Great Company with Jamie Laing

Jason Donovan is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I grew up knowing him as the golden boy from Neighbours so, it was surprising to hear how desperate he was to shake off that teenage heart throb image.Fame hit him young and fast, and before he’d had chance to figure out who he was, Jason found himself trapped in a world that expected him to stay the same blue eyed, blonde haired version of himself that everyone had fallen in love with.In the ‘90s, he pushed back hard: three-day bender, a coc*ine overdose at LA’s Viper Room and using dr*gs to escape the squeaky-clean persona that followed him from Neighbours to the West End.He doesn’t regret those years, but says they taught him a hell of a lot about himself.We cover:His need to shake off the teen heartthrob image and be “cool”Bingeing on coc*ine at the height of his fameHow becoming a dad changed everything and led him to quit dr*gsHis relationship with Kylie and how it’s followed him throughout his careerWhat it’s like to age in the public eyeThis conversation is a reminder that even the brightest stars carry shadows and that facing them can be the most powerful comeback of all.Jason Donovan is Great Company. This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including substance abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by anything in this episode and need support, please see the suggested helpline and website links below.Coc*ine Anonymous UK0800 612 0225helpline@cauk.org.ukFranktalktofrank.comIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Executive Producers: Ewan Newbigging-Lister & Jemima RathboneProducer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettSocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Portas, a renowned retail expert and TV personality, shares her incredible life journey from losing her parents and becoming homeless at 19 to transforming Harvey Nichols into a shopping destination. She discusses her unique gift for sensing cultural trends and the importance of community-focused retail. Mary also opens up about personal topics, including her family dynamics and the decision for her brother to be the biological father of her son, all while emphasizing the value of kindness and vulnerability in business.

Kate Garraway is a woman who has lived several lifetimes. There’s the broadcaster we all know: bright, curious, endlessly warm. And then there’s the Kate who has weathered unimaginable change, held a family together through crisis, and somehow emerged with her hope and positivity intact.This episode isn’t a retelling of headlines - it’s the Kate we rarely hear: a woman learning how to breathe again after six years of being on high alert and re-discovering her joy.We cover:Losing her husband and life after griefKate's wild years in her 30sHow she met her late husband DerekGrowing up with low confidenceStarting out in the TV industryCelebrity TraitorsKate showed me that strength isn’t about being unbroken, it’s about allowing yourself to be broken and choosing to rebuild.Kate Garraway is Great Company.You can find out more about Kate's new project, The Sharing Life, HEREIf you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram- @greatcompanypodcastTikTok - @greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Producer: Helen BurkeAssistant Producer: Issy Weeks-HankinsVideo: Jake Ji & Josh BennettSocial Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanne McNally is an Irish comedian, writer, and podcaster, celebrated for her unfiltered comedic approach. She dives into her experience as an adopted child in 1980s Ireland, revealing the deep identity questions that arose later in life. Joanne discusses how humor became her coping mechanism, especially during her recovery from an eating disorder. She shares her transition from publicist to comedian, the dramatic stories behind dating applications, and how a ghosting therapist sparked her podcast success. Her journey nails the importance of embracing one's true voice.

In this captivating chat, Alex Jones, a beloved TV presenter from The One Show, opens up about her journey from a shy child in West Wales to a shining star in television. She candidly discusses having children later in life and the societal pressures surrounding parenthood. Alex shares her candid experiences supporting her husband's mental health and the lessons learned in balancing career ambitions while nurturing family life. Her warm honesty and reflections on resilience and kindness make for an engaging listen, reminding us of the power of vulnerability.

Vikkstar, a British YouTuber and Sidemen member, shares his journey from feeling like an outcast at age 14 to becoming a content creation mogul. He reveals the secrets behind the Sidemen's explosive success, including their start in a shared house and the impact of daily uploads. Vikkstar discusses overcoming burnout, risk-taking, and the importance of teamwork. He also touches upon his wedding experience with fans unexpectedly showing up and his struggles with Crohn's disease. Passionate and driven, he provides valuable advice for aspiring creators.

Jill Scott, a legendary England footballer and Euros winner, shares her inspiring journey growing up in Sunderland, where she faced bullying for playing football. She discusses how those challenges taught her resilience and fueled her competitive spirit. Jill candidly addresses her struggles with imposter syndrome and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and teamwork. With a focus on vulnerability and emotional openness, she reflects on her career, hopes for the future, and the significance of staying true to oneself.

Dani Dyer, a vibrant personality and former Love Island contestant, shares her journey through confidence struggles and family dynamics. She candidly discusses the impact of her father Danny Dyer's addiction on her upbringing and reflects on her own anxiety after a breakup. Dani opens up about her tumultuous relationships, including her ex-partner's prison sentence and her decision not to visit him. She also offers heartfelt advice for new parents, emphasizing the importance of support and self-care in motherhood.

Joe Marler, former England rugby prop and vibrant media personality, shares his journey through the highs and lows of rugby and mental health. He candidly addresses the challenges of toxic masculinity and his struggles with depression, revealing how he mistakenly thought quitting rugby would ease his pain. Joe credits his supportive wife Daisy for grounding him and discusses the empowering experience of filming Celebrity Traitors. This heartwarming conversation mixes humor and vulnerability, inspiring others to openly discuss their feelings.

Professor Green, the British rapper and mental health advocate, shares powerful insights from his life journey. He opens up about his late autism diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of the past. The discussion includes surviving a near-fatal stabbing and the societal issues linked to knife crime. Green dives into grief over losing loved ones and the self-reflection forced by fatherhood. He emphasizes the importance of learning from life's challenges and offers a fresh perspective on working-class struggles, urging listeners to embrace personal growth.