JAMIE LAING: THE UNEXPECTED COST OF RUNNING 5 ULTRAMARATHONS

Summary

Great Company with Jamie Laing: The Unexpected Cost of Running 5 Ultramarathons

Hosted by Jamie Laing and PJ from JamPot Productions, this bonus episode delves deep into Jamie's extraordinary journey of running five ultramarathons from London to Manchester. Released on April 16, 2025, the episode offers an unfiltered and heartfelt exploration of the physical and emotional challenges Jamie faced, the support he received, and the profound insights he gained along the way.

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1. Introduction to the Challenge

The episode opens with PJ introducing the special bonus episode, focusing on Jamie Laing's monumental challenge for Comic Relief and Radio 1: running 250 kilometers from London to Manchester over five days. PJ sets the stage by highlighting the immense physical and mental toll the ultramarathon took on Jamie, emphasizing that this was more than just a physical feat—it was a journey of personal growth and emotional discovery.

Notable Quote:

PJ [02:28]: "After Jamie had caught his breath, it'd be really great to get him back in the seat of the guest and find out a little bit more about that challenge, the physical toll, the mental toll, and how he's been afterwards."

---

2. Preparing for the Ultramarathon

Jamie details his decision-making process and the motivations behind taking on such a grueling challenge. Initially seeing it as a personal and charitable endeavor, Jamie admits he underestimated the enormity of the task.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [08:11]: "I thought it was a great opportunity... I thought it'd be fun and exciting and all these things and lots of amazing people done it before."

Despite having no prior experience with marathons—having only run short distances like 100 meters and 800 meters—Jamie decided to proceed, driven by a desire to support mental health awareness and raise funds for those battling anxiety and depression.

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3. Day-by-Day Experience

Day 1: Optimism and Underestimation

Jamie starts with high spirits, underestimating the challenge ahead. He recalls feeling "fresh" and "bouncing" as he began, maintaining an ambitious pace of 6 to 6.5 minutes per kilometer, far faster than the recommended 8 to 9 minutes.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [17:13]: "I was like, this is freaking brilliant. And he kept saying to me, today, save your energy. And I was like, shut up. You don't know what you're talking about."

By 30 kilometers, the initial excitement fades as physical pain sets in, marking the end of day one with mixed feelings of accomplishment and exhaustion.

Day 2: Realization and Struggle

Day two hits hard as Jamie confronts the harsh realities of ultramarathon running. Heatstroke symptoms and severe physical soreness plague him, leading to a significant dip in motivation.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [21:02]: "Day two was really hot. So I think I got a bit of heat stroke on day two."

Day 3: Breaking Point and Emotional Breakdown

The third day is the most challenging. Sleep deprivation from noisy accommodations, inadequate hydration, and nutrition exacerbate Jamie's physical and mental state. During a live radio segment, Jamie faces an emotional crisis sparked by hearing about a 12-year-old girl enduring chemotherapy who had donated to his cause.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [23:04]: "There is so much shit going on... I really think that, you know, everyone has to hold up this weird Instagram front where everything's okay and it's all alright."

This moment of vulnerability not only brings Jamie to his lowest point but also shifts his "why" from a personal challenge to a mission driven by empathy and responsibility.

Day 4: Finding Strength in Support

Motivated by a renewed sense of purpose and the support of a 12-year-old donor, Jamie begins to persevere through the grueling conditions. The presence of his wife, Sophie, and friends like Toby provide the emotional and logistical support he desperately needs.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [34:23]: "My dad actually wrote Amo an email... It made me have an open conversation with my dad."

Day 5: Triumph and Reflection

The final day culminates in a euphoric finish. Despite severe physical pain and moments of delirium, Jamie pushes through, supported by his pacing team and the overwhelming encouragement from spectators. Crossing the finish line is a moment of profound emotional release and accomplishment.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [41:26]: "And Seeing you guys there and, like, seeing Sophie there and seeing, like, my dad there, my sisters there, and my friends there and everyone there, and it was like this most insane moment of just, like, holy shit, like, we've, like, done this."

---

4. Emotional Journey and Vulnerability

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jamie's emotional vulnerability. The live-on-air breakdown during day three becomes a pivotal moment, highlighting the stigma surrounding men's emotional expression and the power of authenticity.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [45:37]: "I think the reason why it was powerful and it connected was... it was really raw and authentic."

Jamie emphasizes the importance of opening up about mental health struggles, advocating for vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.

---

5. The Power of Support and Community

Throughout his journey, Jamie acknowledges the critical role of his support network. From his wife Sophie to friends like Toby and his training team, their unwavering support provided the backbone for his success.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [25:37]: "I was like, I've done it. And it was like, this huge release."

The episode underscores the universal need for support systems and the impact of community in overcoming personal challenges.

---

6. Impact and Reflections

Jamie's ultramarathon run not only raised an impressive £2.26 million for mental health initiatives but also sparked meaningful conversations about emotional resilience and the importance of supporting one another.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [37:29]: "And so I want to say this is just like, thank you so much for the support from everyone. I'm so glad that it reached far and wide in terms of, like, a great, beautiful message."

Jamie reflects on how the experience transformed his outlook on life, emphasizing kindness, vulnerability, and the collective strength of humanity.

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7. Conclusions and Takeaways

The episode concludes with Jamie sharing his newfound appreciation for life's challenges and the importance of expressing emotions. He encourages listeners to support others and to communicate openly about their struggles, fostering a more empathetic and supportive society.

Notable Quote:

Jamie [48:26]: "You can really get through anything. You really can. Yeah, like 100% you can get through it."

---

Key Insights and Lessons

• Authenticity Matters: Jamie's raw and unfiltered emotional moments resonated deeply with listeners, highlighting the universal need for genuine connection.

• Support Systems are Crucial: The unwavering support from friends, family, and the broader community played a pivotal role in Jamie's ability to persevere through extreme challenges.

• Mental Health Awareness: The ultramarathon served as a powerful platform for raising awareness about mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

• Vulnerability is Strength: Jamie's willingness to share his emotional struggles challenges societal norms around masculinity and emotional expression, advocating for a more open and compassionate approach to mental health.

---

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Jamie Laing's heartfelt journey through five ultramarathons, offering listeners valuable insights into resilience, vulnerability, and the power of community support.

Transcript

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Race the rudders. Race the sails. Race the sails.

[Jamie Laing]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over.

[Captain]

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[PJ]

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[Jamie Laing]

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[LinkedIn Ad]

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[Jamie Laing]

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[Jamie Laing]

Hello, everyone. My name is Jamie Laing and this is Great Company.

[PJ]

Hello and welcome to Great Company. It's PJ here, producer Jemima. Hi to all the owls, our wonderful listeners. Thanks for tuning in. Now, I'm in the studio by myself at the moment because this is a special little bonus episode that we wanted to bring just for you. Now, for those of you who might not be aware, back in March, Jamie completed a challenge for Comic relief and Radio 1 where he ran from London to Manchester, 250km in five days. The ultra marathon man. And I don't think quite any of us appreciated how humongous this challenge would become, but we thought at Great Company, after Jamie had caught his breath, it'd be really great to get him back in the seat of the guest and find out a little bit more about that challenge, the physical toll, the mental toll, and how he's been afterwards. So don't forget to subscribe. It wouldn't be a Great Company intro if I didn't remember to tell you to do that. But we hope you enjoy this bonus episode of Great Company with Jamie the ultramarathon man. You know, when you did your run, I had my phone stolen, but.

[Jamie Laing]

What do you mean stolen? Explain that to me.

[PJ]

Someone took out my pocket.

[Jamie Laing]

You got pickpocketed.

[PJ]

I got pickpocketed. And which ironic, because I played Fagin as a child in my school. King of the pickpockets.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, yeah. Anyway, can you just. Just run me through how when you noticed that it had gone.

[PJ]

So I was looking at my phone, I was actually in the process of doing a story saying like, oh, my God, Jamie's doing so well. Go donate.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

And I put my phone in my pocket and then I got on the train and put my hand to my pocket because I wanted to play wordle how boring I am. And it wasn't there. Anyway. We're really digressing.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. But I like this.

[PJ]

So I had my phone stolen that week, and then we decided that we were going to come and see you cross the finish line in Manchester. And I had ordered my phone. It hadn't arrived yet, so I was. I basically needed a chaperone at all times. Cause I didn't even know. I don't have a watch, so.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, yeah. When you lose your phone, it's a big thing.

[PJ]

I don't know what time it was.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. What'd you do?

[PJ]

Yeah, so I. So we can't see you. And when we came up, we were. Laura, who does our social media, was like, can you get some. Any content or anything? So the only thing I knew what to do was to bring this iPad.

[Jamie Laing]

No, you didn't. You filmed stuff on the iPad.

[PJ]

Well, I only took one video of me and Jake on the train here, and it was.

[Jamie Laing]

You also got a burrito.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

So many random things are happening.

[PJ]

Make hay while the sun shines, Jamie.

[Jamie Laing]

When it pours a rainbow.

[PJ]

There I am with my burrito, my Dorito. And we were so weirded. Out by me like an absolute mum. Like this. All right, go on.

[Jamie Laing]

Jamie, if you're listening to this, your mom is holding up the iPad like it's some sort of book in front of you.

[PJ]

Isn't that horrifyingly, like, enormous to stare into?

[Jamie Laing]

Also, I'm not sure, especially with this iPad, how good the camera is on.

[PJ]

It, because I don't think it's very good at all.

[Jamie Laing]

So then did you. You didn't. So you took it all the way up, but you didn't film anything anyway?

[PJ]

No, I didn't film anything because I was too. Everyone told me that I wasn't allowed to have this out on the sideline. Producer Ewan Jake.

[Jamie Laing]

Wait, so the team.

[PJ]

The team.

[Jamie Laing]

The Jambot team.

[PJ]

The Jambot team.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay, but are you executive producer? Don't you think some of the rules. So I'm confused here. Who's telling you what to do?

[PJ]

Because.

[Jamie Laing]

Well, you kind of don't. You sort of.

[PJ]

No, I. Well, I heard. I heard and I thought. And I also reflected on the feedback.

[Jamie Laing]

And thought the whole thing is a shambles. So you didn't get any. So where did you put it?

[PJ]

In my rucksack. So I had it. And then I decided this is where and this is why you've hired me, is because I heard the feedback, I put it away, and then I saw lovely Melissa, who was right at the front.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

With. With Sophie. And I said, I'm going to get her to airdrop me that video. And that's how we got it.

[Jamie Laing]

So. So this is a long winded way of saying that the video that people may have seen on Great Company Pod. On the Socials.

[PJ]

On our Socials. Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Where it was me running into the finish line on my five Ultra marathon run wasn't done on an iPad. No, it was an airdrop from Melissa's phone.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Wow.

[PJ]

Smart.

[Jamie Laing]

That was big.

[PJ]

That was big. But anyway, it just made me laugh, just having this out again. I'm like, oh, I haven't had this for a while. I also went to see. I went to meet a friend. Sorry. We will get into it.

[Jamie Laing]

Are you using that for your own benefit? Is this becoming your personal.

[PJ]

I also went to meet a friend.

[Jamie Laing]

And you took the iPad with you?

[PJ]

Well, I was running late, but she was later than me, so I was really confused. So I got my iPad out.

[Jamie Laing]

No, no, you got Great Company's iPad out.

[PJ]

Jampot's iPad out. And I managed to connect to the McDonald's free Wi Fi near to where I was. I was like, Stood outside the theater trying to meet my friend.

[Jamie Laing]

So you texted on the iPad.

[PJ]

Yes. Anyway, this is really. Basically, I'm real pro iPad.

[Indeed]

What the.

[Jamie Laing]

This is the best beginning to an episode we could have ever asked for.

[PJ]

It's not chaotic.

[Jamie Laing]

No, it's not chaotic.

[PJ]

None of this is going in. Come on.

[Jamie Laing]

It is all going in and I refuse to edit any of this out. I really do. I know.

[PJ]

So, welcome, listeners and watchers to great company. I'm Jemima, I produce the show.

[Jamie Laing]

Yes, you do. And I'm Jamie. I'm the host of the show. But not today.

[PJ]

Not today. I. We thought Jamie has come back from a run.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

And he's not the same.

[Jamie Laing]

No.

[PJ]

You've seen.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, yeah, I'm actually not the same.

[PJ]

He's lost his mind.

[Jamie Laing]

I've actually lost my mind. I've lost a lot of weight and mind.

[PJ]

Have you?

[Jamie Laing]

I think so, yeah.

[PJ]

So let's just quickly mention, what is it that you did?

[Jamie Laing]

So, for Comic Relief and Radio 1, I was asked to run 5. Well, it wasn't asked. I kind of. We decided to. To run from London to Salford, which is London in the UK, to Salford in Manchester in the UK. It's about 150, 200 miles and I had to run it over five days.

[PJ]

It was 250k. So it's like 50k a day, right?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, 50k a day.

[PJ]

That's an ultra. So marathon is 40k, 26 miles, 42k. And so you went. So anything above a marathon is called an ultra.

[Jamie Laing]

An ultra, yeah. So I basically ran like 30 odd miles a day.

[PJ]

Fine. And why?

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, I mean, why? Okay, why? Why? Why? Why? So Radio 1, which is the radio station in the UK, which I' they came to me and said, would you like to do this? And I was like, yeah, I think I would quite like to do this because it's a cool challenge and I thought it'd be fun and exciting and all these things and lots of amazing people done it before and they said, okay, well, let's do it. And then we decided what it was going to be. And I also think that I had, like. I've spent, like, a lot of my life, like, doing lots of things for myself probably, you know, whatever that is, and leading quite a sort of. I know. Like, I just haven't really done something for charity, massively. And I thought. Thought it was a great opportunity, so I said yes and I signed up to it.

[PJ]

And when was that that you. The. The challenge?

[Jamie Laing]

It was in December, so.

[PJ]

And it. And then you did it in March.

[Jamie Laing]

And then I did it in March.

[PJ]

What was the. So, because one of the things that a lot of people, I think when you did this were saying, why didn't you train more? And it was also one of the things that you were like, I've not done enough training. Why? Like, can you just kind of. Because there's. There's context as to why you only had.

[Jamie Laing]

How long did you have training wise, for something like this? I. I've never, ever, ever run a marathon in my life. My body, I'm quite like, sturdy.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, I, like, if I really went for it, I think I could be one of those people that like, strap things to my head and pull like a lorry with my head. I reckon I'd be quite good at that.

[PJ]

Was that an option as a next one? He's going to pull a lorry with his head to Scotland. Do you see what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Jamie's not the same anyway, so I. I've never really. I never run a marathon. I did short distance, like 100 meters and 800 meters. I was really quick. Like, I was. I was a good runner, like, but nothing that big. But I played a lot of rugby and I like, aied this. So I got a trainer who was like a sort of like a virtual trainer, basically. But there's a guy called Will who would also help it. He's an amazing guy, actually. He's incredible. And he said to me at the beginning, right, I'm the one who's going to plan your training regime for you, but you don't have long. You have two months to train. And I went, oh, okay, fine. That feels like a long time. Two months.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

He went, no, normally people train a year for a marathon.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I'm doing five ultramarathons.

[PJ]

I would have thought. I've heard the shorter. I feel like for like the marathon people, minimum four or five months.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, four or five months. So. So to do five ultramarathons, like, people train a long time. And then we had the hardest geezer, Russ Cook, on Newlyweds Mine and so's podcast. And he said. He basically said like, you're com. He said, you're completely fucked.

[PJ]

Yeah. Any. If you speaking to anyone who does any sort of ultra or like endurance. Your boyfriend. Boyfriend does it into endurance sport. And it's just like, that is the stupidest thing.

[Jamie Laing]

This is what's really weird. I thought I was just like, well, I'll be able to do that.

[PJ]

Do you feel kind of. Was there a point where you maybe realized that you. Because on the first day, day one, we all went down to see you and you did look. And also in the vlog, you can see that you are nervous.

[Jamie Laing]

I was really nervous.

[PJ]

What were you nervous for?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, so, and, and, and I think I just. And I want to just caveat this as well. Like before, like we like kick it off, like you asked me, like one of the reasons why I was doing this, right. And like one of the big driving forces. So Comic Relief, like raised lots of money for lots of projects around the UK and the world and they've done that for years and they're incredible. Right. But one of the big things for me, they always like, your why. Like, you need to find your wine. Russ Cook said that to me, the hardest geezer. He said, well, you need to find your why.

[PJ]

And so for me, what does that mean? Sorry?

[Jamie Laing]

Well, you need to find a why you're doing it to have going around.

[PJ]

Your head as your.

[Jamie Laing]

To keep going, keep you going, to keep you going. Like, what is your why? Because if you don't have a why, then you're not going to be able to do it.

[PJ]

Okay. So I guess for some people it's. I'm in memory of a person.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

Okay.

[Jamie Laing]

My why was because I really suffered with like anxiety in my 20s, like so bad. It was real bad for me when I was about 26, 27 maybe, and been really suffering in silence. I went on a run and I went for like a 10 minute run.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And it was like a moment of relief that I was like, oh, I had like a moment of like endorphins and I was like, oh my God, this is like what I used to feel like. But then the anxiety came back in and I was like, okay. Running, obviously exercise is something. So there was that. And in general in mental health, I really, truly believe that mental health is like a lava going through villages and towns and cities throughout the world, throughout the uk. And I really believe in the metaphor of like one foot in front of the other, like, if you're having a bad day, just keep on going. So I'm going to run and raise money for all those people who have struggled, who are struggling, who know someone who struggled for all of those people. I'm going to raise it for those ones. So that was in my head the whole time as I was going to go and do it.

[PJ]

Was that pressure?

[Jamie Laing]

No, it wasn't pressure, but it was like, but that was my why. It was like, oh, okay, I can. Cause I can Feel that. I know what it feels like. And what Jessie Reyes said, who was on the podcast before, she said, depression is like being stabbed with a dagger, but you can't find a way of taking it out. And I don't think I've ever been there, but I felt. And thing with anxiety, when you have heightened anxiety for so long, at some point it has to drop and then you feel low mood. But I don't think it's depression.

[PJ]

Yeah, they're all quite different things. Especially, like, some people have clinical depression and some people have depressive moments or, like seasonal depression or situational depression.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, all those things. But anyway, so on the. On the first day when I was setting off, so I knew my. Why I knew what I was doing and I was really nervous because I suddenly. The night before, I was lying in bed with Sophie and I was suddenly like, holy shit, I'm actually doing this. And my. What's good about me is I have this weird protective, like, nature where on myself, which is where I don't really worry about thinking something until it's, like, happening.

[PJ]

I do that.

[Jamie Laing]

So it's quite useful because.

[PJ]

Also stupid.

[Jamie Laing]

Also stupid. Unless. Unless it's like, yeah, also stupid.

[PJ]

But it's. Ignorance is. Ignorance is bliss. You know, Like, I've definitely had things. Some of the things I've done which are, like, the scarier things I've done in my life. I haven't thought them through.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

And I'm really glad I didn't because I wouldn't have done them completely.

[Jamie Laing]

And I think that's actually like, quite a good way to go through life sometimes.

[PJ]

But it does also mean that sometimes when you do them, there are things where you're like, I had not anticipated.

[Jamie Laing]

These oh, my God.

[PJ]

Actors.

[Jamie Laing]

So I was exactly like that. So I then arrived. So I wake up in the morning and I'm really pretty scared. I went the night before, I go to a hotel to, like, meet the whole team. And there's a team, about 50 people. And I walk into a room and I'm like, oh, my God. And I was like, hi, everyone. And everyone's there because I'm running. And I just suddenly realized the sort of scale. Scale of what I was about to do. And everyone said, so how much have you trained? And I said, I mean, like, I've run 10Ks. And I did one.

[PJ]

How much had you actually run?

[Jamie Laing]

I ran one 25 kilometer.

[PJ]

Okay.

[Jamie Laing]

And I was broken after it. And so I then suddenly realized the scale of it. And then when I arrived in the Morning really early. And it was. There was a lot going on and you guys were there and Candy Ginnins team was there. And I was a bit like, oh, God. And Sophie was there, and I was like, oh, you're live on air. Live on air. And everyone. And I was a bit like, oh, this is a lot. And so my protector suddenly went, well, you're here now. You gotta go. And then the whistle or gun went and you set off. They had said to me this. They had said, right? They said, day one is gonna be okay because you're gonna get through it. You're gonna. You'll get through day one.

[PJ]

Yeah, it's exciting.

[Jamie Laing]

It's exciting. Day two, you're going to have a really tough time because you know what? Day one felt like? It's gonna be awful. Day three is gonna feel like the worst thing ever. Day four is gonna get better. Day five, you're gonna be on cloud nine.

[PJ]

Fine.

[Jamie Laing]

Every day was bad, and every day got worse.

[PJ]

Really?

[Jamie Laing]

There was not one day when I was like, it feels better than yesterday. It just got progressively worse.

[PJ]

And when you say worse, what do you mean? Like, physically, mentally?

[Jamie Laing]

I can't even begin to tell you. So gone. So we set off, right, Say goodbye to you guys. You're all there. And I run off, and here we go, and let's go for it. And I've got. I'm, like, fresh, and I'm, like, bouncing, and it's, like, fun. And I'm like, here we go. And it's. The sun is shining. I'm like, what?

[PJ]

And all these exciting things along the way.

[Jamie Laing]

Things. I'm running with this, like, one of the pace runners. Like, this is fun. And I was bouncing around and I had my Garmin watch on that was giving my pace. And I was like, this is freaking brilliant.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I was like, this is unbelievable. And he kept saying to me, today, save your energy. And I was like, shut up. You don't know what you're talking about.

[PJ]

I don't know how much energy I got.

[Jamie Laing]

Freaking great. This is easy peasy. And we got to about 15 kilometers in. And I was a bit like, this is all right. And I said to Dave, he was right. I said, do you know what? I was gonna do 50 miles a day running. Should have done that. I should have done that because I was gonna do 30 miles, 32 miles. But I said I was gonna do 50 miles a day. And I was like, should have done that because this. I can do this. This is easy. And Dave said, okay, well, Just hold your energy. So I then bounce on like Tigger, you know, like. Like saying hi to people in the streets. Like using up so much energy. And then we got to about 25km in.

[PJ]

So the furthest you have a run.

[Jamie Laing]

Furthest I have a run. And I was a bit like, legs are a little bit tired, but it's okay. Got to 30km in and it was a complete show. It went really downhill.

[PJ]

Yeah. I mean, just think you can. That's not. You haven't run a marathon. Like just running a marathon.

[Jamie Laing]

It went so downhill. I can't even at 30K. Yeah. This is first day.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

30 to 40 kilometers. I was like, this is shocking.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

I was in so much pain.

[PJ]

Body, feet, legs, knees.

[Jamie Laing]

It wasn't. It was. It was like nipples, no nipples, fine. Nipples, all. Upper body, absolutely fine.

[PJ]

Perfection.

[Jamie Laing]

Perfection. Everything lower. Horrendous, really. And apparently my saving grace was this, which I didn't realize. And this is probably from running as a kid. Right. Was that. So I had my Garmin watch, but told my pace, right?

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

I ran at a cadence, the same pace all the time.

[PJ]

What does that mean?

[Jamie Laing]

So every. They wanted me run at a kilometer pace. So every kilometer run they wanted me to do to 8 to 9 minutes.

[PJ]

Per km.

[Jamie Laing]

Per km. I ran 6 minutes. Anywhere between 6 to 6. 30 minutes. 6 minutes 30. Consistently over 5 days. I never. My pace never changed. I never slowed down, I never sped up. Which apparently ultramarathon, this is what I've heard ultramarathon is like train their whole lives to do that. That's like what you have to do to be a good ultramarathon runner. Just maintain that you maintain the same pace.

[PJ]

So I guess for an amateur runner or someone who likes running, if you were doing a long distance race, you would expect to have a moment where your pace really drops and then.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. Or goes up or goes down.

[PJ]

Okay.

[Jamie Laing]

Mine just stayed the same the whole time.

[PJ]

And that's quite. And that's also considerably faster than what they were advising.

[Jamie Laing]

Yes, but. So what happened was, is that I then got into this muscle memory where I couldn't get out of that pace. If I did it hurt too much.

[PJ]

Were you trying to slow down?

[Jamie Laing]

No, I just. I had to do it at that pace. Any slower would hurt. Any faster would hurt. It was weird.

[PJ]

Oh, as in.

[Jamie Laing]

So you and my heart rate would be exactly the same. 1 4.

[PJ]

You had a good heart rate?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, 138 to 140. Heart rate. Yeah, it stayed there.

[PJ]

So 40 to 50 so you get to 40k on the day one. And then. And then you've still got 10 more to go.

[Jamie Laing]

I got 10 more to go. And you go into. And I came out of what I can only. They call it a pain cave. And it lasted for 10 kilometers I got out of it. And then 40 to 50 kilometers. 40 to 45 kilometers was pretty good. And then the last 5 kilometers, I ran it really hard again. Terrible idea.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

So I finished the first day. Done. Boom.

[PJ]

Anyone there to meet you?

[Jamie Laing]

Elle, my assistant.

[PJ]

Oh, we love Elle.

[Jamie Laing]

We love Elle. She was there. Lots of nice people said hi and people made posters and all these different things, which was amazing.

[PJ]

Fine.

[Jamie Laing]

But day one, done. All good.

[PJ]

Felt good.

[Jamie Laing]

Felt pretty shocking. But, yeah, it was fine. I remember phoning Soph and say, oh, God, if I had to, I could do it again right now. But then I woke up on day two.

[PJ]

Delusional.

[Jamie Laing]

Delusional. Then I woke up on day two and it was like I'd been hit by an absolute brick wall. Day two was really bad. Day two was really bad. Like, really, really, really bad.

[PJ]

All the days got worse.

[Jamie Laing]

All the days got worse. Day two, I finished the end of day two and day two is really hot. So I think I got a bit of heat stroke on day two.

[PJ]

Was day two. The one where you got quite a mo. Was that the first time you got emotional on the radio?

[Jamie Laing]

That was day three.

[PJ]

Was day three.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. So day two, I finished, but I wasn't emotional then. And, like, I was like, I didn't drink enough fluids. I don't know. I didn't under. I've never trained for this. Right. So I didn't know you had to drink fluids and, like, eat stuff. I didn't. I didn't know any of this. And they kept trying to give me food and I was like, I don't need it. Like, what are you doing?

[PJ]

Yeah, and I guess you're burning a lot.

[Jamie Laing]

I burnt, like, 5,000 calories a day. So I wake up on day three, and we had stayed in a village on day two and I had slept outside a clock tower. Like, in this hotel, the clock tower chimed every 15 minutes throughout the whole night.

[PJ]

Oh, God.

[Jamie Laing]

So I had to try and fall asleep every single time it chimed. To finish, I'd have to try and fall asleep in the 15 minutes. So I didn't sleep that whole night properly because this clock was chiming. And then when I woke up on day three, I think I hadn't drunk enough fluids, I hadn't had enough food. I was pretty much heat stroked, all that kind of thing because it was really hot the day before and physically I was like really sore. I was like really like broken. But mentally I lost the motivation, I lost the why. And that was quite bad.

[PJ]

You hadn't slept, I guess.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, but that was bad because that was the scary moment. Because when I lost the motivation I was like, why am I doing this? Yeah, what's the point of doing this? I can't like, I just couldn't be bothered to do it. And then I phoned Sophie and I was like, I just don't think I can do today. I can't do today.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And she was like, you've got to do it, you've got to do it. And then I got in the car to do the radio with Matt Emerson, who is one of the greatest guys ever.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And the running has sort of started like a bit of momentum here at this point and like people were sort of getting in touch quite a lot and things, and things were happening. And I was on the radio and I was having no motivation. I was really tired and I was like really thinking about I've got to now run for five to six hours. My body is like hurting beyond you can possibly imagine and I don't have this motivation, so where am I gonna get it from? And it was the first time in my life that I thought I was gonna give up on something.

[PJ]

Really.

[Jamie Laing]

I really thought I was gonna give up. I was like, I'm gonna give up now. Can't do this. Yeah, you never think you're gonna give up. And I actually was thinking about how I would make excuses to give up.

[PJ]

It's a very public platform.

[Jamie Laing]

It was really public. And then I promise you this, and this isn't just for the public, this is what happened. I was on the radio and Greg James was talking to me and to Matt and a 12 year old girl had donated their pocket money.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And she was going through chemo and I was like, oh my God. And I was like, are you kidding me? There's this 12 year old girl out there who's going through so much more pain than me. So much, so many other things that I possibly can't Even imagine.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

12 years old and she's donating her money and I'm sitting here and thinking, I can't do this.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And whoever that little girl is, I don't know her name. I don't know, I can't remember. And I then that's when I broke down and got emotional. And I couldn't even talk on the radio. And I was like, I've just. There are so many brave people out there who are doing incredible things. Like, I can't let them down because she's donated. I made a promise that I'm gonna do five ultramarathons. She's donated to do my five ultramarathons. So I've gotta do it. So I was like, right, well, I've gotta get on the road and do it, and I've got to go. And whoever that little angel was made me get up and go and do it. And so I got up and I started running, and I was slow and it was heavy. And day three was pretty bad. Really pretty bad.

[PJ]

I guess your. Why kind of changed in that moment as well. Do you know what I mean? Like, it suddenly. It wasn't about you. It was about other people. It was like, I don't want to let.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. But also, I like my. I'm so. I'm so lucky. Like, man, I'm lucky.

[PJ]

But that's what I mean. It was like a shift in your head of being like, oh, I've. I've experienced stuff, and I'm running it for people who've also experienced what I've experienced. And that moment is going. I don't even have a clue.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

There is so much. There are so many bigger things going on in other people's lives, and that's not to diminish what happened in your life and what happens in other people's lives. But, like, there is so much shit going on.

[Jamie Laing]

So much.

[PJ]

And so many people being so brave, getting through things. It was like, your kind of why shifted totally in a way, like, and became, I guess, a bit more real.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, dude. It was exactly that. It's like, exactly that. And then you suddenly realize, like, you suddenly. I suddenly realize. I was like. Like, I'm so lucky. Like, I. I'm so. Like, the chance of being born into my family in Western society, like, all. All these, like, emotions were coming. I was like, I. Like, what the hell?

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, what the hell am I thinking about even quitting and doing this? And, like. And there are so many people out there who are having such a time.

[PJ]

Yeah, of course I can do this.

[Jamie Laing]

Of course I can do this.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And day three was pretty bad. And then the. The day three. Halfway through day three again, I thought I was gonna quit. Got real bad.

[PJ]

At that point where you went into that cave.

[Jamie Laing]

I went into a huge cave. And then day three, we ran into Loughborough University. And it was just amazing and it was incredible. There were so many people there and like, everyone's holding signs and everyone's cheering and I ran in and Sophie was there, which was just amazing. Ed, my business partner, was there, which was so incredible. And we went back to the hotel and that's when I think I had some sort of weird, like, fit moment. Sophie thought I was dying. I don't know what happened. I think it was like Sophie said I was having a panic attack. I definitely wasn't having a panic attack at all. But like, my body, I was like shivering, I was so cold and I. And I didn't really know where I was. Quite weird, but I came out of it.

[PJ]

Do you have any memory of it?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, I remember it. So, yeah, I was just like. I just didn't know where I was or what was going on. I didn't. And I felt really. I just felt really. I've never felt really weird. Does anyone describe it? Really odd. I think my body was depleted of any energy.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Captain]

Race the rudders. Race the sails. Raise the sails.

[Jamie Laing]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over.

[Captain]

Roger, wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution?

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[PJ]

Do I? What's funny is where we were back in the office and we were all. Every time you came in the radio, everyone, it was so sweet.

[Jamie Laing]

Were you listening to it?

[PJ]

Yeah, it'd be on in the office, and every time it was on the radio, everyone would just kind of be working and then we would just all stop and we just listened to you.

[Jamie Laing]

Really?

[PJ]

Yeah. And it was really. It was quite mood. Like, I'd, like, look around and, like, you'd, like, look at each other and we'll be like, yeah, just like. And, like, acknowledging that we're all pausing to listen to you.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

But that morning, we were meant to have a recording for Wednesdays, and Sophie came in and she was just, like, so overwhelmed with, like, having to see you so upset and listen to you. And she was like, I need to. So we. So we, like, rejigged everything.

[Jamie Laing]

Wow.

[PJ]

Yeah. And she was like, I don't know, should I go? Should I not go? Because I think had you said, like, don't worry, like, I didn't.

[Jamie Laing]

I didn't want anyone there. It was too much. Like, it was actually too much to even think about anyone being there. I was like, I just. And Sophie's like, I really. Sophie had said, I feel like I should be with you. And I was like, please don't.

[PJ]

So that's what she came in and she was. She was like, I'm listening to my husband, like, really struggling, and I really want to go and support, but also, I don't want to. If he needed. He. He needs to focus on himself. I want to do whatever's the most supportive. And, like, we had, like, a big old, like, discussion about it, like, whoever was in. And we were like, just go, fuck him. Go.

[Jamie Laing]

And she. And it was actually the biggest thing that I needed her being there. Like, do you know what? One of the big things that I, like, took out from this run is like, oh, God, this is so cheesy. But whatever. Because it is so cheesy, Matt. Like, Sophie is the greatest thing in this world. I, like, I can't even express, like, love that I have for that person because I, like, I actually can't even articulate it. Like, if I was doing that without cameras and radio, and she would still. Because she'd still be there. And that sounds really obvious. Of course you would. But I've always known Sophie's, like, loved me, and I've loved. I've always known that. Of course we're in love and we're married, but, like, Sophie, like, just loves the raw me, like, loves, like, the soul of Me. And she's like the biggest rock in this world to me. Like, I didn't. I thought I loved her. Like, I. I loved her the amount I could, but after my run, I've.

[PJ]

Yeah, man.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, I.

[PJ]

Like, I guess, you know, the. The you that you were on that run was the rawest form of shame. And it was a side of you that maybe you didn't know. And she's still.

[Jamie Laing]

She's so great.

[PJ]

She's so changing.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, but she's so great. And I'm like, how did I get so lucky to get someone like that? Like, she's. She's such a. She's just so great. And so for. For me, like, coming out of that, I was just like, she's just the best thing in the world. Like, honestly, like. Like, I used to, like, have things right. Like, Sophie used to get annoyed at me or, like, get angry about stuff, and the way I react is I'd get angry back at her.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, I would never do that anymore.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, never. I would never get angry because she's angry or, like, oh, that's unfair. Like, never. Like, I've changed my whole. Like, being around her, it's really weird.

[PJ]

I mean, kind of jumping ahead, but, like, do you feel different?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, I feel. I feel. I feel definitely different. Like, I feel way more like. Like, I. I really not. I. I just really, like. Like, I realize that the world's really lovely. Like, I. I think I used to. I think we look at the world a lot, and we'd say it's dark and gloomy and a bit horrible, but actually, people are awesome and people are amazing, and there's like, a group of people or, like, groups of people which aren't very nice, but actually, on a whole, people are pretty great. Yeah, everyone typically are pretty great. Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, what your background is, what you represent. Everyone's pretty great. I think that's what I've worked out.

[PJ]

And has that given you kind of a new sense of attitude? You feel, like, brighter?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, I feel much brighter. I feel much more content. I also feel like. Like, supporting. It made me realize how important is to support people. Like, supporting people is the. It's so easy not to go and support someone. Like, your friend goes and does something and, like, you can just like, oh, well done for doing that. Like, supporting people is, like, the most important thing you can do. Whatever. If they're having a bad day, support them. They're having. If they're sitting their exam Support them if they've passed their driving test. Support them if it's their birthday.

[PJ]

Support.

[Jamie Laing]

Like. Like, that's what made me really realize that that's what you should always. And. And other people come first. That's really important. It's just interesting. Right. The other side of it is that, like, my. Like, we had, like, a. The Amal chat. Amal Rajan?

[PJ]

Yeah. I want to ask you.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay, well, you can ask me. Yeah.

[PJ]

Well, no, explain the Amal, and I'll. I'll ask the question.

[Jamie Laing]

It was a weird synergy of everything because we had Amal come on the podcast Amarajan, and we had a conversation about my dad.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And, you know, I got very, like, upset about a question he asked. He said, once, if you were told that your dad had three weeks to live, what would you do? And it really broke me down because I have a. I did have a lot of guilt towards my dad. And after that episode came out, my dad actually wrote Amo an email.

[PJ]

Tell me about the email.

[Jamie Laing]

Well, my dad sent Amo an email just saying, thank you for having that conversation with my son firstly, which was. Which was pretty special. And Ammo replied. And it made me have an open conversation with my dad to sort of just like, without him having to, like. Like me to say it or how he just. He knew that I was, like, kind of sorry and things like that. And then my dad turned up on the Thursday.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And it was just a really amazing moment because he's never, ever wanted to come on the podcast. He's never, ever wanted to be on radio. He's never wanted to do anything like that. Just because he doesn't want to. Because he thinks. No. That's your thing.

[PJ]

Yes. Why do I want to be more of a shyer?

[Jamie Laing]

He's not even that shy. He's just more like, that's my son. I don't want to be a part of that. And he actually came on the radio and he said an amazing thing, which, like, I'll never forget. He said, if I was listening to that and someone do it, I would just be so impressed and proud. But what's even more is that that person is my son.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And my dad then got very emotional. I've never seen in person my dad get emotional ever. Ever.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

The radio one said, nick, my dad, Nick, would you like to go on.

[PJ]

On air?

[Jamie Laing]

On air? Would you like to go on air? And my dad sort of hesitated because he. That's not what he would want to do. He doesn't want to be A part of it. And he sort of like, in his own way, like mustered up the confidence and said, no, yeah, I want to do that for my son. Which is just amazing. So that was pretty special.

[PJ]

That's you inspiring people to do hard work.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, so it was amazing. And I think it's like transpired out of that conversation with my dad when he was on. Is that Jerry, who's my radio host, is a great guy.

[PJ]

We love Jerry.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, he's so nice. He came off and he just basically said, like, I don't have a dad. And seeing you two like, this is just amazing. And it made me realize that I said this on air is that most people don't have parents. I have my mum, I have my dad, and they're there. And so that gave me this more boost of being like I am. So I have you guys, the team who are here, I have my family who I have so much, and those people don't have that. And so again, that gave me more motivation to do more and keep running and doing that kind of thing because it was running for those people. So it was a lot and it was amazing.

[PJ]

And then Friday, and then Friday, and.

[Jamie Laing]

Then Friday, Friday was.

[PJ]

Were you excited on Friday?

[Jamie Laing]

Friday was probably the worst day. Pain and pain and pain and pain and pain. But on Friday, my friend Toby, well, my brother in law, ran with me, who's amazing, Tom Berry and one of my best mates in the world, Toby ran with me.

[PJ]

And Toby's special.

[Jamie Laing]

Toby's very special. He's best man at my wedding. He was the person I've spoken about loads on this podcast and I spoke about loads before, was the guy that, when I was feeling really bad, was the person I phoned up and the words, don't worry, we'll go through it together, when I was really struggling. And he then came run with me. And again, he always shies away from limelight. He never does it, but he wanted to do it for me. And so it was a very special moment to do that. It was an incredible moment.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And so they ran with me and I had to run backwards down hills because my knees weren't working. And it was just horrendous, the whole thing.

[PJ]

Do you remember that last kilometer? Yeah, was so fast. I completely get that. I understand that thing of sprinting because you're like, when I'm there, I can stop, stop tomorrow.

[Jamie Laing]

It was so great.

[PJ]

Like, could you hear the crowds?

[Jamie Laing]

No, it wasn't that. It was. I got. I got told by Will, this trainer, he said, Two. Two miles to go. Your brain will leave you.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I went, what do you mean? And he said, well, because when I got to about 30 km in the day, my body was like. I was, like, wobbling quite a lot. I didn't really know where I was.

[PJ]

Yeah, you didn't look. It was quite. Not nice to see.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. I didn't really know where I was. Didn't know what was going on. I think I was deplete of any energy. And they kept asking what my age was, when my date of birth was. I didn't really know. I was like, just. I was, like, lying about my. My. My date of birth because I knew they'd make me stop, and I couldn't stop if I had stopped.

[PJ]

What? Hang on, what do you mean?

[Jamie Laing]

So the paramedics people were being like, oh, when's your. What's your birthday? When's your birthday? As I was running past them to.

[PJ]

Try and check, to try and check.

[Jamie Laing]

If I was okay. There's a lot going on like that.

[PJ]

You're like compos mentis.

[Jamie Laing]

And I was just a bit delirious. Didn't really know.

[PJ]

Oh, so you were just saying a date.

[Jamie Laing]

I was the same. Dates. Yeah. I was just like, oh, is this waving everyone off? My knees had blown up, my ankles had blown up, and everything had blown up. And I was just like, in not a great way. And Will said, by the way, with two miles to go, your brain will leave you. And I said, what do you mean? He said, well, you'll know you're near the finish and your brain will let go.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I went, what do you mean, let go? He says, well, your brain. Your brain, the reason you ought to do this, has been clinging on to something.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And that's why you'd be able to do this.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I was like, it's gonna be fine. Two miles to go. Pretty much on the dot. I was suddenly thinking, go on. Nearly there. We're nearly there. And my brain went, yeah. And I was like. And I felt really. I was like. I didn't really have, like, no energy, nothing. I was like, what the hell's going on? Like that. And it was like. You know when you hold onto a pole on, like, a tube or a train when it likes. It was like I had to grab hold of the pole in my brain. No, this is. Get a hold of it again, Jamie. Like that. So I was like, oh, my God, you're so right. Because if you. If you let go, then your body starts to give up. It's really weird.

[PJ]

So did you find a way to hold on?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, I just had to quickly engage my brain again. It was very weird. It's a really weird experience. And then. So that was quite a weird experience. And then with a kilometer to go, it was my three pace runners who I had I mentioned before, a guy called JP who's not Josh Patterson, but a different guy. Guy called J.P. guy called Dave, and a guy called Gareth. And they sort of flanked behind me, and they were like, jamie, this is your. This is your. Yeah, it was unbelievable. Makes me, like, even emotional now. And I was running in. I was listening to my wedding song, which is. Well, there was two. The one I proposed to Sophie, which was River Flows, and you'd. Which is the piano music. And Ed. Perfect. Ed, perfect. Ed Sheeran, perfect. And that was just playing on repeat as I was running in. And it. And I had these things which went through the bone, so I could hear it through bone rather than in my ears, so I could hear people talking to me the whole time. And they flanked me like this, and I decided. They went, right, Jamie, this is. It was just amazing.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

It was like, a really special moment.

[PJ]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

By the way, I'm still emotional after this run. To let everyone know, because we're recording it not too long after, is that.

[PJ]

You can be emotional about this forever, Jamie.

[Jamie Laing]

Well, maybe. I think I cried a lot, so I think it was like 30 years of trauma coming out all in one week. Anyway, they flanked me and they said. They said, this is it, Jamie. You can do this. You've got it now.

[PJ]

Let the baby Let the bird fly.

[Jamie Laing]

Let the bird fly. And it was this, like, moment of, like. It's so weird because it's just a run and it's like, whatever. But, like, for me personally, it was quite a lot. And it was this moment where you just went all those kind of things in your life, that. This is why people do these challenges, I think, because all those things in your life that you've, like, doubted yourself or you've maybe, like, not thought you can do it or lost confidence or whatever it is, or people have, like, shut you down or whatever it is, suddenly I was like, no, I've, like, done it. And it was like, this huge release. And so I was like. They were like, you can go now, Jamie. They let me run and I sprinted because it was just like this, like, euphoric moment of just like, oh, my God. And so then I ran into this incredible crowd, which I didn't realize was there, and Seeing you guys there and, like, seeing Sophie there and seeing, like, my dad there, my sisters there, and my friends there and everyone there, and it was like this most insane moment of just, like, holy shit, like, we've, like, done this. And not only that, like, raised this incredible amount of money for these insane, like, people who really need literally saving lives. It was just like a wild, wild moment of just, like, everything. And it was like a release of, like, emotion. And it was incredible. Yeah, it was. It was wild. Yeah, it was wild.

[PJ]

How do you feel the next day?

[Jamie Laing]

So since then, I haven't felt great.

[PJ]

Well, let's just take a pause and just acknowledge that what you did and how much money you raised, it was 2.2.

[Jamie Laing]

So 2.25 million.

[PJ]

Yeah, it's actually, I looked. It was 2.26.

[Jamie Laing]

2.26 million. Amazing. Yeah, it was amazing.

[PJ]

Ridiculous money.

[Jamie Laing]

Ridiculous. I said as a joke, I'd like to raise 2 million. The sort of record before that was 1.3 from Amazing Molly King.

[PJ]

Well, I won't lie. During the week, I was like, there's no way he's getting anywhere near to 1.3. I kept donating. I was like, did you really? I was like, I'm gonna get this guy.

[Jamie Laing]

I'm gonna get this guy up.

[PJ]

I don't have a million pounds, but I will.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, my God. Yeah, it was.

[PJ]

But, yeah, it was so much money.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[PJ]

But tell me since.

[Jamie Laing]

Well, since I. I have probably, I haven't been that great.

[PJ]

What happened? So that evening, you do red nose day, and then you come back to London, and then you went away for some.

[Jamie Laing]

Some R and R and R. But I couldn't switch off.

[PJ]

Okay.

[Jamie Laing]

And. And I think. I think that's what probably happens again. I think when you put your body through, like, something pretty traumatic like that, it's pretty hard to switch off. And with it, there came, like, a lot of. Of, like, pressure maybe, and, like, people saying a lot of things. And that was quite a lot to. To handle in lots of way. People saying some really lovely things. But also with that, as you said to me, there comes negative things as well. And I normally don't let anything affect me, but for some reason, I was letting things affect me a little bit. Don't know why.

[PJ]

Why do you think you. So you obviously cried a lot that week on the. Well after you basically opened the tap. We were talking about this the other day. Jamie opened the tap of emotion. And maybe isn't that.

[Jamie Laing]

Don't know how to shut it Deft.

[PJ]

Not that Used to opening and closing the tap.

[Jamie Laing]

Don't know how to shut it.

[PJ]

I can turn it on and off, no problem.

[Jamie Laing]

Can you?

[PJ]

I cry all the time.

[Jamie Laing]

I don't.

[PJ]

You open the tap, absolutely no idea how to turn it off.

[Jamie Laing]

I don't know how to get it off.

[PJ]

The water was flowing.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, big time. I don't know how to turn it off.

[PJ]

You cried a lot that week. Yeah, the tap was open. I really felt like you really, like, touched a lot of people. Why do you think that's powerful to see someone just like a person cry?

[Jamie Laing]

I think the reason why it was powerful and it connected was. I think it was really raw and authentic. And I think that's what we're all sort of crying out for. Like, it actually was, like, really. Yeah, Raw.

[PJ]

And we talk about authenticity all the time, but, like, that was.

[Jamie Laing]

That was.

[PJ]

Yeah, like, we'd literally, like, cut you open.

[Jamie Laing]

That was just raw. That was raw, raw, raw. And I think probably from. I think we live in this age, especially boys, like, find it hard to cry. And boys probably cry a lot by themselves without telling anyone. I think a lot of people thought because boys don't really show that much emotion, that it was a good thing to actually show raw emotion and it's okay to cry and it's okay to be upset.

[PJ]

But also it was like a vulnerability, I think, a step beyond, like, boys. Yeah, there is. For some people, they do find it very difficult to be emotional. Boys. Yeah, you know, it's one of the things that we talk about. But also lots of people do. But you were the vulnerability. There's vulnerability, like coming on a show and sharing things. But that your vulnerability was like. It was. Because also everything was so live.

[Jamie Laing]

Everything was so love, so real, so on.

[PJ]

So just like, as in, you were like being given a second to just like, you know, radio is life. And so you're on and there's cameras around you. And it was like.

[Jamie Laing]

There was. It was a lot. There was a lot.

[PJ]

Yeah. It wasn't edited.

[Jamie Laing]

It wasn't edited. I think what. I think what it is is that, like, I think people just. I think people are having a really tough time at the moment. I think life is really hard. I think dating is hard. I think politics is hard. I think financial issues, paying the bills is hard. I think families are hard. I think school is hard. I think getting jobs is hard. I think everything is hard. And everyone has to hold up this weird Instagram front where everything's okay and it's all alright. And we're all okay. And da, da, da. And actually, we're not all okay. But, you know, also, I think with these things, right, Is that, like, people, like, with that, like, people would label me, labeling me, like, lots of different things. And I also think that, like, whatever. I want to come out of this run right? And people listening to this podcast. Right. I really want. So if a mum is listening to this and their boys are, or daughter's having a tough time or someone's having a tough time, or their partner's having a tough time, like, listen to this episode and just realize that it's really okay to not be okay. It really is. And that it's also okay to talk about it and talk about it whatever way you want to talk about it on social media. Talk about it to your teacher, to your neighbor, to your loved one, whoever it is. Like, really talk about it and really realize that you can really get through anything. You really can. Yeah, like 100% you can get through it. Like, if you really want to, you can. And you just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other. And if you do that, you'll get through it. I promise you.

[PJ]

I also think you mentioned something earlier about support. Yeah, that's the network that maybe. I think people connected to was seeing you down and you very raw and being uplifted by hearing support from other people and like, the power. The power of people, basically.

[Jamie Laing]

The power of people. And. And lots of people. Like, like, I. I said, like, make sure you talk about and stuff like that to people and people like, oh, I don't have anyone to talk to that there is always support out there. You can reach out for support anywhere. You really can. And people are amazing. They always want to help. So that was incredible. And. And I just want to. I want to say this is just like, thank you so much for the support from everyone. I'm so glad that it reached far and wide in terms of, like, a great, beautiful message. Thank you for the donations. And if we can get to, like, a world in a better place where we can open up about our emotions and be, like, proud of our emotions, that would be a wicked world to live in. And I think the more we can do that, the better. So. Yeah. Yeah, that'd be great.

[PJ]

Kindness is king.

[Jamie Laing]

Kindness is king. And vulnerability is wicked. And, yeah, all those things.

[PJ]

Well done, Jamie.

[Jamie Laing]

Thanks, buddy.

[PJ]

Glad to have you back in your. How your feet?

[Jamie Laing]

Feet are sore, but they're okay. I tried to gone a little. Like, I played some tennis this morning. I can't really move still, but. But my brain and body are getting back to normal, which is good.

[PJ]

Okay, well, I'm looking forward to having you back in this seat. Interviewing with your newfound raw, emotional.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh my God. It's gonna be a lot of crying. Do you think?

[PJ]

Yeah, I can't wait.

[Jamie Laing]

Strangers are gonna come in and start crying with them and I'll be like, God, yes. I'm still shocked with ammo. Must be like, this guy's just crying the whole time. No.

[PJ]

Beautiful.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay. Mima, you're the best. And thank you so much.

[PJ]

Well done.

[Jamie Laing]

Appreciate it.

[PJ]

Should we shake hands?

[Jamie Laing]

We'll high five. Thanks, buddy. Do you have a new phone?

[PJ]

That I do.

[Jamie Laing]

There we go. How long until that breaks?

[PJ]

Not long. I'll probably drop it on the way out.

[Jamie Laing]

All right, everybody, listen. We love you.

[PJ]

Thanks, everyone.

[Jamie Laing]

Thanks so much for listening.

[PJ]

Also subscribe.

[Jamie Laing]

Don't say that so drearily.

[PJ]

Subscribe.

[Jamie Laing]

Please subscribe to the show. Hey yo. Go and follow us. Go and check out us on social media at Great Company Podcast. You can send us an email. Great company jamproductions.co.uk and we'll see you next week. Oh, cuz. This is a little bonus episode.

[PJ]

Yeah, this is just a little extra.

[Jamie Laing]

Little extra. See you next week for another episode of Great Company. Great Company.

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