Reign with Josh Smith

Melissa Barrera already has one incredible CV with starring roles in the ‘Scream’ franchise, ‘In The Heights’ and Netlfix’s ‘Keep Breathing’ but she’s only just getting started. Today Melissa joins us from LA to talk about her latest starring role in the reimagination of ‘Carmen’. In this movie adaptation, Melissa takes the lead role of Carmen, who escapes her homeland of Mexico after her mother is brutally murdered, and after a stand-off at the border, runs away with a marine played by Paul Mescal. It’s a tough job but someone has got to do it, right? The movie is a singing, dancing and acting extravaganza but at its heart it humanises the immigrant experience, which Melissa tells me was very important to her as a Mexican actress. Melissa also tells me about her career in telenovelas, which started after she competed on the Big Brother/Pop Idol-esque singing competition, La Academia, leaving Mexico, and the discrimination she had to overcome to win the roles she deserved. From winning her role inLin Manuel Miranda’s ‘In The Heights’ movie, after auditioning repeatedly for the Broadway production with no luck, to overcoming the self doubt in her own head, Melissa is a role model for determination and self belief, so I hope this episode really inspires you to reframe success and turn any no into a yes! If you love this episode, get in touch. I LOVE to chat - if you couldn’t tell that already - and I especially love chatting with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. Josh xxP.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent! There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lady Whistledown prepare yourself because today we are joined by Queen Charlotte star, Sam Clemmett, who is bringing the first queer character to the Bridgerton universe and we love to see it! I am obsessed with Queen Charlotte, the Bridgerton prequel series which follows the love story between the young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest). Not only did it spark a true love story, it created the societal shift that shaped the Ton and also was the backdrop to another love story between Sam’s character and the King’s butler, Reynolds (Freddie Dennis). On this episode, Sam shares how special it was to bring the first queer love story to the Bridgertonverse, and I really applaud Sam for being willing to talk openly about the debate around whether straight actors should be cast in queer roles. We also talk about filming the show’s sex scenes, and what working with the intimacy co-ordinator actually entailed, and of course I asked all about the star of Queen Charlotte… the dog, Pom Pom. Sam also tells me about originating the role of Albus Potter in the mega blockbuster theatre show, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, on both the West End and Broadway, and he has some great advice for dealing with rejection and seeking therapy in the wake of the pandemic. I have SO much admiration for how Sam brings Brimsely to life on screen, and we even get to talk about my favourite Bridgerton scene ever: the dancing sequence between Brimsely and Reynolds at the King and Queen’s ball. And if you are dancing or hiding a love in the shadows I hope this episode inspires you to live your truth openly. If you love this episode too, get it touch, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. Josh xxP.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent! There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can’t believe I am even saying this, but today we are joined by a true icon, Christina Ricci! Since she was scouted at the age of seven, Christina has gone on to star in Mermaids, Sleepy Hollow, Monster and amongst so many other roles, she of course played the iconic Wednesday Adams in the Addams Family movies. And, just last year Christina returned to the world of Wednesday to play a new character, Marilyn Thornhill in the hit Netflix remakeWe talk about that and my favourite TV show, Yellowjackets. If you haven’t watched it yet (it’s on Paramount+ in the UK) it tells the story of a team of high school footballers who survive a plane crash.Christina plays the psychopath, Misty Quigley whilst starring alongside fellow icons Julliette Lewis, Melanie Lynskey and now in season two, Elijah Wood. Christina’s performance is getting her major Emmy Award buzz, too and it’s not hard to see why. Apart from deep diving into Yellowjacket’s many plot twists, we also talk about dealing with rejection and ageism in the entertainment industry, but one of the things I also love about Christina is that she isn’t about being likable and people pleasing for the sake of it. So, I hope you are inspired by her refreshing outlook too and maybe just avoid Christina at an airport if you ever see her, because as you will find out she means BUSINESS. If you love the episode, get in touch with me on socials @joshsmithhosts - I love hearing from you - and don’t forget to like, subscribe or follow wherever you are listening so you don’t miss the other epic guests coming soon. See you next week! Josh xP.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent! There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone is talking about Netflix’s erotic thriller, Obsession - from the pillow humping scene to the plot twists - and today we are joined by the show’s star, Charlie Murphy. If you haven’t watched it yet, Obsession - based on the book Damage by Josephine Hart, follows Charlie’s character Anna as she embarks on a racy affair with her fiance’s dad, William - played by Richard Armitage - who absolutely loses his head. You’ll also recognise Charlie from playing Ann Gallagher in Happy Valley, I am sure we will NEVER forget that season where Ann was kidnapped, what a performance that was! Charlie also played Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing career-wise, and in this episode Charlie shares the life lesson she’s learned from being unemployed and watching ‘Cash In The Attic’, which is actually very philosophical! We also talk about how empowering it was for Charlie to film a TV show where women orchestrate sex on screen, and whilst we are discussing the sheer number of injuries she got from shooting said scenes, her co-star Richard Armitage gatecrashes the interview. So there is plenty of action in this episode! I loved chatting to Charlie and I’d love to hear what you think, too, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. Josh xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are coming in HOT with a brand new episode of Reign, with megababe Gemma Arterton, who I honestly just want to be best friends with after this chat… I’ve always been in awe of Gemma - not only in all of the incredible roles she’s had on screen (we first caught her in the St Trinians movie, and she’s been an actual BOND GIRL in Quantum of Solace for starters), but I love how much she stands up for what she believes in. She’s campaigned for equal pay, she calls out toxic behaviour and sexism, and she’s just an all round lovely person to boot! In this episode, we chat about her role as Barbara in the incredible new Sky TV show Funny Woman, and I know the clue is in the title, but she IS hilarious in it! It follows the story of Blackpool Beauty Queen Barbara, who turns her back on life up north in the sixties to pursue stardom in London. If you haven’t seen it already, go and watch it on Sky or Now TV. Gemma also tells me about her more recent experiences of sexism, as well as how using her voice for activism is still one of her proudest moments. And there is some V IMPORTANT chat about WhatsApp etiquette and Love of Huns. This chat has depth, honestly, and I know you’ll finish this episode wanting to go on a night out with Gemma as much as I did! As always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - you know I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m back with another incredible guest for this episode of Reign, and I can’t lie, I think she is one of the coolest people in the world, it’s Tessa Thompson! I caught up with Tessa IRL in London to talk about the third installment of the Creed movies, where she plays Bianca opposite Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis. Michael, or Mike as she calls him, directed Creed III, too! You will have seen Tessa before if you’ve ever seen Westworld, the Thor movies, or Men In Black: International. Her back catalogue is giving RANGE! And in this episode we delve into playing a character who is suffering with progressive hearing loss, and how working alongside a young, deaf actress, Mila Davis-Kent - who plays her on-screen daughter - helped to inspire Tessa in a whole new way - get ready, it does get emotional! (And I strongly encourage you to look up Mila’s Instagram for some pure JOY, too).Tessa also tells me about how she went to marriage counselling with her on-screen husband Michael B. Jordan (method, much!), and gives us all some stellar life advice on personal hygiene! I honestly LOVED chatting to Tessa, she is so warm, wise and REAL. This chat is fab, and takes us on a real journey from tears to laughter, so I hope you enjoy it! Please get in touch and tell me what you think, too! I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And as always, you can see some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, you can find me at Reign with Josh Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello my babes, and welcome back to another STUNNING episode of Reign. In this episode, I chat to Kathryn Newton, who you might remember from her roles in Big Little Lies, The Society, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri - but you’ve probably seen her in tonnes of other things because she has been working as an actor since the age of FOUR! I was lucky enough to sit down with Kathryn ahead of the premiere of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, while she was in London. Fun fact: she actually lived in London while she shot the movie as well - she tells me about what she got up to while she was here in this episode!We chatted about SO many things; from having Paul Rudd as her on-screen dad, to the power of the fanbase of Netflix’s ‘The Society' and… her love of Watford! Yep, you read that right. Plus there’s a little lesson on how not to be dick, which I’m sure we could all do with teaching a few people from time to time! Kathryn is an absolute ball of fun and I LOVED chatting with her, so I hope this episode gives you a little lift and a LOL, especially if you need it today. And I’d love to hear what you think, too, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello and welcome back to a brand new series of Reign! I am so excited to be back, especially with the guests we’ve got lined up… I hope you’re ready! So to kick off, today I’m welcoming the brilliant Ruby Stokes, who is one of the leads in Netflix’s new supernatural drama, Lockwood & Co. The series sees Ruby’s character Lucy join a spooky startup after running away from home. She uncovers a dark conspiracy that could change the world, and has some badass powers for slaying demons - WHEW! You can see why Lucy is everything I love in an onscreen hero! You might also recognise Ruby from Bridgerton - she played Francesca - but made the difficult decision to leave after the opportunity on Lockwood & Co came up. On this episode, Ruby tells me about making that decision, about the power of listening (inspired by her character Lucy), adult friendships, first jobs and even adulting… that’s right, we’re talking paying council tax and setting up direct debits - don’t ever tell me Reign doesn't come through with important life lessons! I really loved chatting to Ruby, I really related to the things she said about finding your people, so I hope you love listening to this conversation! As always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - you know I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. And I’ll see you next week! xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the second birthday of the Reign podcast - Happy Birthday to us! Thanks for being here! So, to celebrate I wanted to welcome back one of the podcast’s very first guests, Madelyn Cline. We first caught up after the debut season of Outer Banks aired on Netflix, and SO much has happened since then! Madelyn has recently starred in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and with the third season of Outer Banks around the corner, I wanted to chat to her about where life has taken her over the last two years. We chat about that ‘overnight’ fame she found during the pandemic, and how that has translated into real life in 2023. We talk about self-care, learning to forgive ourselves, saying NO to things that don’t fulfil us, and dealing with change. Which is something I have always found hard to deal with - you? There’s so much in this episode, and it’s definitely made me think about putting myself first more often! So I hope you enjoy it, and as always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. xxP.S I am so excited that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you in collaboration with one of my favourite jewellery brands, Missoma.Not only does Missoma, like Reign, champion self expression, they want to create a world that is more positive, inclusive, and sustainable through their jewellery. And at the heart of this message is the Missoma Icons collection, designed to be worn every day and made to be layered. From the ‘Lucy Williams Malachite Signet Ring’, a vintage take on the signet ring, to the stunning ‘Harris Reed In Good Hands Pearl Necklace’, Missoma creates pieces of jewellery that are as iconic as YOU ARE. It’s no wonder fellow icons Kendall Jenner and Gigi and Bella Hadid are fans, too! So icon, discover Missoma's iconic pieces for yourself - from stunning signet rings to elegant hoop earrings - at missoma.com AND you can use JOSH15 at the check out for 15% off**Excluding promotions and the Missoma Fine collection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today you are invited to the Reign holiday party because this is the final episode of the year! So get your drink of choice poured and prepare to listen to Joy Sunday who is starring in the biggest show on the planet right now, Netflix’s reboot of The Addams Family, ‘Wednesday’.If you haven’t watched Wednesday yet, the show follows the infamous Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she joins Nevermore, an eerie institute for society’s outsiders and meets her new nemesis the Queen Bee Bianca, played by Joy. What ensues is a show dripping in drama, mystery and rivalry so it’s no surprise ‘Wednesday’ has amassed over a billion watch hours in the first three weeks of its release and has become the second most watched english speaking show on Netflix - EVER!Joining us fresh from the show’s unprecedented success and on her podcast debut (we are honoured!) Joy tells me about how the show arrived at a tough point in her career, the intense filming process in Romania, and how playing Bianca empowered her in real life, too. Don’t worry Joy also spills the tea on *that* iconic fencing scene, the season finale AND those contact lenses too…Joy also talks about her self love journey, how journaling has influenced her life, how the ‘Wednesday’ cast have come together to form anoffscreen family, and how she has always found the strength to keep going and never give up on her dreams. Plus there is a great rule to live by, dug from the depths of Joy’s teen journal which I absolutely love and know you will too.I loved talking to Joy so I hope you love this episode! And as this is the final episode of the year I just wanted to say THANK YOU for listening to Reign, whether this is your first episode or one of many you have listened to, it’s so great to have you in the Reign family. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and just remember in the new year and beyond, you have the power to reign over your life and don't forget it!If you do love this episode please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxxP.S I am thrilled that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Malfy Gin, a gin from Italy inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast. This Christmas, Malfy Gin has partnered with By Rotation, the UK’s largest fashion rental platform, to curate an edit of the most stylish partywear, for you to channel La Dolce Vita at any festive occasion.To receive 15% off* your rental, just use the code ‘MALFY’ on the ‘La Dolce Vita Edit’ on the By Rotation app*Terms and conditions applyEnjoy Malfy Responsibly bedrinkaware.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices