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

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(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

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(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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After being shut out of Hollywood, Rose McGowan explains how she was forced to step away - and slowly rebuild her life on her own terms.

Rose speaks openly about her experiences in Hollywood, the cost of refusing to stay silent, and how leaving the industry became part of reclaiming her creativity, identity and sense of self. Rose was one of the first to go public with claims of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein, and she explains how she was allegedly raped by the movie producer at the age of 23 - and what it cost her to speak out. She reflects on the severe personal and professional consequences that followed.

Content warning: this conversation includes discussion of sexual assault.

From being raised in a cult in Italy to navigating Hollywood, she reflects on how early experiences shaped her instincts around control, belonging and survival. She also speaks about what came after: the unexpected support she found through fans and Comic-Con, stepping away from the US to recover in Mexico, reconnecting with creativity through music, and why reclaiming her real name - Rosa - feels like coming home. She shares: ◽ What it was like growing up inside The Children of God ◽ Being alone at 13 and realising no one was looking for her ◽ Why speaking out about Harvey Weinstein meant career death ◽ What was really happening behind the scenes on Charmed ◽ The truth behind the VMA dress and what people misunderstood ◽ Nearly losing her life, leaving the US and starting again ◽ How fans, creativity and music helped bring her back to herself Rose McGowan, We Need To Talk

Support charities:

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Website: https://www.rosemcg.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rosemcgowan/ 

(00:00) Intro

(02:23) How Does Rose Identify?

(03:39) 'The Children of God' and the Circumstances of Rose's Upbringing

(04:31) How Do You Define a Cult?

(06:47) Rose's Father and His Role Within 'The Children of God'

(09:31) The Beginnings of Rose's Career in Performance

(12:05) The British Court Ruling on 'The Children of God'

(14:22) How Rose Left 'The Children of God' and Her First Experiences in the USA

(19:32) Rose's Friction With Her Mother's Partners

(22:42) Rose's Experience With Her Father in the USA

(24:35) Rose's Perspective of Herself as a Teenager

(26:12) Being Forced To Go To Rehab at 13

(29:59) How Rose Left Rehab and What She Did Afterwards

(33:22) Rose's Attraction to Performing

(34:25) How Rose's Relationship With Her Father Developed During Adolescence

(38:42) Paul Surprises Rose With a Photo

(41:51) Adobe Express Ad

(43:11) How and Why Rose Moved to Hollywood

(52:19) Rose's First Featured Film Role

(55:35) Rose's Early Experiences of Hollywood's Inner Workings

(58:29) How Rose Met Harvey Weinstein

(01:01:52) Rose Details Her Encounter With Harvey Weinstein

(01:07:11) How Weinstein Covered His Tracks

(01:16:45) Sexual Assault and Its Prevalence in Society

(01:23:35) Rose's Relationship With Marilyn Manson

(01:32:11) How Rose Joined Charmed

(01:40:00) Fame During Charmed and How Rose Dealt With It

(01:42:27) Rose's Relationship With Robert Rodriguez

(01:49:47) What Led Rose to Activism and the MeToo Movement

(01:59:24) How Rose Felt When Harvey Weinstein Was Convicted

(02:03:39) Rose on Public Perception of Her

(02:04:54) How and Why Rose Moved to Mexico

(02:07:40) How Rose Bounced Back From Health Issues During Covid

(02:08:17) Rose's Unexpected Entry Into the UK Music Scene

(02:12:39) What Rose Would Tell Her 12-Year-Old Self

(02:13:59) Most Memorable Conversation

(02:18:34) Paul’s Takeaways

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Can 7 minutes a day really transform your life? Sadhguru challenges everything we think we know about happiness, meditation and fulfillment - and shares his perspective on why most people are suffering not because life is difficult, but because their intelligence is working against them.

Spiritual leader and yogi Sadhguru explains how he understands stillness, joy, and inner balance, and why he believes life is not a problem to be solved.

He offers his take on modern meditation, manifestation, and self-improvement - suggesting that real well-being begins with learning how to work with your own inner chemistry, rather than changing the world around you

Sadhguru shares:

◽ What meditation really is and why many people misunderstand it|

◽ The hidden dangers of knowing too much and how it limits us

◽ Why bliss is far greater than any fleeting pleasure

◽ His approach to starting meditation in as little as 7 minutes a day

◽ Why manifestation isn’t just about positive thinking

◽ The one habit that unlocks true well-being

◽ Why understanding and mastering your own mind is key to lasting joy

Sadhguru, We Need To Talk

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(00:00) Intro

(04:04) Sadhguru's Definition of a Guru

(07:07) Sadhguru's Unconventional Lifestyle

(08:12) How Did Sadhguru Become a Guru?

(11:20) What's Stopping People Gaining Inner Fulfilment?

(20:20) Sadhguru's Relationship With Meditation

(28:11) Sadhguru's Take on Manifestation

(36:33) Huel Ad

(37:58) Sadhguru's Advice for Showing Up as Your Authentic Self

(41:40) The UK's Views Toward Karma

(44:46) Sadhguru Helps Paul Improve His Meditation Techniques

(55:51) How Do We Know We're on the Right Path?

(57:58) Sadhguru's 'Heaviest Moment'

(59:18) Sadhguru's Advice for People in 2026

(01:02:00) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:03:48) Paul's Takeaways

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Paul reflects on the unforgettable moments that shaped the show so far. From candid conversations with stars like Yungblud, Gabor Maté, and Holly Hagan, to the raw honesty of Kerry Katona, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the topics that matter most.

Paul shares his favourite reflections, the wisdom that stayed with him, and the surprising insights that challenged his perspective on life, love and grief.

It’s a celebration of connection, growth, and the power of vulnerability, all wrapped up in the spirit of the season. Even in the chaos of the holidays, there's always room for reflection, healing and a little laughter.

We're Talking, Our Favourite Moments So Far!

(00:00) Intro

(01:28) Yungblud on Falling in Love With Someone Multiple Times

(04:09) Gabor Teaches Paul About Childhood Trauma and Its Effects on Adulthood

(09:19) Nadiya Reveals How She Felt Like an 'Alien' in the Bake Off Tent

(13:16) Kerry Talks About Her Lowest Ebb in Atomic Kitten

(18:04) Paul and Holly on How Grief Has Affected Them

(22:57) Mel Robbins Explains Her History With ADHD and Memory

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Radio DJ and Presenter Tyler West sits down with Paul for a raw and emotional conversation about the life-defining moments that have shaped him. From witnessing a brutal attack at just 14 years old to his rise on Strictly Come Dancing and his relationship with girlfriend Molly Rainford, Tyler shares the untold stories of the struggles he’s overcome and the resilience he’s built in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Tyler opens up about the harrowing impact of witnessing a violent attack right outside his bedroom window and how it shaped his mental health for years. For the first time, he talks about the dark thoughts he kept hidden from his mum.

He reflects on his journey from the streets of Sutton to landing a spot on CBBC, eventually competing on Strictly Come Dancing, where he met the love of his life, Molly Rainford. Tyler reveals the struggles that followed the high of Strictly, including the emotional crash that no one talks about after the limelight fades.

Tyler shares:

◽The shocking details of a crime he witnessed and how it haunted him for years

◽His relationship with his brother and how they communicate their emotions openly 

◽How he met girlfriend Molly Rainford on Strictly and fell in love

◽The crash he faced after Strictly and the hidden realities of fame

◽The truth about their time on Race Across The World with Molly

◽How he's feeling about taking over the KISS Breakfast Show

◽Why he believes mental health awareness is crucial and how he’s advocating for change

Tyler West, We Need To Talk

This conversation includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. We’ve included support charities below: 

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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb 

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(00:00) Intro

(01:56) Paul and Tyler's Connection Through Sutton

(02:37) What Was the Sutton Tyler Grew Up In Like?

(06:27) What Did Tyler Learn About Love From His Family?

(08:22) Paul Shows Tyler a Photo of Him as a Baby

(09:06) Tyler's Relationship With His Mother as a Child

(11:19) Tyler's Relationship With His Brother Growing Up Through to Adulthood

(14:25) Paul Surprises Tyler With a Letter From His Brother

(17:29) How Tyler's Father Re-Entered His Life at 14 Years Old

(18:53) Tyler Discusses the Murder He Witnessed as a Teenager and How It Affected Him

(26:55) Tyler's Lowest Ebb After His Traumatic Experience

(30:43) Statistics on Knife Crime

(31:40) Tyler's Experience of the Ensuing Court Case

(34:26) What Could Have Made Tyler's Experience Better?

(35:58) Top Things Tyler Thinks Could Change the Knife Crime Epidemic

(38:07) Tyler's Experience Growing Up Mixed Race in the UK

(43:21) How Tyler Found His Voice and Began His Presenting Career

(51:17) Paul and Tyler Talk About Authenticity in Front of the Camera

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(55:26) Huel Ad

(56:40) Tyler's Experience of Being on Strictly

(01:01:20) Tyler's Experience of Being on Race Across the World

(01:11:38) How Tyler First Met His Partner Molly

(01:21:13) Paul Shows Tyler a Message From Molly

(01:24:24) Tyler’s Advice for Anyone Struggling to Open Up and Find Their Voice

(01:29:22) Tyler’s Relationship With King Charles III and The King’s Trust

(01:32:37) Tyler’s Proudest Moment of His Career

(01:33:55) The Future for Tyler and Molly

(01:36:23) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:40:19) Paul’s Takeaways

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In this deeply emotional episode, Paul reconnects with Heather, who first appeared on the show grappling with the overwhelming grief of losing her partner. One year later, Heather shares her powerful journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. From confronting feelings of numbness to exploring the complexities of dating again, Heather opens up about the challenges and triumphs of moving forward after loss.

With raw honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on how far she's come and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for a heart-wrenching yet hopeful conversation about grief, resilience, and the strength it takes to embrace life again.

We're Talking Love After Loss

(00:00) Intro

(00:49) Heather Explains How Grief Has Fundamentally Changed Her Love Life

(06:50) Paul And Heather Play A Quiz To Find Out Whether She's Ready To Date

(18:50) Paul And Heather Catch Up A Year Later

(26:42) Paul's Closing Thoughts

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Bestselling author and modern masculinity expert Scott Galloway joins Paul for a raw conversation about dating, loneliness, and why so many young men are quietly falling behind. Scott breaks down how technology, online dating, and economic anxiety are reshaping male identity - and why men must take responsibility before resentment takes over.

Scott explains why men are struggling more than any generation before them, how synthetic relationships are replacing real intimacy, and men should “use their sex drive to become a better man”. From dating apps and divorce to fatherhood, friendship, and the pressure to provide, this is an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about what it actually means to be a man today.

Scott shares:

◽ Why so many men have given up on dating altogether

◽ Why we’re creating asocial, asexual men

◽ The biggest boner-killer for women

◽ How online dating has eliminated most men from the mating market

◽ Why economic anxiety, not infidelity, is the real cause of divorce

◽ The danger of AI and synthetic relationships for young people

◽ Why men without strong relationships are most at risk after divorce

◽ How fatherhood finally made him feel “enough”

◽ What young men can do now to rebuild confidence, purpose and connection

Scott Galloway, We Need To Talk

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(00:00) Intro

(03:22) Why Has Scott Pivoted From Business to Masculinity?

(06:23) Biggest Misconceptions About Scott

(14:02) Where Should Young Men Go to Become Informed?

(17:13) The Impact of Big Tech on Young Men

(22:23) Are There Any Benefits to AI and Relationships?

(28:31) What Young Men Should Know About Friendship

(34:00) Scott Reflects on Privilege and Success in the USA

(37:23) Is It Still Worth Going to University?

(37:53) Aura Frames Ad

(38:53) What Scott Learned About Love From His Father

(48:35) What Scott Learned About Manhood From Caring for His Mother

(53:16) How Class and Wealth Affect Mental Health

(56:43) Scott Reveals His Two Addictions

(59:49) Adobe Express Ad

(01:01:02) Scott on the Current Dating Environment for Young Men

(01:05:02) 'Shrekking' and Dating Status Dynamics

(01:10:15) What Should Men Aspire to in Dating?

(01:19:19) Scott's Take on Men and Pornography

(01:23:03) Why Are Marriage Rates Declining?

(01:24:12) Scott’s Top 3 Tips for a Successful Marriage

(01:26:56) What It Means to Be a Man Today

(01:31:52) Suicide Rates Among Men and Scott’s Thoughts

(01:34:44) "Men Should Pay for Everything"

(01:39:04) How Fatherhood Changed Scott

(01:43:21) Paul Surprises Scott With Letters From His Sons

(01:44:51) Scott Returns the Favour

(01:47:14) Why Men Should Be Emotional

(01:50:43) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:52:58) Paul’s Takeaways

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