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We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

By: WNTT
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The most powerful conversations are the ones we usually avoid. Hosted by Paul C. Brunson, We Need To Talk is a show that empowers people to have the conversations they avoid by creating a safe, supportive, and insightful space that encourages vulnerability, self-discovery, and real-world connection. From breakups to breakthroughs, conflict to connection, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the human experiences and relationships that define us. Instagram: @needtotalk TikTok: @weneedtotalkpod Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Akon: The Truth About My Multiple Wives & The Real Cost of Fame

    Akon: The Truth About My Multiple Wives & The Real Cost of Fame
    May 19 2026
    Akon reflects on the life behind some of the biggest songs of the 2000s, and the choices, controversies and turning points that shaped him long before global fame. He opens up about growing up between Senegal and the US, the criminal world he entered before music, and the prison sentence that he believes saved his life. Akon shares how ‘Locked Up’ began behind bars, why music became his way out, and how he learned to turn pain, business instinct and controversy into worldwide success. The conversation also explores his views on polyamory, having multiple wives, and why he believes honesty, rules and communication are essential in that dynamic. He also reflects on his friendship with Michael Jackson, the side of him the public rarely saw, and the questions he still has about his passing. Akon looks back on the moments that made him, the mistakes that nearly ended him, and the legacy he is still trying to build. Akon, We Need To Talk Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Akon here: https://www.instagram.com/akon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@akon (00:00) Intro (01:38) Akon Addresses The Hamster Ball (06:29) Touring With Ne-Yo (07:52) Why Akon’s Audience Isn’t Who You’d Expect (15:11) Opening The Door For Artists Like Wizkid (20:15) Every Song Had To Be Ringtone Friendly (22:26) Mr Lonely Changed Everything (26:53) The Blackout That Changed Akon’s Purpose (30:53) ID Mobile Ad (33:06) Akon’s Relationship With Michael Jackson (45:20) Growing Up Between Senegal And America (48:13) Selling Stolen Cars To Fund Music Career (55:50) How Jail Changed Akon’s Life Forever (01:04:58) Huel Ad (01:06:06) What Still Pains Akon Today? (01:08:12) “I Say Ignorant Things On Purpose” (01:11:32) What Is Akon’s Real Name? (01:16:43) Akon Explains His Polyamorous Life (01:32:22) Akon Talks About His New Album (01:36:46) Most Memorable Conversation (01:42:32) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ - your voice is more powerful than you thinkhttps://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Huel - http://Huel.com/WNTT with code WNTT for £10 off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • The Quiet Struggles We Carry Alone

    The Quiet Struggles We Carry Alone
    May 14 2026
    For Mental Health Awareness Week, we speak with Charlie Mackesy about anxiety, grief, loneliness and the quiet struggles so many of us carry alone. The bestselling author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse speaks openly about anxiety attacks, loss, vulnerability, male loneliness and why asking for help matters. In this open and honest conversation, Charlie reflects on the dark periods that shaped him, the friends he has lost, and the inner critic so many of us live with. He also shares the practical tools that helped him through anxiety, and why connection, honesty and feeling loved matter more than perfection. We're Talking Mental Health If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below: Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb (00:00) Intro (00:42) Charlie Breaks Down the Darkest Period of His Life (04:36) How Paul and Charlie Actually Deal With Anxiety (12:48) Charlie’s ADHD Diagnosis and What It Changed (14:39) How Drawing Became Charlie’s Escape (16:12) Paul and Charlie on Grief and What Actually Helps (20:39) Charlie on the Loneliness Epidemic and Why It’s Growing (23:17) How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Build Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Michelle Heaton: The Truth About Popstars & My Hidden Addictions “I Couldn’t Stop”

    Michelle Heaton: The Truth About Popstars & My Hidden Addictions “I Couldn’t Stop”
    May 12 2026
    Michelle Heaton reflects on the reality of 2000s fame, from competing on Popstars to forming Liberty X and stepping into a pop world that was often chaotic and intense. She opens up about what was really happening behind the headlines: the pressure to look a certain way, the shame she carried around her body, and the early patterns of addiction that followed her long before she could name them.Michelle speaks candidly about alcohol and drug addiction, hiding the truth from her husband and children, and the painful moments where part of her wanted to be caught. Michelle also reflects on the friends who tried to help, the conversation with Katie Price that helped lead her to rehab, and the impact her addiction had on her marriage, motherhood and sense of self.Michelle also shares the emotional toll of her BRCA2 diagnosis, preventative double mastectomy and early hysterectomy, and what it meant to go through menopause in her early 30s while losing her sense of identity.Now five years sober, this is a conversation about fame, shame, survival, family, recovery and learning to give yourself grace.Michelle Heaton, We Need To Talk This conversation includes discussion of suicide, addiction and eating disorders. Please watch with care. Support resources are linked below: Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Beat Eating Disorders https://linkly.link/2dx8y Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Michelle here: https://www.instagram.com/wonderwomanshel/ https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleheatonofficial (00:00) Intro (01:26) What Makes Someone a Geordie? (06:28) Body Image Struggles (08:44) Being Cast on Popstars (12:53) Going Back to a Normal Job After Popstars (16:47) How Liberty X Was Formed (23:53) Hear’Say vs Liberty X (27:04) The Highs & Lows of Life in Liberty X (35:02) Paul Surprises Michelle With a Letter (37:40) ID Mobile Ad (38:53) Relationship With the Press (42:00) Relationship With Andy Scott-Lee (47:58) ID Mobile Ad (50:45) First Experiences With Substance Abuse (56:10) Addiction to Alcohol and Binge Eating (01:04:33) Impact of Hysterectomy (01:11:55) Hiding Addiction From Everyone (01:15:19) How Addiction Affected Her Marriage (01:28:53) How Michelle Eventually Went to Rehab (01:40:24) The Reality of Mastectomies & Hysterectomies (01:57:11) Surprise Message From Her Children (01:58:14) Paul Reads a Letter From Michelle’s Husband (02:01:34) Most Memorable Conversation (02:06:32) Paul’s Takeaways Sponsored by: iD Mobile: Ditch the texts and ‘Make it a Call’ - your voice is more powerful than you think: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/make-it-a-call?affiliate=marketing%7CYouTube_Display%7CMakeItACall_Brand&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MakeItACall&utm_content=Brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 12 mins
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All stars
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Since finding Paul's Podcast I have listened to every single one and make sure to stay updated because he interviews so well and gets right down to the deep important revelations that can help us to improve our relationships and emotional wellbeing! Interesting insightful guests

Enlightening

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I love this Podcast. Most of all, I love Paul! His voice, humour and his interview technique. He appears to be such a lovely guy, who appears to have integrity. Unusual. Respect.

Interesting, measured and calming

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love The choice of guests for these podcasts really digs deep into some Q

addicted

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So honest and an absolute look into the life of real people. Behind the screens - music !!! They are real people and I think most people forget that ❤️

Absolutely breathtaking

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I love to listen to Paul. He had such a way with people and getting them to see things from another perspective. I have learnt alot from listening to him speak with others and have adopted what I have learnt from him in both my professional and personal life and its made a huge positive difference!

What is not to love about Paul?

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