Great Company with Jamie Laing

Amanza Smith might be best known for Selling Sunset, but her journey to the woman she is today is jaw-dropping. She’s lived one of those lives which makes you stop and wonder how she made it through. That’s why it was such a privilege to sit down with her today.Having survived a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and racism, Amanza battled with addiction that almost cost her life, but possessing a strength you rarely see, she got herself clean through sheer willpower. She spoke to me about how her daughter saved her life, triggering a path towards healing from the abuse she’d experienced as a child. Amanza spoke openly about cutting ties with her mother, and how she became a single mother overnight when her partner vanished, and who she’s never had contact with again.Despite experiencing so much, Amanza was brimming with laughter and joy - this conversation is rich in emotion, in positivity and in feeling. It’s a powerful reminder that even when it feels like life is breaking you, you can always rebuild.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep is something we all do, or at least we’re supposed to do. But for many people, it’s far from a restful reset; it’s a daily struggle that affects every part of life and is a powerful took for protecting both our mental and physical health. I was keen to chat to Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert, about the biggest misconceptions around sleep and how we can help ourselves when it comes to resting well.From improving memory and mood, to long-term health, Dr Lindsay breaks down what sleep actually is, and explains how the brutal cycle of insomnia is usually triggered by an anxiety which is often easier to treat than many realise, offering real hope to anyone feeling stuck. I then asked her about sleeping trends - mouth taping, sleepy teas - is there any truth in these, and is eight-hours really the optimum amount of sleep to get? She also explains why teenagers are biologically programmed to wake up later, and even answers my burning question: should you sleep naked?This is a fascinating conversation about something that makes up a third of your life.If you want to find out more about the work Dr Lindsay does, you can find her on @DrBrowningSleep or troublesleeping.co.ukYou can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When I was at uni, I’d come home from a day of lectures and put Raymond Blanc’s shows on my laptop - he was my safe space, and watching him would always calm any anxiety and make me feel calm. So when he replied to my message inviting him onto my show, excited is an understatement. Raymond is a true legend of the culinary world - holding two Michelin stars for the last 41 years, mentoring some of the greatest - from Heston Blumenthal to Marco Pierre White - and being entirely self-taught! You could say there’s a romance to his childhood, but growing up in post-war France was far from easy; gardening a lot of their own food, the hard work instilled by his father, combined with his obsession with the details, led him to seek excellence, becoming the best cleaner, the best waiter, the best chef and ultimately cultivating the best culinary experience in the country. Then during the pandemic, Raymond nearly lost it all when he developed a very serious case of COVID, but his relentless drive never faded, making a full recovery.Raymond’s story is one of boldness and strength, how through grit, humility and a deep belief in your craft, you can create joyYou can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a little bit different: it’s with someone whose name I doubt you’ll know, but it’s a story which, as soon as I heard, I knew I wanted to share with you all on Great Company.Riordan Maynard was a high flying business man until one day it all came crashing down - he doesn’t shy away from the crimes he committed - but they resulted in him serving almost seven years in a maximum high security prison in the states for tax fraud. Promised a low-security camp to serve his sentence, instead he was sent to a maximum security prison, he came into contact with real violence and aggression.Riordan doesn’t hold back about the realities of life in prison - how it almost broke him, spiralling mentally, and riddled with guilt for leaving his family without provision. But that time away also taught him mental resilience and he has since come out a different man.This is a raw, powerful conversation about accountability, redemption and the strength of the human mind to shift, even when in the darkest of places.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukWhat to expect in this episode:Writing letters from prisonBeating boredom and making the most of each dayHow I became a businessmanBreaking ground in the mobile phone gameHow I ended up behind barsWhen the business started to fall apartThe morning of the arrestThe charges brought against meFirst impressions of prison lifeHow I felt being found guiltyFighting the temptation to go on the runWhy prison was actually good for meHow brutal those first few months inside wereBeing forced into a gang while in prisonWitnessing a prison murderMy first night behind barsThe impact it had on my familyThe moment I realised I could change my mindsetThe Final Eight Questions--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jamie Laing, the charismatic host known for his engaging storytelling, as he recounts his life-changing experience of running five ultramarathons for Comic Relief. He delves into the physical and mental toll of extreme endurance running, sharing humorous tech mishaps along the way. Jamie candidly discusses the emotional support from loved ones and the importance of vulnerability through tough moments. His journey not only raised £2.26 million for charity but also transformed his outlook on personal challenges and connection.

Kane Brown, a country music sensation with multiple diamond records, opens up about his challenging past marked by personal struggles and a turbulent childhood. He discusses how music became his emotional outlet, connecting him with millions. Kane reflects on how his definition of success has evolved since becoming a father, emphasizing family as his greatest achievement. The conversation touches on themes of resilience, mental health, and the complex dynamics of fame, all while showcasing his humor and authenticity.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a renowned UK doctor and health podcaster, joins for an insightful discussion on the impact of chronic stress on health, particularly its role in low libido among younger people. He shares powerful daily questions that set a positive tone for the day. The conversation also explores personal growth through regret and emphasizes the importance of self-love in setting resolutions. Rangan advocates for small, consistent actions and discusses strategies like gratitude journaling to foster resilience and a positive mindset.

Jessie Reyez, a powerful Canadian singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged music and collaborations with top artists, shares her poignant journey through depression and sobriety. She discusses how music became her lifeline at 16 and continues to be a critical outlet for her feelings. Jessie reveals the guilt she felt after an exploitative encounter with a producer and emphasizes the importance of processing emotions. Her story is a testament to resilience, highlighting that leaning into our lows can lead to greater strength and understanding.

Dr. Aliza Pressman is a renowned childhood expert and developmental psychologist with two decades of experience; she also has a hugely successful podcast and has written multiple books about how to raise good humans. I was excited to speak to her as the topic of children becomes more and more relevant in my life…Aliza chatted to me about the incredible way both children and parents’ brains develop, the importance of boundaries and structure in nurturing a child. Our conversation goes beyond the research, giving into the realities of parenting, the power of secure attachment and how our own inner child shapes the way we raise our kids.This conversation reminded me that there is no one size fits all approach with parenting - it’s a journey, not a test.You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--And if you want to listen to more of Dr. Aliza you can find her podcast Raising Good Humans here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCujIiYYaZ3vI1ZE9VBts?si=36e97be6841e4bd7--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Dan KingVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ItalianBach is a hugely successful digital star with close to 5million followers; he’s someone who relentlessly works and studies his craft so I was fascinated to have him in the studio to find out about not only how he’s building his business, but where that drive and motivation comes from. Isaac chatted to me about how he chose his alias, ItalianBach, and his first forays into making content. Together we joked about some of our most embarrassing moments from being anxious children and how, despite experiencing burnout from time to time, the persistent desire to keep creating content will never abate. This conversation was truly engrossing for anyone who loves YouTube and how sometimes the oldest and simplest tricks will always be the best. You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.