We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

The Only Way Is Essex star Chloe Sims reveals the truth about TOWIE, fame, and the relationship she says took years of her life. She opens up about growing up without her biological mum, being bullied for her looks, and why part of her still feels like that young girl today. Chloe speaks honestly about the man she kept going back to, why she apologised for things she didn't do, and the moment she finally realised he was never going to change. She also shares what reality TV was really like behind the scenes. From rehearsing arguments to shaking with nerves, Chloe explains how the pressure to perform affected her mental health and why she was never the “Ice Queen” people believed she was. Chloe also reflects on motherhood and the lengths she went to protect her daughter from the spotlight. She speaks about filming House of Sims with her siblings, why making the show nearly broke her, and what starting again in America has taught her about love, family and self-worth. Chloe Sims, We Need To Talk Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk   https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod   Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Chloe here: https://www.instagram.com/chloesims  https://www.tiktok.com/@misschloesims (00:00) Intro (01:46) Paul Tells the Story of How He and Chloe First Met (05:53) Chloe’s Upbringing in East London and Essex (07:45) Chloe’s Family Situation Growing Up (13:39) How Moving From East London to School in Essex Affected Chloe (18:48) Paul Shows Chloe a Childhood Photo of Her and Joey (20:08) How Joey’s Mother’s Death Affected Chloe (28:05) Chloe’s Biggest Insecurity During Adolescence (30:38) Chloe’s Life After School and a Toxic Relationship (38:43) What Chloe Is Looking for in a Partner (41:12) Saily Ad (42:20) How Chloe Was Cast in TOWIE (51:57) How Chloe’s Life Changed After Joining TOWIE (57:49) Chloe’s Darkest Moment on TOWIE (01:06:26) Chloe’s Experience on Celebs Go Dating (01:09:01) How Chloe Is Pigeonholed in the Reality TV Industry (01:11:53) Chloe’s Current Dating Life and What She Wants in a Partner (01:18:19) Chloe’s Experience of Perimenopause (01:21:19) Chloe Asks Paul for Dating Advice During Perimenopause (01:24:48) Paul Reads Chloe a Letter From a TV Industry Insider (01:32:59) Paul Reads Chloe a Letter From Her Brother Charlie (01:36:53) How Chloe Has Navigated the Media and Her Daughter Maddie (01:40:16) The Biggest Lesson Chloe Has Learned From Motherhood (01:41:35) Chloe Recounts Her Experience With Cosmetic Surgery (01:45:08) Will Chloe Have Any More Cosmetic Procedures? (01:46:59) Most Memorable Conversation (01:49:17) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: Saily - Download from the app store and use code WNTT at checkout for 15% off. For more details: https://saily.com/wntt ⛵ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Roberts shares how a first audition changed everything, taking her from performing at the Viper Room to becoming part of one of the biggest girl groups in the world. She opens up about the early buzz around the group to performing alongside Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Ashley also reflects on the structure of the group, with Nicole as the lead singer, the pressure and pace of sudden fame, and the physical and emotional toll that came with life inside such an iconic act. We're Talking The Pussycat Dolls (00:00) Intro (00:38) Ashley Shares How She Joined the Pussycat Dolls (03:27) From Viper Room Dance Act to Global Pop Group (04:34) The Origins and Success of “Don’t Cha” (07:07) The Sheer Scale of Pussycat Dolls’ Success (08:18) Ashley’s Fondest Memory at the Height of Their Success (10:22) The Structure of the Pussycat Dolls as a Group (12:55) Why the Pussycat Dolls Didn’t Reform Post-Covid (14:18) The Financial Success of the Pussycat Dolls (16:29) The Demanding Touring Schedule and Its Impact on Ashley (19:30) Paul Shows Ashley the Debut Pussycat Dolls Album Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abbey Romeo became one of the most recognisable faces on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, but her journey to finding love, identity and a voice was anything but simple. In this conversation, Abbey opens up about growing up with autism, the reality of feeling isolated and misunderstood, and what life was really like before the show. Abbey shares what autism feels like from the inside, describing it as living between two worlds, while Abbey’s mum Christine reflects on the challenges of raising a child in a system she believes is often broken. They speak honestly about the early years, from communication struggles and emotional breakthroughs to the moment Abbey first understood her diagnosis and how that shaped her identity. Christine also shares the unseen side of parenting, the survival mode, the lack of support, and the turning points that slowly gave them hope. Abbey also reflects on finding love with her boyfriend David, what their relationship means to her, and the quiet ways he makes her feel safe, understood and seen. From building a successful hat business to discovering her voice through music, Abbey demonstrates how purpose, creativity and connection have transformed her life and why representation matters more than ever. Abbey Romeo, We Need To Talk (00:00) Intro (01:50) The Success of Love on the Spectrum (02:39) How Abbey Felt When She First Joined the Show (03:46) Why Hannah Montana Is Important To Abbey (04:50) Abbey and Christine on Becoming Public Figures (06:04) Why Christine Didn't Think Abbey Belonged On The Show (08:17) Abbey’s Emotional Connection to Mermaids (10:22) Abbey Gifts Paul One of Her Hats (12:32) When Abbey Discovered She Was Autistic (14:12) Abbey’s Experiences Across Different Schools (17:59) Christine’s View on the Origins of Autism (18:45) How Abbey Defines Autism (19:23) Paul Shows Abbey a Photo of Her as a Baby (21:00) What It’s Like Filming Love on the Spectrum (25:10) What Abbey Likes About Her Boyfriend David (28:31) Does Abbey Love David? (32:45) Shopify Ad (33:51) When Abbey and David Became Official (36:16) How Much Time Christine Has to Herself (37:11) Christine on Parenting an Autistic Child (41:47) What Abbey Loves Most About Christine (45:56) Abbey’s Musical Ability (47:50) Abbey’s Favourite TV Shows (49:03) David’s Ability to See Numbers as Colours (52:15) Paul Surprises Abbey With a Message From A Celebrity Guest (58:16) What Abbey Wishes People Knew About Autism (58:48) What Abbey and David Like to Do Together (59:21) The New Series Of Love On The Spectrum (01:00:03) Most Memorable Conversation (01:03:16) Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Follow Abbey here: https://www.instagram.com/hatsbyabbey https://www.tiktok.com/@hatsbyabbey Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark World Down’s Syndrome Day Ellie Goldstein shares her journey from overcoming a challenging start in life to becoming a model, dancer and global trailblazer. From the glitz of Strictly Come Dancing to gracing the cover of Vogue, Ellie opens up about resilience, breaking barriers in the fashion world, and being unapologetically herself. This conversation is a celebration of defying expectations and embracing identity. We're Talking Life Beyond Down's Syndrome (00:00) Intro (00:40) What Was Ellie’s Favourite Part About Being on Strictly? (02:34) How Ellie Started Out Modelling (03:46) Paul Lists the Brands Ellie Has Modelled For (04:33) Ellie’s Vogue Cover (07:46) Ellie’s Foray Into Being an Author (10:13) Yvonne Shares the Story of Ellie’s Birth (18:49) Statistics Around Down's Syndrome (22:10) How Yvonne Told Ellie About Her Condition (23:25) What Yvonne and Ellie Appreciate About Each Other Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Fielder, former partner of Amy Winehouse and central figure in media coverage of her life, gives a candid account of his upbringing, addiction and their turbulent relationship. He revisits meeting Amy in Camden, the rise of Back to Black, tabloid intrusion, learning of her death while incarcerated, and his path to recovery and purpose.

Chloe Ferry, TV star from Geordie Shore who’s been open about her cosmetic surgery journey, discusses her public transformations and the tipping point that led her to reverse procedures. She talks about body-image pressure, the risks of BBLs, and shifting from curated perfection to unedited self-love. Short, candid conversation about reclaiming identity and changing how she shows up online.

Cody Simpson, Australian singer-songwriter turned elite swimmer who rose to fame on YouTube, recounts his whirlwind teen stardom and the cost of early success. He talks about moving to LA at 13, battles with addiction and mental health, the discipline that saved him through a swimming comeback, and a fresh return to music with a new mindset.

Bre Tiesi, model and public figure who has spoken openly about miscarriage and postpartum struggles. She recounts multiple miscarriages, a surprising pregnancy, an all‑natural birth, and raw moments of detachment and recovery. Jamelia shares a powerful breakdown, her daughters stepping up, and the slow, defiant climb back to hope and strength.

Lucinda Strafford, four-time Love Islander known for her bombshell returns, breaks the silence on All Stars, villa tension, and her relationship with Sean. She recounts last-minute casting, feeling like an outsider, viral moments that sparked complaints, and how Sean’s loyalty changed everything. Short, candid, and full of reality TV drama.

Big Zuu & Nadiya Hussain join us to discuss what it means to live as Muslims in the UK today. They share their personal experiences navigating public life, confronting stereotypes, and the power of representation in breaking down barriers. This is an honest and thought-provoking conversation on how media, faith and identity shape perceptions of Islam in modern British society. We're Talking the Power of Representation (00:00) Intro (00:32) Diversity in the TV Industry in Front and Behind the Camera (02:54) Why Big Zuu Started His Own Production Company (05:54) Big Zuu Reflects on the Current Climate for Muslims in the UK (07:48) Big Zuu Explains the Importance of Representation in Media (10:46) Nadiya Describes How She Doesn’t Agree With the Traditional Role for Women in Islam (15:32) Nadiya’s Relationship With Her Faith (18:35) The ‘Suffocating’ Environment for Muslims Living in the UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices