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Great Company with Jamie Laing
Jampot Productions
99 episodes
3 days ago

I’m Jamie Laing and this is Great Company – a weekly podcast full of inspiring conversations about resilience, joy and self-improvement. Each week I sit down with fascinating guests from entertainment, business and psychology to share the stories that help us learn, grow and feel more connected.


New episodes every Wednesday.


A JamPot Productions Original Podcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Personal Journals
Society & Culture
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All content for Great Company with Jamie Laing is the property of Jampot Productions and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

I’m Jamie Laing and this is Great Company – a weekly podcast full of inspiring conversations about resilience, joy and self-improvement. Each week I sit down with fascinating guests from entertainment, business and psychology to share the stories that help us learn, grow and feel more connected.


New episodes every Wednesday.


A JamPot Productions Original Podcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Personal Journals
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/99)
Great Company with Jamie Laing
Why We Choose Unhealthy Partners | ALAIN DE BOTTON THROWBACK

Happy New Year’s Eve! 


As we get ready for a new year, I wanted to revisit one of my all-time favourite episodes of Great Company with the incredible Alain de Botton. 


I’ve been lucky enough to sit down with Alain not once, but twice on the show and every time I speak to him, I come away feeling calmer, a little wiser and thinking about life in a new way. 


I keep coming back to this episode because every time I do, I take something new from it. Alain’s insights into human connection, love and emotional growth are fascinating. They’ve shaped how I think about my relationships, my friendships and what it really means to grow into the best version of ourselves. 


We cover: 

  • How to navigate heartbreak 
  • Why our childhood is so informative on the rest of our lives 
  • Why funny people often have sad parents 
  • How attachment styles and past experiences can shape the way we love 
  • What actually is the meaning of life 


This conversation is a gentle reminder that becoming a “new you” often starts with understanding the old one.


Alain De Botton is Great Company. 


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Rathbone

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 days ago
59 minutes 11 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
GREATEST COMPANY OF 2025

Wow. What a year.


2025 has been an unforgettable year for Great Company. We’ve had so many incredible guests who’ve shared funny, inspiring and truly special conversations on the show. 


To celebrate another amazing year, I wanted to look back at some of those moments with you. These are conversations that made me see things differently, learn new things and reminded me how powerful it is to connect with others.


In this episode, we look back at six incredible guests: 

  • Cat Burns on small talk 
  • Riordan Maynard’s time in US prison
  • Jessie J opening up about her cancer diagnosis 
  • Amol Rajan on coping with the loss of his Dad 
  • Spencer Matthews reflecting on our friendship 
  • Alain de Botton on how to make friends and build meaningful connections


You can listen to their full episodes here: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5Kd2M4haIslbND5DN4E08C - CAT BURNS 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/635kWmmWQ0OL0QrtBbIzj1 - RIORDAN 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CbT2rzMmUQl67iBsIEwRW - JESSIE J 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MnO1ZfAcdJgDgdsVyu8Kd - AMOL RAJAN 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6raoq8XWiSxRe1vkABkCev - SPENCER MATTHEWS

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gfbmWug0Od4MiwP5J0Xaq - ALAIN DE BOTTON


And a BIG thanks to you for listening to the show - whether you’ve been here from the beginning or it’s a recent find, I really appreciate every single listen so thank you! 


YOU are Great Company. 


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Rathbone

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
1 hour 15 minutes 31 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
JASON DONOVAN on Dr*gs, Partying in the 90s & Why Having His Daughter Changed His Life

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 fame
  • How becoming a dad changed everything and led him to quit dr*gs
  • His relationship with Kylie and how it’s followed him throughout his career
  • What it’s like to age in the public eye


This 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 UK

0800 612 0225

helpline@cauk.org.uk


Frank

talktofrank.com



If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Rathbone

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 weeks ago
1 hour 11 minutes

Great Company with Jamie Laing
MARY PORTAS: My Mother Died, My Father Disappeared & I Was Left Homeless At 19

Mary Portas is a retail expert who has built her career on instinct, creativity and a drive to do things differently.


She redefined Britain’s shopping culture in the 1990s, transforming Harvey Nichols from a tired department store into the ultimate shopping destination and later, became a household name through her hit TV series, Mary, Queen of Shops.


I first met Mary a few months ago and she completely blew me away. What I didn’t know then were the circumstances that pushed her into retail in the first place. By 19, Mary had lost both her parents and found herself homeless, suddenly responsible for supporting herself and her younger brother. What began as a search for a ‘proper’ job turned into the beginning of an extraordinary career.


We cover:

  • Losing both her parents by the age of 19
  • Becoming homeless and finding her unexpected start in retail
  • Her game-changing years at Harvey Nichols and the magic behind her iconic shop windows
  • How her brother, Lawrence, became the biological father of her son
  • The significant loves of Mary’s life


In this conversation, Mary reminded me that identity isn’t inherited, it’s created. And sometimes it’s only after losing everything that you learn how to build a life that feels like home.


Mary Portas is Great Company.


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @greatcompanypodcast 


And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk 


THE CREDITS 

Executive Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Editor: Dan King

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 8 minutes 26 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
KATE GARRAWAY: I'm No Longer Afraid To Seek Joy & Love After Losing My Husband

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 grief
  • Kate's wild years in her 30s
  • How she met her late husband Derek
  • Growing up with low confidence
  • Starting out in the TV industry
  • Celebrity Traitors


Kate 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, HERE


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 12 minutes 17 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
JOANNE MCNALLY: The Identity Crisis of Being Adopted, Finding Success In My 30s and Why I’m Single

Joanne McNally is a hilarious woman. Her comedy has resonated with people all over the world, with her tours selling out wherever she goes, making history as the first Irish female comic to headline Dublin’s 3Arena. And with her podcast, ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’, Joanne has become one of the most compelling, unfiltered voices in comedy right now.


What I love about Joanne is that she didn’t follow the “perfect plan”. She built her comedy career in her thirties after realising she wasn’t living the life she actually wanted. Feeling unfulfilled and eager to tap into her creative side, she took the most vulnerable parts of her past - being adopted and recovering from an eating disorder - and turned them into comedy that’s honest, fearless and completely her.


And that’s why people can’t get enough of her. She’s witty, she’s brutally truthful and genuinely hilarious.


We cover:

  • What is was like being adopted in Ireland in the 1980s
  • How Joanne used humour to get through tough times
  • Her journey recovering from an eating disorder
  • Her career shift from publicist to an international comedian
  • Searching for love on dating apps
  • Why her therapist actually ghosted her


My conversation with Joanne reminded me the story we’re born into isn’t the one we’re meant to stay in and that embracing your true voice can change everything.


Joanne McNally is Great Company.


THE CREDITS 

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone 

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Riley Kirby

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 9 minutes 23 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
ALEX JONES: Having Kids Later In Life, The One Show and Davina McCall Invigilating My University Exams

Few presenters feel as instantly familiar as Alex Jones. For over 15 years, she has been the heart of The One Show and her warmth, wit and natural connection with people shines through. In real life, she’s an even brighter star, lighting up every room she enters.


What stands out about Alex is her disarming honesty. Despite decades in the spotlight, she speaks so openly about self-doubt and what it truly takes to stay grounded in an industry that’s always moving.


In our conversation, she shares some of the parts of her life rarely seen on camera. From growing up in West Wales with a ‘small town big dreams’ mentality to building a long-lasting career and supporting her husband through his mental health struggles.


We cover:

  • The importance of making mistakes to succeed
  • Sitting her university finals on the set of a reality TV show
  • How she broke into the TV industry
  • How Alex’s view on mental health changed after supporting her husband through his mental health battles
  • Her thoughts on Jermaine Jenas getting axed from The One Show


Alex reminded me that success isn’t just about talent it’s about consistency, empathy and courage.


Alex Jones is Great Company.


You can listen to the Rylan episode of the show HERE


THE CREDITS 

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone 

Producer: Helen Burke

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes 25 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
VIKKSTAR: The Sidemen Almost Ended Because Of Me

With an average of more than 1 billion hours of content watched every single day on YouTube, the platform vastly outperforms traditional television and signifies a huge change in the media landscape.


Vikkstar is a part of British YouTube royalty, the Sidemen. I have always been fascinated with the group and how they've managed to build a YouTube empire from constant content creation, crazy ideas and a strategy that works unbelievably well. I was so excited to sit down with Vikkstar and find out more about who he is and his incredible success.


We cover:

•⁠ ⁠How the Sidemen were formed

•⁠ ⁠Why Vikkstar felt like an outcast at the start of his YouTube career and how he overcome it

•⁠ ⁠The secrets behind the sidemen's success

•⁠ ⁠The importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to gain success

•⁠ ⁠Making tough decisions in order to change for the better

•⁠ ⁠What happened when fans crashed his wedding


He is truly one of the hardest working people I have ever met. His dedication to success, passion for content and the talents that he brings to the Sidemen, is so impressive.


Vikkstar is Great Company


You can listen to the Italian Bach episode of the show HERE


THE CREDITS 

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone 

Producer: Helen Burke

Editor: Dan King

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 18 minutes 21 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
JILL SCOTT: Bullied For Being The Only Girl On The Football Pitch & Why It Made Me Determined Not To Quit

Jill Scott is England's second most capped player of all time. A Lioness legend, Euros winner and Queen of the Jungle, she is without a doubt one of the hardest working footballers that England has ever produced.


What I love about Jill is her determination to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against her. Growing up in Sunderland, she was bullied by her classmates - and their parents - for playing football. But she kept showing up, every single day, training harder than anyone else and never once gave up on her dreams.


Jill talks so openly about her vulnerabilities and the pressures she’s felt during her career. To hear someone who’s achieved so much, admit they’ve questioned themselves too… that’s seriously powerful.


We cover:

  • Being bullied as a child and how football taught her resilience
  • How Jill builds confidence when she’s out of her comfort zone
  • The mindset that made her one of England’s most-capped players
  • Tackling imposter syndrome, anxiety, and how training keeps her mentally strong
  • What sport can teach you about teamwork and being a good person
  • Love, family and her hopes of becoming a parent one day


Jill is one of those people who reminds you that you don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. You just need to show up, consistently, with heart.This conversation will make you laugh, think and hopefully encourage you to stay determined and keep chasing your dreams. Jill Scott is Great Company


Listen to Ashley Roberts' incredible episode of Great Company here


THE CREDITS 

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone 

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Lydia Brownell

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes 17 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
DANI DYER on Confidence Struggles, Dad's Addictions & Why I Never Visited My Son's Father In Prison

We all fell for Dani Dyer when she appeared on Love Island back in 2018. She’s a proper family girl - lives just a 6 minute drive from her parents - she once tried living 20 minutes away but that was too far, and I think this is what people love about Dani: she’s warm, charming and down to earth. Her dad also happens to be the tough guy actor, Danny Dyer which makes her bubbly sweetness even more likeable. I was excited to have her into the studio for a proper chat.


What stood out to me the most about our chat was her battles with self confidence, which I believe something to be so universal. We all can suffer from lack of confidence, and all have our own worries, insecurities and anxieties and it is by opening up that we realise that we are not so alone.


We cover:

•⁠ ⁠Her struggles with confidence from a young age

•⁠ ⁠How an accident led her to Love Island - plus her dad’s reaction to her being on the show

•⁠ ⁠Failed relationships and what she’s learnt from them

•⁠ ⁠Her dad’s addiction struggles and the impact on her growing up

•⁠ ⁠How she dealt with the father of her first child going to prison

•⁠ ⁠Meeting her husband, Jarrod Bowen (and the song the fans like to sing)

 

Dani came across to me as such a bright spirit and a reminder to me that everyone has their own battles to fight and by opening up we are not so alone. Dani Dyer is Great Company.


You can check out Dani's clothing collection here: The Dani Dyer Clothing Collection | Peacocks 

Listen to Live and Let Dyers podcast here


THE CREDITS 

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone 

Producer: Helen Burke

Editor: Dan King

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 16 minutes 17 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
Traitors & England Rugby Star, JOE MARLER: Being An Alpha Male Came At A Price

Joe Marler is a former England rugby player and currently on Celebrity Traitors who spent fifteen years as one of the sport’s biggest personalities, both on and off the pitch. He’s described himself as a bully who battled through a rocky career… and maybe that’s true. But what really stands out to me is how openly Joe now talks about his mental health and how passionate he is about encouraging other men to do the same.


Talking about your feelings can be really hard - it’s something I’ve found tough over the years too. But hearing someone like Joe, a proper “man’s man” speak so vulnerably is really refreshing.


Today’s episode we cover:

•⁠ ⁠Tackling toxic masculinity in rugby - learning that he didn’t need to be the alpha male all the time

•⁠ ⁠Why he thought quitting rugby would fix his depression

•⁠ ⁠How Joe has used his big personality for both good and evil

•⁠ ⁠His relationship with his wife Daisy who he credits with saving his life

•⁠ ⁠Why filming Celebrity Traitors was the most insane & best experience he’s ever had


Joe inspires me to be more open with my male friends. And to reach out, because you never know when someone is struggling… This conversation will make you laugh, make you think and hopefully encourage you to talk to your friends. Joe Marler is Great Company.


I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Burke

Editor: Dan King

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 10 minutes 13 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
PROFESSOR GREEN: Diagnosed With Autism Age 40 & Why Working Class Men Are Lost

Stephen Manderson aka Professor Green, in today’s episode really reminded me to listen. The most successful people are the ones who listen rather than talk, they learn rather than pretending to know it all. Although we come from totally different backgrounds, we’ve always connected in such a genuine way. We first met when life was very different; Stephen was dating my friend Millie Mackintosh. A lot has happened since then, a lot of growing up and self reflection...


When people come into the studio, sometimes they might ask to not discuss certain topics but Stephen was a complete open book, so no stone was left unturned…


We cover:

•⁠ ⁠His relationship with Millie Mackintosh 

•⁠ ⁠Getting an autism diagnosis later in life, and how that has changed the way he looks at his past

•⁠ ⁠Surviving getting stabbed in the neck and how knife crime will remain high until we tackle poverty

•⁠ ⁠How he’s turned negative life experiences into learning opportunities

•⁠ ⁠The self reflection that comes with becoming a father

•⁠ ⁠Losing his father & Uncle to suicide and how he handles the grief

•⁠ ⁠Why we shouldn’t blame our elders for getting stuff wrong as they didn’t have access to therapy


Stephen is such a breath of fresh air. Our conversation reminded me how important it is to keep learning, keep being interesting and interested - keep growing as a person.


Professor Green has new music out which you can listen to here: https://drop.cobrand.com/d/ProfessorGreen/welcome-to-the-party?fbclid=PAdGRleANbYF9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpxiZ7IFQomLPel2XvNLAzZTyts6f7ec5Yf8gJZPJDy4EZWy5GEQTN8oKh-1W_aem_7w4riV-g0zJirVldl3htAQ


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Burke

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter 

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 17 minutes 21 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
RUNNA FOUNDER, BEN PARKER ON BUILDING ONE OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST FITNESS APPS IN JUST 4 YEARS

You might not have heard of Ben Parker, but you’ve almost definitely heard of Runna — the incredible running app that just sold to Strava for millions 


For me, this one’s probably my biggest regret but also one of my biggest lessons. A few years ago, a young entrepreneur came up to me after an event to tell me about his business. It sounded brilliant, but honestly… I couldn’t see it: “Why would a running app take off?” I thought. Well, that business was Runna, the app that’s now one of the biggest fitness apps in the world. And that young entrepreneur was Ben Parker. Missing the chance to invest in Ben’s vision taught me a powerful lesson: always look for the opportunity in someone else’s passion.


Fast-forward four years and Ben’s built — and sold — a business that most would call “impossible.” But behind that success is a story of sacrifice, pressure, and what ambition really costs. In today’s episode, Ben opens up like never before about the realities of building something extraordinary — the highs, the lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.


We cover:

  • How to turn your purpose into a thriving business
  • The personal sacrifices behind success
  • What makes a truly great founder
  • How to build a culture that wins
  • What it really takes to make it to the top


As much as I’m still a little gutted I didn’t invest, I’m blown away by what Ben’s achieved — and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.


This is one of those rare, raw conversations you don’t want to miss.


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 Burke

Editor: Dan King

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter 

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 1 minute 32 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
KATHERINE RYAN: HOW I CHANGED MY MINDSET & MADE A LIFE FOR ME & MY DAUGHTER

How Katherine Ryan turned grit into greatness. Katherine Ryan might just be the funniest person on Earth. She’s a brilliant comedian, actress, writer and podcaster who says it exactly how it is.


I first met Katherine a few years ago and I’ve always admired her energy and determination to succeed. Long before she became one of the UK’s biggest comedians, she was working on the stand-up circuit while raising her daughter Violet as a single mum. Now, with an incredible career and her fourth child on the way, she’s still doing it all completely on her own terms.


We cover:

  • How Katherine navigated life as a single mum in her twenties
  • Shifting her mindset: overcoming insecurities and embracing gratitude
  • Her journey to succeed in a male-dominated industry
  • Why she treats her kids as capable individuals, not babies
  • Overcoming the challenges of maintaining intimacy during pregnancy


I love every conversation I have with Katherine - and this one was no different. It reminded me how we can always learn more about ourselves and the way we approach life.


Listen to Katherine’s new show, Write Me Dirty, where two comedians write FILTHY fiction about each other, here: OUT NOW!


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @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 

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter 

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
59 minutes 31 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
SPENCER MATTHEWS: OUR FIRST HONEST CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR FRIENDSHIP

Spencer Matthews is a very old friend of mine - we grew up together sharing some pretty embarrassing moments on television, making a name for ourselves as podcasters interviewing (and winding up) some of Hollywood’s finest, in our podcast, ‘6 Degrees’.


However, in the last few years, our friendship has begun to wane, and it’s a question I’m asked all the time: "Have you and Spencer fallen out?". To tell the truth, I’ve never really know the answer to this… We’ve hardly seen each other for a number of reasons, and so when he reached out about this recording, I thought it’s time to get to the bottom of this, because friendships are important and worth fighting for.


We cover:

  • Why he wasn’t invited to my London wedding
  • Where he was during my ultramarathons
  • Wild stories of our time on Made In Chelsea
  • Spencer shares the lowest points of his alcoholism
  • How the grief of losing his brother as a child, has impacted his capacity for emotions


This podcast was created for connection in a world of disconnection, and this episode is quite raw for me. Like many men, I’m not always the greatest communicator, and I think Spencer would say the same for himself, so having this opportunity to sit down together, and lay it all out on the table was really special.


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk 


I also sat down with Spencer on his podcast, Untapped, which, if you loved this, you can check out too: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/untapped/id1788474884

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast 

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@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 

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili 

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter 

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes 50 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
GSTAAD GUY: INSIDE THE MINDS OF THE ULTRA-RICH

Gstaad Guy is a creator I’ve followed for a few years, the anonymous creator who lifts the lid on the 0.01%. He gained fame for impersonating and poking fun at the lavish lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy in luxury ski resorts like Gstaad, created an alter ego, Cousin Colton, to represent the "new money" crowd.


The fascinating thing about Gstaad guy is that despite satirising the ultra-wealthy, poking fun at their absurdity, he is loved by billionaires, with a huge concentration of them among his following. I was absolutely fascinated to have him in the studio to find out more…


We cover:

  • The madness of Gstaad, the secret billionaire hide out in Switzerland
  • The inspiration behind the character of Constantine
  • Why we’re obsessed with wealth
  • The issues wealthy parents instil in their kids
  • How we find happiness and dealing with failure
  • How he ended up working with luxury brands like Loro Piana and Audemars Piguet

 

This conversation really opened my eyes to how some people live, but how ultimately, regardless of money, we’re all find happiness in connection with others.


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk 

 

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: 

Instagram- www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast  

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@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  

Assistant Producer: Rhoda Abrokwa 

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Audio: Rafi Amsili  

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter  

- 

 

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot  


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
3 months ago
57 minutes 17 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
TIM KEY ON THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, FAMILY & WHAT HE'S REALLY LIKE WHEN THE CAMERAS ARE OFF

Tim Key is a poet, a comic and someone who I developed an unlikely friendship with through various television appearances together. A few months ago, I went to see The Ballad of Wallis Island and was totally blown away by Tim who not only starred in the movie, but wrote it too. He is a total star and I was excited to have him in the studio - his dry wit combined with my restless energy always makes for a fun time.


Tim is quite a personal guy, and like many comics, uses humour to deflect, but he shared a side of him I’d never really seen.


We cover:

  • How Tim faked going to Cambridge to get into the Footlights theatre group
  • Brotherly relationships and how some memories shape us
  • Filming and writing The Ballad of Wallis Island
  • The loneliness of LA
  • Becoming a comedian and summers in Edinburgh


I loved this conversation - it’s a little more lighthearted than other episodes, but within that light, we are still able to uncover the deep.


Tim shared some poems from his new book, L.A. Baby! which you can find here: www.utterandpress.co.uk/


And I've got a new book coming out, Boys Don't Cry which you can pre-order here: boysdontcry.co.uk


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@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

Editor: Dan King

Video: Jake Ji

Audio: Rafi Amsili

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter


Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes 45 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
ALAIN DE BOTTON: WHY MAKING FRIENDS AS AN ADULT FEELS IMPOSSIBLE (BUT ISN'T)

Alain de Botton came on the show one year ago and totally blew me away. We spoke about relationships with parents, partners, attachment styles and so much more. And now he’s back and we’re talking all about a relationships we often overlook but is potentially one of the most important in our lives: friendship.


Alain artfully dissects the issues we run into with deepening our friendships, why it’s so scary to vulnerable but how and why letting people in can lead us to a richer life. 


We cover:

  • How to open up to having more meaningful friendships
  • Sexual anxiety in friendship particularly among men
  • How polyamory could be born from a lack of real friendship
  • Friendship break-ups and why they can be a good thing
  • Why people might be bad friends
  • How to argue well in relationships


As expected, my mind was well and truly blown again. This conversation reminded me we can all have richer relationships if we take down our guards and ask the questions we really want to be asked.


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast

And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk


If you'd like to get Alain's latest book, 'The Secrets of Successful Friendships', you can find it here: shop.theschooloflife.com/products/the-secrets-of-successful-friendships


You can also hear more about The School Of Life here: www.theschooloflife.com/signup/

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Video: Jake Ji

Audio: Rafi Amsili

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter


Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
1 hour 20 minutes 33 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
LOUIE SPENCE: I MAKE EVERYONE ELSE HAPPY BUT I CAN’T FIND HAPPINESS MYSELF

Louie Spence is a showbiz icon. For thirty years he was a professional dancer, performing on the West End and touring with the Spice Girls and Take That. But it was his starring role on Sky 1’s Pineapple Studios that made him a celebrity. 


I’ve met Louie a couple of times before now and he genuinely lights up every room he’s in. But beneath his larger-than-life character is a different, quieter person who has struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as he can remember. 


We cover: 

  • His lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression 
  • His mum Pat’s secret battle with alcoholism
  • Finding his people at Italia Conti stage school
  • Growing up as gay during the Aids epidemic
  • His decision not to become a parent 


I came away from our conversation knowing more about who the real Louie Spence is - and I think he is far more entertaining and interesting than he could possibly ever know. 


If you’ve been affected by anything mentioned in today’s podcast, here are some links:

  • samaritans.org
  • mind.org.uk


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast

And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk


--

THE CREDITS

Producer: Helen Burke

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone


Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
1 hour 10 minutes 30 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing
EXCLUSIVE - JESSIE J: I'M FINALLY READY TO TALK ABOUT MY CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Jessie J’s voice is unparalleled - a true superstar. Having been a fan for years, I was so excited to have her in the studio, but what she revealed during the record I had never expected to hear…


In May, Jessie came into record and shared with me that she’d recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. A week later, she asked if she could come back in to record following her surgery. We’ve never recorded an episode in two parts before, but it felt important to give Jessie the space to share her story in the way that felt most authentic to her.


For the first time in a long form, Jessie explains the full diagnosis story and updates us on life post surgery. She shares the experience of doing Capital’s Summertime Ball knowing it was her last performance before her surgery, how the experience has changed her, and the impacts on her relationships too.


We cover:

  • Jessie’s breast cancer diagnosis and journey to surgery
  • Life post surgery
  • How she met and fell for her partner
  • Her experience of miscarriage
  • Winning the Chinese singing competition, Singer


This conversation is all about not taking life for granted because you never know what’s around the corner. It’s about looking for silver linings, and sucking life for all its worth. Jessie - thank you for sharing your story with us, we’re sending you all the love and support.


If you’ve been affected by anything mentioned in today’s podcast, here are some links:

  • coppafeel.org
  • www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • www.macmillan.org.uk


If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us

Instagram - www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@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

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan & Anthony Barter


Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 15 minutes 15 seconds

Great Company with Jamie Laing

I’m Jamie Laing and this is Great Company – a weekly podcast full of inspiring conversations about resilience, joy and self-improvement. Each week I sit down with fascinating guests from entertainment, business and psychology to share the stories that help us learn, grow and feel more connected.


New episodes every Wednesday.


A JamPot Productions Original Podcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.