DR JULE: The Relationship Advice You NEED to Hear | GREAT MOMENTS

LINA NIELSEN: I Was Paralysed at 17 - Then I Won an Olympic Medal

Jun 30, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode, Olympic medalist Lina Nielsen joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from childhood in an East London council estate to standing on an Olympic podium. Nielsen opens up about the defining moment at age seventeen when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a period where she had to relearn how to walk while her twin sister pursued their shared athletic dreams. Despite the challenges posed by her condition and a lack of a traditional support system, she highlights the formative role her mother played in raising her and her sister to be fiercely independent and resilient. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of elite sports, including the intense pressure of competition and the unique sibling dynamic Nielsen shares with her twin. She discusses the concept of an avoidant attachment style, shaped by her upbringing and how it influences her relationships and her trust in male figures, including her coaches. Nielsen also reflects on her "late bloomer" status in athletics and her proactive approach to planning for life beyond the track, proving that her identity extends far beyond her athletic achievements.

Dr Julie: The Relationship Advice You NEED to Hear | GREAT MOMENTS

Jun 28, 202616 minSummary

In this episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith joins the host to demystify common relationship struggles and offer practical psychological insights. The conversation centers on why people frequently repeat destructive patterns in their love lives and how they can break these cycles. Dr. Julie explains that many relationship breakdowns stem from poor communication and the tendency to avoid difficult conversations, which she likens to holding an object underwater—eventually, the pressure becomes too much, leading to an overwhelming emotional outburst. She emphasizes that the goal of a difficult conversation should be resolution and compromise rather than "winning," as prioritizing victory often comes at the cost of the partner's self-esteem and the relationship’s foundation. A major focus of the discussion is the impact of childhood experiences on adult attachments. Dr. Julie explains how early survival strategies can manifest as maladaptive behaviors in adulthood, often triggered by past emotional imprints. By identifying these recurring cycles and acknowledging one’s own role in them, individuals can gain the self-awareness necessary to consciously choose different, healthier reactions and ultimately break free from long-standing, unproductive patterns.

GRACE BEVERLEY: What I’ve Learnt From Building TALA & Overcoming Burnout

Jun 23, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of Great Company, host Jamie Laing is joined by entrepreneur Grace Beverley to discuss the realities of building a brand, navigating personal crises, and the importance of female friendships. Beverley opens up about her near-bankruptcy experience at Tala and the extreme burnout she faced, which eventually led her to re-evaluate how she manages both her professional and personal life. The conversation delves into the pressures of high-achieving environments, with Beverley sharing how she transformed school-time academic setbacks into a personal philosophy of extreme preparation and control. She also addresses the challenges of balancing professional ambition with the desire for motherhood, noting that she is learning to let go of the rigid need for control she once leaned on as a "superpower." A significant portion of the talk is dedicated to the power of community. Beverley emphasizes that female friendships should be a core priority, even during the busiest periods of one's career. She highlights the concept of being a "village" for one another, sharing moving stories of how her friends supported her through a difficult miscarriage. Ultimately, the episode serves as an honest look at vulnerability, resilience, and the intentional choices required to sustain a healthy, balanced life.

Amol Rajan: Why We Should Never Take the People We Love for Granted | GREAT MOMENTS

Jun 21, 202617 minSummary

In this moving episode of Great Moments, podcast host Jamie Laing is joined by broadcaster and journalist Amol Rajan for a vulnerable discussion about love, loss, and the inevitability of grief. Reflecting on the third anniversary of his father’s passing, Rajan opens up about the profound impact his dad had on his life, describing their relationship as the foundation of the story he tells about himself. Rajan shares the painful reality of losing a parent during the pandemic, highlighting how grief can be triggered by the smallest, most personal reminders—like a shoehorn or a comb—and emphasizes that it is an emotion one cannot simply work through with logic or professional diligence. He discusses the bittersweet irony of hosting University Challenge, a show that embodies the pursuit of knowledge his father deeply valued but was denied by his own experience of poverty. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a poignant reminder to listeners to cherish their loved ones, minimize regret by speaking openly, and prioritize meaningful connections before time runs out. Together, the pair explores the importance of family, the necessity of forgiveness, and the courage required to navigate life after a profound loss.

AMOL RAJAN: Why We Should Never Take the People We Love for Granted | GREAT MOMENTS

Jun 21, 202617 minSummary

In this poignant episode of Great Moments with Amol Rajan, journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan sits down with Jamie Laing for an exceptionally candid and emotional discussion about the profound impact of losing his father. Rajan opens up about the reality of grief, explaining that despite his professional successes, he found himself struggling to navigate the lingering pain following his father’s passing three years ago. The conversation explores the universal, yet deeply personal, nature of grief and the realization that it is an experience one cannot prepare for or work through with typical problem-solving strategies. Rajan reflects on the irony of his current role as the presenter of University Challenge, noting that his father, an extremely intelligent man who faced significant barriers due to poverty, would have deeply appreciated the platform. Central to the discussion is the importance of minimizing regret by cherishing time with loved ones while they are still here. Rajan and Laing share a moving exchange about the necessity of having honest, meaningful conversations with parents, urging listeners to prioritize these relationships before it is too late.

EMMA MYERS: How Netflix’s Wednesday Made Me Famous Overnight. I Wasn’t Prepared for How My Life Would Change

Jun 16, 202658 minSummary

In this episode, actor Emma Myers joins Jamie Laing to discuss the whirlwind experience of rising to global fame overnight following the release of the hit series Wednesday. Emma reflects on the surreal transition from having nine thousand social media followers to five million in just three days, and the subsequent challenges of navigating sudden, intense public scrutiny. She opens up about the addictive yet damaging nature of social media validation, the frustration of internet rumors, and the complexities of dealing with online fan culture, including the pressure of "shipping" culture. Beyond her professional life, Emma shares candid insights into her upbringing as a homeschooled child in Florida and her early passion for theater and performance. She discusses her long-standing interest in fantasy literature and the comfort she finds in the escapism of epic universes. The conversation also touches on deeper personal topics, including her experiences with social anxiety, the importance of therapy, her diagnosis with ADHD, and how her faith provides a grounding foundation. Ultimately, Emma offers a thoughtful perspective on staying authentic, managing expectations, and finding strength in self-awareness amidst the pressures of the entertainment industry.

ASHLEY ROBERTS: How I Built a Life That Works For Me | GREAT MOMENTS

Jun 14, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Laing sits down with Ashley Roberts for an open and candid conversation about life, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity. Roberts reflects on her journey through therapy, noting that reaching adulthood made her realize that no one truly has life entirely figured out, and that we are all essentially learning as we go. The discussion shifts toward emotional intelligence and relationships, where Roberts shares her transition from seeking chaotic, high-drama connections to prioritizing peace, consistency, and kindness. She opens up about the positive shift in her own life that came from doing the inner work necessary to understand her nervous system and emotions. Furthermore, Roberts touches on societal expectations, specifically regarding marriage and motherhood, explaining how she has embraced her own path. She highlights the power of self-discovery and the courage required to break cycles, ultimately emphasizing that true growth comes from being honest with oneself and others. The episode serves as an inspiring look at choosing a life that feels right rather than one that fits traditional molds.

Ashley Roberts: How I Built a Life That Works For Me

Jun 14, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of Great Company, host Jamie Laing sits down with Ashley Roberts for an honest and reflective conversation about life, personal growth, and the journey toward self-awareness. Roberts opens up about the realization that adulthood is not a destination where one suddenly has all the answers, but rather a continuous process of learning and adapting. She discusses the power of therapy and the importance of embracing one's full spectrum of emotions, rather than relying on positivity as a defensive mechanism to avoid darker or more complex feelings. The discussion highlights the transition from seeking chaotic, high-intensity relationships to valuing consistency, kindness, and emotional safety. Roberts shares her evolving perspective on traditional life milestones, such as marriage and parenthood, advocating for the courage to live authentically based on personal desires rather than societal expectations. Throughout the episode, she reflects on the vulnerability required to write her book and the pride she feels in being open about her experiences. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to lean into personal growth, trust one's intuition, and embrace the courage to face fears to create a life that truly fits.

PERRIE EDWARDS: Letting Go of a Friendship I Thought Would Last Forever

Jun 9, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Great Company, host Jamie Laing welcomes singer Perrie Edwards for a vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation about the realities of fame, the pressure of a solo career, and the complexities of growing up in the public eye. Edwards reflects on her journey from the massive success of Little Mix to finding her own artistic voice as a solo performer. She speaks candidly about the transition, noting that the expectations placed on artists coming from successful groups can be overwhelming. She explains how she has navigated the industry’s pressures while actively working to shed her natural people-pleasing tendencies. The discussion turns personal as Edwards touches upon the deep-seated abandonment issues that have influenced her life and relationships since childhood. She shares insights into how therapy and the experience of becoming a mother have shifted her perspective, helping her distinguish between professional ambition and personal well-being. Additionally, she reflects on the intrusive nature of early fame, the challenges of public breakups, and why she remains grateful for her roots despite the difficulties. It is an honest look at the emotional cost of success and the hard-won confidence that comes with age.

Rylan Clark: I Played the Fame Game on The X Factor | GREAT MOMENTS

Jun 7, 202613 minSummary

In this episode of Great Company, host Jamie Laing sits down with television personality Rylan Clark for a candid conversation about fame, self-awareness, and the reality of navigating the entertainment industry. The pair explores their shared background as children of the early 2000s, a formative era where the rise of reality television—from Big Brother to The X Factor—shaped their collective ambition to pursue public life. Rylan provides a fascinating look behind the curtain of his time on The X Factor. He offers a refreshingly honest perspective on "playing the fame game," explaining how he consciously leaned into his role as a television personality rather than fighting against the machine. Unlike many contestants who struggled with the "joke act" label, Rylan shares how his deep self-awareness allowed him to navigate the competition strategically, recognizing his own strengths while acknowledging the immense talent of his peers. The discussion also touches on the origins of his stage name, his early life in Essex, and the genuine, lasting friendships he formed with fellow contestants, proving that despite the artifice of reality television, real connections were made behind the scenes.