Estelle EXCLUSIVE The Truth Behind AMERICAN BOY “I Prayed For The Strength To Speak To Kanye!”
In this episode of We Need To Talk, Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle joins Paul for an unfiltered conversation about music, identity, and the power of self-belief.
From growing up in West London to becoming the first artist to be signed by John Legend, Estelle shares the resilience it took to break into the music industry - and the self-trust she had to develop along the way.
She tells the incredible story of how a chance encounter with Kanye West in a chicken shop led to the global smash hit American Boy. Estelle reflects on the personal losses that shaped her, the industry rejection she pushed through, and how she’s finally learned to trust her voice - both in music and in life.
This is the real story behind American Boy - and so much more.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:50) Estelle's Childhood in Hammersmith
(04:40) What Values Did Estelle's Grandmother Instill in Her?
(06:22) Estelle's Family
(07:37) How Estelle's Parents Met
(09:04) Estelle's Relationship with Her Father
(10:09) How Did Estelle's Parents' Split Affect Her?
(11:22) Estelle's Experience of School
(15:28) The Beginning of Estelle's Career in Music
(27:31) The Differences Between Hip Hop and R&B in the USA vs. UK in the Early 2000s
(29:43) Estelle's Experience in the British Music Industry as a Black Female Artist
(35:53) How Estelle Met Kanye West and John Legend
(44:10) Shopify Ad
(45:21) Tinder Ad
(46:16) How Estelle Wrote 'American Boy'
(51:26) The Legacy of 'American Boy'
(54:53) Paul’s Favourite Estelle Songs
(56:48) When Did Estelle Feel Like She Was 'Losing It' During Her Career?
(1:03:43) How Did Estelle Learn to Trust Herself?
(1:06:44) Estelle's Relationship History
(1:15:59) Is Estelle Interested in Being a Mother?
(1:16:57) The Impact of Estelle's Grandmother's Death
(1:21:51) Estelle's Spiritual Beliefs
(1:22:46) Estelle's Role in 'Steven Universe'
(1:26:30) Why Is Allyship So Important to Estelle?
(1:28:53) Paul Tells a Crazy Story About Estelle
(1:31:03) One of Estelle's Wildest Moments During Her Career
(1:33:07) Happiest Moment of Estelle's Career
(1:34:49) Estelle's New EP 'New Direction'
(1:37:35) Paul, De La Soul and Estelle's Feature on 'Memories Of'
(1:40:24) Estelle's Forthcoming Book
(1:42:37) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:46:18) Paul's Takeaways
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1:52:38
Talia Mar’s Relationship With Sidemen’s Miniminter “We Didn’t Sleep Until 8AM On First Date!”
This episode of We Need To Talk sees YouTuber and singer Talia Mar share the defining moments that have shaped her life. She opens up about her whirlwind romance with Simon (AKA Sidemen's Miniminter) - from their instant connection on their first date to how they plan to parent their child in the public eye.
Talia candidly discusses being diagnosed with autism at 25, the struggles of masking, feeling different, and how it reshaped her understanding of herself. She also opens up about navigating pregnancy with ASD and why so many women remain undiagnosed on the spectrum. Talia reflects on her school bullying experiences and the battle with anorexia that pushed her to her limits.
This conversation is about Talia’s journey of self-discovery, embracing her autism, and how her deep connection with Simon helps them navigate the challenges of life together.
This episode discusses sensitive topics, including anorexia. If you need support, please find resources below:
MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/w5vNMYwowQb
Beat Eating Disorders - https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb
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(1:51) Talia and Paul's Shared Connection with Sutton
(2:48) Talia's Childhood
(6:12) Talia's Childhood Love of Music
(8:00) Talia's Experience of BRIT School
(8:49) Talia's Experience of Bullying at Her Previous School
(10:45) Talia's Mental Health Struggles at School
(13:57) Talia's First Best Friend at 16
(14:47) Talia's Perspective on Romantic Relationships at 16
(15:37) How Did Talia Believe She Was Going to Be Successful in Music?
(19:23) How Did Talia Know She Was Doing Something Right with Her YouTube Channel?
(20:51) When Was Talia's First Monetisation from YouTube?
(23:30) 'Tough Decisions' EP Release
(25:50) Talia's Fellow BRIT Alumni
(30:45) Talia's Emotional Regulation
(33:59) Tinder Ad
(34:55) How Talia Met Simon Minter
(47:23) What Made Talia Fall in Love with Simon Minter?
(49:26) Talia's First Impressions of the Sidemen
(53:16) The Reaction to Talia and Simon Making Content Together
(56:32) How Did Her Public Relationship with Simon Impact Talia's Work?
(1:00:22) Did Talia Have Any Doubts About Her Engagement to Simon?
(1:01:39) Talia's Autism Diagnosis
(1:13:30) How Was Simon with Talia's Autistic Traits?
(1:14:15) Talia and Simon's Wedding
(1:16:06) Talia's Pregnancy
(1:19:21) How Do Talia and Simon Plan to Manage Having a Baby in the Public Eye?
(1:21:57) How Has Talia Found Being Pregnant?
(1:25:42) What Is Talia Most Excited for Regarding Her Future?
(1:27:22) Talia's Thoughts on Plastic Surgery
(1:30:40) Talia's Struggles with Anorexia
(1:38:16) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:41:40) Paul's Takeaways
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1:47:54
MAFS Star Ella Morgan "You Say I'm Crazy, You're With Katie Price Now!" Most Trans People Attempt To Take Their Lives
Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan sits down alongside her dad Chris for an emotional conversation about identity, acceptance and resilience.
Ella opens up about knowing she was different as a child, the challenges of transitioning, the heartbreaking moments of self-doubt and how her relationships on MAFS and Celebs Go Dating shaped her journey.
She and Chris reflect on their struggles to understand each other, the moments that nearly broke their family, and the unconditional love that brought them back together. Chris speaks candidly about his struggles in coming to terms with Ella’s transition to being her biggest supporter.
Together, they address the misconceptions surrounding trans identities, the harsh realities of discrimination, and the power of unconditional love.
A powerful conversation every parent and child needs to hear.
This episode discusses sensitive topics, including suicide and eating disorders. If you need support, please find resources below:
MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/w5vNMYwowQb
Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/zsXiEH8BORb
Beat Eating Disorders - https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb
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(0:00) Intro
(1:27) Ella Being a Trans 'Advocate' Not an Activist
(3:41) Ella Explains 'Dead-Naming'
(6:14) Why Did Ella Go on MAFS?
(9:53) Ella's Relationship History Before MAFS
(12:07) Safety as a Trans Person
(14:40) What Were Ella's Lessons from MAFS?
(20:18) Ella's 'Ill-Advised' Relationship on Celebs Go Dating
(23:26) Adobe Ad
(24:26) Tinder Ad
(25:18) Ella's Reaction to Three-Year-Old Evan
(27:54) What Was Ella's Childhood Like?
(30:10) Ella's Experience at School
(31:54) Societal Scripts Around Gender
(33:44) When and How Ella Realised She Was Trans
(36:51) Ella's Experience of Bulimia
(43:52) Ella's Experience of Suicide at 16
(50:01) Ella Coming Out as Trans to Her Mum
(54:04) Ella First Presenting as a Woman
(55:44) How the Rest of Ella's Family Found Out Her True Identity
(57:34) Ella's Dad Joins the Conversation
(58:59) How Did Chris Find Out About Ella's True Identity?
(1:00:53) How Did Chris Feel When He First Found Out About Ella?
(1:02:56) Paul Shows Chris a Picture of Him and Ella from 2001
(1:04:43) What Were Chris' Hopes and Dreams for Ella as a Child?
(1:06:25) How Chris Dealt with Changing Terminology After Finding Out
(1:09:10) When Did Chris Realise Ella's Identity Wasn't Just a Phase?
(1:11:02) Public Reaction to Ella Presenting as a Woman
(1:12:49) Ella's Experience of Gender Reassignment Surgery
(1:15:27) Chris' Experience of Ella's Transition Surgery
(1:17:13) Stats on Suicide in Transgender People
(1:17:57) Ella's Second Experience with Suicide
(1:19:42) How Did Chris Deal with Ella's Suicide Attempt?
(1:21:35) How to Hold Space for Someone in Crisis
(1:22:29) What Is the 'Work' for Families During a Transition?
(1:25:29) Support for Parents of Transgender People
(1:27:23) What Ella's Transition Means to Chris
(1:29:26) Paul and Chris' Experience of Transphobia Among Friends
(1:31:02) Why Ella Is the Bravest Person Chris Knows
(1:34:02) Chris' Advice to Parents of Transgender Children
(1:34:43) Ella's Procedures and the Costs
(1:38:23) Statistics on Transgender Employment Rates
(1:39:40) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:43:19) Paul's Takeaways
Sponsored by:
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1:49:33
Jordan Stephens EXCLUSIVE: I Want To Tell JADE I Love Her ALL THE TIME! I Was Shamed For Going Down On Girls!
In this episode of We Need To Talk, Jordan Stephens opens up like never before. The musician, writer, and actor shares the untold story behind his rise to fame with Rizzle Kicks, the struggles that nearly broke him, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life.
Jordan reflects on his battles with addiction, the weight of fame, and the personal challenges he’s faced behind closed doors. For the first time, Jordan reflects on a period where he felt his lowest and how a phone call with his mum brought him back from the edge.
Now, in a high-profile relationship with Jade Thirlwall, Jordan opens up about how they navigate their relationship in the spotlight, and whether marriage and fatherhood are on the cards.
Paul and Jordan have a powerful conversation around masculinity, exploring the struggles men face with emotions, intimacy, and societal pressures.
This is Jordan Stephens as you’ve never seen him before.
Support charities:
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(00:00) Intro
(01:36) Influence of Jordan’s Mum and Dad on His Upbringing
(02:53) When Did Jordan Realise His Parents Were Anti-Establishment?
(04:24) Jordan’s Experiences on His Childhood Estate
(06:05) Jordan’s Parents’ Situation When He Was a Child
(07:28) Jordan Moving to Brighton at 10
(08:25) What Did Jordan Think of His Parents Growing Up?
(10:38) Jordan’s Complicated Relationship With Class
(13:37) Jordan’s Experience as a Young Mixed-Race Man in Brighton
(17:25) How Does Jordan Categorise Himself?
(22:01) Jordan’s Early Experiences With Drugs
(26:33) Changing Attitudes Towards Sex
(27:38) The ‘Bizarre’ Story of Jordan Losing His Virginity
(32:48) When Did Jordan Fall in Love With Hip-Hop?
(35:17) The Origins of Rizzle Kicks
(39:08) How Jordan Made ‘Down With the Trumpets’
(43:13) Does Jordan Have Any Regrets About His Music Career?
(48:19) Paul Loves Jordan’s Book ADHD
(49:29) Paul and Jordan’s Thoughts on the State of Masculinity
(54:37) Internalised Homophobia
(58:53) The Kinsey Scale: Understanding Sexuality
(1:00:28) Jordan’s Experience at ‘The Bridge’
(1:05:24) Adobe Express Ad
(1:06:24) Tinder Ad
(1:07:34) Jordan’s Experience With Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
(1:16:13) Jordan’s ‘Break-Up’ With His Mother
(1:22:05) Jordan’s ‘Type’
(1:23:33) How Jordan Met JADE
(1:30:26) Jordan’s Thoughts on Polyamory
(1:32:20) Jordan’s Thoughts on the ‘L Word’
(1:34:52) Jordan and JADE's First Date
(1:38:56) Will Jordan and JADE Get Married?
(1:42:06) Jordan’s Thoughts on Fatherhood
(1:47:44) How Jordan Navigates Being in a High-Profile Relationship
(1:54:10) Jordan Praises Paul and WNTT
(1:56:27) Most Memorable Conversation
(2:00:04) Paul’s Takeaways
Sponsored by:
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2:06:14
Bre Tiesi EXCLUSIVE: “I Was OUTED” The TRUTH Behind Selling Sunset & Relationship With Nick Cannon!
In this episode of We Need To Talk, Bre Tiesi opens up about her journey from Vegas clubs to becoming a top luxury realtor and star of Selling Sunset. She shares the real drama behind the cameras, her relationship with Nick Cannon, and the challenges of navigating motherhood in the spotlight.
For the first time, Bre shares the truth about growing up in Calabasas, the impact of her fractured relationship with her mother, and why she filed for emancipation from her parents at 14. She reflects on how these struggles shaped her into the self-made, empowered woman she is today. Bre also talks about her high-profile relationships with Nick Hogan and Johnny Manziel and the impact of the LA wildfires.
Unfiltered, unapologetic - this is Bre Tiesi in her own words.
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(00:00) Intro
(00:01:47) UK vs. US Comparisons
(00:02:49) Growing Up in Los Angeles
(00:03:48) Bre's Family Heritage
(00:05:23) How Bre's Upbringing Shaped Her Identity
(00:06:21) Meeting Her Father for the First Time at 12
(00:09:59) Moving Between Caregivers During Adolescence
(00:12:01) Did Bre Miss Out on a Childhood?
(00:13:05) Paul & Bre’s Views on Marriage
(00:13:44) How Bre Feels About Sharing Her Story
(00:16:33) Bre’s Avoidant Attachment Style
(00:18:18) Emancipating Herself at 13
(00:19:10) Bre's First Relationship With Nick Hogan
(00:20:37) Breaking Into the Modeling Industry
(00:21:22) Her Relationship With Family at 18
(00:24:46) Bre's Early Relationship With Money
(00:25:55) How Her Relationship With Nick Hogan Ended
(00:28:00) Working Bottle Service in Nightclubs
(00:30:33) Bre's Experience With Excess Wealth
(00:32:04) Bre’s Natural Sales Talent
(00:34:56) Bre's Biggest Tip for Success
(00:35:51) Her Decision to Leave the Club Scene
(00:37:13) How Bre’s Mother Shaped Her Persuasion Skills
(00:39:32) Struggles With Self-Image
(00:40:43) Her Marriage to Johnny Manziel
(00:50:01) Divorcing Johnny Manziel
(00:53:38) Stepping Into the Public Eye
(00:56:19) Where Does Bre’s Self-Worth Come From?
(00:57:07) Shopify Ad
(00:58:20) Tinder Ad
(00:59:11) Starting Her Career in Real Estate
(01:00:24) Gender Disparity in the Real Estate Industry
(01:01:50) Landing Her First Big Listing
(01:03:03) Bre's Relationship With Nick Cannon
(01:06:28) How Their Non-Monogamous Relationship Works
(01:10:34) Has Bre Ever Felt Jealous?
(01:14:31) Polygamy: Changing Attitudes & Statistics
(01:17:18) Pregnancy & Miscarriage Experiences
(01:18:52) Giving Birth & Motherhood
(01:22:29) Bre’s Battle With Postpartum Depression
(01:27:42) How Motherhood Transformed Her Life
(01:29:19) Joining Selling Sunset
(01:30:22) Going Public About Her Relationship With Nick Cannon
(01:33:57) Filming Selling Sunset Six Weeks Postpartum
(01:37:56) Was Bre Targeted on the Show for Her Relationship?
(01:41:27) Her Thoughts on the Public’s Reaction to Her
(01:43:28) Bre’s Vision for the Future
(01:45:41) Surviving the LA Wildfires
(01:49:42) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:51:25) Paul’s Key Takeaways
(01:54:10) Adobe Express Ad
Sponsored by:
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Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
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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.
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