We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

Latest Episodes:

The Untold Stories Behind the Songs That Changed Everything Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

For Black History Month, we revisit Paul’s conversations with Estelle and Akon, exploring the stories behind their biggest songs, career-defining moments and lasting impact on music. From Estelle creating “American Boy” in a Miami studio to Akon writing “Locked Up” while in prison, they share the stories behind some of their biggest records and the moments that changed their careers.

They also reflect on the work behind so-called overnight success, Akon’s 10-year plan for his future, the business opportunities he spotted early in digital music, and why both artists have always focused on making records that last. It’s a conversation about creativity, purpose, longevity and making music that connects across generations. We're Talking Music Legends

(00:00) Intro
(00:33) The Story Behind Estelle's American Boy
(05:38) How American Boy Became an International Hit
(08:46) Paul's Favourite Estelle Songs
(10:47) How Prison Inspired Akon's Songwriting
(12:10) The Story Behind Locked Up
(14:20) How Akon's Ringtone Business Changed the Music Industry
(17:26) How Lonely Changed Akon's Life

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Coleen Rooney: What Was Really Happening Behind The Headlines Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Coleen Rooney opens up about her marriage to Wayne Rooney, growing up in the public eye and the private experiences that have shaped her life behind the headlines. In this deeply personal conversation, she reflects on being photographed from just 16, becoming known as one of Britain’s most recognisable WAGs, losing confidence as the scrutiny intensified, and why she now wishes she had owned her place in the public eye more.

Coleen revisits the Wagatha Christie case, discovering that information from her private circle was reaching the press, and the years of legal proceedings that followed. She reveals the one thing she would change, how the experience affected the relationships around her, and the personal cost of a story that became global news.

She also speaks candidly about miscarriage, motherhood, her marriage to Wayne Rooney and the loss of her younger sister Rosie. Coleen reflects on grief, family and the pressure of always being the strong one, before receiving a deeply personal message from Wayne for the first time that leads her to reflect on the role she has played in his life - and her own.

Honest, emotional and revealing, this is Coleen Rooney beyond the headlines - telling the story behind her marriage, family and public life that millions thought they already knew.

Coleen Rooney, We Need To Talk

This episode includes discussion of baby loss and grief, please watch with care. We have included links to support resources here:

Tommys: https://linkly.link/2feiZ

CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H

MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

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

Brand partnerships enquiries: partnerships@flightstory.com

Follow Coleen here:

https://www.instagram.com/coleen_rooney

Watch The Real Rooneys on Disney+

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Growing Up Scouse

(03:09) Inside Coleen’s Childhood

(04:30) The Photo That Started Everything

(09:00) Coleen's Teenage Years

(13:12) How Coleen Met Wayne

(16:09) Coleen and Wayne's First Date

(17:56) The Infamous Photo That Changed Everything

(21:33) How Coleen Entered the Public Eye

(24:43) Coleen's Take on WAG Culture

(28:31) Imposter Syndrome

(30:36) What Fame Changed Forever

(36:02) Cometeer Ad

(37:12) How "WAG" Took Over

(42:03) Taking Back Her Own Story

(44:29) The Truth About WAGATHA CHRISTIE

(58:30) Shopify Ad

(59:34) Huel Ad

(01:00:57) Reflecting on Pregnancy Loss

(01:02:41) Why The Real Rooneys? Why Now?

(01:05:42) Coleen's Experience on I'm a Celebrity

(01:07:36) Inside Coleen and Wayne's Marriage

(01:15:38) Wayne's Message to Coleen

(01:22:00) Losing Her Sister Rosie

(01:27:16) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:31:14) Paul's Takeaways

Sponsored by:

Cometeer: https://cometeer.com/PAUL for $20 off your first order

Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk

Huel - http://uk.huel.com/WNTT use code WNTT for £10 off

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Sam Vanderpump: Why I’m Fighting For Organ Donation Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

For Organ Donation Week, Sam Vanderpump's shares his life-changing health battle that began with a liver disease he was diagnosed with at just 4 years old.

Sam opens up about the moment he was confronted with the possibility of dying, the fear of not seeing his future child, and why understanding the signs of sepsis could save lives.

He also explains why he is campaigning for greater awareness around organ donation and shares the story of his friend Daniel, whose decision to donate his organs saved four lives.

NHS Organ Donation Register - https://linkly.link/2tqu7

(00:00) Intro (01:03) Diagnosed With Liver Disease
(04:38) Sam Develops Life-Threatening Sepsis
(14:30) Told He Needs A Transplant (16:18) Why Organ Donation Matters

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He Quit His Job at 37: Now He DJ's with Will Smith, Skepta & Burna Boy Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

DJ AG became one of the internet’s most recognisable street DJs through his viral TikTok LIVE performances, hosting stars including Will Smith, Skepta and Ne-Yo. But long before the millions of views, Ash was growing up in Tottenham, working at McDonald’s, building a corporate career and only taking the leap into full-time DJing at 37.

Ash opens up about a health scare that led him to get his prostate checked, and why fear and stigma still stop some men from doing the same. He explains why the issue is especially important for Black men, and how speaking publicly about his own experience encouraged others to get tested.

He also looks back at taking his DJ setup onto the streets, being arrested while livestreaming, and the moment Will Smith joined him on the decks. Ash reveals what happened behind the scenes, and how his street sets grew from a few people watching online into appearances with some of the world’s biggest artists.

But behind the viral moments is a deeper purpose. AG shares how his grandmother’s dementia inspired him to perform in care homes, and why bringing people joy through music has become the most important part of what he does.

DJ AG, We Need To Talk

This episode includes discussion of prostate cancer and dementia. We have included links to support resources here:

Prostate Cancer UK: https://linkly.link/2tkKz

Dementia UK: https://linkly.link/2tkKj

Alzheimer's Research UK https://linkly.link/2tkKt

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

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

Follow DJ AG here:

https://www.instagram.com/djagonline

https://www.tiktok.com/@djagonline

(00:00) Intro to DJ AG

(02:05) Childhood in Tottenham

(05:36) The Music Scene in Tottenham

(07:32) AG as a Child

(10:25) AG’s Family Situation Growing Up

(16:48) Prostate Cancer and the Importance of Getting Checked

(21:08) AG’s Relationship With His Mum and Dad

(27:27) DJ AG Reads a Letter From His Mum

(29:49) Anthropic Ad

(31:09) How AG Discovered His Love of DJing

(46:08) The Art of DJing

(49:21) Why AG Became a Full-Time DJ

(57:21) Cometeer Ad

(58:57) Taking DJ Sets Outdoors

(01:10:51) AG’s Most Notable Guests

(01:17:05) AG’s Community Work and DJing in Care Homes

(01:19:38) Huel Ad

(01:20:48) AG Fest

(01:22:19) What Is DJ AG’s Greatest Fear?

(01:27:27) AG’s Outlook on Dating and Relationships

(01:30:30) Paul Reads a Letter From AG’s Dad

(01:36:27) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:39:42) Paul’s Takeaways

Sponsored by:

Anthropic - https://www.claude.ai/talk

Cometeer - https://cometeer.com/PAUL for $20 off your first order

Huel - http://uk.huel.com/WNTT use code WNTT for £10 off

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"The audition went horribly wrong!" Shirley Ballas & Ore Oduba on Strictly Come Dancing Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Strictly Come Dancing legends Shirley Ballas and Ore Oduba reveal what really happens behind the scenes of television’s biggest show. From surviving severe online hate and high-stakes audition blunders to navigating intense imposter syndrome, Shirley and Ore share the emotional lows, career pivots, and life-changing moments that come with performing in front of 14 million people. We're Talking Strictly Come Dancing!

(00:00) Intro
(01:13) Ore's Strictly Journey and Finding Himself Through Dance (12:13) How Shirley Became a Strictly Judge (17:42) Why Strictly Became a National Phenomenon (19:22) How Shirley Feels About Strictly's Critics (21:19) Why Shirley Loves Being Part of Strictly (22:55) The Celebrity Shirley Would Love to See on Strictly (23:40) The Most Surprising Strictly Contestants

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Kelly Osbourne on Ozzy’s Final Words and Choosing Herself “I Didn’t Know What I Looked Like” Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Kelly Osbourne opens up about Ozzy Osbourne’s final days, growing up in The Osbournes and the reality of becoming famous as a teenager in her first sit-down since her father’s passing. She reflects on her father’s death, why she believes he was preparing her for his passing, and her complicated relationship with her sister Aimee.

Kelly looks back at the overnight success of The Osbournes, being followed by paparazzi and relentlessly scrutinised for her appearance. She also revisits the backlash she received after the BRITs, when comments about her body overshadowed her father’s lifetime achievement award, and the impact the press had on her confidence and mental health.

She opens up about addiction and the pain she was trying to escape, including one of the darkest periods of her life while her mother was battling cancer. Kelly reflects on returning to drinking after her father’s death and how grief and motherhood have brought her into a new chapter - finally ready to step beyond being “Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter” and build a life on her own terms.

Kelly Osbourne, We Need To Talk

This episode includes topics of suicidal ideation, body image, addiction and grief. If these subjects are difficult for you, please watch with care. We have included links to support resources here:

Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z

CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H

MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

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

Follow Kelly here:

https://www.instagram.com/kellyo

https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyosbourneyo

(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Kelly Reads A Letter From Paul's Wife Jill

(05:15) Losing Her Father Ozzy Osbourne

(08:14) Growing Up In England

(12:07) Moving To LA At 13

(15:23) The Osbournes And Party Years

(25:29) The Press And Body Image

(27:23) The BRITs Backlash

(33:52) Huel Ad

(34:55) The Osbournes Changed Reality TV

(38:17) Life Inside The Osbournes

(48:52) Becoming Famous Overnight

(01:02:20) Addiction And Escaping Pain

(01:06:31) Working With Joan Rivers

(01:08:43) Finding Her Own Identity

(01:10:35) Her Bond With Ozzy Osbourne

(01:11:51) Surprise Photo

(01:14:18) Sharon And Ozzy's Love Story

(01:17:52) Why Family Mattered To Ozzy Osbourne

(01:27:36) Ozzy's Final Months

(01:28:59) Sharon Behind Ozzy's Success

(01:37:35) Her Relationship With Jack

(01:40:04) Becoming A Mother

(01:44:53) Working With Dolly Parton

(01:55:21) Paul's Takeaways

Sponsored by:

Huel - http://uk.huel.com/WNTT use code WNTT for £10 off

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The Conversations That Could Save Lives: We’re Talking Suicide Prevention Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

TW: This episode discusses suicide and mental health. Nadiya Hussain and Tyler West open up about their experiences with mental health, from childhood trauma, bullying and the pressure of identity to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Nadiya opens up about the bullying she experienced throughout her childhood, how it shaped her relationship with her identity, self-worth and trust, and the impact of growing up in a home where difficult emotions were rarely spoken about. She also reflects on her faith, motherhood and the importance of creating a space where her children can talk openly about their feelings and mental health.

Tyler shares the life-changing trauma of witnessing a murder at 14, the PTSD that followed and how keeping it all inside eventually led to a suicide attempt. He reflects on finding his voice, the importance of talking about what we’re going through, and how the things that have broken us can sometimes become our greatest strength.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. We’ve included support charities below: Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb

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

(00:00) Intro (00:35) Nadiya Opens Up About Being Bullied at School (03:15) How Bullying Impacted Nadiya's Mental Health (04:23) Nadiya Opens Up About Her Suicide Attempt and What Saved Her (07:40) Nadiya's Lifelong Struggle With Anxiety and the Importance of Speaking Out (13:26) Tyler Shares the Traumatic Event He Witnessed as a Child
(18:41) How Childhood Trauma Impacted Tyler's Mental Health
(21:28) Tyler Opens Up About His Suicide Attempt and What Saved Him

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Dr Terry Dubrow on Botched, Ozempic And Plastic Surgery “They Put Concrete In Her Face!” Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Star of Botched and The Swan, Dr Terry Dubrow became one of reality TV’s most recognisable surgeons, but this conversation reveals what was really happening behind the shows that made him famous.

Terry looks back at the shows that made him famous, from the backlash surrounding The Swan and Bridalplasty to why he initially thought Botched was a terrible idea. He reflects on what producers pushed for behind the scenes, the moments he refused to cross a line with patients, and why surgical training can create the confidence - and “God complex” - needed to make life-or-death decisions.

He also confronts the darker side of cosmetic surgery, from dangerous BBLs and medical tourism to the rise of “looksmaxxing”. Terry revisits the patient no surgeon would touch after concrete-like material was injected into her face, and the operation he created after 11 other surgeons had refused to help her. He also explores how Ozempic, GLP-1s and rapid weight loss are changing the face of cosmetic medicine.

Away from surgery, Terry opens up about fame, family, staying strong at 67, and the extraordinary story of forging Heather Dubrow’s signature to get her onto The Real Housewives of Orange County. Funny, provocative and unexpectedly personal, this is Dr Terry Dubrow beyond Botched.

Dr Terry Dubrow, We Need To Talk

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

Follow Dr Terry here:

https://www.instagram.com/drdubrow

(00:00) Intro

(02:20) Paul And Dr Terry Discuss PK

(04:24) How Dr Terry Stays Fit At 67

(09:03) Why Dr Terry Became a Cosmetic Surgeon

(16:07) Dr Terry on The Swan and Its Controversy

(24:46) Why The Swan Was Cancelled

(27:02) Inside The Controversial Bridalplasty TV Show

(36:06) Anthropic Ad

(37:27) How Dr Terry Joined Real Housewives

(41:59) How Botched Became A Hit

(46:53) The Patient No Surgeon Would Touch

(51:49) Rajee's Message To Dr Terry

(56:50) Why BBLs Can Be Deadly

(01:01:19) The Dangers Of Medical Tourism

(01:04:33) Dr Terry Gives Paul Breast Implants

(01:07:36) How Beauty Trends Change Surgery

(01:12:12) Dr Terry On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

(01:24:27) Why Looksmaxxing Is Dangerous

(01:30:39) Inside Dr Terry's Marriage

(01:33:18) What Fatherhood Taught Dr Terry

(01:37:32) Dr Terry Reads Heather's Letter

(01:41:11) Dr Terry's Most Memorable Conversation

(01:43:21) Paul's Biggest Takeaways

Sponsored by:

Anthropic - https://www.claude.ai/talk

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Why Chemistry Isn’t Always Love! Dr Tara Swart Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Dr Tara Swart reveals the surprising neuroscience behind love, attraction and relationships - from the hormones that drive bonding to the hidden signals our brains use when choosing a partner.

She explains why oxytocin is so important for love and trust, how stress can affect our relationships, why smell can be a powerful attraction signal, and what happens in the brain when a new relationship becomes sexual. Tara also explores why delaying sex may help create stronger bonds, and how evolution continues to influence who we find attractive.

We're Talking Relationship Neuroscience!

(00:00) Intro (00:30) How the Brain Shapes Our Relationships (02:32) The Key Parts of the Brain That Affect Relationships (04:09) How Dr Tara Defines Love (06:40) The Brain Chemicals Behind Love and Relationships (13:00) How Smell Influences Romantic Attraction (16:38) The Science Behind Physical Attraction

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GK Barry: I’m Finally Ready To Tell My Story Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

GK Barry became one of the internet’s biggest personalities, but this conversation reveals the Grace Keeling behind the fame, the jokes and the confidence. She reflects on being bullied at school, feeling desperate to fit in, and learning to make people laugh before anyone could laugh at her. Grace opens up about her relationship with her body, becoming obsessed with being thin, and how the attention that came with changing her appearance reinforced everything she believed about herself. She also speaks about witnessing racism through her dad Andrew, discovering her sexuality, and falling in love with Ella Rutherford - from the fear of letting people know to finding a relationship where she finally feels accepted for who she is. For the first time, Grace shares an experience from when she was 17 involving a 27-year-old man, and the years of confusion and self-blame that followed. She explains why she didn't report what happened at the time, the advice she was given by police, and how it took her years to understand what had happened to her and recognise that it wasn't her fault. Funny, honest and deeply vulnerable, this is GK Barry ready to tell her story. GK Barry, We Need To Talk Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and disordered eating. We have included links to support charities and resources here: The Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 Support Line is available day and night on 0808 500 2222, with free online chat also available on their website https://linkly.link/2sHpO Beat Eating Disorders https://linkly.link/2sHpG MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow GK Barry here: https://www.instagram.com/gkbarry_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gkbarry Buy Grace’s Book - It's Giving Life: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving: https://linkly.link/2sHqS

(00:00) Intro

(01:37) How Paul and Grace First Met

(03:37) Grace vs GK Barry: What's the Difference?

(06:53) Why Grace Wanted to Come on We Need To Talk

(10:04) Growing Up Outside the UK

(15:15) Stepdad's Impact on Grace's Life

(18:38) Moving Back to the UK as a Child

(26:10) Shopify Ad

(27:23) Not Fitting In At School

(44:41) Struggles With Appearance

(52:45) Career Ambitions After Leaving School

(57:06) Paul Surprises Grace With A Letter