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. 4 DAYS AGO

    Former CIA Spy Reveals How To Read Anyone

    How do CIA spies detect lies, build trust fast, and navigate high-stakes relationships? Former covert officer Andrew Bustamante reveals how the tools he used in espionage can transform your personal life - from how you read people to how you love them. From growing up in a turbulent family, to commanding U.S. nuclear missiles at 24, to being recruited into the CIA, Andrew’s story is a journey through power, secrecy, love, and identity. But beneath the training lies a deeper lesson: the same psychological skills designed for national security became the ones that saved his marriage and founded Everyday Spy, an online education platform that provides people with useful spy skills for everyday life. As Andrew says: The CIA’s real superpower isn’t guns or gadgets - it’s learning how to systematise natural curiosity. In this conversation, he shares how those skills can change the way you connect, communicate, and build trust in everyday life. You’ll learn: ◽How to tell if someone is lying  ◽Why he cut off his girlfriend, friends, and family for the chance to join the CIA ◽The CIA method for building instant emotional trust ◽How to recognise when a relationship is starting to decline - and how to fix it ◽The hardest conversation of his life (and what it taught him about love) ◽His take on Jeffrey Epstein and possible CIA connections ◽How easy it really is to launch a nuclear missile - and what that reveals about power Part life story, part relationship masterclass, and part psychological thriller, this episode will change how you see honesty, loyalty, and the hidden motivations that shape every relationship. Andrew Bustamante. We Need To Talk. Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Andrew here: Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ps9x0EkXMXb TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/1nNEZWvXMXb  YouTube: https://g2ul0.app.link/19tVZShXMXb EverydaySpy: https://g2ul0.app.link/wG0st3xXMXb Find Your Superpower: https://g2ul0.app.link/qqQlh5v0PXb Shadow Cell: https://g2ul0.app.link/GwDAB7DVMXb  (00:00) Intro (02:13) How Can You Tell If Someone Is Lying? (05:27) Is Every Relationship Transactional? (19:42) Andrew's Checklist for Profiling Someone (24:12) Was Jeffrey Epstein a Government Asset? (29:13) Shopify Ad (30:16) Love Better Tour Ad (31:14) Andrew's Upbringing in Pennsylvania and Mixed-Race Heritage (33:45) Andrew's Relationship With His Biological Father (37:48) Andrew's Journey to the CIA (39:47) Life at a Military Academy (46:51) Andrew's Time as a Nuclear Missile Officer (50:21) Nuclear Proliferation (52:58) How Andrew Became a CIA Agent (1:12:21) Romantic Relationships Within the CIA (1:16:22) How Andrew Met His Wife During His Time at the CIA (1:21:44) Why Andrew Proposed to His Wife (1:26:55) Why Andrew Decided to Leave the CIA (1:32:09) Getting a Job After Being in the CIA (1:39:18) Is 'Sexpionage' a Real Method of Spying? (1:41:59) A Skill Andrew Learned in the CIA That Applies to Everyone (1:45:11) What Andrew Thinks the Future of the World Looks Like (1:46:46) What Is the Biggest Threat to the World? (1:47:59) What Is Andrew's Identity Today? (1:51:51) Most Memorable Conversation (1:56:06) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Shopify: https://www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk   Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Glasgow - https://g2ul0.app.link/FMk3N4PhrXb Birmingham - https://g2ul0.app.link/pJIj4XShrXb Manchester - https://g2ul0.app.link/4SQwKDXhrXb Brighton - https://g2ul0.app.link/BO71HSZhrXb London - https://g2ul0.app.link/gm6iB91hrXb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 2m
  2. 23 OCT

    "I Was Minimising My Blackness" | We're Talking Black History Month

    In honour of Black History Month, we sit down with Jordan Stevens, Jamelia, and Estelle who share their personal stories of navigating life as Black and mixed-race individuals in Britain. From embracing their cultural roots to overcoming challenges in predominantly white spaces, they discuss what it means to belong, to be seen, and to celebrate Blackness in all its diversity. Their stories remind us that Black history is not just a month - it’s an ongoing journey of resilience, pride and connection. We're Talking Black History (00:00) Intro(00:50) Jordan Shares His Experience of Being Mixed-Race in Brighton(03:58) Differences in Perspectives on Race Between the USA and UK(04:37) Jordan Discusses His Identity and Navigating Different Social Spaces(08:23) Jamelia’s Upbringing in Birmingham(09:11) The Significance of 1981 in UK History(10:07) Jamelia’s Parents and Their Rastafarian Beliefs(16:45) Love Better Tour Ad(17:48) Estelle’s Childhood in Hammersmith(20:10) The Importance of Estelle’s Grandmother to Her Family Get Your Tickets to Paul’s Love Better Tour! Bristol - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/mt5I2RKhrXb⁠ Cardiff - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/5mZIoBNhrXb⁠ Glasgow - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/FMk3N4PhrXb⁠ Birmingham - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/pJIj4XShrXb⁠ Manchester - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/4SQwKDXhrXb⁠ Brighton - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/BO71HSZhrXb⁠ London - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/gm6iB91hrXb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  3. Georgia Kousoulou Reveals Reality Of Life On TOWIE “There Were Showmances All Around Me”

    21 OCT

    Georgia Kousoulou Reveals Reality Of Life On TOWIE “There Were Showmances All Around Me”

    TOWIE star breaks silence after a decade on The Only Way Is Essex, the pressure of fame, and how postnatal depression pushed her to the edge.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of baby loss.Georgia Kousoulou sits down with Paul for an unfiltered conversation about life on and off screen. She speaks honestly about the behind the scenes of TOWIE, her relationships with fellow cast mates and how she met husband Tommy Mallett. Georgia also opens up about their wedding - and why some of her former castmates didn’t make the guest list.In this deeply emotional conversation, Georgia reflects on baby loss, the silent grief that followed, and the strength it took to begin again. She also opens up about a recent health scare - discovering a lump that led to the shock of finding ruptured implants. Now, she’s advocating for greater awareness around cosmetic surgery and the importance of listening to your body. Georgia also shares:◽ Her parents split and how it impacted her life◽ The truth about TOWIE and why she walked away◽ How she and Tommy became “the couple they couldn’t break”◽ How discovering Tommy’s ADHD changed their relationship ◽ Her struggle with postnatal depression - and how Tommy helped her survive it◽ The silent grief of baby loss - and how she found hope ◽ Why speaking out saved her - and might help others do the same◽ Welcoming her rainbow baby and learning to love herself again◽ The lump that changed everything - and why she’s speaking out about surgery safetyGeorgia Kousoulou, We Need To Talk.This episode contains discussion of miscarriage and baby loss. We’ve included links to support charities below:Tommy’s: https://g2ul0.app.link/yiLgVePdnVbSands: https://g2ul0.app.link/1c7K7WVdnVbCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpodFollow Georgia here:Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/1zyQaAGJCXbTikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/X8T1MzKJCXb (00:00) Intro(02:33) How Closely Does Georgia Identify With Her Greek Heritage?(04:30) What Was Essex Like When Georgia Was Growing Up?(05:35) Georgia's Experience of School(07:28) What Did 16-Year-Old Georgia Want to Do With Her Life?(08:42) What Georgia Did for Work After Leaving School(12:47) How Georgia's Shop Got Her Onto TOWIE(14:09) How Successful Was TOWIE When Georgia Joined the Cast?(16:16) Georgia's First Appearance on TOWIE(20:35) How Georgia's Career Ambitions Changed on TOWIE(21:46) Why Georgia Thinks She Was a Hit on TOWIE(24:07) What Happened to Georgia's Relationship While on TOWIE?(25:32) How Her Parents' Split Affected Georgia as an Adult(27:34) How Georgia Met Tommy(31:02) How Georgia Knew Her Relationship With Tommy Was Real(32:34) The Atmosphere Amongst the TOWIE Cast(39:25) Did Georgia Feel Media Pressure on Her and Tommy's Relationship?(42:59) Has Georgia Kept in Touch With Her TOWIE Castmates?(47:02) Georgia's Feelings About Marrying Tommy While on TOWIE(50:21) Adobe Express Ad(51:20) Love Better Tour Ad(52:20) Georgia's Experience of Becoming a Mum and Postnatal Depression(01:04:27) How the Dynamic Between Georgia and Tommy Changed After Brody(01:10:13) Tommy's ADHD Diagnosis and Adult Diagnosis Statistics(01:14:48) Georgia's Experience of Miscarriage(01:24:38) How Georgia and Tommy Healed From Their Trauma(01:28:06) Georgia's 'Obsession' With Conceiving Another Baby(01:30:36) The Birth of Georgia's 'Rainbow Baby' Gigi(01:31:47) Georgia's Thoughts on 'Bouncing Back' From Childbirth(01:35:52) Georgia's History of Plastic Surgery and Thoughts on the Industry(01:39:54) What's Next for Georgia?(01:42:59) Most Memorable Conversation(01:46:51) Paul's TakeawaysSponsored by:Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL Get Your Tickets to the Love Better Tour: https://bit.ly/lovebetter-YT Sync-ID MB01P3JT0TPVKYPMB01GVJTUESWJR8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 52m
  4. “Anxiety Made Me Feel Like I Was Dying” The Creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

    14 OCT

    “Anxiety Made Me Feel Like I Was Dying” The Creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

    Oscar-winning author and artist Charlie Mackesy opens up like never before - about anxiety, grief, loneliness, and the quiet power of kindness.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation.  Charlie is the creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - the longest-running Sunday Times bestseller in history, translated into over 50 languages and embraced by millions around the world. In this rare and deeply personal conversation, Charlie reflects on the moments that shaped both his life and his work - from the loss that changed everything to the drawings that helped strangers feel less alone. He and Paul talk about anxiety, friendship, and the radical courage it takes to be vulnerable. Charlie shares: ◽ The moment grief changed the course of his life◽ The story behind the illustrations that helped strangers stay alive◽ How he sketched his way around the world◽ How bad the anxiety got - and the breathing trick that helped him survive◽ The path to The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse◽ The journey to his new book, Always Remember◽ What it took to create his Oscar-winning film◽ How shame isolates men - and why kindness is the antidote Charlie Mackesy, We Need To Talk.If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below: Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support Charlie here:Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/llwkLT0jrXb Always Remember: https://g2ul0.app.link/l0I8zRXjrXb  (00:00) Intro(02:38) Charlie's Upbringing in Northumberland(06:34) Changing Schools at 16(10:16) Why Charlie Started Drawing(19:02) Losing His Best Friend at 18(19:58) Moving to London and Starting His Career(23:12) Time in Manhattan(33:16) Picking Tea in Zimbabwe(35:13) Connection to Brixton(40:07) Adobe Express Ad(41:06) Shopify Ad(42:06) Creating *The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse*(55:48) The Book’s Commercial Success(1:02:43) Behind the Scenes of *Love Actually*(1:06:25) Making the Film Adaptation(1:08:42) Winning an Oscar(1:12:36) Concept Behind *Always Remember*(1:14:47) Love Better Tour Ad(1:15:46) Facing Darker Periods in Life(1:19:51) Managing Anxiety(1:27:55) Attention Span(1:29:30) Creative Process Demo(1:30:56) Friendships Past and Present(1:38:19) Thoughts on Faith(1:43:13) What Paul and Charlie Are Grateful For(1:45:18) Drawing Mantra(1:48:36) Latest Drawing Reveal(1:50:20) Paul's TakeawaysSponsored by:Shopify: https://www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL  Get Your Tickets to Paul’s Love Better Tour!Bristol - https://g2ul0.app.link/mt5I2RKhrXbCardiff - https://g2ul0.app.link/5mZIoBNhrXbGlasgow - https://g2ul0.app.link/FMk3N4PhrXbBirmingham - https://g2ul0.app.link/pJIj4XShrXbManchester - https://g2ul0.app.link/4SQwKDXhrXbBrighton - https://g2ul0.app.link/BO71HSZhrXbLondon - https://g2ul0.app.link/gm6iB91hrXb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 55m
  5. 7 OCT

    Lou Teasdale Reveals The Reality Of Being On Tour With One Direction!

    Beauty powerhouse Lou Teasdale opens up about life on the road with One Direction, her close friendship with Caroline Flack, and her mission to change the conversation around mental health. Content warning: This episode includes discussion of self harm and suicide. From styling the world’s biggest boyband to navigating the intense scrutiny of fame, Lou shares what life was really like behind the scenes with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne - from fans chasing cars to quiet one-to-one moments in the chair, where conversations often felt like therapy. Lou reflects on her friendship with Caroline Flack - from the qualities that made everyone adore her, to navigating mental health challenges under the eyes of the world. Today, Lou channels her pain into purpose through her work with suicide-prevention charity Body & Soul, determined to ensure others get the help they need and to show that kindness can truly save lives. Lou shares: ◽ How she became One Direction’s hair stylist ◽ Her favourite One Direction hairstyles ◽ The truth about working on The X Factor ◽ The reality TV transformations they weren’t allowed to do ◽ How mental health support is often left to “unqualified people” ◽ Insights from her close friendship with Caroline Flack◽ Why we need to do more on mental health awareness ◽ Her relationship with footballer Andy Carroll Lou Teasdale, We Need To Talk If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below: Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb  Body & Soul - https://g2ul0.app.link/yoNKZXDYeXb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Lou here: Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/Wt22ItOYeXb TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/QmcImVJYeXb  (00:00) Intro (02:31) Why Lou wanted to join us (04:07) How Lou became a make-up artist at 16 (05:51) Lou's choice to work as a make-up artist for boybands (07:17) The role of a make-up artist outside aesthetics (10:57) Lou's time on X-Factor (15:20) How Lou met Caroline Flack (16:51) How Lou ended up working with One Direction (19:49) How did One Direction change as they found fame? (22:00) Life on the road with One Direction (25:52) Lou's most influential look whilst being with One Direction (28:00) Lou reflects on the year anniversary of Liam Payne's death (33:21) Adobe Express Ad (34:19) Love Better Tour Ad (35:27) The popularity of Caroline Flack (39:35) What was most misunderstood about Caroline? (42:27) The events in 2019 that impacted Caroline's life (48:06) Caroline’s mental health struggles and navigating media coverage (51:00) The role of friends and family in supporting Caroline’s well-being (56:20) The events leading up to Caroline’s passing (58:22) Lou's experience of discovering Caroline (01:01:45) The '#BeKind' social media movement (01:04:49) Lou's charity work with Body and Soul (01:09:09) Lou's relationship with Caroline's mother (01:11:34) Lou's relationship with Andy Carroll (01:14:55) The tabloid treatment of Andy Carroll (01:17:02) Who's the celebrity that's most surprised Lou? (01:17:54) Which celebrity currently has the best hairstyle? (01:18:54) Most memorable conversation (01:23:02) A letter from Lou's sister (01:26:35) Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: 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 31m

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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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