MARY PORTAS: My Mother Died, My Father Disappeared & I Was Left Homeless At 19

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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.