Episode Summary: "MYLES SMITH: ON DIVORCE, RACISM AND HOW HE KEPT ME GOING ON MY ULTRA-MARATHON RUN"

Great Company with Jamie Laing features an in-depth and heartfelt conversation with rising UK musician Miles Smith. Released on June 3, 2025, this episode delves into Miles's personal journey, exploring themes of childhood divorce, experiences with racism, social anxiety, and the transformative power of music. Through candid discussions and memorable quotes, Miles shares his path to success and the challenges he has overcome along the way.

1. Introduction to Miles Smith

Jamie Laing opens the episode by expressing his admiration for Miles Smith, highlighting his rise in the UK music scene and the personal connection Jamie felt during his ultra-marathon run, where Miles's song "Stargazing" provided motivation.

Jamie Laing ([04:04]):
"Myles is like one of these really unique individuals. That kind of music kind of found him in a way."

2. Early Life and Personal Struggles

Childhood Divorce: Miles discusses the impact of his parents' divorce during his formative years, emphasizing the emotional turmoil and feelings of being a "total fraud."

Miles Smith ([10:51]):
"My dad's a complex person. I really hope he's in a good space. I'm truly not angry at the situation or mad."

Jamie Laing ([12:08]):
"If someone’s listening now and adores you, what would you say to them?"

Miles Smith ([12:50]):
"I'd say, one is not your fault. That took me so long to, like, so long."

3. Journey into Music

Transition from Business to Music: Miles shares his decision to leave a successful consultancy business to pursue his passion for music, highlighting the support from his mother and the realization that fulfillment does not come from financial stability alone.

Miles Smith ([44:46]):
"Money and comfort do not bring fulfillment."

Collaboration with Ed Sheeran: He recounts collaborating with Ed Sheeran, which played a pivotal role in reshaping his perspective on releasing personal music.

Miles Smith ([21:38]):
"Ed really helped reshift my mind and see that this song has a place in the world and could help a lot of people."

Creation of "Stargazing": The spontaneous creation of "Stargazing" during a songwriting session in Malibu is described as a moment of pure creativity.

Miles Smith ([50:10]):
"Within like 15 or 20 minutes we wrote 'Stargazing'."

4. Experiences with Racism

Racism During School Years: Miles recounts his first experience with overt racism at age 11 during a school trip to Cornwall, where he was subjected to racial slurs and discrimination.

Miles Smith ([29:25]):
"It was one of my first experiences of, like, overt racism."

Coping with Racism: He discusses the dual burden of experiencing racism and the expectation to educate others about it, leading to emotional exhaustion.

Miles Smith ([33:59]):
"It's fucking tiring."

5. Mental Health and Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety: Miles delves into his struggles with social anxiety, describing how he masks his feelings in group settings and relies on support from his manager PJ.

Miles Smith ([07:14]):
"I get crazy social anxiety, but I like to hide it really well."

Therapy and Support: He emphasizes the importance of therapy and his mother's unwavering support in building his confidence and self-worth.

Miles Smith ([16:53]):
"She always reminded me about what's important and that's the person I was."

6. Navigating Rapid Success

Handling a Hectic Schedule: Miles discusses the overwhelming pace of his career growth, including international tours and high-profile collaborations, and his strategy to live day by day to manage anxiety.

Miles Smith ([38:33]):
"Otherwise, it's way too much. So I have to just live it day to day."

Balancing Personal Life: He reflects on the sacrifices required for success, such as missing out on personal milestones, and the ongoing attempt to balance professional demands with personal well-being.

Miles Smith ([39:23]):
"You want to do this thing, but it also means I have to miss out on a lot of life as well."

7. Musical Philosophy and Community

Engaging with the Audience: Miles shares his philosophy of building a community through his performances, aiming to create an inclusive and interactive environment rather than merely performing to an audience.

Miles Smith ([09:09]):
"I strongly believe as an artist, I shouldn't sing at people. I should be singing with people."

Authenticity on Stage: He describes moments during performances where his ADHD leads him to interact spontaneously with the crowd, reinforcing the sense of community.

Miles Smith ([09:09]):
"It's like we're all figuring it out. Sometimes I have ADHD and I'll stop a song mid-show to point out something or talk to someone."

8. Reflections and Advice

Encouraging Others: Miles offers advice to listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles, emphasizing that they are not alone and that their struggles do not define their worth.

Miles Smith ([12:50]):
"One is not your fault. It took me so long, but don’t place so much of your own value into a divorce."

Empowerment Through Music: He underscores the therapeutic role of music in processing emotions and connecting with others who share similar experiences.

Miles Smith ([19:17]):
"Music is probably the one time that I feel truly creative and free."

9. Quickfire Questions

In a light-hearted segment, Jamie and Miles engage in quickfire questions, revealing personal tidbits and showcasing Miles's down-to-earth personality.

Notable Responses:

• Phrase that makes him smile:
  Miles Smith ([50:48]): "Oh, get lit."

• What scares him most:
  Miles Smith ([51:00]): "My workaholism."

• Best compliment received:
  Miles Smith ([51:12]): "You're a beautiful person."

• Favorite lyric he’s written:
  Miles Smith ([52:44]): "Oh, you don't have to be so strong when you're with me."

10. Conclusion

Jamie Laing wraps up the episode by expressing immense pride and gratitude for Miles Smith's openness and the impactful nature of his music. The episode serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, authenticity, and the healing power of creative expression.

Jamie Laing ([53:07]):
"Myles, if you're listening to this, you're incredible. And I really appreciate you giving us your time."

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Through Adversity: Miles's experiences with his parents' divorce and racism shaped his identity and fueled his passion for music as a means of processing emotions.

• The Power of Community: Emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections, Miles fosters a sense of belonging among his fans and peers.

• Mental Health Awareness: Open discussions about social anxiety and the importance of therapy highlight the need for mental health support in the public eye.

• Authentic Success: Despite rapid fame, Miles remains grounded by living day by day and prioritizing personal well-being over long-term planning.

• Empowerment Through Music: Miles's journey underscores how music can serve as a powerful tool for healing and inspiring others facing similar challenges.

This episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing offers listeners a profound and relatable exploration of overcoming personal struggles, the challenges of fame, and the enduring impact of authentic artistry.