When someone says to you 'we need to talk', how does that make you feel?
The hardest conversations to have are also the most important. Paul C Brunson, the worl...
Kelsey Parker: I Was Never Part of Tom’s Plan! His Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything.
In this episode of We Need To Talk, Kelsey Parker opens up about navigating life after the heartbreaking loss of Tom Parker, her husband and a member of the boyband The Wanted. Kelsey shares how she faced grief, public scrutiny, and the challenge of raising their children while keeping Tom’s memory alive. Kelsey also speaks candidly about love after loss, the reality of widowhood, and how she’s embracing a new chapter in her life.
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Follow Kelsey here:
https://g2ul0.app.link/pmpCxFKuSQb
(00:00) Intro
(01:20) Shopify Ad
(02:59) Where Is Kelsey From?
(04:33) Kelsey's Absent Father
(05:47) Kelsey's Relationship With Her Stepfather
(07:04) Stigma of Blended Families
(09:40) Meeting Tom (From The Wanted)
(14:00) First Date With Tom
(16:47) The Industry Made Us Not Label Our Relationship
(22:16) Starting a Relationship With Tom
(23:38) Getting Engaged to Tom
(24:53) First Few Years of Being With Tom
(26:09) Did Fame Change Tom?
(26:41) How Did Tom Know He Wanted to Get Married?
(28:39) Marrying Tom
(30:15) The Honeymoon With Tom
(31:05) Tom's Protectiveness vs. Kelsey's Dad
(33:59) Running Businesses Together
(35:40) Conversation About Having Children
(37:37) First Symptoms of Tom's Illness
(42:56) Tom's Brain Tumor Diagnosis
(48:05) Managing Life With a Diagnosis
(54:04) Tom's Mindset Through Treatment
(56:37) Going Public With the Diagnosis
(58:46) Tom's Chemotherapy
(01:01:00) Adobe Express Ad
(01:01:57) Tinder Ad
(01:02:51) Keeping a Sense of Hope
(01:08:36) Facing Reality and Getting Tom Into a Hospice
(01:14:38) The Last Conversation With Tom
(01:18:40) Focusing on the Children
(01:21:46) Life After Tom
(01:22:37) Feeling Lonely After Tom's Death
(01:24:00) Perception of Widows Who Try to Move On
(01:26:30) How Do Single Men React to a Widow?
(01:29:24) Vulnerability After Loss
(01:30:40) Criticism on Social Media
(01:37:11) Meeting New Partner Will
(01:39:40) Falling Pregnant With Will
(01:41:38) Going Public With Pregnancy
(01:45:24) Reaction of Tom's Family to the Pregnancy Announcement
(01:46:24) Experience as a Blended Family
(01:48:13) Kelsey's Spirituality
(01:54:47) Keeping Tom's Memory Alive
(01:58:22) Celebrating Tom's Life With the Children
(02:00:49) What Is Next for Kelsey?
(02:02:36) Will's Reaction to the Pregnancy
(02:04:08) What Kelsey Wants Everyone to Take Away From Her Experience
(02:04:42) Kelsey's Most Memorable Conversation
(02:08:18) Keep Love Ad
Sponsored by:
Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk
Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Get your copy of Keep Love now: https://lnk.to/keeplovebook
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
2:09:22
Dr Julie Smith: How To Build Secure Relationships, Control Fear, & Live With Uncertainty.
In this episode of We Need To Talk we’re joined by Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and online educator known for making mental health tools accessible to millions. Dive deep into the realities of self-love, how to build secure relationships, and the hidden cost of always trying to "win" in arguments. Dr. Julie shares practical strategies to manage fear, navigate uncertainty, and transform anxiety into a source of strength.
Dr Julie’s new book Open When: A Companion for Life’s Twists and Turns is available to buy now
Open When on Amazon: https://g2ul0.app.link/nCGOymXTzQb
Follow Dr Julie here:
Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/td8IlXZTzQb
TikTok - https://g2ul0.app.link/kaxaiI7TzQb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
(00:00) Intro
(01:43) Dr. Julie's Upbringing
(04:00) Is Shyness Genetic or Learned Behavior?
(06:11) Dr. Julie's Relationship With Her Husband
(10:08) Why Did Dr. Julie Specialize in Clinical Psychology?
(13:02) Dr. Julie's Experience Working for the NHS
(16:55) Dr. Julie's Move Onto Social Media
(23:10) The Success of Dr. Julie's First Book
(24:40) Dr. Julie's Experience Writing Her Second Book Open When
(26:15) Dr. Julie's Cancer Diagnosis
(31:41) Dr. Julie's Thoughts on the Popularity of the Term "Self-Love"
(34:40) What Is Metacognition?
(37:23) Dr. Julie's Definition of Self-Love
(40:17) How Do We Correct Our Self-Destructive Thoughts?
(43:55) Keep Love Ad
(44:52) Tinder Ad
(45:41) What Is Dr. Julie's Definition of Self-Esteem?
(50:08) How Does Confidence Relate to Self-Esteem?
(54:43) How Should We Handle Criticism in Terms of Our Self-Esteem?
(58:52) Do Our Values Stay the Same or Change Over Time?
(1:00:07) Demonstration of Values
(1:06:33) Are We More Anxious Than Ever in Society?
(1:10:31) How Do We Manage the Anxieties of Modern Society?
(1:14:29) Dr. Julie's Thoughts on Today's "Self-Centered" Society
(1:16:57) How Do You Know if You're Ready for a Relationship?
(1:18:36) Why Do We Need Relationships With Others for Our Happiness?
(1:21:31) Dr. Julie's Tips for a Successful Relationship
(1:24:28) Dr. Julie's Definition of Attachment Styles
(1:28:01) How to Determine Your Attachment Style
(1:29:52) How to Make Your Attachment Style More Secure
(1:31:09) Dr. Julie's Ethos on Conflict in Relationships
(1:35:15) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:39:59) Paul's Takeaways
(1:42:05) Adobe Express
Sponsored by:
Get your tickets to 'An Evening with Paul C. Brunson' here: https://bit.ly/keeplove-megaphone
Pre-order Keep Love here: https://lnk.to/keeplovebook
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:43:16
CHER LLOYD EXCLUSIVE: THE TRUTH ABOUT X FACTOR WITH ONE DIRECTION! I REFUSED TO BE NOTHING.
"I Proved Them All Wrong - One Direction Were Like Family"
Join us for an inspiring episode as Cher Lloyd delves deep into her journey from a breakout star on X-Factor to overcoming the challenges of media scrutiny and personal transformation.
At just 16, Cher quickly rose to fame, finishing fourth on the show and charting hits in both the US and UK. Yet, behind the scenes, she faced intense media torment that shaped her public image into something she didn’t recognise.
In this heartfelt interview, Cher reveals the true self behind the 'villain' persona once painted by the press, sharing insights into the real-life impacts of fame and the media's role in it.
Cher also opens up about her personal growth through motherhood and how it shifted her career trajectory, discussing the industry's cold shoulder during her pregnancy and her decade-long partnership with her husband, Craig.
After a significant break from music, Cher is back, ready to reclaim her space in the music industry with newfound resilience and empowerment.
Tune in to hear how Cher Lloyd transforms adversities into a powerful narrative of self-acceptance and determination, proving that stepping back can be a pathway to leaping forward.
If you or someone you know needs support, please see the charities below:
APNI (The Association for Post Natal Illness) - https://g2ul0.app.link/L4J3lVyowQb
Mind (useful contacts for post natal depression) - https://g2ul0.app.link/6IyLaUmowQb
Follow Cher Here:
Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/RajyCUByoQb
Cher's New Single 'Head Down’ - https://g2ul0.app.link/fWjunOvyoQb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Get your tickets to 'An Evening with Paul C. Brunson' here: https://bit.ly/keeplove-megaphone
Pre-order Keep Love here: https://lnk.to/keeplovebook
Sections:
00:00 Intro
02:23 How are you feeling?
04:13 Exploring Cher's Childhood
06:48 Impact of Cher's Upbringing on Her Adult Life
09:27 Cher's Life in the Romany Community
15:42 UK Media's Negative Portrayal of the Traveller Community
16:52 The Beginnings of Cher's Singing Career
18:43 Why Cher Decided to Pursue a Pop Career
22:18 Cher's Audition on X-Factor: A Look Back
30:48 Advice Cher Would Give to Her 16-Year-Old Self
32:41 Reality vs. Portrayal: Cher on the X-Factor
37:34 Mental Health Support for Cher During X-Factor
39:38 Inside Cher's Relationships with X-Factor Judges
44:31 Living with Other Artists: Cher's Experience
44:55 Reaction to Liam Payne's Post: A Discussion
48:57 Negative Media Coverage of Cher During X-Factor
51:01 Keep Love Ad
51:57 Tinder Ad
52:48 Cher Performs 'Stay': Reflecting on Her Uncle's Passing
57:08 Paul's Admiration: Wishing He Could Sing Like Cher
57:35 Cher's Career After the X-Factor: What's Next?
58:51 Cher Reflects on 'Swagger Jagger' Years Later
01:01:51 How the UK Media Labeled Cher Post-X-Factor
01:05:22 Examining Sexism in the Music Industry: 2010 vs. Today
01:11:23 Cher's Success in the US: A Detailed Look
01:14:56 Cher Discusses Her Struggle with Belonging in the US
01:19:39 Why Cher Returned to the UK
01:20:10 Does the UK Now Love Cher?
01:20:33 Cher's Future Career Plans Revealed
01:22:29 Cher and Taylor Swift: A Musical Collaboration
01:25:32 Cher Proudly Talks About Being a Great Mom
01:26:25 How Parenthood Changed Cher: Becoming a Better Person
01:28:07 Cher and Her Husband Craig: Their Relationship Story
01:34:08 How Motherhood Transformed Cher
01:36:40 Cher's Battle with Postnatal Depression
01:42:25 Cher's Relationship with Social Media Explored
01:45:02 Finding Empowerment
01:46:32 Cher's Most Memorable Conversation
01:51:04 Paul's Key Takeaways from Cher's Journey
01:53:07 Adobe Express Ad
Sponsored by:
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:54:57
Katherine Ryan: Breaking Up Felt Like Life or Death
From her humble beginnings working at Hooters in Canada, to conquering the UK's comedy scene, Katherine Ryan's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this candid interview, she opens up about her trials as a single mum breaking into the male-dominated stand-up world, her experiences with toxic relationships and overcoming personal setbacks, including her tragic miscarriages.
Now, reconnected with Bobby, her high school sweetheart, Katherine's story embodies deep resilience, showing us how one can turn life’s challenges into empowering insights.
Please be aware that this episode discusses sensitive topics.
If you or someone you know needs support, please see the charities below:
The Survivors Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/sqvZqaAesPb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/d72yzu7jJOb
Follow Katherine here:
Katherine's Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/1LSdEcnweQb
…And get tickets for Katherine's stand up tour, Battleaxe, which runs until 28th June.
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster - https://g2ul0.app.link/xCXoMzpweQb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Get your tickets to 'An Evening with Paul C. Brunson' here: https://bit.ly/keeplove-megaphone
Pre-order Keep Love here: https://lnk.to/keeplovebook
Sections:
02:16 Differences Between Life In The USA, Canada, And The UK
04:33 Katherine's Childhood And Upbringing In Canada
05:40 Growing Up In Different Communities: Katherine's Experience
07:30 What Katherine Thought About The UK As A Child
09:00 How Katherine Discovered Her Passion For Performing
09:50 What Was Katherine's Childhood Really Like?
11:15 How Katherine Built A Strong Family Bond During Childhood
12:57 Does Experiencing Trauma Make Someone A Better Comedian?
15:45 What Katherine Wanted To Become At Age 12
18:29 The Impact Of Katherine's Parents’ Divorce On Her Life
25:53 Katherine's Early Dating Experiences And Relationships
28:13 Generational Challenges: Alcohol And Violence In Katherine's Family
29:33 The Story Of Katherine's Friendship With Jessica
39:49 Behind The Scenes: Katherine's Job At Hooters
47:47 The Truth About The "Keep Love" Ad Campaign
48:39 What Happened Behind The Scenes Of The Tinder Ad
49:34 How Katherine Started Her Comedy Career At 21
51:31 Why The UK Is Considered The Stand-Up Comedy Capital Of The World
53:06 Challenges Of Starting Out As A Female Comedian In Stand-Up
55:38 Did Katherine Move To The UK For Love Or Her Career?
56:44 Starting Her Comedy Career In The UK: Katherine’s Journey
58:45 Becoming A Young Mother By Choice: Katherine's Story
1:05:10 Katherine's First TV Break With The Show Campus
1:05:51 Balancing Motherhood And A Growing Comedy Career
1:08:09 Paul’s Reaction To Katherine's 2012 Appearance On 8 Out Of 10 Cats
1:09:00 How Katherine Prepares For High-Pressure Panel Shows
1:13:45 Why Stupidity Dominates Modern Politics
1:15:59 Why Are Less Than 20% Of UK Comedians Female?
1:18:21 How Diversity Is Shaping Today’s Stand-Up Comedy Scene
1:24:22 Katherine's Relationships During Her Comedy Career Rise
1:25:40 The Shocking Story Of Child Protection Services Investigating Katherine
1:28:36 Surviving Coercive Control: Katherine’s Personal Experience
1:37:00 Katherine's Life During Her Single Years
1:38:33 Reconnecting With Her Childhood Romance: Bobby’s Story
1:43:56 How Katherine Persuaded Bobby To Move To The UK
1:45:19 Katherine And Paul's Heartbreaking Experience With Miscarriages
1:51:15 Will Katherine And Bobby Have More Kids?
1:53:07 Why Katherine And Bobby Schedule Intimacy In Their Relationship
1:55:19 How Often Do People Really Have Sex?
1:57:08 The Most Memorable Conversation Of Katherine's Life
1:59:01 Key Takeaways From Paul’s Perspective
2:01:18 The Inside Scoop On The Adobe Express Ad Campaign
Sponsored by:
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB/
Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
2:02:31
Pete Wicks Exclusive: "I Don't Think That I'm Enough"
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes a conversation around suicide.
“I had Death threats after cheating”
Join us for an intimate journey with Pete Wicks as he reveals the truths behind his life in the spotlight.
From deeply personal setbacks to pivotal lessons learned along the way, Pete opens up about his experiences from early life to his days on reality TV, and how he navigates his current world.
This episode goes beyond entertainment; it’s a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, friendship, and the courage it takes to truly be oneself.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, please see the charities below:
Pete's Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/zjM1cB5I7Pb
Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/AqoPIXcJ7Pb
CALM https://g2ul0.app.link/Xx7coefJ7Pb
Follow Pete Here:
Watch Pete Wicks: For Dog's Sake on U https://g2ul0.app.link/F6dHawVY7Pb
Dog's Trust https://g2ul0.app.link/ZYBsXCYY7Pb
Book Never Enough https://g2ul0.app.link/KZHnwQ0Y7Pb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk/
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod/
Get your tickets to 'An Evening with Paul C. Brunson' here: https://bit.ly/keeplove-megaphone/
Pre-order Keep Love here: https://lnk.to/keeplovebook/
Sections:
(00:00) Insights on Pete
(01:40) Pete Is WNTT's Most Wanted Guest
(06:20) Exploring Pete's Love for Dogs
(15:48) Debunking Myths About Pete's Height
(17:06) Introducing Harlow
(18:30) The Roots of Pete: His Early Life
(21:49) Tribute to Pete's Grandmother
(26:00) The Impact of Pete's Parents' Divorce
(28:25) How Pete's Parents' Divorce Shaped His Self-Esteem
(33:33) Mental Health Challenges: Insights from Pete's Mother
(36:33) Pete and His 12-Year-Old Self: A Relationship Study
(40:11) How Pete's Childhood Influences His Adult Relationships
(43:16) Pete Before Fame: His Employment Journey
(47:57) Adobe Ad
(48:54) Tinder Ad
(49:46) The Start of Pete's Journey in Reality TV
(52:59) TOWIE's Rise in Popularity with Pete
(55:11) Comparing Reality TV Then and Now: Pete's Experience
57:52 Public Reaction to Pete's Cheating Scandal with Megan McKenna
(01:01:29) TOWIE's Impact on Pete's Personal Relationships
(01:01:57) Unveiling the Two Sides of Pete
(01:04:25) Pete Today: Does He Feel Sufficient?
(01:06:33) Paul's Positive Affirmations for Pete
(01:08:31) Paul's Praise for Pete: A Motivational Boost
(01:11:48) Is Pete Truly Happy? Unpacking His Emotional State
(01:16:52) Exploring Pete's Relationship with Maura Higgins
(01:19:28) Pete and Sam Thompson: Analyzing Their Bond
(01:21:12) Today's Crisis of Authenticity
(01:25:58) Loneliness Epidemic and Male Mental Health: A Deep Dive
(01:29:42) What Lies Ahead for Pete? Future Prospects
(01:32:24) Pete's Journey to Self-Help Realization
(01:36:38) Pete Discusses Vulnerability and Openness
(01:38:15) Most Memorable Conversations with Pete
(01:41:41) Paul's Closing Thoughts For Pete
(01:46:16) Paul's Key Takeaways
(01:48:54) Keep Love Ad
Sponsored by:
Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When someone says to you 'we need to talk', how does that make you feel?
The hardest conversations to have are also the most important. Paul C Brunson, the world’s most influential matchmaker and TV star, brings his insightful commentary on how to create and sustain successful relationships through vulnerability, connection and understanding.
From weekly conversations with industry experts and familiar faces, Paul promises to support your personal growth, provide practical insights, and deliver actionable advice that will add value to your relationships.
Ready to deepen those connections? Then you’re in the right place.
Instagram: @paulcbrunson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcbrunson
España