We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

To mark Transgender Awareness Week, Paul sits down with Married At First Sight’s Ella Morgan and her dad Chris for an honest conversation about identity, acceptance and family. From navigating misunderstanding to rebuilding their relationship with love and empathy, they share what it means to live authentically and to stand by one another through change. This episode is about courage and connection - reminding us that everyone deserves to feel safe in who they are. We’re Talking: Transgender Awareness (00:00) Intro (00:44) How Paul and Ella Met (03:05) What Is 'Dead-Naming'? (04:56) Ella's Relationship History Before MAFS (07:08) Safety as a Trans Person (09:47) Ella's Dad Joins the Conversation (10:42) How Did Chris Find Out About Ella's True Identity? (14:34) Paul Shows Chris a Picture of Him and Ella from 2001 (16:57) How Chris Handled the Terminology After Learning Ella's True Identity (18:00) Public Reaction to Ella Presenting as a Woman (19:25) Ella's Experience with Gender Reassignment Surgery (20:48) Chris' Experience of Ella's Transition Surgery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Saccone, a beloved YouTube creator and mother of four, candidly shares her journey of motherhood, battling bulimia, and the challenges of raising a trans child in the spotlight. She reflects on her early insecurities shaped by her father's obsession with appearance and the hidden struggles behind her family's seemingly perfect life. Anna discusses the intense scrutiny faced online, how she protects her children from negativity, and her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for her child's identity, all while reclaiming her voice through education and personal growth.

In honour of Anti-Bullying Week, we sit down with Nadiya Hussain, Megan Barton-Hanson, and Calum Scott to discuss their personal experiences with bullying and the profound impact it’s had on their lives. From childhood trauma to online harassment, these three open up about the struggles they faced and how they found strength in their vulnerability. We're Talking Bullying. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Nadiya's experience of bullying growing up (07:54) Megan's experience of bullying at school (12:21) Love Better Tour Ad (13:38) Calum's experience of coming out and the subsequent bullying Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba opens up about addiction for the first time - and the secret he’s carried for over 30 years.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and addiction. In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Ore shares how he was first exposed at just nine years old - and the lifelong impact it had on his identity, confidence, and relationships. He also reflects on the emotional scars of growing up in fear, the silence he carried into adulthood, and the private battles behind his public success. Ore shares: ◽ Why he lived in fear of his father for years ◽ How his upbringing shaped his confidence, his career - and his silence ◽ The grief of losing his father and sister in such a short space of time ◽ How he felt like he was dying inside - while living what looked like a “perfect” life ◽ How Strictly Come Dancing became his awakening ◽ Why the West End reignited his joy and love for performing ◽ Why he struggled to open up, even to those closest to him ◽ How he’s learning to rewrite the story for himself, and for his children Ore Oduba, We Need To Talk. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below:  Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb   Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb Naked Truth Project: https://g2ul0.app.link/JPSkS5mNZXb  Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod  (00:00) Intro (03:03) Growing Up in Dorset (06:11) Black Identity in 1990s Dorset (11:18) Childhood and Family Dynamics (14:08) Did Ore Feel Loved? (16:35) Early Love for Performing (20:48) Starting Out in TV Presenting (28:17) Ore on Newsround (32:38) Handling Media Scrutiny (34:22) Winning Strictly Come Dancing (45:22) Life After Strictly (47:41) Hiding Behind a Facade (53:43) Relationship With His Brother (1:03:30) Losing His Sister (1:07:47) Mental Health and Identity (1:12:35) Learning of His Father’s Death (1:15:32) Ore’s 30-Year Addiction Struggle (1:32:43) Adult Content Use Among Young People (1:45:05) Message From Strictly’s Joanne Clifton (1:47:25) Childhood Photo Surprise (1:51:33) Most Memorable Moment (1:55:33) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Birmingham - https://g2ul0.app.link/pJIj4XShrXb Manchester - https://g2ul0.app.link/4SQwKDXhrXb Brighton - https://g2ul0.app.link/BO71HSZhrXb London - https://g2ul0.app.link/gm6iB91hrXb Sync-ID MB01SOP0ZYTDXBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively conversation, YUNGBLUD, the genre-blending artist from Doncaster, shares his inspiring journey to fame. He reveals how his childhood struggles, including being shamed for wearing nail varnish, shaped his individuality. YUNGBLUD reflects on the pivotal role a supportive drama teacher played in his life and how he navigated the challenges of school. He also discusses the turning point that led to his record deal with Interscope, fueled by a Dutch radio play and a memorable showcase in L.A. Get ready for a dose of unapologetic authenticity!

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA covert officer and co-founder of Everyday Spy, shares his unique insights on reading people and building trust. He discusses the real superpower of the CIA—systematizing curiosity—and how it can transform personal relationships. Learn how to spot deception, the transactional nature of relationships, and the importance of hard conversations. Bustamante also reflects on his own journey from military life to the CIA, revealing eye-opening stories about identity, emotional connections, and balancing work with family.

Singer-songwriter Estelle, hailing from Hammersmith, shares her rich Senegalese heritage and highlights the profound influence her grandmother had on her identity. She opens up about the importance of family and community, emphasizing the pride instilled in her through her family's values. Estelle reflects on navigating life in the UK, the power of resilience in immigrant support networks, and her journey of embracing her Blackness. Her heartfelt anecdotes remind us that the exploration of identity is a continuous and beautiful process.

Georgia Kousoulou, a television personality from The Only Way Is Essex, opens up about her tumultuous journey through fame, love, and loss. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from TOWIE, discussing everything from staged relationships to her real romance with husband Tommy Mallett. Georgia bravely addresses her struggles with postnatal depression, baby loss, and the shocking discovery of a ruptured implant. Now an advocate for cosmetic surgery awareness, she emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and embracing authenticity in motherhood.

Mel Robbins, a renowned author and speaker, shares her personal journey of getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life. She discusses how this revelation transformed her understanding of herself and her relationships, especially with her husband. Alongside guests Katie Price and Caity Baser, they shed light on the challenges faced by adults living with ADHD, from daily focus struggles to the implications in their careers and personal lives. Their candid conversations highlight the importance of awareness and understanding in navigating this often-misunderstood condition.

In this engaging discussion, Charlie Mackesy, an acclaimed artist and the author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, shares his journey through anxiety, grief, and the transformative power of kindness. He delves into how personal loss influenced his art and helps others feel less alone. Charlie reveals techniques for managing anxiety, including a breathing exercise, and reflects on the healing power of friendship and self-compassion. Listeners will also discover the story behind his Oscar-winning film and the creation of his new book, Always Remember.