Podcast Summary: Great Company with Jamie Laing
Episode: JESSIE REYEZ: DEPRESSION IS LIKE A DAGGER BUT YOU CAN'T SEE IT TO TAKE IT OUT
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Jamie Laing
Guest: Jesse Reyes, Colombian Canadian Singer-Songwriter
Introduction and Guest Background
In this emotionally charged episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Laing welcomes Jesse Reyes, a renowned Colombian Canadian singer-songwriter. Jesse is celebrated for her collaborations with global superstars such as Calvin Harris and Eminem, and for penning hits like "One Kiss" with Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa. With a career highlighted by her unique storytelling and fiery passion, Jesse shares her journey through personal struggles, mental health battles, and triumphs in the music industry.
Workaholism and Career Development
Jesse delves into her inherent work ethic, which stems from observing her parents' dedication. She describes herself as a "workaholic since childhood" and discusses how her rebellious nature initially clashed with authority figures. This drive fueled her early career in the music industry, where juggling multiple jobs taught her resilience and time management.
Notable Quote:
[04:18] Jesse Reyes: "I've always had a great work ethic, but I had a bit of issues with authority."
Substance Abuse and Sobriety
A significant portion of the conversation addresses Jesse's battle with substance abuse. From a young age, Jesse engaged in heavy drinking to cope with anxiety and the pressures of the music industry. Her turning point came during her album release party, which served as a wake-up call leading her to embrace sobriety.
Notable Quote:
[19:51] Jesse Reyes: "I'm sober now. It's been almost two years."
She reflects on the detrimental effects of alcohol on her life and mental health, emphasizing the importance of finding healthier outlets such as yoga, breathwork, and nature to manage her emotions.
Depression and Emotional Processing
Jesse provides a poignant metaphor for her depression, likening it to an invisible dagger that inflicts pain without a physical wound. She explains how depression hit her hard during her teenage years, exacerbated by heartbreak and the absence of her brother.
Notable Quote:
[33:32] Jesse Reyes: "It felt like dark magic because I didn't understand, like, you feel like you've been stabbed, but there's no knife to take out."
To manage her overwhelming emotions, Jesse channels her feelings into her music, creating a vital outlet that prevents her from feeling overwhelmed.
Relationships and Heartbreak
Exploring her tumultuous relationships, Jesse candidly describes her past behavior as a "tyrant" driven by unhealthy passion and poor decision-making. She acknowledges how these experiences with heartbreak contributed to her mental health struggles and eventual growth.
Notable Quote:
[27:11] Jesse Reyes: "I was a tyrant. I was very passionate and just making stupid decisions."
Music and Creativity
Music serves as both Jesse's passion and therapeutic tool. She discusses her evolution as an artist, honing her skills and deepening her emotional expression through songwriting. Jesse highlights the importance of authenticity and continuous self-improvement in her creative process.
Notable Quote:
[41:44] Jesse Reyes: "I'm better. I'm a better musician, better artist. I've sharpened my pencil, I sharpen my knife."
Sexual Misconduct and Empowerment
Jesse bravely addresses her experience with sexual misconduct in the workplace, detailing how she initially withheld specifics to avoid retaliation. As more women came forward against the same individual, Jesse grappled with feelings of guilt for not speaking out sooner. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity and the changing attitudes towards such issues in the industry.
Notable Quote:
[46:14] Jesse Reyes: "It was reliving it all over again, but now with another element of guilt because it almost made me feel like I should have come forward about it sooner."
Advice for Young Women in the Industry
Jesse offers invaluable advice to aspiring female artists, encouraging them to embrace failure, seek continuous improvement, and build resilient mental fortitude. She underscores the necessity of maintaining personal peace and authenticity amidst external pressures and criticisms.
Notable Quote:
[52:30] Jesse Reyes: "Fail faster. Don't be scared of trying new things. Find out where your weaknesses are. Try to make friends that are just as apt as you and as hungry as you."
Quick Fire Questions
In a lively segment, Jesse participates in rapid-fire questions, revealing her playful side and personal preferences:
- Favorite swear word: "Hold these nuts."
- Favorite guilty pleasure: Cartoons, specifically "South Park."
- What scares her most about herself: "Jesus Christ" and "My depth."
- Something she can't let go of: Solitude.
- What turns her on: Intelligence and heightened awareness.
Closing Thoughts
Jamie and Jesse conclude the episode by reflecting on her intense emotional journey and the role of creativity as a coping mechanism. Jamie praises Jesse's ability to channel her emotions into her art, highlighting her as a "poet" with a profound depth of feeling.
Notable Quote:
[54:11] Jamie Laing: "She is a poet. She wrote a poetry book, which we didn't even mention."
Key Takeaways
- Embracing Authenticity: Jesse emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself in both personal and professional realms.
- Mental Health Management: She advocates for healthy outlets like music, yoga, and solitude to manage overwhelming emotions.
- Resilience and Growth: Jesse's journey illustrates how overcoming struggles with addiction and depression can lead to personal and artistic growth.
- Empowerment and Solidarity: Addressing misconduct and supporting each other fosters a safer and more supportive industry environment.
- Advice for Aspiring Artists: Embrace failure, seek continuous improvement, and maintain mental resilience to navigate the complexities of the music industry.
This episode offers a raw and insightful look into Jesse Reyes' life, capturing her vulnerabilities, strengths, and the unyielding spirit that fuels her artistry. Listeners are left inspired by her honesty and encouraged to find their own paths to resilience and authenticity.
Notable Quotes Overview:
- Jamie Laing expresses deep appreciation for Jesse's authenticity and emotional depth throughout the episode.
- Jesse's vivid metaphors illustrate her internal battles with depression and her journey towards sobriety and personal growth.
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