Great Company with Jamie Laing

Great Company with Jamie Laing

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.

  1. SHIRLEY BALLAS: THE STRICTLY CURSE COULD HAPPEN ANYWHERE

    11 DEC

    SHIRLEY BALLAS: THE STRICTLY CURSE COULD HAPPEN ANYWHERE

    Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always been struck by how truly fascinating her story is so I’m so pleased to have her on the show this week… Shirley’s journey began on a housing estate in Northern England, where she grew up with her single mother and older brother, learning resilience early. By seven, she was traveling hours by bus and train to pursue her passion, supported by her hardworking mother, who remains her greatest inspiration. Along the way, Shirley has faced heartbreak, losing her brother to suicide—a tragedy that fuels her advocacy for mental health charities like CALM. She’s also navigated the complexities of love, with engagements as young as 15 and two marriages that taught her as much about herself as they did about relationships. She also opens up for the first time publicly about her relationship with her father, who she recently lost. This conversation explores Shirley’s rollercoaster life, her resilience, and her unyielding passion for dance. Behind the glamour lies a woman who’s faced intense scrutiny, reminding us of the importance of truly listening to the stories behind the spotlight. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! And don't miss the Strictly Christmas Special on BBC One on Christmas day! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproducitions.co.uk -- 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.

    1h 11m
  2. ALIX EARLE: I CLOSED MYSELF TO LOVE FOR A LONG TIME

    4 DEC

    ALIX EARLE: I CLOSED MYSELF TO LOVE FOR A LONG TIME

    Skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2020, amassing millions of followers and securing the number eight spot on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators, Alix Earle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also been on my dream guest-list for a long time, so while I was in LA I was delighted to sit down with her… We began by connecting over our shared experiences with anxiety. Alix opened up about her first terrifying panic attack, which landed her in the hospital, and how she’s learned to navigate her mental health since. She also reflected on the challenges of rebuilding trust and embracing vulnerability after being cheated on—a journey that recently led to her celebrating one year with her boyfriend. And drawing from her own experiences, Alix offered her advice on dealing with loneliness and heartbreak. This conversation was a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and an inspiring testament to staying authentic and grounded through it 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 @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproducitions.co.uk -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Video: Lizzie McCarthy Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  3. JAMES WATT: THE TYPO THAT COST ME £50-MILLION

    27 NOV

    JAMES WATT: THE TYPO THAT COST ME £50-MILLION

    James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the business, but I think if I were to ask him, he’s say he’s still a North Sea fisherman at heart. In order to answer this question, I reached out to an old friend from my MIC days, who also happens to be James’ fiancé, Georgia Toffolo (Toff to me) to kick off the interview. Although his story is shaped by a tough upbringing - dogged with a speech impediment, crippling shyness and a strained relationship with his mother - these early challenges became the foundation of his resilience and relentless drive, shaping who he is today. We chat through the immense risks he took to build BrewDog, taking it to the dizzying heights of success, at its peak valued at $1.8billion, and how the profound impact of losing his father has shifted his outlook on what is important, and how time is the most valuable asset we all have. This conversation reminded me of the importance to make space to understand each other and the different parts that make us who we are 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'd like to get in touch, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproducitions.co.uk -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Video: Lizzie McCarthy Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
  4. LL COOL J: BECOMING THE GOAT

    20 NOV

    LL COOL J: BECOMING THE GOAT

    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 @greatcompanypodcast As 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 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.

    49 min
  5. RIZZLE KICKS: MY ANXIETY PARALYSED ME

    13 NOV

    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 another Rizzle Kicks have got a new album - you can find it here: rizzlekicks.tmstor.es/?lf=9c019ff825d8443192ddfe6e7be79e66 And Jordan's book you can find here: www.amazon.co.uk/Avoidance-Drugs-Heartbreak-Jordan-Stephens-ebook/dp/B0CTMNQXP6 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.

    1h 4m
  6. EMILY ATACK: I'VE ONLY ENJOYED SEX A HANDFUL OF TIMES

    6 NOV

    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.uk If you'd like to see Emily in her new show, Rivals, head to Disney+ -- 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.

    1h 7m
  7. JON SOPEL: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FLY WITH A PRESIDENT

    30 OCT

    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 news 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.uk And 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 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.

    1h 5m

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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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