We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

WNTT

Details

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

Recent Episodes

OCT 27, 2026
Rickey Thompson on His Rise & Fall, Toxic Relationships, Going Broke, & Finally Being Accepted
Vine made Rickey Thompson famous overnight, taking him from a bullied high school underdog to a sensation. But what really happened when he moved to Hollywood and the initial hype faded? Years later, he revisits his viral rise, the promises of LA, and the moments that changed his life in ways he never expected. Rickey looks back at the trauma of growing up gay when his own father told him it was against the Bible, and the relentless bullying he endured while desperately dreaming of becoming an actor. He reflects on the whirlwind of sudden wealth, cashing a $50,000 check right out of high school, and the devastating reality check that followed when a four-year acting job came to an end. From being completely dropped by his agency and manager, to running out of money and being forced to move in with a friend, Rickey opens up about the darker reality of life after going viral. He reveals the moments he felt completely "over life," and how he had to lock himself in a room to rebuild his career from scratch on Instagram. Looking back at the videos where it all began, this is a raw and vulnerable look at the true cost of internet fame, told with the hindsight he never had at the time. Rickey Thompson, 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 Brand partnerships enquiries: [email protected] Follow Rickey here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickeythompson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickeythompson (00:00) Intro(02:08) Rickey Thompson's Childhood in North Carolina(03:42) Rickey's Childhood and Family(05:53) Rickey's Experience With Childhood Bullying(12:26) Rickey's Relationship With Religion(15:11) Advice to His Younger Self(17:01) Rickey's Childhood Dreams(18:44) Growing Up and Finding His Identity(22:38) How Rickey Became Famous on Vine(29:04) Touring and Moving to Los Angeles(36:10) Rickey's First Acting Role(38:44) Rickey Thompson's Coming Out Story(41:36) The Lowest Point of Rickey's Career(45:13) Rickey's Social Media Comeback(50:17) How His Parents' Divorce Affected Him(56:06) Huel Ad(57:16) Anthropic Ad(58:06) Cometeer Ad(59:10) How COVID Changed Rickey's Career(01:05:18) Rickey's Upcoming Film Role(01:09:20) Rickey's Dating History and Ex-Boyfriend(01:24:33) Rickey's Love of Fashion(01:27:55) Rickey Thompson at the Oscars(01:30:18) Most Memorable Conversation(01:33:08) Paul's Key Takeaways Sponsored by: Huel - http://uk.huel.com/WNTT use code WNTT for £10 off Cometeer: https://cometeer.com/PAUL for $20 off your first order Anthropic - https://www.claude.ai/talk Sync-ID: MB01MZIO5KQM7XF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
99 MIN
OCT 20, 2026
What Really Happened On The X Factor (And Can It Ever Come Back?)
The X Factor made Lucy Spraggan, Jahméne Douglas and Rak-Su’s Myles Stephenson famous overnight, but what really happened behind the scenes of Simon Cowell’s hit TV show? Years later, they revisit their iconic auditions, the promises of fame and the moments that changed their lives in ways they never expected. Lucy looks back at a decision that changed the course of her music career, the pressure she faced behind the cameras, and why she feels she lost herself for a decade. Jahméne reflects on having his painful childhood turned into a television storyline, and the struggle of watching millions of people form an opinion of someone he didn't recognise. Myles revisits Rak-Su’s whirlwind rise to fame, Simon Cowell’s plans for the band, and the darker reality of life after winning The X Factor. Together, they reflect on the relationships, manipulation and difficult experiences that shaped their time on the show, questioning how much of what viewers saw was ever real. Returning to the auditions where it all began, this is a raw and nostalgic look at the true cost of fame, told with the hindsight they never had at the time. Lucy, Jahméne & Myles, We Need To Talk This episode includes discussions of domestic abuse and sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been affected, please explore the support resources below and consider donating to help these organisations continue their vital work: Women’s Aid: https://linkly.link/2xInX Refuge: https://linkly.link/2xIqZ MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Brand partnerships enquiries: [email protected] Follow here: Lucy: https://www.instagram.com/lspraggan Jahméne: https://www.instagram.com/jahmeneofficial Myles: https://www.instagram.com/mylesraksu (00:00) Intro(02:18) X Factor: What We Gained and Lost(06:15) The X Factor Audition Process(37:57) Organised Ad(39:17) Who Owns the Songs?(45:41) Watching Our X Factor Auditions(52:32) How X Factor Created Characters(01:06:11) X Factor Contestant Welfare(01:14:39) The Truth About the X Factor Judges(01:23:58) Classism on The X Factor(01:28:57) X Factor Contracts Explained(01:30:49) Dealing With the Press(01:38:26) The Best Moments on X Factor(01:43:35) Behind the X Factor Final(01:47:24) Nicole Scherzinger's Mic-Snatch Moment(01:53:09) Viral X Factor YouTube Clips(01:55:42) Why Lucy Left X Factor Early(02:07:51) X Factor Blacklisting and the 'Curse'(02:16:02) Myles' Life After X Factor(02:33:21) Life and Future Projects(02:37:12) Would We Do X Factor Again?(02:38:28) Should The X Factor Return?(02:43:27) Paul's Key Takeaways Sponsored by: Organised - Use code TALK for 15% off at https://www.organised.co/talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
170 MIN