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
64episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Little Mix & One Direction: What REALLY Happened Off Stage
Jun 400:23:23Summary 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”
Jun 201:41:55Summary 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
May 2800:24:55Summary 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
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ArrDee on Hidden Addiction and Becoming A Dad
May 2602:02:50Summary 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
May 2100:21:51Summary 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
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Akon: The Truth About My Multiple Wives & The Real Cost of Fame
May 1901:48:18Summary 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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Michelle Heaton: The Truth About Popstars & My Hidden Addictions “I Couldn’t Stop”
May 1202:12:24Summary readyMichelle Heaton reflects on the reality of 2000s fame, from competing on Popstars to forming Liberty X and stepping into a pop world that was often chaotic and intense. She opens up about what was really happening behind the headlines: the pressure to look a certain way, the shame she carried around her body, and the early patterns of addiction that followed her long before she could name them.Michelle speaks candidly about alcohol and drug addiction, hiding the truth from her husband and children, and the painful moments where part of her wanted to be caught. Michelle also reflects on the friends who tried to help, the conversation with Katie Price that helped lead her to rehab, and the impact her addiction had on her marriage, motherhood and sense of self.Michelle also shares the emotional toll of her BRCA2 diagnosis, preventative double mastectomy and early hysterectomy, and what it meant to go through menopause in her early 30s while losing her sense of identity.Now five years sober, this is a conversation about fame, shame, survival, family, recovery and learning to give yourself grace.Michelle Heaton, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of suicide, addiction and eating disorders. Please watch with care. Support resources are linked below: Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Beat Eating Disorders https://linkly.link/2dx8y Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Michelle here: https://www.instagram.com/wonderwomanshel/ https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleheatonofficial (00:00) Intro (01:26) What Makes Someone a Geordie? (06:28) Body Image Struggles (08:44) Being Cast on Popstars (12:53) Going Back to a Normal Job After Popstars (16:47) How Liberty X Was Formed (23:53) Hear’Say vs Liberty X (27:04) The Highs & Lows of Life in Liberty X (35:02) Paul Surprises Michelle With a Letter (37:40) ID Mobile Ad (38:53) Relationship With the Press (42:00) Relationship With Andy Scott-Lee (47:58) ID Mobile Ad (50:45) First Experiences With Substance Abuse (56:10) Addiction to Alcohol and Binge Eating (01:04:33) Impact of Hysterectomy (01:11:55) Hiding Addiction From Everyone (01:15:19) How Addiction Affected Her Marriage (01:28:53) How Michelle Eventually Went to Rehab (01:40:24) The Reality of Mastectomies & Hysterectomies (01:57:11) Surprise Message From Her Children (01:58:14) Paul Reads a Letter From Michelle’s Husband (02:01:34) Most Memorable Conversation (02:06:32) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: 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
SummaryWhat Happens When You Get Famous Young
May 700:24:14Summary readyAJ McLean and Cody Simpson open up about the darker side of the music industry, from exploitation and manipulation behind the scenes to the personal fallout of becoming famous too young. AJ reflects on Lou Pearlman, the betrayal at the heart of the Backstreet Boys’ rise, and what it cost the band to break free, while Cody shares how early fame, unlimited access and pressure on a young brain pushed him into a period of partying, substance abuse and psychosis. Together, their stories reveal the real cost of fame when success comes before you’re ready for it. We're Talking The Cost of Fame This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. We've included support charities below: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb (00:00) Intro (00:37) Lou Perlman’s Hold on the Backstreet Boys (02:50) The Real Dynamic Between the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC (04:45) What Is Lou Perlman’s Legacy? (09:14) Cody Reflects on the Dark Side of Fame at a Young Age (16:42) Cody Opens Up About the Darkest Period of His Pop Career Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Divorce Lawyer Reveals Why Marriages Really Fail
May 501:53:31Summary readyJames Sexton is one of the world’s most famous divorce lawyers, and in this conversation he explains what divorce, cheating, marriage and prenups really look like behind closed doors. He speaks openly about why marriages fail, why every couple already has a prenup, and why most people wait too long to understand what they are really signing up for. James also shares what it means to be a high-conflict divorce attorney, why he calls himself “a weapon in court”, and how he protects clients through some of the most painful moments of their lives. He reflects on infidelity, custody battles, domestic abuse cases, and the brutal psychology of what really happens when love turns into war. But this conversation is also about love. James explains why marriage should be harder to get into and easier to leave, why disconnection starts long before divorce, and why the real work of a relationship is choosing each other again and again. James Sexton, We Need To Talk Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow James here:https://www.instagram.com/nycdivorcelawyer/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nycdivorce (00:00) Intro (02:03) The World’s Most Famous Divorce Lawyer (03:14) “I Hope Your Marriage Ends in Death” (06:30) Should I Get A Prenup? (10:54) The Patriarchal History of Marriage (14:42) James’ Definition of Divorce (22:18) James Opens Up About His Own Divorce (24:38) Representing Clients Who’ve Done Terrible Things (27:25) How to Know If a Couple Should Divorce (33:31) Shopify AD (34:42) How and When to Start the Divorce Conversation (39:45) When Should You Speak to a Divorce Lawyer? (44:22) Three Things to Consider Before Getting Married (51:43) James’ Most Memorable Case (55:39) The Main Reason for Divorce (57:16) Likelihood of Marrying After Divorce (01:03:47) Paul and James on Love and Relationships (01:14:41) Why Checking In With Your Partner Matters (01:20:16) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (01:37:48) Most Memorable Conversation (01:45:47) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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