We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Shirley Ballas on "Disastrous Relationships" And The Dark Side Of Strictly!

    Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas joins us for an exclusive conversation about her extraordinary life on and off the dance floor. She also reflects on the loss of her brother David, and why she now campaigns to raise awareness around men’s mental health and suicide prevention. From her early years on a Merseyside council estate to global fame, Shirley shares the resilience, heartbreak, and lessons that shaped her. She opens up about her family heritage, the bullying she endured through school years and beyond, and the sacrifices she made to rise to the top of the dance world. She speaks candidly about her relationships, turbulent love affairs and lifelong struggles with body image. Shirley also takes us behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing - from a “disastrous” first audition to navigating the highs and lows of being on one of the biggest shows on television. Shirley shares: ◽ How discovering her family heritage reshaped her identity ◽ The bullying that left lasting scars - and how she found strength through dance ◽ Walking away from a marriage at the peak of her career - and the regrets that followed ◽ The pressures of body image in the dance world and her experiences with surgery ◽ The moment her Strictly audition went wrong - and how she turned it around ◽ The toll of online trolling and public criticism as head judge ◽ Why championing men’s mental health is so important to her ◽ What happiness means today  Shirley Ballas, We Need To Talk If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below: Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): thecalmzone.net Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Shirley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirleyballas/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shirleyballas Best Foot Forward: https://amzn.eu/d/5XqLAf5 (00:00) Intro (02:08) Otto and Shirley's Heritage (06:49) Shirley's Upbringing in the Wirral (09:15) Shirley's Experience of School (12:10) How Shirley Became Obsessed with Dance (15:06) Moving to London at 16 (18:40) Moving to Manchester and Starting Her Latin Dance Career (22:13) Class in the UK and How It Relates to the Dance Industry (29:56) How Shirley Met Corky Ballas (35:46) Does Shirley Regret Leaving Sammy for Corky? (44:42) Why Shirley and Corky's Relationship Came to an End (48:16) Tinder Ad (49:16) Adobe Express Ad (50:34) How Shirley Came to Be on Strictly Come Dancing (55:10) The Enduring Popularity of Strictly (01:00:37) Would Paul Go on Strictly? (01:01:41) Who Is Shirley's Fantasy Strictly Contestant? (01:03:05) Who Is the Biggest Surprise During Shirley's Time on Strictly? (01:04:32) The Importance of Shirley's Brother David to Her Life (01:14:41) Shirley's Battle With Body Image (01:22:12) Shirley Reads a Letter to Her Younger Self (01:25:44) Most Memorable Conversation (01:31:16) Shirley and Celebs Go Dating (01:37:38) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL  Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 42m
  2. 23 SEPT

    Shakira Khan EXCLUSIVE: The Truth About Love Island & Growing Up Mixed Race

    Love Island star Shakira Khan breaks her silence in her first ever podcast interview. In this exclusive conversation, Shakira opens up about growing up mixed-race in Burnley, the beauty standards that shattered her confidence, and the behind-the-scenes reality of life inside the Love Island villa. For the first time, she spills the tea on her fellow islanders, lifts the lid on the villa “divide,” and reveals where things really stand with Harry today.Shakira reveals: ◽ How bullying and identity struggles forged her confidence ◽ The surprising truth about Love Island casting and how she got on the show ◽ Why she broke down in tears to her chaperone before entering the villa ◽ Her unfiltered take on Harry and the accusations of gaslighting inside the villa ◽ Why she won’t judge another Love Islander again ◽ The truth about the villa “divide” ◽ Why she now feels proud of her mixed-race identity  ◽ Where her relationship with Harry really stands - and if she sees a future with him Shakira Khan, We Need To Talk. Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Shakira: Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/XSsa2GZORWb TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/icWRTO7ORWb (00:00) Intro (02:16) Why is Shakira Ready to Tell Her Story Now? (02:53) Growing Up In Burnley (09:06) Shakira's Mixed Heritage (13:56) How Did Religion Impact Shakira's Upbringing? (19:04) Shakira's Young Social Circles (23:04) The P Word and Racism (25:54) When Did the Tide Change? (27:13) Romance and Racism (28:53) How Did Shakira Gain Self Worth? (31:50) Did Shakira Ever Have a Healthy Relationship? (34:20) Why Love Island? (40:04) How Did Shakira Get on Love Island? (52:41) Treatwell Ad (53:56) Tinder Ad (54:59) Shakira's Relationships on Love Island (01:00:57) Shakira Talks About Ben (01:04:27) Shakira Talks About Connor (01:07:28) Shakira Talks About Harry (01:13:08) Shakira Talks About Megan (01:14:54) The Divide in the Villa (01:22:49) Harry and Shakira's Mum (01:27:09) Perceptions of Shakira, Toni and Yasmin (01:31:11) What Did Shakira See in Harry? (01:37:30) What's Next for Shakira? (01:38:33) Most Memorable Conversation (01:40:29) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Treatwell: http://Treatwell.co.uk with code PAUL20 - T&Cs apply Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 45m
  3. 16 SEPT

    Love Is Blind EXCLUSIVE: Kieran & Meg Reveal Truth About Their Secret Relationship

    They fell in love in 7 days, got engaged without ever seeing each other, and married on national TV. In this Love Is Blind UK exclusive, Kieran and Meg reveal the full story: what the cameras showed, what they didn’t, and what really happened during the year they kept their relationship a secret. They offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the experiment really works - from living arrangements and dating prompts to why they focused on building a genuine connection rather than chasing screen time. From their first 8-minute pod date to a real-life wedding, their love story defied the odds. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Kieran and Meg speak candidly about trust, drama, and the emotional toll of navigating love on camera while staying true to each other off screen.Kieran & Meg share: ◽️ Why their first 8-minute date changed everything ◽️ How Kieran almost ended up on Love Island ◽️ What it was like keeping their marriage secret for a year ◽️ The real story behind the on-screen drama  ◽️ How their past shaped their present-day relationship ◽️ Why they’re renewing their vows  ◽️ What Love Is Blind taught them about dating with intention Kieran & Meg, We Need To Talk. (0:00) Intro (1:51) Why Meg And Kieran Are On We Need To Talk   (4:35) Meg And Kieran's Relationship History Prior To Being On Love Is Blind   (10:31) How Did Meg And Kieran Come To Be On The Show?   (16:48) What's The Living Situation Like On Love Is Blind?   (18:50) How Does The Initial Dating Work On Love Is Blind?   (20:21) How Did Meg And Kieran Know They Had A Connection From The First Date?   (30:43) How The Next Stage Of The Experiment Works   (37:11) When Did Kieran Know He Loved Meg?   (43:33) The Proposal   (53:29) Adobe Express Ad   (54:29) Tinder Ad   (55:34) How Did The Dramas On The Show Affect Their Relationship?   (01:03:35) Masculinity And Men's Behaviour On Reality TV Shows   (01:10:06) Kieran And Meg's Fashion   (01:12:47) The Marriage Circumstances On Love Is Blind   (01:17:22) Meg's Relationship With Her Father   (01:23:42) Paul's Letter To Meg And Kieran   (01:31:16) Most Memorable Conversation   (01:37:02) Paul's Takeaways  Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Kieran and Meg: Kieran’s Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/2mJiQVEyGWb Meg’s Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/RrGKc3IyGWb  Sponsored by: Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL  Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB  Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 42m
  4. 11 SEPT

    The Conversations That Saved Our Lives | We’re Talking Suicide Prevention

    TW: This episode discusses suicide and mental health in detail. In this week's episode for World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ve brought together some of the most powerful moments from past conversations on We Need To Talk - featuring Jordan Stephens, Ella Morgan, and DanTDM - who’ve all spoken bravely about their mental health journeys. These are not just stories of pain, but of survival. Of reaching out. Of finding light in the darkest moments. By revisiting their words, we hope to break the silence around suicide and remind anyone struggling: you are not alone. Together, they unpack the silence around suicide and why honest conversations matter more than ever (00:00) Intro (01:27) Jordan's Experience of Suicide and Suicidal Ideation (07:28) Jordan's 'Break-Up' with His Mother (14:06) Ella's Experience of Suicidal Ideation at 16 (17:00) Ella Coming Out as Trans to Her Mum (20:12) Dan TDM's Experience Suicidal Ideation (22:00) Telling His Wife How He Felt (23:45) How Therapy Helped Dan (27:46) Love Better Tour Ad Please take care watching. If you or someone you know needs support, please see support charities below: Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/1CRhatR7mPb  CALM - https://g2ul0.app.link/YvmzhM17mPb  MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/d72yzu7jJOb  Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  5. 9 SEPT

    Kerry Katona Part 2: I Went From £400K a Year to Bankrupt! Why I Had To Turn to ØnlyFans

    Kerry Katona opens up about some of the most shocking and transformative moments of her life in the spotlight. From turbulent relationships and public scandals to finding love again, Kerry shares the truth behind the headlines. In part 2 of her raw and unfiltered conversation, Kerry speaks candidly about the chaos of her marriages, her infamous appearance on This Morning, and the devastating impact of addiction on her family. She reflects on the abuse she endured in her relationship with George, the trauma of his passing, and how she rebuilt herself in the aftermath. Kerry also reveals the reality of her financial struggles and why she turned to OnlyFans, before sharing the unexpected love story that unfolded on Celebs Go Dating with Paolo, and what it’s like navigating a relationship under the glare of the media. Kerry shares: ◽ How her relationship with Mark began and ended in heartbreak ◽ The media’s betrayal and stories sold at her expense ◽ The home invasion that shook her family to its core ◽ The moment she realised she needed to end her addiction ◽ The painful truth of her marriage to George and his tragic passing ◽ Her experience of bankruptcy and finding new ways to survive ◽ How she found love again with Paolo on Celebs Go Dating despite the age gap ◽ Her hopes for the future and what’s next for her career Kerry Katona, We Need To Talk, again! This episode includes some difficult conversations. If you’re impacted, we recommend the support charities below:Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb      Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/td2zqEPpGTb  CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3Nb  MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Kerry here:Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/otKjdok9cWb  TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/391l8Vg9cWb Kerry & Katie’s Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/6dGc2te9cWb Mamma Mia Tour: https://g2ul0.app.link/ubKU5P88cWb  (00:00) Intro (02:20) How Did Kerry's Relationship with Mark Begin? (07:00) Stories Sold to the Papers About Kerry (11:57) Kerry's Experience of Home Invasion (16:52) Kerry's Infamous Appearance on This Morning (27:36) Kerry's Wedding to Mark (29:29) Kerry's Epiphany About Her Drug Taking and the End of Her Relationship with Mark (35:00) Kerry's Difficult Conversation with Her Children About Her Public Image (39:06) Adobe Express Ad (40:21) Tinder Ad (41:22) How Kerry Entered into Her Relationship with George (46:17) George's Abusive Behaviour During Their Marriage (52:55) George's Psychotic Break (57:31) George's Passing and How It Affected Kerry (01:01:37) The Double Standard Between Genders in Showbiz (01:03:36) Treatwell Ad (01:04:37) How Kerry Met Ryan (01:07:57) Kerry's Various Bankruptcies (01:11:54) How Kerry Got into Doing OnlyFans Content (01:14:53) How Did Kerry's Relationship with Ryan End? (01:16:15) Kerry's Experience of 'Celebs Go Dating' and Meeting Paolo (01:20:56) Kerry's Feelings on the 11 Year Age Gap Between Her and Paolo (01:22:12) How Kerry's Feelings for Paolo Developed Over the Course of Shooting 'Celebs Go Dating' (01:28:20) How the Media Will Portray Kerry and Paolo's Relationship (01:31:58) Kerry's Biggest Takeaway from 'Celebs Go Dating' (01:35:06) Kerry's Upcoming Projects (01:36:34) Most Memorable Conversation (01:40:11) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB Treatwell: http://Treatwell.co.uk with code PAUL20 - T&Cs apply Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 48m
  6. 4 SEPT

    Bre Tiessi & Katherine Ryan on Motherhood: "It's OK Not to Be OK!" | We're Talking Boss Mums

    Paul sits down with two incredible women, Katherine Ryan and Bre Tiessi, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about motherhood, identity, and navigating personal transformations. They dive into the realities of having children, managing relationships, and the raw moments that come with becoming a mother. ◽️ Katherine Ryan reflects on having her first child at a young age ‘on purpose,’ her journey through the world of TV with Campus, and whether she’ll have more children in the future ◽️ Katherine opens up about why she and Bobby schedule sex to maintain their connection amidst their busy lives ◽️ Bre hares her deeply personal experience of childbirth and the mental health challenges of postpartum depression ◽️ Bre talks about how motherhood has reshaped her, offering insight into the personal growth that comes from this life-changing experience. (00:00) Intro (00:13) Katherine Having Her First Child at a Young Age 'On Purpose' (06:40) Katherine's First TV Show 'Campus' (08:45) Will Katherine Have More Children? (10:18) Why Katherine and Bobby Schedule Sex (12:31) The Average Amount People Have Sex (13:54) Love Better Tour (14:58) Bre's Experience of Childbirth (19:13) Bre's Experience of Postpartum Depression (24:14) How Did Motherhood Change Bre? Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

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About

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

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