We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

In this exclusive episode, Love Island star Maura Higgins opens up about the intimate and personal aspects of her life journey, shedding light on the emotional challenges she’s encountered since entering the spotlight.From heartbreak, loss, and betrayal to the pressures of living in the public eye, Maura discusses how embracing vulnerability and practicing self-love have helped her stay true to herself.In her debut podcast episode, Maura’s story of resilience and personal growth is both empowering and relatable, especially for anyone navigating similar hardships.This conversation includes sensitive topics such as grief and sexual assault.If you are affected by anything in this podcast, please use these links to organisations that can offer support:CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3NbMIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3NbFollow Maura here:https://g2ul0.app.link/7kCDv2mM3NbFollow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalkhttps://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod—00:00 Introduction01:38 Maura Reveals Why She Rarely Shares Her Story02:45 Why Maura Chose Now for Her First In-depth Interview03:30 Exploring Maura's Complex Relationship With Her Mother04:21 Insights into Maura's Childhood Experiences05:39 Understanding Maura's Relationship With Her Father08:59 Analyzing Maura's School Life Experiences12:40 What Was It Like in Maura's Childhood Home?13:49 Toxic School Experiences: Maura's Story14:32 Weekends in Maura's Childhood: A Deep Dive15:11 How Maura's Early Life Influenced Her Adult Relationships15:58 Maura's Dating Life Beginnings Uncovered16:25 Maura's First Romantic Relationship Explored18:24 Maura's Journey to Becoming a Hairdresser21:09 Maura's Early Days in the Public Eye22:55 Promotional Segment: Tinder Advertisement23:48 The Story of Maura and Her Best Friend26:04 Can Men and Women Be Just Friends? Maura Discusses28:24 Maura Confronts the Loss of Her Best Friend35:26 Maura's Lack of Emotional Support from Her Father36:08 The Truth About Maura's Cheating Ex-Partner45:50 Maura Discusses Her Experience with Sexual Assault52:22 Inside Maura's Love Island Adventure58:54 Exploring Maura's Relationships on Love Island01:01:34 Public Perceptions of Maura Post-Love Island01:05:06 Life Changes for Maura After Love Island01:10:54 Maura's Mental Health After Love Island: A Breakdown01:25:45 Exploring the 'Triangular Love' Theory01:27:11 Has Maura Ever Been in a Fulfilling Relationship?01:29:44 Maura Discusses: What It Means to Truly Love01:39:49 Maura on Staying Relevant: Career Pressures Post-Fame01:41:58 Maura's Advice on Relationships01:43:49 Maura at the BAFTAs: Celebrity Connections Revealed01:50:41 Most Memorable Questions Asked to Maura01:53:33 Key Insights from Paul's Interview with Maura01:56:26 Advertisement Segment: Fiverr Promotion—Sponsored by:Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB/Fiverr: https://fvrr.co/paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabor Maté, a best-selling author and expert on addiction and trauma, shares profound insights into how our childhood experiences shape adult relationships. He discusses the invisible costs of emotional suppression and the critical role of authenticity in fostering healthy connections. Listeners learn how unresolved trauma can trigger stress and a cycle of repeating past behaviors. Maté emphasizes kindness and vulnerability as tools for healing, advocating for self-awareness as the essential pathway to personal growth and stronger relationships.

In episode, Paul sits down with Ashley Cain, a former professional footballer and reality TV star, who bravely shares his transformative journey of grief and healing following the devastating loss of his daughter, Azaylia, to leukemia. Ashley opens up about the struggles he's faced, the lessons he’s learned, and the powerful mission he’s now embraced to raise awareness for childhood cancer and men’s mental health.Through this heartfelt conversation, Ashley discusses the emotional challenges men often encounter and how understanding and addressing these needs can lead to personal growth. We explore the sudden end to his football career, the impact that trauma has had on his life, and how he's used his experiences to help others find strength, even in the darkest of moments.Ashley offers valuable advice on finding happiness, achieving well-being, and transforming relationships—with ourselves and others—through a process of healing.His work with The Azaylia Foundation continues to inspire people all over the world, offering hope and support to families facing similar tragedies.Please note: This episode covers sensitive topics like child loss and grief, which may be difficult for some listeners.--Ashley's Book:Strong - https://g2ul0.app.link/Ow8Hgaq5HNbAshley's Instagram:https://g2ul0.app.link/SWyyCc2UGNbAshley's Charity - The Azaylia Foundationhttps://g2ul0.app.link/YP3IHk8UGNb--Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalkhttps://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod--02:19 - How Are You Feeling Right Now?03:18 - Growing Up Mixed Race: Challenges And Experiences04:57 - How Race And Upbringing Shaped Ashley's Identity08:01 - If You Could Change Your Past, Would You?10:06 - How Football Transformed Ashley's Life11:42 - Life After Football: Losing Fame And Status13:49 - Becoming A Dad For The First Time15:38 - When Ashley Discovered Azaylia's Illness22:57 - Staying Positive And Advocating For Azaylia's Health32:35 - How To Cope With Trauma38:50 - Supporting Men Through Trauma: Advice For Partners42:08 - The Male Mental Health Crisis: What Needs To Change50:39 - Shopify And Tinder Ad Break52:32 - Is Ashley Truly Happy?54:36 - Ashley's Wellness Journey56:31 - The 6 Dimensions Of Psychological Wellbeing Explained01:00:10 - How To Handle Trauma In Relationships01:02:50 - What Ashley Would Change About His Past Relationships01:03:27 - Relationship Advice: Loving A Man Like Ashley01:05:00 - Is Ashley Single Right Now?01:05:55 - Is Ashley Open To Dating?01:07:00 - Who Should Make The First Move In Dating?01:08:00 - Chirpsing Roleplay: How To Approach Someone01:12:10 - How Opening Up Has Affected Ashley01:12:46 - The Most Memorable Conversation Ashley's Had01:15:09 - Paul's Key Takeaways--Sponsored by:Shopify - www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalkTinder - https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman, world-renowned relationship experts and founders of The Gottman Institute, share their research-based insights into what truly makes relationships work. With over 50 years of research on marital stability and parenting, they dive deep into key issues like how contempt can destroy your immune system, and why certain toxic behaviors—like criticism and stonewalling—are major red flags in relationships.They also debunk common myths such as "Never go to bed angry" and explain how empathy and emotional intelligence are critical to lasting love.The Gottmans provide practical advice on how to manage conflict, heal from childhood trauma, and create deeper emotional connections. Whether you're navigating daily disagreements or looking to rebuild trust after betrayal, this conversation is filled with valuable takeaways to help you strengthen your relationship and build a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.Find the Gottmans here:The Gottman Institute - https://g2ul0.app.link/H16ipH9ywNbInstagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/CJZlSOczwNbFollow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalkhttps://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpodTopics:00:00 - Intro  02:02 - Do People Still Believe In Marriage Today?  09:23 - What Defines A Successful Marriage In Modern Times?  13:09 - What Percentage Of Couples Are Truly Happy In Their Relationships?  15:47 - Inside Paul’s Matchmaking Process On MAFS (Married At First Sight)  17:51 - Are Successful Couples Less Exciting? The Truth About Stability  21:24 - What Is The Love Lab And How Does It Work?  22:38 - Shocking Discoveries From The Love Lab: What Science Says About Love  26:18 - The Power Of The 'Six Second Kiss' In Relationships  29:38 - Do The Gottmans Use Their Own Research In Their Marriage?  32:51 - How Important Is Sex For A Healthy Relationship?  37:46 - Why Date Night Matters More Than You Think  40:37 - The Ingredients Of A Perfect Date: How To Get It Right  43:03 - Paul's Ultimate First Date Test: Does It Predict Success?  45:52 - The Key Principles Of A Successful Marriage Revealed  49:46 - The Top Reason Couples Fight And How To Avoid It  50:45 - The Different Conflict Styles In Marriage: Which One Are You?  55:27 - Is Conflict Good For Your Relationship? Here’s The Answer  57:22 - How Important Is Compatibility In A Relationship?  58:40 - The Questions You Should Ask To Truly Understand Your Partner  01:06:16 - How To Resolve Conflicts And Strengthen Your Relationship  01:08:57 - Should You Stay With A Partner Who Won't Resolve Conflicts?  01:11:10 - Tinder Ad: How Modern Dating Apps Are Changing Relationships  01:12:12 - The Four Horsemen Of Relationships And Why Contempt Is The Worst  01:14:47 - When Is It Time To End A Relationship? Key Signs To Watch For  01:16:24 - What Is Flooding In Relationships And How To Manage It  01:18:46 - How To Self-Soothe When You’re Emotionally Overwhelmed  01:21:17 - Should You 'Never Go To Bed Angry'? The Real Answer  01:22:22 - Can You Rebuild Trust After Infidelity? Here’s How  01:28:33 - How To Know If Your Relationship Is Failing: Warning Signs  01:31:26 - What’s The Most Memorable Relationship Conversation You’ve Had?  01:35:00 - Outro  01:35:28 - Paul’s Final Takeaways On Love And RelationshipsSponsored by:Tinder - https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, dance power couple Oti Mabuse and Marius Iepure sit down for their first joint interview.Together, they share the highs and lows of their relationship, revealing how hey transitioned from dance partners to life partners, and navigated the challenges following their daughter’s premature birth.Oti opens up about how her obsession with winning Strictly strained their marriage and how Marius supported her during her lowest moment as a professional dancer.Join Paul for an inspiring conversation about resilience, unwavering support, and the vital importance of showing up for one another in life’s toughest moments.Oti's Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/EyHZ8NAnjNb Marius's Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/Qc1t4kFnjNbOti and Marius' Website: https://g2ul0.app.link/SrgkUdenjNbFollow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalkhttps://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpodSections:00:00 - Introduction02:17 - Why Share Your Private Life Now?04:48 - How Childhood Lessons Shape Your Life Today13:25 - Building Strong Connections Despite Differences17:49 - How Dance Brings People Together21:35 - The Global Impact of Afrobeats and Dance24:58 - Redefining Masculinity in African Culture28:12 - Navigating Power Dynamics in Modern Relationships32:44 - Why Failure and Rejection Are Essential for Growth36:10 - How Setting Boundaries Transforms Your Life40:23 - Does Fame Change Who You Are?44:56 - The Pressures of Being a Role Model49:12 - How to Stay True to Yourself in a Demanding World53:39 - Your Path to Self-Acceptance and Confidence58:27 - Why Mental Health Should Be a Priority01:02:14 - How Vulnerability Can Empower You01:07:06 - Living Authentically in a Digital Age01:11:35 - Mastering How to Handle Criticism01:16:02 - How to Find Inner Peace in a Busy World01:20:47 - Discovering Your Life's Purpose01:25:33 - Overcoming The Fear Of Being Judged01:29:50 - How to Become Your Best SelfSponsored by:Tinder - https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadia Khan, a relationship expert and coach, dives into the chaos of modern dating. She discusses how the sexual revolution has shifted masculinity, with women gaining power while men struggle. Sadia critiques adult platforms like OnlyFans for damaging intimacy and fuelling infidelity. She emphasizes the importance of being a 'high-value man' and debates the viability of non-monogamous relationships. This thought-provoking conversation tackles trust, evolving relationship dynamics, and the clash between traditional values and modern dating culture.

We Need to Talk: In this episode, Paul dives into the critical role status plays in our relationships. He explores why couples engage in "status games" and how our evolutionary drive for status impacts our pursuit for sexual partners.His guest this week is Will Storr, award-winning journalist and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Status Game, The Heretics, Selfie, and The Science of Storytelling.Together, they unpack how understanding status can help us build stronger, long-lasting relationships.Learn more about Will Storr's work here: https://g2ul0.app.link/lV7aQOFvTMb(00:00) Introduction(1:30) What Is Status and How Do We Define It?(2:23) Why Is Status So Important in Modern Society?(2:58) 1st PTC(3:22) How Status and Connection Impact Happiness(4:15) The Role of High Status in Tribal Societies(5:52) How Status Shapes Our Identity(6:56) The Difference Between Superficial and Meaningful Connections(10:20) 2nd PTC(11:44) Are We Doomed to a Culture of Doom and Gloom?(13:30) How to Handle the Loss of Celebrity Status(16:17) Navigating Multiple Status Games in Life(18:32) Sponsor - Tinder(19:33) The Link Between Status and Suicide: What You Need to Know(21:31) How to Support Someone Losing Their Status(22:24) 3rd PTC(22:54) Is Modern Dating Being Destroyed by Dating Apps?(24:41) Does Social Media Affect How We Behave in Real Life?(26:16) How Status Displays Differ in Hookups vs. Serious Relationships(30:23) 4th PTC(31:41) What Is 'Detect and Protect' Mode in Relationships?(34:44) Why We Crave Connection with the Same People(38:18) Why My Partner and I Decided Not to Have Children(42:51) How Childhood Unhappiness Can Lead to Adult Success(44:22) How to Overcome Jealousy and Insecurity in Relationships(45:48) Why Loving Yourself Is Key to a Healthy Relationship(48:56) The Most Meaningful Conversation I’ve Ever Had(51:42) My Biggest Takeaways From This Discussion--Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We Need To Talk: In this episode, we uncover the untold truth behind TV superstar Lauren Goodger. Lauren, a TV icon, entrepreneur, and mother, rose to fame on The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) from 2010 to 2012 and made a much-anticipated return in 2024.For the first time, Lauren opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on her relationships, the intense scrutiny of high-profile romances, and how she found self-love through life's many evolutions.In her own words, Lauren reveals her path to healing and growth, offering listeners a candid look at her struggles and triumphs. We hope her story not only brings healing to Lauren but inspires others to talk more openly about mental health and overcoming tragedy.Follow Lauren here: https://g2ul0.app.link/i2ghg6YrMMb(00:00) Intro(02:07) When Was The First Time You Fell In Love?(05:36) Your First Serious Relationship Revealed(09:04) The Most Challenging Moment In Your Relationship With Mark(11:05) The Beginning Of TOWIE: How It All Started(12:12) A Turning Point In Your Journey(13:12) How TOWIE And Fame Affected Your Relationship With Mark(17:36) Why People Are So Intrigued By You(18:24) The Real Reason You Broke Up With Mark(21:42) Lauren And Mark: Why They Stopped Speaking(22:49) Reflecting On Major Life Events(23:39) Your Second Relationship With Jake After Mark(26:35) How To Pick The Right Partner(27:17) Breaking Up With Jake, What Really Happened(31:12) Your Relationship With Joey(34:13) What Attracts You To Bad Boys?(36:44) How You Earned Thousands From A Photoshoot(39:01) Why You Started OnlyFans And What It Meant To You(42:36) Your Relationship With Charles: The Truth(45:26) The Emotional Impact Of Having An Abortion(47:07) The Journey Of Becoming A Mother(47:59) Why It Takes So Long To Get To Know Someone(53:40) The Tragic Loss Of Your Unborn Child(59:30) Feeling Lonely, How You Handled It(01:00:58) Steps To Recover From Trauma(01:03:17) The Three Essential Groups We Need In Life(01:07:43) What You Did To Change Your Life For The Better(01:13:12) What You Would Tell Your 12-Year-Old Self(01:13:51) The Most Impactful Conversation Of Your Life(01:16:07) Why You Want People To Know The Real You?Sponsors:Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GBShopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul C Brunson, the world’s most influential matchmaker and TV star, brings his insightful commentary on how to create and sustain successful relationships through vulnerability, connection and understanding. From weekly conversations with industry experts and familiar faces, Paul promises to support your personal growth, provide practical insights, and deliver actionable advice that will add value to your relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices