult in the limelight•⁠ ⁠The changing landscape of the music industry•⁠ ⁠The difference between Aitch and Harrison•⁠ ⁠Getting into fights•⁠ ⁠The pressure that comes with new releases•⁠ ⁠Aitch’s recent trek up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness for Down syndrome AssociationThis conversation was really heartwarming, especially hearing Aitch open up about his special relationship with his sister, and how she keeps him grounded despite his huge successes!You can find more about Aitch's new album, '4', here: https://aitch.orch.stream/aitch-4 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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina Heer, Emily D'Souza & Ceyda UzunVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven’t already heard… I’m going to be a dad! Becoming a parent is a topic I’ve discussed on the podcast before, but now it’s really happening, we thought we’d do a bit more of a personal episode of the show this week, so I sat down with my producer, Jemima, to talk about how I’m really feeling about becoming a dad.This is a really personal episode because I also invite my own dad, Nick Laing, onto the pod - his first ever appearance - to ask for advice and reflect on our relationship.We cover:•⁠ ⁠Navigating my anxiety about becoming a father•⁠ ⁠Dad talks about me being a nightmare child•⁠ ⁠How I became more present with family after my early 20s•⁠ ⁠Making the most of our time before the baby arrives and life changes forever!•⁠ ⁠The type of dad I aspire to beI found this conversation deeply moving: having the opportunity to open up with my dad, hear his advice and perspective was so comforting. I am so blessed to have a dad like mine, and it was a reminder to cherish time with the people you love.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 BurkeVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yung Pueblo rose to prominence as a writer known for his deeply reflective thoughts on self-awareness, relationships, and personal transformation - shared widely through his quotes on social media. What began in 2012 as a private outlet soon evolved into a global platform. By 2014, his introspective musings were resonating with millions seeking clarity, healing, and inner growth.We cover:•⁠ ⁠Advice for anyone currently facing emotional pain, uncertainty, or major life transitions •⁠ ⁠His personal philosophy on love, navigating relationships•⁠ ⁠The transformative role meditation has played in his life•⁠ ⁠His reckless lifestyle that led to a heart attack that changed his life•⁠ ⁠The guilt he felt towards his parents and how he reconnected with his father•⁠ ⁠The Great American Poverty Trap he was brought up inThis conversation is a powerful reminder of how malleable we are as human beings—and that no matter where we start, we each have the ability to change the trajectory of our own lives.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During my ultra marathon challenge, one song that kept me going. As I ran, walked and wept from London to Salford, Stargazing by Myles Smith was on repeat. Even when I hit breaking point, that song carried me through and ever since, I’ve been desperate to sit down with Myles. With his calendar booked until 2027, I feel incredibly lucky we finally made it happen…Myles Smith is an incredible musician and songwriter. In just two years, he’s gone from posting songs on TikTok to racking up 25 million streams in a single month, touring with Ed Sheeran and winning the Rising Star BRIT Award. His breakout single, Stargazing, has been streamed over a billion times and was the best-selling British song of 2024.But what struck me most about Myles isn’t just his talent, it’s his honesty. He’s experienced pain, heartbreak and at times, has really struggled to fit in. Yet, he’s overcome those challenges to become a musician whose music brings positivity and hope to everyone who hears it. We cover:•⁠ ⁠His first heartbreak aged 11, when his dad walked out•⁠ ⁠The racism he’s experienced as an artist for the music he releases•⁠ ⁠How Ed Sheeran gave him the confidence to release his most personal musicThis conversation is a reminder that vulnerability is a strength and that by embracing who we truly are, we create space for others to do the same.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina Heer & Ceyda UzunEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Zuu first graced our screens in 2019 with Big Zuu’s Big Eats; his charisma and infectious laugh meant audiences fell for Zuu. The show went on to win multiple BAFTAs, against some of the biggest names in British television but it was a moment he couldn’t enjoy because he had an important message to relay…Zuu has overcome incredible odds to be where he is today - it’s a journey of strength and power of community to help one another. We cover:Growing up with a single mum who escaped the war in Sierra LeoneDiversity in the television industry and why it mattersMaking music with his cousin AJ TraceyZuu’s insecurities and religionWhy we should all volunteerIt’s a conversation that left me feeling energised and hopeful for a better future with people like Zuu having a platform.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When I saw the news about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of ‘sex’, I knew it was a topic I needed to understand better. As a straight cis man, it could be easy for me to ignore these news stories, but as a human, I know it’s a topic I can’t ignore.Bel Priestley is a trans actress, best known for her breakout role in Netflix’s Heartstopper, but her journey to that point is a story filled with pain, bravery and incredible strength. I’ve known Bel a while, and having seen her tearful TikTok after the Supreme Court ruling, wanted to invite her into the studio to chat.At just 21, Bel has lived through extremes - from being bullied at school to rising as one of Gen Z’s most influential LGBTQ+ voices. Through honesty and courage, she’s turned her platform into a beacon for trans visibility. She opens up about what it means to be a trans woman in the UK today, especially in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that’s shaken her community, and what it’s like to navigate love and hate when the odds feel relentlessly stacked against you.Bel shares, with heartbreaking honesty, the darkest chapters of her life: surviving sexual assault, enduring years of abuse and rejection, and the mental toll of fighting simply to exist. But she also shares what it means to find power through pain, how vital her chosen family has been, and why she’s most worried not for herself, but for the next generation of trans youth.Through it all, Bel radiates warmth, humour and wisdom. This is a conversation about strength, identity, and the fundamental right to be who you are.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina Heer & Ceyda UzunVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanza Smith might be best known for Selling Sunset, but her journey to the woman she is today is jaw-dropping. She’s lived one of those lives which makes you stop and wonder how she made it through. That’s why it was such a privilege to sit down with her today.Having survived a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and racism, Amanza battled with addiction that almost cost her life, but possessing a strength you rarely see, she got herself clean through sheer willpower. She spoke to me about how her daughter saved her life, triggering a path towards healing from the abuse she’d experienced as a child. Amanza spoke openly about cutting ties with her mother, and how she became a single mother overnight when her partner vanished, and who she’s never had contact with again.Despite experiencing so much, Amanza was brimming with laughter and joy - this conversation is rich in emotion, in positivity and in feeling. It’s a powerful reminder that even when it feels like life is breaking you, you can always rebuild.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.