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We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
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117 episodes

  • We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

    Love On The Spectrum's Abbey Reveals She Wanted A Boyfriend To Feel “Normal”

    2026-03-24 | 1h 9 mins.
    Abbey Romeo became one of the most recognisable faces on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, but her journey to finding love, identity and a voice was anything but simple.

    In this conversation, Abbey opens up about growing up with autism, the reality of feeling isolated and misunderstood, and what life was really like before the show. Abbey shares what autism feels like from the inside, describing it as living between two worlds, while Abbey’s mum Christine reflects on the challenges of raising a child in a system she believes is often broken.

    They speak honestly about the early years, from communication struggles and emotional breakthroughs to the moment Abbey first understood her diagnosis and how that shaped her identity. Christine also shares the unseen side of parenting, the survival mode, the lack of support, and the turning points that slowly gave them hope.

    Abbey also reflects on finding love with her boyfriend David, what their relationship means to her, and the quiet ways he makes her feel safe, understood and seen.

    From building a successful hat business to discovering her voice through music, Abbey demonstrates how purpose, creativity and connection have transformed her life and why representation matters more than ever.

    Abbey Romeo, We Need To Talk

    (00:00) Intro (01:50) The Success of Love on the Spectrum (02:39) How Abbey Felt When She First Joined the Show (03:46) Why Hannah Montana Is Important To Abbey (04:50) Abbey and Christine on Becoming Public Figures (06:04) Why Christine Didn't Think Abbey Belonged On The Show (08:17) Abbey’s Emotional Connection to Mermaids (10:22) Abbey Gifts Paul One of Her Hats (12:32) When Abbey Discovered She Was Autistic (14:12) Abbey’s Experiences Across Different Schools (17:59) Christine’s View on the Origins of Autism (18:45) How Abbey Defines Autism (19:23) Paul Shows Abbey a Photo of Her as a Baby (21:00) What It’s Like Filming Love on the Spectrum (25:10) What Abbey Likes About Her Boyfriend David (28:31) Does Abbey Love David? (32:45) Shopify Ad (33:51) When Abbey and David Became Official (36:16) How Much Time Christine Has to Herself (37:11) Christine on Parenting an Autistic Child (41:47) What Abbey Loves Most About Christine (45:56) Abbey’s Musical Ability (47:50) Abbey’s Favourite TV Shows (49:03) David’s Ability to See Numbers as Colours (52:15) Paul Surprises Abbey With a Message From A Celebrity Guest (58:16) What Abbey Wishes People Knew About Autism (58:48) What Abbey and David Like to Do Together (59:21) The New Series Of Love On The Spectrum (01:00:03) Most Memorable Conversation (01:03:16) Paul’s Takeaways

    Follow me here:

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    https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

    Follow Abbey here:

    https://www.instagram.com/hatsbyabbey https://www.tiktok.com/@hatsbyabbey

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    Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk 
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  • We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

    "They Said She'd Never Walk, Talk or Go to University” How Ellie Goldstein Proved Everyone Wrong

    2026-03-19 | 27 mins.
    To mark World Down’s Syndrome Day Ellie Goldstein shares her journey from overcoming a challenging start in life to becoming a model, dancer and global trailblazer. From the glitz of Strictly Come Dancing to gracing the cover of Vogue, Ellie opens up about resilience, breaking barriers in the fashion world, and being unapologetically herself. This conversation is a celebration of defying expectations and embracing identity. We're Talking Life Beyond Down's Syndrome

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:40) What Was Ellie’s Favourite Part About Being on Strictly?

    (02:34) How Ellie Started Out Modelling

    (03:46) Paul Lists the Brands Ellie Has Modelled For

    (04:33) Ellie’s Vogue Cover

    (07:46) Ellie’s Foray Into Being an Author

    (10:13) Yvonne Shares the Story of Ellie’s Birth

    (18:49) Statistics Around Down's Syndrome

    (22:10) How Yvonne Told Ellie About Her Condition

    (23:25) What Yvonne and Ellie Appreciate About Each Other
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  • We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

    Amy Winehouse & Me: Blake Fielder Finally Tells His Story

    2026-03-17 | 2h 19 mins.
    Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder were at the centre of one of the most talked about relationships in modern music history. In this rare conversation, Blake speaks openly about their relationship, addiction, fame, blame, and the headlines that followed them both.

    He reflects on meeting Amy in Camden, the intensity of their connection, and what their relationship was really like away from public view. Blake also revisits the chaos of the 2000s tabloid press, the pressure of sudden fame, and how Back to Black captured the pain of their breakup in real time.

    Blake speaks candidly about addiction, the long-standing accusations that have followed him for years, and the darkest chapters of his life, including learning of Amy’s death while he was in prison. He also confronts one of the biggest questions that still surrounds her death: who was responsible?

    Blake Fielder, We Need To Talk.

    This conversation includes discussion of suicide, addiction, self harm and eating disorders. Please watch with care. If you need support, we’ve included helpful resources below:

    Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H

    MIND:  https://linkly.link/2dx8b

    Beat Eating Disorders https://linkly.link/2dx8y

    (00:00) Intro
    (01:59) Why Does Blake Want to Speak Now?
    (03:57) Blake Describes His Upbringing
    (05:26) Blake’s Life in London as a Teenager
    (06:04) How Blake Ended Up Working On Music Videos
    (07:16) What Was Blake’s Relationship With Drugs and Alcohol in His Teens?
    (13:16) Blake’s Self-Esteem as a Teenager
    (15:28) When Did Blake’s Drug Use Change From Casual to Addiction?
    (17:49) Blake Addresses Whether He Was an Addict Before Meeting Amy Winehouse
    (20:30) Blake Talks About His Mental Health Challenges as a Child
    (24:57) How Blake Met Amy Winehouse
    (40:09) Why Blake and Amy Winehouse Initially Broke Up
    (41:37) The Huge Popularity of ‘Back to Black’
    (51:00) Blake’s Thoughts on the ‘AMY’ Documentary
    (55:12) How Blake and Amy Rekindled Their Relationship
    (57:07) Paul Shows Blake a Photo From His Wedding Day With Amy
    (01:02:07) The British Media in the Early Noughties
    (01:09:33) Blake’s Relationship With Amy’s Father Mitch
    (01:14:31) Amy’s Addiction While Blake Was Incarcerated
    (01:21:40) Did Blake and Amy Talk About Getting Clean?
    (01:23:15) Blake and Amy’s Interactions With Big Stars
    (01:27:11) Shopify Ad
    (01:28:13) How Did Blake and Amy Finally Separate?
    (01:35:53) Blake’s Final Time Seeing Amy
    (01:39:58) How Blake Found Out About Amy’s Passing
    (01:51:21) When Blake First Realised Amy Suffered From Bulimia
    (01:54:38) Statistics Around Drug Abuse and Bulimia
    (02:00:28) Blake’s Thoughts on the ‘27 Club’
    (02:04:25) What Does Blake Think Amy’s Legacy Will Be?
    (02:07:03) What Would Blake Say To Amy Today?
    (02:11:32) Most Memorable Conversation
    (02:13:39) Paul’s Takeaways

    Follow me here:

    https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk 

    https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

    Sponsored by:

    Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

    "I've Reversed My BBL!" We're Talking Cosmetic Surgery

    2026-03-12 | 30 mins.
    Chloe Ferry opens up about the reality behind her cosmetic surgery journey - from breast implants and a BBL to the pressure that drove her to keep changing her appearance. She reflects on body image, social media scrutiny, and the toll chasing perfection took on her mental health. Now reversing procedures and focusing on therapy and self-love, Chloe shares why she’s determined to rediscover who she really is. We're Talking Cosmetic Surgery

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:40) Chloe Takes Paul Through the Cosmetic Procedures She's Done

    (02:25) The Danger of BBLs

    (04:55) How Did Chloe Feel After Each Procedure?

    (07:35) When Did Chloe Decide She Wanted to Reverse Her BBL?

    (10:20) Does Chloe Feel Comfortable in Herself?

    (14:22) How Does Chloe Feel About the Way She Looks Now?

    (16:14) How Chloe Is Changing What She Puts Out on Social Media

    (22:21) How Chloe Feels About Her Influence on Young Women Through Geordie Shore

    (25:38) Does Chloe Have Any Other Surgeries Planned?
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  • We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

    Cody Simpson: I Became Famous at 13… I Had No Idea What It Would Cost

    2026-03-10 | 1h 46 mins.
    From teen pop star to elite swimmer, Cody Simpson opens up about fame, identity and what happens when success comes too early.Known for hits like Pretty Brown Eyes, Paradise and iYiYi, Cody reveals how YouTube covers led to a record deal, worldwide fame and life inside the teenage pop machine. He reflects on being discovered online during the rise of Justin Bieber, moving to Los Angeles at 13 and navigating the pressure of fame before he was old enough to understand the cost.

    Cody speaks candidly about the years that nearly derailed him, from rebellion, partying and substance abuse to experiencing psychosis and hitting rock bottom. He explains why leaving music and returning to elite swimming ultimately saved his life and how that decision led to representing Australia and winning medals.

    We also explore the relationships and moments that shaped his journey, from dating Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Emma McKeon and Miley Cyrus to the brutal discipline required to rebuild his life after fame.

    Now returning to music with a new record deal and a completely different mindset, Cody shares what he’s learned about fame, identity, discipline and why the most important chapter of his life may still be ahead.Cody Simpson, We Need To Talk

    This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. We've included support charities below:

    MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb

    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb

    (00:00) Intro (01:35) Cody Describes Growing Up on the Gold Coast, Australia (07:36) Cody’s First Experiences with Playing Music and Writing Songs (14:15) How Cody Was Discovered and Signed a Record Deal (22:28) Cody’s Early Experiences of Songwriting in LA (27:04) Paul Surprises Cody With a Photograph (27:32) What Was Life Like Back in Australia Once Cody Found Fame? (29:51) Why Does Cody Think He Was So Popular So Quickly? (31:28) How Scooter Braun Marketed Cody Compared to Justin Bieber (34:59) ‘Tween Mags’ and Cody’s Markers of Success (37:11) Cody Listens Back to a Couple of His Old Songs (42:54) Snapchat Ad (44:03) Shopify Ad (45:11) Cody Breaks Down His Romantic Relationships with Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Miley Cyrus (55:50) Cody Breaks Down His Relationship with Olympic Swimmer Emma McKeon (58:55) Cody Reflects on the Negative Effects of Fame at an Early Age (01:10:17) Paul Surprises Cody With a Letter From Someone He Loves (01:16:06) Cody’s Transition from Music to Swimming Professionally (01:24:41) Moving Back to Australia and Training for the Paris Olympics (01:31:45) Cody Reveals Plans for His New Music (01:40:31) Paul’s Takeaways

    Follow me here:

    https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk 

    https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

    Follow Cody here:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysimpson

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@codysimpson

    Sponsored by:

    Snapchat: Learn more at https://thekeysuk.snapchat.com 

    Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More Leisure podcasts

About We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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
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