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Great Company with Jamie Laing

Jampot Productions

No gimmicks; just Great Company.


Join Jamie every Wednesday as he's joined by great guests for great conversation: it's GREAT COMPANY


A JamPot Original Podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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ComedyComedy
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Episodes

LL COOL J: I WATCHED MY FATHER SHOOT MY MOTHER
Yesterday
LL COOL J: I WATCHED MY FATHER SHOOT MY MOTHER
If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour.From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was his calling, but his journey to success was far from easy. At just four years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother - an experience that shaped him, taught him resilience and maintaining a sense of calm in a storm. Despite the heights of his success and fame, LL confesses to being a bit of a bookworm and introvert - surprising considering how infectious his energy is and open his heart - he talks to me about the importance of chosen family and generosity, revealing that he gives 10% of all his earnings to the church.This was a conversation I won’t forget in a hurry - to speak to an icon, who’s life has been so different from mine, but to find connection, to laugh, to be made to think - it’s what unites us 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 and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcastAs I mentioned, LL's released his first music in 11 years - here's a link to the new album, The Force: shopuk.llcoolj.com--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
RIZZLE KICKS: MY ANXIETY PARALYSED ME
13-11-2024
RIZZLE KICKS: MY ANXIETY PARALYSED ME
After reaching the heights of success so quickly, it all came crumbling down for Rizzle Kicks when Harley’s anxiety left him incapable of performing. In an attempt to help him, Jordan realised he too had demons to conquer. Now, almost ten years later, Rizzle Kicks are back! - and I was lucky enough to chat to them about the journey from then to now…Known as the quiet one, Harley opens up for the first time in a public space about his battles with his mental health, his OCD and how he found a way out of the dark space he was in that led to the break in the music. Jordan also discusses his journey from that time, and how, in retrospect, he can see how their instant success warped their sense of achievement. We also discuss the value of role models and finding motivation from a place of peace.Harley and Jordan are such a wonderful example of friendship and the conversation was so honest and vulnerable - it reminded me of the important of sharing our experiences with one anotherRizzle Kicks have got a new album - you can find it here: rizzlekicks.tmstor.es/?lf=9c019ff825d8443192ddfe6e7be79e66And Jordan's book you can find here: www.amazon.co.uk/Avoidance-Drugs-Heartbreak-Jordan-Stephens-ebook/dp/B0CTMNQXP6If 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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMILY ATACK: I'VE ONLY ENJOYED SEX A HANDFUL OF TIMES
06-11-2024
EMILY ATACK: I'VE ONLY ENJOYED SEX A HANDFUL OF TIMES
From her breakout role as Charlotte in The Inbetweeners and gracing the covers of lads’ mags, Emily Atack always knew she’d be famous but the level of attention that came with it wasn’t quite what she’d bargained for, especially when that attention has gotten nasty.Emily and I have been friends for some time but this is the first time I’ve seen her since becoming a mum so it was fantastic having the chance to chat to her about her career and how having a child has changed her world view. We chatted about her experience with the press and the toxic language we use around weight and women in the public eye. We also discussed her advocacy around the changing the laws of sexual consent and how she envisions a future where her son grows up in a world that respects and values women.A conversation with Emily will always be filled with laughter, but she also articulates so well the experience of being a woman in the public eye. Our conversation left me feeling just how much more men need to introspect—and ultimately step up.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 or email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukIf you'd like to see Emily in her new show, Rivals, head to Disney+--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
JON SOPEL: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FLY WITH A PRESIDENT
30-10-2024
JON SOPEL: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FLY WITH A PRESIDENT
Former BBC North America Editor, Jon Sopel spent eight years in Washington, D.C. covering the Obama administration, to Trump, and far too many mass shootings. He now hosts The News Agents podcast and I must admit, I was a little nervous to speak to Jon, as he’s such an experienced broadcaster and commentator, but the conversation was fantastic - he was warm, insightful and a great guide through some complex topics.We discussed the gun crisis in the states where there are, on average, 700x more deaths by guns than here in the UK. Jon shared the surprising truth of what it’s like to travel inside Air Force One with the president, and what it feels like to be reporting on the front line in a war zone. We chat about the changing cultural landscape in the UK, and the need for open-mindedness between sides. And of course, we briefly talk about the upcoming American election and what it was really like in Washington on 6th January with the attack on the US Capitol.This conversation highlights the threat of misinformation and importance of seeking truth in our newsIf 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 or email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukAnd if you want to read Jon's latest book, Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strangeland-Britain-Stopped-Making-Sense/dp/1529938406--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MUNYA CHAWAWA: TRUMP IS FALLING OUT OF A DICTATOR'S HANDBOOK
22-10-2024
MUNYA CHAWAWA: TRUMP IS FALLING OUT OF A DICTATOR'S HANDBOOK
The news can be pretty overwhelming at times and the politics of it all can be confusing too but there are people who make it understandable and possible to engage with; Munya Chawawa’s satire is smart, it’s funny and it gets people talking. He, himself is smart and funny and I was keen to get him talking - he’s a guest I’ve been eager to speak to for a while so was delighted when he came into the studio to chat!At the start of his career, Munya was told he needed 30K followers be taken seriously, so he made it his mission to do that, putting out video after video, and accrued millions of followers along the way. He never set out to become a social media sensation but its influence on his career is notable, leaving him with a sense of imposter syndrome in spaces he absolutely belongs. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Munya’s drive to do well is something that came into conflict on arriving in the UK where he was branded a ‘boffin’ for wanting to achieve. Munya also opens up about the men who shaped him and his determination to break the emotional stoicism passed down from his father.This conversation is a good example of how humour can help us tackle difficult topics and open our minds.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 or email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.ukAnd if you like Munya and want more of him, you can find him on @munyachawawa on IG and TT, and his show, 'How To Survive A Dictator' is here: www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-survive-a-dictator--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PROF. SARAH BERRY: MENOPAUSE CAUSES 10% OF WOMEN TO LEAVE THEIR JOBS
15-10-2024
PROF. SARAH BERRY: MENOPAUSE CAUSES 10% OF WOMEN TO LEAVE THEIR JOBS
From increased risks of chronic diseases to sleepless nights and even leaving workplace, menopause can have a profound impact on women's lives —but what exactly is it? I’ll admit, I was embarrassed by how little I knew, despite knowing the word. That’s why I’m delighted to have leading expert and Chief Scientist at ZOE, Professor Sarah Berry, joining me for this special expert episode.Professor Berry breaks down the truth about HRT, debunking common myths and shedding light on the surprising symptoms women experience during menopause. She also shares her groundbreaking research on how diet can help manage these symptoms, and even answers a personal question from my mum about her own menopause journey and how it affected her.This is an essential conversation for everyone—men and women alike—packed with insights that will help break the silence around menopause and provide better support for women navigating this stage of life.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 @greatcompanypodcastAnd if you want to know more about Zoe's Menoscale Calculator, you can find it here: zoe.com/menoscale--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SIMON GUNNING: SUICIDE IS THE BIGGEST KILLER OF PEOPLE UNDER 30
01-10-2024
SIMON GUNNING: SUICIDE IS THE BIGGEST KILLER OF PEOPLE UNDER 30
‘How are you?’ - a question we don't ask enough, but one Simon Gunning wants us to ask more often. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, I’m joined by Simon, CEO of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a charity dedicated to suicide prevention, raising awareness, and offering practical support. As an ambassador for CALM and someone who has had struggles with anxiety myself, this conversation means a lot to me, and one that is important to share.TW - this conversation contains discussion of suicide which some listeners might find distressing.There are some staggering stats about death by suicide in recent years and yet it’s still such a difficult thing to talk about but charities like CALM are breaking down barriers and really shining light into a topic which can sometimes feel intolerably dark. Simon and I reflect on our relationships with our fathers, how a handshake was his only physical connection with his dad, and why these generational silences shape men’s aptitudes of emotion.This episode is about why leaning into the uncomfortable can be life changing - or indeed, saving.If you, or anyone you know is affected by anything in today’s episode, you can speak to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in confidence. Find out more about CALM's helpline, tools and resources at thecalmzone.netOne of the ways to support CALM's life-saving work is through the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw - offering the chance to win a luxurious home in Devon worth over £2,000,000 - plus £250,000 in cash - with paid entries starting from £10. Draw entries are available now at @omazeuk.The Draw closes at midnight on Sunday 27th October.Link: https://goto.omaze.co.uk/3N1t8oJIf 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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ALAIN DE BOTTON: WE LOOK FOR FAMILIARITY NOT HAPPINESS IN RELATIONSHIPS
17-09-2024
ALAIN DE BOTTON: WE LOOK FOR FAMILIARITY NOT HAPPINESS IN RELATIONSHIPS
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 @greatcompanypodcastAnd 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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji and Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NICOLE VIGNOLA: ADHD AND ITS HIDDEN LINK TO DEPRESSION
27-08-2024
NICOLE VIGNOLA: ADHD AND ITS HIDDEN LINK TO DEPRESSION
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%20wellbeingIf 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 RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanThis is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ROB RINDER: I DIDN'T FIT IN WITH MY FAMILY
20-08-2024
ROB RINDER: I DIDN'T FIT IN WITH MY FAMILY
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 RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake Ji & Ryley KirbySocial Media: Laura CoughlanThis is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WILL YOUNG: I DON'T NEED PITY FOR BEING SINGLE
13-08-2024
WILL YOUNG: I DON'T NEED PITY FOR BEING SINGLE
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 CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMILY CAMPBELL: WHAT I HAVE SACRIFICED TO GET TO THE OLYMPICS
06-08-2024
EMILY CAMPBELL: WHAT I HAVE SACRIFICED TO GET TO THE OLYMPICS
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 RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerEditor: Ben JohnsVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanThis is a JamPot Original podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.