Podcast
We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
Hosted by WNTT · EN
The most powerful conversations are the ones we usually avoid. Hosted by Paul C. Brunson, We Need To Talk is a show that empowers people to have the conversations they avoid by creating a safe, supportive, and insightful space that encourages vulnerability, self-discovery, and real-world connection.
From breakups to breakthroughs, conflict to connection, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the human experiences and relationships that define us.
Instagram: @needtotalk
TikTok: @weneedtotalkpod
47episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Colton Underwood: I Thought The Bachelor Would Make Me Straight “I Prayed To God”
Today01:42:47Summary readyColton Underwood became one of the most talked-about figures in reality TV after going from the NFL to The Bachelor, before publicly coming out as gay in one of the most scrutinised moments of his life. In this rare conversation, Colton reflects on growing up in football, faith and the Midwest, while privately knowing he was gay and trying desperately to hide it. He speaks about praying to be straight, building a fake public life, and the pressure of becoming “the virgin Bachelor” while living behind what he describes as a spiderweb of lies. Colton opens up about the rules, secrecy and fear that shaped his relationships, the NFL locker room culture that kept him in the closet, and the blackmail that pushed him toward finally coming out. He also reflects on his time on the US Traitors, the backlash that followed, and why he believes some viewers still misunderstand who he is now. Now a husband and father, Colton speaks about accountability, healing, and what it means to stop performing after years of hiding who he really was. Colton Underwood, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. Please take care while watching. We’ve included links to support resources below: Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2kE85 MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Colton here: https://www.instagram.com/coltonunderwood/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonunderwood (00:00) Intro (01:51) Early Life and Upbringing (07:14) Growing Up Gay in the Midwest (09:07) How Colton’s Parents' Divorce Affected Him (12:13) Navigating His Sexuality As A Teenager (24:28) Being Drafted into the NFL (29:21) Navigating Homophobia in American Football (37:03) Saily Ad (38:11) How Colton Got on The Bachelor (42:35) Why Colton Became Known as the Virgin Bachelor (45:46) How Colton Hid His Sexuality on The Bachelor (48:14) The Fence Jump That Changed The Bachelor (56:15) Backlash from The Traitors (01:02:39) ID Mobile Ad (01:04:29) Colton Opens Up About Xanax & Alcohol Abuse (01:06:56) Being Blackmailed And Coming Out (01:15:51) Paul Surprised Colton (01:17:22) How Colton Met His Husband Jordan (01:19:36) Going Through Surrogacy in the USA (01:24:29) Paul Surprises Colton With A Letter (01:25:44) Writing His New Book, Dear Bishop (01:31:56) Would Colton Do Another Reality TV Show? (01:33:14) Most Memorable Conversation (01:36:46) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Saily - Download from the app store and use code WNTT at checkout for 15% off. For more details: https://saily.com/wntt ⛵ iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ — your voice is more powerful than you think. https://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryWe Staged Our Paparazzi Photos And Split The Money! We're Talking Reality TV "Villains"
5d ago00:29:35Summary readySpencer Pratt and Harry Jowsey pull back the curtain on the reality TV machine. Spencer reveals how The Hills changed television forever, the truth behind reality TV villains, staged paparazzi moments, and the strategy that made him one of the most talked-about figures of the 2000s. Harry shares what really happens behind the scenes of shows like Too Hot To Handle, how contestants chase screen time, the psychological impact of life in a reality TV bubble, and the tactics he used to turn a dating show into a global career. This is a candid look inside reality TV, fame, villain edits, producer manipulation, social media stardom, and what it really takes to stay relevant once the cameras stop rolling. We're Talking Reality TV "Villains" (00:00) Intro (00:27) How Real Was The Hills? (01:16) How Spencer Landed The Hills (03:56) The Peak of Spencer’s Fame (08:40) Spencer’s Reality TV Legacy Explained (10:26) Why The Hills Came to an End (11:15) Does Spencer Regret The Hills? (12:43) Spencer’s Role in Kardashian Success (16:46) What Harry Wanted From Too Hot to Handle (22:29) Why Harry Thrives on Reality TV (25:00) How Reality TV Supercharged Harry’s Fame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard: “No One Has Really Listened To Me… Until Now”
1w ago02:22:04Summary readyGypsy-Rose Blanchard became one of the most recognisable women in modern true crime after the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, and the alleged medical abuse that shocked the world. In this rare conversation, Gypsy reflects on the childhood she says was built on lies, the complex relationship with her mother, and the questions she believes were never asked. She opens up about wanting to be loved, the relationships that shaped her life, and the catastrophic dynamic with Nick Godejohn, who is now serving life in prison. Gypsy revisits the night Dee Dee was killed, and the thinking behind what happened. She also reflects on guilt, accountability and whether her prison sentence was fair for the crime that was committed. Now a mother herself, Gypsy reflects on the kind of parent she wants to become, the cycles she is determined to break, and how she begins to move forward when the world still knows you by your darkest chapter. Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of child abuse, medical abuse, sexual assault and murder. Please take care while watching. We’ve included links to support resources below: NSPCC: https://linkly.link/2kE84 Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2kE85 MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b The Survivor’s Trust: https://linkly.link/2kE8q RAINN: https://linkly.link/2kE8h Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Gypsy-Rose here: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyrose.insta https://www.tiktok.com/@gypsyrose_blanchard727 (00:00) Intro (02:14) The Notoriety of Gypsy-Rose (03:10) Early Life (07:28) Gypsy's Mother's Mental Health Issues (12:04) Alleged Sexual Assault in Childhood (16:35) Why Gypsy-Rose Left the Family Home (18:11) The Medical Procedures Gypsy-Rose Underwent (33:36) Did Gypsy Feel Loved by Anyone as a Child? (39:36) Dating as a Teenager (50:38) How Gypsy Met Nick (01:03:50) Gypsy Reflects On The Night Her Mother Died (01:24:57) The Aftermath of the Murder and Court Proceedings (01:32:02) Time in Prison (01:35:24) How Gypsy Met Her First Husband in Prison (01:54:39) How Gypsy Adjusted to Life After Prison (02:05:30) The Birth of Gypsy's Daughter With Ken (02:15:51) Most Memorable Conversation (02:17:35) Paul's Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryLittle Mix & One Direction: What REALLY Happened Off Stage
2w ago00:23:23Summary readyPerrie Edwards and Lou Teasdale pull back the curtain on life inside two of the biggest pop groups of a generation. Perrie reflects on growing up in Little Mix, becoming one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, public heartbreak, pressure, and the sisterhood that carried them through. Lou shares what it was really like touring the world with One Direction, raising her daughter on the road, the fan chaos, the private jets, and why life behind the scenes was far less glamorous than it looked. This is a rare look inside Little Mix, One Direction, fame, friendship, and the real cost of growing up in the spotlight. (00:00) Intro (00:32) The Success of Little Mix (02:00) How Little Mix Shaped Perrie as a Woman (04:17) Why Perrie Still Sees Little Mix as Underdogs (08:02) Perrie’s Most Challenging Time in Little Mix (09:20) Finding Stability While Touring the World (12:23) How Lou Started Working With One Direction (14:14) The First One Direction Tour (14:57) How Fame Changed the Members of One Direction (17:10) The Best Moments of Life on Tour (19:34) The Wildest Things Fans Did to Meet One Direction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary
Tom Read Wilson Finally Tells His Story: “It Was A Constant Barrage Of Verbal Abuse”
2w ago01:41:55Summary readyTom Read Wilson reflects on life after I’m A Celebrity and the private story behind the voice, warmth and eccentricity that made the nation fall in love with him. He opens up about growing up feeling othered, the secret that once felt like a ticking time bomb, and the anxiety that affected his relationship with food for many years. Tom also reflects on coming out, the sister who became his safe place, and why the jungle helped him lose his ego and feel truly seen. In a conversation shaped by nearly nine years of friendship, Paul and Tom look back on Celebs Go Dating, the moments that brought them close, and the bond that has quietly become one of the most important relationships in both of their lives. Funny, tender and unexpected, this is Tom Read Wilson on queerness, friendship, family, self-acceptance and learning to celebrate the parts of yourself the world once made you question. Tom Read Wilson, We Need To Talk A heads up this conversation includes discussion of mental health and eating disorders. We’ve included links to support resources below: CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Tom here: https://www.instagram.com/tomreadwilson (00:00) Intro (05:55) Tom’s Upbringing (07:25) Becoming Aware of Prejudice (08:51) Tom’s Identity in His Teens (16:18) How Tom Came Out (18:31) Paul Shows Tom a Photo of Him and His Siblings (23:46) Tom’s Struggle With Eating (30:43) Tom’s Career as an Actor (34:51) Tom Appearance on The Voice (40:57) Accusations About Tom’s Voice (45:51) Cast on Celebs Go Dating (48:41) Which Celebrities Stood Out to Tom on CGD? (51:08) Paul Shows Tom a Photo of Him and Gemma Collins (53:21) Paul’s Appreciation For Tom (55:57) Tom on His Romantic Life (58:00) Tom Has Made Paul Officially ‘Naughty’ (01:01:11) Why Tom Went on I’m a Celebrity (01:02:59) What Is the Environment Really Like on I’m a Celebrity? (01:04:33) What Tom Loved Most About I’m a Celebrity (01:08:46) Who Did Tom Get on With Most on I’m a Celebrity? (01:17:06) Tom’s Final Bushtucker Trial (01:23:18) Surprise Letter From Campmate Ruby Wax (01:26:20) Tom’s Relationship With Paul’s Family (01:28:11) Tom’s Talent for Accents (01:37:26) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ - your voice is more powerful than you thinkhttps://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryWe're Talking Parenting Tips with Jo Frost
3w ago00:24:55Summary readyJo Frost, known to millions as Supernanny, joins us for an honest conversation about modern parenting, discipline, screen time and the pressure families are carrying today. Jo reflects on why children need boundaries as much as love, why parents must take responsibility for the devices they put in their children’s hands, and how discipline can be firm without becoming fear-based. She speaks openly about timeouts, smacking, emotional safety, social media, racism, gun violence and the anxiety many parents feel trying to raise children in an increasingly complicated world. Jo also shares why the most important work starts with conversation: between parents, partners and children. We’re Talking Parenting (00:00) Intro (00:35) Paul Asks Jo Questions from the Suggestion Box (01:39) Jo's Thoughts on Navigating Screen Time with Children (05:12) The Philosophy Behind the 'Naughty Step' (09:56) Paul and Jo's Thoughts on Spanking (11:34) What Would Jo Like to Say to the Supernanny Haters? (12:53) What is the Difference Between Discipline in the UK Versus the US? (17:11) Paul and Jo Discuss the Importance of Talking with Your Partner About Parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary
ArrDee on Hidden Addiction and Becoming A Dad
3w ago02:02:50Summary readyArrDee reflects on the story behind Oliver Twist, Body and his rise as one of the UK’s most recognisable young rappers. He opens up about growing up in Brighton, being raised by his mum, and the complicated relationship with his father that shaped his need for attention, fame and approval. ArrDee shares how music became his way of expressing pain, why he first hid behind the “cheeky” persona, and what really happened when his career exploded during lockdown. He also speaks candidly about the darker side of early fame, from spending his first major advance to partying, addiction, ketamine, alcohol and the moments where he was trying to numb himself behind the success. ArrDee reflects on the guilt he carries around his brother’s psychosis, the pressure of being labelled an industry plant, and how becoming a father has changed the way he sees himself. From music and addiction to fame, family and fatherhood, this is ArrDee on the boy behind the bravado, and the man he is trying to become. ArrDee, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. Please watch with care. Support resources are linked below: CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow ArrDee here: https://www.instagram.com/arrdeegram/ https://www.tiktok.com/@arrdeetik (00:00) Intro (03:33) How ArrDee’s Name Was Born (04:46) Growing Up in Brighton (06:12) ArrDee’s Relationship With His Mum (07:59) Growing Up Without His Father (14:52) The First Song ArrDee Wrote (17:43) The Song That Changed Everything (20:36) How ArrDee Signed His First Record Deal (26:09) What ArrDee Did With His First Record Deal Money (28:02) The Story Behind ArrDee’s Feature on “Body” (33:24) How ArrDee Wrote “Oliver Twist” (35:08) ArrDee Reads a Letter From His Mum (39:53) ID Mobile Ad (41:03) How Fame at 19 Changed ArrDee (44:57) Making “Oliver Twist” Music Video (50:34) Did ArrDee Struggle With Addiction? (52:19) ArrDee Addresses Industry Plant Accusations (54:35) Being a White Rapper in the Music Industry (01:01:58) ID Mobile Ad (01:04:26) ArrDee’s First Time Meeting His Dad (01:24:32) Why ArrDee Became an Independent Artist (01:34:09) ArrDee’s Relationship With His Brother (01:40:16) Fatherhood and Relationship With Ocean (01:46:05) Fatherhood and Sobriety (01:49:38) ArrDee Receives Letter From Ocean (01:53:31) Most Memorable Conversation (01:57:05) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ - your voice is more powerful than you thinkhttps://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryI Had £60 Left When I Met The Love Of My Life: We’re Talking Love Stories
4w ago00:21:51Summary readyLorna Luxe opens up about the love story she shared with her late husband, John - from meeting him by chance on a night out in Brighton to marrying him just a year and a half later. Lorna reflects on their 21-year age gap, why she trusted him instantly, the childhood experiences that shaped what she needed from love, and the moment she realised this relationship felt different to anything she had known before. She speaks honestly about marriage, loyalty, emotional safety, grief, and why she would choose the same love story all over again. We're Talking: Love Stories (00:00) Intro (00:32) How Lorna and John First Met (03:02) How Their Relationship Quickly Developed (08:38) What Friends and Family Really Thought About the Relationship (10:32) The Truth About Age-Gap Relationships (12:09) Inside Lorna and John’s Marriage (16:39) The ‘Father Hunger’ Theory Explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary
Akon: The Truth About My Multiple Wives & The Real Cost of Fame
4w ago01:48:18Summary readyAkon reflects on the life behind some of the biggest songs of the 2000s, and the choices, controversies and turning points that shaped him long before global fame. He opens up about growing up between Senegal and the US, the criminal world he entered before music, and the prison sentence that he believes saved his life. Akon shares how ‘Locked Up’ began behind bars, why music became his way out, and how he learned to turn pain, business instinct and controversy into worldwide success. The conversation also explores his views on polyamory, having multiple wives, and why he believes honesty, rules and communication are essential in that dynamic. He also reflects on his friendship with Michael Jackson, the side of him the public rarely saw, and the questions he still has about his passing. Akon looks back on the moments that made him, the mistakes that nearly ended him, and the legacy he is still trying to build. Akon, We Need To Talk Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Akon here: https://www.instagram.com/akon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@akon (00:00) Intro (01:38) Akon Addresses The Hamster Ball (06:29) Touring With Ne-Yo (07:52) Why Akon’s Audience Isn’t Who You’d Expect (15:11) Opening The Door For Artists Like Wizkid (20:15) Every Song Had To Be Ringtone Friendly (22:26) Mr Lonely Changed Everything (26:53) The Blackout That Changed Akon’s Purpose (30:53) ID Mobile Ad (33:06) Akon’s Relationship With Michael Jackson (45:20) Growing Up Between Senegal And America (48:13) Selling Stolen Cars To Fund Music Career (55:50) How Jail Changed Akon’s Life Forever (01:04:58) Huel Ad (01:06:06) What Still Pains Akon Today? (01:08:12) “I Say Ignorant Things On Purpose” (01:11:32) What Is Akon’s Real Name? (01:16:43) Akon Explains His Polyamorous Life (01:32:22) Akon Talks About His New Album (01:36:46) Most Memorable Conversation (01:42:32) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ - your voice is more powerful than you thinkhttps://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Huel - http://Huel.com/WNTT with code WNTT for £10 off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryThe Quiet Struggles We Carry Alone
May 1400:28:48Summary readyFor Mental Health Awareness Week, we speak with Charlie Mackesy about anxiety, grief, loneliness and the quiet struggles so many of us carry alone. The bestselling author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse speaks openly about anxiety attacks, loss, vulnerability, male loneliness and why asking for help matters. In this open and honest conversation, Charlie reflects on the dark periods that shaped him, the friends he has lost, and the inner critic so many of us live with. He also shares the practical tools that helped him through anxiety, and why connection, honesty and feeling loved matter more than perfection. We're Talking Mental Health If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below: Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb (00:00) Intro (00:42) Charlie Breaks Down the Darkest Period of His Life (04:36) How Paul and Charlie Actually Deal With Anxiety (12:48) Charlie’s ADHD Diagnosis and What It Changed (14:39) How Drawing Became Charlie’s Escape (16:12) Paul and Charlie on Grief and What Actually Helps (20:39) Charlie on the Loneliness Epidemic and Why It’s Growing (23:17) How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Build Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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