We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

In this engaging discussion, reality TV personalities Shakira Khan, Maura Higgins, and Megan Barton-Hanson reveal behind-the-scenes secrets of Love Island. Shakira shares her goal of enhancing South Asian representation and navigating family concerns. Maura opens up about her bold, revenge-driven entrance and the emotional fallout of fame, including mental health struggles. Meanwhile, Megan talks about using the show to boost her platform, confronting press backlash, and managing unexpected romance, all while juggling the pressures of public scrutiny.

AJ McLean, a celebrated member of the Backstreet Boys, shares his deeply personal journey through addiction and sobriety. He discusses the duality of his stage persona and his true self, revealing how therapy transformed his life. AJ highlights pivotal moments, like his daughters' pride reigniting his will to recover, and the challenges of managing fame's impact on personal relationships. He touches on rebuilding trust with his wife and the importance of setting boundaries. This candid conversation explores accountability, self-care, and the ongoing pursuit of happiness.

Chloe Ferry and Holly Hagan, both prominent figures from Geordie Shore, dive into their turbulent realities of fame and the harsh spotlight of reality TV. Chloe reveals her journey from being scouted at 19 to grappling with online critiques and surgery decisions driven by public pressure. Holly reflects on her early days, the isolation she felt, and how public mockery shaped her experiences. They candidly discuss mental health, the evolution of welfare in reality TV, and the quest for self-acceptance amid societal expectations.

Louie Spence, a vibrant dancer and TV personality known for his West End performances and work at Pineapple Dance Studios, opens up about his heartfelt journey. He shares the impact of his working-class upbringing and his parents' sacrifices on his drive to perform. Louie candidly discusses his battles with anxiety, the challenges of fame, and poignant moments from touring with the Spice Girls. He reflects on family addiction, the grief of losing his mother, and the importance of self-talk in navigating his emotions and building resilience.

The Gottmans, renowned relationship researchers, offer insights on managing conflict through their 'flooding' concept and the importance of taking breaks during arguments. Clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith introduces her 'cups' metaphor, helping listeners balance self-care and avoid burnout. They also share poignant letters about love and vulnerability from Tyler West and Scott Galloway, prompting reflections on emotional connection and fatherhood. This engaging discussion reveals small actionable shifts for nurturing relationships in 2026.

In this compelling conversation, actress and activist Rose McGowan shares her harrowing journey from being raised in the Children of God cult to navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood. She discusses the personal cost of speaking out against Harvey Weinstein, detailing the assault's impact and the subsequent shunning by the industry. Rose reflects on the unexpected support from fans, her recovery in Mexico, and the creative resurgence through music. Her insights on identity, survival, and the fight for change make for an inspiring dialogue.

Sadhguru, an influential Indian yogi and spiritual leader, challenges our understanding of happiness and fulfillment. He emphasizes that life's problems often stem from our own intelligence working against us. Discussing meditation, he clarifies it's about cultivating a quality of being rather than a task to do. Sadhguru introduces a quick seven-minute daily practice for transformation and critiques modern manifestation, advocating for the importance of intention and personal responsibility. He encourages us to find inner joy through understanding and mastering our own minds.

Paul reflects on the unforgettable moments that shaped the show so far. From candid conversations with stars like Yungblud, Gabor Maté, and Holly Hagan, to the raw honesty of Kerry Katona, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the topics that matter most. Paul shares his favourite reflections, the wisdom that stayed with him, and the surprising insights that challenged his perspective on life, love and grief. It’s a celebration of connection, growth, and the power of vulnerability, all wrapped up in the spirit of the season. Even in the chaos of the holidays, there's always room for reflection, healing and a little laughter. We're Talking, Our Favourite Moments So Far! (00:00) Intro (01:28) Yungblud on Falling in Love With Someone Multiple Times (04:09) Gabor Teaches Paul About Childhood Trauma and Its Effects on Adulthood (09:19) Nadiya Reveals How She Felt Like an 'Alien' in the Bake Off Tent (13:16) Kerry Talks About Her Lowest Ebb in Atomic Kitten (18:04) Paul and Holly on How Grief Has Affected Them (22:57) Mel Robbins Explains Her History With ADHD and Memory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Radio DJ and Presenter Tyler West sits down with Paul for a raw and emotional conversation about the life-defining moments that have shaped him. From witnessing a brutal attack at just 14 years old to his rise on Strictly Come Dancing and his relationship with girlfriend Molly Rainford, Tyler shares the untold stories of the struggles he’s overcome and the resilience he’s built in the face of unimaginable challenges. Tyler opens up about the harrowing impact of witnessing a violent attack right outside his bedroom window and how it shaped his mental health for years. For the first time, he talks about the dark thoughts he kept hidden from his mum. He reflects on his journey from the streets of Sutton to landing a spot on CBBC, eventually competing on Strictly Come Dancing, where he met the love of his life, Molly Rainford. Tyler reveals the struggles that followed the high of Strictly, including the emotional crash that no one talks about after the limelight fades. Tyler shares: ◽The shocking details of a crime he witnessed and how it haunted him for years ◽His relationship with his brother and how they communicate their emotions openly  ◽How he met girlfriend Molly Rainford on Strictly and fell in love ◽The crash he faced after Strictly and the hidden realities of fame ◽The truth about their time on Race Across The World with Molly ◽How he's feeling about taking over the KISS Breakfast Show ◽Why he believes mental health awareness is crucial and how he’s advocating for change Tyler West, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. We’ve included support charities below:  Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb  Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod (00:00) Intro (01:56) Paul and Tyler's Connection Through Sutton (02:37) What Was the Sutton Tyler Grew Up In Like? (06:27) What Did Tyler Learn About Love From His Family? (08:22) Paul Shows Tyler a Photo of Him as a Baby (09:06) Tyler's Relationship With His Mother as a Child (11:19) Tyler's Relationship With His Brother Growing Up Through to Adulthood (14:25) Paul Surprises Tyler With a Letter From His Brother (17:29) How Tyler's Father Re-Entered His Life at 14 Years Old (18:53) Tyler Discusses the Murder He Witnessed as a Teenager and How It Affected Him (26:55) Tyler's Lowest Ebb After His Traumatic Experience (30:43) Statistics on Knife Crime (31:40) Tyler's Experience of the Ensuing Court Case (34:26) What Could Have Made Tyler's Experience Better? (35:58) Top Things Tyler Thinks Could Change the Knife Crime Epidemic (38:07) Tyler's Experience Growing Up Mixed Race in the UK (43:21) How Tyler Found His Voice and Began His Presenting Career (51:17) Paul and Tyler Talk About Authenticity in Front of the Camera (54:12) Adobe Express Ad (55:26) Huel Ad (56:40) Tyler's Experience of Being on Strictly (01:01:20) Tyler's Experience of Being on Race Across the World (01:11:38) How Tyler First Met His Partner Molly (01:21:13) Paul Shows Tyler a Message From Molly (01:24:24) Tyler’s Advice for Anyone Struggling to Open Up and Find Their Voice (01:29:22) Tyler’s Relationship With King Charles III and The King’s Trust (01:32:37) Tyler’s Proudest Moment of His Career (01:33:55) The Future for Tyler and Molly (01:36:23) Most Memorable Conversation (01:40:19) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL Huel: https://uk.huel.com/WNTT with code WNTT  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply emotional episode, Paul reconnects with Heather, who first appeared on the show grappling with the overwhelming grief of losing her partner. One year later, Heather shares her powerful journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. From confronting feelings of numbness to exploring the complexities of dating again, Heather opens up about the challenges and triumphs of moving forward after loss. With raw honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on how far she's come and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for a heart-wrenching yet hopeful conversation about grief, resilience, and the strength it takes to embrace life again. We're Talking Love After Loss (00:00) Intro (00:49) Heather Explains How Grief Has Fundamentally Changed Her Love Life (06:50) Paul And Heather Play A Quiz To Find Out Whether She's Ready To Date (18:50) Paul And Heather Catch Up A Year Later (26:42) Paul's Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices