Great Company with Jamie Laing

Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always been struck by how truly fascinating her story is so I’m so pleased to have her on the show this week…Shirley’s journey began on a housing estate in Northern England, where she grew up with her single mother and older brother, learning resilience early. By seven, she was traveling hours by bus and train to pursue her passion, supported by her hardworking mother, who remains her greatest inspiration. Along the way, Shirley has faced heartbreak, losing her brother to suicide—a tragedy that fuels her advocacy for mental health charities like CALM. She’s also navigated the complexities of love, with engagements as young as 15 and two marriages that taught her as much about herself as they did about relationships. She also opens up for the first time publicly about her relationship with her father, who she recently lost.This conversation explores Shirley’s rollercoaster life, her resilience, and her unyielding passion for dance. Behind the glamour lies a woman who’s faced intense scrutiny, reminding us of the importance of truly listening to the stories behind the spotlight.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!And don't miss the Strictly Christmas Special on BBC One on Christmas day!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2020, amassing millions of followers and securing the number eight spot on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the most influential creators, Alix Earle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also been on my dream guest-list for a long time, so while I was in LA I was delighted to sit down with her…We began by connecting over our shared experiences with anxiety. Alix opened up about her first terrifying panic attack, which landed her in the hospital, and how she’s learned to navigate her mental health since. She also reflected on the challenges of rebuilding trust and embracing vulnerability after being cheated on—a journey that recently led to her celebrating one year with her boyfriend. And drawing from her own experiences, Alix offered her advice on dealing with loneliness and heartbreak.This conversation was a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and an inspiring testament to staying authentic and grounded through it all.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Lizzie McCarthySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the business, but I think if I were to ask him, he’s say he’s still a North Sea fisherman at heart.In order to answer this question, I reached out to an old friend from my MIC days, who also happens to be James’ fiancé, Georgia Toffolo (Toff to me) to kick off the interview. Although his story is shaped by a tough upbringing - dogged with a speech impediment, crippling shyness and a strained relationship with his mother - these early challenges became the foundation of his resilience and relentless drive, shaping who he is today.We chat through the immense risks he took to build BrewDog, taking it to the dizzying heights of success, at its peak valued at $1.8billion, and how the profound impact of losing his father has shifted his outlook on what is important, and how time is the most valuable asset we all have.This conversation reminded me of the importance to make space to understand each other and the different parts that make us who we areIf you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiVideo: Lizzie McCarthySocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour.From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was his calling, but his journey to success was far from easy. At just four years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother - an experience that shaped him, taught him resilience and maintaining a sense of calm in a storm. Despite the heights of his success and fame, LL confesses to being a bit of a bookworm and introvert - surprising considering how infectious his energy is and open his heart - he talks to me about the importance of chosen family and generosity, revealing that he gives 10% of all his earnings to the church.This was a conversation I won’t forget in a hurry - to speak to an icon, who’s life has been so different from mine, but to find connection, to laugh, to be made to think - it’s what unites us all.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcastAs I mentioned, LL's released his first music in 11 years - here's a link to the new album, The Force: shopuk.llcoolj.com--THE CREDITSExec Producer: Jemima RathboneAssistant Producer: Gurlina HeerVideo: Jake JiSocial Media: Laura CoughlanGreat Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.