Reign with Josh Smith

Ep 122: Ella Purnell Nov 19, 2024

We are back babes and we are joined by someone who is having a YEAR, Ella Purnell.

Ella has been acting since she was 12 but this year has been her best yet! Ella starred as Lucy in one of the biggest TV shows of the year, the adaptation of the game, ‘Fallout’ on Prime Video - I was obsessed - have you seen it yet? And now Ella is starring and producing, ‘Sweetpea’ on Sky and the streaming service, NOW in the UK and Starz in the USA!

‘Sweetpea’ is one of my favourite shows of the year and it follows Ella’s character Rhiannon, a wallflower who is pushed over the edge and goes on a killing spree. It’s dark but SO GOOD, and stars previous ‘Reign’ guest and all round mega human, Nicôle Lecky, too. ‘Killing Eve’ fans, you will love this show, I promise!

Today Ella and I cover some serious ground, from everyday sexism to conkers (they are making a comeback apparently! Ella also tells me about the wild rumours she was dating Brad Pitt when they hadn’t even met, as well as how she truly found her voice.

Anyone who has a ‘go to karaoke’ list in their phone is a bit of us so I really hope you love this episode. If you do or you just want to talk about how amazing ‘Sweetpea’ is get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x

P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat Whether you are already confident at chatting or are socially anxious this book really is for everyone and I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too.

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Ep 121: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Sep 24, 2024

I am SO excited about this episode because it has literally been years in the making! Today we are joined by the supermodel, business mogul and all round mega-babe, Rosie Huntington- Whiteley.

Rosie has been working as a model since she was 16 years old and 20 years later, she’s gone from pounding the pavements with her trusty A-Z map trying to book jobs to gracing every major magazine cover, runway and brand campaign.

Today Rosie looks back on her incredible career, and all the rejections and successes that have shaped her. One huge success of Rosie’s has been her collaboration with Marks and Spencer - from lingerie to now contourwear - and hearing how she turned an idea into a decade long success will inspire you to take your ideas and run with them!

There are so many great nuggets of wisdom in this episode including one of my faves, that we should see failure as happening for us, not at us.I hope you love this episode and if you do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great chatting with you. Love, Josh x

P.S Thank you to our sponsor Marks and Spencer! This episode marks the release of Rosie’s latest collection, Rosie ContourWear. The latest chapter in her 12 year collaboration with M&S is a 40 piece collection of contemporary, luxury lingerie and light control shapewear - ranging from bodysuits to waist-cinching knickers - that creates a sleek, flawless foundation. You can wear the pieces beneath clothing or style them to be seen and it is available right now in selected M&S stores, or at marksandspencer.com.

P.P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too.

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Ep 120: Sadiq Khan Aug 27, 2024

Today the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan joins us in the studio.

Sadiq has just won a historic third term as London Mayor but his road to political success has been an unlikely one. When he emerged in politics it was dominated by white public school boys but being one of eight who was raised in a council flat in Tooting by his parents who worked as a seamstress and a bus driver became his USP.

Sadiq’s career has seen him become a human rights lawyer, being elected MP for his community in Tooting and becoming a Labour Cabinet Minister. But his greatest impact has come as London’s longest serving mayor.

Today Sadiq talks about the recent race riots in the UK, how they personally affected him and his family and how the recent events show in our now divisive society we need to truly listen to one another and hold social media companies to account.

He also calls out those in power who have used hateful language for their own gain and after Donald Trump's war of words during his presidency led to him having increased security, how anxious Sadiq is about the prospect of the former president retaking power.

Whatever your view on politics or politicians (Sadiq knows how we all feel about politicians!) I hope you find Sadiq’s journey inspiring. What I love most though is Sadiq’s words about allyship so I hope this episode inspires you to speak up and show up for the groups in our society that need us most. If his words or story resonate with you, as always I would love to hear from you - get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great hearing from you. Love, Josh x

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Ep 119: Ashley Park Aug 13, 2024

Bonjour babes! I am so excited about this episode because it has been YEARS in the making! Today, ahead of Emily In Paris season four we are joined by Mindy herself, Ashley Park.

Before Ashley made her TV debut in the hit Netflix show, she started her career in Broadway Musicals starring in Mamma Mia, The King and I and earning a Tony Award nomination for the Mean Girls Musical. But Emily in Paris has taken her career to new levels and she has since starred in Only Murder in The Building alongside Selena Gomez AND MERYL STREEP, the Emmy winning Beef and the hilarious girls trip comedy movie, Joyride (if you have missed it, watch it immediately it's SO funny!).

It’s no secret I love a ‘Great Chat’ and so does Ashley so in this episode we laugh, we get deep and there’s some tears as we talk about everything from self love to representation and her incredible friendship with Lily Collins (our OG Reign Queen - head back to episode one to listen to Lily on the podcast!). Ashley also talks about recovering from septic shock earlier this year and how filming the latest season of Emily in Paris whilst still recovering showed her the true meaning of ‘it takes a village.’

What this episode really shows is how amazing life is when YOU become the protagonist of your own life and if Ashley’s words inspire you as much as they did me, please get in touch via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x

P.S. I am so happy that today’s episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to sprinkle some sparkle and positivity in your life and empower you to BE LOVE. Especially in difficult times, just a little bit of love can truly help you and others. So, radiate it. Initiate it. Accept it. Expect and BE LOVE - you never know how much it could change your life or someone else’s. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more.

P.P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard Ashley and I talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.

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Ep 118: Leanne Hainsby-Alldis Jul 16, 2024

Have you had a very up and down relationship with exercise? I have! That was until the fitness queen Leanne Hainsby-Alldis came into my life via the Peloton Bike!

If you have jumped on a Peloton before you will recognise Leanne for her sparkle and pure positivity. But before fitness fame, Leanne spent a decade as a professional dancer (my dream job - shame I don’t have enough rhythm) working with everyone from Taylor Swift to Katy Perry. That all changed when on a 10/10 hangover she was headhunted to become an instructor by Peloton’s very own Cody Rigsby.

Today Leanne serves us a healthy dose of motivation - no matter where you are at in your fitness journey - and reflects on how career change, milestone anxiety and all the things we experienced in our 20s and 30s have shaped her.

But it was a change she didn’t see coming that has really shaped Leanne into the person she is today. In August 2022, shortly after losing her best friend she was diagnosed with cancer.

We recorded this just before her wedding to fellow Peloton instructor, Ben Alldis and Leanne powerfully shares her story with us and just how life changing the last few years have been. Leanne is a role model for resilience and I hope her strength really inspires you. Like Leanne says, energy starts with you - so I hope her words encourage you to nurture and look after your energy no matter what situation you find yourself in. If Leanne’s words resonate with you, drop me a message - I am @joshsmithhosts across social media. Love Josh x

P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.

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Ep 117: Stan Wawrinka Jul 02, 2024

I am serving you an ACE episode today as we are joined by three time grand slam champion, Stan Wawrinka! See what I did there?!?

In case you can’t tell when you listen to the episode I am beside myself excited that we recorded this at the evian Mountain of Youth VIP suite at *actual* Wimbledon just before the championships kicked off. I had goosebumps all over walking around these iconic grounds.

Stan or rather Stan The Man or Stanminal - depending on your nickname of choice - is a true sporting great. Not only has he won THREE grand slam titles, the French Open, the US open, the Australian Open Stan has won Olympic gold alongside fellow swiss icon Roger Federer, 31 career titles and double quarter finalist here at Wimbledon, too. And he already has his hands on the Wimbledon trophy as you will find out in this episode…

Today Stan talks about his journey to the top of tennis, reveals the secrets behind his champion mentality, the big loss that actually empowered him (against Novak Djokovic no less) and he serves us the best advice for nurturing our mindset and living a life without regret.

If we couldn’t love Stan more - he is such a great guy - he also talks about how other sports need to catch up with Tennis when it comes to gender parity!

I hope Stan also inspires you to not only adopt a fresh mindset but embrace failure, too and if he does get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you and there is nothing more I love than talking about tennis! And if you love tennis make sure you check out the episode with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina too! Love, Josh x

P.S This podcast episode is sponsored by evian and it is an absolute dream come true to have recorded this amazing episode in the evian Mountain of Youth VIP suite at ACTUAL WIMBLEDON to celebrate the start of this iconic sporting event. evian have been keeping players and spectators refreshed at The Championships since 2008 as the official water partner. Keeping hydrated is one of the easiest acts of self care we can all participate in too. Drinking at least 2 litres of fluid, including water, a day can contribute to the maintenance of normal physical and cognitive function so grab your evian bottle and stay hydrated!

P.PS. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.

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Introducing.... Great Chat! Jun 25, 2024

I am so excited to share this very special bonus episode of the podcast with you, it’s an extract of my audio book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now in audio and hardback.

Hardback copy:https://geni.us/GreatChat

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HH55EZsUSYtajczP6yjjJ?si=6ba9bc48f73544a0

Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Great-Chat-Audiobook/B0CVLG18ZC?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Apple: https://apple.co/4ajKZkf

I think I might have mentioned I have written a book a few times… maybe…and in case you didn’t know already I LOVE to chat. But when I look around it really feels like in this digital age we have lost the art of real life conversation. We are more lonely and anxious than we have ever been and chatting really is the way to reverse that and I know personally how transformative it can be for your wellbeing. That’s where ‘Great Chat’ comes in!

‘Great Chat’ uses all the lessons I have learnt from over a decade of interviewing every mood and personality and every celebrity from Oprah to Victoria Beckham, alongside jaw dropping research to give you a practical guide to help you create more meaningful conversation, whatever the situation. That could be on dates or winning someone over at work - you name it Great Chat is your wingman for any conversation or scenario - and it will help you with everything from becoming an active listener to embracing difficult conversations.

‘Great Chat’ will help you turn chatting into a self help practice to help YOUR wellbeing and I really hope you will build more meaningful connections with the people already in your life and the people you don’t know yet after reading and listening to it.

So here’s the introduction to Great Chat - I hope you love it and when you listen to the audio book you will also find an exclusive chat with me and the mega babe Emma Willis, where we put some of the ‘Great Chat’ lessons into practice. Trust me - you’re gonna wanna hear this! Let me know what you think - you can get me @joshsmithhosts - can’t wait to have a GREAT CHAT with you. Love Josh x

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Ep 116: Emma D'Arcy & Olivia Cooke Jun 18, 2024

As a House of The Dragon fan I am SO excited that we are joined by the show’s stars Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke for this episode!

If you are not familiar with the prequel series to Game of Thrones already - where have you been babes - it slays in many ways. There’s murder, there’s backstabbing, a whole lot of hot people getting up to hot things, and many storylines to get your head around, so it’s time to take a trip to Westeros if you haven’t already (and you don’t even have to have watched Game of Thrones to love the show).

At the centre of it all is Princess Rhaenyra played by Emma D’Arcy and her childhood best friend, Allicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke who destroy their friendship in the quest for power. If you thought you had had a tough friendship break up, this is NEXT LEVEL.

Outside of Westeros you may also already recognise Olivia from the Oscar nominated The Sound of Metal, Me Earl and The Girl, Ready Player One and Apple TV’s Slow Horses. And whilst this is Emma’s breakout role they were nominated for a Golden Globe for their scene stealing performance.

Today as they return to House of The Dragon season two - which is available now on Sky and streaming service NOW - they talk about the moments on the show that had them clutching their pearls, how they are finally finding their power in their roles and the sheer embarrassment of getting smacked in the face (or in Emma’s case being spat in the face by a co-star!).

What I love most about this episode though is when Emma opens up beautifully about the relief at being able to live their life openly as a non-binary person and just how cute the friendship they have built off screen is. If you love the episode too, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x

P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is FINALLY out this week! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.

P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it’s one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don’t we?! But luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It’s only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!

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Ep 115: Daisy Ridley Jun 11, 2024

May the force be with you on this week’s episode as we are joined by Daisy Ridley.

Many of you will know Daisy from her breakout role playing Rey in three blockbuster ‘Star Wars’ movies and now she’s back in the legendary Jerry Bruckheimer’s new movie, ‘Young Woman and The Sea’, playing Trudie Ederlee, the first woman to swim the English Channel who not only had to deal with life threatening situations, she had to face a host of 1920s misogyny too.

It is already one of my favourite movies ever (bold statement but wait until you see it) and you are going to LOVE it too because it’s everything we love on Reign: sticking two fingers up at the patriarchy and proving the haters wrong!

I LOVED talking to Daisy and she joins us post going out OUT (she’s a bit of us) to talk about the incredible physical and mental challenges the film presented her, the sexism she has faced in her own life and how creating her next movie ‘Magpie’ with her husband Tom Bateman was a huge moment of overcoming self doubt.

Daisy also teases her return to ‘Star Wars’ but what I love most about this episode is Daisy’s words on how powerful finding your people and having the right people around you is. So I hope this inspires you to lean on those around you or to go out there and find your people!

If you love this chinwag with Daisy or you head straight to watch ‘Young Woman and The Sea’ and wanna compare notes get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x

P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June.

P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it’s one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don’t we?! But luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It’s only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!

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Ep 114: Jessica Gunning Jun 04, 2024

This is such a special episode as we are joined by the star of Baby Reindeer, Jessica Gunning, who shares her coming out story for the very first time publicly.

I felt so honoured to be able to help Jessica tell her story, and I hope as we start Pride Month, no matter how you identify, or how you are currently feeling about your identity, Jessica’s story will inspire you to embrace yourself and celebrate YOU.

As you will hear in this episode Jessica is every bit as incredible off screen as she is on screen and the entire world has now woken up to her talents in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer. If you are one of the few who hasn’t watched the show yet, it was created by, and stars Richard Gadd, who brings his own life story to screen as his character Donny is intensely stalked by Jessica’s character, Martha. It’s one of the best TV shows not just of the year, but ever, as it goes from comical to heartbreaking in just a few seconds.

But this is no overnight success, as Jessica talks us through her epic career and the incredible lessons she has learnt along the way from her first big role in one of my favourite movies of all time, Pride, to playing the hilarious parole officer Dianne in the BBC comedy, The Outlaws, which is back for a third season.

Along with our emotional chat about coming out, Jessica serves the comedy too as we talk about our failure to grasp the French language and her hilarious run in with The Outlaws co-star, Christopher Walken.

If you love this chat as much as I do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great hearing from you. Love, Josh x

P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June!

P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it’s one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don’t we?! But luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It’s only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!

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Ep 113: Freya Allan May 29, 2024

‘The Witcher’ fans ASSEMBLE as today we are joined by royalty, Princess Ciri herself, Freya Allan.

If you don’t already know about one of Netflix’s biggest shows, ‘The Witcher’ is a high octane adventure about the Witcher Geralt, a monster hunter played by Henry Cavill (who is being replaced by Liam Hemsworth for season four) who finds out humans tend to be more wicked than beasts. If you haven’t watched it yet, you have three epic seasons to catch up on - lucky you!

I have wanted to talk to Freya on the podcast for a long time so it’s amazing to finally do it as she makes her big screen debut in one of the longest running and biggest franchises in Hollywood, ‘Planet of the Apes’.

The latest installment, ‘Kingdom of Planet of the Apes’ is currently the biggest movie in the ENTIRE WORLD and follows Freya’s character Mae, a lone human who finds unlikely friendship in Noa, the ape and there is so much drama it's gonna blow your eyebrows off. Fun fact; the apes are played by real humans and it’s so emotional so take your tissues.

Today Freya tells me about the power of proving people wrong - so get ready to feel VERY empowered - and about how she navigated a huge change in her life when she went from being in school to starring in a huge Netflix franchise at just 16 years old.

I really respect Freya’s honesty as she talks about why she didn’t want to return to season four of ‘The Witcher’,and teases what you can expect from the final installment of the show. I hope you love this episode! If you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! Love, Josh x

P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June!

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Ep 112: Nicholas Galitzine May 07, 2024

Today by popular demand, Nicholas Galitzine finally joins the podcast and he does not disappoint!

Many of you will know that Nicholas first burst onto our screens as the all-singing, all-charming Prince in Prime Video’s ‘Cinderella’ with Camila Cabello, and then he played a troubled marine in Netflix’s ‘Purple Hearts.’ However it was playing the closeted gay prince, Henry who falls for the son of the first female USA president, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez in ‘Red, White and Royal Blue’, that really captured imaginations!

Not someone to shy away from intimate scenes, Nicholas recently played King James I’s lover in Sky’s TV show, ‘Mary and George’, whose game playing and thirst is only matched by his ambitious mother, played by Julianne Moore.

Now Nicholas stars as a boyband member who falls for a fan’s mum, played by Anne Hathaway, in the new Prime Video movie, ‘The Idea of You’ and it’s the rom-com we have been waiting for!

In this episode Nicholas talks about why we need more male allies for women, and how he wants to set a better example to younger men in society. He also chats about doing all *those* intimate scenes, overcoming imposter syndrome and finally feeling comfortable in who he is.

What I love most is Nicholas’s words about becoming our own cheerleader which is what Reign is all about, so I hope you love this episode! If you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! Love, Josh x

P.S. In this episode you will have heard me talking about my favourite SPF brand, Mecca Cosmetica. If you want to find out more about their products that not only protect your skin, but also contain amazing advanced skincare ingredients visit MeccaCosmetica.com And make sure you check out my favourite product, ‘To Save Face’ SPF 50+ Sunscreen’, which is the best SPF for wearing under makeup - thank me later!

P.P.S You will also have heard me mention my book. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June!

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Ep 111: Rebecca Ferguson Feb 27, 2024

Dune fans the time has come, Dune: Part Two is FINALLY coming to cinemas and today we are joined by the M-O-T-H-E-R of Dune in so many ways; the incredible Rebecca Ferguson.

After starting out in Swedish soap operas, Rebecca landed her first English-speaking role in the BBC drama, The White Queen and she didn’t look back. She quickly joined Tom Cruise - who she credits with changing her life in this episode - in the Mission Impossible franchise, starring in three of it’s movies, and has also starred in The Greatest Showman, Apple TV’s Silo, The Girl on The Train and now two Dune movies.

If you missed the first Dune movie, Rebecca plays Lady Jessica, the mother of Timothée Chalamet’s character Paul, who is destined to become the universe’s greatest leader. However, he has the power to see the future, and only he can see how dangerous he will be in this fantasy world. In Dune: Part One, things were dramatic for Lady Jessica to say the least after her husband was murdered, she lost her power and was exiled. Dune: Part Two is no different; she's pregnant with a baby she can talk to in the womb (yes, really), becomes THE all-powerful reverend mother, and that is just a taster of what to come. If you are confused so far, all you need to know is that as sequels go, this is one of the all time greats!

Today Rebecca and I have a DMC about everything Dune where she reveals she initially played hard to get, telling the franchise’s director, Denis Villeneuve (who she calls Denny) she wasn’t interested in the role (!!!) and she talks about the valuable lessons she learnt from working with Timothée.

Rebecca also tells ms about the time she stood up for herself in the face of an absolutely horrid co-star in another movie, which is a firm reminder to us all to always use our voice, even when we are scared to.

I absolutely LOVED talking to Rebecca and I think you will leave this episode just as obsessed with her as I am. It’s rare to meet someone this authentic and comfortable in their own skin, especially in this industry. If you do love this episode please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! And speaking of epic people, if you missed it, check out last week’s episode with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. Love Josh x

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Ep 110: Jodie Foster & Kali Reis Feb 20, 2024

Today we are joined by two incredible women, Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, and I am not sure I will ever recover!

Like me you may already be obsessed with them after watching the TV show, True Detective: Night Country, which is available to watch now on Sky Atlantic, streaming service NOW and available to download and own on digital platforms. on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK. It is edge of your seat amazing! If you have already watched the whole series PLEASE DM me so we can debrief immediately.

If, however, you have missed the action so far True Detective: Night Country is a murder thriller set in the high arctic of Alaska and follows two detectives, Danvers and Navarro who are on the case when scientists from a research facility go missing. The disappearance opens up a can of worms as it turns out the research facility is linked to a mine that is poisoning an indigenous community, and it’s also linked to a cold case of a woman from the community who was brutally murdered. The twists and the turns are incredible and you won’t see the ending coming!

On today’s episode we have a proper debrief about the show and we also reflect on the pair’s game changing careers. We all know two time Oscar winner Jodie from the likes of Silence of The Lambs, Taxi Driver and Panic Room to name just a few (!!!) and Kali, before she recently started acting (this is only her THIRD acting role) achieved six world boxing titles, and you know how much we love a female athlete on this podcast (if this is your first time here, check out our two women in sports series!).

We also talk about one of the show’s most important themes: violence against women, and why as a society we need to talk about it more.We chat about the power of feeling seen, and why comparing yourself to your younger self isn’t healthy.

What I love about this episode is we are joined by two women who are, in their words, finally fully in their power after finding freedom in their life. That is something Reign is all about, so I hope you love this episode and if you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! And speaking of epic shows, if you missed it, check out last week’s episode with One Day star, Ambika Mod! See you next week, love Josh x

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Ep 109: Ambika Mod Feb 13, 2024

Anyone else so emotionally invested in Netflix’s One Day to the point it’s all you can think about? Just me? Didn’t think so! Well, prepare yourself as today we are joined by the show’s star, Ambika Mod.

In case you have missed the show of the year/ the best show ever, One Day is based on the best selling book by David Nicholls and follows Ambika’s Emma and Dexter (played by Leo Woodall) on the same day, for 20 years as they go from crush, to friendship and the rest is a plot spoiler so I’ll leave it to your imagination. (Note: there are plot spoilers in this episode,so consider yourself warned!)

In today’s episode Ambika joins me to talk about her journey from stand up comedy to landing a role she had secretly manifested for decades in One Day. We also chat about the importance of representation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and Ambika tells me about her own journey with mental health after starring alongside Ben Wishaw in the heartbreaking BBC adaptation of Adam Kay’s This is Going To Hurt (which if you missed it, you need to add to your watch list right now!).

This episode is also a mini reunion as it turns out that Ambika and I actually worked at Conde Nast together at the same time! But another reason I love this episode so much, and admire Ambika is because she is a symbol of what you can achieve if you work hard and stay so damn determined. So I hope you will be just as inspired as I am, to get out there and chase your dreams.

If you love this episode as much as me please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts as I would love a debrief on One Day with you! Love, Josh x

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Ep 108: Hannah Waddingham Dec 12, 2023

It’s the season of giving and receiving (oi oi) and this year I am clearly in a giving mood (oi oi x2) because I am gifting you an early Christmas present as today we are joined by the triple threat Queen, Hannah Waddingham.

It’s been hard to miss Hannah Waddingham this year because she has been booked, busy and blessed and all over our screens. In 2023 Hannah has done more than most in their entire career. She presented the Olivier awards, before going on to become an overnight gay/national treasure presenting Eurovision and she reprised her Emmy award winning role as the football boss, Rebecca Welton in the final season of Ted Lasso. If you aren’t familiar with ‘Ted Lasso’ it’s one of the best feel good shows on the planet, as it follows American college Football coach, Ted (played and co-created by Jason Sudeikis) who takes over AFC Richmond and wins the sporting world over with his distinct positive penny outlook.

As Hannah releases her very own all singing, all dancing, camp as christmas extravaganza on Apple TV+, ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas’ she joins me for a jolly good chin wag and let me tell you on this show, during the season of giving, she is giving us RANGE let me tell you - Mariah Carey better watch her holiday season crown!

Today Hannah chats to me about making her dreams happen later in life after treading the boards across the West End and Broadway before her big Hollywood break in ‘Ted Lasso’ after an iconic stint in ‘Game of Thrones’, too.

I love Hannah’s words on choosing to be single, finding positivity in life even when it’s tough and never letting anyone dim her light again after men dimming her light in her 20s and 30s. Let this be a reminder to you, that you should NEVER dim your light for anyone babes and I hope this chat inspires you to shine brightly all year round babes.

It has been the BEST sharing all the episodes of Reign with you in 2023, we have had some incredible guests from Lionesses to Christina Ricci and if you have missed any episodes treat yourself this holiday season by cracking open the Quality Street tin and taking some time out to listen to some empowering conversations so you make sure you make it reign in 2024 and beyond! Thank you from the bottom of my little gay heart for listening and making this podcast a real dream come true, I love you! See you next year, Love Josh xxx

P.S If you ever want to get in touch, you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials - I love talking to you so much so please reach out any time!

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Ep 107: Geri Halliwell-Horner Dec 05, 2023

Are you ready to slam it to the left, shake it to the right and Spice up your life, because on today’s episode we are joined by the icon, Geri Halliwell-Horner!

You will of course know Geri as one fifth of the Spice Girls who achieved icon status after producing hit after hit and teaching everyone Girl Power before going on to have a huge solo career, including releasing the greatest cover song of all time, in my humble opinion, It’s Raining Men.

Today Geri joins me in the Reign studio (screams in gay!) to talk about her latest venture, her TENTH book Rosie Frost and Falcon Queen. The book follows Rosie who, after being suddenly orphaned, moves to Bloodstone Island to attend a school built in the memory of Anne Boleyn, by Elizabeth I. In the present day, whilst she encounters mean girls and a demon teacher, Rosie even comes into contact with the ghost of Anne Boleyn who hundreds of years on, haunts the halls. Trust me, it’s a page turner for all ages.

Not only do we chat about our joint obsession with Anne Boleyn (I wore my ‘divorced, beheaded, died…’ t-shirt to make the occasion) Geri talks powerfully about her experiences with bullying, loneliness and grief after losing her father at a young age.

We also talk about navigating the pressures of your 30s, when Geri felt like she was falling behind and failing to ‘tick boxes’ in life and how not finding love meant she found comfort in her gay friends who filled that void in her life. The gays are the best, trust me babes!

What I love so much about this episode though is Geri’s words on friendship and making friends as adults, because if you wannabe my lover babes, you gotta get with my friends! I hope you take a lot of Spice and advice away from this episode and if you do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts Love, Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 106: Billy Porter Nov 28, 2023

We are in the studio today and the category is ICONS ONLY, as we are joined by Billy Porter, so prepare to experience ALL the emotions from laughter to tears.

After years trying to make it in the entertainment industry on his own terms, Billy won a Tony for Kinky Boots, being his fabulous authentic self, heels and all. It was a turning point for Billy who then went on to win a Grammy, and then an Emmy for the hit TV show Pose, becoming the first black gay man to win that award in the process.

In the spirit of being 100% himself, Billy drops his seventh studio album, Black Mona Lisa, and in this episode we talk about how this has been an album 30 years in the making, as Billy tells me all about his journey, including the bullying and discrimination he has had to deal with and overcome.

Billy broke my heart when he cried talking about the lessons he has learnt from going to trauma therapy, the worst year of his life which saw him be diagnosed with HIV, diabetes and being declared bankrupt, and how he finally found love for himself. And in true Billy fashion, he will make us laugh too as shares his love for English rugby men!

This is a really special conversation and I can’t wait to share it with you. If you love Billy as much as I do, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts and make sure you come back next week for another inspiring episode of Reign. Love, Josh x

P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.

Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL’ campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.

If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile’s educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation.

Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 105: Talia Mar Nov 21, 2023

Today we are back in the Reign studio and I have a hoot with my new favourite pop girlie, Talia Mar.

Following her hits ‘Stay the Night’ and ‘Sweet Lies’, Talia has just dropped my favourite song of the moment, ‘Bored’ which, whilst being a banger, is actually all about a boring date she went on to Nando's. Now, if that isn’t a bit of us I don’t know what is!

In today’s episode, Talia takes us back to the beginning of her career when she started uploading YouTube videos at 13 years old - including a questionable self-penned country song about her fella going off to war, which we will discuss - and how she accidentally found herself becoming a huge gaming influencer. But music was always Talia’s first love after going to see Christina Aguilera in her ‘Dirty’ chaps era when she was five (her parents are clearly legends), and attending The BRIT School, which sounds absolutely wild.

We also chat about everything from her first job being the Karen of Chessington World of Adventures (niche!), to her hilarious perspective on getting married this year to her husband Simon, aka Miniminter who is one of the Sidemen with KSI.

Talia also talks about eye-opening online hate, which has seen her deal with everything from hateful comments, to trending on an adult website with men doing their ‘business’ on her images, and people trying to stir up trouble in her relationship. But as you will learn from this episode, Talia is a resilient queen and she won’t let that stop her for one second.

If you love Talia as much as I do, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts and come back next week for another episode of Reign when we will be joined by the ICON BILLY PORTER. I AM ALREADY SCREAMING WITH EXCITEMENT. Love, Josh x

P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.

Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL’ campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.

If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile’s educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation.

Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 104: Emerald Fennell Nov 14, 2023

Today we are joined by actual genius and Oscar Winner, Emerald Fennell.

After an acting career that saw her star in one of my faves, Call The Midwife, play Camilla in The Crown, and feature in the Barbie movie as Midge, Emerald turned her talents to writing and directing. Her first movie Promising Young Woman about a survivor of sexual assault, played by Carey Mulligan, who aims to take toxic men down one by one, earned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and Emerald also became only the sixth woman to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars too. What. A. Trailblazer.

Now Emerald is back with her second movie, Saltburn which follows Oliver, played by Barry Keoghan who skips off to Oxford University, becomes obsessed with the jock on the block, Felix played by Jacob Elordi (who can blame him). When Oliver secures an invite to summer on Felix’s estate what follows is a lot of racy comings and goings, some iconic camp one liners from Oliver’s mother, Elsbeth played by Rosamund Pike and her bff, Pamela played by Carey Mulligan and some very dark moments which will have your jaw on the floor.

On this episode Emerald and I talk all about Saltburn, and cover a lot of ground including the Cheeky Girls, how to master a camp one liner, the awkward things we do when we become obsessed with a romantic partner, and the desperate need many of us have to fit in. Just like her movies, this chat has RANGE.

I also really love what Emerald says about building a safe working environment on set as a female leader, after decades of Hollywood being known for unkindness and bullying. I think we need more leaders like Emerald, don’t you think?

If you love Emerald as much as I do, get in touch with me across social media @joshsmithhosts and make sure you come back next week for another inspiring episode of Reign. Love, Josh x

P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.

Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL’ campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.

If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile’s educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation.

Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 103: Maisie Peters Nov 07, 2023

You asked for it and today we make it Reign with Maisie Peters who in her own words, makes music for the quietly unhinged, which is one of the most relatable things I have heard this year TBH.

If you’re not familiar with Maisie’s story already, she started independently releasing music before Ed Sheeran signed her as the first artist on his own record label, Gingerbread Man Records. She’s since gone on to release the absolute bops, Lost the Breakup, Psycho and Not Another Rockstar, and this year secured her first number one album with her second album, The Good Witch, which made her the youngest British female artist to go to number one in a decade!

Today I catch up with Maisie as she releases the deluxe version of her album and at the end of her worldwide tour to toast her amazing year. It’s safe to say that she is in need of what she calls “a girl rest.”

Maisie talks about pushing through a big moment of self doubt after her first album came out, falling into comparison traps, her mental health and how she had to relook at how she defined her self worth.

We also chat about dealing with negative comments online and why for her, dating musicians is a red flag! What I really loved most was Maisie’s words on self belief. So I hope you feel inspired to believe in yourself, too, because you should babes, you are amazing!

P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.

Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL’ campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.

If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile’s educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation.

Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 102: Abby Roberts Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Reign we are joined by someone who knows a thing or two about sudden social media fame, Abby Roberts.

Whilst still a teenager growing up in Leeds, Abby started doing makeup tutorials on social media. She went on to gain over 16 million TikTok followers and become the biggest beauty content creator in the world. Casual.

But when she hit burnout in 2020, Abby returned to her first love: music. With songsPink Champagne, Imposter Syndrome and Video Girl, she has gone from doing low key shows in pubs to 20 people to supporting her friend Halsey on an arena tour across America. Casual x2.

Today Abby walks us through her journey from internet fame to musician and talks powerfully about dealing with imposter syndrome, social anxiety and the bullying she has faced both in real life and online since she was a child. But Abby is a walking, talking example of never letting anything get in the way of your ambition, and making the impossible possible.

And as this episode drops on Halloween, I ask Abby about being the queen of halloween looks, too and it turns out she never feels better than when she is dressed up like a skeleton.

If you love Abby’s story, let me know, please get in touch as I love chatting to you all! You can find me @joshsmithhosts and I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.

During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it’s important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.

Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it’s the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.

That's what I love about Elemis’s formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too.

So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn’t just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 101: Paloma Faith Oct 24, 2023

Today we are joined by the queen of a banger, actress, and someone who refreshingly laughs in the face of her own misfortune, Paloma Faith.

You will of course know Paloma from her mega hits including ‘Only Love Can Hurt Like This’, ‘Lullaby’ and ‘Changing’, and over her decade-long career she’s had five double platinum albums and won a BRIT Award for Best British Female. Meanwhile her acting career has seen her star in everything from ‘St Trinians’ to the Batman prequel series, ‘Pennyworth’.

Her new single, ‘How You Leave A Man’ from her forthcoming sixth album, ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ (out on 16th February) is her most personal yet, and she tells me today that the break up from her partner and becoming a single mum inspired her new music.

Strap yourself in for a DMC and a half as she is also refreshingly honest about the grieving process that comes from breakups, body image and the BS labels and pressures placed on women. What I love most about this chat though, is that Paloma is all about laughing in tough times, and using humour to get you through. Something I have long tried to do, too.

So if you are finding things tough at the moment I hope this episode gives you some comic relief. If it does please get in touch. You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It’s always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.

During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it’s important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.

Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it’s the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.

That's what I love about Elemis’s formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too.

So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn’t just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 100: Victoria Garrick Browne Oct 17, 2023

This month on the podcast we are serving up honest discussions about our mental wellbeing, so I am so excited on this episode that we are joined by a mental health advocate and the host of one of my fave podcasts, ‘The Real Pod’, Victoria Garrick Browne.

Victoria, just like this podcast, is all about destigmatising conversations about mental health after she first started to experience mental health problems at college, when as a division one Volleyball player at USC, she experienced performance anxiety that affected all aspects of our life. She has since gone on to share her story across her incredible social media account (find her @victoriabrowne across socials if you haven’t already), on an incredible Ted Talk you need to check out and Victoria even co-founded her own charity, The Hidden Opponent which aims to help athletes with their mental health.

In today’s DMC, we talk about the stigma around loneliness, why we need to put busy culture in the bin and Victoria shares some amazing advice for talking about, and dealing with, your mental health.

If you are struggling with your mental health right now, I hope this encourages you to reach out to those around you to share your feelings. Even if you can’t find the words right now, I promise it will help. And if this episode helps you please get in touch. You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It’s always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.

During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it’s important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.

Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it’s the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.

That's what I love about Elemis’s formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too.

So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn’t just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 99: Motsi Mabuse Oct 10, 2023

I can’t believe I am saying this but we are back babes with season 8 of the podcast, and to celebrate, the dress code for today’s episode is *SEQUINS ONLY*, because we are joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge, Motsi Mabuse!

Before Motsi became a judge on our favourite TV show, she had a 30 year professional dancing career, which saw her being crowned Latin dance champion, and if you haven’t seen her dancing yet, sashay to YouTube ASAP, Motsi is mesmerising. Plus, she is also a judge on the German version of the show, where she still lives with her husband and daughter.

Aside from spilling the sequins on this season of Strictly, Motsi shares her inspirational journey to the glitterball world, which wasn’t a waltz, growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and leaving for Germany to follow her dreams with only 50 euros to her name. Motsi also tells me about the discrimination she has faced and continues to face and how she deals with it.

I LOVE what Motsi says about never giving up on yourself, looking after the relationship with yourself and that one of her greatest learnings in life is: when things are bad they don’t stay bad forever. Plus she loves the gays almost as much as I do!

If you find Motsi as joyful as I do, get in touch! You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It’s always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.

During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it’s important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.

Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it’s the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.

That's what I love about Elemis’s formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too.

So go on, practise self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn’t just skin deep, head to elemis.com and find out more about their wellbeing work here: https://uk.elemis.com/blog/world-mental-health-day?utm_campaign=reignpodcastmind&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 98: Sabrina Elba Sep 26, 2023

I am so excited to share this live episode we recorded at Selfridges with my new hero, Sabrina Elba!

Think you know who Sabrina Elba is? Think again, because she cannot be boxed in! Sabrina is the co-founder of her well-being brand, S’able Labs with her husband Idris Elba, she’s a model, the host of her podcast Coupledom with Idris, AND above all she is an incredible activist.

You will not believe how much inspiring work Sabrina does to help diversity, equality and the climate as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and beyond. So get ready to feel inspired as she shares some incredible thought provoking words on FGM and more - a topic which is close to her heart after her own mother experienced FGM in her homeland of Somalia.

As this live recording was part of Jamz Supernova Selects events at the iconic Selfridges which were all about celebrating culture, music, fashion and expression and we got into all of those topics in this episode, too, so big thanks to Jamz for having us. And I am thrilled that Sabrina is just as much of a Spice Girls fan as I am!

It was AMAZING to be surrounded by so many people in the REIGN family to record an episode which is all about celebrating community and family. One of the most beautiful moments in this episode is where Sabrina says she has subconsciously been trying to create a better world for the little girl her mum was.

So, I hope this inspires you to use your voice and help build a better world for yourself and others. If it does, get in touch! You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. As always it’s so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 97: Jessica & Jennifer Gadirova Aug 24, 2023

Hands up if you can barely do a handstand or a forward roll? Just me?!? Well today we are joined by a set of twins who have flipped and flew their way into the Olympic history books and I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two about flexibility: Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova.

The twins made Olympic history when at 16, they were part of the Team GB gymnastics team who took Bronze at the Tokyo games. It was the first medal in the event for Team GB in 95 years, and they haven’t stopped making history since.

Still only 19 years old, Jessica has become World Champion on the floor, claimed an all-round Bronze medal at the World Championships, and has five European Championship titles to her name along with a further three European medals. Jennifer also has a World and European Championship silver, too and multiple British Championship medals. If you haven’t seen their jaw dropping routines run to YouTube whilst listening to this episode! Your jaw will be on the floor!

It is remarkable that twin sisters can make it all the way to the top of gymnastics together, and today they talk about the secrets of their success, from climbing on furniture as kids, to practicing in their garage to prepare for their first Olympics.

I’m sure you are going to feel so inspired by the sheer determination of Jessica and Jennifer, and what I love the most about them is how they can continually show up in the face of failure. As they say, failure is part of their process every day, so hopefully this might encourage you to reframe when things don’t go right too!

If you are inspired by Jessica and Jennifer please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts and let me know your thoughts, because it’s always great chatting to you! AND if you missed it make sure you catch up on the other episodes in our special series celebrating women in sport as we have been joined by World Cup Lioness Lucy Bronze, Lioness legend Jill Scott, the new athletics queen Keely Hodgkinson & more! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 96: Alice Dearing Aug 17, 2023

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about endurance, both in and out of the world of swimming. Get ready to meet the inspirational marathon swimmer, Alice Dearing.

Alice has been swimming since the age of four, and at the Tokyo Olympics became the first Black woman to compete in an Olympic swimming event for Team GB. It has taken 125 years from swimming’s Olympic debut in 1896 for this to happen, so let’s just let that sink in for a second and ask why? Well in this episode, Alice shares some insight on the racism that has prevented black people from accessing the world of swimming.

Alice isn’t just a game-changer in elite sport, she is also trying to change swimming at grassroots level too, by co-founding The Black British Swimming Association, which she hopes will reverse the statistics that 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim.

It doesn’t stop there, Alice has co-created the very first swimming hat designed specifically for Black hair, something that is vital for representation in swimming, a place which hasn’t always made space for Alice. But why wait to take a seat at the table when you can build your own, like Alice has done, right?

I really hope you will be inspired by Alice's story, as she talks about the racism and mental health hurdles she’s had to overcome to participate in sport, as well as the sheer endurance it takes to just keep swimming.

As always, if you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it’s always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 95: Jill Scott Aug 10, 2023

It’s not every day we are joined by true royalty on this podcast! Bow down for the Queen of the Pitch and the Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott!

Jill is a true Lioness legend who helped bring football home at the Euros last year, and shortly afterwards announced her retirement from football after playing for an incredible 18 years!

In that time Jill went from being an unpaid football player in Sunderland, to a European Champion playing in front of record crowds at Wembley. Jill’s career saw her also play for Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa, and with 161 England appearances, she is England’s second-most capped footballer, male OR female! She also scored three FA cup titles, was named FA International Player of the Year, AND was awarded an MBE.

Not only did Jill solidify her legend status on the pitch, since retiring she’s gone on to win I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and is now the first female captain on the hit Sky show, A League of Their Own.

The stories Jill shares today are eye-opening; from being called names at school, being tripped up and breaking her elbow just because she was a girl who played football, to being told as a professional not to show emotions on the pitch, Jill shows just how much women’s sport has changed.

I really love what Jill says about how women’s football gave her space to truly be herself and take pride in her identity, and I hope it will inspire you to go into every space and be yourself! If you love this chat or just want a Lioness England World Cup support group, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it’s always great chatting to you! AND if you missed it make sure you catch up on our episode with fellow Lioness, Lucy Bronze earlier in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 94: Keely Hodgkinson Jul 25, 2023

I love a bit of healthy competition and today’s guest thrives off it too! So, on your marks, get set and go prepare yourself for the record breaking Team GB runner, Keely Hodgkinson.

Keely’s big sporting break came when she won Silver in the 800 metres at the Tokyo Olympics at just 19 years old. Since then, she has gone on to obliterate the national 800 metre record multiple times, set a new world indoor 600m record and has taken home medals at the Commonwealth Games, and the European and World Championships. All in the space of two years - busy, much?!?

Ahead of the World Championships this Summer, and the Paris Olympics next year, Keely joins us to talk about her journey to the top in athletics, and it hasn’t always been in the fast lane! In this episode, Keely tells me about the harder times that have made her the incredible athlete she is today, how she quit athletics as a teen, the times she ended up crying on the pavement during lockdown, and how she went from not being able to get out of bed, to winning a Commonwealth medal in the space of a week. Now *THAT* is the kind of mentality we all need to take notes from!

So many of Keely’s wise words are so relevant to our everyday lives, from her thoughts on failure, to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, so get ready to take her record breaking mindset into your life!

You’ll also hear Keely call for more research into how contraception affects women's bodies in sport and beyond (which is long overdue - RIGHT!!!), plus so much more. AND as always, if you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it’s always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 93: Issa Rae Jul 20, 2023

BONUS EPISODE ALERT! Come on Barbies (and Kens) let’s go party because not only are we dropping a bonus episode of the podcast today, but we are joined by President Barbie herself, Issa Rae!

The Reign team have been high key obsessed with Issa since we watched her TV show, Insecure. If you haven’t watched one of the greatest TV shows ever made yet, it’s about a directionless millennial woman and it’s not only highly relatable, but it changed the landscape of TV, as Issa became the first Black woman to create and star in a premium cable series. That’s right, not only did Issa star in the show, she created it, wrote it and produced it, too!

Issa IS everything and she’s proving that yet again by taking on the role of President Barbie, in the most anticipated movie of the year, Barbie - created by fellow genius, Greta Gerwig, and alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Trust me when I say this movie is worth every inch of the hype!

There are many reasons I am SO excited that Issa is joining us today, but one of them is because she has done everything off her own back and on her own terms.

She started out making shows on YouTube, got a HBO contract, created two incredibly successful TV shows, and joins us today in her ‘mogul era’, with her own production company, Hoorae Media and a forty-million dollar contract with Warner Media.

Issa is a true role model for making your dreams a reality in the face of huge obstacles, and I can not wait for you to hear her talk in this episode about everything from tackling the patriarchy to leaning into vulnerability.

This President certainly gets my vote and I know she will get yours too…

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 92: Emily Campbell Jul 18, 2023

There aren’t many athletes who make Olympic history with Union Jack space buns, but there aren’t many athletes quite like weightlifter Emily Campbell, who is as hilarious as she is strong, as you’re gonna hear in this episode!

You might remember watching Emily at the Tokyo Olympics, weightlifting her way to history by winning a silver medal, which made her the first British female weightlifter to win a medal at the Olympics. Alongside being a Commonwealth Games champion she is now also a European champion, and double World Champion medalist and Emily has been snatching and raising the bar ever since!

After winning her Olympic silver medal, Emily said, ‘“I don't look like a typical athlete, but what my body does is amazing,” and Emily’s success at the bar is matched by her success in changing the game for body positivity in sport. She is doing it for the strong gals, and this episode is a reminder to everyone that no matter what your body may look like, you are capable of anything!

It’s not been an easy journey for Emily to become an Olympic athlete - as you will hear in this episode. Not only has she had to overcome outdated societal standards about strong women, she had to self-fund her way to Olympic trials whilst living at home with her parents.

Emily’s story is the definition of inspirational and I hope her words about embracing and celebrating her body make you love yourself a little bit more. AND if you didn’t think weightlifting was for you - think again - I am off to give it a go.

If you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it’s always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 91: Lucy Bronze Jul 11, 2023

To kick off our special series celebrating one of my favourite things, women's sport, and ahead of the Women's World Cup this summer, we are joined by a real sporting game changer: England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze!

As part of the EURO winning England team last year, Lucy truly changed the game for the visibility of women's sport, and for future generations.

But being part of a winning team is just a part of Lucy’s legacy. Alongside more than 100 caps for England, she has won every domestic cup in England, the domestic title in France, the Champions League, a bronze medal in the Olympics, the SheBelieves Cup, the Arnold Clark Cup in 2022, been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year AND she just received an MBE!

In today’s episode Lucy looks back on her epic career, the sexism she has had to overcome, how she has learnt to thrive under pressure, managing her mental health and how one chat with fellow icon Jill Scott helped make her into the team player she is today.

Lucy also shares some never before heard tales from winning the Euros from the pitch and also as they wrote a letter to the government to campaign for all girls to be allowed to play football at school. And as we look forward to (hopefully/crossing everything) England bringing football home again at the World Cup, Lucy talks about how empowering the new Nike England kit with game changing blue shorts are!

I love what Lucy says about the work that still needs to be done for true gender parity in sport and hopefully normalising talking about periods in sport and beyond might get us one step further to that! If you love this chat too, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it’s always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.

Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.

I’m sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women’s football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike’s most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.

We haven’t even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 90: Bel Priestley Jul 04, 2023

I am SO excited for season two of Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ and I know you are too! So I am thrilled that we are joined by the latest addition to the cast, Bel Priestley, for the final special episode of this series which has been celebrating all things Pride!

You may have already seen Bel before all over TikTok as she has emerged as one of the UK’s leading young transgender voices. From sharing her transition journey to shutting down trolls, Bel’s honesty has garnered her an epic 1.2 million followers and 84.9 million likes!

Today Bel tells me about her transition journey that began at 13 years old, and now at 20, she looks back at the lessons she’s learnt along the way and shares stories of the eye opening prejudice she has faced.

At a time when trans people are facing hate in record numbers, and governments across the world are trying to undo their rights - including right here in the UK - it's more important than ever to listen, learn and celebrate our trans community. So, I hope Bel’s story inspires you to be a true trans ally. Because now is the time for true allyship.

If Bel’s story resonates with you or inspires you, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because I love chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special pride series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours!

The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.

AND here’s the exciting bit: they’ve given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com

Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90’s baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. X

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 89: Miss Benny Jun 27, 2023

Beat that face and prepare your fabulous self for today’s episode as we are joined by Miss Benny, the star of Netflix’s epic new show, ‘Glamorous’, which is giving Ugly Betty-meets-Devil Wears Prada.

I have not been this obsessed with a TV show in ages because Glamorous is pure queer joy from start to finish. The story follows Marco, a young gender non-conforming queer person who is obsessed with beauty, when one day a lucky run in with the makeup mogul, Madolyn Addison played by THE icon, Kim Cattrall sees Marco landing his dream job: becoming Madolyn’s second assistant.

The show is packed full with the best one-liners - including my personal fave, ‘I am a twink on prep, I can do anything’ - camp drama and tons of hot men. What more do you want from a TV show?!?

Despite this being Miss Benny’s first leading role in TV, you may recognise them from starting out on YouTube, and a music career that is one big middle finger up to gender norms and heteronormative culture!

But today Miss Benny talks about the sheer amount of rejections they faced before landing their dream role in Glamorous. They tell me about their journey to accepting their queer identity from growing up in Texas and facing prejudice to navigating relationships as a feminine queer person.

This conversation means so much to me as a feminine gay man who has long struggled to truly embrace themselves in the face of prejudice both outside and inside the LGBTQIA+ community, so if you’ve ever felt something similar, I hope this episode makes you feel not just seen and heard but ATTRACTIVE AF, because you are babes! It’s not all about masc 4 masc… IYKYK!

If this episode does speak to you please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because I love chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special pride series! Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours!

The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.

AND here’s the exciting bit: they’ve given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com

Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90’s baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 88: Loreen Jun 20, 2023

It’s Pride month and it really couldn’t get queerer than this, as today we are joined by the Eurovision icon Loreen!

I have been the biggest Loreen fan since she first won Eurovision in 2012 with her song Euphoria. And I have been screaming it in the shower/in the back of taxis on the way OUT OUT, and in Gay clubs across the world ever since - anyone else?!?!

This year Loreen returned to Eurovision with the power ballad Tattoo and became the first woman to win the competition twice. But it hasn’t all been a euphoric journey for Loreen, as she tells me about her journey to making history in this episode.

Loreen also chats about coming out as bisexual, what pride means to her, those Eurovision nails which double up as weapons, and whether she will mark the 50 year anniversary of Abba winning the Eurovision song contest next year in Sweden with a collaboration to end all collaborations. LET’S ALL PRAY TO ALL THE (GAY) GODS TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

What I really loved about this chat was hearing Loreen’s empowering outlook on life and she really does seem like the philosopher of our time (move over Socrates). I hope her advice for cutting negative energy out of your life and overcoming pain to build your mental strength will help you out, too! If it does, get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours!

The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.

AND here’s the exciting bit: they’ve given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com

Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90’s baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 87: Reneé Rapp Jun 13, 2023

Today I am joined by Reneé Rapp, and if you’re feeling a little bit sluggish or unmotivated, I promise this episode is the pickup you need because Reneé is a ball of energy!

If you’re not already a superfan like I am, get ready to be one! If you’ve caught The Sex Lives of College Girls, you’ll recognise Reneé as Leighton, and if you’ve been lucky enough to see Mean Girls on Broadway, she played the original iconic Regina George - a role she’ll be revisiting in the movie adaptation of the musical - which she teases in this episode and I am SO excited for that!

And as if her stunning acting resume wasn’t enough for you, Reneé is an incredible singer and songwriter as well. I went (alongside THOUSANDS of others) to her first ever London gig back in January which sold out so quickly they had to upgrade the venue TWICE!

I have Reneé’s song Too Well constantly on repeat since the launch of her EP so I am so excited that she has new music coming and she has just announced the title of her upcoming debut album Snow Angel and the single of the same name is out right now!

We cover off so much in this episode - from talking about Reneé’s incredible career (and she’s just getting started), to navigating queer identity and biphobia to dealing with heartbreak.

I really love Reneé’s enthusiasm for life and how she does not apologise for being ambitious. I guarantee this episode will brighten any dark day and as always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Love, Josh xx

P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours!

The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing biab technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.

AND here’s the exciting bit: they’ve given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com

Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90’s baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 86: Dannii Minogue May 23, 2023

I cannot quite believe I am saying this, but on today’s episode, we are joined by one of my idols, Dannii Minogue!

I was totally obsessed with Dannii when she was a judge on the X-Factor, I spent my Saturdays working at Topshop and discussing with the girls what outfit we thought she was going to wear! And let’s not forget all of her bangers like ‘Put The Needle on It’ and ‘I Begin to Wonder’, which were literally on repeat on my CD player!

We'll talk about Dannii's epic career, from becoming the most successful act on the UK dance charts EVER, to quitting X Factor, to presenting the UK’s first ever gay dating show, I Kissed A Boy, which is out now on BBC3. It is SO good, the casting is excellent, and I’m not gonna give away too much, but I will say this… watching potential couples meet for the first time with a full-on snog is EXCELLENT television!!

We also chat about some of the toxic press Dannii has had to overcome throughout her career, she shares what it’s like to date in the public eye, and what being a true ally to the LGBTQIA+ community looks like.

Even if you weren't a fan of Dannii Minogue back in the day, which is HIGHLY UNLIKELY - you are going to LOVE this episode!

Dannii is MOTHER. So I hope you enjoy the Minogue pep talk coming your way…

If you love this episode, LET ME KNOW! I LOVE to chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights in my NEW STUDIO (yay!) over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Josh xx

P.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.

Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent!

There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,

You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 85: Melissa Barrera May 16, 2023

Melissa Barrera already has one incredible CV with starring roles in the ‘Scream’ franchise, ‘In The Heights’ and Netlfix’s ‘Keep Breathing’ but she’s only just getting started.

Today Melissa joins us from LA to talk about her latest starring role in the reimagination of ‘Carmen’. In this movie adaptation, Melissa takes the lead role of Carmen, who escapes her homeland of Mexico after her mother is brutally murdered, and after a stand-off at the border, runs away with a marine played by Paul Mescal. It’s a tough job but someone has got to do it, right?

The movie is a singing, dancing and acting extravaganza but at its heart it humanises the immigrant experience, which Melissa tells me was very important to her as a Mexican actress.

Melissa also tells me about her career in telenovelas, which started after she competed on the Big Brother/Pop Idol-esque singing competition, La Academia, leaving Mexico, and the discrimination she had to overcome to win the roles she deserved.

From winning her role inLin Manuel Miranda’s ‘In The Heights’ movie, after auditioning repeatedly for the Broadway production with no luck, to overcoming the self doubt in her own head, Melissa is a role model for determination and self belief, so I hope this episode really inspires you to reframe success and turn any no into a yes!

If you love this episode, get in touch. I LOVE to chat - if you couldn’t tell that already - and I especially love chatting with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Josh xx

P.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.

Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent!

There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,

You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 84: Sam Clemmett May 09, 2023

Lady Whistledown prepare yourself because today we are joined by Queen Charlotte star, Sam Clemmett, who is bringing the first queer character to the Bridgerton universe and we love to see it!

I am obsessed with Queen Charlotte, the Bridgerton prequel series which follows the love story between the young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest). Not only did it spark a true love story, it created the societal shift that shaped the Ton and also was the backdrop to another love story between Sam’s character and the King’s butler, Reynolds (Freddie Dennis).

On this episode, Sam shares how special it was to bring the first queer love story to the Bridgertonverse, and I really applaud Sam for being willing to talk openly about the debate around whether straight actors should be cast in queer roles.

We also talk about filming the show’s sex scenes, and what working with the intimacy co-ordinator actually entailed, and of course I asked all about the star of Queen Charlotte… the dog, Pom Pom.

Sam also tells me about originating the role of Albus Potter in the mega blockbuster theatre show, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, on both the West End and Broadway, and he has some great advice for dealing with rejection and seeking therapy in the wake of the pandemic.

I have SO much admiration for how Sam brings Brimsely to life on screen, and we even get to talk about my favourite Bridgerton scene ever: the dancing sequence between Brimsely and Reynolds at the King and Queen’s ball. And if you are dancing or hiding a love in the shadows I hope this episode inspires you to live your truth openly.

If you love this episode too, get it touch, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Josh xx

P.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.

Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent!

There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,

You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes!

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Ep 83: Christina Ricci May 02, 2023

I can’t believe I am even saying this, but today we are joined by a true icon, Christina Ricci!

Since she was scouted at the age of seven, Christina has gone on to star in Mermaids, Sleepy Hollow, Monster and amongst so many other roles, she of course played the iconic Wednesday Adams in the Addams Family movies.

And, just last year Christina returned to the world of Wednesday to play a new character, Marilyn Thornhill in the hit Netflix remake

We talk about that and my favourite TV show, Yellowjackets. If you haven’t watched it yet (it’s on Paramount+ in the UK) it tells the story of a team of high school footballers who survive a plane crash.Christina plays the psychopath, Misty Quigley whilst starring alongside fellow icons Julliette Lewis, Melanie Lynskey and now in season two, Elijah Wood. Christina’s performance is getting her major Emmy Award buzz, too and it’s not hard to see why.

Apart from deep diving into Yellowjacket’s many plot twists, we also talk about dealing with rejection and ageism in the entertainment industry, but one of the things I also love about Christina is that she isn’t about being likable and people pleasing for the sake of it. So, I hope you are inspired by her refreshing outlook too and maybe just avoid Christina at an airport if you ever see her, because as you will find out she means BUSINESS.

If you love the episode, get in touch with me on socials @joshsmithhosts - I love hearing from you - and don’t forget to like, subscribe or follow wherever you are listening so you don’t miss the other epic guests coming soon. See you next week! Josh x

P.S As someone who is always thirsty and loves to hydrate, I am so excited that this episode is brought to you in partnership with Air Up.

Air Up is a water bottle that flavours ordinary water with scent. You just put plain water into the Air Up bottle, slot your chosen ‘flavour pod’ around the straw at the top of the bottle and as you sip through the straw, the smell of the pod tricks your brain into thinking it’s flavoured. There’s no sugar, no sweeteners, no nothing, just plain water and the power of scent!The flavour pods trick your brain into thinking the water is flavoured without any sugar, sweeteners or additives involved - it’s just plain water and scent!

There are so many flavour pods to choose from too, my current fave is Wild Berry but there’s something for everyone from Cola to Mango & Passionfruit and Watermelon. The bottles are super cute, too and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes,

You can check out the full range of bottles, pods and accessories at air-up.co.uk and you get 10% off full priced items using my code REIGN at the checkout. Hydration just got more EXCITING babes!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 82: Charlie Murphy Apr 18, 2023

Everyone is talking about Netflix’s erotic thriller, Obsession - from the pillow humping scene to the plot twists - and today we are joined by the show’s star, Charlie Murphy.

If you haven’t watched it yet, Obsession - based on the book Damage by Josephine Hart, follows Charlie’s character Anna as she embarks on a racy affair with her fiance’s dad, William - played by Richard Armitage - who absolutely loses his head.

You’ll also recognise Charlie from playing Ann Gallagher in Happy Valley, I am sure we will NEVER forget that season where Ann was kidnapped, what a performance that was! Charlie also played Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing career-wise, and in this episode Charlie shares the life lesson she’s learned from being unemployed and watching ‘Cash In The Attic’, which is actually very philosophical!

We also talk about how empowering it was for Charlie to film a TV show where women orchestrate sex on screen, and whilst we are discussing the sheer number of injuries she got from shooting said scenes, her co-star Richard Armitage gatecrashes the interview. So there is plenty of action in this episode!

I loved chatting to Charlie and I’d love to hear what you think, too, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

Josh xx

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Ep 81: Gemma Arterton Apr 04, 2023

We are coming in HOT with a brand new episode of Reign, with megababe Gemma Arterton, who I honestly just want to be best friends with after this chat…

I’ve always been in awe of Gemma - not only in all of the incredible roles she’s had on screen (we first caught her in the St Trinians movie, and she’s been an actual BOND GIRL in Quantum of Solace for starters), but I love how much she stands up for what she believes in. She’s campaigned for equal pay, she calls out toxic behaviour and sexism, and she’s just an all round lovely person to boot!

In this episode, we chat about her role as Barbara in the incredible new Sky TV show Funny Woman, and I know the clue is in the title, but she IS hilarious in it! It follows the story of Blackpool Beauty Queen Barbara, who turns her back on life up north in the sixties to pursue stardom in London. If you haven’t seen it already, go and watch it on Sky or Now TV.

Gemma also tells me about her more recent experiences of sexism, as well as how using her voice for activism is still one of her proudest moments.

And there is some V IMPORTANT chat about WhatsApp etiquette and Love of Huns. This chat has depth, honestly, and I know you’ll finish this episode wanting to go on a night out with Gemma as much as I did!

As always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - you know I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

xx

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Ep 80: Tessa Thompson Mar 14, 2023

I’m back with another incredible guest for this episode of Reign, and I can’t lie, I think she is one of the coolest people in the world, it’s Tessa Thompson!

I caught up with Tessa IRL in London to talk about the third installment of the Creed movies, where she plays Bianca opposite Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis. Michael, or Mike as she calls him, directed Creed III, too!

You will have seen Tessa before if you’ve ever seen Westworld, the Thor movies, or Men In Black: International. Her back catalogue is giving RANGE! And in this episode we delve into playing a character who is suffering with progressive hearing loss, and how working alongside a young, deaf actress, Mila Davis-Kent - who plays her on-screen daughter - helped to inspire Tessa in a whole new way - get ready, it does get emotional! (And I strongly encourage you to look up Mila’s Instagram for some pure JOY, too).

Tessa also tells me about how she went to marriage counselling with her on-screen husband Michael B. Jordan (method, much!), and gives us all some stellar life advice on personal hygiene!

I honestly LOVED chatting to Tessa, she is so warm, wise and REAL. This chat is fab, and takes us on a real journey from tears to laughter, so I hope you enjoy it!

Please get in touch and tell me what you think, too! I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And as always, you can see some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, you can find me at Reign with Josh Smith.

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Ep 79: Kathryn Newton Mar 07, 2023

Hello my babes, and welcome back to another STUNNING episode of Reign.

In this episode, I chat to Kathryn Newton, who you might remember from her roles in Big Little Lies, The Society, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri - but you’ve probably seen her in tonnes of other things because she has been working as an actor since the age of FOUR!

I was lucky enough to sit down with Kathryn ahead of the premiere of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, while she was in London. Fun fact: she actually lived in London while she shot the movie as well - she tells me about what she got up to while she was here in this episode!

We chatted about SO many things; from having Paul Rudd as her on-screen dad, to the power of the fanbase of Netflix’s ‘The Society' and… her love of Watford! Yep, you read that right.

Plus there’s a little lesson on how not to be dick, which I’m sure we could all do with teaching a few people from time to time!

Kathryn is an absolute ball of fun and I LOVED chatting with her, so I hope this episode gives you a little lift and a LOL, especially if you need it today.

And I’d love to hear what you think, too, I LOVE a chat with you. I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials. And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.

xx

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Ep 78: Ruby Stokes Feb 28, 2023

Hello and welcome back to a brand new series of Reign! I am so excited to be back, especially with the guests we’ve got lined up… I hope you’re ready!

So to kick off, today I’m welcoming the brilliant Ruby Stokes, who is one of the leads in Netflix’s new supernatural drama, Lockwood & Co.

The series sees Ruby’s character Lucy join a spooky startup after running away from home. She uncovers a dark conspiracy that could change the world, and has some badass powers for slaying demons - WHEW! You can see why Lucy is everything I love in an onscreen hero!

You might also recognise Ruby from Bridgerton - she played Francesca - but made the difficult decision to leave after the opportunity on Lockwood & Co came up.

On this episode, Ruby tells me about making that decision, about the power of listening (inspired by her character Lucy), adult friendships, first jobs and even adulting… that’s right, we’re talking paying council tax and setting up direct debits - don’t ever tell me Reign doesn't come through with important life lessons!

I really loved chatting to Ruby, I really related to the things she said about finding your people, so I hope you love listening to this conversation!

As always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - you know I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith. And I’ll see you next week!

xx

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Ep 77: Madelyn Cline Jan 31, 2023

It’s the second birthday of the Reign podcast - Happy Birthday to us! Thanks for being here!
So, to celebrate I wanted to welcome back one of the podcast’s very first guests, Madelyn Cline. We first caught up after the debut season of Outer Banks aired on Netflix, and SO much has happened since then!
Madelyn has recently starred in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and with the third season of Outer Banks around the corner, I wanted to chat to her about where life has taken her over the last two years.
We chat about that ‘overnight’ fame she found during the pandemic, and how that has translated into real life in 2023. We talk about self-care, learning to forgive ourselves, saying NO to things that don’t fulfil us, and dealing with change. Which is something I have always found hard to deal with - you?
There’s so much in this episode, and it’s definitely made me think about putting myself first more often!
So I hope you enjoy it, and as always if you want to get in touch I’m @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don’t forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.
xx
P.S I am so excited that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you in collaboration with one of my favourite jewellery brands, Missoma.Not only does Missoma, like Reign, champion self expression, they want to create a world that is more positive, inclusive, and sustainable through their jewellery. And at the heart of this message is the Missoma Icons collection, designed to be worn every day and made to be layered. From the ‘Lucy Williams Malachite Signet Ring’, a vintage take on the signet ring, to the stunning ‘Harris Reed In Good Hands Pearl Necklace’, Missoma creates pieces of jewellery that are as iconic as YOU ARE. It’s no wonder fellow icons Kendall Jenner and Gigi and Bella Hadid are fans, too! So icon, discover Missoma's iconic pieces for yourself - from stunning signet rings to elegant hoop earrings - at missoma.com AND you can use JOSH15 at the check out for 15% off**Excluding promotions and the Missoma Fine collection

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Ep 76: Joy Sunday Dec 20, 2022

Today you are invited to the Reign holiday party because this is the final episode of the year! So get your drink of choice poured and prepare to listen to Joy Sunday who is starring in the biggest show on the planet right now, Netflix’s reboot of The Addams Family, ‘Wednesday’.

If you haven’t watched Wednesday yet, the show follows the infamous Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she joins Nevermore, an eerie institute for society’s outsiders and meets her new nemesis the Queen Bee Bianca, played by Joy. What ensues is a show dripping in drama, mystery and rivalry so it’s no surprise ‘Wednesday’ has amassed over a billion watch hours in the first three weeks of its release and has become the second most watched english speaking show on Netflix - EVER!

Joining us fresh from the show’s unprecedented success and on her podcast debut (we are honoured!) Joy tells me about how the show arrived at a tough point in her career, the intense filming process in Romania, and how playing Bianca empowered her in real life, too. Don’t worry Joy also spills the tea on *that* iconic fencing scene, the season finale AND those contact lenses too…

Joy also talks about her self love journey, how journaling has influenced her life, how the ‘Wednesday’ cast have come together to form anoffscreen family, and how she has always found the strength to keep going and never give up on her dreams. Plus there is a great rule to live by, dug from the depths of Joy’s teen journal which I absolutely love and know you will too.

I loved talking to Joy so I hope you love this episode! And as this is the final episode of the year I just wanted to say THANK YOU for listening to Reign, whether this is your first episode or one of many you have listened to, it’s so great to have you in the Reign family. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and just remember in the new year and beyond, you have the power to reign over your life and don't forget it!

If you do love this episode please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

P.S I am thrilled that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Malfy Gin, a gin from Italy inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast. This Christmas, Malfy Gin has partnered with By Rotation, the UK’s largest fashion rental platform, to curate an edit of the most stylish partywear, for you to channel La Dolce Vita at any festive occasion.

To receive 15% off* your rental, just use the code ‘MALFY’ on the ‘La Dolce Vita Edit’ on the By Rotation app

*Terms and conditions applyEnjoy Malfy Responsibly bedrinkaware.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 75: Kate Hudson Dec 13, 2022

SCREAMS! Today we are joined by a true queen of Hollywood, Kate Hudson.
Kate has such an iconic back catalogue of movies from her rom-com era, ‘How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days’ alongside Mathew McConaughey (one of the best onscreen duos of all time - AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?!?) to ‘Bride Wars’ with fellow queen, Anne Hathaway. But it was for her scene stealing turn in ‘Almost Famous’ that Kate won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar.
Now Kate is BACK with the ‘Knives Out’ sequel, ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ which is landing on Netflix on 23rd December. Daniel Craig returns as the super sleuth, Benoit Blanc to investigate a murder which occurs after a tech billionaire invites his friends to his private Greek island. It’s got twists, it’s got turns and Kate stars as the tone deaf, model turned questionable entrepreneur, Birdie alongside former Reign guest, Madelyn Cline, Ed Norton and Janelle Monáe.
Sitting down with one of my idols was even better than I could have imagined. In this episode Kate gets very honest and tells me about the time she had to truly face herself and do that tricky self-work.
Kate also shares some wise lessons that she has learnt from one of the great teachers in her life, her mother Goldie Hawn. It’s stuff that I think we all need to hear! Kate also talks to be about the changing representation of women on screen and how much further we need to go.
If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by some truly inspiring people from Chloe Grace Moretz to Billie Piper. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am thrilled that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Malfy Gin, a gin from Italy inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast.
This Christmas, Malfy Gin has partnered with By Rotation, the UK’s largest fashion rental platform, to curate an edit of the most stylish partywear, for you to channel La Dolce Vita at any festive occasion.
To receive 15% off* your rental, just use the code ‘MALFY’ on the ‘La Dolce Vita Edit’ on the By Rotation app.
*Terms and conditions apply
Enjoy Malfy Responsibly bedrinkaware.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 74: Billie Piper Dec 06, 2022

I am BEYOND EXCITED that we are joined by my OG Idol, Billie Piper, who made the first album I ever bought - fun fact!

Believe it or not, Billie first burst into our lives 25 years ago - so this is technically the Silver Jubilee of Queen Billie, which should be a national holiday, right? As a 15 year old popstar, Billie became the youngest person ever to go straight to number one with the eternal bop, Because We Want To before going on to land two more number one singles with Girlfriend and Day & Night. How her hit, Honey 2 The Bee wasn’t ever a number one is still an injustice that haunts me until this day. But here we are…

Billie then turned to acting with the comeback of Doctor Who starring as the Doctor’s assistant, Rose Tyler opposite Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant and The Secret Diary of A Call Girl. Billie even continued to set records with her new career path by winning all six of the possible best stage actress awards, including an Olivier award, for her stage debut in Yerma.

Now Billie is back with the second season of the BAFTA nominated TV show, I Hate Suzie, which she co-created with Succession writer, Lucy Prebble. If you haven’t watched the first season of the show, it follows the former child star, Suzie Pickles as her life implodes when private images of her leak online. And let me tell you RIGHT NOW, the second season is just as good as the first with more twists and turns for our anti-hero, Suzie. I Hate Suzie Too is available on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW from 20 December.

Today Billie joins us to talk about being a horny dancer (same here!) - tis the season, after all - and how exploring anxiety and mental health on I Hate Suzie has impacted her own well being.

Billie also opens up about how seeing her 14 year old son grow up has made her reflect further on her own teenage stardom and the advice she wishes she could go back and give her popstar self. She also shares some great words about balance and pressure which I think we all need to hear and will relate to, and about finding a new level of confidence turning 40 this year.

Billie Piper is still THE coolest person on the planet in my mind, so I hope you love this chat just as much as me as it really shows just how this icon has managed to stay relevant for a quarter of a century across so many disciplines.

If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by some truly inspiring people from Chloe Grace Moretz to Lena Dunham. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

P.S I am thrilled that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Malfy Gin, a gin from Italy inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast.

This Christmas, Malfy Gin has partnered with By Rotation, the UK’s largest fashion rental platform, to curate an edit of the most stylish partywear, for you to channel La Dolce Vita at any festive occasion.

To receive 15% off* your rental, just use the code ‘MALFY’ on the ‘La Dolce Vita Edit’ on the By Rotation app.

*Terms and conditions apply

Enjoy Malfy Responsibly bedrinkaware.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 73: Chloë Grace Moretz Nov 29, 2022

Today we are joined by Chloë Grace Moretz and this episode is all about setting personal boundaries, stopping people pleasing, letting go of people who no longer serve YOU and saying “f**k it!” Now that’s the spirit!
Believe it or not but Chloë has been acting since the age of 5, and now at 25 years old has already got 50 acting credits on her CV (talk about booked and busy!) including the epic ‘Kick-Ass’ movies, the chilling ‘Carrie’, the comedy hit, ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’ and the epic LGBTQIA+ movie, ‘The Miseducation of Cameron Post’.
Now she is starring in the blockbuster new Amazon Prime Video TV show, ‘The Peripheral’. Adapted for the screen from William Gibson’s sci-fi novel, the show follows Chloë’s character Flynne, as she unearths through gaming, a connection to an alternative reality with a dark future. The drama is brilliant but you might get a headache trying to figure out WTAF is going on - if you are anything like me!
I have also always admired Chloë’s advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and encouraging people to get out there and vote but I wasn’t quite prepared for how much I was going to love talking to Chloë. Buckle up for a lot of laughter and some great life lessons in this episode!
Today Chloë talks about growing up in the entertainment industry and the amount of reverse ageism and sexism she has faced in her career to date. Now, firmly in her own power and voice, Chloë also shares some amazing words on building boundaries and letting go of ‘people pleasing,' and relationships that no longer serve you. That is something I have ALWAYS struggled with so this turned into quite the therapy session for me, so I hope it helps you too!
We also talk about the sheer power of Miley Cryus’s song ‘The Climb’ - it’s one of the great underrated classics of our time, let’s be honest - and Chloë shares how she is a certified gamer in real life too, who loves to, ‘f**k s**t up!’ Watch out Super Mario!
I love Chloë’s new ‘f**k it,’ ethos for life so I hope it also inspires you to let go, and do what is right for YOU in every given situation.
If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer, Young Royals stars Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, Lena Dunham and many more inspirational people. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am thrilled that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Malfy Gin, a gin from Italy inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast.
This Christmas, Malfy Gin has partnered with By Rotation, the UK’s largest fashion rental platform, to curate an edit of the most stylish partywear, for you to channel La Dolce Vita at any festive occasion.
To receive 15% off* your rental, just use the code ‘MALFY’ on the ‘La Dolce Vita Edit’ on the By Rotation app.
*Terms and conditions apply
Enjoy Malfy Responsibly bedrinkaware.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 72: Omar Rudberg Nov 24, 2022

You wait for one ‘Young Royals’ star to come on the podcast and TWO come on the podcast back to back! So get your crowns ready because today, we are joined by Simon himself, Omar Rudberg!

In case you are new to the ‘Young Royals’ hype (lucky YOU, you have two epic seasons to binge for the very first time) the Swedish Netflix TV show follows Prince Wilhelm, played by Edvin Ryding, as he meets a new love interest, Simon when he is sent to boarding school. It is the LGBTQIA+ show we have long needed on our screens and it’s no wonder so many people have fallen in love with the show - myself included!

Now, fresh from THAT season two cliffhanger, Omar joins us to talk about how the show’s intimate scenes have pushed him out of his comfort zone and made him find a whole new level of self love within himself and with his own body image. Isn’t that wonderful to hear?

Omar also shares some powerful words about breaking down masculine stereotypes and how his amazing relationship with Edvin Ryding onscreen has empowered him off-screen too. It’s empowered him so much that Omar is not afraid to call out coffee breath when he smells it during kissing scenes. I couldn’t agree more!

If you love ‘Young Royals’ and missed our last episode with Omar’s co-star, Edvin Ryding then run to the last episode to listen now! And if you love a LGBTQIA+ inclusive TV show and are ‘Heartstopper’ fans as well, last season we were joined by the show’s Joe Locke and Kit Connor, so check those podcast episodes too!

As someone who has always had a very up and down relationship with my own body image I really love what Omar has to say on the topic, so I hope you find this episode just as comforting as I do. I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. And if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 71: Edvin Ryding Nov 22, 2022

You have NO idea how many times I have been asked to get the leads of Netflix’s hit TV show, ‘Young Royals’ on the podcast, and today it’s finally happening as we are joined by Prince Wilhelm himself, the wonderful Edvin Ryding! AND he’s even better in real life, so get excited!

In case you aren’t already part of the ‘Young Royals’ fan base, the smash hit Swedish Netflix TV follows Prince Wilhelm as he is sent to boarding school. But once there he falls for his classmate, Simon, played by Omar Rudberg, and the drama ensues. It’s not only a powerful love story, ‘Young Royals’ is an important piece of television about finding yourself and taking pride in your identity. And when I say you are in for a treat, it's got a 100% rotten tomatoes rating to prove it!

Fresh from the show’s huge second season, Edvin talks about THAT season finale cliffhanger (I still cry just thinking about it - ANYONE ELSE?!?!) and how Wilhelm’s journey with his mental health and anxiety has encouraged Edvin to open up and talk about his own struggles in real life.

Edvin - who started acting at just five years old - also talks about embracing his differences and shares a beautiful piece of advice about being the person he needed when he was younger. It’s a statement I think we all need to live by because we are all out here doing it for our younger selves in a way, aren’t we?

If this episode isn’t enough Young Royals content for you then get yourselves READY as on the next Reign podcast episode we are joined by Edvin’s co-star, Omar Rudberg - don’t say I don’t treat you on this podcast! Oh, and in case you are new here and LOVE a good LGBTQIA+ Netflix show, check the episodes with ‘Heartstopper’ stars, Joe Locke and Kit Connor.

I hope you love this episode just as much as I do and I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 70: Yusra Mardini Nov 17, 2022

This special episode is a reminder, in the face of so much hateful rhetoric from government officials, that refugees need our allyship, not our prejudice.
Today we are joined by one of the most inspirational people I have ever met, Yusra Mardini who has overcome what are unimaginable obstacles for most of us, but which are daily obstacles for so many fleeing prejudice and war the world over.
In March 2011 when civil war broke out in Syria, Yusra - trained by her father - had dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer. But by August 2015 she and her sister, Sarah had no choice but to leave their family behind and undertake a journey which no one should have to.
Their perilous journey to Europe saw the sisters fly to Istanbul before paying human traffickers to take them to Greece, and overland to Germany.
What occurred in the sea en route to Greece is beyond harrowing. With 18 people on board, the dingy started to sink and for three hours Yusra and Sarah had no option but to swim alongside the boat.
Not only did Yusra make it to Germany, but after finding a new coach, she signed up to represent the refugee team at the 2016 Rio Olympics; a true testament to human determination. She went on to carry the Olympic flag for the Refugee team at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics and has since been named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador to help spread awareness of the plight of refugees.
It’s no wonder the Mardini sister's story has now been made into one of the most moving films I have ever seen, The Swimmers, which is now available on Netflix.
The Swimmers is a timely story everyone needs to watch and even more pressing when you consider Sarah Mardini could be facing decades in prison after returning to Lebos to help vulnerable people arriving on Greek shores.
I hope you find this powerful conversation with Yusra just as inspiring as I did and if you do want to find out more about how you can help refugees the world over please visit choose.love.
I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 69: Ophelia Lovibond Nov 15, 2022

Today we are joined by Ophelia Lovibond! This chat has everything - from a discussion of prosthetic penises to her Mum’s love for a willy montage, to tackling a very serious and meaningful topic: the need for bystanders to safely step in during moments of sexual harrassment - both verbally and physically - after Ophelia stepped in to prevent another woman being upskirted on the tube.
The conversation was prompted when we discussed the sexist media treatment of Carrie Johnson, who Ophelia is currently portraying in Sky Atlantic TV show, This England. The show, which also stars Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson, is an intimate and - at times troubling - look at 10 Downing Street at the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the key characters making decisions at the time.
Discussions around sexism and sexual harrassment are front and centre in Ophelia’s other new show, Minx which after launching on HBO Max in the USA is now finally out in the UK on Paramount+. Ophelia plays Joyce, who after persuading her publisher (played by New Girl’s Jake Johnson), creates the first erotic magazine for women - set to the backdrop of 1970s LA. Ophelia is EXCEPTIONAL in the show and it is thought provoking and laugh-out-loud comedy at its best. Minx is almost as funny as the real life stories Ophelia shares from the set, namely a stunning story about prosthetic penises - a first for this podcast, believe it or not!
I loved talking to Ophelia and I think she raises so many important points - especially during our discussion of everyday sexism - so I hope this episode resonates with you and gives you strength to speak up if you experience it or witness it. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 68: Madison Beer Nov 08, 2022

Today we are joined by the self-made pop sensation, Madison Beer!
(TW: this episode references suicide and suicidal thoughts)
Madison has amassed a jaw dropping 4.2 billion streams across her catalogue globally since she was discovered by Justin Beiber at the age of 13, when he posted a clip of her singing Etta James on his Instagram. Shortly afterwards Madison signed a major recording contract but by just 16 year-old she found herself being dropped.
But that never stopped Madison, she used her music to help her and share her own unique voice and story by releasing her own independent music. Her debut EP ‘As She Pleases’ even made history by becoming the first independently released female artist to score a top 30 position in the US Top 40 chart.
Let's get real, it’s bop after bop when it comes to Madison and as she releases her new single, Showed Me (How I Fell In Love With You) she sits down with me to reflect on her remarkable, determined journey.
This episode comes with a trigger warning as there is a discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts as Madison opens up about her journey with her mental health when she was 19 years old which saw her contemplate taking her own life whilst she was struggling with ‘failure’ and trauma. Now with the help of therapy, and still battling with PTSD, she is able to bravely share her story with us.
Madison also reflects on the sexism that still persists in the music industry and shares some teasers about her much anticipated album. Plot spoiler: it’s going to be a teary listen.
I hope you are just as inspired by Madison’s honesty as I was - it takes real courage to be this honest - and I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 67: Noah Centineo Nov 01, 2022

Noah Centineo, star of ‘Black Adam’ and ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ joins us today to talk about everything from chicken nuggets to self belief. So get ready for a varied chat to say the least!
Believe it or not, Noah has been working since he was just 8 years old, starting his career on the Disney Channel. Then, in 2018 when the first movie of the ‘To All The Boys I Loved Before’ trilogy was released, he became the internet’s boyfriend practically overnight. There was so much thirst for the movie, he went from 300,000 Instagram followers to 11 million in seven days!
If you haven’t watched the movies before, stop right now and run to Netflix. They follow Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) who’s private love letters are exposed to her high school and Noah’s character hot jock Peter comes to take her heart, and ours, too. It’s pure joy and escapism!
Noah is making a childhood dream come true by slipping into his finest superhero outfit and starring in the latest DC universe film, ‘Black Adam’. The movie follows Noah’s character Atom Smasher who is called up to join the Justice League along with Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan) and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) to suss out the mythical superhero, Black Adam who wakes after 5,000 years. Is he good? Is he bad? Well he’s played by none other than Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock - or as Noah calls him DJ - so that’s worth watching the movie to find out isn’t it!
In this episode Noah reveals just how epic The Rock is IRL and just how intense filming the movie was - which involved dislocated joints, so rather him than me! - and how the training to prepare for the movie made him reflect on his body image and his mindset. And don’t worry Noah also struggles to get himself in the gym too! Not just us then (relief!) but he does have a little inspirational advice to get your ass up and in that gym.
Whilst we also talk about my favourite topic on the planet: chicken nuggets, what I love most about this episode are the words Noah shares about, self-belief, manifestation (he loves a vision board!), putting in the work and refusing to be boxed in.
If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer, iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove, Fate: The Winx Saga, Abigail Cowen, Lena Dunham and MORE! I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 66: Nazanin Boniadi Oct 25, 2022

This episode is dedicated to the plight of the brave women currently fighting for their rights in Iran, and it is a real honour to be joined by the actress and activist, Nazanin Boniadi and to shine a light on the voices of Nazanin’s homeland, Iran.
Last month, 22 year old Mahsa Amini, died whilst being detained by the ‘morality police’ in Iran for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly.
Peaceful protests have erupted in the wake of her death with women symbolically cutting their hair and burning headscarves on the streets. This is one of the first major female-led revolutions in the world, and it is even more remarkable when you consider many of them are of school age and young people.
It is the boldest challenge to the Islamic Republic since its establishment in 1979, and sadly it is estimated that 222 people have been killed in the widespread demonstrations at the hands of the oppressive regime in Iran.
With the internet cut off in Iran, we need to make sure the voices of the brave protestors are heard, and as an ambassador for Amnesty international, Nazanin is doing exactly that in this episode.
After visiting the White House to speak to Vice President Kamala Harris, Nazanin joins us to emotionally talk about the stories she is hearing from Iran. Nazanin also discusses how we can all be allies to Iranian people right now and how her character, Bronwyn in Amazon Prime’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV show is a symbol of the strength of Iranian women.
I hope you will be just as inspired by Nazanin as I am and if you can help the brave people of Iran right now, Nazanin recommends the following:
1. There isn’t any domestic avenues for justice in Iran and Amnesty International has launched a global action, calling on people to sign a petition targeting UN member states. You can find the petition here: www.amnesty.org/en/petition/end-the-protest-bloodshed-in-iran
2. Please amplify the voices of the Iranian people by sharing information from reliable organisations and activists using the hashtags #MahsaAmini and #IranProtests.
3. Donate to credible, Iran-focused human rights organizations that document and report rights abuses, such as Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), Abdorrahman Boroumand Center and Amnesty International Iran.
4. With the internet curtailed in Iran please visit apps like Toosheh that help Iranians gain internet access and avoid censorship through VPN servers. Visit the site here: https://www.toosheh.org/
Thank you so much for listening and please join us in sending all of our love and support to the brave people of Iran at this time. Love, Josh x

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Ep 65: Lena Dunham Oct 18, 2022

I have LOVED Lena Dunham since her break-out show, Girls, so I am so excited we are joined by her today!
In case you haven’t watched it, Girls - which was written by and starring Lena - followed four best pals as they navigated boys, friendships, sexuality and their careers. Lena won multiple Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and received a tonne of Emmy nominations for her work, which became a game-changing representation of women on screen.
Now after starring in the movie, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and taking a break from the spotlight, she is back, directing and writing the Amazon Prime movie, Catherine Ccalled Birdy.
I LOVED this movie so much, and I know you will too. It follows Birdy (played by Bella Ramsey) a medieval teenager who as she comes of age, andso it covers everything from her first periods to her first painful crush. It also stars previousformer Reign guest, Isis Hainsworth, the hot priest himself Andrew Scott, the iconic Billie Piper, and Joe Alwyn.
This episode covers exactly that: coming of age, as Lena and I share our first times getting absolutely smashed to our mutual obsession with Billie Piper. the pop star.
We also talk about Lena’s journey towards self love and how being open and honest about her endometriosis has empowered her. Plus we discuss the sexist treatment female directors are still subjected to in the wake of the Olivia Wilde online drama.
If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer, iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove, Fate: The Winx Saga, Abigail Cowen and Kaitlyn Dever. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am partnering with one of my favourite skincare brands, Elemis to bring you this episode of Reign and I have a treat for you! Head to elemis.com and get 25% off* by using the code JoshSmith25 at the checkout.
To give you some self-care inspiration, I recommend using Elemis’ iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It has three unique textures that creates the ultimate cleansing experience. It nourishes your skin like a balm, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. And it smells like heaven, too! No wonder it’s a number 1 best seller!
Your skin will be left feeling deeply cleansed, soothed and supremely soft. Now doesn’t that sound like the ultimate moment of self care, everyday?
*Terms & Conditions apply.

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Ep 64: Kaitlyn Dever Oct 11, 2022

Kaitlyn Dever, star of everything from Booksmart to Dopesick, is one of the best actresses on our screens right now and I am so excited she is joining us today for a good chin-wag.
Kaitlyn started her career as a teenager and has gone on to deliver so many unforgettable performances including as Marie, in Netflix’s Unbelievable and Besty an addict to opioids in Dopesick (watch it on Disney+ now) picking up Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA nominations in the process.
Now she stars opposite Julia Roberts and George Clooney in Ticket To Paradise playing Lily, whose divorced parents won’t let her marry her gap year hunk. It is pure escapism and tell me who doesn’t need a good rom-com in their lives right now?! AM I RIGHT!
In this episode we cover everything from Kaitlyn’s less-than-glamorous adventures filming, to the society’s issue with female ambition.
Kaitlyn also talks about about her Mum’s battle with breast cancer and how her family have become one of the greatest sources of gratitude in her life.
I hope you take something away from the amazing Kaitlyn and that you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am partnering with one of my favourite skincare brands, Elemis to bring you this episode of Reign and I have a treat for you! Head to elemis.com and get 25% off* by using the code JoshSmith25 at the checkout.
To give you some self-care inspiration, I recommend using Elemis’ iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It has three unique textures that creates the ultimate cleansing experience. It nourishes your skin like a balm, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. And it smells like heaven, too! No wonder it’s a number 1 best seller!
Your skin will be left feeling deeply cleansed, soothed and supremely soft. Now doesn’t that sound like the ultimate moment of self care, everyday?
*Terms & Conditions apply.

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Ep 63: Adwoa Aboah Oct 09, 2022

I have been inspired by Adwoa Aboah, who hopes to normalise the difficult conversations around mental health, so there couldn’t be a better guest to join me for this special episode to mark World Mental Health Day. I am so excited for you all to hear this episode!
Adwoa Aboah has become a true multi-hyphenate. Not only is she one of the most recognisable models and faces in the world; starring on the cover of Vogue to becoming the face of so many iconic brands, she also has a hugely important role as Jo Malone London’s Global Ambassador.
She picked up the title of Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards in 2017, andalso starred in Netflix’s Top Boy. AND THAT’S NOT ALL - Adwoa uses her voice to raise awareness of mental health, through her epic podcast and non-profit organisation, Gurls Talk.
Adwoa struggled with addiction during her teenage years, but has been sober since she was 22, and in today’s episode she talks frankly about her journey with addiction and the loneliness that can come with sobriety.
As Adwoa says, no one’s relationship with mental health is linear so I hope her wise words speak to you and encourage you to speak up if you are struggling today or anytime in the future.
If you are ever struggling, trust me when I say there is always someone who cares for you and about you, so please reach out for help to someone you trust or an anonymous voice if you find yourself struggling with your mental health. If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season 6 too, go check them out now there are so many guests sharing their own experience with mental health and sharing their advice so make sure you check them out. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. This special episode to mark World Mental Health Day is brought to you in collaboration with Jo Malone London.
I am SO proud to partner with a brand who truly supports something Reign stands for more than anything: eradicating the stigmas around mental health. For ten years, Jo Malone London have been working towards this and have now launched their Shining A Light On Mental Health Foundation to help support people affected by mental health. Jo Malone London is donating $2 million globally between Monday 10 October 2022 and Monday 9 October 2023 - One million dollars of this will go to UNICEF, its new global lead charity, with a further $1 million donation divided across local charities including:
Thrive, Martineau Gardens, Scottish Association for Mental Health, Rotunda, Whitworth, St Mungo’s, Anna Freud National Centre, Phoenix Futures, Pieta, Black Minds Matter UK and NCPCC.
Jo Malone London also supports those living with mental health challenges and empowers people to recover, reconnect and grow through their five Charity Home Candles. And trust me, you need the Elderflower & Gooseberry Charity Candle in your home!
Discover the Jo Malone London Charity Candle Collection and to find out more about the Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation at jomalone.co.uk now.

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Ep 62: Abigail Cowen Oct 04, 2022

Abigail Cowen, the star of Netflix's ‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ joins us for the latest episode of Reign and excuse me whilst I geek out about one of my favourite shows.
If you haven’t watched Fate: The Winx Saga yet it follows a boarding school of fairies - led by Abigail’s character, Bloom - who not only have to battle against evil forces but the drama that comes with growing up, tackling everything from addiction, to mental health, and the hottest selection of boys possibly ever brought to the screen. In that case, what’s not to love?
With those facts, it’s not surprising Season One became one of the most watched series on Netflix ever, with 918 million minutes in viewership, trailing only Bridgerton. As season two lands, Abigail talks about acting legend Miranda Richardson joining the cast, some juicy plot twists, and after that season finale cliffhanger, her hopes for season three.
Abigail also tells me about overcoming bullies and how she was made to feel different for having red hair, and she shares some advice she has learned from therapy.
If you have missed any of the episodes of Reign Season Six go check them out now - we’ve been joined by Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer and iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove ICYMI - and come back next Tuesday when we will be joined by another queen, Emmy nominee, Kaitlyn Dever. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am partnering with one of my favourite skincare brands, Elemis to bring you this episode of Reign and I have a treat for you! Head to elemis.com and get 25% off* by using the code JoshSmith25 at the checkout.
To give you some self-care inspiration, I recommend using Elemis’ iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It has three unique textures that creates the ultimate cleansing experience. It nourishes your skin like a balm, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. And it smells like heaven, too! No wonder it’s a number 1 best seller!
Your skin will be left feeling deeply cleansed, soothed and supremely soft. Now doesn’t that sound like the ultimate moment of self care, everyday?
*Terms & Conditions apply.

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Ep 61: Zoey Deutch Sep 27, 2022

The incredible Zoey Deutch is my guest on this episode of Reign!
I caught up with Zoey fresh from the success of her latest movie, Not Okay. The movie follows Zoey’s character, Danni Sanders who in desperate attempt to impress a guy (played by Teen Wolf’s Dylan O’Brien) and find fame, fakes being part of a terrorist attack. The satirical black comedy is a MUST see - so go straight to Disney+ after listening to this episode and watch it if you haven’t already.
Zoey’s career started when she was just a teenager, starring in the Disney Channel’s The Suite Life on Deck opposite Dylan and Cole Sprouse. Since then Zoey has served us RANGE! From the comedies, ‘Dirty Grandpa’ with Robert DeNiro and Zac Efron to ‘Why Him?’ with James Franco, to the edgy drama from Ryan Murphy, ‘The Politician’ on Netflix, opposite Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. She’s even starred in Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ music video - watched 3.2 billion times.
She’lalso soon be starring in the holiday movie, Something from Tiffanys which Zoey is producing with Reese Witherspoon which Zoey talks about in this episode.
Having experienced a career full of highs - and some lows and Zoey also shares some very wise and insightful words on loneliness, and as an investor in the company Modern Fertility she talks about how fertility is one of the last great barriers to gender equality. Speaking to many of my friends who have struggled with fertility, there is never a truer word spoken.
This is just the third episode of this season of Reign - check out our episode’s with Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer and iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove ICYMI - and come back next Tuesday when we will be joined by another queen, Fate: The Winx Saga star, Abigail Cowen. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am so excited to share with you an exclusive discount code for my favourite skincare brand, Elemis! Head to elemis.com and get 25% off* by using the code JoshSmith25 at the checkout.
To give you some self-care inspiration, I recommend using the iconic ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It has three unique textures that creates the ultimate cleansing experience. It nourishes your skin like a balm, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. And it smells like heaven, too! No wonder it’s a number 1 best seller!
Your skin will be left feeling deeply cleansed, soothed and supremely soft. Now doesn’t that sound like the ultimate moment of self care, everyday?
Use code JOSHSMITH25 to receive 25% off full-size products on ELEMIS.com. Offer ends 10am 23rd of October 2022 or while stocks last. Offer excludes Festive Collections, Advent Calendar, Collections, Travel sizes, Supersizes, Gift cards or Vouchers, Sampling Programs, Sale Items, or the Pro-Collagen ULTRA SMART range. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or codes and cannot be redeemed retroactively. No cash alternative available. Price adjustments will not be made to previous purchases. Only one promotional code can be used per order. We reserve the right to change and/or cancel the promotion at any time.

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Ep 60: Miranda Cosgrove Sep 06, 2022

Are there any iCarly stans in the house? Well today we are joined by the show’s star, Carly herself, Miranda Cosgrove! Even if you haven’t seen the show, you are still going to love this fascinating insight into child stardom.
Miranda was just 14 when she started filming the Nickelodeon show which followed Carly and her pals, Sam (Jennette McCurdy), Freddie (Nathan Kress), Spencer (Jerry Trainor) and Gibby (Noah Munck), as she set up a web show whilst they all dealt with the trials and tribulations of being a teenager. The show was the place for all of the cast's milestones - = Miranda tells me she even had her first kiss on set, on camera.
The show made Miranda the highest paid child actor, a multiple Kids Choice Awards winner, and it even led to her becoming a singer with multiple albums and USA wide tours. The original incarnation of iCarly ended 2012 after six record breaking seasons, but now iCarly is back and reformed as an adult sitcom which is finally landing on Paramount+ in the UK! Trust me, it’s legit funny and it’s got the 100% rotten tomatoes score to prove it.
In this episode, Miranda talks to meabout the life of a child star from sexist pressures, to growing up in the public eye. She also shares why she temporarily turned her back on fame to go to college, and how she found her voice when she became an executive producer on the iCarly reboot.
I loved indulging in some nostalgic moments with Miranda (skunk bag comebacks included!) and the episode is an important reminder to get out there, in real life, and find yourself.
This is just the second episode of this season of Reign - check out the first episode of Stranger Things star, Natalia Dyer ICYMI - and come back next Tuesday when we will be joined by the equally inspirational Zoey Deutch. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 59: Natalia Dyer Aug 30, 2022

We are BACK after a short break with a brand new series and as a huge Stranger Things fan I am SO excited that today we are joined by the show’s star, Natalia Dyer.
I caught up with Natalia - calling in from her New York apartment - just after the huge record breaking success of Stranger Things season four. And hasn’t Natalia’s character been on a JOURNEY?!? From love triangles to adventures in the upside down world, to slaying monsters to save her hometown, Hawkins there is never a quiet day on set for Natalia and Nancy.
Today Natalia talks about the incredible ride she and Nancy have been on over the last four seasons, the plot twists from season four that shook her and her hopes for the show's fifth and final season. And after much internet shipping, Natalia reveals who she wants to see Nancy end up with at the end, and it might not be the person you think…
Natalia also talks about the impact of finding overnight fame and how her castmates helped her through it, what the show’s intense scenes have taught her about her physcial and mental strength and how it’s given her the thirst for leading an action movie. Don’t you think Natalia would be EPIC in a Marvel movie?
Plus she gets candid on the lessons she has learned from therapy, which speak of what this podcast is all about: finding yourself and staying true to who you are and your inner voice. So I hope you will be just as inspired as I was by this episode.
We have so many exciting and inspirational guests coming your way this season, so I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am so excited that this episode of the podcast is sponsored by Guerlain who have just released their new new Abey Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum which uses the scientifically proven healing powers of honey.
Guerlain’s scientists have brought together two exclusive technologies to create the serum’s double youth surge: the first renews with white honey and AHAs that create an advanced peeling effect and the second repairs with bio-polyfermented honeys for an advanced lifting effect
To get yours head to www.guerlain.com, or the Guerlain Boutique, Covent Garden.

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Ep 58: Samantha Tan Jul 26, 2022

Today we are joined by a real game changer in the world of motorsport with professional racing car driver, Samantha Tan!
After starting her solo racing career at just 16 years old, Samantha made HERstory, not only as the first Canadian woman to become overall champion of a major endurance series, but also became the first Asian woman to win a major international endurance racing series! In her races, Samantha races for up to 24 hours in team endurance races - where teammates swap in and out of the car in shifts - she definitely knows a thing or two about endurance.
I learnt SO much about the world of motorsport from Samantha and in this episode we talk about the gender gap in the sport. Did you know that in Formula 1, men and women can actually compete in the same race? So why don’t they? As Samantha says ‘the car doesn’t see gender,’ and suggests it’s a cultural problem as she tells me about the jaw dropping sexism she has received from male racers. You honestly won’t believe the overtly sexist story in this episode!
Samantha also talks about why she always races with a full face of makeup underneath her helmet in order to prove that you can achieve anything in a male dominated world as a woman, and speaks about becoming the representation she needed in the sport growing up.
I hope this episode encourages you to get out there and achieve your dreams no matter the cultural differences you might face, just like Samantha! This is also the last episode in our special month-long focus on inspirational female athletes so I hope you feel just as inspired as I do to get out there and smash whatever goals you might have! If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you and I’ll be back at the end of August with a new series! Until then, wear that crown with pride. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith - which celebrates our inspirational female sporting stars - is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora, who are the Official National Jewellery Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
This summer of sport is all about encouraging women and girls everywhere to feel empowered and motivated to be the person they want to be. Just like these inspirational female athletes you’re hearing from in these episodes, YOU can achieve anything - whether it’s in sport, your career or any of your life goals. Get out there, be fearless and write your own story.
And with Pandora, there’s always a piece of jewellery you can create or customise to help tell that story. Just head to pandora.net or your nearest store, now!

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Ep 57: Dina Asher-Smith Jul 19, 2022

There’s fast, and then there’s World Champion sprinter Dina Asher-Smith who joins us today!
Not only is Dina the reigning world champion in the 200 metres, she is the fastest British woman ever who currently holds the British records in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay. And alongside her gold medal at the 2019 World Athletic Championships, she has won four other world championship medals and two bronze medals at the Olympic Games. This athlete knows her way around a podium, and how to get into a winning mindset.
I was so excited to talk to Dina; I’vefollowed her career for the longest time, and today she talks to us as she gears up to defend her World Championship title and head off to the Commonwealth Games all the way in… Birmingham!
In this episode Dina shares the lessons she has learnt from working with a sport psychiatrist - something we can all learn a lot from - and talks about the impactmental health has on performance.
Dina also shares some powerful words on the work that needs to be done to create true equality in sport - particularly around research - as barely any studies are done on women in sport, and they are simply seen as ‘little men’ as Dina puts it, meaning the same theories on male sports stars are just placed on women. If that isn’t sexist I don’t know what is?!?
Plus, Dina talks about why it’s important to talk about periods and sporting performance and we certainly need more candid conversations around that topic!
I am so inspired by Dina’s incredible mindset and hope you will be too! I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith - which celebrates our inspirational female sporting stars - is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora, who are the Official National Jewellery Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
This summer of sport is all about encouraging women and girls everywhere to feel empowered and motivated to be the person they want to be. Just like these inspirational female athletes you’re hearing from in these episodes, YOU can achieve anything - whether it’s in sport, your career or any of your life goals. Get out there, be fearless and write your own story.
And with Pandora, there’s always a piece of jewellery you can create or customise to help tell that story. Just head to pandora.net or your nearest store, now!

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Ep 56: Elena Rybakina Jul 12, 2022

I am screaming with excitement! Prepare to welcome the 2022 Wimbledon Women's Champion, Elena Rybakina!
For this exclusive interview I caught up with Elena the day after her Wimbledon win, where she beat world number two Ons Jabeur, coming back from a set down to make history as the first ever player from Kazakhstan to win a grand slam tournament.
At 23 years old she also became the youngest winner of the title since Petra Kvitova in 2011 and as the 23rd seed, Elena is the second-lowest ranked female player in the Open Era to win Wimbledon. She is the definition of a game changer who never, ever gives up, and there couldn’t be a better guest to join us for this series of special episodes that celebrate incredible female athletes!
Elena chats to me from just outside the Wimbledon grounds (you can even hear the Centre Court crowds cheering for the men's final!!!) telling me about her journey to the top of women’s sport; from following her sister to tennis camp to the tough times that made her a champion, to lifting the Wimbledon trophy. This is an amazing look at the real person behind the athlete.
Elena tells me about the nerves she had before and during the final, how she managed to dig deep and find a positive mindset to win and what it means to become a history maker and a role model overnight.
Elena also talks about her goals for the rest of the season and adjusting to new-found attention following her win.
She is the new queen of tennis and I hope you are as inspired by Elena’s mindset as I am. I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith - which celebrates our inspirational female sporting stars - is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora, who are the Official National Jewellery Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
This summer of sport is all about encouraging women and girls everywhere to feel empowered and motivated to be the person they want to be. Just like these inspirational female athletes you’re hearing from in these episodes, YOU can achieve anything - whether it’s in sport, your career or any of your life goals. Get out there, be fearless and write your own story.
And with Pandora, there’s always a piece of jewellery you can create or customise to help tell that story. Just head to pandora.net or your nearest store, now!

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Ep 55: Nikita Parris Jul 05, 2022

It’s coming home, it's coming home, football's coming home and our Women's England team are (hopefully) about to win the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022! And today, ahead of the competition kicking off. we are joined by England star, Nikita Parris
Nikita has come a long way from a homemade football pitch in Liverpool, to the top of women's football playing for the likes of Manchester City, Everton, French team Olympique Lyonnais and Arsenal - which is her current club.
Nikita has also held the record as all-time leading scorer in the Women's Super League along with winning multiple leagues and the UEFA Women's Champions League, Nikita was named the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year in 2019. Nikita is truly one of the game's greats.
Nikita joins us from the middle of the England training camp for the Women's Euros and opens up about moments that have made her the athlete she is today, how mental health impacts her performance and why it needs to be spoken about more in the football world.
Plus Nikita talks about the work we need to do to achieve gender equality across sport, why she thinks it’s time we stop comparing mens and womens football, and she shares some inspirational words on how she has become the representation in sport she desperately needed growing up.
It’s impossible not to be inspired listening to Nikita so I truly hope you love this episode too - it made me want to run to the gym stat!. I hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith which celebrates our inspirational female sporting stars is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora, who are the Official National Jewellery Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
This summer of sport is all about encouraging women and girls everywhere to feel empowered and motivated to be the person they want to be. Just like the inspirational female athletes you’re hearing from in these episodes, YOU can achieve anything - whether it’s in sport, your career, or any of your life goals. Get out there, be fearless and write your own story.
And with Pandora, there’s always a piece of jewellery you can create or customise to help tell that story. Just head to pandora.net or your nearest store, now!

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Ep 54: Joey King Jun 30, 2022

I am beyond excited to be joined on this week’s episode by Joey King, not only because I have wanted her on the podcast for the longest time but she is now starring in one of the most on-brand Reign movies of all time… The Princess!
The Princess, which is out on Disney+ and Hulu, follows a medieval princess who refuses to marry her evil suitor (played by Dominic Cooper), a hot but complex chap who is determined to take her father’s throne. But when she’s locked up in a tower they soon realize they have taken on the wrong royal - this princess can fight! She’s the badass princess we have always needed and kicks her enemies and sexim in the balls at the same time. The definition of YASSS QUEEN!
You’ll probably remember Joey from her breakout role as Elle in the mega Netflix trilogy, The Kissing Booth opposite Jacob Elordi - who wasn’t obsessed with those movies? And you may also remember her from the true crime TV show, The Act where she played Gypsy, a girl trying to escape her overprotective mother (played by Patricia Arquette). The role made Joey an Emmy and Golden Globe nominee. As if we needed more proof that this girl has serious RANGE!
Next up Joey will be starring alongside Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock in another high action blockbuster, Bullet Train, a role Joey landed on her 21st Birthday. There’ss a funny story about that coming up in this episode - prepare yourselves!
Elsewhere in this episode Joey talks about her rollercoaster with confidence, reflects on her relationship with body image and calls out the sexist double standards between male and female actors, which she has experienced herself.
I loved Joey’s honesty, she does not hold back! And I know you are going to take so much away from this chat. I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 53: Marli Siu Jun 28, 2022

Who else was absolutely obsessed with Dolly Alterton’s memoir, Everything I Know About Love? And is equally obsessed with the BBC adaptation of the show? Well prepare yourselves because in today’s episode we are joined by the show’s star, Marli Siu.
The story follows Maggie (Emma Appleton) and her three friends, Birdy (Bel Powley), Amara (Aliyah Odoffin) and Marli’s character Nell, who whilst living in a London house share go through the ‘grubby stage’ of their twenties together. From the breakups - both in relationships and friendships - and all the house parties and regrettable decisions in between.
I loved Marli’s character Nell so much - she was so relatable, right? In case you haven’t seen it yet - spoiler alert, Nell is a young teacher and the blunt advice giver of the group who leaves her ‘stable seeming’ relationship for a new independent life which sees her sleep with her boss and make some decisions she might regret in later life.
Today Marli shares some hilarious behind the scenes secrets from filming the show - from the sheer amount of eating they did, to downing grape juice moonlighting as wine - and some very relatable stories from her own house share experiences. She also talks about having to film a masturbation scene over Skype and why that is so important that is shown on TV.
Marli also reflects on her Scottish-Chinese heritage, and how being mixed race affected the way she saw herself, and talks about how losing her father and experiencing grief was a coming of age moment for her.
I loved talking to Marli so much - she’s so open and funny - and I hope you fall in love with her too! I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 52: Olive Gray Jun 21, 2022

This episode is all about being true to yourself in a world that tells you to conform, as today we are joined by the star of the new dramatisation of the record breaking game, Halo, it’s Olive Gray!

Olive started their career at the age of 10 in The Story of Tracy Beaker (which we were all obsessed with, right?!?) before starring in the BAFTA nominated TV drama, Save Me, playing a teenage victim of sex trafficking, opposite Suranne Jones and Lennie James.

And now Olive is playing Commander Miranda Keyes in Halo, which lands on Paramount+ this week after selling more than 82 million copies worldwide, and grossing more than 6 billion dollars as a computer game. Get ready for Olive’s GCSE Bitesize breakdown about Halo in this episode, so if you aren’t familiar with the franchise already - we got you!

Aside from talking about their breakout role in the franchise, Olive talks about identity: from their racial identity, to being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, to their pronouns, and having ADHD. We need more open and honest conversations about all aspects of our identity, and in particular neurodiversity, so I hope you either feel seen, understood or enlightened by this episode.

I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 51: Isis Hainsworth Jun 14, 2022

This episode is for everyone who is struggling to love themselves, or has been on that journey as we are joined by the new Queen of Scots, Isis Hainsworth.
You may have recently seen Isis in the Netflix movie, ‘Metal Lords’, which is brought to us by the creators of ‘Games of Thrones’, no less! If you haven’t seen it yet, think of it as School of Rock meets teen drama. Isis plays the cello-playing teen, Emily, who, whilst struggling with her mental health and feeling like the school outsider, befriends two other high schoolers (Jaeden Martell and Adrian Greensmith) who invite her to join their heavy metal band, in order to win the school Battle of the Bands competition. You will love it!
Isis is the definition of booked and busy at the moment, as she will soon be seen in the BBC and Netflix thriller-horror, drama series ‘Red Rose’ which takes inspiration from movies like ‘Get Out’ and ‘Scream.’ Prepare to hide behind your sofa!
And later this year she will also star alongside Billie Piper, Andrew Scott and Bella Ramsey in the Lena Dunham directed, medieval coming-of-age comedy, ‘Catherine Called Birdy.’ We love an historical foray on Reign so I can’t WAIT to see this!
Today we get to know Isis as she takes us back to the very beginning, and talks to us about the journey she took to the big screen, from growing up in Scotland where she had dreams of becoming a dancer, to treading the boards on the West End.
Isis also opens up about dealing with dyslexia, and using it as her superpower after feeling ‘othered’ at school, and shares some amazing advice about processing and dealing with mental health issues, which I think you will love!
I love what Isis has to say about becoming your own ally, and I hope it will inspire you to be your own best friend too. I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 50: Emma Pasarow Jun 07, 2022

If you haven’t seen Netflix's new movie Along for the Ride yet and are as obsessed with teen romantic movies as I am, prepare to fall in love with the movie and its star, Emma Pasarow who joins me today!
Along for the Ride - based on the book by Sarah Dessen, the much loved author of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before - follows Emma’s character, Auden, who in the summer before college meets the dreamy, yet mysterious Eli (played by the equally dreamy Belmont Cameli). Whilst Auden spends the summer away from her somewhat intense Mum (played by the legendary Andie MacDowell) with her Dad (played by another romcom legend Dermort Mulroney) and Stepmom (Kate Bosworth), in a sleepy seaside town, the two insomniacs bond during night time excursions and Auden ditches books to find a new carefree way of life. It’s beyond cute and so is Emma!
Today Emma talks about the wild circumstances that led to her jetting off to film Along For The Ride, her first movie role (can you believe?!) and open up about her journey with social anxiety, something that is so rarely spoken about.
Plus, she tells me about how journaling has helped her process her mental health, something which I was inspired to take up after this candid chat with Emma, who is a star of the future. We love to support the future queens on this podcast!
It was so inspiring to hear Emma talk so openly and honestly about the struggles she has overcome with anxiety, so I hope this helps you in the tougher moments you might face. I also hope you keep on listening and finding the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 49: Joe Locke May 31, 2022

Heartstopper fans, if you loved Charlie as much as I did this episode is for YOU, as today we are joined by the man himself, Joe Locke. And he’s even greater in real life, if you can believe it!

Joe beat 10,000 hopefuls to win his first ever on-screen role as Charlie in the hit Netflix show, which follows his character as he falls for the school jock, Nick, played by Kit Connor. If you haven’t seen it the show - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN - it’sbased on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, so get onto Netflix right now because it will make you feel all the feelings, and its a joyful celebration of queer love that is beyond needed on our screens.

In this episode Joe joins us from his family home on the Isle of Man where he is currently juggling overnight fame with revising for his A-Levels, and talks about his journey from island life to the set of a Netflix hit show and the lifetime friendships he built working on it.

Joe also talks about feeling like an outsider - much like Charlie does in the show - and how we need to rethink viewing that as a negative thing, and I couldn’t agree more! He also chats about tearing up the rule book about what a leading man should be and look like, and he shares his thoughts on coming out.

Like so many of you, this show means so much to me so I hope you love listening to this episode with Joe as much as I did talking to him. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 48: Kit Connor May 24, 2022

If you sobbed, smiled and adored the Netflix hit show, Heartstopper as much as I did, prepare yourselves because today we are joined by one of the show’s stars, Kit Connor.

After getting his break starring as the teenage Elton John in Rocketman, Kit hit the big time this year when he landed the role of Nick in Heartstopper.

Based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, the show follows a coming of age romance between two teenagers, Nick and Charlie, played by Joe Locke (who you will also be hearing from VERY SOON). And if you haven’t seen it and are wondering what all the fuss is about, race to Netflix right now because the show is a heartwarming and joyful portrayal of queer love and we literally LOVE TO SEE IT!

Today, fresh from the show’s huge success - Kit takes us back to the very beginning of his Heartstopper journey from auditioning for the role, to stepping on set for the very first time, and the self doubt that came along for the ride.

He also talks about his epic relationship with his co-star Joe, and how much that friendship helped him both inside and outside of the show, and why he refuses to adhere to the traditional expectations of what it means to be masculine.

Kit also opens up about feeling proud of his sexuality and why he doesn’t feel compelled to label himself publicly because NO ONE has the right to know anyone else’s sexuality - is he right or is he right?!?

I love what Kit has to say about feeling empowered by being surrounded by so many proud queer people and bringing these important storylines to life, so I hope you love hearing from Kit as much as I did. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 47: Michelle Dockery May 17, 2022

Dust off your tiara and slip into your finery because this week we are joined by Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary herself, Michelle Dockery!
As a ‘Downton Abbey’ obsessive (I mean those savage Maggie Smith one-liners give me life), I have wanted to talk to Michelle for the longest time, so I am so excited that we are talking to her this week. We take her journey to the big screen all the way back to the beginning…
After growing up in Romford, Essex Michelle started her career in theatre - understudying 10 roles at one time (!!) - before she got the break of a lifetime, starring in Downton Abbey when she was 27.
Ten years later, after six seasons, four personal Emmy award nominations and one box office smash of a movie, we are heading back to Grantham for the latest movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era. Whilehalf of the family skip off to France, Lady Mary oversees the filming of a silent movie in the family home.
It is also a new era for Michelle who recently starred in Netflix’s Anatomy of a Scandal as bad babe barrister, Kate. The story follows Kate, a QC who represents Olivia (Naomi Scott) a woman whoaccuses her former boss and MP, James (Rupert Friend) of rape. Meanwhile, James’wife, played by Sienna Miller, not only has to watch the unfolding drama in court, but also has to reflect on her own role in proceedings. The plot twists are so juicy - so be warned there are some spoilers in this episode!
Michelle has also starred in ‘Defending Jacob’ opposite Chris Evans as a mother whose teenage son is charged with murder (if you haven’t watched it yet, head to Apple TV+ RN), Guy Ritchie movie, ‘The Gentleman’ and Netflix’s Western TV drama, ‘Godless’ playing Alice, a widowed outcast who takes in a stray outlaw played by Jack O’Connell. Lucky Alice!
Today we talk about Michelle’s incredible journey from living in a house share with her mates to the big screen, the no’s she faced along the way, and what her career has taught her about success and failure.
We of course talk about returning to Downton, how working on Anatomy of a Scandal made Michelle reflect on how sets can be so male dominated, the coaching she did with a real barrister for the Netflix show, and how she felt truly in her own power when she turned 40.
I loved hearing Michelle talk about the start of her career so I hope you find her story just as inspiring as I did. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 46: Tayce May 10, 2022

The Drag Queen with the cheek, the nerve, the gall, the audacity and all the gumption, Tayce is here to start your engines in this week’s episode of Reign. This has to be one of the most chaotic, hilarious and joyful episodes to date so I hope your cheeks are aching from smiling and laughing, like mine were by the end of this episode.
After finding his taste for performance putting on shows for his family - and basically anyone who would watch - in his hometown of Newport in Wales, Tayce shot to fame on season two of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK with their fierce looks and fiercer one liners. During the series they took their place in Drag Race HERstory when they appeared in the now iconic United Kingdolls ‘UK, Hun’ performance alongside Bimini, A’Whora and Lawrence Chaney.
Since Tayce made the Drag Race Final they have gone on to tour the world from Clapham to Australia and take the fashion world by storm - after being initially rejected by modeling agencies - including sashaying down the runway at the British Fashion Awards alongside Naomi Campbell. Now they are making it WERK again by modeling and collaborating with celebrity fashion designer Chet Lo and digital duo, IoDF in their creation of Second Skin Couture, which is part of Absolut’s new creative platform Born To Mix! This collaboration symbolises everything Tayce is about as it is a vision for the future: a world where what you wear isn’t tied to the binds of gender, seasonal trends, religious expression, or function. YASSS & there are more deets on this in this episode so keep an ear out about how you can mix it up, too.
There is no stopping this Queen and today they look back to their formative drag and performance moments - including playing a dead Pigeon (yes, really) - and share their epic words on finding self-love and how drag has helped them discover themselves and their power.
I really hope you sashay away from this episode feeling just as empowered as Tayce because I know I did. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S You know I love to mix it up on this podcast, and that’s why I’m so excited to be working with Absolut on this very special episode of Reign.
And Absolut are doing exactly that with their new project, #BornToMix which celebrates the power of mixing it up in drinks, in ideas and in life, all to create a better tomorrow in a series of creative collaborations.
Absolut's first #BornToMix project brings together celebrity fashion designer Chet Lo, digital duo IoDF and our incredible guest this week, Tayce to create a translucent ‘second-skin’ garment, and let me tell you - it looks sensational!
You can experience Second Skin Couture yourself virtually now - it’s so meta - and can even enter to be in with a chance to win this stunning one of a kind garment! Just head over to @absolutUK instagram to find out more!
And if you are in the mood for some expert made cocktails, for the next two weeks Absolut will have a residency at Box Park in Shoreditch, so be sure to check it out. I’ll see you there!

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Ep 45: It's A Sin: Real Life Stories May 05, 2022

If you have just listened to our epic episode with Callum Scott Howells and loved It’s A Sin as much as I did, this episode dives into the issues raised in both. Today we are joined by two incredible and inspirational people who have been directly impacted by HIV: Jill Nalder who It’s A Sin’s character, Jill, is based on and Eugene Lynch who was diagnosed with HIV in 2013 and is now a Senior Positive Voices Coordinator at the Terrence Higgins Trust.
In case you haven’t watched It’s A Sin yet - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN – the show which is nominated for 11 Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards - explores the lives and loves of group of queer youngsters beginning a new life in 1980s London and soon find themselves struck by the HIV pandemic, ignored by most of the world at the time. Created by the iconic Russel T Davies, the show is now nominated for an incredible 11 awards at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards including a nomination for Colin’s diagnosis scene - played powerfully by Callum Scott Howells - for the Virgin Media Must See Moment Award.
In this episode Jill Nalder who was not only the inspiration for Jill Baxter in the show, the character played by Lydia West (check out Lydia’s Reign episode - it’s episode four!) but also plays her onscreen mother, reflects on losing a number of close friends in the 1980s who were affected by the HIV pandemic. She also talks powerfully about allyship whilst looking back on her own experience of supporting her friends through this time, taking them tests and visiting them in hospital.
Eugene Lynch joins us to talk about his own journey from his diagnosis with HIV to today, the reality of living with HIV today and looks back on the progress we have made with society’s approach to HIV and what we can do to eradicate the stigma that still persists.
Plus Jill and Eugene talk about the incredible work of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity which offers support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health. This year marks 40 years since the death of Terry Higgins - one of the first people in the UK to die from an AIDS-related illness - and the formation of the charity in his name. And for 40 years their vision is for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination, and good sexual health is a right and reality for all.
Both Jill and Eugene share some truly inspirational stories and advice we all need to listen to so I hope their stories strike a chord with you, like they did with me. I hope you love listening to this episode and I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. If you have been affected by any of the content raised in this episode, are living with HIV yourself or you know someone that is, please head to The Terrence Higgins Trust.
And while It’s A Sin centers on a group of gay men in London, Terrence Higgins Trust continues to work with a whole host of different people as HIV can, and does, affect anyone of any age, sexuality, ethnicity or gender. Despite this, 77% of UK adults have never had a HIV test. Routine testing needs to be increased to find people living with undiagnosed HIV in the UK.
For more information on testing, for support of for more information visit tht.org.uk
P.P.S I can’t really believe that this and you will have heard all about it in the podcast but this very special episode of REIGN is brought to you in partnership with Virgin Media – proud sponsors of the British Academy Television Awards.
Virgin Media brings together all your favourite entertainment under one roof. And, as the only award at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards that’s voted for by us, the...

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Ep 44: Callum Scott Howells May 03, 2022

Hold on to your tissues because you might shed happy and sad tears because in today's episode we are joined by the star of It’s A Sin, Callum Scott Howells!
***And before we go any further, if you haven’t watched It’s A Sin yet, be warned there are serious plot spoilers in this episode***
It’s A Sin - which is nominated for a whopping 11 awards at this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards - is the definition of a game changing show. Created by the iconic, Russel T Davies (the man behind the likes of Queer as Folk, Years & Years and Doctor Who) the show explores the lives and loves of group of queer youngsters beginning a new life in 1980s London and soon find themselves struck by the HIV pandemic, ignored by most of the world at the time.
In his Virgin Media BAFTA TV Best Supporting Actor nominated performance, Callum plays the much loved Colin, a young Welsh lad who moves to London to become a tailor and experience queer life for the first time but is eventually devastated by the virus. Colin’s diagnosis scene (it makes me cry just thinking about it ANYONE ELSE?!?) which shows him flanked by allies and his mother is also nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award at this year’s Virgin Media BAFTA TV awards, too. The award celebrates the diversity of British TV, and the moments that got our nation talking, tweeting, laughing, crying and so much more in 2021 and Callum’s first ever on screen performance defines exactly that.
As we get ready for the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards - which you can also tune in and watch on BBC One on 8th May - in today’s episode we talk about the mental and emotional impact filming Colin’s diagnosis scene had on Callum, the resulting positive impact that It’s A Sin had on the way our society views HIV and Callum reflects on growing up in Wales and reveals how High School Musical helped find himself! WE LOVE TO HEAR IT, plus so much more!
Callum is just as loveable in real life as he is on screen so I hope you love listening to this episode and I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I can’t really believe that this and you will have heard all about it in the podcast but this very special episode of REIGN is brought to you in partnership with Virgin Media – proud sponsors of the British Academy Television Awards.
Virgin Media brings together all your favourite entertainment under one roof. And, as the only award at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards that’s voted for by us, the public, Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment represents real TV fans and the moments we love!
It’s down to six unmissable TV moments, including Colin’s devastating AIDs diagnosis in It’s A Sin, which we’ve discussed in this episode. But there can be only one winner.
So who’ll be crowned Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment of 2021? You’ll have to tune in for this year’s Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards on 8th May at 6pm to find out! I’ll be joining you on the sofa in my evening wear finest! SEE YA THERE! X
P.P.S. I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
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Ep 43: Kiernan Shipka Apr 26, 2022

‘Sabrina’ fans, ‘Mad Men’ fans, and fans of a great convo, prepare yourselves because in this week’s episode we are joined by Kiernan Shipka.
To say Kiernan Shipka started acting early would be an understatement. She made her acting debut as a baby on ‘ER’ before going on to win the role of the sassy Sally Draper at just eight years old in the iconic show about the 1960s world of advertising, ‘Mad Men’. (If you missed it the first time around, it's on Netflix now!). Kiernan starred opposite her on-sceen parents January Jones and John Hamm and the likes of Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks for all seven seasons of the show, and even picked up a SAG award for Best Ensemble in a Drama series, TWICE!
Kiernan went on to be the darker version of Sabrina in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ on Netflix for four seasons, which I was OBSESSED WITH… anyone else? And now at 22 years old, Kiernan is starring opposite former Reign guest Diane Kruger (check out her episode, it’s number 35 and dripping in tea!) and Donald Sutherland in ‘Swimming with Sharks’ which is available now on the ROKU channel.
The show follows Kiernan’s character, Lou, who starts an internship at Fountain Pictures in Hollywood, and whilst she may seem a little naive and awestruck by the studio’s notorious CEO, Joyce - played by Diane (who has the sassiest power bitch wardrobe known to mankind) - landing the internship was no happy accident. The drama is intense, and it even sees Kiernan’s first foray into intimate scenes on screen - powerfully led by the female characters (and it’s about time too!) - which not only sees her kissing Diane, but also had a strong impact on Kiernan as she tells us in this every episode!
Kiernan also talks about dealing with ‘nos’ for the first time after eight years on ‘Mad Men’, and she opens up about finding herself and her defining her idenity away from work after ‘Sabrina’ finished last year. Plus she reflects on her journey with mental health and what therapy has helped her to process.
I love what Kiernan has to say about not waiting for a moment to define your happiness and ensuring you have ‘a person to come home to within yourself,’ (what an epic quote about self love that is!) so I hope you find some inspiration for your own self love journey in this episode. If it’s your first time here, WELCOME TO THE QUEENDOM BABES, and I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you loved this episode, too, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 42: Simone Ashley Apr 19, 2022

Can you hear Lady Whistledown’s quill quivering? Because this week we are joined by Bridgerton’s leading lady, Simone Ashley!
Simone first hit our screens in 2019 when she took on the role of Olivia, a key member of Ruby’s Untouchables clique in the hit Netflix show, ‘Sex Education’ where she starred alongside Reign favoruite, Aimee Lou Wood (scroll back to episode three to listen to her epic episode) and featured in that now iconic bus scene.
But Simone truly hit the big time this year when she starred as Kate Sharma, the new leading lady of the ton, in ‘Bridgerton’ season two, which had the biggest opening weekend audience figures for an English language show on Netflix, EVER! Like me you may have been OBSESSED with the love triangle between her diamond of the season sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran) and Lord Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and the electric on-screen chemistry between Simone and Jonathan which has had us all fanning ourselves, let’s be real!
To quote Queen Charlotte herself, Simone has been, “flawless my dear,” and next year she will also appear in the Disney remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ in a yet to be disclosed role.
Joining me from the floor of her LA hotel room Simone - amongst the post Bridgerton whirlwind - talks about *THAT* electric chemistry she shared with Jonathan, and how their friendship helped one another during filming. Simone also reveals how the show’s sex scenes ultimately empowered her and how she wants to explore the intimate relationship between the two characters through Kate’s eyes in season three! Plus Simone talks about the show’s game changing representation of the South Asian community.
Simone also opens up about how landing the role of Kate helped rebuild herself and her self-worth following a tough period with her mental health and reflects on her journey to the TON - which included moving to LA as a 15 year old, on her own!
Simone is the queen of determination and I hope you will be just as inspired by her drive as I was. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S. Whilst you are here I have something epic to tell you about which you will have heard about on today's podcast! For a limited time only, get your own life-changing PopGrip from PopSockets with 20% off using code REIGN20 at the checkout. Shop here now: go.popsockets.co.uk/joshsmith
I am obsessed with their PopGrip - which simply pops out the back of my phone and helps me hold my phone more comfortably, gives me a steady hand when I'm recording those all-important Insta stories & it's so handy for propping up your phone when you are watching TV shows - like Bridgerton - on the go, too.
Don't forget to tag me in those selfies showing off your latest must-have accessory, your PopSockets, too queens!
P.P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 41: Lucy Boynton Apr 12, 2022

This week we are joined by one of my faves, actress Lucy Boynton!
Believe it or not, Lucy started acting at the age of 12 alongside Renée Zellweger as a young Beatrix Potter in ‘Miss Potter’ - god, that film made me sob, YOU? She then went on to star in Kenneth Brannagh’s reboot of Poirot, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ next to Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, and Michelle Pfieffer. She then stole the scene as Astrid in my fave Netflix show, ‘The Politican’ next to Gwyneth Paltrow, and played the girlfriend and soulmate of Freddie Mercury, Mary Austin in the Oscar winning ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ next to her real-life love, Rami Malek. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ also became the highest grossing biopic movie of all time too, casual!
Lucy is now starring as the stunning sixties spy, Jean, alongside Joe Cole in ‘The Ipcress File’, the television remake of the classic Michael Kane Cold War movie of the same name, which is on ITV Hub. She’s also starring alongside Will Poulter, Emma Thompson and Jim Broadbent as the sassy heiress turned amateur sleuth Frankie, in Hugh Laurie’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic ‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’ which is on BritBox.
And if she wasn’t busy enough, Lucy will be back on our cinema screens later this year playing Marie Antoinette in ‘Chevalier’, a film about the composer, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. Chevalier was the ‘illegitimate’ son of an African slave and a French plantation owner who rose to the heights of French society as a violinist, composer and a champion fencer. But after an ill-fated love affair with a French noblewoman and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court, he suffered a downfall from favour.
With all of that to talk about, Lucy joins me for a very open and honest conversation. In the episode Lucy talks about her journey with mental health, just how game changing going to therapy was for her and the lessons she has learnt from her therapist. It’s advice I think we could all do with taking TBH!
Lucy also talks about defining our self worth away from external sources of validation, and calls BS on outdated sexist stereotypes, namely the idea of the ‘angry woman,’ who's with us?!?
I hope you take just as much away from this episode as I did and I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 40: Mackenzie Davis Apr 05, 2022

Get ready to hear from the epic actress-turned-philosopher (I am not joking - she is beyond wise about life), Mackenzie Davis!
Mackenzie’s CV is dripping in credits, having starred in the huge blockbuster franchises The Terminator and Blade Runner next to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, respectively. She also starred in the blockbuster hit, The Martian next to Matt Damon, and stole the show in cult hits like The Happiest Season, where she played the girlfriend of Kirsten Stewart and Tully, opposite Charlize Theron.
Now Mackenzie joins me as she takes on one of the most intense roles of her career, in the TV show, Station 11 - based on the huge book of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel - which is now streaming on Starz Player (an add on to Amazon Prime FYI) or HBO Max.
The show follows Mackenzie’s character Kirsten, a child actress who survives a pandemic flu that wipes out 99 percent of the world’s population. It’s dark and intense but you will be as obsessed as I am.
In this episode Mackenzie talks about how her relationship with mental health changed both during and after the real-life pandemic - something I’m sure we can all relate to - and shares some incredible observations on the boundaries between soulmate friendships and relationships. Not only did that really speak to me, it was a light bulb moment!
Mackenzie also shares some amazing advice about dealing with failure, success and rejection - particuarly not basing our self esteem in our work - which I think so many of you will want to hear. And as Mackenzie is totally off social media, we also look back on the simpler times of dial up internet and life pre mobile phones - remember those?
Mackenzie is very philosophical, and listening to her really reframed my thoughts and approaches to those topics and so much more, so I hope this episode invites you to challenge your outlook in places where it’s needed.
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives and if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 39: Nicôle Lecky Mar 29, 2022

I am BEYOND excited for you to hear this week’s episode with quadruple threat, Nicôle Lecky, who not only stars in the BBC hit show, Mood, she also wrote the script, wrote the songs and sings them too. The show which truly is like nothing you have ever seen before, and it’s based on her 2019 one woman theatre show, Superhoe which received incredible reviews at The Royal Court in London.
Mood is a drama-musical that explores Only Fans culture and sex work through the main character, Sasha Clayton, an East London wannabe singer-songwriter who’s forced to fend for herself when she’s kicked out of her family home. After she meets party girl Carly, she’s introduced to the world of social media influencers, and the divide between becoming a singer and maintaining an online persona grows. Mood is an incredible look at mental health, sex, abuse, drinking culture, and the issue with ‘hidden homelessness.’
In this episode Nicôle talks about the stories she heard and experienced herself when she was researching the show, and reflects on the ‘grey area of sexual abuse,’ she witnessed at school - which I really think will have many of us looking back and questioning some of the things we saw and accepted as ‘normal.’
Nicôle also talks about her own journey with mental health, antidepressants, and working out what is best for her mental wellbeing.
AND, she shares some amazing tips for stepping into your power when pursuing your dreams and pitching your ideas - whether they are creative OR business ideas - which I know so many of you will love! I know I will be taking a lot of confidence tips from her!
This is an incredibly open and honest conversation so I really hope you love this episode as much as I do.
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives and if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 38: Sophie Skelton Mar 22, 2022

Outlander fans prepare yourselves as this week we are joined by the show’s star, Sophie Skelton!
If you aren’t one of the MANY Outlander Fans already, it is part period drama, a little sci-fi, with some time travelling, and there is some seriously hot and heavy romance, too - wink wink! The hit show follows Claire Randall - played by Caitrona Balfe - a World War Two nurse who time travels back to Scotland in the 1700s where she meets a HOT AF highland warrior, Jamie played by Sam Heaghan, and their daughter, Brianna - a fellow time traveller - played by Sophie herself. If that doesn’t entice you to watch - Sophie shares her very entertaining Sparknote version of what you have missed so far in this episode!
As the show heads into its sixth season on Starz Player, Sophie joins me to chat about the plot spoiler in season six that shook her *you have been warned - SPOILERS* and reflects back on the show’s powerful and nuanced exploration of sexual abuse, and the mental health impact on victims. Sophie also shares the eye opening research she did and how filming a rape scene in season four affected her own mental health.
Sophie also talks about the need for messy sex scenes on screen - we all know sex is not always glossy, and the internet lies! How being a ballerina from the age of two has affected her body image, and the everyday sexism she faces, most notably when she’s walking her Great Dane.
I think so many of you will find what Sophie has to say so relatable - especially about appreciating our bodies in a new way post-Covid - so I think this episode will speak to all of us!
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives and if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS KIEHL’S FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 37: Louisa Jacobson Mar 15, 2022

After a little mini break we are BACK BABES with some super empowering episodes for YOU!
This week is all about shutting down your imposter syndrome and learning to be a little more present, as I am joined by the star of my new fave TV show, The Gilded Age: it’s Louisa Jacobson.
If you haven’t watched The Gilded Age yet (new episodes drop every Tuesday on Sky Atlantic and NowTV), it follows Louisa’s character, Marian Brook, a rural gal who moves to New York after her father's death to live with her aunts, Ada played by Cynthia Nixon, and Agnes - who is the queen of a one line put down - played by Christine Baranski. It’s costume drama is at it’s best from the creator of Downton Abbey, Jullien Fellows. Bustles get rustled by the new money family on the block, The Russels. Drama ahoy!
In this episode Louisa talks about her very first TV gig in The Gilded Age, the perils of wearing a corset all day long (especially after spending so long in lockdown in joggers - I think we can all relate in our own way!) and how she rebelled against her family by choosing a life in advertising before finally taking the risk of pursuing a career in acting.
Louisa also shares some amazing advice for remaining present and dealing with imposter syndrome - which I know, like me, so many of you suffer from - so I hope Louisa’s words of wisdom help YOU as much as they did me!
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives and if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS KIEHL’S FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!
I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.
In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!
It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 36: Johannes Radebe Jan 18, 2022

This week’s episode has it all: from tears to laughter as I am joined by the King of Joy and Strictly Come Dancing pro, Johannes Radebe.
Born in the township Zamdela Sasolburg, South Africa, Johannes started dancing when he was 7, after discovering a love for sequins - who can blame him?!
Johannes hit the big time on the dance floor after appearing on the debut season of South Africa’s Dancing with The Stars. From there, he headed to the UK in 2018 to feature in the pro line up for Strictly Come Dancing, and became a true game changer.
After VOGUEING in heels, Johannes danced the first same-sex dance routine with fellow pro Graziano Di Prima and whilst some haters called Ofcom, it paved the way for the first all-male partnership in the show’s 19 year history, with baker, John Whaite. The pair not only came second but they won fans across the country and started important conversations in the process.
Now as he is preparing for his first solo show, Johannes Radebe: Freedom, which will open on 16 March and run through to 1 May 2022 across the UK. It promises to be a celebration of music and dance, from African fusion to fiery Latin, classic dance arrangements and huge party anthems. So get your tickets NOW: https://www.johannes-live.com/
I was obsessed with Johannes and John’s partnership on the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing but get ready to fall a bit more in love with Johannes after listening to this episode as he opens up about how therapeutic the partnership was. He also talks about the tragic circumstances that led to him being honest about his sexuality with his mother, just a few years ago.
Johannes is a true symbol of living truthfully as you - in spite of hate growing up and judgment even today - so I hope, like me, this chat inspires you to be more comfortable in your own skin.
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. And if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 35: Diane Kruger Jan 11, 2022

This week’s episode is all about embracing and being empowered by the ‘f**k you moments’ in our lives as I am joined by Hollywood goddess, Diane Kruger!
Diane has became one of our most respected actresses since breaking out as Helen of Troy in Troy (alongside Brad Pitt’s stunning bob), before going on to star in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and later winning the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for In The Fade, where she played a woman widowed following a terrorist attack.
Now Diane returns with the high-kicking all-female spy thriller, The 355, alongside Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz and Lupita Nyongo. The movie sees five international spies come together to save the world from a mysterious cyber threat. Think of it as James Bond meets The Spice Girls - it’s right up our street!
But for all the success on screen there have been moments of deep disappointment for Diane. After training at the Royal Ballet School, Diane had to shelve her ballet career as a teenager following a knee injury. And even when she finally hit the big time in Troy, the role left her pigeon-holed and out of work. As Diane reveals in this episode, even winning her role in Inglourious Basterds came after Quentin Tarantino refused to audition her - becoming one of the greatest ‘f**k you moments’ of her life. But sometimes other people doubting us can be the greatest fuel for empowering ourselves - am I right?
Also in this episode Diane talks about how training for The 355 six months after giving birth affected her body image and how heartbreak and grief in her mid-30's led to her being more open and honest about her mental health.
Plus, she opens up about becoming a mother for the first time in her 40's with her partner, actor Norman Reedus and the ageism that has come with being a mother later in life.
I love what Diane has to say about staying true to your own narrative and never giving up on YOU so I hope this inspires you to make the right decision for your own life, be that in your career, or even decisions around parenting!
I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. And if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 34: Lucas Bravo Jan 04, 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR BABES! I am back with a brand new series which hopefully will inspire you to start the new year by looking after yourself and your mental health, and in this episode Emily In Paris star Lucas Bravo joins me to motivate you.
Lucas Bravo first got pulses racing when he landed on our screens playing Gabriel in the hit Netflix show back in 2020. In case you aren’t familiar with the show - FIRSTLY, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! - it follows social media exec Emily (played by the first ever queen to join Reign, Lily Collins) who moves to Paris to chase likes, love and sample some french delicacies namely, Gabriel and his dishes - wink wink! Now it’s back for a second season and it’s better than ever as it serves us the escapism we need so badly right now.
If you have already binged the entire second season and you are missing Lucas already, don’t worry he’s going to be back on the big screen ASAP. This year he will star alongside Julia Roberts and George Clooney in Ticket to Paradise, Borat star, Maria Bakalova in The Honeymoon, AND Isabelle Huppert in Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.
In this episode Lucas joins us from Australia where he is currently filming. He shares some wild stories from the set of Emily in Pairs - we all need a big night out out Ashley Park style (clearly) - and he also opens up about the life changing solo trip he took during a dark period of his life, where he travelled to Alaska and lived alone in the famous camper van from Into The Wild.
Lucas also discusses how overnight fame and being ‘objectified’ has affected his body image and wellbeing. I always think it’s so incredible to hear a man in the public eye talk so honestly about his mental health - these are the kind of chats I have needed in my life for a long time.
I truly think there couldn’t be a better way to kick off this series which celebrates looking after ourselves and our wellbeing so I hope you love this episode as much as I do. I hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. And if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 33: Claire Foy Dec 21, 2021

I am beside myself because we are joined by real life royalty… well almost… on this special episode, it’s the OG queen from Netflix’s The Crown, Claire Foy!
I have been OBSESSED with Claire since she played my all-time favourite queen, Anne Boleyn in the BBC adaption of Wolf Hall but it was her iconic turn as Elizabeth II in The Crown that made her an international star.
After starring in the first two seasons alongside previous Reign guest, Vanessa Kirby, Claire went on to win two Emmys, two SAG awards and a Golden Globe before turning her attention to the big screen, where she later won the prestigious Critics Choice ‘See Her’ award for pushing boundaries for women on screen.
Now, after a three year break from the spotlight, Claire returns with the BBC Drama, A Very British Scandal which follows the 1950s divorce of Ian, the Duke of Argyll and Margaret, the Duchess of Argyll which became one of the brutal legal cases of the 20th century. During the case a double sexual standard was seen between the Duke and Duchess. Despite the Duke having numerous affairs, Margaret was vilified - in court and in the press - for her sexual appetite. And after the Duke forcefully accessed the Duchess’ private papers, he used an image of Margaret performing a sex act on a ‘headless man’ against her- becoming one of the first examples of modern day ‘slut shaming.’ The story is FASCINATING and if, like me, you wanted to know more immediately after watching the first episode, you can read about Margaret’s fascinating life here: https://www.tatler.com/article/mary-killen-on-the-duchess-of-argyll.
Claire is also about to star in the new movie, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain which follows the life and mental health of Victorian cat artist, Louis, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Claire plays Emily Richardson who enters Louis’ life as the governess to his five sisters before they fall in love and marry, defying society standards at the time. What may seem like a cute biopic is anything but, it’s a beautiful and at times dark look at our mental health. Plus, Reign favourite, Aimee Lou-Wood also stars in the movie, so I thoroughly recommend you go and see it!
I loved talking to Claire so much about her two latest projects in this episode, Claire opens up about her own mental health journey and how therapy helped her following a breakdown in her mid twenties.
Claire also reflects on how becoming ill as a teenager - she had an operation to remove a tumour from her eye, and also suffered with arthritis meaning she spent long periods of time on crutches - has shaped the person she has become today. Plus Claire shares a very relatable sexist experience involving removal men and how she felt like she didn’t deserve the success she received for The Crown.
I love what Claire has to say about the power of opening up to those around you and being your true self in front of friends (including the good, the bad and the ugly) so I hope this inspires you to talk honestly with the people you care about, because we all need each other more than ever, right?!?
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. We will be back in the new year with a new season celebrating all things wellness! And if you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 32: Drag Race Finalist Krystal Versace Nov 25, 2021

Don’t say I don’t treat you to an audience with real life queens on this podcast because this week I have dropped three special episodes of Reign with the finalists of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK 2021! And for our final special episode we are joined by the fashion queen with the name to match, Krystal Versace!
Krystal started doing drag at just 17 years-old, and now at still only 19, she finds herself as a finalist in Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. And what a series it’s been for Krystal after multiple Ru Peter Badge wins and looks to make Naomi Campbell quake on the runway!
In this episode Krystal opens up about the reverse ageism she has faced for being a queen at 19 and how the bullies who tormented her at school have ultimately empowered her to be the fierce queen who stands before us today. As someone who was bullied at school for my sexuality, so much of what Krystal said really stuck with me so if you are being bullied or have experienced bullying in your past I hope this episode helps you feel less alone, too.
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S Make sure you tune into the final of Ru Paul’s Drag Race this Thursday. May the best drag queen win!
P.P.S Make sure you sashay to my Instagram page @joshsmithhosts to see the FIERCE look Krystal served while we recorded this episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 31: Drag Race Finalist Ella Vaday Nov 24, 2021

(Drag) QUEENS your engines must be well and truly revved this week because I am dropping three special episodes with the finalists of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK 2021! And for our second helping of camp we are joined by the drag beast from the east, it's Ella Vaday.
Ella Vaday is the desperate housewife of Dagenham and your local yummy mummy who was created by West End star Nick Collier just over two years ago after he featured in The Book of Morman and Wicked.
Now Ella finds herself as a finalist in Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK after a snatch game playing the queen of the microwave Nigella Lawson and roasting judge Alan Carr like a Christmas turkey with her now infamous line, ‘Alan your teeth are so gappy it’s like your tongue is in prison.” On. The. Floor.
In this episode amongst a heavy helping of ‘dirty, dirty dishes’ Ella opens up about how drag has allowed them to embrace their ‘feminine’ side after years of repressing it to appear more ‘masculine’ in order to be accepted and what drag has taught them about gender.
I hope you love this episode as much as I did - I totally related to what Ella said about the pressures to ‘act’ masculine - and I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S Make sure you tune into the final of Ru Paul’s Drag Race this Thursday. May the best drag queen win!
P.P.S Make sure you sashay to my Instagram page @joshsmithhosts to see the boobtastic look Ella served while we recorded this episode.

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Ep 30: Drag Race Finalist Kitty Scott-Claus Nov 23, 2021

(Drag) QUEENS start your engines because I am dropping three special episodes with the finalists of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK 2021 today and we are starting with the queen of the huns, Kitty Scott-Claus! And this queen has a ‘alot alot’ of impressions SO get ready to hear the GC, Cilla Black and even a bit of Princess Diana. Honestly my face ached from laughing after recording this episode!
Kitty’s drag journey kicked off when she was growing up in Birmingham, and after going to Drama School to study musical theatre she wasn’t interested in doing the ‘boy parts’ she wanted to be sassy with the costumes to match! Cue a career playing a pantomime dame up and down the country before Kitty met fellow Drag Race alumni, Cheryl Hole and was invited to be part of their drag group, Gals Aloud.
Now Kitty finds herself as a finalist in Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK after a snatch game playing Gemma Collins, winning the ‘Fugly but Fashionable’ runway and as a girl band goddess she has even got to perform in front of the likes of Emma Bunton, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and got to meet Steps (minus her heroine Lisa Scott Lee)!
In amongst a LOT of laughter in this episode Kitty opens up about how drag has helped her mental health, changed her relationship with herself and asks WHY is everyone so interested in her body image! Why shouldn’t she be the body confident queen she is?!?
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did - and laugh along the way too - and I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you loved this podcast, get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S Make sure you tune into the final of Ru Paul’s Drag Race this Thursday - may the best drag queen win!
P.P.S Make sure you sashay to my Instagram page @joshsmithhosts to see the high hair and high end look Kitty served while we recorded this episode.

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Ep 29: Melanie C Nov 16, 2021

People of the world! Spice Up Your Life! Because Melanie C is the today's guest on Reign! We celebrate 25 years of the Spice Girls, and I think I have been her number one fan for that long! I can still remember my playground Spice Girls renditions with my other four spices - unfortunately I didn’t quite have the vocal range.
The Spice Girls not only sold over 100 million records worldwide with they huge hits, but in a world where men still dominated our culture - especially in music - their message of ‘Girl Power’ taught an entire generation about feminism and kicked the patriachy in the balls - right where it needed it!
Melanie went on to have a hugely successful solo career with bangers like I Turn To You, Never Be the Same Again, and When You’re Gone with Bryan Adams, selling 23 million records in the process. 2021 saw Melanie hitting the top ten with her self-titled album, showing that after three decades in the music business she is showing no signs of stopping, thank you very much!
After recently appearing on Dancing With The Stars in the USA, Melanie joins me for a chat that has tears, laughter and a whole lot more. We talk about the sexism that Spice Girls dealt with during their career, the allegations surrounding Melanie’s sexuality after she cut her hair short when launching her solo career, and just how classy a night out with the Spice Girls was. Plot spoiler it involved a lot of cheap alcohol - that’s our kinda gals!
Melanie also opens up about the body image issues that have affected her life and how her mental health left her contemplating whether life would be easier if she wasn’t around.
PLUS get ready to join our campaign because Melanie reveals that Glastonbury would be the ONE event that would get all five of the Spice Girls back together. Get those placards and those wellies and let’s make this happen queens!
I hope you love this episode as much as I do - it’s a real honour to be joined by such an ICON and I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S If you have been affected or would like more information about the issues raised in this podcast please visit anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk or mind.org.uk

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Ep 28: Joanne Froggatt Nov 09, 2021

Liar, Downton Abbey and Angela Black star, Joanne Froggatt joins me for this episode of Reign!
Is there a TV show we haven’t been obsessed with which stars Joanne? The answer is NO! Since her breakout role playing the troubled teen Zoe in Coronation Street back in the late 90s, Joanne has become one of the most in demand TV actresses.
The game changer in her career? Starring as Anna in Downton Abbey for six seasons and two movies, which made her a Golden Globe award winner and three-time Emmy nominee for her heartbreaking portrayal of the servant who is a victim of rape.
Joanne went on to star in the TV thriller that EVERYONE talked about: Liar, which followed her character, Laura who goes on a blind date with Andrew (Ioan Gruffudd) and after being the victim of assault is not believed. If you haven’t watched it already, what ensues is not only edge of your seat drama but a close look at the way we approach victims of sexual assault in our society.
From the same writers behind Liar, Joanne takes on the title role in a new ITV drama, Angela Black. It’s the story of a woman who looks like she has everything, but her huge house is in fact a prison, where she suffers domestic abuse. It’s a brutal portrayal of domestic violence that will, like the rest of Joanne’s roles, have everyone talking.
In this episode Joanne talks about the harrowing accounts of domestic violence she heard whilst preparing for the role and how she looks after her own mental health whilst taking on such demanding roles.
She also calls BS on the sexist questions people continuously ask women about age, when they are going to have children, and as a society we still judge women on ‘how their ovaries are doing’ - to quote Joanne herself. Isn’t it time we just minded our own business?!
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S If you have been affected or would like more information about the issues raised in this podcast please visit womensaid.org.uk.

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Ep 27: Ellie Goulding Nov 02, 2021

Get ready to have Ellie Goulding’s vast array of bangers stuck in your head because the pop queen herself joins me for the latest episode of Reign!
Ellie first burst onto the music scene back in 2009 and since then she’s released such hits as Burn, How Long Will I Love You and Love me Like You Do, which hit the number one spot in 70 countries. And because we love FACTS on this podcast - strap yourself in for more - Ellie has also secured three UK number one singles, three UK number one albums, sold 15 million albums and 102 million singles worldwide, AND has the most entrances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by a female British solo artist this century. She’s been booked and she’s been busy, our Ellie.
But achieving so much in the public eye can have it’s downsides as we talk about the mental health impact Ellie’s career has had - at different stages it left her ‘chasing extremes’ - and how away from the stage she's learnt to change the relationship she had with herself. Something we can all learn a lot from, and something Ellie also talks about in her new wellness book, Fitter, Calmer, Stronger - which, just like this episode - is full of epic advice. It even includes a HANGOVER CURE. FINALLY!
One relationship that has certainly changed Ellie’s life is the one with her husband, which Ellie gets candid about. Ellie got married to Caspar Jopling in 2019 and in May this year gave birth to their son, Arthur. In this episode we also talk about how motherhood has affected her relationship with her body image.
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 26: Addison Rae Oct 25, 2021

Get ready for some screaming (literally) because Queen Addison Rae joins me for the latest episode of Reign!
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Addison Rae in front of a live audience in the middle of an incredible event with Pandora ME - which Addison is the face of. It was such an epic night and it was a 'pinch me' moment to chat to Addison in front of hundreds of people. I am so excited to be able to bring you this episode from the event - it was LIVELY!
If you aren’t familiar with Addison already, she is a social media sensation who has gone from being a competitive dancer and studying at college to 84.8 million Tik Tok followers, 40.1 million Instagram followers and 4.8 million Twitter followers in just under TWO YEARS. Addison has since seen her take on acting, starring in the world wide Netflix smash He’s All That - she’s just signed a multi film deal with the streaming service, too - and launching her own beauty brand, Item Beauty.
We talked about everything from identity to social media, and Addison addressed those rumours about being permanently banned from TikTok - turns out she may have manifested the ban herself!
Addison also opens up about therapy, looking after her mental health, and how she deals with internal and external criticism. I love what Addison says about being her own best friend and ally, and I am definitely taking a leaf out of her book and learning to talk to myself more kindly after listening to her.
There is so much epic life advice in this - so much so that my friend even CRIED in the audience listening to us chat, so get ready to wear that crown with pride. I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora because their new collection, Pandora Me, is all about embracing who you are and celebrating self expression - just like this very podcast!
There are NO RULES when it comes to expressing who you are and how you feel as Pandora Me is a completely customisable collection which features rings that can be connected together, mix’n’match links to create unique bracelets, and pendants that can be added to necklaces or earrings. With prices ranging from £15-£200 it’s affordable luxury at its best.
The new Pandora Me collection is available to shop now – just head over to uk.pandora.net to check it out or pop into your nearest store. I have my eye on a silver chain necklace and a stunning link spelling out FREEDOM that feels VERY me - so I’ll see you there!

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Ep 25: Tom Ellis Oct 19, 2021

It’s getting HORNY - literally - as Lucifer star Tom Ellis joins me for the latest episode of Reign. We have a king in the realm!
Tom first hit our screens playing Gary in Miranda (who else was absolutely obsessed with the show?) before he made people across the world thirsty AF playing the title character in Lucifer.
If you aren’t familiar with the show - then get yourself on Netflix pronto - as it follows Lucifer, who after getting a touch bored in hell, abandons his throne and retires to Los Angeles to indulge in everything from sex to murder mysteries. Think of Murder She Wrote gets horny - niche, but great! After running for six seasons the show smashed Netflix records when its final series was watched for a massive 1.3 billion minutes in a WEEK - not even Stranger Things can compete with those stats.
As Tom gets ready to hang up his horns following the sixth and final season he opens up in this episode about how filming Lucifer’s risqué sex scenes, and the intense workouts affected his body image, detailing how he got to the stage of a “dangerous tipping point when you get really into that space of getting too body conscious.”
Tom also talks about Lucifer’s sexuality, saying the character is “open to having sex with anybody,” and we talk about his allyship to women as a male actor in the post me-too era.
Tom also powerfully opens up for the very first time about his relationship with his mental health and why he turned to therapy. It was incredible to hear a man in the public eye talk so honestly about his mental wellbeing, so I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I do, that it encourages more men to open up and for you to talk openly with the men in your lives.
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora because their new collection, Pandora Me, is all about embracing who you are and celebrating self expression - just like this very podcast!
There are NO RULES when it comes to expressing who you are and how you feel as Pandora Me is a completely customisable collection which features rings that can be connected together, mix’n’match links to create unique bracelets, and pendants that can be added to necklaces or earrings. With prices ranging from £15-£200 it’s affordable luxury at its best.
The new Pandora Me collection is available to shop now – just head over to uk.pandora.net to check it out or pop into your nearest store. I have my eye on a silver chain necklace and a stunning link spelling out FREEDOM that feels VERY me - so I’ll see you there!

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Ep 24: Gabrielle Union Oct 12, 2021

Talking to Queen Gabrielle Union - let's just call this her coronation - is like stepping into an incubator of empowerment - so get ready for this epic new episode of Reign with Josh Smith.
Like me, I’m sure many of you will have first fallen in love with Gabrielle when she played the cheerleader Isis in Bring It On. I said, ‘brr... It's cold in here! There must be some Clovers in the at-mos-phere!’ She then went on to star in the likes of Bad Boys II, Being Mary Jane, and LA’s Finest.
But it's for her work off-screen - particularly speaking out about violence against women - that saw TIME Magazine name Gabrielle as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. And it’s her honesty about everything from fertility struggles to her relationship with her basketballer husband, Dwyane Wade in her two memoirs and to her 19 million Instagram followers, that has made Gabrielle a role model for the power of honesty and open conversations - something this podcast is all about.
As Gabrielle releases her second memoir, Have You Got Anything Stronger (I couldn’t recommend it more and EVERYONE I know is getting it for Christmas) she opens up about raising her transgender daughter Zaya, what led to her finally being honest with others and herself, the lessons she has learnt from therapy, and the sexism and racism she faced when starting her fertility journey at 44.
Plus Gabrielle opens up about doing right by her character, Isis in the Bring It On sequel which she is currently working on - SCREAMING!!!! So get ready for some real tea!
I found talking to Gabrielle with my jaw wide open at her honesty so I hope her words make you feel less alone, whether you are struggling with fertility or just trying to be a little more honest with yourself and your friends.
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora because their new collection, Pandora Me, is all about embracing who you are and celebrating self expression - just like this podcast!
There are NO RULES when it comes to expressing who you are and how you feel as Pandora Me is a completely customisable collection which features rings that can be connected together, mix’n’match links to create unique bracelets, and pendants that can be added to necklaces or earrings. With prices ranging from £15 to £200, it’s affordable luxury at its best.
The new Pandora Me collection is available to shop now – just head over to uk.pandora.net to check it out or pop into your nearest store. I have my eye on a silver chain necklace and a stunning link spelling out FREEDOM that feels VERY me - so I’ll see you there!
P.P.S. In this epsiode you will hear us talking about International Day of The Girl Child in this episode. And I just wanted to take a moment to tell you about a charity project that is so close to my heart - because this podcast is all about empowering women everywhere.
To mark International Day of The Girl Child, the charity Right To Play have launched their Save Her Seat campaign. COVID-19 has left 11 million girls at risk of never returning to school. That's 11 million dreams dashed across the globe. The campaign aims to save 50,000 school seats so girls can return to the classroom. With decades of progress on the line, it's important we all come together to help girls everywhere. For more information head to their instagram account @righttoplayuk or https://www.righttoplay.org.uk/en-uk/

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Ep 23: Léa Seydoux Oct 05, 2021

People don’t come much more chic or more soothing (it’s the French accent isn’t it?!) than this week’s guest on Reign with Josh Smith, it’s the Bond Girl herself, Léa Seydoux!
I am BEY-BOND excited for the release of the latest James Bond film 'No Time To Die', so it was epic to talk to the ONLY Bond Girl in history to return to the film franchise, after starring in the last movie, Spectre.
We got into how Léa broke down the outdated ‘Bond Girl’ stereotypes with her character, Madeleine Swann and why she refuses to ‘play the game’ of sexualising herself or her characters anymore - yas queen! Léa also spoke about how Phoebe Waller Bridge joining the writing team brought Bond into a post Me-Too era, how she was in a very ‘vulnerable’ place whilst filming, and how taking on such a physical role made her reflect on her body image.
Elsewhere in the episode Léa opens up about her mental health and how Imposter Syndrome affects her - it’s pretty reassuring that even a Bond Girl feels like an imposter sometimes, right? I can totally relate to Léa's words.
Léa also reflects back on her career and respecting her inner voice. You might remember Lea’s career-changing role in the queer coming-of-age movie, 'Blue is The Warmest Colour', where she made history at the Cannes Film Festival winning the top prize, the Palme d’Or as the first actor to do so! And off screen, as the Time’s Up movement was born, Léa talked about her own experiences of sexual harassment in a very powerful article in The Guardian. This is an actress who is just as powerful off-screen as she is on-screen, and is an important role model for making sure YOUR voice is always valued.
You will next see Léa in the new Wes Anderson movie, The French Dispatch starring alongside Timothée Chalamet, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton and given that stunning cast list I couldn't resist getting a little tea on that movie, too!
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S I am so proud that this episode of Reign with Josh Smith is brought to you thanks to my friends at Pandora because their new collection, Pandora Me, is all about embracing who you are and celebrating self expression - just like this very podcast!
There are NO RULES when it comes to expressing who you are and how you feel as Pandora Me is a completely customisable collection which features rings that can be connected together, mix’n’match links to create unique bracelets, and pendants that can be added to necklaces or earrings. With prices ranging from £15-£200 it’s affordable luxury at its best.
The new Pandora Me collection is available to shop now – just head over to uk.pandora.net to check it out or pop into your nearest store. I have my eye on a silver chain necklace and a stunning link spelling out FREEDOM that feels VERY me - so I’ll see you there!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 22: Jesy Nelson Sep 28, 2021

My podcast, Reign with Josh Smith has always been about opening up conversations to help others. Someone who has always done that is none other than Pop Queen, Jesy Nelson.
So I am BEYOND excited that Jesy is joining me for the first episode of Season 4, and because we recorded this IRL from the LiveNow Studios, you can also watch this full episode over on Live-Now.com too. All you need to do is subscribe, and you can watch it on demand!
As one-fourth of Little Mix, Jesy became part of one of the biggest selling girl bands of all time. Songs like Black Magic and Shout Out To My Ex made Jesy a star on stage, but as her BBC documentary, Odd One Out, showed – Jesy struggled behind the scenes from the effect internet bullies had on her life.
In December last year Jesy made the decision to leave Little Mix to look after her mental health and in this episode Jesy talks about the real reasons that led to her leaving the group.
Powerfully opening up in our chat, Jesy reveals that ‘being in Little Mix is literally like a machine,’ and how she felt ‘trapped’ during the ten years in the group.
Now, set to release her first solo single, Boyz - Jesy reveals after writing the song after a breakup - ‘the first time I’ve ever been heartbroken in my life. It was f**king horrendous,’ - she is truly finding her voice for the first time, true happiness and like a true Queen finding her power! YASS QUEEN!
I loved talking to Jesy so much and it reminded me how important opening up about our experiences can be for ourselves but also for others, so we all feel less alone in our struggles. Jesy is a true role model who shows that you have one life and you need to do what makes you happy, even in the face of criticism.
I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
With thanks to our sponsors got2b. We are proud to be working with got2b and Ditch The Label to promote their new #uncensored campaign, which aims to help those of you out there who experience online bullying and hate.
got2b is a UK leading genderless styling brand who pride themselves on promoting label-less beauty. They are teaming up with the youth charity, Ditch The Label, whose research has shown that 2 in 5 young people have been bullied online.
To tackle this issue, got2b and Ditch The Label have launched a new anti-bullying online movement called #Uncensored. Just like Reign, they want to open up conversations and support young people whose lives are affected by online abuse.
The got2b #uncensored campaign will provide tools, resources and guidance for anyone who’s experienced online abuse. If you are experiencing online abuse or know someone who is, please visit ditchthelabel.org

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Series 4 is GO! Sep 25, 2021

I'm so excited to bring you an amazing new series of Reign, with a whole host of incredible guests- Royalty in their own right! In this series you'll hear from Jesy Nelson, Tom Ellis and Léa Seydoux - and that's just the first few episodes. So make sure you're subscribed, so you'll be the first to hear my conversation with Jesy when it drops on Tuesday 28th!

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Ep 21: Jodie Comer Aug 12, 2021

My podcast, Reign with Josh Smith is ALL about open and empowering conversations but it’s also about the power of listening to others. So, in the spirit of listening, you asked and I am serving you the guest you have been thirsting after for the longest time in this very special bonus episode… drum roll please… It's the aSASSin herself, Jodie Comer!

You will of course know Jodie for bursting onto our screens as the ‘other woman’ in Doctor Foster before she went on to slay everyone and every accent as Villanelle in Killing Eve. Now she’s starring in her first big Hollywood movie, Free Guy opposite Ryan Reyonolds which follows Ryan’s character, Guy who realises not only is he a background character in the world’s most successful computer game, Free City but the world he is living in is under threat.

Step forward computer programmer Millie, played by Jodie who along with her kickass avatar, Molotovgirl teams up with Guy to help save the day. It’s all high jinx but meta AF as it encourages us all to be the main character in the game of life! Deep!

I love Jodie’s personality so much so this episode is full of laughter - something we all need right now! And naturally, as this movie is all about computer gaming, in this episode we reminisce about the glory days of playing The Sims nonstop and Jodie admits that she isn’t that badass in real life after being kicked in the face on set. Something she describes as a ‘bucket list’ moment, if you say so babes! Jodie also reveals she recorded a cover of Mariah Carey’s Fantasy for the movie after Ryan Reynolds suggested it - could we be seeing the rebirth of Jodie Comer the popstar?!? YES. PLEASE.

Jodie also opens about the lessons she has learnt from sitting with her ‘self’ over the last year and how it’s taught her to let go of ‘bad habits’ - who can relate?!! ME! - and how she is stepping into her power to say, ‘you've worked to be here. Stop, stop with the, ‘oh thank you.’ Or, ‘sorry, it's just so great!’ In the words of Jodie herself, ‘imposter syndrome is so 2020!’

Jodie also talks about managing her mental health after shooting new TV show, Help where she played a care home worker battling the beginning of the coronavirus opposite her mentor, Stephen Graham and how filming the show at home in Liverpool allowed her to have her Mum’s roast dinners on set. (Find out the secrets to a Comer family roast, too)!

AND if that wasn’t enough Jodie reveals the meeting she had with Ridley Scott which led to her starring opposite Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck in the forthcoming movie, The Last Duel.

I loved talking to Jodie so much - this chat is pure joy so I hope you love it as much as I do - and thank you for taking the time to listen to Reign with Josh Smith, it means the world to me. I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

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Ep 20: Kiana Madeira Jul 20, 2021

Hands up if you have seen Netflix's trilogy of horror movies, Fear Street, absolutely pooped yourself AND fallen into new levels of obsession with its star, Kiana Madeira who plays the central protagonist, Deena?
I knew I wasn't the only one who was obsessed SO for this very special bonus episode of Make It Reign, I am joined by the new scream queen herself, Kiana!
You may have seen Kiana before in the Netflix hit, Trinkets, which follows a group of High Schoolers who end up in a Shoplifters Anonymous Group. But now she is gathering new fans by creeping us out as Deena, a teenager living in the fictional town of Shadyside for the Netflix hit Fear Street based on the books by R.L STINE.
The three movies follow a group of high schoolers across three very different periods in 1994, then 1978 and finally, 1666 attempting to not only solve a murder mystery but an ancient curse. Now that's a long to-do list for one gal!
One of the things I loved about the three movies was that they centre around the queer love story between Deena and her high school lover, Samantha. Isn't it about time a trilogy of films celebrate a same sex relationship without making it heavily sexualised? HELL YES!
As this bonus episode lands after our Reign with Pride series - where we were joined by the likes of Cara Delevingne, Samira Wiley, Courtney Act and Paris Lees - we talk about the power of representing a queer love story.
Kiana also talks powerfully about her relationship with religion, how acting affected her body image and how she has learnt to take pride in her mixed heritage and finally embrace her curly hair.
I loved talking to Kiana so much as she has so many amazing words about learning to love your self and others - so I hope YOU listen to this episode and give yourselves a little bit of extra love.
I am now taking a little break before we drop season four BUT there *may* be a very special surprise guest coming your way in August so make sure you follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts so you are the first to know about it. TRUST ME, you won't want to miss it as I am asked every single day when this person will appear on the podcast.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to Reign - it means the world to me. I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch, I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx
P.S Thank you to our sponsors, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! x

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Ep 19: Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act Jul 13, 2021

Start your engines because Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act joins me for the final episode of my mini-series, Reign with Pride!
Shane has had many iconic international and historic moments as his drag persona, Courtney Act after they appeared in the first series of Australian Idol in 2003, becoming the first LGBT contestant to openly appear on a reality TV talent show downunder.
International fame came knocking after Courtney Act became the runner up in the sixth season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and was later named as the third most powerful drag queen in America by New York Magazine. Courtney went on to win UK’s Celebrity Big Brother and in 2019 was the first same-sex pairiing in the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars.
Now Shane has launched his own podcast, Building Queertopia on BBC Sounds, which brings together members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community by asking them to envision a perfect ‘queer utopia’ where everyone is welcome.
But before you RACE off to listen to it, this episode is a corker as we talk about growing up fearing straight men, how drag affected his mental health and how his relationship with body image has changed. SO much of what Shane says in this episode speaks of my own experiences grappling with my identity so I hope you feel heard and seen by the episode!
If you have missed this series so far, this mini-series of four episodes features some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community - from Cara Delevingne to Samira Wiley - to celebrate Pride Month. It’s something that means so much to me because when I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Shane- and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am.
If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation.
I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx
Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances.
When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic.
P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 18: Paris Lees Jul 06, 2021

Author, activist and transgender trailblazer, Paris Lees joins me for the third episode of my mini-series, Reign with Pride, and it is one of the most eye opening conversations I have ever had.
Paris Lees is the definition of a LGBTQIA+ trailblazer. She was the first openly trans woman to present a show on Radio 1, to present a show on Channel 4, to appear on Question Time and become a contributing editor for Vogue. She’s even had a cameo on Hollyoaks, addressed the Oxford Union in 2014, and in 2016 gave evidence at the home affairs select committee on prostitution laws.
But her personal story, which she details in her powerful new memoir 'What It Feels Like For A Girl', tells even more of a story. It is a brutally honest account of her being groomed for sex work as a teenager, the abuse she suffered from her father, being physically bullied at school, and how she came to terms with her identity.
In spite of all this adversity and ending up in prison as a teenager after committing a robbery, Paris went to college and went on to graduate at Brighton University with a degree in English language and literature and finds herself where she is today.
Hearing Paris Lee's lived experiences in this episode was remarkable as we reflected on chosen family, spectrum grace in the LGBTQIA+ community and how despite experiencing the darkest of times she found her power.
This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community from Cara Delevingne to Samira Wiley, to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Samira - and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am.
If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation.
I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx
Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances.
When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic.
P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 17: Samira Wiley Jun 29, 2021

May the lord open! The Emmy award winning The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley joins me for the second episode of Reign with Pride, opening up about being same-sex parents, coming out, and learning to take pride in the intersections of her identity.
Samira Wiley has been the definition of a role model since she first starred as Poussey in Orange Is The New Black. Samira went on to win an Emmy Award for her performance as Moira in The Handmaid’s Tale which she dedicated to her wife, Lauren. She received the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award, and appeared as a couple on the cover of OUT magazine, giving same sex relationships the visibility they deserve! YES!
I caught up with Samira just a few months after the birth of their baby daughter, George and she has so many amazing words about raising a new generation to take pride in their identity. Samira herself is now proud to call herself a ‘gay woman’ but it hasn’t always been the case, as as Samira revealed she was encouraged to enter into a fake ‘relationship’ with a gay male friend to protect her career. Now Samira, who credits playing Moira in The Handmaid’s Tale with helping her find her voice, sees her relationship as one of her greatest achievements and we love to hear it!
I have to confess that I have been obsessed with Samira since I started watching The Handmaid’s Tale - which I think is THE best TV show ever made (it’s a fact!) - so of course we had a little chat about season four. If you haven’t caught up, there are some plot spoilers in the first ten minutes so listen with caution!
This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Samira - and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am.
If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation.
I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx
Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances.
When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic.
P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 16: Cara Delevingne Jun 22, 2021

Cara Delevingne joins me for the first episode of my new mini-series, Reign with Pride and opens up about sexuality, sex and even some hilarious stripper stories - I promise this episode has it all!
This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models, and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am.
Cara Delevingne has been a role model to many since she started her modelling career just after leaving school. She went on to be the face of quite literally everything from Dior to Chanel, she’s won Model of The Year at the British Fashion Awards twice, and has found huge - and at times - isolating levels of fame. Cara then stepped into the world of movies with a role in Anna Karenina before taking on leading roles in Suicide Squad, Paper Towns before landing as a fairy in Amazon Prime’s TV extravaganza, Carnival Row.
I caught up with Cara on a HAWT day whilst she was filming on location in Prague - so hot in fact that the windows had to be open - sorry about the background noise, but a girl has to stay cool!
She opens up about becoming an entrepreneur with her sex tech brand, Lora DiCarlo, the stigma around female masturbation - including being shamed for masturbating at boarding school - and how after coming out as Pansexual last year, she is now defining her own sexuality on her own terms. We also talk about her ongoing journey with mental health, her views on plastic surgery and what pride means to her.
Cara’s honesty in this episode is incredible, and shows that even role models don't have all the answers - because at the end of the day, who does? And that is the most reassuring thing of all, especially when you are discovering who you are!
If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation.
I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx
Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances.
When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic.
P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pride Mini-Series! Jun 21, 2021

Get ready for Reign with Pride: a special four-part mini-series, where Josh talks in-depth with some the LGBTQ+ community's biggest trailblazers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 15: Anne-Marie (Live from the LiveNow studios) Jun 01, 2021

Pop queen Anne-Marie joins me for the first ever live recording of Reign! I think the clapping, the screaming and the laughter show just how much I loved recording this episode.
Anne-Marie's honesty both in her music and on social media about her battles with anxiety, body image and being perfect make her the kind of role model we all need in our lives - plus she has the infectious laughter to match!
If you didn't know already Anne-Marie has nine Brit Award nominations to her name, 4 million album sales and 5 UK top ten singles (CASUAL) and now she is about to release her second album, the aptly titled Therapy on 23rd July.
So, in this episode we delved into her mental health journey, how she dropped to rock bottom during lockdown, how resorting to therapy last year saved her and she reveals just how close she was to quitting music.
Anne-Marie's words about becoming her own ally, how lockdown made her review her definition of success and failure and how she has defined 'perfect' on her own terms are so powerful and needed - especially now - so I hope you love this episode just as much as I do.
Anne-Marie and I recorded this episode LIVE at the LiveNow studios in London. AND, it was live streamed, so you can head to www.live-now.com to watch it back!
This is actually the last episode in season two - I can't believe we got to this point when Make It Reign was only launched in January - so I just wanted to thank you for listening. Thank you for your messages saying how much the podcast has helped you and I hope Reign continues to be a place you come to hear stories that help you find your own power and wear your crown with pride. Love Josh xxx
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you!
Thank you to our sponsor this week, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 14: Nathalie Emmanuel May 25, 2021

Nathalie Emmanuel, star of Game of Thrones and The Fast and The Furious is our guest queen on this episode of Reign with me, Josh Smith!
I first watched Nathalie back in my university (very hungover) days when I was addicted to Hollyoaks as she starred in the show for four years playing Sasha Valentine - remember that?!
But after quitting the soap and finding it difficult to find work, Nathalie took on a zero hours contract - something she powerfully opens up about in this episode. But soon the world of Westeros came calling, and for seven seasons, Nathalie starred as Missandei in Game of Thrones before meeting a brutal and controversial end. She went on to star in Mindy Kaling’s TV reimagining of Four Weddings and a Funeral (available via Amazon Prime). And now, she is taking things up a gear for a third time in The Fast and The Furious franchise - which is now in its NINTH film!
In this chat we talk about diversity in casting after THAT debate following her Game of Thrones exit, the resilience she gained from being bullied as a teenager and where she draws the line about nudity on screen.
There are so many amazing words about working out what your boundaries are, and sticking to them, too - something I could learn from as we step into post lockdown life! Hope you love this episode as much as me and let me know what you think as I LOVE hearing from you! Josh x
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you!
Thank you to our sponsors this week:
Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!
We are also proud to be working with the leading CBD beauty brand CBII. Their products can change people’s lives through better quality sleep and managing symptoms of stress and anxiety. CBII products come in so many different forms – you can choose between an oil, a capsule, a skincare range or candle so you are spoilt for choice!
And if you’ve never used CBD products before, CBII have a 7 Day Discovery Duo starter kit of their two best-selling CBD oils to get you going. You can get it for half price at just £8! Just head to www.cbii-cbd.com and use the code MAKEITREIGN and you can experience the feel good difference for yourself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 13: Antonia Gentry May 18, 2021

Coming live from her childhood bedroom, Ginny and Georgia star, Antonia Gentry is the latest guest on Reign!
Not familiar with Ginny and Georgia? Well prepare to become obsessed! It focuses on a mother-daughter relationship between Georgia and Ginny, who have to navigate a 15 year age gap, relocate to a New England town, deal with everyday discrimination and avoid a mysterious past.
Antonia was born and raised in Atlanta, and after getting her her start in a small Netflix film, Candy Jar in 2018, she was in the middle of graduating when she landed her lead role in Ginny and Georgia. She since gone on to be nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance - so deserved!
In this episode we talk about the intersections of Antonia’s identity, the trials and tribulations of growing up and rediscovering some of her hilarious childhood diaries from said childhood bedroom.
I literally loved talking to Antonia as she has so many wise AF words about sitting back and listening to others which I think we could all learn a lot from. So I hope you love this episode too. Love, Josh xx
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you!
Thank you to our sponsors this week:
Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!
We are proud to be working with the leading CBD beauty brand CBII. Their products can change people’s lives through better quality sleep and managing symptoms of stress and anxiety. CBII products come in so many different forms – you can choose between an oil, a capsule, a skincare range or candle so you are spoilt for choice!
And if you’ve never used CBD products before, CBII have a 7 Day Discovery Duo starter kit of their two best-selling CBD oils to get you going. You can get it for half price at just £8! Just head to www.cbii-cbd.com and use the code MAKEITREIGN and you can experience the feel good difference for yourself!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 12: Naomi Scott May 11, 2021

Hold on tight to your magic carpet, because in this episode of Reign I am joined by a real life Disney Princess; Princess Jasmine herself, Naomi Scott! I loved her and her commitment to wing eyeliner in a lockdown.

Naomi (who has also starred in Power Rangers and the latest Charlie's Angels reboot) is currently lending her voice to the new dramatic podcast, Soft Voice, which is about a London estate agent who navigates two very different voices inside her head. Naomi is also about to star in Netflix's new series, Anatomy of a Scandal where her character is involved in a sexual assault allegation, which she talks about so powerfully in this episode.

If like me, you fell in love with Naomi showing us a whole new world and new feminist Disney Princess you are going to love this episode as she is the LITERALLY best friend we all wished we had!

Naomi opens up about her changing relationship with her Christian faith - after growing up with her pastor parents - how marrying her husband, footballer, Jordan Spence at 21 years-old has enabled them to grow together (and forced Naomi to *actually* tidy up) and how not fitting into the ‘English rose' demographic of female actors has affected her.

The way Naomi talks about her faith and her identity has really stuck with me so I hope you love listening to her as much as I did! Love, Josh xx

P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you!

Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!

FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.

And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 11: Jessie Mei Li May 04, 2021

If you are as obsessed with Netflix's new smash hit TV show, Shadow and Bone as I am you are going to LOVE this episode of Reign with it's star, Jessie Mei Li.
But if you haven't watched it already (where have you been?!?) Shadow and Bone is basically Netflix’s answer to Game of Thrones. It follows Jessie’s character - Alina; a young woman with unique powers who has overcome her fair share of monsters, hot boys and the fold. Think of it as just another day socialising at the park, then!
Before she found the power within her on screen, Jessie had dropped out of university and was working as a special-education teaching assistant. She enrolled in some acting lessons, and went on to land an agent and a role in the West End production of All About Eve before Netflix came calling!
In this episode Jessie opens up about how the rise in anti-asian hate has affected her, her and her family's experiences of racism and how she navigated feeling like an 'outsider' growing up.
There are so many amazing words about defining your identity on your own terms and refusing to adhere to the labels society can place on you, so I hope you love listening to Jessie just as much as I did chatting to her! Love, Josh xx
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom!
Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 10: Clara Amfo Apr 27, 2021

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Radio 1 host, Strictly Come Dancing star, podcast host of This City and *official* Barbie doll, Clara Amfo joins me for this episode of Reign.

Since joining Radio 1 in 2015, Clara went on to host the iconic Live Lounge and has done everything from interviewing Jay-Z, to playing basketball with Justin Bieber at his house.

After the death of George Floyd in June 2020, Clara showed just how powerful her voice is when she delivered an anti-racism speech in her radio show, concluding that “You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues. And I say that with my chest.” It went viral, and she was included in British Vogue's activism issue, and was made a 'Barbie Role Model’ by Barbie who created a doll version of her!

Since we chatted, it’s been announced that Clara will step into Annie Mac's headphones to present the Future Sounds show from September. Go on, Queen!

In this episode Clara opens up about finding, and staying true to her voice, the grief she continues to experience after the death of her father and why it is MORE than ok to be single. All the women, who independent, throw your hands up at me, because I couldn't agree more!

I hope you love listening to Queen Clara just as much as I did chatting to her! Love, Josh xx

P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom!

Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!

FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.

And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 9: Munroe Bergdorf Apr 20, 2021

There are activists and then there is Munroe Bergdorf, who joins me for the second episode of season two!
With over half a million followers on Instagram alone, Munroe has become one of today's most powerful voices, continuously standing up for marginalised people, diversity, feminism, the queer community and transgender visibility.
So it’s no wonder that she's a UN Women UK Changemaker, that Time Magazine called her a Next Generation Leader on their cover last year, and British Vogue named her as one of the 25 most powerful women in Britain.
Munroe is one of my favourite people to talk to, as she’s beyond open and always promotes new ways of thinking, and this conversation shows just that.
We talk about how we both came out at 14 years old, and how lockdown reminded us both of the isolation we experienced as a teenager. We talk about filters and photoshopping, the price of being a prominent Black Transgender activist on social media, labels, and our mutual appreciation for the icon that is Martine McCutcheon!
This episode truly has it all so I hope you take away just as much from this chat as I did. And if you are feeling alone or isolated (I’ve been there!) reach out and talk, I promise it will help. Love, Josh xx
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom!
Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has brought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 8: Vanessa Kirby Apr 13, 2021

I am SO excited that the first guest for Reign season two is Vanessa Kirby, a *genuine* Oscar nominee who gave me one of the best pieces of advice for managing anxiety I have ever heard. It completely changed my own mindset so I hope this episode helps you if you are struggling in these ever changing times.
Given that she played Princess Margaret on ‘The Crown’ - one of my all time favourite TV shows and performances - this is as close as I might ever get to having a member of the Royal Family on ‘Make It Reign’ so excuse me whilst I contain myself!
Vanessa also starred in ‘Fast and The Furious: Hobbs and Shaw’ and ‘Mission Impossible’ but it was playing a mother consumed by grief after losing her baby during a home birth, in Netflix’s ‘Pieces of A Woman’ that Vanessa broke all of our hearts and sweeped to, beyond deserved, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Oscar nominations. I couldn’t stop crying, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you are going to need your tissues!
Vanessa joins me for a very moving conversation about why we all need to open up more about grief and loss and how watching an IRL birth in preparation for ‘Pieces of A Woman’ has changed her forever.
Plus we talk about how Vanessa has learnt to manage her anxiety, navigate imposter syndrome and how lockdown boredom saw her regressing back to being a teenager spending hours playing The Sims. My kinda queen!
I hope you find this chat just as reassuring and inspiring as I did! Enjoy, queens!
Love, Josh xx
P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom!
Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!
FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.
And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back for Season 2! Apr 09, 2021

Hey Queens, we're back for Season 2! New episodes coming at you from next week, so I'll see you there! Love, Josh x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 7: Iskra Lawrence Mar 23, 2021

On this special episode of Reign, Josh talks to L'Oreal Paris ambassador, model, entrepreneur and body image activist Iskra Lawrence
Iskra was dropped by her modelling agency at just 15 years old for being in quotation marks, "TOO BIG," which led to body image issues and disordered eating. Since her recovery Iskra has been determined to change the perception of women across society.
Here Iskra opens up about her journey towards feeling worth it including the toxic relationships, mental health and body image issues she's had to overcome along the way and how becoming a mother gave her a new respect for her body.
She also candidly opens up about the street harassment she has experienced in her life and how we need to encourage men to have conversations about their behaiour.
Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and as Iskra powerfully shows talking about her insecurities ultimately saved her, so we hope this episode encourages you to embrace your worth and let your voice be heard.
You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time!
This special episode is sponsored by L'Oreal Paris who are celebrating 50 years of the iconic phrase BECAUSE YOU'RE WORTH IT. Since then L’Oreal Paris has continuously encouraged women to stand up, be heard and be the change they want to see in society, showing that we’re ALL worth it!

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Ep 6: Madelyn Cline Mar 02, 2021

On this episode of Reign, Josh talks to Outerbanks star, Madelyn Cline.
Madelyn - who stars as Sarah in the Netflix teen drama, Outerbanks - talks candidly for the first time about how she felt 'silenced' and on an 'island' during, and after, an abusive relationship when she first moved to LA to pursue her dreams. But as Madelyn powerfully shows opening up about her experiences and feelings allowed her to not only rebuild friendships she thought she lost, but also herself.
Madelyn also talks about how meeting her Outerbanks cast mates allowed her to truly be herself, the lessons she has learnt from therapy and how she has learnt to live with her anxiety.
Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and Madelyn’s chat is a powerful account of how we are never truly alone and how speaking up is the most important thing we can do for ourselves and others. And let's face it we are all feeling a little more isolated than normal right now so I hope you feel less alone after listening.
You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time!

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Ep 5: Katarina Johnson-Thompson Feb 23, 2021

On this episode of Reign, Josh talks to Olympic athlete and World Champion, Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Katarina - or KJT as she is known to her fans - talks candidly about how she was, “very close” to quitting athletics after what was deemed a “public failure” at the Rio 2016 Olympics where she finished sixth, whilst others tipped her for a gold medal. Having struggled with self-confidence, public pressure and injuries Katarina completely changed her life - including working with a psychologist - in order to change her mindset and put her into winning form.

Now the reigning World Champion in the Heptathlon - making her the world’s best all round female athletics athlete - Katarina opens up about the Tokyo Olympics, how body image affected her early career and the racist microaggressions she has faced throughout her life.

Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and Katarina’s chat is a powerful account of how we need to define success and failure on our own terms and how we all have the power to switch up our mindset and achieve our dreams - whatever they may be. If you are lacking motivation right now - let’s face it, we all are - then this is the conversation you NEED to listen to.

You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time!

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Ep 4: Lydia West Feb 16, 2021

On this episode, Josh talks to It's A Sin star Lydia West AKA the Pink Palace ally, Jill.
Lydia talks candily about the mental health impacts of playing Jill in the powerful new Channel 4 and HBO Max drama which follows a group of queer youngsters dealing with the impact of the HIV and AIDs epidemic in 1980s London.
Lydia opens up to Josh about the most heartbreaking scenes to film (including one where she had to call her Mum mid take), the backlash against the show's sex scenes and how discrimination has affected her own life.
Standing up for others and using your platform - however small or big - is key to making it reign and Lydia's chat is a powerful example of how allyship and true friendship can help others whilst reducing shame and stigma. As Lydia and Jill both show kindness is the greatest currency of all.
You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens. Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time!

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Ep 3: Aimee Lou Wood Feb 09, 2021

On this episode, Josh talks to Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood.
Aimee talks frankly about her experiences with eating disorders and how her relationship with her body image changed after filming the sex scenes in Sex Education, playing Aimee Gibbs.
Opening up about filming THAT solo sex scene, Aimee discusses how it initially left her with “vulnerability hangover,” but looking back now she is so proud the scenes portrayed female pleasure in a realistic, non-airbrushed way. Just. Yes!
Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign - and Aimee’s chat is like therapy in itself. As the queen herself says, letting go of our problems, and refusing to no longer compare ourselves to others, is just like having a really great poo. Now, who can’t relate to that!
Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next week!

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Ep 2: Nicola Coughlan Feb 02, 2021

On this week’s episode, Josh is joined by the Bridgerton and Derry Girls star, Nicola Coughlan.
Nicola talks openly about how her path to stardom definitely wasn’t plain sailing and how she was ready to give up - but didn’t! (And we are SO thankful she kept going!)
And of course, Nicola chats to Josh ALL about playing Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton from the costumes to THAT PLOT TWIST and her hopes for season two! Plus Nicola talks all about how she was given the part from just one audition - what a QUEEN - after being handpicked by Shonda Rhimes herself and how she can not watch those Bridgerton sex scenes with her mother. (Who can relate?!?)
Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign and Nicola keeps it real to show us all that persistence is KEY and you have to define success on your own terms! Nicola also has some great advice lifted from the pages of William Shakespeare himself. (It’s all very high brow around here!)
Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next Tuesday.
Follow Josh across social media via @joshsmithhosts

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Ep 1: Lily Collins Jan 26, 2021

On the very first episode of Reign with Josh Smith, Josh is joined by Golden Globe Nominee, the star of Netflix’s smash hit show ‘Emily in Paris’ and long time pal, Lily Collins!
Lily takes a seat on the Make It Reign throne to talk about her battles with body image and eating disorders, the ways she has found peace and comfort in her self (and let’s face it, we’re in our own company A LOT right now!) and how - and where - she’s drawn strength to overcome her personal challenges and wear her crown with pride!
Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign and Lily has some incredible wisdom about how transformative opening up can be. There is so much to take away from this episode!
Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next week!

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Get ready to start making it reign! Jan 19, 2021

Welcome to Make It Reign, where each episode journalist and presenter Josh Smith catches up with one of our favourite stars - and modern day Queens - to talk honestly about the challenges they've faced away from the spotlight, how they overcame them to make it reign in their lives, and how we all can, too!
Make sure you're subscribed or are following for the very first episode. See you there - get your crowns ready!

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