If you want to talk about OGs, you can’t get much better than LL Cool J; one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, he’s gone on to star in movies, tv and after 11 years, he’s finally released another album and I was lucky enough to chat to him for today’s episode - what an insane honour.

From a young age, LL Cool J knew music was his calling, but his journey to success was far from easy. At just four years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother - an experience that shaped him, taught him resilience and maintaining a sense of calm in a storm. Despite the heights of his success and fame, LL confesses to being a bit of a bookworm and introvert - surprising considering how infectious his energy is and open his heart - he talks to me about the importance of chosen family and generosity, revealing that he gives 10% of all his earnings to the church.

This was a conversation I won’t forget in a hurry - to speak to an icon, who’s life has been so different from mine, but to find connection, to laugh, to be made to think - it’s what unites us all.

If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast

As I mentioned, LL's released his first music in 11 years - here's a link to the new album, The Force: shopuk.llcoolj.com

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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

After reaching the heights of success so quickly, it all came crumbling down for Rizzle Kicks when Harley’s anxiety left him incapable of performing. In an attempt to help him, Jordan realised he too had demons to conquer. Now, almost ten years later, Rizzle Kicks are back! - and I was lucky enough to chat to them about the journey from then to now…

Known as the quiet one, Harley opens up for the first time in a public space about his battles with his mental health, his OCD and how he found a way out of the dark space he was in that led to the break in the music. Jordan also discusses his journey from that time, and how, in retrospect, he can see how their instant success warped their sense of achievement. We also discuss the value of role models and finding motivation from a place of peace.

Harley and Jordan are such a wonderful example of friendship and the conversation was so honest and vulnerable - it reminded me of the important of sharing our experiences with one another

Rizzle Kicks have got a new album - you can find it here: rizzlekicks.tmstor.es/?lf=9c019ff825d8443192ddfe6e7be79e66

And Jordan's book you can find here: www.amazon.co.uk/Avoidance-Drugs-Heartbreak-Jordan-Stephens-ebook/dp/B0CTMNQXP6

If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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

From her breakout role as Charlotte in The Inbetweeners and gracing the covers of lads’ mags, Emily Atack always knew she’d be famous but the level of attention that came with it wasn’t quite what she’d bargained for, especially when that attention has gotten nasty.

Emily and I have been friends for some time but this is the first time I’ve seen her since becoming a mum so it was fantastic having the chance to chat to her about her career and how having a child has changed her world view. We chatted about her experience with the press and the toxic language we use around weight and women in the public eye. We also discussed her advocacy around the changing the laws of sexual consent and how she envisions a future where her son grows up in a world that respects and values women.

A conversation with Emily will always be filled with laughter, but she also articulates so well the experience of being a woman in the public eye. Our conversation left me feeling just how much more men need to introspect—and ultimately step up.

If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out!

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast or email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk

If you'd like to see Emily in her new show, Rivals, head to Disney+

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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