

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
WNTT
The most powerful conversations are the ones we usually avoid. Hosted by Paul C. Brunson, We Need To Talk is a show that empowers people to have the conversations they avoid by creating a safe, supportive, and insightful space that encourages vulnerability, self-discovery, and real-world connection.
From breakups to breakthroughs, conflict to connection, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the human experiences and relationships that define us.
Instagram: @needtotalk
TikTok: @weneedtotalkpod
From breakups to breakthroughs, conflict to connection, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the human experiences and relationships that define us.
Instagram: @needtotalk
TikTok: @weneedtotalkpod
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
"Women In Unhappy Marriages Are 4x More Likely To Die" We're Talking Trauma with Gabor Maté
Dr. Gabor Maté explores what trauma really is, how it shapes who we become, and why so many people are living disconnected from their authentic selves.
From attachment styles to emotional wounds, Paul and Gabor break down how childhood experiences affect our adult relationships - and what it takes to truly heal.
Whether you're navigating your own trauma or trying to better understand someone you love, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path toward deeper connection.
We're Talking Trauma with Gabor Maté
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) How Does Gabor Define Trauma?
(03:40) How Many People Today Are Living in Trauma?
(05:46) How Do We Heal Our Trauma?
(08:21) How to Become Your Most Authentic Self
(14:02) Love Better Tour Ad
(15:07) Attachment Styles
(20:23) How Do You Earn a 'Secure Attachment'?
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 42min
Shirley Ballas on "Disastrous Relationships" And The Dark Side Of Strictly!
Shirley Ballas, an internationally acclaimed ballroom dancer and head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, opens up about her tumultuous journey through life and love. She shares the impact of losing her brother David, driving her advocacy for men's mental health. Shirley discusses her battle with body image, the pressures of fame, and the sacrifices she made for dance. From a disastrous first audition to embracing her heritage and overcoming bullying, her story is one of resilience, passion, and the joy of helping others navigate the dance of life.

Sep 25, 2025 • 30min
How Minecraft Can Make You Millions: We're Talking Streaming
Three of the UK’s biggest online creators - TommyInnit, DanTDM, and Talia Mar join Paul to explore what it really takes to build a streaming career. They share how they grew their platforms, stayed creative under pressure, and built communities that reach millions.
We’re Talking Streaming.
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) How Tommyinnit started his streaming career
(01:40) Tommy is one of the most followed people in the world
(02:50) How Tommy built his streaming following
(07:30) Tommy's Guiness Records
(10:35) How DanTDM became a full-time YouTuber
(13:22) The grind that led to Dan's success on YouTube
(17:00) 2017 Forbes Article about Dan
(18:58) Love Better Tour Ad
(20:03) How Talia Mar started streaming and built her following
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 45min
Shakira Khan EXCLUSIVE: The Truth About Love Island & Growing Up Mixed Race
Love Island star Shakira Khan breaks her silence in her first ever podcast interview.
In this exclusive conversation, Shakira opens up about growing up mixed-race in Burnley, the beauty standards that shattered her confidence, and the behind-the-scenes reality of life inside the Love Island villa.
For the first time, she spills the tea on her fellow islanders, lifts the lid on the villa “divide,” and reveals where things really stand with Harry today.Shakira reveals:
◽ How bullying and identity struggles forged her confidence
◽ The surprising truth about Love Island casting and how she got on the show
◽ Why she broke down in tears to her chaperone before entering the villa
◽ Her unfiltered take on Harry and the accusations of gaslighting inside the villa
◽ Why she won’t judge another Love Islander again
◽ The truth about the villa “divide”
◽ Why she now feels proud of her mixed-race identity
◽ Where her relationship with Harry really stands - and if she sees a future with him
Shakira Khan, We Need To Talk.
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Follow Shakira:
Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/XSsa2GZORWb
TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/icWRTO7ORWb
(00:00) Intro
(02:16) Why is Shakira Ready to Tell Her Story Now?
(02:53) Growing Up In Burnley
(09:06) Shakira's Mixed Heritage
(13:56) How Did Religion Impact Shakira's Upbringing?
(19:04) Shakira's Young Social Circles
(23:04) The P Word and Racism
(25:54) When Did the Tide Change?
(27:13) Romance and Racism
(28:53) How Did Shakira Gain Self Worth?
(31:50) Did Shakira Ever Have a Healthy Relationship?
(34:20) Why Love Island?
(40:04) How Did Shakira Get on Love Island?
(52:41) Treatwell Ad
(53:56) Tinder Ad
(54:59) Shakira's Relationships on Love Island
(01:00:57) Shakira Talks About Ben
(01:04:27) Shakira Talks About Connor
(01:07:28) Shakira Talks About Harry
(01:13:08) Shakira Talks About Megan
(01:14:54) The Divide in the Villa
(01:22:49) Harry and Shakira's Mum
(01:27:09) Perceptions of Shakira, Toni and Yasmin
(01:31:11) What Did Shakira See in Harry?
(01:37:30) What's Next for Shakira?
(01:38:33) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:40:29) Paul's Takeaways
Sponsored by:
Treatwell: http://Treatwell.co.uk with code PAUL20 - T&Cs apply
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 32min
“I Was Crying In The Shower!” | We're Talking Strictly Come Dancing
Karen Hauer, a long-serving professional from Strictly Come Dancing, shares her candid experiences, including dancing with her ex, Kevin Clifton, post-breakup. She discusses the complexities of the 'Strictly Curse' and how emotional connections form amidst intense pressure. Oti Mabuse reveals her vulnerability and the struggles of representing Black women in the spotlight, even breaking down in the shower during her toughest moments. Ashley Roberts reflects on dancing as a poignant tribute to her late father, highlighting the personal connections that dance embodies.

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 42min
Love Is Blind EXCLUSIVE: Kieran & Meg Reveal Truth About Their Secret Relationship
They fell in love in 7 days, got engaged without ever seeing each other, and married on national TV. In this Love Is Blind UK exclusive, Kieran and Meg reveal the full story: what the cameras showed, what they didn’t, and what really happened during the year they kept their relationship a secret.
They offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the experiment really works - from living arrangements and dating prompts to why they focused on building a genuine connection rather than chasing screen time.
From their first 8-minute pod date to a real-life wedding, their love story defied the odds. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Kieran and Meg speak candidly about trust, drama, and the emotional toll of navigating love on camera while staying true to each other off screen.Kieran & Meg share:
◽️ Why their first 8-minute date changed everything
◽️ How Kieran almost ended up on Love Island
◽️ What it was like keeping their marriage secret for a year
◽️ The real story behind the on-screen drama
◽️ How their past shaped their present-day relationship
◽️ Why they’re renewing their vows
◽️ What Love Is Blind taught them about dating with intention
Kieran & Meg, We Need To Talk.
(0:00) Intro
(1:51) Why Meg And Kieran Are On We Need To Talk
(4:35) Meg And Kieran's Relationship History Prior To Being On Love Is Blind
(10:31) How Did Meg And Kieran Come To Be On The Show?
(16:48) What's The Living Situation Like On Love Is Blind?
(18:50) How Does The Initial Dating Work On Love Is Blind?
(20:21) How Did Meg And Kieran Know They Had A Connection From The First Date?
(30:43) How The Next Stage Of The Experiment Works
(37:11) When Did Kieran Know He Loved Meg?
(43:33) The Proposal
(53:29) Adobe Express Ad
(54:29) Tinder Ad
(55:34) How Did The Dramas On The Show Affect Their Relationship?
(01:03:35) Masculinity And Men's Behaviour On Reality TV Shows
(01:10:06) Kieran And Meg's Fashion
(01:12:47) The Marriage Circumstances On Love Is Blind
(01:17:22) Meg's Relationship With Her Father
(01:23:42) Paul's Letter To Meg And Kieran
(01:31:16) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:37:02) Paul's Takeaways
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Follow Kieran and Meg:
Kieran’s Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/2mJiQVEyGWb
Meg’s Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/RrGKc3IyGWb
Sponsored by:
Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2025 • 31min
The Conversations That Saved Our Lives | We’re Talking Suicide Prevention
TW: This episode discusses suicide and mental health in detail.
In this week's episode for World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ve brought together some of the most powerful moments from past conversations on We Need To Talk - featuring Jordan Stephens, Ella Morgan, and DanTDM - who’ve all spoken bravely about their mental health journeys.
These are not just stories of pain, but of survival. Of reaching out. Of finding light in the darkest moments. By revisiting their words, we hope to break the silence around suicide and remind anyone struggling: you are not alone.
Together, they unpack the silence around suicide and why honest conversations matter more than ever
(00:00) Intro
(01:27) Jordan's Experience of Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
(07:28) Jordan's 'Break-Up' with His Mother
(14:06) Ella's Experience of Suicidal Ideation at 16
(17:00) Ella Coming Out as Trans to Her Mum
(20:12) Dan TDM's Experience Suicidal Ideation
(22:00) Telling His Wife How He Felt
(23:45) How Therapy Helped Dan
(27:46) Love Better Tour Ad
Please take care watching. If you or someone you know needs support, please see support charities below:
Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/1CRhatR7mPb
CALM - https://g2ul0.app.link/YvmzhM17mPb
MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/d72yzu7jJOb
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 48min
Kerry Katona Part 2: I Went From £400K a Year to Bankrupt! Why I Had To Turn to ØnlyFans
Kerry Katona opens up about some of the most shocking and transformative moments of her life in the spotlight. From turbulent relationships and public scandals to finding love again, Kerry shares the truth behind the headlines.
In part 2 of her raw and unfiltered conversation, Kerry speaks candidly about the chaos of her marriages, her infamous appearance on This Morning, and the devastating impact of addiction on her family. She reflects on the abuse she endured in her relationship with George, the trauma of his passing, and how she rebuilt herself in the aftermath.
Kerry also reveals the reality of her financial struggles and why she turned to OnlyFans, before sharing the unexpected love story that unfolded on Celebs Go Dating with Paolo, and what it’s like navigating a relationship under the glare of the media.
Kerry shares:
◽ How her relationship with Mark began and ended in heartbreak
◽ The media’s betrayal and stories sold at her expense
◽ The home invasion that shook her family to its core
◽ The moment she realised she needed to end her addiction
◽ The painful truth of her marriage to George and his tragic passing
◽ Her experience of bankruptcy and finding new ways to survive
◽ How she found love again with Paolo on Celebs Go Dating despite the age gap
◽ Her hopes for the future and what’s next for her career
Kerry Katona, We Need To Talk, again!
This episode includes some difficult conversations. If you’re impacted, we recommend the support charities below:Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb
Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/td2zqEPpGTb
CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3Nb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Kerry here:Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/otKjdok9cWb
TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/391l8Vg9cWb Kerry & Katie’s Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/6dGc2te9cWb Mamma Mia Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/ubKU5P88cWb
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) How Did Kerry's Relationship with Mark Begin?
(07:00) Stories Sold to the Papers About Kerry
(11:57) Kerry's Experience of Home Invasion
(16:52) Kerry's Infamous Appearance on This Morning
(27:36) Kerry's Wedding to Mark
(29:29) Kerry's Epiphany About Her Drug Taking and the End of Her Relationship with Mark
(35:00) Kerry's Difficult Conversation with Her Children About Her Public Image
(39:06) Adobe Express Ad
(40:21) Tinder Ad
(41:22) How Kerry Entered into Her Relationship with George
(46:17) George's Abusive Behaviour During Their Marriage
(52:55) George's Psychotic Break
(57:31) George's Passing and How It Affected Kerry
(01:01:37) The Double Standard Between Genders in Showbiz
(01:03:36) Treatwell Ad
(01:04:37) How Kerry Met Ryan
(01:07:57) Kerry's Various Bankruptcies
(01:11:54) How Kerry Got into Doing OnlyFans Content
(01:14:53) How Did Kerry's Relationship with Ryan End?
(01:16:15) Kerry's Experience of 'Celebs Go Dating' and Meeting Paolo
(01:20:56) Kerry's Feelings on the 11 Year Age Gap Between Her and Paolo
(01:22:12) How Kerry's Feelings for Paolo Developed Over the Course of Shooting 'Celebs Go Dating'
(01:28:20) How the Media Will Portray Kerry and Paolo's Relationship
(01:31:58) Kerry's Biggest Takeaway from 'Celebs Go Dating'
(01:35:06) Kerry's Upcoming Projects
(01:36:34) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:40:11) Paul's Takeaways
Sponsored by:
Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Treatwell: http://Treatwell.co.uk with code PAUL20 - T&Cs apply
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Bre Tiessi & Katherine Ryan on Motherhood: "It's OK Not to Be OK!" | We're Talking Boss Mums
Paul sits down with two incredible women, Katherine Ryan and Bre Tiessi, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about motherhood, identity, and navigating personal transformations.
They dive into the realities of having children, managing relationships, and the raw moments that come with becoming a mother.
◽️ Katherine Ryan reflects on having her first child at a young age ‘on purpose,’ her journey through the world of TV with Campus, and whether she’ll have more children in the future
◽️ Katherine opens up about why she and Bobby schedule sex to maintain their connection amidst their busy lives
◽️ Bre hares her deeply personal experience of childbirth and the mental health challenges of postpartum depression
◽️ Bre talks about how motherhood has reshaped her, offering insight into the personal growth that comes from this life-changing experience.
(00:00) Intro
(00:13) Katherine Having Her First Child at a Young Age 'On Purpose'
(06:40) Katherine's First TV Show 'Campus'
(08:45) Will Katherine Have More Children?
(10:18) Why Katherine and Bobby Schedule Sex
(12:31) The Average Amount People Have Sex
(13:54) Love Better Tour
(14:58) Bre's Experience of Childbirth
(19:13) Bre's Experience of Postpartum Depression
(24:14) How Did Motherhood Change Bre?
Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 54min
Kerry Katona: I Didn’t Know Brian Cheated Before Our Wedding! THIS Is The Truth About Heidi & Liz’s Atomic Kitten Fights
Kerry Katona opens up like never before revealing the truth behind her rise to fame with Atomic Kitten, the challenges of her turbulent childhood, and the personal struggles that shaped her journey. From knowing she was destined for fame at just five years old, to navigating the highs and lows of public life, Kerry shares the story of what really happened behind the headlines.
In the emotional first part of this two-part conversation, Kerry discusses her complicated relationship with her mother and how she navigated fame and tabloid scrutiny. She opens up about her relationship with Brian McFadden, the public breakdown of their marriage, how she turned to drugs to deal with the heartbreak.
Kerry shares:
◽ Growing up as the product of an affair and forced to choose between parents
◽ The trauma of her early years and trying to buy her mum’s love
◽ How Atomic Kitten was formed and what went on behind closed doors
◽ The real reason she left Atomic Kitten
◽ How she met Brian McFadden and discovered his infidelity
◽ The emotional toll of fame and her battle with substance use
Kerry Katona, We Need to Talk.
See you next week for Part Two!
(00:00) Intro
(03:17) Kerry's Unique Family Situation and Childhood
(08:22) Kerry's Relationship with Her 'Dad' Dave
(12:48) The First Time Kerry Took Drugs
(15:09) Kerry's Biological Dad
(22:45) How Kerry Got Started in Modelling
(36:08) Shopify Ad
(37:06) Adobe Express Ad
(38:10) Kerry's Journey to Atomic Kitten
(41:11) Kerry's Time in the Porn Kings
(45:09) The Origins of Atomic Kitten
(50:50) Atomic Kitten's Rise to Fame
(55:32) Tinder Ad
(56:36) The Success of Atomic Kitten
(58:18) Why Did the Media Focus on Kerry?
(01:02:44) Kerry's Highlights of Being in Atomic Kitten
(01:03:51) Kerry's Encounters with Notable Stars
(01:09:00) Kerry's Lowest Moment in Atomic Kitten
(01:10:30) How Kerry Met Brian Mcfadden
(01:12:59) Did People in the Music Industry Like Kerry and Brian's Coupling?
(01:14:42) Brian's Proposal to Kerry
(01:15:59) Kerry's First Pregnancy
(01:17:07) The Impact of Kerry's Leaked Photos
(01:19:18) What Was Kerry's Relationship with the Press Like During Atomic Kitten and Her Marriage with Brian
(01:21:03) Kerry's Choice to Leave Atomic Kitten
(01:22:45) Kerry and Brian's Wedding
(01:24:42) Brian's Infidelity
(01:29:36) Kerry's Experience of Winning 'I'm a Celeb'
(01:37:22) Why Brian and Kerry Got Divorced
(01:44:39) Moving Back to Warrington After Kerry's Split with Brian
(01:45:30) Going to Rehab in Arizona
(01:47:23) Kerry's Diagnosis of Bipolar
(01:50:53) Part 2 Teaser
This episode includes some difficult conversations. If you’re impacted, we recommend the support charities below:Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb
Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/td2zqEPpGTb
CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3Nb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Kerry here:Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/otKjdok9cWb
TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/391l8Vg9cWb Kerry & Katie’s Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/6dGc2te9cWb Mamma Mia Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/ubKU5P88cWb
Sponsored by:
Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk
Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices