EXCLUSIVE: Karen Hauer Breaks Silence On Marriage “I Was Bankrolling Everything...I Wish Someone Had Forced Me Out!"

Fashion influencer and entrepreneur Lorna Luxe sits down with Paul for her most revealing interview yet. In this episode of We Need To Talk, Lorna opens up about the battles that shaped her - from growing up in Manchester with a fractured relationship with her father, to her struggle with food that cost her her dream job as cabin crew. She reflects on how she built from the ground up - finding connections through Instagram, building a community of over 1.5 million, launching global fashion partnerships, and creating her own successful brands. For the first time, Lorna also speaks candidly about her first relationship - with a woman she felt too ashamed to tell anyone about - and the life she’s built since with her husband John. She shares the reality of navigating a 21-year age gap and the quiet strength holding them together as John continues his battle with cancer. This is a story of survival, self-worth, and what it really means to take control of your own narrative. Please note this conversation includes sensitive topics that may be distressing. We’ve included support charities below: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb   Beat Eating Disorders https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Follow Lorna here: Instagram https://g2ul0.app.link/eyYrzYw6PTb  TikTok https://g2ul0.app.link/Gdch1uz6PTb  No98 Beauty https://g2ul0.app.link/ssYHJ7s6PTb No98 Beauty Instagram https://g2ul0.app.link/aGExYSo6PTb (0:00) Intro   (2:47) Lorna's First Childhood Memory   (8:51) Paul Shows Lorna a Picture of When She Was 6 Years Old   (10:04) Lorna's Childhood   (11:05) Lorna's Early Relationships and Sexuality  (14:37) Why Lorna Decided to Work in Cabin Crew   (16:33) Dating in Brighton Post-University   (19:25) Lorna's Time as a Flight Attendant   (22:16) Lorna's Struggles with Eating Disorders   (39:31) Lorna's Marriage to Her Husband John   (58:45) Shopify Ad   (59:49) Tinder Ad   (1:01:07) Lorna's Thoughts on Having Children   (1:03:19) John's Current Health   (1:19:12) How Lorna Got Into Her Influencing Career   (1:32:04) Most Memorable Conversation   (1:36:00) Paul's Takeaways   (1:39:07) Crossed Wires Ad   Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  We Need To Talk LIVE: https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb  We Need To Talk: LIVE in Sheffield! Join Paul and a very special guest for our first ever We Need To Talk live show - coming to Crossed Wires on 5th July 2025. Be part of the conversation, in person https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Need To Talk, Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hauer sits down with Paul for a conversation that goes far beyond the ballroom. Karen reflects on the defining moments that have shaped her life. From Venezuela to New York to the UK, Karen shares the ambition that drove her, the heartbreak that nearly broke her, and how dance became her language of survival. In her most vulnerable interview yet, Karen opens up about one of her most public relationships - the breakdown of a marriage that played out in the public eye. She reveals what really happened behind the headlines. For the first time, Karen speaks candidly about one of the most painful chapters of her life, the lessons she’s learnt about love, and how she’s finally putting herself first. Karen also lifts the curtain on Strictly - sharing what the audience doesn’t see, her thoughts on the infamous “Strictly curse,” and just how competitive the show really gets. This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of choosing yourself. Please note this conversation includes sensitive topics that may be distressing. We’ve included support charities below: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb   Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb     Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/td2zqEPpGTb  Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Support Karen here: Instagram https://g2ul0.app.link/pj5LZtSpGTb  TikTok https://g2ul0.app.link/pvMCYYWpGTb  Hauer Power https://g2ul0.app.link/B0BsHDALHTb (0:00) Intro (1:55) Karen's Childhood Experience of Moving from Venezuela to New York (3:35) How Karen Discovered Her Love of Dancing (5:02) How Karen's Parents Split Up (9:04) Karen's Early Love-Life (11:55) The Beginnings of Karen's Career as a Dancer and 'So You Think You Can Dance?' (14:38) Karen's First Marriage (16:02) 'Repetition Compulsion' (18:07) Karen's Most High Profile Marriage (23:15) Karen's Audition for 'Strictly Come Dancing' (24:22) Karen's Experience of Moving to the UK and Starting on Strictly (25:26) How Karen's Marriage Was Affected by Being on Strictly (27:08) How Karen's Second Marriage Ended (36:02) Karen Addresses the Strictly 'Curse' (41:33) What Keeps Karen Coming Back for Strictly? (43:46) How Competitive Is Strictly? (48:20) Tinder Ad (49:36) Crossed Wires Ad (50:38) Karen Opens Up On Traumatic Relationship (1:21:34) Karen's Future (1:25:18) Most Memorable Conversation (1:28:54) Paul's Takeaways We Need To Talk: LIVE! Join Paul us for our first ever We Need To Talk live show - coming to Crossed Wires in Sheffield on 5th July 2025. Be part of the conversation, in person https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Need To Talk, YUNGBLUD sits down for his most honest interview yet - revealing how he went from rock bottom to global success. Best known for anthems like I Think I’m OKAY and Parents, YUNGBLUD opens up about the childhood trauma, identity struggles, and online hate that shaped who he is today. He reflects on growing up in Doncaster, the emotional toll of being misunderstood, and why he’s worried about young men today. YUNGBLUD speaks candidly about his relationship with Halsey, the reason he’s “taking space” from Jesse Jo Stark, and how relationships, identity and self-discovery have all played a part in his journey. From being signed at 21 to launching Bludfest, this is a story of rebellion, resilience, and radical self-expression. He also shares an exclusive on his upcoming single Zombie and what fans can expect from his fourth studio album, Idols. Please note this conversation includes sensitive topics that may be distressing Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/qcJLJLhBjTb MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb Beat Eating Disorders: https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Support YUNGBLUD here: Instagram https://g2ul0.app.link/WcWcbfu7uTb TikTok https://g2ul0.app.link/S02FIJA7uTb Pre-save Zombie https://g2ul0.app.link/eYVHjWp7uTb Pre-save IDOLS https://g2ul0.app.link/m1p5JkH7uTb  (0:00) Intro (1:29) Growing Up in Doncaster (4:32) The Most Painful Moment in YUNGBLUD's Childhood (5:21) How Has YUNGBLUD's Turbulent Childhood Shaped the Man He Has Become? (10:24) People's Perceptions of YUNGBLUD from Childhood and Into Adult Life (20:42) YUNGBLUD's Thoughts Around Modern Masculinity (30:48) Who Did YUNGBLUD Look Up To as a Child/Teenager? (32:31) The Story of How YUNGBLUD Was Signed to Interscope Records (41:26) How YUNGBLUD Built His Fanbase and Community (43:44) YUNGBLUD's Struggle with His Identity During Commercial Success (46:09) YUNGBLUD's Insecurities Sparked by Online Comments and Discourse (50:33) The Inspiration Behind Bludfest (54:07) The Story Behind 'Hatred' (57:28) The Spectre of 27 and Music Artists (59:54) Shopify Ad (1:00:58) Tinder Ad (1:02:13) YUNGBLUD's Relationship with Jessie Jo Stark (1:09:02) YUNGBLUD's Relationship with Halsey (1:10:04) YUNGBLUD's Thoughts on Marriage and Having Kids (1:11:02) YUNGBLUD Addresses Discourse Around His Upbringing (1:14:09) YUNGBLUD Addresses Accusations of 'Queer Baiting' (1:19:23) Why YUNGBLUD Took a Break from Social Media (1:21:21) YUNGBLUD's New Album (1:24:21) YUNGBLUD's Book and 'Loves and Hates' (1:26:35) What YUNGBLUD Grandad Thought of His Career (1:29:39) The Meaning Behind YUNGBLUD's New Single 'Zombie' (1:35:18) What Would Seven-Year-Old Dom Say to 27-Year-Old Dom? (1:37:38) Most Memorable Conversation (1:42:51) Paul's Takeaways (1:45:29) Crossed Wires Ad Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  We Need To Talk LIVE:  https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the most raw and revealing conversation of her career, Katie Price joins Paul to share the truth behind the headlines. Katie opens up about the defining moments that have shaped her - from childhood trauma and toxic relationships to the real cost of fame, the loss of self-worth, and what healing really looks like after decades in survival mode. For the first time, Katie addresses her split from Peter Andre and the cheating rumours that followed - and speaks candidly about her current relationship with JJ. This isn’t the Katie the tabloids write about - this is the real story, in her own words. Please note, this conversation includes some sensitive subjects that some audience members may find distressing. Find support charities below: Samaritans:  https://g2ul0.app.link/qcJLJLhBjTb  Women's Aid: https://g2ul0.app.link/WyCdvWWjJOb  Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/pmZkBsOjJOb  MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Follow Katie here: Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/9oXyojByjTb  TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/Dv0pvhEyjTb  Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod (1:40) Katie's Birth Name (2:17) Katie's Upbringing in Brighton (3:25) Katie's Parents' Dynamic (8:59) Katie's Experience of Sexual Abuse When She Was a Child (12:10) Katie's Turbulent First Romantic Relationship (17:05) How Katie Got Into Modelling (21:47) The Popularity of Jordan vs. Katie Price (24:20) Katie Breaks Down Why She Gets Cosmetic Surgery (26:18) Katie Explains the Dynamic of Her Previous Relationships (31:07) Paul Breaks Down What He Thinks Is Wrong with Katie's Love Life (48:18) Tinder Ad (49:32) Crossed Wires Ad (50:35) Katie on Motherhood and Wanting More Children (53:31) Katie's Story About Hugh Hefner (55:03) Katie on Celebs Go Dating (57:32) Katie's Lowest Moment (58:53) Katie's Time at The Priory (1:00:42) Katie's Likeability with the General Public (1:02:46) How Katie Deals with Trauma (1:04:27) Katie's Experience of Hijacking in South Africa (1:10:50) Kidnap Threats Aimed at Katie (1:12:46) How Katie Deals with Traumatic Events and How Therapy Helped (1:14:54) Katie Unpacks Traumatic Relationships She's Had (1:26:03) Katie's ADHD Diagnosis (1:31:40) Katie's Thoughts on Cheating in Light of Paul's *Cheat* on Netflix (1:35:48) Katie's Split with Peter Andre (1:39:56) A Video Message for Katie (1:40:50) Most Memorable Conversation (1:45:35) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  We Need To Talk LIVE: https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cast of Netflix’s Cheat: Unfinished Business are back together for the first time - and they’re not holding back! The Netflix series brought together eight ex-couples torn apart by infidelity, to give them one last chance to confront the past and decide if they had a future. Now, in this reunion episode of We Need To Talk, Paul turns up the heat as the cast reunite to reflect on what really happened - and what’s happened since. From confessions and regrets to apologies and unexpected twists, this is the conversation they’ve been waiting 10 months to get off their chests. Who’s moved on? Who hasn’t let go? And who’s still not telling the truth? Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Watch Cheat: Unfinished Business on Netflix: https://g2ul0.app.link/w8ou3PQDbTb  We Need To Talk LIVE:  https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb (0:00) Intro (0:43) Crossed Wires Ad (1:58) Rebecca G Joins Paul (2:47) Why Rebecca Decided to Join the Show with Biggs (4:21) How Rebecca Felt When She Found Out About Biggs Cheating (6:36) Rebecca's Thoughts on Craig (8:35) Does Rebecca Think She Cheated in the Retreat? (11:06) How Does Rebecca Feel About Seeing Her Castmates from the Show? (12:56) Audience Questions for Rebecca (14:51) Biggs Joins the Conversation (15:49) Biggs' Memories of His Relationship with Rebecca (18:02) Biggs and Rebecca's Break-Up (18:59) Why Did Biggs Want to Go on the Show? (22:29) Biggs and Rebecca Address What Happened on the Retreat (25:05) Biggs and Rebecca Doing the Group Exercise at the Retreat (29:35) Why Biggs and Rebecca's Relationship Broke Down (35:49) Audience Questions for Biggs (37:23) Rebecca's Flirting Being Exposed in the Reckoning Room (39:09) Are Biggs and Rebecca Still in Touch with Their Fellow Castmates? (40:36) Jazz Joins the Conversation (41:32) Jazz's Relationship with Craig (44:01) How Did Jazz and Craig End Up on the Show? (46:59) Rebecca and Biggs Flirting Once the Two Sides of the Villa Had Merged (48:11) Thoughts on Craig and His Actions in the Villa (52:23) When Jazz Confronted Craig About the Flirting (55:58) The Final Reckoning Room (1:05:40) Dan's Bombshell for the Group (1:07:59) Final Thoughts on Craig and His Impact on the Show (1:09:37) Rebecca's Apology (1:10:53) What Do the Group Want People to Take Away from the Show? (1:13:17) Rebecca and Jazz Talk the Gendered Double-Standard of Cheating (1:14:42) The Impact of Social Media on Cheating (1:18:45) Why Did Rebecca Change Her Mind on Craig on the Date Post-Retreat? (1:24:08) Shopify Ad (1:25:12) Tinder Ad (1:26:25) Olivia Joins Jazz and Paul (1:27:21) Olivia's Relationship with Liam and Why They Decided to Go on the Show (1:28:35) Olivia Confronts Liam Over Cheating Allegations at the Retreat (1:30:30) Paul Explains Gaslighting in Relationships (1:31:46) Can Olivia Trust Liam Now? (1:34:46) Liam Joins the Conversation (1:36:05) Liam Responds to the Audience Reaction to Him (1:37:51) Liam Finally Tells the Truth at the Retreat (1:38:35) Liam Provides Context to Why He Cheated (1:43:15) A Message from Olivia's Ex-Best Friend Celine (1:45:57) Did Olivia Come Over for Christmas? Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Need To Talk, Drag Race UK star Bimini shares the defining moments that shaped them - from losing their best friend in a tragic car accident to surviving the dark side of fame. Bimini opens up about battling shame and addiction, reflects on the highs and lows of their Drag Race journey, why they spoke out about the darker side of the industry, and how they rebuilt their life on their own terms. This is an empowering conversation about grief, identity, survival – and finding strength in living beyond the binary. Support charities:  Terrence Higgins Trust - https://g2ul0.app.link/2wfkTStrWSb Mermaids - https://g2ul0.app.link/g3id7izrWSb MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/w5vNMYwowQb   We Need To Talk LIVE at Crossed Wires -  https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Support Bimini here: Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/GBxGzljXVSb TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/a8VFvilXVSb Pieces Podcast: https://g2ul0.app.link/BPCLZ4fXVSb  (0:00) Intro (1:57) Bimini Talks About Their Pronouns (5:05) Bimini and Great Yarmouth (6:07) Bimini's Childhood (10:00) What Was the Reaction to Bimini's Personality as a Child? (12:42) How Did Bimini Conform When They Were a Teenager? (14:26) Who Was Bimini's Support System as a Teenager? (16:29) Bimini's Friend Ellie and Their Experience of Her Tragic Death (23:01) How Did Bimini Identify Sexually at 18? (24:56) Shame and Societal Scripts Around Sexual Identity (32:58) Bimini's Experience of Drug Abuse (35:24) The Epidemic Facing The Queer Community (40:22) How Can LGBTQ+ Allies Provide Meaningful Support? (43:58) Tinder Ad (45:15) Crossed Wires Live Pod Ad (46:17) Bimini's Academic Credentials (46:53) Bimini's Thoughts on Drag as an Art Form and Way of Life (59:17) Bimini's First Drag Competition in 2017 (1:02:23) How Does the RuPaul's Drag Race Casting Process Work? (1:06:19) Bimini on Coming Out as Pansexual on RPDR and Thoughts on Gender Stereotypes (1:12:15) 'UK Hun?' (1:16:55) The Aftermath of Drag Race UK (1:30:02) Bimini's New Music (1:38:00) Most Memorable Conversation (1:43:10) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Need To Talk, Calum Scott opens up like never before. A decade on from his iconic Britain’s Got Talent audition, Calum reflects on the moment that changed everything. He reveals what was really going on behind the scenes, the guilt he still carries about his sister, and the truth about that death stare at Simon Cowell.  Calum speaks candidly about growing up in Hull, being raised by strong women, and navigating his sexuality - including the impact of being outed by friends at school. He opens up about his struggles with body dysmorphia, identity, and the time he found himself on a bridge, questioning whether he could go on. From Dancing On My Own - now streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify - to No Matter What, Calum reveals how he turned heartbreak into healing, and how therapy has helped him find peace. This is Calum Scott as you’ve never seen him - raw, honest, and deeply human. This episode includes sensitive topics like suicidal thoughts and body dysmorphia. Please watch with care and find support resources below: MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/w5vNMYwowQb   Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/zsXiEH8BORb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Support Calum here: Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/JAW7hxKlKSb TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/xpUnQDNlKSb  Pre-order new album Avenoir https://g2ul0.app.link/uG2nTUJOKSb FTD & Me Blog https://www.ftdandme.co.uk/about-me  (00:00) Intro (01:38) Yorkshire Tea (02:55) Calum Describes Hull (04:10) What Are Some of the Northern Stereotypes That Are True? (05:37) Calum's Memories of Home When He Was a Child (07:41) Did Calum's Biological Dad Have Any Presence in His Life After He Left? (10:16) Calum's Time in HR (11:38) When Did Calum Discover His Voice? (13:47) Calum's First Time Singing On-Stage (16:49) Calum's Relationship with His Sister (17:43) Calum's Time in 'Maroon 4' (18:51) The Impact of Calum's Grandma on His Life (20:57) Calum's Life and Relationship with His Sister Going Into the Britain's Got Talent Auditions (22:18) Calum's Experience of His Britain's Got Talent Audition (36:51) Calum Reflects on the Impact BGT Had on His Career (38:47) Calum's Experience of the BGT Final (45:18) How Did Calum Get a Record Deal After BGT? (49:35) What Are the Biggest Highs and Lows of Calum's Career? (55:00) Calum's Style of Singing and His Confidence Over Time (58:50) Shopify Ad (1:00:02) Tinder Ad (1:00:57) The Lyrics to 'You're the Reason' (1:03:08) Calum's Journey with His Sexuality and Coming Out (1:21:52) Calum's Experience of Body Dysmorphia and Suicidal Ideation (1:29:57) A Message from Calum's Best Friend Jess (1:31:49) How to Support a Friend Going Through a Tough Time (1:33:51) Calum Explains FTD and the Impact It’s Had on His and Jess' Life (1:37:09) Discussing Mortality and Living Life to the Fullest (1:39:45) The Inspiration Behind Calum's New Album 'Avenoir' (1:41:56) Calum's Pre-Stage Ritual (1:44:26) Where Does Calum's Desire to Be a Father Come From? (1:45:52) Most Memorable Conversation (1:50:20) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just 2 hours before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, JoJo Siwa sat down for one of her most raw and revealing conversations yet. Who is JoJo Siwa? In this powerful episode of We Need To Talk, the self-proclaimed “CEO of gay pop” opens up about the cost of growing up on Dance Moms, the pressures of childhood stardom, and why she won’t “give Abby her flowers.” She reflects on the moment her confidence dropped on screen and how it felt being the internet's “punching bag.” Before entering the Big Brother house, Paul asks how JoJo deals with people she doesn’t agree with - a question that now holds new significance after her viral clash with Mickey Rourke. JoJo addresses the controversy following the release of Karma and shares how she’s taking full control of her creative journey. She speaks candidly about falling in love, reclaiming her identity, and leaving behind the version of herself the world thought they knew. From Dance Moms to Big Brother, from glitter and bows to bold reinvention - this is JoJo Siwa like you’ve never seen her before. Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Follow JoJo here: Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/RmSKBmOXySb TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/ZHFgDDQXySb  (00:19) Jojo's Imminent Big Brother Arrival (00:48) Is Jojo Scared of the Public Seeing a Different Side to Her? (02:45) Would Jojo Describe Herself as Someone with a Strong Personality? (03:25) How Will Jojo Manage Conflict in the BB House? (05:14) A Message from Jojo's Mum (07:33) Jojo's Childhood in Omaha, Nebraska (11:59) What Made Jojo Fall in Love with Dancing? (13:23) How Did Jojo Get on Dance Moms? (14:57) Why Does Jojo Think She Was So Successful on Dance Moms? (17:30) Did Jojo Need Validation When She Was 11 on Dance Moms? (19:14) Was Jojo 'Emotionally Abused' During Dance Moms? (25:42) Jojo's 'Ice Cream Story' (29:21) Was Jojo's Bow Branding Intentional? (31:52) Jojo's Bow Merchandise (33:50) Jojo Pivoting from TV to YouTube (36:54) Jojo's Perspective on Her Social Media Output (39:13) Shopify Ad (40:26) Tinder Ad (41:21) Did Jojo Have Difficulty Distinguishing Between Her Real Self and Her TV Persona? (44:43) Jojo's Experience of Bullying Online and In-Person (51:10) What Caused Jojo to Lose Confidence Over Time? (54:02) Jojo's Self-Consciousness About Her Singing (58:28) Jojo's Journey with Her Sexuality (1:06:04) The Process of Jojo Coming Out to the Wider Public (1:14:53) Jojo's Current Romantic Relationship (1:18:41) What Would Jojo Be Without Her Mother? (1:20:38) Jojo's Perspective on Motherhood (1:22:28) What Does Jojo Want Viewers of BB to Learn from Her? (1:23:23) What Is Most Misunderstood About Jojo? (1:24:01) The Controversy Around 'Karma' (1:26:53) Most Memorable Conversation (1:31:17) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Need To Talk, Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle joins Paul for an unfiltered conversation about music, identity, and the power of self-belief. From growing up in West London to becoming the first artist to be signed by John Legend, Estelle shares the resilience it took to break into the music industry - and the self-trust she had to develop along the way. She tells the incredible story of how a chance encounter with Kanye West in a chicken shop led to the global smash hit American Boy. Estelle reflects on the personal losses that shaped her, the industry rejection she pushed through, and how she’s finally learned to trust her voice - both in music and in life. This is the real story behind American Boy - and so much more. Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Follow Estelle here: Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/YBqxXz8ThSb TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/CQK5GJbUhSb  (00:00) Intro  (01:50) Estelle's Childhood in Hammersmith  (04:40) What Values Did Estelle's Grandmother Instill in Her?  (06:22) Estelle's Family  (07:37) How Estelle's Parents Met  (09:04) Estelle's Relationship with Her Father  (10:09) How Did Estelle's Parents' Split Affect Her?  (11:22) Estelle's Experience of School  (15:28) The Beginning of Estelle's Career in Music  (27:31) The Differences Between Hip Hop and R&B in the USA vs. UK in the Early 2000s  (29:43) Estelle's Experience in the British Music Industry as a Black Female Artist  (35:53) How Estelle Met Kanye West and John Legend  (44:10) Shopify Ad  (45:21) Tinder Ad  (46:16) How Estelle Wrote 'American Boy'  (51:26) The Legacy of 'American Boy'  (54:53) Paul’s Favourite Estelle Songs  (56:48) When Did Estelle Feel Like She Was 'Losing It' During Her Career?  (1:03:43) How Did Estelle Learn to Trust Herself?  (1:06:44) Estelle's Relationship History  (1:15:59) Is Estelle Interested in Being a Mother?  (1:16:57) The Impact of Estelle's Grandmother's Death  (1:21:51) Estelle's Spiritual Beliefs  (1:22:46) Estelle's Role in 'Steven Universe'  (1:26:30) Why Is Allyship So Important to Estelle?  (1:28:53) Paul Tells a Crazy Story About Estelle  (1:31:03) One of Estelle's Wildest Moments During Her Career  (1:33:07) Happiest Moment of Estelle's Career  (1:34:49) Estelle's New EP 'New Direction'  (1:37:35) Paul, De La Soul and Estelle's Feature on 'Memories Of'  (1:40:24) Estelle's Forthcoming Book  (1:42:37) Most Memorable Conversation  (1:46:18) Paul's Takeaways  Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of We Need To Talk sees YouTuber and singer Talia Mar share the defining moments that have shaped her life. She opens up about her whirlwind romance with Simon (AKA Sidemen's Miniminter) - from their instant connection on their first date to how they plan to parent their child in the public eye. Talia candidly discusses being diagnosed with autism at 25, the struggles of masking, feeling different, and how it reshaped her understanding of herself. She also opens up about navigating pregnancy with ASD and why so many women remain undiagnosed on the spectrum. Talia reflects on her school bullying experiences and the battle with anorexia that pushed her to her limits. This conversation is about Talia’s journey of self-discovery, embracing her autism, and how her deep connection with Simon helps them navigate the challenges of life together. This episode discusses sensitive topics, including anorexia. If you need support, please find resources below: MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/w5vNMYwowQb   Beat Eating Disorders - https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  Support Talia here: Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/QUo550jhbSb TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/ZuoqY6lhbSb  (1:51) Talia and Paul's Shared Connection with Sutton   (2:48) Talia's Childhood   (6:12) Talia's Childhood Love of Music   (8:00) Talia's Experience of BRIT School   (8:49) Talia's Experience of Bullying at Her Previous School   (10:45) Talia's Mental Health Struggles at School   (13:57) Talia's First Best Friend at 16   (14:47) Talia's Perspective on Romantic Relationships at 16   (15:37) How Did Talia Believe She Was Going to Be Successful in Music?   (19:23) How Did Talia Know She Was Doing Something Right with Her YouTube Channel?   (20:51) When Was Talia's First Monetisation from YouTube?   (23:30) 'Tough Decisions' EP Release   (25:50) Talia's Fellow BRIT Alumni   (30:45) Talia's Emotional Regulation   (33:59) Tinder Ad   (34:55) How Talia Met Simon Minter   (47:23) What Made Talia Fall in Love with Simon Minter?   (49:26) Talia's First Impressions of the Sidemen   (53:16) The Reaction to Talia and Simon Making Content Together   (56:32) How Did Her Public Relationship with Simon Impact Talia's Work?   (1:00:22) Did Talia Have Any Doubts About Her Engagement to Simon?   (1:01:39) Talia's Autism Diagnosis   (1:13:30) How Was Simon with Talia's Autistic Traits?   (1:14:15) Talia and Simon's Wedding   (1:16:06) Talia's Pregnancy   (1:19:21) How Do Talia and Simon Plan to Manage Having a Baby in the Public Eye?   (1:21:57) How Has Talia Found Being Pregnant?   (1:25:42) What Is Talia Most Excited for Regarding Her Future?   (1:27:22) Talia's Thoughts on Plastic Surgery   (1:30:40) Talia's Struggles with Anorexia   (1:38:16) Most Memorable Conversation   (1:41:40) Paul's Takeaways   Sponsored by: Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices