We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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.

Perrie Edwards, a singer navigating the heartache of miscarriage, opens up about the vulnerability of public life and the pressures of pregnancy speculation. Myleene Klass, an MBE and advocate, shares her experiences with recurrent losses and the concept of a 'rainbow baby', emphasizing the comfort of microchimerism—the idea that fetal cells remain with mothers. Katherine Ryan discusses her own journey through multiple miscarriages and the need for better support systems. Together, they highlight the importance of conversation, healing, and not facing these struggles alone.

Lou Teasdale, a renowned makeup and hair artist known for her work with One Direction, delves into her deep friendship with Caroline Flack and her ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness. She shares intriguing behind-the-scenes moments from the band, her unique styling approach that often turned into emotional support, and the harsh realities of fame. Lou addresses the critical need for better mental health support systems, reflecting on Caroline's struggles and encouraging kindness in a world where compassion can save lives.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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