We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

What really happened to Spencer Pratt after The Hills - and why has so much of the story never been told? Known as one of reality television’s most controversial figures, Spencer opens up like never before in this exclusive, unfiltered conversation, sharing the real story behind The Hills, Heidi and the real cost of Hollywood.

He explains the moments where “playing the villain” stopped being strategy and started becoming personal - and why that line matters more than people realise. He also reflects on his nearly 20-year relationship with Heidi Montag, sharing how their marriage survived relentless pressure from producers, paparazzi and public hatred. Spencer explains how reality TV blurred the line between survival and self-destruction - and what it’s like to live with an image you can’t outrun.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Spencer walks through the year that changed everything - losing his home, questioning his identity and confronting the consequences of a life built in front of cameras. 

Spencer shares:

◽ How he inspired The Kardashians ◽ Why he never planned on marriage and thought he would stay a player

◽ The untold story of losing his home and everything inside it

◽ How fame and being “the villain” nearly destroyed his life

◽ Why Heidi Montag truly saved their marriage

Spencer Pratt, We Need To Talk

(00:00) Intro

(02:55) Spencer’s Upbringing in Los Angeles

(04:37) Spencer’s Soccer Career as a Teenager

(06:55) Famous Classmates and Life on Film Sets

(11:38) How Spencer’s Soccer Career Came to an End

(13:34) Spencer’s Sense of Purpose

(15:03) How Spencer Joined The Hills

(19:52) The Legacy of The Hills and Its Influence on Reality TV

(24:35) Spencer’s Fame at the Height of The Hills

(30:46) How and Why The Hills Came to an End

(33:50) Spencer’s Role in the Kardashians’ Success

(36:07) Life After The Hills Ended

(42:08) Does Spencer Have Any Regrets About The Hills?

(47:32) Shopify Ad

(48:44) Spencer Describes His Relationship With Heidi

(53:32) Did Spencer Want to Be a Father?

(56:25) What Changed Spencer’s View on Fatherhood

(58:29) Reflecting on the LA Fires One Year After Losing His Home

(01:00:01) The Day Spencer’s House Burned Down

(01:11:39) How the Fire Impacted Spencer and His Family

(01:14:15) How the Fires Led to Spencer’s LA Mayoral Campaign

(01:24:28) Spencer’s First Day as LA Mayor

(01:26:37) Spencer’s Response to His Detractors

(01:27:25) Who Spencer Voted for in the Last Presidential Election

(01:33:14) What Readers Will Learn From Spencer’s Autobiography

(01:35:15) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:36:17) Is Spencer Proud of Himself Today?

(01:38:54) Paul’s Takeaways

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With Love Island All Stars on screen, we’re diving into the real story behind the iconic villa life. Shakira Khan, Maura Higgins and Megan Barton-Hanson share the untold truths of their experiences on the show, what it’s really like to enter the villa, the pressure of public scrutiny, and how fame changes everything.

From Shakira’s unexpected path to the show, to Maura's bold entrance and Megan’s media battles, this episode takes you behind the sunglasses and slow-motion walks to explore the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

We're Talking Love Island

This episode includes sensitive topics. If you are affected by anything in this podcast, please find support organisations that can offer support below:

CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/uULaUXcM3Nb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb

(00:00) Intro

(00:41) Shakira Khan Talks About Her Ambitions Pre-Love Island and What Led to Her Joining the Show

(17:25) Maura Explains Why She Chose to Do Love Island and Her Mindset Entering the Villa

(28:58) Megan Reveals How She Got Onto Love Island and Her Challenges in the Villa
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Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean opens up about fame, fatherhood, recovery and the work it takes to rebuild your life while you’re still living it. Alex reflects on the early days of building the Backstreet Boys, the brotherhood that sustained them through global fame, and the hidden cost of growing up in the spotlight. He speaks candidly about living a double life, but also about sobriety, creativity and rediscovering pride, especially after the moment his daughters told him they were proud of him. Today, Alex shares how doing the inner work helped him reconnect with music, purpose and joy on stage again.

Alex also discusses reconciling with his wife, learning boundaries, managing ego inside a legendary band, and honouring the legacy of Liam Payne. This is a conversation about accountability, growth and becoming a better man.

Alex shares:
◽ How the Backstreet Boys were built and why their bond still works
◽ Living a double life and what finally forced change
◽ The moment his daughters shifted how he sees himself
◽ Wanting to get back together with his wife and rebuilding trust
◽ Managing fame, ego and longevity
◽ Remembering Liam Payne and lessons from shared struggles
◽ Why putting himself first helped him show up better for everyone

AJ McLean, We Need To Talk

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(00:00) Intro

(02:17) What’s the Difference Between Alex and AJ?

(06:27) The Root of Alex’s Addiction

(07:32) Alex’s Complicated Relationship With His Father

(11:59) The Importance of Boundaries

(12:48) How Alex Got the Nickname “Bone”

(15:59) When Alex Knew He Was a Performer

(17:22) How the Backstreet Boys Were Formed

(20:26) Lou Pearlman’s Hold on the Backstreet Boys

(22:02) The Dynamic Between the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC

(27:58) Backstreet Boys’ Early Success in Europe

(30:38) How the Backstreet Boys Redefined the Boy Band Genre

(32:17) The High Points of Backstreet Boys Fame

(37:09) The Enduring Popularity of the Backstreet Boys

(38:53) “Yes Men” and the Band’s Darkest Period

(41:31) Backstreet Boys at The Sphere in Las Vegas

(46:26) Huel Ad

(47:34) WNTT LA Trailer

(48:29) Alex’s Rock Bottom

(52:55) Alex’s Relationship With His Daughters

(01:01:06) Alex’s Relationship With His Wife and Their Ongoing Reconciliation

(01:05:59) The Meaning Behind the Epilogue of Alex’s New Album

(01:09:29) How the Backstreet Boys Manage Their Egos

(01:14:00) Building the Band and Alex’s Relationship With Liam Payne

(01:22:15) Alex’s Mantra for Self-Acceptance

(01:26:21) Paul Shows Alex a Photo

(01:29:20) Most Memorable Conversation

(01:36:10) Paul’s Takeaways

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Holly Hagan and Chloe Ferry reflect on their time on Geordie Shore, sharing the challenges of navigating body image, fame, and the pressures of growing up on camera. They dive into the mental health impact of reality TV and how they struggled with self-esteem and public scrutiny while learning to find their true selves.

Holly and Chloe also open up about their experiences with surgery, the overwhelming influence of social media, and the journey to accepting their bodies. This candid conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love, personal growth, and resilience in the face of constant public judgment.

(00:00) Intro

(00:31) How Chloe Joined the Geordie Shore Cast

(07:23) Welfare on Geordie Shore During Chloe’s Time on the Show

(09:27) How Chloe Dealt With Negative Online Comments

(12:19) Holly’s Experience Filming the First Series of Geordie Shore

(18:46) Welfare Then vs Now in Reality TV

(22:47) Why Holly Signed Up for Series 2 of Geordie Shore

(25:21) Geordie Shore’s Popularity Peak in 2016

(26:17) Class in the UK and How Reality TV Represents It
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Dancer and TV personality Louie Spence opens up in one of his most honest and emotionally revealing interviews to date. From growing up in a working -class household where love was present but rarely shown, to the sacrifices his parents made to support his talent, Louie reflects on the early experiences that shaped his independence, anxiety and drive to perform.

Louie speaks candidly about living with panic attacks for most of his life, how anxiety followed him through fame and success, and the private battles behind his larger-than-life public persona. He opens up about touring the world with the Spice Girls, sudden celebrity, family addiction, and the grief of losing his mother - sharing moments he’s never spoken about publicly before.

Now, Louie reflects on what it’s taken to slow down, sit with difficult emotions, and keep going - even on the days when the fight feels internal.

Louie shares:

◽ Growing up feeling loved, but rarely shown affection

◽ The sacrifices his parents made - and the pressure that came with it

◽ Living with panic attacks and anxiety from a young age

◽ What life on tour with the Spice Girls was really like

◽ How fame amplified his anxiety rather than fixed it

◽ The impact of addiction inside his family

◽ Losing his mum and processing grief years later

◽ Why the most important conversations he’s had are with himself

Louie Spence, We Need To Talk

Support charities: 

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

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

Support Louie

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

Watch Louie's YouTube series Louie Spence In Care: https://youtu.be/i8jbDXpzJE8

Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LouieSpenceInCare

(00:00) Intro

(01:36) Louis’ Working-Class Upbringing and His Relationship With His Parents

(10:41) Louis’ Experience of the 1980s and Article 28

(15:28) Gay Life Today vs the 1980s

(17:41) The Beginnings of Louis’ West End Career

(18:59) Louis’ Experience as a Backing Dancer for the Spice Girls

(25:25) How Louis’ Anxiety Limits His Life

(31:34) Where Louis Believes His Anxiety Comes From

(36:30) How Louis Manages His Anxiety

(41:14) Why Louis Started Working at Pineapple Dance Studios

(42:49) The Pineapple Dance Studio TV Show and Louis’ Rise to Fame

(43:58) Does Louis Know How Many TV Shows He’s Been On?

(44:38) Is Louis’ TV Persona His True Personality?

(45:33) Shopify Ad

(46:36) Louis’ Experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins

(53:50) Why Louis Left SAS

(57:32) Louis’ Experience of His Mother’s Alcoholism and Her Passing

(01:15:08) Most Memorable Conversation

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