Podcast Summary: "EKIN-SU: I KEPT THE REAL ME LOCKED UP"

Episode Details

• Title: EKIN-SU: I KEPT THE REAL ME LOCKED UP
• Podcast: Great Company with Jamie Laing
• Host: Jamie Laing, Produced by Jemima
• Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

In this deeply personal and engaging episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Laing welcomes Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, a prominent reality TV personality known for her appearances on shows like Love Island, The Traitors (U.S.), and Big Brother. Ekin-Su opens up about her tumultuous journey through fame, personal struggles, and the quest for authentic self-expression amidst the pressures of the public eye.

Early Life and Background

Ekin-Su shares insights into her childhood, highlighting a creative and performative upbringing. Growing up in Islington and later moving to Tottenham, she faced significant challenges, including bullying and feelings of isolation.

• Dealing with Bullying:

  "[12:52] I've lost weight to gain acceptance, but the experience of bullying left deep scars." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

She discusses the impact of her parents' divorce when she was 21, revealing how it influenced her later relationships and her perception of love.

• Impact of Parents' Divorce:

  "[15:46] My parents' divorce was a pivotal moment that shaped my understanding of relationships and trust." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Path to Reality TV and Early Career

Ekin-Su's passion for performance led her to pursue acting after completing a degree in finance. Her transition from finance to acting was marked by a series of serendipitous events, including an unexpected invitation to participate in a play in Turkey.

• Unexpected Acting Opportunities:

  "[55:06] I did a play in Turkey, and a director saw me sing and offered me a role. It was surreal." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Her burgeoning acting career was briefly diverted when she decided to take a risk by auditioning for Love Island, a decision influenced by a prophetic dream and encouragement from a tarot reader.

Love Island and Public Relationships

Ekin-Su delves into her Love Island experience, discussing the intense public scrutiny and the pressures of maintaining a relationship on a reality TV platform. She recounts meeting Curtis on the show and the complexities of sustaining a genuine connection amidst constant media attention.

• Navigating Public Relationships:

  "[65:15] Being on Love Island meant every aspect of our relationship was under the microscope, which was both exhilarating and exhausting." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

She reflects on the challenges of breaking up publicly and the fear of how personal relationships are perceived by the audience.

Mental Health and Personal Growth

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Ekin-Su's struggles with mental health, including depression and anxiety triggered by her experiences on reality TV. She candidly discusses her journey towards healing, emphasizing the importance of therapy and self-acceptance.

• Overcoming Depression:

  "[40:24] I never thought I'd be in that dark place, but therapy helped me realize my worth beyond the public persona." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Ekin-Su highlights the disparity in how mental health is perceived for women in the public eye, advocating for greater empathy and understanding.

• Advocating for Mental Health:

  "[36:34] Women's struggles in the industry often go unnoticed or are overly scrutinized, making mental health support crucial." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Current Life and Future Aspirations

Ekin-Su discusses her current relationship with Curtis, expressing optimism and a sense of self-empowerment. They share mutual respect and understanding, which they attribute to overcoming past traumas and supporting each other's growth.

• Relationship with Curtis:

  "[47:39] Everything about us clicks – our humor, our thinking – it feels like we've found our perfect match." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Looking ahead, Ekin-Su expresses a desire to continue her journey of self-discovery and to leverage her experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges.

• Future Aspirations:

  "[54:32] I want to use my platform to encourage others to embrace their true selves and seek help when needed." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways

The episode concludes with Ekin-Su and Jamie Laing reflecting on the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the power of self-love. Ekin-Su emphasizes that true beauty emanates from within and encourages listeners to cultivate inner confidence.

• Embracing Authenticity:

  "[30:27] There's only one you, and embracing your unique self is the key to genuine happiness." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Ekin-Su's journey serves as a testament to the strength it takes to maintain one's true self amidst external pressures and the transformative power of self-acceptance.

Notable Quotes

• "[09:05] I've been in love six times. It does happen, and that's okay." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
• "[34:09] It clicks when you realize what's truly important – family, morals, happiness, and being healthy." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
• "[53:19] Being on reality TV amplifies relationships, making breakups feel like public events rather than personal decisions." – Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Final Thoughts

This episode of Great Company provides a raw and honest exploration of Ekin-Su's life, offering listeners invaluable insights into the complexities of fame, mental health, and personal growth. Ekin-Su's vulnerability and resilience make for a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with anyone navigating similar challenges.

Connect with Ekin-Su:

• Instagram: @ekinsu
• YouTube: Ekin-Su Channel

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Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to significant moments within the conversation.