We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

With Love Island All Stars on screen, we’re diving into the real story behind the iconic villa life. Shakira Khan, Maura Higgins and Megan Barton-Hanson share the untold truths of their experiences on the show, what it’s really like to enter the villa, the pressure of public scrutiny, and how fame changes everything.

From Shakira’s unexpected path to the show, to Maura's bold entrance and Megan’s media battles, this episode takes you behind the sunglasses and slow-motion walks to explore the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

We're Talking Love Island

This episode includes sensitive topics. If you are affected by anything in this podcast, please find support organisations that can offer support below:

CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3Nb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb

(00:00) Intro

(00:41) Shakira Khan Talks About Her Ambitions Pre-Love Island and What Led to Her Joining the Show

(17:25) Maura Explains Why She Chose to Do Love Island and Her Mindset Entering the Villa

(28:58) Megan Reveals How She Got Onto Love Island and Her Challenges in the Villa
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Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean opens up about fame, fatherhood, recovery and the work it takes to rebuild your life while you’re still living it. Alex reflects on the early days of building the Backstreet Boys, the brotherhood that sustained them through global fame, and the hidden cost of growing up in the spotlight. He speaks candidly about living a double life, but also about sobriety, creativity and rediscovering pride, especially after the moment his daughters told him they were proud of him. Today, Alex shares how doing the inner work helped him reconnect with music, purpose and joy on stage again.

Alex also discusses reconciling with his wife, learning boundaries, managing ego inside a legendary band, and honouring the legacy of Liam Payne. This is a conversation about accountability, growth and becoming a better man.

Alex shares:
◽ How the Backstreet Boys were built and why their bond still works
◽ Living a double life and what finally forced change
◽ The moment his daughters shifted how he sees himself
◽ Wanting to get back together with his wife and rebuilding trust
◽ Managing fame, ego and longevity
◽ Remembering Liam Payne and lessons from shared struggles
◽ Why putting himself first helped him show up better for everyone

AJ McLean, We Need To Talk

Support charities: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb

Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

(00:00) Intro

(02:17) What’s the Difference Between Alex and AJ?

(06:27) The Root of Alex’s Addiction

(07:32) Alex’s Complicated Relationship With His Father

(11:59) The Importance of Boundaries

(12:48) How Alex Got the Nickname “Bone”

(15:59) When Alex Knew He Was a Performer

(17:22) How the Backstreet Boys Were Formed

(20:26) Lou Pearlman’s Hold on the Backstreet Boys

(22:02) The Dynamic Between the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC

(27:58) Backstreet Boys’ Early Success in Europe

(30:38) How the Backstreet Boys Redefined the Boy Band Genre

(32:17) The High Points of Backstreet Boys Fame

(37:09) The Enduring Popularity of the Backstreet Boys

(38:53) “Yes Men” and the Band’s Darkest Period

(41:31) Backstreet Boys at The Sphere in Las Vegas

(46:26) Huel Ad

(47:34) WNTT LA Trailer

(48:29) Alex’s Rock Bottom

(52:55) Alex’s Relationship With His Daughters

(01:01:06) Alex’s Relationship With His Wife and Their Ongoing Reconciliation

(01:05:59) The Meaning Behind the Epilogue of Alex’s New Album

(01:09:29) How the Backstreet Boys Manage Their Egos

(01:14:00) Building the Band and Alex’s Relationship With Liam Payne

(01:22:15) Alex’s Mantra for Self-Acceptance

(01:26:21) Paul Shows Alex a Photo

(01:29:20) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:36:10) Paul’s Takeaways

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Holly Hagan and Chloe Ferry reflect on their time on Geordie Shore, sharing the challenges of navigating body image, fame, and the pressures of growing up on camera. They dive into the mental health impact of reality TV and how they struggled with self-esteem and public scrutiny while learning to find their true selves.

Holly and Chloe also open up about their experiences with surgery, the overwhelming influence of social media, and the journey to accepting their bodies. This candid conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love, personal growth, and resilience in the face of constant public judgment.

(00:00) Intro

(00:31) How Chloe Joined the Geordie Shore Cast

(07:23) Welfare on Geordie Shore During Chloe’s Time on the Show

(09:27) How Chloe Dealt With Negative Online Comments

(12:19) Holly’s Experience Filming the First Series of Geordie Shore

(18:46) Welfare Then vs Now in Reality TV

(22:47) Why Holly Signed Up for Series 2 of Geordie Shore

(25:21) Geordie Shore’s Popularity Peak in 2016

(26:17) Class in the UK and How Reality TV Represents It
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Dancer and TV personality Louie Spence opens up in one of his most honest and emotionally revealing interviews to date. From growing up in a working -class household where love was present but rarely shown, to the sacrifices his parents made to support his talent, Louie reflects on the early experiences that shaped his independence, anxiety and drive to perform.

Louie speaks candidly about living with panic attacks for most of his life, how anxiety followed him through fame and success, and the private battles behind his larger-than-life public persona. He opens up about touring the world with the Spice Girls, sudden celebrity, family addiction, and the grief of losing his mother - sharing moments he’s never spoken about publicly before.

Now, Louie reflects on what it’s taken to slow down, sit with difficult emotions, and keep going - even on the days when the fight feels internal.

Louie shares:

◽ Growing up feeling loved, but rarely shown affection

◽ The sacrifices his parents made - and the pressure that came with it

◽ Living with panic attacks and anxiety from a young age

◽ What life on tour with the Spice Girls was really like

◽ How fame amplified his anxiety rather than fixed it

◽ The impact of addiction inside his family

◽ Losing his mum and processing grief years later

◽ Why the most important conversations he’s had are with himself

Louie Spence, We Need To Talk

Support charities: 

MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb 

Follow me here:

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod 

Support Louie

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louiespence/

Watch Louie's YouTube series Louie Spence In Care: https://youtu.be/i8jbDXpzJE8

Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LouieSpenceInCare

(00:00) Intro

(01:36) Louis’ Working-Class Upbringing and His Relationship With His Parents

(10:41) Louis’ Experience of the 1980s and Article 28

(15:28) Gay Life Today vs the 1980s

(17:41) The Beginnings of Louis’ West End Career

(18:59) Louis’ Experience as a Backing Dancer for the Spice Girls

(25:25) How Louis’ Anxiety Limits His Life

(31:34) Where Louis Believes His Anxiety Comes From

(36:30) How Louis Manages His Anxiety

(41:14) Why Louis Started Working at Pineapple Dance Studios

(42:49) The Pineapple Dance Studio TV Show and Louis’ Rise to Fame

(43:58) Does Louis Know How Many TV Shows He’s Been On?

(44:38) Is Louis’ TV Persona His True Personality?

(45:33) Shopify Ad

(46:36) Louis’ Experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins

(53:50) Why Louis Left SAS

(57:32) Louis’ Experience of His Mother’s Alcoholism and Her Passing

(01:15:08) Most Memorable Conversation

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Paul reflects on the conversations that stayed with him most - the moments, lessons and advice that genuinely changed how he shows up in his relationships.

From the Gottmans on how to pause an argument before it spirals, to Jordan Stephens on masculinity and emotional regulation, Dr Julie Smith on realistic self-care, and the letters that moved us most with Tyler West, Scott Galloway and Paul himself, this episode brings together the wisdom that matters.

This is a reflective, emotional and practical conversation about love, conflict, fatherhood and connection - and how small shifts can make a big difference in the year ahead.

We’re Talking: Real Advice for 2026

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) The Gottmans Break Down 'Flooding' in an Argument and How to Resolve It

(07:05) Jordan Stephens on Masculinity and Emotional Regulation

(10:49) Dr Julie Smith Demonstrates How to Achieve Better Self-Care

(17:10) Tyler West Reads a Letter From His Brother

(20:39) Scott Galloway Reads a Letter From His Son

(23:07) Paul Reads a Letter From His Son

(24:24) Paul’s Final Thoughts
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