Alain de Botton views the world in a way that is profound yet easy to understand; a modern-day philosopher and essayist, he set up the School of Life, which explores self-understanding and aims to educate people on the aspects of life we don’t get taught at school - like relationships, careers, anxiety, ageing and so much more. I had the honour of sitting down with Alain to chat, and am so pleased it was recorded as I’ll be listening back to this episode aplenty. What is love? How do we navigate heartbreak? Why is our childhood so informant on the rest of our lives? How do we sit with ourselves? And while we’re at it - what actually is the meaning of life? Alain talks me through why we experience the ‘ick’, the emotional burdens parents project onto their children, and how breakdowns can be breakthroughs. He also helps me understand better my own relationship, examining how attachment styles and past experiences can shape the way we love. This conversation is rich in kindness and full of appreciation for the complexities of being a human.  If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast And if you want to read Alain's latest book, A Therapeutic Journey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Therapeutic-Journey-Lessons-School-Life/dp/0241642558 -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji and Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fastest-selling male album debut of the 2010s, winning two BRITs and touring with Shania Twain, you might expect Rag’n’Bone Man to be arrogant but Rory Graham is shy and self deprecating, seemingly unaware of his star - and therefore immediately likeable. Before the astronomical success of “Human”, Rory spent years in the underground music scene, alongside being a carer - the best job he’s had besides being a popstar. Rory and I chat about school bullies, and he opens up about losing his mum and how the grief hits differently being a parent himself. We also chat about blended families and shares the story of how he met his fiancé. Joking about how he was tired of moving people to tears with his music, Rory’s third album, 'What Do You Believe In?' is a new sound and shows he’s much more than just that incredible voice - he’s a man who’s lived, loved and learned to appreciate every step of his journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji and Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm not a big reader, but last year, I read a book called The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and was so moved by it, I DM’d the author, never expecting a reply… Robin Sharma is an internationally renowned author and motivational speaker, who responds to DMs with kindness and time. This is the conversation that followed that DM… Finding your joy, embracing suffering and how constant optimism can come at a cost, Robin challenges conventional notions of success: having coached billionaires, he shares how his personal journey, particularly a transformative visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, led him to redefine his life’s purpose and share that with others. Robin also explains to me how valid the excuse of not having time for what matters is, and whether we all have, in fact, the power to reshape our lives and find the time for the things we love. This is an uplifting conversation with plenty of takeaways and inspiration for a better way of looking at life. You can also follow us on: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Ewan Newbigging-Lister Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji & Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura Coughlan This is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is ADHD? Are you born with it? How can it affect your life and the people around you? Nicole Vignola, neuroscientist and ADHD expert joins me for an expert special episode of Great Company to talk all things ADHD. Branded as a naughty child, with difficulty regulating emotions and concentrating, I was diagnosed with ADHD while at school, and later in life struggled with chasing thrills which left me feeling empty. With Nicole, I ask all the questions I've ever wanted answered about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and discover the reason behind the rise in adult diagnoses. Nicole also shares with me what’s happening in our brains when we fall in love, or go through a break up, and how we can help ourselves when we’re in a cycle of overthinking. This episode is a fascinating listen for anyone who’s ever felt they’re wired a little differently… And if you want more of Nicole, you can find her on IG: @nicolesneuroscience or grab a copy of her latest book, Rewire here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/rewire/nicole-vignola/9780241661833#:~:text=CHANGE%20YOUR%20MIND%20TO%20CHANGE,to%20achieve%20peak%20mental%20wellbeing If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji & Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura Coughlan This is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing up in a space you don’t fit in; feeling like a fish out of water around your own family, Rob Rinder’s polished accent and loquacious tone might not point to his working class roots. We're often mistaken for brothers, but Rob’s background is starkly different from mine…Opening up, Rob discusses his attitude to privilege and the undeniable love he felt from parents who perhaps didn’t fully understand him. Concerned his sexuality might disappoint his single mother and Tottenham Hotspur obsessed father, Rob trained as a barrister, working across a vast array of cases which led to burnout and ultimately leaving the law, and turning to television, appearing on our screens as Judge Rinder, and more recently with new best friend, Rylan, exploring the art world in Italy. This conversation is a reminder that we all carry wonderful complexities that make us unique, and despite appearances and differences, to experience love is the greatest privilege of all. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji & Ryley Kirby Social Media: Laura Coughlan This is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the heights of winning the original Pop Idol, to the depths of an anxiety disorder during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Will Young is a stalwart of pop culture, selling over 10 million albums globally, winning two BRITs and an Olivier nomination.  Growing up watching him at weekends whilse I was at boarding school, I get to chat to Will, my Saturday night saviour about his experience at boarding school and the abuse he endured. We also discuss the impact of Will’s coming out as gay in 2002 and the time a fan shared the importance of that act, and how being single in your 40s is not to be pitied. Will also shares with me the heartbreaking loss of his twin brother to suicide, and how he approaches grief with a refreshing (if not a little Greek) attitude. After once falling out of love with the music industry, Will Young is back releasing his ninth studio album Light It Up (it's so great!). Through the ups and downs of fame, one thing has stayed constant: Will's resilience, grounded nature, and unwavering kindness. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much does it cost to become an Olympic athlete? Equipment, kit, gym, a coach, competitions, travel and time to train. When funding is cut for a sport, it makes an already tough mountain all the more impossible to climb. Emily Campbell is one such athlete who had to self-fund her Olympic career and has gone on to become the only female Olympic medalist in British weightlifting history, winning Silver in Tokyo. Ahead of the Paris Games, she came into the studio to chat to me candidly. Growing up in a deprived area of Nottingham, Emily’s strength is evident far beyond the bars: overcoming injury, lack of funding, battling racism and perceptions of women’s bodies, she’s always had the unwavering support of her family and community behind her. With her infectious sense of humour, she is a huge advocate for change and inclusive spaces. My mind is suitably blown by the weights Emily can lift, and of course I ask for a little insight into the hijinks of the Olympic village when the competition is over… Emily will be competing for Team GB on Sunday 11th August 2024 - LET’S GO EMILY!! If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Editor: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan This is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loneliness, grief and addiction juxtaposed by an incredible fearlessness and strength, beauty founder, Trinny Woodall became a household name in the 00s on our television screens, but now you’ll find her products from Trinny London all over the internet. From TV star to CEO, Trinny and I have plenty to talk about, from building a brand to enormous television success, Trinny’s path has not been straightforward; starting on the trading floor, she hit rock bottom at 26 with an addiction to drugs. Navigating the loneliness that comes with recovery and a complicated bereavement of her ex-husband, Trinny is a beacon of strength and success. This conversation is teeming with inspiration for anyone who’s ever been made to feel not enough. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan This is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can being more productive lead to a more fulfilling life? World-leading expert and entrepreneur, Ali Abdaal sits down with me to talk about the pressure of finding purpose in life and the importance of finding the fun. Ali Abdaal has garnered over 5 million subscribers with his insightful productivity tips and study hacks, amassing more than 380 million views. Before his online success, Ali was on a different path, training and working as a junior doctor. But in 2019 he came to crossroads, he had a pivotal realisation: the conventional path he was on might not be the one he truly wanted… Questioning the very goals he had spent years working towards as a doctor, Ali shares his unique "3 P’s" technique—Play, Power, and People—for finding joy in activities, leading to better outcomes. And opens up about the impact of growing up without a father, revealing how it has left him out of touch with his emotional side. This episode is reminder that there's much more to life than just getting things done. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast — THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From singing Bohemian Rhapsody on American Idol to singing it with Brian May for the Queen at the Platinum Jubilee, Adam Lambert’s voice has taken him to astronomical heights, winning 14 awards internationally. Growing up in California, with no queer role models, he found his voice through theatre and performing. Unbeknownst to him, his mother sought advice from a local community group for parents of queer children, something she didn’t reveal to him until years later Working relentlessly in theatre ensemble casts, he made a decision to be fearless and quit his job to audition for American Idol, something that would change the course of his life. He discusses with me the challenges of sudden fame, understanding his sexuality and being a horny teenager. This is a conversation about being brave and owning who you are Listen to Adam’s brand new EP ‘Afters’ here: https://adamlambert.net/releases/ If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big white collar, black specs, and a bald head. Harry Hill is a cherished part of television culture from TV Burp to You’ve Been Framed, for many (including me!), he was a big part of childhood. Having quickly discovered that he was not cut out to be a doctor, Harry pursued a career in comedy, becoming the first ever winner of the Edinburgh New Comer (formerly Perrier) award. Together, Harry and I ponder his iconic look, why he’ll never be caught swearing publicly and Harry pitches me a pretty dodgy television proposal. This is a playful conversation that investigates the importance of being silly. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Posting online every single hour, of every single day, for years. That’s how founder of The Good Quote, Meggan Roxanne, grew her staggering 24.3million followers online. Propelling the careers of Jay Shetty, Steven Bartlett and more, Meggan launched The Good Quote (previously Kush and Wizdom) during a deep depression.  Years later, after battles with depression, Meggan received life changing news when her mother was given a terminal diagnosis, something that made her stop everything to care for her. A hugely defining experience, she shares with me the full rollercoaster, from her mother coming over as part of the Windrush generation, the obstacles she overcame and the opportunities she gave Meggan.  This episode is deeply touching and incredibly inspiring, moving even Jamie to tears. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An obsession with fame, a breakdown that left him unable to make a cup of tea, and THAT scene on X Factor with Nicole Scherzinger, Rylan Clark joins me for this week’s episode. Rylan hit our screens in 2012 on TV talent show, X Factor and quickly became one of the most talked about contestants. Fast forward 12 years and he’s gone from TV joke to national treasure. But all the success came at a cost, when Rylan suffered a breakdown in 2021 and had to step away from the limelight. Opening up about why he triggered that change, and the difference between his onscreen presence, Rylan, and his true self, Ross, this conversation will both make you laugh and cry. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Panic attacks, the value of true friendship and having a crush, Madeline Argy sits down with me for a rare interview away from her own camera. Madeline's candour and skill in honest and hilarious storytelling has built her a Tiktok empire of over 5 million followers. As a fellow oversharer, this interview is unfiltered and dives straight into Madeline's wild distraction techniques as an anxious child, why friendships are more important than partners and the real reason she started TikTok. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with Tourette's, overcoming anxiety, and realising I don't resemble Judge Rob Rinder quite as much as he thought, I welcome a guest whose success has inspired millions, including myself - one of the original YouTuber's, Caspar Lee. Having started his channel as a teenager his subscriber count quickly skyrocketed to seven million, I now have the chance to sit down with Caspar to chat about life after YouTube. Despite his massive following, Caspar battled anxiety, to the point where he couldn't even go on a date with his fiancée [13.51]. He explores how he transitioned to running four successful businesses and the pressures of entrepreneurship [22.48] and how he has learned to embrace his Tourette's diagnosis at the age of six to the point where he is now proud of it. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains graphic descriptions of birth loss, trauma and PTSD Life-threatening haemorrhages, almost dying on the operating table, and suffering with post natal depression, I sit down with my old friend, Louise Thompson to simply ask: How are you? Since growing up together on Made in Chelsea, Louise’s life drastically changed in November 2021, when she gave birth to her son, Leo, in a complicated emergency C-section [09.20] - a day she called the ‘best and worst day of my life’. Louise opens up to me about the moment she thought she had died [28.01] and the devastating fallout, both physically and emotionally following that time. This interview is raw and open, but shows the strength of human resilience, and the love and admiration between old friends whose lives have taken turns they’d never have foreseen. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Editor: Ewan Newbigging-Lister Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's Go Girls.... Overcoming grief, illness, heartbreak, sexism, losing her voice, Shania Twain is a cultural icon whose resilience is truly astonishing. Selling over 100 million albums worldwide, her story is one of fearlessness and strength. Shania joins me to share her wisdom and optimism, always finding the silver lining in life. Growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, she reached a pivotal moment at her lowest point; choosing to never feel so miserable again, she convinced her mother to leave her father [18:45]. From there she eventually went on to becoming an international superstar, but not without much grief and hardship, losing both her parents in a car crash [36:02], she also opens up about learning to let go and forgive [32:52]. This episode reveals the human side of the pop star we know as Shania. And, of course, we could let her leave without finding out - what does impress her? If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jamie Gilbert Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reframing the narrative on psychedelics, how alcohol is the most destructive drug in society, and the debate on legalising drugs, leading expert in psychedelic research, Dr Rayyan Zafar joins me to change your perspective on this fascinating topic. With only 30% of the population actually responding to anti-depressants, Dr Zafar reveals the potential of psychedelics as an alternative to anti-depressants [17.53], the REAL reason why drugs are illegal [35.48] and explains how gambling addictions are a serious mental health illness [48:44]. This is an eye-opening conversation aiming to really challenge your perception of these subjects. To find out more on Dr Zafar you can find him on: Instagram: @rayyanzaf @icaro.events Twitter: @RayyanZafar6 Websites: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/ // https://www.drugscience.org.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jamie Gilbert Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the cult-like world of Playboy, financial abuse at the hands of her husband and building her life up after leaving the “bunny” empire at 31, Crystal Hefner is a NYT best selling Author, American model and the third wife of Hugh Hefner. Crystal reveals how she entered the Playboy mansion as a young, introverted women; the collateral damage of a highly competitive and misogynistic environment. Running away from a cover-shoot 5 days before her wedding, and how she took back her power over the last decade. This is an empowering conversation about choosing yourself after years of objectification and misogyny. If you want to read Crystal Hefner’s book, 'Only Say Good Things', find it here: https://amzn.eu/d/44SrACp If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jamie Gilbert Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misconceptions about the gut, its astonishing connection to our mental wellbeing, and the truth about Ultra-Processed Foods, leading expert and Head Nutritionist at ZOE, Dr Federica Amati joins me for this special guest expert episode of Great Company. Dr Federica reveals staggering statistics, sheds light on alcohol's direct impact on risk of cancer [16.12], unpacks common misconceptions [05.50] and explains the surprising link between diet and our personal lives - from dating, to fertility [29.20] This is a fascinating conversation that will nourish your mind and change your eating habits. If you want to read Dr Federica’s latest book, you can find it here: https://amzn.eu/d/8cEF7hp If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast THE CREDITS: Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Booking: Ben Johns Video: Jamie Gilbert Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.