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
Subscribe to Great Company:
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- Instagram: @greatcompanypodcast
- YouTube: Great Company Podcast
Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to significant moments within the conversation.
