Great Company with Jamie Laing: Episode Summary

Episode: AITCH: I LOST FRIENDS CHASING SUCCESS
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Guest: AITCH (Harrison Carter)
Host: Jamie Laing
Produced by: Jemima

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

In this heartfelt episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Laing welcomes Manchester-born rapper and performer AITCH (Harrison Carter) to discuss his personal journey, the impact of fame on friendships, and his latest musical endeavors. The conversation quickly establishes a genuine and engaging rapport between Jamie and AITCH, setting the tone for an authentic and insightful dialogue.

2. H's Childhood and Upbringing

AITCH delves into his formative years, painting a vivid picture of his life in North Manchester. He reminisces about his adventurous childhood, spending extensive hours on his bike and navigating the streets of Manchester.

AITCH [06:10]: "It was mega. It was just like a proper stereotypical North Manchester upbringing in it. Like we was outside. We was... I was on my pedal bike 17 hours a day, all over the place."

His nostalgic recounting highlights the freedom and resilience cultivated during his youth, contrasting it with the more sheltered experiences of today's children.

3. The Impact of Family: Grace's Story

A significant portion of the episode centers around AITCH's sister, Grace, who has Down syndrome. He shares touching anecdotes about their relationship and the profound lessons Grace has imparted on him.

AITCH [12:14]: "It taught me to treat everyone the same and to understand that everyone's a human, bottom line."

AITCH emphasizes how Grace's presence has enriched his life, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of humanity. He underscores the importance of raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions about Down syndrome.

AITCH [16:28]: "I'm saying, nah, it's lit. Like... She's living her best life."

His heartfelt reflections convey a deep sense of love and respect, illustrating how family dynamics can shape one's character and outlook.

4. Climbing Kilimanjaro: Purpose and Experience

A pivotal moment in the conversation revolves around AITCH's expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for Down syndrome. He narrates the challenges and transformative experiences faced during the climb alongside his father.

AITCH [36:24]: "It was the best thing ever. It was the best. Worst thing ever, though."

The trek not only strengthened his bond with his father but also provided profound insights into human resilience and camaraderie.

AITCH [42:00]: "It was quite emotional. ... She was like, oh, yeah, mint. That's it. Right, cool. That's it."

Despite the physical hardships, the climb reinforced his appreciation for human connections and the support systems that buoy us through adversity.

5. Music Career: Rise and Burnout

The discussion shifts to AITCH's music career, exploring the pressures of rapid success and the subsequent burnout that led him to take a hiatus from music.

AITCH [18:50]: "Burn out probably like losing friends because I've spent so much time trying to get to where I need to be."

AITCH candidly addresses the sacrifices made in pursuit of his ambitions, including strained friendships and the mental toll of constant public scrutiny.

AITCH [20:16]: "Confused is a pretty good word. I was like, right, what is my life?"

He articulates the internal conflicts faced when balancing personal well-being with professional growth, highlighting the emotional complexities of a career in the spotlight.

6. Personal Challenges: Fame and Friendship

AITCH reflects on the dichotomy of experiencing immense love from fans while grappling with negative comments and the superficiality of some new friendships formed through fame.

AITCH [25:03]: "You need a lot more than just a good tune for it to be overly successful in every genre of music."

He critiques the modern music industry's demands for constant content and persona maintenance, which can dilute artistic authenticity and strain personal relationships.

AITCH [22:14]: "Sometimes your head just does all the time, especially to something that you kind of like."

His insights shed light on the mental health challenges prevalent among artists, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and self-awareness amidst fame.

7. Quick Fire Questions: H's Personal Insights

Towards the end of the episode, Jamie and AITCH engage in a rapid-fire segment, revealing quirky and intimate facets of AITCH's personality:

• Favorite Phrase: "Don't be afraid." [54:16]
• Best Compliment: Appreciating messages from fans about his positive impact. [54:26]
• Favorite Lyric: From his song "Close to Home," expressing loyalty to his inner circle. [58:08]
• Guilty Pleasure: Pampering himself with eye masks and skincare routines. [55:46]

These moments provide listeners with a well-rounded view of AITCH, highlighting his humility, humor, and multifaceted nature.

8. Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on the interplay between personal growth, familial bonds, and professional aspirations. Jamie lauds AITCH's authenticity and openness, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of genuine human connection amidst the tumultuous journey of success.

Jamie Laing [59:11]: "He says everything that comes into his mind, which I freaking love."

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for AITCH's vulnerability and the valuable life lessons shared, encapsulating the essence of Great Company – no gimmicks, just authentic conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• AITCH on Learning from His Sister Grace [12:14]: "It taught me to treat everyone the same and to understand that everyone's a human, bottom line."

• AITCH on Climbing Kilimanjaro [42:00]: "It was quite emotional. ... She was like, oh, yeah, mint. That's it. Right, cool. That's it."

• AITCH on Music Industry Pressures [25:03]: "You need a lot more than just a good tune for it to be overly successful in every genre of music."

• AITCH on Quick Fire Favorites [54:18]: "Don't be afraid."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing offers an intimate glimpse into AITCH's life, navigating the complexities of fame, familial responsibilities, and personal well-being. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt discussions, both Jamie and AITCH exemplify the podcast’s commitment to fostering meaningful and inspiring conversations.