GK BARRY: I'M IN LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME

Jason Derulo is a force of nature: a global hitmaker who’s sold over 250 million singles and been writing songs since the age of 8. Beyond his chart-topping career, he’s also a savvy entrepreneur and an inspiring storyteller. I’ll admit, I was a little star-struck sitting down with him, but I was excited to uncover the more human side of the pop icon—and to learn what drives his relentless success.Jason’s obsession with excellence extends far beyond music—it shapes everything he does, and this unyielding determination has been the cornerstone of his success. Life, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. While preparing for a tour, Jason broke his neck attempting a backflip, but what could have ended his career instead became the spark for his most successful album. We also explored the insecurities of his childhood and how now, as a father, Jason’s perspective has evolved with his son being his greatest source of motivation.This conversation revealed a deeper side to Jason Derulo—one that shows his success is anything but effortless. It’s built on resilience and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. With a new single featuring Sia on the horizon, Jason’s unstoppable drive proves there’s no "off button" for his ambition.And if you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have a wealth of fab guests and even more to come - you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the new year, a new series and I’m thinking about making good intentions for 2025 so who better to kick off the year with than Professor Tim Spector - founder of Zoe and leading voice in nutrition to talk to me all about the link between our gut and mental health, his opinion on Ozempic and how eating better really can change our quality of life.Having received an OBE for his research in the health sector, Tim is a real voice of authority when it comes to the gut microbiome. In this episode, he breaks down the gut-brain connection, explaining how changes to your diet can decrease levels of anxiety and depression, and shares insights from research which potentially show how cohabiting with someone can mean sharing microbes - and even feelings. We also talk about fad-diets, the rise of Ultra Processed Foods and how coffee is actually a health drink!This conversation reminded me it’s never too late to make the change towards healthier habits and how diet is deeply personal - the key is understand what works for your bodyTo hear more from Tim you can listen to the ZOE podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/ZgzDXRVSAnd if you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have a wealth of fab guests and even more to come - you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! To celebrate the end of Great Company’s first chapter after 40 episodes we’re treating you to something special. For this bonus episode, the tables are turned, and I’m in the hot seat! Producer Jemima, who’s been there through it all, takes the reins to interview me!I open up about my time on Made in Chelsea, sharing how it shaped me, strained relationships, and led to social anxiety that pushed me to rely on alcohol as a crutch. We also tackle the topic of babies - a big step I’m finally ready for after years of fearing the permanence and responsibility of parenthood. And finally, I reflect on my deep desire to be liked and that need to be remembered, rather than forgotten, which has motivated me to keep pushing forward.This episode was a bit out of my comfort zone but it’s a reminder that sometimes, you just have to dive in and see where it takes you.And thank you for listening to the show - whether you've been here from the beginning or it's a recent find, I really appreciate every single listen so thank you! If you enjoyed it, please follow - it makes such a difference!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surprise - it’s a Monday release! Christmas can get a bit hectic but we wanted to make sure you still had your weekly dose of Great Company - just like the December payday, we’re a little early…What really happened on the fishing trip? It’s the question Rob Brydon—beloved Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey—gets asked a lot, and with their Christmas special just around the corner, I couldn’t wait to have him on the show to ask myself….Rob Brydon is a stalwart of British television, from hosting panel show, Would I Lie to You to starring alongside Steve Coogan in The Trip, the journey there was filled with hurdles and a healthy does of rejection, but Rob’s determination combined with undeniable natural talent to entertain meant he was always destined for our screens. He also reflected on his six unforgettable seconds as Sugar Daddy Ken in the Barbie movie and revealed a hilarious distaste for vapes!This conversation is with a born entertainer and I was thoroughly entertained!If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I would say that Grace Keeling, (or GK Barry) is the first person in the UK to successfully navigate herself from TikTok to mainstream television. Fresh from her time in the I’m A Celeb jungle, Grace came in to the studio to chat everything from bush-tucker trials to her love life.GK Barry gained her huge following on TikTok for her unadulterated and hilarious videos, leading to hosting her own podcast, Saving Grace and now Loose Women’s youngest presenter. But Grace hasn’t always been the confident persona she is online; bullied at school and often dealing with anxiety that left her unable to leave the house, Grace opens up candidly about her journey to now.This conversation with Grace reminded me that no matter where you start or how out of place you feel, you can shape whoever you want to be; proof that you’re never defined by your beginnings.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always been struck by how truly fascinating her story is so I’m so pleased to have her on the show this week…Shirley’s journey began on a housing estate in Northern England, where she grew up with her single mother and older brother, learning resilience early. By seven, she was traveling hours by bus and train to pursue her passion, supported by her hardworking mother, who remains her greatest inspiration. Along the way, Shirley has faced heartbreak, losing her brother to suicide—a tragedy that fuels her advocacy for mental health charities like CALM. She’s also navigated the complexities of love, with engagements as young as 15 and two marriages that taught her as much about herself as they did about relationships. She also opens up for the first time publicly about her relationship with her father, who she recently lost.This conversation explores Shirley’s rollercoaster life, her resilience, and her unyielding passion for dance. Behind the glamour lies a woman who’s faced intense scrutiny, reminding us of the importance of truly listening to the stories behind the spotlight.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!And don't miss the Strictly Christmas Special on BBC One on Christmas day!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2020, amassing millions of followers and securing the number eight spot on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators, Alix Earle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also been on my dream guest-list for a long time, so while I was in LA I was delighted to sit down with her…We began by connecting over our shared experiences with anxiety. Alix opened up about her first terrifying panic attack, which landed her in the hospital, and how she’s learned to navigate her mental health since. She also reflected on the challenges of rebuilding trust and embracing vulnerability after being cheated on—a journey that recently led to her celebrating one year with her boyfriend. And drawing from her own experiences, Alix offered her advice on dealing with loneliness and heartbreak.This conversation was a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and an inspiring testament to staying authentic and grounded through it all.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Lizzie McCarthySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the business, but I think if I were to ask him, he’s say he’s still a North Sea fisherman at heart.In order to answer this question, I reached out to an old friend from my MIC days, who also happens to be James’ fiancé, Georgia Toffolo (Toff to me) to kick off the interview. Although his story is shaped by a tough upbringing - dogged with a speech impediment, crippling shyness and a strained relationship with his mother - these early challenges became the foundation of his resilience and relentless drive, shaping who he is today.We chat through the immense risks he took to build BrewDog, taking it to the dizzying heights of success, at its peak valued at $1.8billion, and how the profound impact of losing his father has shifted his outlook on what is important, and how time is the most valuable asset we all have.This conversation reminded me of the importance to make space to understand each other and the different parts that make us who we areIf you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Lizzie McCarthySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour.From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was his calling, but his journey to success was far from easy. At just four years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother - an experience that shaped him, taught him resilience and maintaining a sense of calm in a storm. Despite the heights of his success and fame, LL confesses to being a bit of a bookworm and introvert - surprising considering how infectious his energy is and open his heart - he talks to me about the importance of chosen family and generosity, revealing that he gives 10% of all his earnings to the church.This was a conversation I won’t forget in a hurry - to speak to an icon, who’s life has been so different from mine, but to find connection, to laugh, to be made to think - it’s what unites us all.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcastAs I mentioned, LL's released his first music in 11 years - here's a link to the new album, The Force: shopuk.llcoolj.com--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After reaching the heights of success so quickly, it all came crumbling down for Rizzle Kicks when Harley’s anxiety left him incapable of performing. In an attempt to help him, Jordan realised he too had demons to conquer. Now, almost ten years later, Rizzle Kicks are back! - and I was lucky enough to chat to them about the journey from then to now…Known as the quiet one, Harley opens up for the first time in a public space about his battles with his mental health, his OCD and how he found a way out of the dark space he was in that led to the break in the music. Jordan also discusses his journey from that time, and how, in retrospect, he can see how their instant success warped their sense of achievement. We also discuss the value of role models and finding motivation from a place of peace.Harley and Jordan are such a wonderful example of friendship and the conversation was so honest and vulnerable - it reminded me of the important of sharing our experiences with one anotherRizzle Kicks have got a new album - you can find it here: rizzlekicks.tmstor.es/?lf=9c019ff825d8443192ddfe6e7be79e66And Jordan's book you can find here: www.amazon.co.uk/Avoidance-Drugs-Heartbreak-Jordan-Stephens-ebook/dp/B0CTMNQXP6If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.