I Always Knew I Was Autistic - Talia Mar On Late Diagnosis At 24

Talia Mar shares her journey with autism from feeling different as a child to being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 24. She opens up about bullying, masking, sensory overwhelm, and the pressure of trying to appear confident while struggling internally. Talia also reflects on why autism in women is so often missed, how music became her outlet, and the relief that came with finally understanding herself. This conversation is an honest look at neurodivergence, identity and embracing the way your mind works. We’re Talking Autism (00:00) Intro (00:35) Talia Explains Why She Thinks She Was Bullied at School (02:28) Talia on Masking and Dealing With Bullying at School (03:27) What Advice Would Talia Give Her Younger Self? (04:44) The Message Behind Talia’s Music (07:53) Talia’s Autism Diagnosis at 24 (08:45) When Talia First Thought She Had Autism (11:53) Why Talia Wasn’t Diagnosed Earlier (14:16) Statistics Around Autism in Women (15:26) How Life Might Have Been Different With an Earlier Diagnosis (16:55) How Talia’s Parents Reacted to Her Diagnosis (18:59) Would Talia Encourage Others to Seek a Diagnosis? (19:44) How Miniminter Reacted to Talia’s Autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Only Way Is Essex star Chloe Sims reveals the truth about TOWIE, fame, and the relationship she says took years of her life. She opens up about growing up without her biological mum, being bullied for her looks, and why part of her still feels like that young girl today. Chloe speaks honestly about the man she kept going back to, why she apologised for things she didn't do, and the moment she finally realised he was never going to change. She also shares what reality TV was really like behind the scenes. From rehearsing arguments to shaking with nerves, Chloe explains how the pressure to perform affected her mental health and why she was never the “Ice Queen” people believed she was. Chloe also reflects on motherhood and the lengths she went to protect her daughter from the spotlight. She speaks about filming House of Sims with her siblings, why making the show nearly broke her, and what starting again in America has taught her about love, family and self-worth. Chloe Sims, We Need To Talk Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk   https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod   Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Chloe here: https://www.instagram.com/chloesims  https://www.tiktok.com/@misschloesims (00:00) Intro (01:46) Paul Tells the Story of How He and Chloe First Met (05:53) Chloe’s Upbringing in East London and Essex (07:45) Chloe’s Family Situation Growing Up (13:39) How Moving From East London to School in Essex Affected Chloe (18:48) Paul Shows Chloe a Childhood Photo of Her and Joey (20:08) How Joey’s Mother’s Death Affected Chloe (28:05) Chloe’s Biggest Insecurity During Adolescence (30:38) Chloe’s Life After School and a Toxic Relationship (38:43) What Chloe Is Looking for in a Partner (41:12) Saily Ad (42:20) How Chloe Was Cast in TOWIE (51:57) How Chloe’s Life Changed After Joining TOWIE (57:49) Chloe’s Darkest Moment on TOWIE (01:06:26) Chloe’s Experience on Celebs Go Dating (01:09:01) How Chloe Is Pigeonholed in the Reality TV Industry (01:11:53) Chloe’s Current Dating Life and What She Wants in a Partner (01:18:19) Chloe’s Experience of Perimenopause (01:21:19) Chloe Asks Paul for Dating Advice During Perimenopause (01:24:48) Paul Reads Chloe a Letter From a TV Industry Insider (01:32:59) Paul Reads Chloe a Letter From Her Brother Charlie (01:36:53) How Chloe Has Navigated the Media and Her Daughter Maddie (01:40:16) The Biggest Lesson Chloe Has Learned From Motherhood (01:41:35) Chloe Recounts Her Experience With Cosmetic Surgery (01:45:08) Will Chloe Have Any More Cosmetic Procedures? (01:46:59) Most Memorable Conversation (01:49:17) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: Saily - Download from the app store and use code WNTT at checkout for 15% off. For more details: https://saily.com/wntt ⛵ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Roberts shares how a first audition changed everything, taking her from performing at the Viper Room to becoming part of one of the biggest girl groups in the world. She opens up about the early buzz around the group to performing alongside Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Ashley also reflects on the structure of the group, with Nicole as the lead singer, the pressure and pace of sudden fame, and the physical and emotional toll that came with life inside such an iconic act. We're Talking The Pussycat Dolls (00:00) Intro (00:38) Ashley Shares How She Joined the Pussycat Dolls (03:27) From Viper Room Dance Act to Global Pop Group (04:34) The Origins and Success of “Don’t Cha” (07:07) The Sheer Scale of Pussycat Dolls’ Success (08:18) Ashley’s Fondest Memory at the Height of Their Success (10:22) The Structure of the Pussycat Dolls as a Group (12:55) Why the Pussycat Dolls Didn’t Reform Post-Covid (14:18) The Financial Success of the Pussycat Dolls (16:29) The Demanding Touring Schedule and Its Impact on Ashley (19:30) Paul Shows Ashley the Debut Pussycat Dolls Album Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abbey Romeo became one of the most recognisable faces on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, but her journey to finding love, identity and a voice was anything but simple. In this conversation, Abbey opens up about growing up with autism, the reality of feeling isolated and misunderstood, and what life was really like before the show. Abbey shares what autism feels like from the inside, describing it as living between two worlds, while Abbey’s mum Christine reflects on the challenges of raising a child in a system she believes is often broken. They speak honestly about the early years, from communication struggles and emotional breakthroughs to the moment Abbey first understood her diagnosis and how that shaped her identity. Christine also shares the unseen side of parenting, the survival mode, the lack of support, and the turning points that slowly gave them hope. Abbey also reflects on finding love with her boyfriend David, what their relationship means to her, and the quiet ways he makes her feel safe, understood and seen. From building a successful hat business to discovering her voice through music, Abbey demonstrates how purpose, creativity and connection have transformed her life and why representation matters more than ever. Abbey Romeo, We Need To Talk (00:00) Intro (01:50) The Success of Love on the Spectrum (02:39) How Abbey Felt When She First Joined the Show (03:46) Why Hannah Montana Is Important To Abbey (04:50) Abbey and Christine on Becoming Public Figures (06:04) Why Christine Didn't Think Abbey Belonged On The Show (08:17) Abbey’s Emotional Connection to Mermaids (10:22) Abbey Gifts Paul One of Her Hats (12:32) When Abbey Discovered She Was Autistic (14:12) Abbey’s Experiences Across Different Schools (17:59) Christine’s View on the Origins of Autism (18:45) How Abbey Defines Autism (19:23) Paul Shows Abbey a Photo of Her as a Baby (21:00) What It’s Like Filming Love on the Spectrum (25:10) What Abbey Likes About Her Boyfriend David (28:31) Does Abbey Love David? (32:45) Shopify Ad (33:51) When Abbey and David Became Official (36:16) How Much Time Christine Has to Herself (37:11) Christine on Parenting an Autistic Child (41:47) What Abbey Loves Most About Christine (45:56) Abbey’s Musical Ability (47:50) Abbey’s Favourite TV Shows (49:03) David’s Ability to See Numbers as Colours (52:15) Paul Surprises Abbey With a Message From A Celebrity Guest (58:16) What Abbey Wishes People Knew About Autism (58:48) What Abbey and David Like to Do Together (59:21) The New Series Of Love On The Spectrum (01:00:03) Most Memorable Conversation (01:03:16) Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Abbey here: https://www.instagram.com/hatsbyabbey https://www.tiktok.com/@hatsbyabbey Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark World Down’s Syndrome Day Ellie Goldstein shares her journey from overcoming a challenging start in life to becoming a model, dancer and global trailblazer. From the glitz of Strictly Come Dancing to gracing the cover of Vogue, Ellie opens up about resilience, breaking barriers in the fashion world, and being unapologetically herself. This conversation is a celebration of defying expectations and embracing identity. We're Talking Life Beyond Down's Syndrome (00:00) Intro (00:40) What Was Ellie’s Favourite Part About Being on Strictly? (02:34) How Ellie Started Out Modelling (03:46) Paul Lists the Brands Ellie Has Modelled For (04:33) Ellie’s Vogue Cover (07:46) Ellie’s Foray Into Being an Author (10:13) Yvonne Shares the Story of Ellie’s Birth (18:49) Statistics Around Down's Syndrome (22:10) How Yvonne Told Ellie About Her Condition (23:25) What Yvonne and Ellie Appreciate About Each Other Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder were at the centre of one of the most talked about relationships in modern music history. In this rare conversation, Blake speaks openly about their relationship, addiction, fame, blame, and the headlines that followed them both. He reflects on meeting Amy in Camden, the intensity of their connection, and what their relationship was really like away from public view. Blake also revisits the chaos of the 2000s tabloid press, the pressure of sudden fame, and how Back to Black captured the pain of their breakup in real time. Blake speaks candidly about addiction, the long-standing accusations that have followed him for years, and the darkest chapters of his life, including learning of Amy’s death while he was in prison. He also confronts one of the biggest questions that still surrounds her death: who was responsible? Blake Fielder, We Need To Talk. This conversation includes discussion of suicide, addiction, self harm and eating disorders. Please watch with care. If you need support, we’ve included helpful resources below: Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H MIND:  https://linkly.link/2dx8b Beat Eating Disorders https://linkly.link/2dx8y (00:00) Intro (01:59) Why Does Blake Want to Speak Now? (03:57) Blake Describes His Upbringing (05:26) Blake’s Life in London as a Teenager (06:04) How Blake Ended Up Working On Music Videos (07:16) What Was Blake’s Relationship With Drugs and Alcohol in His Teens? (13:16) Blake’s Self-Esteem as a Teenager (15:28) When Did Blake’s Drug Use Change From Casual to Addiction? (17:49) Blake Addresses Whether He Was an Addict Before Meeting Amy Winehouse (20:30) Blake Talks About His Mental Health Challenges as a Child (24:57) How Blake Met Amy Winehouse (40:09) Why Blake and Amy Winehouse Initially Broke Up (41:37) The Huge Popularity of ‘Back to Black’ (51:00) Blake’s Thoughts on the ‘AMY’ Documentary (55:12) How Blake and Amy Rekindled Their Relationship (57:07) Paul Shows Blake a Photo From His Wedding Day With Amy (01:02:07) The British Media in the Early Noughties (01:09:33) Blake’s Relationship With Amy’s Father Mitch (01:14:31) Amy’s Addiction While Blake Was Incarcerated (01:21:40) Did Blake and Amy Talk About Getting Clean? (01:23:15) Blake and Amy’s Interactions With Big Stars (01:27:11) Shopify Ad (01:28:13) How Did Blake and Amy Finally Separate? (01:35:53) Blake’s Final Time Seeing Amy (01:39:58) How Blake Found Out About Amy’s Passing (01:51:21) When Blake First Realised Amy Suffered From Bulimia (01:54:38) Statistics Around Drug Abuse and Bulimia (02:00:28) Blake’s Thoughts on the ‘27 Club’ (02:04:25) What Does Blake Think Amy’s Legacy Will Be? (02:07:03) What Would Blake Say To Amy Today? (02:11:32) Most Memorable Conversation (02:13:39) Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chloe Ferry opens up about the reality behind her cosmetic surgery journey - from breast implants and a BBL to the pressure that drove her to keep changing her appearance. She reflects on body image, social media scrutiny, and the toll chasing perfection took on her mental health. Now reversing procedures and focusing on therapy and self-love, Chloe shares why she’s determined to rediscover who she really is. We're Talking Cosmetic Surgery (00:00) Intro (00:40) Chloe Takes Paul Through the Cosmetic Procedures She's Done (02:25) The Danger of BBLs (04:55) How Did Chloe Feel After Each Procedure? (07:35) When Did Chloe Decide She Wanted to Reverse Her BBL? (10:20) Does Chloe Feel Comfortable in Herself? (14:22) How Does Chloe Feel About the Way She Looks Now? (16:14) How Chloe Is Changing What She Puts Out on Social Media (22:21) How Chloe Feels About Her Influence on Young Women Through Geordie Shore (25:38) Does Chloe Have Any Other Surgeries Planned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From teen pop star to elite swimmer, Cody Simpson opens up about fame, identity and what happens when success comes too early.Known for hits like Pretty Brown Eyes, Paradise and iYiYi, Cody reveals how YouTube covers led to a record deal, worldwide fame and life inside the teenage pop machine. He reflects on being discovered online during the rise of Justin Bieber, moving to Los Angeles at 13 and navigating the pressure of fame before he was old enough to understand the cost. Cody speaks candidly about the years that nearly derailed him, from rebellion, partying and substance abuse to experiencing psychosis and hitting rock bottom. He explains why leaving music and returning to elite swimming ultimately saved his life and how that decision led to representing Australia and winning medals. We also explore the relationships and moments that shaped his journey, from dating Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Emma McKeon and Miley Cyrus to the brutal discipline required to rebuild his life after fame. Now returning to music with a new record deal and a completely different mindset, Cody shares what he’s learned about fame, identity, discipline and why the most important chapter of his life may still be ahead.Cody Simpson, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. We've included support charities below: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb (00:00) Intro (01:35) Cody Describes Growing Up on the Gold Coast, Australia (07:36) Cody’s First Experiences with Playing Music and Writing Songs (14:15) How Cody Was Discovered and Signed a Record Deal (22:28) Cody’s Early Experiences of Songwriting in LA (27:04) Paul Surprises Cody With a Photograph (27:32) What Was Life Like Back in Australia Once Cody Found Fame? (29:51) Why Does Cody Think He Was So Popular So Quickly? (31:28) How Scooter Braun Marketed Cody Compared to Justin Bieber (34:59) ‘Tween Mags’ and Cody’s Markers of Success (37:11) Cody Listens Back to a Couple of His Old Songs (42:54) Snapchat Ad (44:03) Shopify Ad (45:11) Cody Breaks Down His Romantic Relationships with Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Miley Cyrus (55:50) Cody Breaks Down His Relationship with Olympic Swimmer Emma McKeon (58:55) Cody Reflects on the Negative Effects of Fame at an Early Age (01:10:17) Paul Surprises Cody With a Letter From Someone He Loves (01:16:06) Cody’s Transition from Music to Swimming Professionally (01:24:41) Moving Back to Australia and Training for the Paris Olympics (01:31:45) Cody Reveals Plans for His New Music (01:40:31) Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Cody here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysimpson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@codysimpson Sponsored by: Snapchat: Learn more at https://thekeysuk.snapchat.com  Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honour of International Women's Day, we're joined by Bre Tiesi and Jamelia for an honest conversation about motherhood, survival and the strength it takes to rise above life's toughest challenges. From dealing with miscarriage and postpartum depression to finding the courage to keep moving forward, they share what resilience truly means. This episode is a tribute to unbreakable women and the power of vulnerability. We're Talking Unbreakable Women (00:00) Intro (00:38) Bre Reveals Her Experience of Going Through Miscarriage (02:17) Bre’s Emotional Detachment When Giving Birth to Her Son (04:38) Bre Describes the First Moment With Her Son and the Ensuing Postpartum Depression (09:51) Bre Explains How She Overcame Postpartum Depression (12:49) Jamelia Describes the Emotional Impact of Raising Her Daughters (15:09) Who Was Supporting Jamelia During the Height of Her Breakdown? (19:21) How Jamelia Was Able to Bounce Back From Her Situation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucinda speaks out on Love Island All Stars, the Belle and Samie fallout and the one scene that sparked over 11,000 Ofcom bullying complaints. A four-time Love Island star, Lucinda Strafford reveals she was cast just hours before flying to South Africa, walked in as a bombshell and instantly felt like an outsider, even going days without speaking to certain girls. She responds to the most viral moments, from Snog Marry Pie to the To Be Honest game, reacts to “rage baiting” claims and addresses the “baby voice” controversy. She also reflects on the support available behind the scenes from the Love Island production team. We also put your questions to Lucinda: Did some islanders treat All Stars like a career move? Does she secretly love being the centre of the drama? And was she dating someone while on the show? She explains why Sean’s loyalty changed everything, and why this relationship feels nothing like her past Love Island romances. Lucinda Strafford, We Need To Talk (00:00) Intro (01:41) Why Lucinda Returned to Love Island for a Fourth Time (11:32) Lucinda on the Role of the ‘Bombshell’ in the Villa (12:36) Who Caught Lucinda’s Eye First? (14:17) Why Lucinda Chose Ciaran (15:48) Public Perception of Lucinda Coupling With Ciaran (19:52) Lucinda’s First Impressions of Belle (20:50) When Lucinda’s Attention Turned to Sean (23:32) Lucinda Watches Love Island Clips for the First Time Since Leaving (24:13) Lucinda’s Reaction to Sean Breaking Up With Belle (26:51) Lucinda on Belle’s Hypocrisy and the Villa’s Reaction (31:01) Lucinda’s Lowest Point in the Villa (34:18) Lucinda on Whether She Was Bullied in the Villa (44:50) Snapchat Ad (46:02) Lucinda's Relationship With Samie (51:22) Lucinda on Public Perception During and After the Show (52:46) Lucinda’s Reaction to the Pieing Moment With Samie (55:26) Lucinda on Her Personality, the ‘Baby Voice,’ and Rage Baiting (01:03:12) Lucinda on Her Relationship With Millie (01:04:55) Falling in Love With Sean (01:11:50) Getting Her Phone Back and Hearing the Public’s Reaction (01:13:27) WNTT Community Questions for Lucinda (01:18:10) Lucinda’s Most Memorable Conversation (01:21:10) Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Lucinda here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucindastrafford TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/lucinda   Sponsored by: Snapchat: Find out more at thekeysuk.snapchat.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices