ASHLEY ROBERTS: BEING IN THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS ALMOST KILLED ME

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina Heer + Emily D'SouzaVideo: 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

Paloma Faith and her amazing show, Mad, Sad & Bad is BACK for Season 2 so we thought we'd share a little snippet from episode one with you with a VERY exciting guest...If you like the sound of it and want to hear the rest of the episode and MORE (there's a whole wealth of episodes from Season 1), go follow us wherever you find your podcasts - there are some absolutely amazing guests coming up - you won't want to miss out!We're also on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok @madsadbadpodcast 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 [email protected] 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 [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.