In this episode of We Need To Talk, Jordan Stephens opens up like never before. The musician, writer, and actor shares the untold story behind his rise to fame with Rizzle Kicks, the struggles that nearly broke him, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life.
Jordan reflects on his battles with addiction, the weight of fame, and the personal challenges he’s faced behind closed doors. For the first time, Jordan reflects on a period where he felt his lowest and how a phone call with his mum brought him back from the edge.
Now, in a high-profile relationship with Jade Thirlwall, Jordan opens up about how they navigate their relationship in the spotlight, and whether marriage and fatherhood are on the cards.
Paul and Jordan have a powerful conversation around masculinity, exploring the struggles men face with emotions, intimacy, and societal pressures.
This is Jordan Stephens as you’ve never seen him before.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:36) Influence of Jordan’s Mum and Dad on His Upbringing
(02:53) When Did Jordan Realise His Parents Were Anti-Establishment?
(04:24) Jordan’s Experiences on His Childhood Estate
(06:05) Jordan’s Parents’ Situation When He Was a Child
(07:28) Jordan Moving to Brighton at 10
(08:25) What Did Jordan Think of His Parents Growing Up?
(10:38) Jordan’s Complicated Relationship With Class
(13:37) Jordan’s Experience as a Young Mixed-Race Man in Brighton
(17:25) How Does Jordan Categorise Himself?
(22:01) Jordan’s Early Experiences With Drugs
(26:33) Changing Attitudes Towards Sex
(27:38) The ‘Bizarre’ Story of Jordan Losing His Virginity
(32:48) When Did Jordan Fall in Love With Hip-Hop?
(35:17) The Origins of Rizzle Kicks
(39:08) How Jordan Made ‘Down With the Trumpets’
(43:13) Does Jordan Have Any Regrets About His Music Career?
(48:19) Paul Loves Jordan’s Book ADHD
(49:29) Paul and Jordan’s Thoughts on the State of Masculinity
(54:37) Internalised Homophobia
(58:53) The Kinsey Scale: Understanding Sexuality
(1:00:28) Jordan’s Experience at ‘The Bridge’
(1:05:24) Adobe Express Ad
(1:06:24) Tinder Ad
(1:07:34) Jordan’s Experience With Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
(1:16:13) Jordan’s ‘Break-Up’ With His Mother
(1:22:05) Jordan’s ‘Type’
(1:23:33) How Jordan Met JADE
(1:30:26) Jordan’s Thoughts on Polyamory
(1:32:20) Jordan’s Thoughts on the ‘L Word’
(1:34:52) Jordan and JADE's First Date
(1:38:56) Will Jordan and JADE Get Married?
(1:42:06) Jordan’s Thoughts on Fatherhood
(1:47:44) How Jordan Navigates Being in a High-Profile Relationship
(1:54:10) Jordan Praises Paul and WNTT
(1:56:27) Most Memorable Conversation
(2:00:04) Paul’s Takeaways
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We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson