MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s

Summary

Podcast Summary: "MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s"

Podcast Information

• Title: Great Company with Jamie Laing
• Host/Author: Jampot Productions
• Episode: MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s
• Release Date: March 5, 2025
• Description: No gimmicks; just Great Company. Join Jamie every Wednesday as he's joined by great guests for great conversation: it's GREAT COMPANY.

---

Introduction

In this episode of "Great Company with Jamie Laing," Jamie welcomes comedian and social media sensation Mo Gilligan as the guest. The conversation delves deep into the feelings of being lost during one's twenties, exploring personal struggles, the impact of success, and the importance of community and mental health.

Early Life and Community

Growing Up on an Estate Mo Gilligan shares his experiences growing up on a South London estate, emphasizing the strong sense of community and mutual support among neighbors.

"I think the beautiful thing about when you grow up on an estate is that everyone's there for each other... People look out for your safety."
[07:05] Mo Gilligan

Contrasting Environments Mo contrasts his upbringing with that of his more affluent friends, highlighting the differences in material possessions and the profound sense of community he experienced.

"I grew up in an estate... I did have that connection and community of friends."
[07:40] Mo Gilligan

Struggles in the 20s: Anxiety, Depression, and Therapy

Pressure of Success Mo discusses the immense pressure he felt in his late twenties to achieve his career goals in comedy, leading to feelings of depression and identity loss.

"I was massively depressed, man. Massive, massively depressed."
[24:45] Mo Gilligan

Therapy and Self-Discovery Both Jamie and Mo open up about their journeys with mental health, revealing the pivotal role therapy played in helping them navigate their emotions and find happiness beyond career success.

"Therapy helped me to open up myself, to then let my real personality out."
[26:04] Mo Gilligan

Experience with Success and Happiness

Achieving Goals vs. Finding Joy Mo reflects on how attaining his dreams in comedy brought financial success but did not equate to personal happiness, leading to a sense of emptiness despite external achievements.

"I got everything I'd ever wanted at that point in my life. And I'm not entirely happy with it."
[35:24] Mo Gilligan

Realizing the Value of Simplicity He contrasts his earlier escapism through materialism with the fulfillment he finds in simpler, more meaningful activities, such as fishing and spending quality time with friends.

"I want to do fishing. I want to just be able to like, me and the guys, be like, let's go play golf, play a bit of pool."
[44:26] Mo Gilligan

Comedy and Crowd Work

Approach to Comedy Mo elaborates on his philosophy of making audiences laugh without punching them down, emphasizing the importance of uplifting rather than degrading his audience members.

"I always try to be cheeky with my comedy... I always want my crowd to leave and be like, oh, mate, use that guy at the front."
[38:38] Mo Gilligan

Challenges in Crowd Work He shares anecdotes about live performances where crowd interactions went both well and awkwardly, highlighting the delicate balance comedians must maintain when engaging with the audience.

"I have to make sure I'm like, hey, hang on a minute. Let's remember, I have the mic."
[43:52] Mo Gilligan

Rapid-Fire Questions

Towards the end of the episode, Jamie and Mo engage in a rapid-fire segment, answering personal questions that provide deeper insights into Mo's personality and preferences.

• Favorite Saying:

  "Surround yourself with radiators and not drains."
  [52:01] Mo Gilligan

• Best Compliment:

  "Someone said I smell great, which was a relief because I wasn't sure if wearing cologne would get noticed."
  [52:27] Mo Gilligan

• Biggest Turn Off:

  "People that are rude to others, especially when trying to impress."
  [54:44] Mo Gilligan

• Biggest Turn On:

  "Seeing a bargain on something expensive; that rush is unbeatable."
  [55:12] Mo Gilligan

• Most Liked About Himself:

  "I can laugh at 90% of things that happen to me. It helps me stay light-hearted."
  [55:42] Mo Gilligan

• Favorite Swear Word:

  "Dickhead. It can be used both positively and negatively."
  [56:14] Mo Gilligan

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Jamie and Mo conclude the episode by reflecting on the vulnerability and openness displayed during their conversation. Mo expresses gratitude for the platform to share his story, emphasizing the importance of mental health and authentic connections.

"Thank you for having me on the pod. You inspire everyone."
[57:54] Mo Gilligan

Jamie encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with the podcast, highlighting the positive feedback they've received and inviting new guests for future episodes.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Community Support: Growing up in a tight-knit community fosters resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
2. Mental Health in Early Adulthood: Navigating the pressures of success and personal expectations can lead to significant mental health challenges.
3. Authenticity in Success: Achieving career goals doesn't automatically translate to personal fulfillment; introspection and self-care are crucial.
4. Uplifting Comedy: Comedy can be a powerful tool to connect and uplift audiences without diminishing them.
5. Vulnerability Builds Connection: Open conversations about struggles and successes create deeper connections and understanding among individuals.

---

This episode offers a candid exploration of the complexities faced during one's twenties, blending humor with heartfelt discussions. Mo Gilligan's insights provide valuable perspectives for listeners navigating similar life stages.

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Instacart]

You may want to consider shopping through Instacart this winter if you like watching snow more than walking in it. Celebrate soup season or own several pairs of fuzzy socks. Because staying home means staying warm and some days just scream delivery. So this season, get everything you need right from the comfort of your robe. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy. Zero dollar delivery fees on your first three orders. Service fees, exclusions and terms apply.

[Progressive Insurance]

Your customers are scrolling past your social ads, using ad blockers and paying for ad free streaming. But when they're list to a podcast, they're hearing Acast ads which are 4.4 times more engaging than with display ads. So if you want real attention, start advertising on podcasts with Acast. Start today at go.acast.com ads.

[Jamie Laing]

Hello everyone. My name is Jamie Laing and this is Great company. Well, hello, Jemima.

[Jemima]

Well, hello, Jamie.

[Jamie Laing]

I like her red scarf.

[Jemima]

Thank you. Oh, it's not Taylor Swift's. Is that a thing?

[Jamie Laing]

What?

[Jemima]

I'm pretty sure there's like a thing about a red scarf. Didn't she have a one and then Jake Gyllenhaal was wearing it and then she wrote a song about it?

[Jamie Laing]

I have no idea what you're talking.

[Jemima]

About, but I'm not even a Taylor Swift fan and even I know that.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay, so Taylor Swift had a red scarf and then Jake Gyllenhaal was wearing it.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jemima]

Cause she left it at his house.

[Jamie Laing]

Got it.

[Jemima]

And then he wore it.

[Jamie Laing]

Wow. Drama, drama. Is this a while ago?

[Jemima]

Yeah. Have you ever had anything that you've left at an ex's house and you've been like, damn it, I really want that back?

[Jamie Laing]

No, but when I first started dating Sophie, my now wife, there was my ex girlfriend's clothes in my drawer and she saw them and she was like, what is this? And I was like, I don't know.

[Jemima]

Oh, God, that's really bad.

[Jamie Laing]

That was a bit funky. But apart from that, no, I haven't.

[Jemima]

You excited about our guest today?

[Mo Gilligan]

Wow.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay. Firstly, hello everyone. Welcome back to Great Company Podcast. I'm your host, Jamie, and this is producer Jemima.

[Jemima]

PJ for short.

[Jamie Laing]

She likes being called pj.

[Jemima]

You are Our owls, our wonderful listeners.

[Jamie Laing]

Our wonderful listeners. Welcome back to the show. Hey, guys, I just want to say a big thank you for everyone who's enjoyed the show and the podcast so far. We get so many comments and it's incredible and we love it and we love the fact that you guys are enjoying all of this. So thank you. I hope it is entertaining as well as thoughtful, provoking as well as moving, as well as informational, all those kind of things. And today's episode is going to be a great one because we have a very, very, very funny man on the podcast, Mo Gilligan. Mo Gilligan. Mo Gilligan is a comedian. He's a host. Mo is huge on social media and done loads of incredible things and he kind of blew up on social media and then now sells tools out around the world.

[Jemima]

He's ginormous. He's hosted the Brits two times. He also hosted a show on Channel 4 with Big Nasty.

[Jamie Laing]

Anyway, he's done lots of amazing things. I've been trying to get him on the podcast for a while, and he's finally said yes, which is amazing.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jemima]

And he's fitting us in amongst his world tour.

[Jamie Laing]

His world tour. So we have Mo coming on. I can ask some big questions. I can ask some deep questions. Questions. I'm going to have a laugh with him.

[Jemima]

You always do. Yeah, but don't. Yeah, definitely have a laugh because he's a.

[Jamie Laing]

Have a freaking laugh. Don't you worry about that.

[Jemima]

Yeah, don't be. Don't be boring, Jamie.

[Jamie Laing]

I won't be boring, Jamie. I do tell you this, though, right, guys, at the moment, if you don't know, I'm basically in training for running five ultra marathons in five days. And I'm doing it for mental health charities. I truly believe one foot in front of the other when you keep going is the most important thing. So I'm doing it. So I've been running half marathons and I'm tired, Jemima.

[Jemima]

Tired, Bunny. Well, I did Pilates yesterday.

[Jamie Laing]

And you're tired?

[Jemima]

Yeah, my legs really hurt.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay, well, on that note, ladies and gentlemen, on that note, guys, get ready for this episode now. If you want to get in touch, you can at Great Company podcast, you can slide into our DMs, also on TikTok and YouTube. And you also can send us an email. Greatcompanyamproductions.co.uk and remember to subscribe to the show.

[Jemima]

Were you burping at the same time saying that?

[Jamie Laing]

Hiccuping. And then it came out. Are you Ready for this?

[Jemima]

I'm really excited. Let's get to it.

[Jamie Laing]

Please welcome to the podcast, Mo Gilligan.

[Mo Gilligan]

Hey, what's up? My name is Mo Gilligan and I am with Great Company. I am great company. I am company's house. No, I'm not. I'm not. I can't do no one's taxes, but I'm with Great Company. How about that?

[Jamie Laing]

How good of football were you?

[Mo Gilligan]

I was all right.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, you wanted to be a pro, didn't you?

[Mo Gilligan]

I did, bruv. Badly. Badly. Oh, my God, man. I had a big realization of when I was, like, 13, 14. I was like, I would have been signed by now. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Well, you had that in your mind. Yeah.

[Mo Gilligan]

Because I think growing up, like, we grew up on an estate with, like, kids who were at, like, Crystal palace and they were younger than you, and you were like, Bruh, I'm 14. These kids are like, sex. Yeah, I gotta take the meat out the freezer before my mom comes in. Like, that is what I'm battling with. So, like, I just. I always knew, like, to make it at that stage, it happens when you're, like, eight years old, but. And also, I think at the time, you know, like, we were like, there weren't scouts coming to us. I think that would be. If we had scouts coming to our game, she'd be like, yeah, but they weren't. And sometimes we think it might be a scout. It's just a man with a dog. It'd be like a white man with a dog in Dulwich Park. And you're like, oh, he might be a scout from Man United. And then you see you get a plastic bag out to pick up the dog shit. You're like, nah, it's not him, bro. Back to South London, we go.

[Jamie Laing]

Mama made it.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, bro, you played your best. He's a scout, bro. He's a scout. There's a random white man in the park watching us play football. Play good. Play good. But he wearing a scout, man.

[Jamie Laing]

I have so many questions because I feel like it's so interesting to get. My thing is, like, getting into the psyche, right, because you grew up in an estate, right, which, you know, I imagine probably had hardships and stuff like that in some ways, a little bit.

[Mo Gilligan]

A little bit, like, every. Like, don't get me wrong, like, I think the beautiful thing about when you grow up on an estate is that everyone's there for each other. We don't have a lot, but you don't know that. You don't have a lot, do you know what I mean? It's just everyone looks out for each other. People's parents, you know, if you're climbing on the garages, someone will say, all right, get down from the garages. But it is looking out for your safety. That's all it is. Everyone comes together, you knock on someone's door, hey, can I borrow a cup of sugar? And that just felt so normal. It didn't. You know, someone borrowing a cup of sugar wasn't because they don't, you know, really, you know, you get old and you're like, right, they don't have enough money to have, you know, they don't have enough sugar, for example.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[Mo Gilligan]

But it just felt like everyone was there for each other, do you know what I mean? Like when there's a group of boys that sitting on stairs spitting, there'll be an eight year old lady to be like, oi, so spit on the stairs. Go around your own fucking area and spit on the stairs. Because everyone cares for each other and I think that's beautiful. Yeah. And I think when you grow up in that environment, you know, that's why later on in life it just makes sense for me to help other people. Because we didn't have a lot. But you don't know that you don't have a lot. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. So when do you realize that potentially you don't have a lot? When is that moment where you suddenly look around and go, hang on a second, that person's got this or that.

[Mo Gilligan]

Person'S got, I think, don't get wrong in a household, you know, like when you go in the fridge and you're like, rah, boy. The same Branson, pickles. Sorry. But like, you know, like you don't have a lot in a sense of like we don't like going on holidays. I remember coming back from six weeks holiday and I went to like a primary school where you'd have kids that were, their parents were quite well off but you didn't know it was only until you grow up and you're like, oh, right. You know, be like, oh, you know, be like so what did everyone do? And then holiday, me and my friends, we just play out round on the estate for six weeks. What do you do? Well, you know, Papa took us to the south of France. You're like, papa, is that the brother from Pinocchio? Who is that like, but. And you know, you go to their house. You know, I remember going to some of my friends houses and like you go to their house and it's like, it'd be interesting because. And I say this in my book, I go to their houses. And it was a different way of. Of life in a sense of. I grew up in an estate and, you know, a lot of these kids would have all the toys. You know, they'd have Meccano and all the LEGO sets. And I was like, wow. And I just want to play with all the Legos. And they was like, come on, Mo, come outside in the garden. We're going to catch worms. Said, fuck worms, bruv. I'm trying to play with this new Star Wars LEGO set, bruv. But it was the difference of, like, a lot of those kids who were quite wealthy, they didn't have that community of friends. You know, I was able to just go outside my house, knock on someone's door and be like, is Adam coming out? Yes, he's coming out. We play. And we wouldn't know what to do, me and Adam, but we climb on the garages, we climb on a tree. Cool. Let's knock on Michael's door, let's knock on Darren's door and Jade. And we knock on everyone's door. We're going out. We didn't know what to do, but we just had that community of each other. But then realizing when I would go to some of my. My school friend's house and they would have everything, all the toys, every. You know, they have sky with unlimited channels, and I want to be like, bro, I want to watch the sky. I. I ain't seen some of these channels, bro. Like, like, you've got all the channels. And they're like, no, but we're going to catch grasshoppers. The grasshoppers. Luke, let's go outside, bro. Luke, like, do you know what I mean? Like. And I think that was the realization of. At a young age of seeing people that, you know, they effectively have almost everything, but then also they don't, in a sense of they didn't have any friends. So when I would come around, they want to do everything. They want to catch the grasshoppers and the worms. And I'd come from a different environment where I didn't have the Star wars and the sky unlimited channels, but I did have that connection and community of friends. And I think that's going back to your question of where you. You don't. You realize you don't have a lot when, you know, you open the fridge and there ain't much food there. But then you realize you do have A is when your friend knocks the door and says to your mom, oh, can Mo come out? We want to play. And that. I don't know. Like, that's always stuck with me. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

No, you've nailed it there. So shock. I was probably the other kid wanting to go and play worms, and I'm not. So true. I'm not even kidding you, man. I had a friend called Tom, right, who I actually saw recently when I was at Glastonbury. I hadn't seen him since I was, like, 6 years old. And we just recognized each other straight away. And I was like, oh, my God, man. When he. You know. My parents had some money, and Tom would come to my house, and I had a swimming pool and a tennis court. And I thought everyone had that. I thought everyone had it right? Because I was six.

[Mo Gilligan]

So, Tom, get your Wilson gear. We're gonna play tennis, my man.

[Jamie Laing]

And then. But, dude, you're so. I. It was like, we were secluded, right? There was no knocking on doors or anything like that. We were just in a place. And when I went to Tom's house, we would go and knock on everyone's door, and we'd go and play, like, street hockey in, like, the street, and you go to other people's houses. And it was. It was so like that.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, man. Yeah, yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I always used to be a sweater guy. I used to be so jealous of that because my brother was at a different school. My sisters were off somewhere. So you were by yourself. And I was like, I just want to go and hang out in that sort of community. And when. And Tom, when he used to come to my house, he didn't actually want to come to my. We had a swimming pool and all these different things. But he was like, no, I just want to be playing with my friends here. I don't care about all of that.

[Mo Gilligan]

I can't lie. But I would have been in that swimming pool. Boy, I don't know about you, Tom. Be like, hey, bro, let's see some laps, bro.

[Jamie Laing]

Dude, everybody came to that swim. He's a. In the ball. My mom. I say, mum, it was my nanny. Fish it out. Fish it out with a fishing rod.

[Mo Gilligan]

The kids don't know when they're coming back. This guy. Swimming pool. I'm shitting in the pool, bro. Swimming pool, bro. I'm sitting in the pool, bro. Did you have a Jamaican any? Your man stopped shitting in that pool. Everybody stop in that pool. Yo, man, no, don't invite these young boys again. Because they always want in ADI pool.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, were you. Do you think you do you have an imagination as a kid? Because you're super creative. Right. And I know you got dyslexia.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like me as well. And that also when you. I think minds are different, you sort of. You live in your own world and you create adventures. Were you like that?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, I've got my. To this day, you know, that's how I kind of create a lot of my. My comedy, essentially, because I, you know, there is a reality of what I have, but then there's the heightened reality of how I need to portray it for, you know, stand up, for example, to create a piece of. Of material. Yeah. So I think my, my. And also because I was dyslexic, I think in school I used to just like talking to all the other kids. So, you know, my. My teacher would be like, oh, you know, you can sit on this table. And I had this lovely teacher that would always sit me on a table with a lot of the really intelligent kids. And I think she done it in a way to be like, oh, you know, some of these intelligent kids will help you. And I just used to love talking to them and making them laugh. And it was interesting because they were laughing, but it was getting their work done. And I was like, yeah. And then the teacher said, okay, everyone, okay can go. No, no, you need to stay behind and you need to copy the work on the board. And I'm like, raw, like. And it was interesting. That was almost like my first kind of like, it was. It was stand up, but it wasn't. I was making all these intelligent kids laugh. But I think because I was like, you know, telling stories or telling jokes in my imagination, and I used to use it as a way to deflect of. Like, I knew I was struggling with the work, but I would, you know, tell all these smart kids all the, you know, funny stories and do accents as a. As a kid that lets my imagination run wild. And it was a way of just deflecting of the work that I wasn't able to do because I was struggling. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, man, I totally get that. Because as kids, all we want is, like, validation, right?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

All the time.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And if you're not getting. And it's so weird, like, I think life has changed a little bit. I hope it has. But it was all about work. Like, if you were at school, if you weren't good at work.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, especially in, like, lots of schools. And, like, Sport also, if you didn't have access to sport, it's just about work and if you're not good at that, you're an outcast. Yeah, that's what you have to find a way to fit in. And comedy, man, like I was kind of the same. I remember making kids laugh. Yeah, it like did something to my body. Yeah, like it was like, man, it just, it made me feel so great that when you'd make friends, other older years laugh or whatever, it was amazing.

[Mo Gilligan]

I think there is, there is this one thing I always like with, you know, with kids, what they do where when kids realize they're funny and it's nice when I see like my nephews do it and stuff when they realize they're being funny and they know and there's always that fine line that kids have where they're like, yeah, I'm being funny. And then being funny goes into showing off. And then it's almost like I always say, you know, like when you, when you see a kid that's in that place of showing off, that's where you want to be like, ah, like he, he's got, he or she has got something. You know, I mean whether it's like they want to do acting or comedy or. And yeah, you know, I believe you have to let kids imagination like run wild because they're not going to have that forever. Do you know what I mean? They're going to get to a point where you got to pay bills and council tax and life gets real. And you know when you're like, you're leaving to go out and you're like, oh, it's raining but I've got to do this and you got to do that. And I believe that, you know, let them hang onto their daydreaming in their imaginary world as long as possible to kind of hone in on bringing their.

[Jamie Laing]

Real side out, man, 100%. What happens as we get older is we get these responsibilities and like life becomes life and it's fucking hard. Starts laughing, man, it starts laughing and it's not as like fun is like hanging out with Tom, going and shitting in the pool. That was fun.

[Mo Gilligan]

And it's until you get a bit older where I remember where I got to that place where I was at 16, the guy on from, I think from 16 to 19, where that period goes by so quick where you're kind of like, you know, you go from being in school as a 16 year old and you're mothered and in your head you're like I'm an adult. I can buy a lottery ticket. No one can talk to me. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Is that your thing? Yeah, that was your thing. Mine was a drive through. Mine was a drive through.

[Mo Gilligan]

I said 16. Steve, you can't. I can't buy a lottery ticket. I could. I could win the lottery and I could buy. I could, like, in my head I was like, I could buy my mom out. I could. I could. I could be a millionaire and say, mum, listen, I'm gone, you know, like. But, like, I'd even. I remember being like, 21. No, no, no, no. Probably 19 and saying to myself, I'm gonna move out. 21? Yeah, 21. I'm gonna move out. And then 25, I get married, have kids. Yeah, and then you get to 25 and you're like, what was I thinking, bruv? Like, and you do you get to the age where you're like 25 and you're eating, like, you're eating pop noodle and, like, in your bed with, like, dirty cups and plates under your bed. You know what I mean? Like. Like waking up at like, one in the afternoon. But life does start life in. At that age of like, 16 to 19, you have a level of responsibility. So. Yeah, and, you know, the age I'm at now, I feel like I have to owe it to my younger self to still daydream of totally never lose stuff and being silly and sometimes the most serious situations and just. And just not like, being silly, like. But still realizing, like, there is, you know, I love that film Inside out and there is that, like, playfulness that we all have and the imagination that we still can create and be a little bit silly. But, yeah, I don't think as adults we have to. We have to lose that.

[Jamie Laing]

It's so funny. You triggered something in my mind, which is when I remember when I was younger, talking about that showing off thing. I remember I was playing football with, like, a bunch of, like, older kids and, like, a group of like, the other kids came on and I went, it's Blazing Squad. And everyone laughed. Everyone laughed. And I was like, I've got it. The next time I was with them, the kids guy went, it's Blazing Squad. No one laughed. I was like, fuck, no. Like you said last time. And I was like, oh, so it's not as funny if you repeat it. This is a good time. And still to this day, like, it, like, kills me inside.

[Mo Gilligan]

It makes you cringe inside a little bit. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Dude, it's crazy.

[Jamie Laing]

I Love that when life starts lifing, it's such a good way to put it, like life does become a bit hard. And I suppose so many people listen to this, right, who are fans of yours or probably young and then maybe, and you said it before, maybe struggling. There are times when you struggle, right?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah. And I think it's important to look, man, have you struggled? Yeah, of course, you know, where, you know, in the position that I'm in now, you know, and I think I've kind of like it's hard because I think before the success, you know, you're struggling because you might not be where you want to be in your career or your, your life path. And that was at a time when I was probably like later 20s. And I always say 28, that period is a wild time in your life. And you know, there's some people that, you know, like people who are into astrology and there's this whole like Saturn returns and all this stuff. I don't know what it is, there's something in the water. But it was the weirdest time in my life because I think it's the time where, you know, you spend your 20s at the beginning of your 20s, like, whoa, I can, I'm an adult, but I'm not, but I can do all these things and I have this freedom and I can have a part time job and you are, we can kind of sit in that comfortable space. But then there is a part of our ourself that goes back to that 15, 16 year old and says, ah, but you wanted to do this, you know, you wanted to have a wife and kids at 25 or you wanted this in your career. And as you get to that point of like, I'm about to be 30, it's like the clock is almost counting down and you know, it's very easy to look left and right of like, wow, you're, you're doing that 23 and you're really successful or you know, you're doing that at 27. And I'm 28 and I haven't, I haven't hit my pinnacle, my peak yet. And that was probably myself when I was like 28, where I started comedy. I was 19 and I'm going around the country doing all these shows and I knew, I always knew I was good. I was, I'm good at this thing, but it's not paying off. I'd go to a lot of these, you know, production companies and they'd say, oh yeah, we love you man, you're great. Yeah, And I asked my manager, oh, did he want to do this pilot thing or did he want to do this and be like, yeah, they really loved you. Don't you know what to do? Like, with you? Like, everyone loves you, but I don't know what to do. I was like, oh, am I going to get. And it's not like a big break, but you are, like, close to giving up because you've not seen anything come to fruition a little bit. Do you know what I mean? So I think that was the hardest period. And then when everything happened, it's like, you know when I say when everything happened, but, like, putting out the videos on social media and then doing a tour and everything else, it's like you get. You ask the genie for all the free wishes and you get it, but then you realize you're like, ah, okay, I don't know if this is all I want. And I think that was the biggest struggle because now, you know, I get to a place where I'm like, this is all I ever wanted. Getting my first big check. Yeah, I lost myself in a way that I wasn't there. Not I wasn't there, but I just think mentally, like, I struggled in the sense of, wow, this is all I've ever wanted. I've got the big check, but I'm not in the happiest place of my life right now. And I think it's that pressure that I put on myself before to be like, I need to do. I need to do it. And then it gets done, and then you get a bit. I got my big check. Or, you know, could be for some people there, the job they've always wanted or the card. And you realize this isn't really what I wanted. And I was massively depressed, man. Massive, massively depressed. And I think it's that pressure we put on ourselves as people, especially in that period of our 20s where we put all our eggs in the basket. And then when you put those eggs in the basket, you get to the later part and all the chickens have hatched, and you're like, hold on, wait, I didn't need this many. You got one running over there. You got one shitting over there. This chicken's going to cross the road and be like, wait. And you're like, okay, no, I can't physically, mentally deal with this. I know I wanted to put all my eggs in one basket, but now they've hatched, I don't really know what to do. When in actual fact, it was just that I just need to Put one egg in the basket and just raise the chicken as well as I could. And I think that's what I realized once I got 30, where I was like, ah, let me breathe, like, you know, this is it. You know, let me take my time with this opportunity. Let me maybe say no to this thing, because I've seen. I don't need to rush the process. And, you know, for any young people listening, I always say, like, enjoy your 20s, man. You know, it's the period where you can experiment and see if it's right for you, if it's not what you want to do, what you don't want to do. Not that you can't do it in your 30s, but, yeah, you're able to. To have that fun, but don't give yourself the pressure that society puts on you. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Mo, thank you for sharing. Honestly, everything you're saying, we're similar age. Exactly what I felt.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

It's like, be careful what you wish for.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, yeah, of course.

[Jamie Laing]

And it's a crazy thing. And I. I reckon 20s, like, 28, 29, 30, was real tough.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, man.

[Jamie Laing]

And something is in the water. I don't know what happens there. And I think, like you said, I think it takes 10 years to build something. So you start comedy when you're 19, and then 10 years later, you're then starting to see some success, and then everything comes at once. And it's almost like life says, here you go, but also, here you go.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And you get hit with that anxiety or that you feel depressed or you feel low. And I remember, for me, again, I've said this before, but I remember I was just. I. I hit this weird time in my life, and I just. I never spoke about anything to anyone.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Ever. And I phoned up my buddy and I said to him, and I remember, I was like, right, I've got to tell someone that I'm feeling this inside because I don't know what's going on. And I phoned him up and he said, hey. He goes. He calls me Jambo. He's like, hey, Jambo, how you doing? I was like, hey, man. And I broke down. Boom. Straight away. And he was like, oh, my God. You okay?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And I was. I couldn't get my words. I couldn't get my. And he was like, I think he thought I was dying. And he was like, what's happening? Where are you? What's happening? And I went, matt, I just want to say that I'm really struggling. And he Went, don't worry, we'll go through it together.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And it was like this most insane thing from, like, one of your best friends and I had never shared anything.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

And we then sat. We chatted, and he said, I feel the same way. And I went, do you ever feel lonely? And he went, I feel lonely.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, why are we not, back when we were, like, 21, just, like, playing PlayStation together, carefree, and, like, we've got all this stu. Stuff that's going on now. It's really exciting. But I feel lonely and sad, and that's crazy. Did you ever talk to anyone about it?

[Mo Gilligan]

I think that's when I started going to therapy. Towards the later part of my 20s. Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Same 27, 28. Same as.

[Mo Gilligan]

Do you know, I realized, though, in my early 20s, I didn't cry. I didn't cry, bro. Like, I didn't really, like, let it out. Do you know what I mean? I don't know if there's any other guys that listen to this, but, yeah, in that. That period of my 20s, I put up such a guard of trying to, like, you know, like, okay, cool, you know, everyone's wearing those jeans. I'm gonna wear those jeans. Everyone wearing those trainers. I'm gonna save up for this thing. Like, I can't afford it, but I need it. And I put up such a guard of myself that I didn't really let my real self come out. I was always trapping my real self. Like, no, no, no, stay in the box. Do you know what I mean? Like, we all gotta go to this club and we got to say this. And, you know, there might be the slang word that everyone's using, and you don't even know what this slang word is. You don't want to ask a question and say, sorry, what does that actually mean? You can't. You don't want to go on, and you don't want to be an old man now. I'll Google it, bruv. I'll be like, I didn't know what cap meant. I could hear people. That's cap, bruh. Bottle cap. What is it? Are you bottling it? Let me Google this now, man. Oh, lying. I didn't know this, man. Like, but when you're young, so insecure, you just say the word. You just. Yeah, yeah, yeah, bro. Yeah, yeah, yeah, man. Riz. Yeah, I go to Rizz. I go to Riz. Oh, great, you smell. I've got tobacco. Huh? What? What Rizz are you talking about? Like, I didn't know something I Didn't know what Riz meant. I had to Google it. But I don't mind doing that now. But I'm lucky enough that if I was in my 20s and. And I did, I would just go along with whatever the phrase is. What's the word? And, you know, because you do, you. You box yourself in. And I didn't cry. And it was only until, like, my later part of my 20s where I cried, and I, like, you know, when I got sad and I got depressed, it all came out, you know? And, you know, like, I think therapy for me was amazing in the sense of. In my head, I was like, therapy, I'm gonna. It's gonna be like film. And I go on one of those chairs and, like, for a ball up. And they say, so tell me how you're feeling, Mo. How are you and yourself? And I'm like, I don't know how. I'm fine with myself. Like, my friends, my mom. I thought that's what it was like until I got there and I'm ready to spill the beans. And it's just like, you know, you sit there and you're like, okay, cool. And I'm ready to tell everything. And if you've ever been to therapy, you know when you tell everything, they go, okay, and that's time. What, bro? Put some more money on the clock. I've got so much more to get.

[Jamie Laing]

Just getting started.

[Mo Gilligan]

And then you go to your next session, and you're like, okay, we finished where we left. Off you go. Do you go to the gym? Do you get massages? I said, bro, the massages. I need to tell you about the trauma of my childhood. Like, we're in episode two of my life right now. Not here to talk about whether I get massages and why I'm tense. Like, I'm paying £100 an hour for this, man. Let me just release it. And I think that's why what was really interesting for me for therapy, because it was looking at every aspect of my life that I didn't ever think about. I didn't ever think about, like, oh, I haven't had a massage. Maybe I need to go to the gym and release energy. Maybe I am boxing up stuff, but it's okay to box up stuff, you know, I haven't cried. Let me tell you why I've cried. And they say it's okay to cry. And you say, what? Nah, man, I need to release this. This is what I. And I think that is what I started realizing with therapy and opening up. And I Think, you know, what. You know, therapy helps me to open up not so much more to my therapist, but more to o. To other people. Yeah. And I think that's what I started gaining from. From therapy is, you know, I'd spent my 20s, like, boxing up myself. But therapy helped me, in a way to open up myself, to then let my real personality out, to then, you know, connect with other people in a way that I wasn't able to do in some of my early 20s, you know?

[Jamie Laing]

Do you cry now?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, bro. I cried at a video I seen on a reel the other day, and I was like, what's going on here? Like, there was a beautiful video of a weightlifter, and his wife had passed away. Have you seen this one? And he. I think he couldn't do it before. And then he got the strength and he done it. And they showed this cartoon of the wife helping him push it, bro.

[Jamie Laing]

I said, unbelievable.

[Mo Gilligan]

I said, whoa, whoa, whoa. Who is cutting the onions? I started crying.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, Katrina, I know exactly what it is.

[Mo Gilligan]

I was crying. Crying. Okay, you're right. I said he couldn't lift it, but he lifted it.

[Jamie Laing]

It's actually insane.

[Mo Gilligan]

It's a beautiful video. But I always say, like, it's like, it's good to cry, man. You know, when that. That is a. Crying is. Is a raw emotion. Let. Let the cries out sometimes, you know, you might be angry, like, let the anger out, as long as you're not letting it out to someone, you know, sometimes you got to let that out. I banged my toe the other day. I was so mad, bro. I shot at the chair in my house, bruv. Like. Like. And I think, like, that's. It's. What I'm trying to say is when you're. It's okay to sometimes be sad 100%. You know, I mean, like, it's a very normal, human thing for us, 100%.

[Jamie Laing]

But I. And I don't. And I will move away from this in a second, but it's just. It's so important because I think two dudes sitting here, like, talking about it, right? It's amazing how we can connect over, like, feelings and being vulnerable, Right?

[Mo Gilligan]

Of course, man.

[Jamie Laing]

And I think for me, when I felt, like, anxious and low, I was then so scared to go back to that place that I was, like, almost making myself feel again, because I was so scared to go there. And then what I realized is, like, acceptance is, like, the biggest thing. It's okay to feel that way.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

It's okay to Feel that. My question is to you is like, how low did you feel?

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, yeah, no, I was low. I remember just because I had. It's interesting because at that point in my life, I'd asked the genie for everything. So I remember just. I always used to go central London and go into shops that I'd never been in before and just be like, I'm just going to go in here and buy something, because now I can. And that was my escapism of just like, okay, I'm going to buy the whole Stone island tracksuit in peach, mint green, navy blue and grey. I don't need them, but I can. And I remember just coming home, adoring some of these materialistic things and I would just put them. I lived at home, my mum at the time, and I just get them, buy them and just put them to the side and I just create. There's this heap, I never get this heap of, like, Selfridges bags. Like Selfridges bags. And just like. And I would just be like, cool, I'm going out today. And I'd go in a bag and they were all my clean clothes, essentially. But it was. Until I remember one time I was just in and I was waking up and I could see my patterns a little bit. You know, I'm in bed and I'm waking up really late, and then I'd go to things that, you know, I'd go for a meeting and I'd be late to the meeting, but just like, ah, you know, I'm here. But I had to just be like, nah, Mo, this isn't. Like, you would get this meeting and be like, wow, this could change my life. And I was such in a low point, but also I'd ask the genie for everything that I felt a bit depleted. And I was like, well, I turn up and no excitement, you know. Yeah. And I think, yeah, that was like my. My lowest in some ways, in, you know, and. Because there's times where. Where I was skinned and I didn't have much money and I was low and I was depressed and I'm working part time, but, you know, my escapism was just jumping on stage on a weekend and doing 20 minutes, no one knew who I was, but I would smash it and people would be like, oh, mate, you're really good, mate. You want to get on live with the Apollo and, oh, thanks, man. And that would bring me everything. I was like, wow, this is what you do it for. But then when you get everything and, you know, you get the call and they say, oh, we want you to do this show. And you're like, yeah, yeah, you think, right, I've got everything I've ever wanted, but I'm just not really happy, you know. And I think that was like my lowest because at least when I didn't have a lot, I got like the things that I cared about. I got that, like that big round of applause that these are the things that money couldn't buy. I got the person that will come up and say, mate, I love your stuff. Mike, you on Instagram, I'm gonna follow you. And I was like, there are things that money can't buy. But then when you, when you get everything you want and you do have that bit of. And you know, I come from a place where a lot of people don't have a lot of money. So we're so used to just spending it all. Do you know what I mean? You're like, whoa, I'm gonna spend it all. I'm gonna get the shiniest thing. I'm gonna get a fucking BMW and say, fuck off, look at me, I've made it. Do you know what I mean? Stone island, that is, that's what I'm used to. Do you know what I mean? Or like the mandam being like, yo, Brother, see these 110 pound shoes? You know, bro, you can't buy these, bruv. Exclusive tns. And I'm so used to coming from a place of seeing the shiny thing, spending it all and showing it off. And I realized like at my lowest point, it was like, wow. Like I have kind of got everything I'd ever asked for at that point in my life. And I'm not, I'm not entirely happy with it.

[Jamie Laing]

You know, it's funny, it's. It's like, it's like, it's like self sabotage. It's like the thing that we love so much has now become a job. And it's almost like the climb is more exciting than the actual goal. And that's quite a hard thing to realize that suddenly when it becomes a job, you're like, hang on a sec, this is actually not what I wanted. It was like. I always think it's a little bit like when you. I know when I was younger when I fancied a girl and she didn't fancy me and you chase, chase, chase. Then you just, okay, given you suddenly going out with them, you're like, hang on a second.

[Mo Gilligan]

And then you turn up late to the date.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. You know what I mean? And you're like, what the. Like, this is not what.

[Mo Gilligan]

You don't. You know, you don't text her back, like, as quick as you did before. You're like, yeah, yeah, yeah. And she's like, yeah, it's not for me. Like, ah, all right, cool. And it's that thing where you're like, I got what I wanted, but at what cost? Do you know what I mean? Picture this. You're halfway through a DIY car fix, tools scattered everywhere, and boom. You realize you're missing a part. It's okay. Because, you know, whatever it is, it's on ebay. They've got everything. Brakes, headlights, cold air intakes, whatever you need. And it's guaranteed to fit. Which means no more crossing your fingers and hoping you ordered the right thing. All the parts you need at prices you'll love. Guaranteed to fit every time. Ebay. Things people love.

[Progressive Insurance]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[AT&T Business]

And now a next level moment from ATT Business. Say you've sent out a gigantic shipment of pillows and they need to be there in time for International Sleep day. You've got AT and T5G, so you're fully confident, but the vendor isn't responding. And International Sleep Day is tomorrow. Luckily, AT&T 5G lets you deal with any issues with ease. So the pillows will get delivered and everyone can sleep soundly, especially you. AT&T 5G requires a compatible plan and device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn [e-mail] 5G Network.

[Jamie Laing]

Your comedy mode is so good, man.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, thank you, bro. Like, I really appreciate it.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, did you. You truly. And your crowd work.

[Mo Gilligan]

Thank you.

[Jamie Laing]

I. I told me about crowd work because it's obviously planned a little bit, right?

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

But also there are some things which is totally off the cuff.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Has anything completely wild happen when you're doing a show?

[Mo Gilligan]

Do you know what I love about when I do crowd work? Because. And comics will tell you this, when you're doing crowd work, you're trying to find the thing. So sometimes.

[Jamie Laing]

Explain that to me. What do you mean?

[Mo Gilligan]

So, like, when I'm asking, oh, where's everyone from in the room? You know, everyone. Some people, oh, I'm from this place, I'm from that place, and I just want to find one gem and it's like cutting away at some rocks. I see these videos, they keep coming up on Instagram, and these people that look for rocks and then they smash open this bull rock to find the fossil inside.

[Jamie Laing]

Is our algorithm the same? Honestly? Yeah.

[Mo Gilligan]

I keep seeing these rock things, bro. I want to go and get some hammers and smash some rocks.

[Jamie Laing]

So excited about seeing these crystals. And they open them up.

[Mo Gilligan]

Just a whole video, you know?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah. So good.

[Mo Gilligan]

Have you ever seen these. These new ones where they keep. They. They go into the river and then they try and fish for gold. Have you seen that one, though? Yeah. These are the new ones popping up, man. I got weird stuff about my algorithm, and it will switch to, like, American Karens. It's just like, how. How did we get here? Do you know what I mean? But, like, I watched these, and it's a little bit like these rocks where, you know, you're smashing away and you just. You look for that little fossil and you're like, ah, I can get something from this. Because with crowd work, you're just trying to find the beats and you're like, ah. And, you know, sometimes crowd work, when it. When it works, it works, and comics will clip it up and they can put it out there and it looks amazing. But when they don't work, at least as a comic, you say, okay, cool, I'll crack on with. With the show. And I think crowd work is also understanding that my. I think my audience know that I'm not there to make them the joke. Do you know what I mean? I'm trying to find some stuff that might be funny we can talk about. But I think my audience know, they're like, well, I feel like Mo's crowd work, he's not gonna make me look bad in front of my wife or, you know, I'm not gonna look bad in front of my girlfriend. It's just I always try to be cheeky with my. My comedy, especially my crowd work, in a way that if I'm trying to get something at you, I might be cheeky, but not enough to spoil that person's evening to the point where. Cause I always think crowd work has to be good enough that at the end of it, when we go for a break or at the end of the show, I want people to leave and be like, oh, mate, use that guy at the front. Right? You said? And they feel like, oh, yeah, that's me. As opposed to people like, hey, that's that guy that Mo was laughing at. Let's laugh at him too. On the way home. Because I always want my crowd to feel like they're part of the show in a way that, yes, we're laughing with you, but we're also laughing at you. But after we laugh at you, you become the main person in a cool way. I think that's always important for my crowd work anyway. You know, I do it a lot of my tour shows where, you know, I like to do some interactive stuff at some of the shows. And we've done it a lot in America. And I'd be like, oh, who's single here tonight? You know, guys don't really like making noise when they're single. And I'd always find the guy who makes the most noise. I said, bro, you're single. I said, bro, stand up for the people, man. And you always get a guy stand up. And I want to make him feel like the coolest guy in that room in that moment. And I say, ladies, don't you think it's very, you know, confident to see a man stand up in front of all these people? And all the women go, woo. And I know for that moment, yeah, he is the coolest person in the room. Not me, like, but he is the coolest person. And whether he goes to the bar, he goes to the toilet, people say, oh, he's a guy in it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cool, man. Cool, cool. And I think that's really important of.

[Jamie Laing]

Like, wow, Mo, you're so right. Uplifting people.

[Mo Gilligan]

You have to, man.

[Jamie Laing]

Because rather than punching down, what's the point of doing that?

[Mo Gilligan]

It's like, people have come to see me how it's not cool to just punch down. And that's not a flex, in my opinion. A flex isn't punching down on an audience member who's paid to come and see you. A flex is punching up and making him or her look like the coolest person. But saying that, I do get some people who have been rude and. And I've had to be like, I don't. I don't. I don't like, you know, like, for example, I've had. I had a show once, and I said. I said something. It's on YouTube. And I said something like, oh, I can't. I said, you watch wrestling. And some guy said, that's wet. Now, wet means rubbish. Yeah. I didn't know that as a slang term. I was like, wet. Is this a new one? Okay, I know it means. And I was like, wet. I said, my guy, how old are you? He said, oh, I'm 30. And I looked at him. And I said, Wait, you're 30. You're bald at 30. And the whole crowd went. Erupted. And don't get me wrong, like, you can watch it on YouTube.

[Jamie Laing]

I can't wait.

[Mo Gilligan]

I loved every part of it. But at the same time, no, I did. I loved it. It got a raw, you know, you got different reactions. There was a couple in the front, and they kept looking at each other. Oh, my God, that's. And they wanted to look at him, but they didn't look at him. And the guy felt so embarrassed. And there's a part of me where I really loved it. And I thought, wow, yeah, this was. This felt amazing. But there was also a part of me that I felt a bit bad because that's not. I don't train myself as a comic to punch down on people. I have to protect myself, and I can't have people just feel like they can disrespect me because I'm like, I'm just here to make everyone laugh. Don't. Don't show off. Do you know what I mean? It's like when you're saying that the blazing. The blazing. The blazing squad joke where you're like, oh, it's fine the first time. Yeah, yeah. But then when you say it the second time, you know, it's not funny. But it's also like, I think for me, it's. As a comic, bro. I'm just here to make you look laugh in it. This is just me as a comic. Yeah. So I'm very, like. I don't like doing it. I don't. It's not, I don't know, embarrassing. Someone doesn't really feel fun for me, but I have to. It's a small way. I need to just protect myself on stage, bro. Like, you tried to come at me, because if you come at me, then everyone thinks they could come at me in it. So I have to make sure I'm like, hey, hang on a minute. Let's. Let's remember, I have the mic.

[Jamie Laing]

I have the mic. By the way, I could chat to you for hours.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, no, man.

[Jamie Laing]

Your podcast as well.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yes.

[Jamie Laing]

Beginning, middle, end. Why do you want to start it?

[Mo Gilligan]

I think for me, like, I kind of reflected a little bit on my journey, and I always had. And when I reflected on my journey of, like, oh, this is how I started, and this is where I'm at now. But when I say I reflected, I reflected at a point probably about, you know, like, two years ago, I'm like, oh, I'm gonna be old one day and that's okay. But what do I want to do? Like, what do I want to leave behind? Like, what's what, what's the plan? And I think for me, like, you know, I love doing comedy, but I'll be honest, I remember going to Mexico and I seen this group of old men playing golf and they looked like they was having the funnest time. I've never played golf. And I kept seeing them around the resort and it was just them and their friends. It was about 60, 65, 70. And they would play pool and they look like I was like, I want to do that when I'm older. And it was like the point where I was like, oh, that's kind of what I want for myself, you know, Like, I don't want to do it stuff every day, but I still want to just be able to like, me and the guys, be like, let's, let's go play golf, play a bit of pool in a resort, eat some nice food. And I think that is where I started my journey of like, what do I want to leave behind career wise? But what do I want for myself when this is all said and done? Do I want to keep doing stand up when I'm 70, I might. But right now I would like to just do, like, really fun stuff. I've never done fishing, bruv, but I want to do fishing. Like, people look so happy when they catch a fish. I didn't know you put the fishes back, you know? Yeah, I swear to you, I didn't know this. Yeah, I would see people like, what are you doing, man? Like, why are you putting it back? That poor fish is like going back to his other fish families. Like, bro, I can't speak.

[Jamie Laing]

Never get to happen, Never gonna.

[Mo Gilligan]

I've seen it outside.

[Jamie Laing]

It never gets what happened. I went there, he was like, me. And I got dragged out by a hook and I saw this. That's like mental, bro.

[Mo Gilligan]

This guy's touching me, bro. Took a picture of me. You're lying. I don't believe you. Show me. I swear they was right here. They was right here, bro. I swear to you. Loads of them, bro. And I think that's why I kind of started the pod and I started meeting people and there was the perception of the journey that we think we know, but then there's a way that they tell their story in a way that we don't know. And I think that's where the concept came of the beginning, middle and end. And everyone's beginning is different because Some people's beginning is we've seen it unfold on our television screens or for our speakers where we're like, oh, I remember when I'd seen you on maybe X Factor. That was for me, your beginning. But they will say, no, before that. I done this, and I had this, and they have their story to tell. And also, I just like to give people their flowers. I think that's really important.

[Jamie Laing]

That's my favorite thing, by the way. I love that, man. I, I would consider myself a real, sort of like. Yeah, I, I, I probably very generous with my, like, I want everyone to like, be doing well, bro. Yeah.

[Mo Gilligan]

I came here today, you had, you had the sign when I came outside, you had all the drinks. Oh, my God. I'm, I'm taking a lot of drinks. I'm not gonna lie to you, bro. Me and my guy, actually, we filled up our bags already, you know, like, you've got every drink. I don't think any. If you listen to this podcast, you got, you got, you got root beer in there. You've got, you've got. There was a mojito.

[Jamie Laing]

There was a mojito.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, man. No. So I appreciate. Look, we got quite. I'm not even it. I'm not even ate.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, you got that in, brother.

[Mo Gilligan]

I'm gonna eat it, though. Do you know what I used to do? Yeah. Like, me and my friends talk about this where we go to Vegas and, you know, we get bottles, and Vegas is amazing for the bottle shows. Like, they bring out trucks just for the drinks and every. It's a great experience. And you know what? It was. There was a part of me and my younger self, I was like, I really want this. This is what I want. And then you get it. And everyone's like, oh, my God. Like, where are you guys from, man? Yeah, we're from London. In it with the London boys. Oh, my God. Top boy, man. You like Duchenne, like, something like that? Something like that. And it was amazing. And it's in. And then what used to happen, you know, like, when you go to the States, you have to pay tax and everything, gratuity, and all this other stuff. I used to do this thing where, like, I'm just like, as an idiot, I'm like, I just paid all this money for all these drinks, and everyone's had a great time, and you feel like the man. And then they say, yeah, so cool. Like, we gotta add tip. Is that okay? Because they become your best friends, you know, the people, you know, the hostesses. So we gotta add your tax. Is that okay? Like, yeah, yeah. Cool, cool, cool. And tip. And they. They are trying to get tips for everyone. They're like, so, like, Jose brought the bottles. Can he get a tip? I'm like, I think you're just doing your job. Like. Like, you haven't really done anything special. You just put it in the bucket of champagne, you know, and. Yeah. And can Jose get it? You like?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah.

[Mo Gilligan]

And I used to do this thing. I shouldn't say this, but I said I used to act fake drunk because my. Because my friend Javan. Yeah. Is so good at, like. He's like a penny pincher in it. And he is so. And I'll be like. I'll give him a card. I'll be like, I'll be like, bro, I'm going to act drunk. Like, somehow, like, can we get. I'm like, oh, oh, I'm so drunk. I can't do it. And Javan will go for everything. Okay, so sorry, you're not getting the tip, Jose. I apologize. Okay, so the tax. Okay, how much? Let me get my. Can you get a calculator out? And then I'll be. Oh. Oh, God, I can't see. I can't see what's. I'm so drunk. And then they get paid, and I'll be like, one eye. I'll be like, oh, I'm so drunk. And you get paid a bit up. Anyway, time to go. It was ruthless, man. But then I realized that, like. Like, that is not. It's not sustainable.

[Jamie Laing]

I remember I have a friend of mine, he's a close friend who was at a club. And Neo was on the other table.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

Neo bought a bottle. My friend was like, I'm gonna buy a bigger bottle. So ordered a bottle, and it came in on a scooter. Someone was holding it on the back of a scooter. Yeah. And he came in and he added it. He held it up and he looked his lap and Neo had gone. And then just got out of the bill. And he was like, I can't even afford this. Why? I've done this to try and impress you.

[Mo Gilligan]

Can't take it home. You can't take it home. Can't take home. That's what they don't tell you when you buy these drinks. You can't take them home.

[Jamie Laing]

Can't take it home.

[Mo Gilligan]

So, like, we would ask you, like, can we take them and say, no, sorry, sorry, you can't take it. So how can I not take these?

[Jamie Laing]

Pay for it.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, yeah. No, it's. Don't ever spend your money. Oh, don't do it. Just go to the pub, get a couple of pints. That is a much funer vibe. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

This, man, this has been amazing, dude. I really appreciate it. I appreciate everything you shared and just. It's been beautiful. I have eight questions for you.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yes.

[Jamie Laing]

And you can make them quick fire at anything you want. Are you ready for this?

[Mo Gilligan]

Let's do it, man.

[Jamie Laing]

What's a saying or phrase that makes you smile or cheers you up?

[Mo Gilligan]

A saying or phrase that always cheers me up, which has always been something that my manager said. She said, don't ever be a C word. Don't be that. And it makes me laugh because they say if people don't be. Can I swear on this?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, you can.

[Mo Gilligan]

Don't be a conversation because I said C words. You know, like, these times I've been, like, saying fucking shit for the whole. For the whole point. But don't ever be a cunt, because if you're a cunt, it never leaves you. You know, you can change your life. And people say, oh, he's changed his life, you know, Lovely person now, but back in the day, I was a right cunt. It never leaves you. And it always makes me laugh. And I always remember it's always one saying. My manager said, don't ever be a cunt because it will never leave you. You can change your life, but it'll always be stuck to you forever. Be a nice person. Do you know what I mean? Attract. And another phrase I always like is surround yourself with radiators and not drains. I love that one. That's my. That's my favorite one, man.

[Jamie Laing]

100%. I agree with you on everything.

[Mo Gilligan]

Mad contrast there in it, but it's so true.

[Jamie Laing]

Best compliment anyone's ever given you.

[Mo Gilligan]

Someone. Oh, I was on a. Oh, I was on this American, like, news show called ktla, and the news presenter was like, oh, my God. Thanks for coming on, Mo Gilligan. Absolutely great. You smell great. I said, oh, thank you. And it wasn't the best one.

[Jamie Laing]

That's your best compliment.

[Mo Gilligan]

But it was like, you know, like, that's your plan to wear cologne, innit?

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, yeah. It's so good.

[Mo Gilligan]

Like, that is the one thing that you want. I love.

[Jamie Laing]

That's the one thing out of everything that sticks in your mind.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, man. I remember just feeling like. I was like, wow, finally. And because this particular cologne, I never got a compliment with it. And I've got a nice selection I used to work at Jo Malone, so I've got a nice selection of different stuff. Do you know what I mean? Like I've got my blue agave and cacao archive collection. I've got my 1, 5, 4. Like, I've got my lime basil, my pomegranate noir.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, very good.

[Mo Gilligan]

But when I'm fragrance combining, I need that. My God, what are you wearing? Oh, finally. We welcome, welcome to my boudoir. Here we go. So, yeah, yeah, yeah, that was one that I really enjoyed.

[Jamie Laing]

What scares you most about yourself?

[Mo Gilligan]

Sometimes in life I can be so laid back and be so unserious that sometimes I don't want to take things for granted. Do you know what I mean?

[Jamie Laing]

Wow. Okay. I absolutely get that.

[Mo Gilligan]

Especially health wise and stuff. You know, I'm always like, well, I feel fine, you know? You know, don't need to go doctors and I always never want to be in a position where I'm like, ah, I should have maybe took that a little bit more seriously, man. You know, I know it's easy to laugh things off as a comic, but. Or just be like, yeah, yeah, it's fine. But sometimes it's just like, yeah, maybe, maybe should, we should address that.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, I did. I think it's a fine line. I think that's so important.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

People listening. I do. That is so good. We mentioned this, but when was the last time you cried and why?

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, yeah, that was the video we was talking about. That was.

[Jamie Laing]

Yeah, that was amazing.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, that was a couple days ago. Yeah, man.

[Jamie Laing]

What's something you can't let go of?

[Mo Gilligan]

Can't let go of trainers. I love trainers. I have a sneaker room, you know. No, you don't. I do, man.

[Jamie Laing]

How many trainers?

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, we're talking. I don't know, but I've not counted in a while. But. And I've got them in the trainer room and then I've got a bunch of them in the attic. They're the ones who just don't make it. They don't make it to the room.

[Jamie Laing]

What's your guild? With pleasure.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah, a double espresso. I love a double espresso. When I got an espresso machine, I thought, this is it. I've completed life, bro. I've got caramel and almond pods like, like, I couldn't believe it. I thought, this is sensational. So, yeah, that's probably my guilty pleasure.

[Jamie Laing]

What's your biggest turn off in life?

[Mo Gilligan]

Biggest turn off are people that are rude to people. But people that are rude to people Trying to impress people, like, anyone that is rude to, like, not just anyone, but particularly, you know, waiters or staff or, like. I hate. I hate that stuff. Especially when people are trying to do it to impress other people. It's the worst thing I hate. It's just. It's just horrible. I don't like.

[Jamie Laing]

So with you, it's my most hated thing.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

What turns you on?

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, you know what turns me on is seeing. Seeing a bargain of something that was really expensive that went down so cheap. Oh, bro. Ah, listen, man, if I see something and I don't need, I don't need it. Yeah, you. And I was like, wow, that was really pricey. But it's 60% off. It's such a fun feeling. Yeah. So that's probably it. Yeah.

[Jamie Laing]

What do you like most about yourself?

[Mo Gilligan]

I like the fact that I can pretty much laugh at 90% of the things that I see or happens to me, like, within life. I laugh at all my own jokes. When I write my material, I laugh first. If I don't find it funny, how can I expect my audience to find it funny? But I do love that about myself, and it goes back to not always taking things so seriously, but I love that about myself that I can. I will pretty much laugh at anything, you know.

[Jamie Laing]

This has been brilliant. Mo, final one bonus favorite swear word.

[Mo Gilligan]

It's gotta be dickhead, man. Dickhead is. Is a good one, man. It's good because you can say in a positive and negative. Do you know what I mean? You'd be like, oh, dickhead, man. But then when you see one of the guys, he's like, oh, yeah, man. You can say in so way, I like dickhead, man. Yeah, I like that one.

[Jamie Laing]

No, this has been absolutely brilliant. I appreciate everything. I appreciate you coming on, man, so much, man. You inspire me. You inspire everyone. So, dude, thank you so much for coming on. Great company. You're the best.

[Mo Gilligan]

You know, one, thank you for having me on the pod. But also two, because I remember when I'd done the Maiden Chelsea sketch. Yeah. And you took it really well, man. I really appreciated that, man.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, man.

[Mo Gilligan]

Are you kidding me? No. Because again, I don't like to take the piss out of people. And I always just try my best to be like, I've got this idea for this thing. And I can also understand how sometimes I could do something and people are laughing at it. And you're like, oh, everyone laughing at me. But I like the fact you shared it. You liked it because it was genius. Oh, no, thank you, bro. I really appreciate that, man, but honestly, I rated that, like, so much. I was like, oh, Raw. Like, oh, thanks, man. Like, because I'll be honest, I was hesitant to even put out because I was like, really? I don't want to feel like I'm taking a piss out of man, but.

[Jamie Laing]

No, man, you don't give off that. But you just don't. You're a radiator, man. You don't. You do when you're making fun because it's funny and you're doing it that way.

[Mo Gilligan]

I like the fact that you liked it because I honestly. You can ask the rest of the team. When I made it, because we was doing it on a show that I had, and I was like, I don't know. And I was just like, it's really funny. I was like, yeah, but I don't really want to. Like. It's not really my vibe. But I like the fact that you liked it. I swear to you, it was a sigh of relief. So I appreciate you, bro.

[Jamie Laing]

Man, you're the best. I appreciate it, man. Thanks for coming on, dude.

[Mo Gilligan]

I appreciate it, baby. Oh, thank you so much, man.

[Jamie Laing]

That was amazing.

[Mo Gilligan]

Thank you. No, thank you, bro.

[Jamie Laing]

Wow.

[Jemima]

That was fantastic. Well done.

[Jamie Laing]

You like that? Okay. Whoa. So I didn't lean into any.

[Jemima]

You lent all over the place.

[Jamie Laing]

That's a good thing.

[Jemima]

It was like you were in a car not wearing a seatbelt.

[Mo Gilligan]

Wow.

[Jemima]

He was leaning left, right, front, down, up and down into the seat.

[Jamie Laing]

Okay. He was great.

[Jemima]

He was great.

[Mo Gilligan]

And.

[Jamie Laing]

Oh, what were you about to say?

[Jemima]

No, you go.

[Jamie Laing]

No, you go.

[Jemima]

I just enjoyed.

[Mo Gilligan]

Yeah.

[Jemima]

How vulnerable and open.

[Jamie Laing]

What a lovely man. What a lovely, lovely man. I enjoyed every bit of it. Mo, if you're listening, thank you so much for that. I really appreciate it. Also, guys, if you haven't subscribed to our show already or commented on who you would like as a guest, we would love to hear from you. Ask us any questions you want. You can send us an email. Greatcompanyamproductions.co.uk or you can sign into our DMs at GreatCompany podcast. We would love to hear from you. And we checked everything. Well, producer Jemima does.

[Jemima]

I sure do. My little owls.

[Jamie Laing]

Little owls. Okay, pj.

[Jemima]

Okay, jl.

[Jamie Laing]

No, I'm not. You're pj and you're. Oh, I'm just Jamie.

[Jemima]

You're pj, too. Presenter Jamie.

[Mo Gilligan]

Oh, my God.

[Jamie Laing]

On that note, ladies and gentlemen, we'll see you next week for another episode of Great Company.

[Progressive Insurance]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Instacart]

When you think of skyrocketing brands like Aloe, Allbirds or Skims, it's easy to credit their success to great products, sleek branding and brilliant marketing. But here's the overlooked secret. The real magic lies in the engine behind the scenes, the business powering their business. For millions of brands, that engine is Shopify, making selling seamless for them and shopping effortless for us. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout Alo Yoga uses. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.comretail all lowercase go to shopify.comretail to upgrade your selling today.

[AT&T Business]

Shopify.comretail and now a next level moment from ATT Business. Say you've sent out a gigantic shipment of pillows and they need to be there in time for International Sleep day. You've got AT and T5G so you're fully confident, but the vendor isn't responding and International Sleep Day is tomorrow. Luckily, AT&T 5G lets you deal with any issues with ease, so the pillows will get delivered and everyone can sleep soundly, especially you. AT&T5G requires a compatible plan and device coverage not available everywhere. Learn [e-mail] 5G Network.

[Progressive Insurance]

Your customers are scrolling past your social ads, using ad blockers and paying for ad free streaming. But when they're listening to a podcast, they're hearing Acast ads, which are 4.4 times more engaging than with display ads. So if you want real attention, start advertising on podcasts with Acast. Start [e-mail] ads.