Make It Reign with Josh Smith

Welcome to Chatterbox, a bite-sized taster of Josh Smith's Great Chat Show. A quick-fire round of conversation starters. Fast questions. Instinctive answers. Real, honest chat. As Bridgerton makes waves again with Part 2, we're bringing back one of our favourite guests for something a little extra. Golda Rosheuvel (aka Queen Charlotte) is as thoughtful as she is powerful. In this episode, she opens up about following your heart, falling fast, spotting red flags - and trusting your instincts when it matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jennifer Garner joins Josh for a funny, heartfelt and unexpectedly emotional chat - yes, she cries twice. From the legacy of 13 Going on 30 to leading The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 on Apple TV, she reflects on longevity in Hollywood and why women over 50 are finally being centred as the heroes of their own stories. She reveals how Reese Witherspoon “rejected outright” Hollywood's outdated belief that female-led stories don't sell - and addresses the rumour about her “rough patch,” confirming Reese showed up when she needed her most. Jennifer also shares the bold letter she wrote to fight for her latest role, and speaks honestly about the constant tension between motherhood and ambition. The Last Thing He Told Me” Season 2 is out now on Apple TV ____________ 00:00 Teaser Trailer  00:16  Intro  00:44 Meeting Jennifer Garner 01:08 The Greatest Chat That Changed Her Life 01:22 $150 a Week & Broadway Beginnings 02:29 “How Am I Still Working?” 03:32 The Surprise Was Bigger Than the Dream 04:15 Her First Movie & Running Down Broadway 06:22 Chasing “That Feeling” 07:26 Women Over 50 Leading in Hollywood 07:48 How Reese Witherspoon Rejected Hollywood's View 09:19 “There Have Been Times I've Needed Her” 09:38 The Broken Foot Story 10:07 Using Her Voice for Kids & Rural America 12:06 The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 (Apple TV+) 14:05 The Bold Letter She Wrote to Land the Role 16:00 Producing Her Own Projects 17:46 13 Going on 30 – The Legacy 19:01 The Joy of Making 13 Going on 30 20:29 Building Once Upon a Farm – $700M Business 22:57 Why We Should Be Talking About Early Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Chatterbox - a bite-sized taster of Josh Smith's Great Chat Show. It's quick-fire conversation starters. Instinctive answers. Real, honest chat. From Tracy Beaker to a BAFTA Rising Star win and a leading role in Netflix's Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, Mia McKenna-Bruce has grown into one of Britain's most exciting young talents. In this episode, she opens up about being a “yes queen,” constantly thinking about the future, and her unstoppable need to talk. Mia is a natural Chatterbox. And she shares how becoming a mum has helped her feel more grounded - and more herself than ever before. There's so much more to this conversation - catch Mia McKenna-Bruce's full episode on Josh Smith's Great Chat Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BAFTA-winning actor Malachi Kirby - known for Roots, Black Mirror, Small Axe, and now leading Disney+'s A Thousand Blows - sits down with Josh for an honest conversation about masculinity, identity, and ambition. In this chat, Malachi reflects on being warned about the “glass ceiling” for Black actors - and why he chose not to live under it. From the freedom and unwavering belief instilled in him by his mother to rejecting the idea that your circumstances define your future, this is a conversation about refusing limitation. He also dives into toxic masculinity, the pressure to be “100% masculine,” growing up as an introvert and lifelong observer, and why setting boundaries - in life and on set - might be the ultimate power move. ________ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:42 Podcast Intro 02:05 Malachi's Greatest Chat 02:58 The “glass ceiling” advice he chose to ignore 04:29 Why you shouldn't internalise other people's limitations 05:10 Dreaming big vs having vision 06:31 His mum's belief changed everything 08:11 The introvert who never planned to be an actor 09:33 Finding a safe space in drama class 11:14 When acting became serious 11:31 Giving his BAFTA to his mum 14:25 Why being an introvert is a power 19:00 The moment he almost quit acting 21:06 Learning to set boundaries on set 24:19 What listening really teaches you 26:47 Toxic masculinity and redefining manhood 31:30 “No man is 100% masculine” 33:18 A Thousand Blows and daring to dream 37:17 Forgiveness, second chances and compassion 38:43 Why forgiving yourself matters 40:21 What we should be talking about more 43:10 Outro ________ Josh Smith's Great Chat Show (@joshsmithsgreatchatshow) Brought you by Next Chapter Studios (@theNextChapterStudios) Host: Josh Smith (@joshsmithhosts) Creative Director: Carrie Rose Senior Producer: Bella Neale This podcast is part of the Spotify Partner Programme. Follow Josh Smith's Great Chat Show on Spotify and tap the

Welcome to Chatterbox - a bite-sized taster of Josh Smith's Great Chat Show. Josh dives into a round of conversation starters. Quick questions. Instinctive answers. Real, honest chat. We're throwing it back to our very first episode with Jason Isaacs. From Lucius Malfoy to a darkly unforgettable Captain Hook, Isaacs has built an iconic career playing characters you love to hate - most recently earning a Golden Globe nomination for The White Lotus. In this chat, he opens up about why silence can be more powerful than words, why he's always been drawn to questioning authority - and whether he feels even slightly guilty about pushing Dobby down the stairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erin Kellyman is currently slaying it in 28 Years Later, cementing her place as one of the UK's most exciting rising talents. Before 27, she's built a remarkable CV - from Solo: A Star Wars Story to Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Eleanor the Great, the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson. In this conversation with Josh, Erin opens up about growing up with anxiety, finding confidence through acting, the complexities of embracing queerness and female rage. Erin also reveals the moment she realised she didn't have to accept being treated differently on set - after doing her own hair for years - and why advocacy and allies matter. From female rage, to working on 28 Years Later, this is an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about finding your voice and unlearning what you've been taught to tolerate. 00:00 – Teaser Trailer 00:53 – Guest Intro 01:11 – Fear of Fame & Stepping Into Visibility 02:17 – From Anxious Child to Confident Actor 04:13 – How Acting Found Erin 07:11 – Being Kicked Out Of Drama School 08:27 – Representation & Being Seen 10:14 – Identity, Sexuality & Coming Out 17:45 – Advocating for Yourself on Set 20:28 – Queer Visibility & Everyday Discrimination 26:22 – “What Should We Be Talking About More?” ________ Josh Smith's Great Chat Show (@joshsmithsgreatchatshow) Brought you by Next Chapter Studios (@theNextChapterStudios) Host: Josh Smith (@joshsmithhosts) Creative Director: Carrie Rose Senior Producer: Bella Neale This podcast is part of the Spotify Partner Programme. Follow Josh Smith's Great Chat Show on Spotify and tap the

From ‘Tracy Beaker' to a BAFTA Rising Star win and a leading role in Netflix's ‘Agatha Christie's Seven Dials', Mia McKenna-Bruce has grown into one of Britain's most exciting talents. In this deeply honest chat with Josh Mia opens up about burnout, motherhood, learning to advocate for herself after breaking her foot on set, unlearning people-pleasing, navigating life as a working mum, and why we need to be talking about consent more. We also talk about Mia's upcoming roles, including one of the year's most anticipated TV series, The Lady, where she plays the dresser to the former Duchess of York, and her portrayal of Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr's first wife, in The Beatles biopic. 00:00 – Trailer 00:30 – Intro 01:05 – Her Greatest Chat: Helena Bonham Carter 02:10 – Why I'm bad at advocating for myself 02:45 – Breaking my foot… and saying “I'm fine” 04:00 – Fear of being labelled ‘difficult' 05:10 – Women, work, and burnout 06:40 – Growing up as a child actor 07:45 – Learning self-respect as an adult 08:40 – Motherhood, guilt, and ambition 10:00 – Why the world isn't built for working mums 11:45 – Losing yourself after having a baby 13:40 – Acting as therapy 15:10 – Stepping away from acting at 18 16:45 – Australia, starting again, and finding purpose 18:30 – Rejection, auditions, and not taking it personally 20:00 – Why How to Have Sex mattered 22:00 – Consent, language, and unspoken experiences 24:00 – When men came forward after the film 26:00 – Sex education failed us 28:00 – Grief, humour, and talking it through 30:00 – Playing real women with real pain 33:30 – Class, power, and being judged 36:20 – Agatha Christie & The Beatles 38:50 – What should we be talking about more? 40:10 – Outro ________ Josh Smith's Great Chat Show (@joshsmithsgreatchatshow) Brought you by Next Chapter Studios (@theNextChapterStudios) Host: Josh Smith (@joshsmithhosts) Creative Director: Carrie Rose Senior Producer: Bella Neale This podcast is part of the Spotify Partner Programme. Follow Josh Smith's Great Chat Show on Spotify and tap the

Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte, Golda Rosheuvel, has built a formidable career across stage and screen. In this chat with Josh, she reveals how ‘Bridgerton' changed her life - for better and for worse, opens up about the love-altering conversation she had with her wife, fame's hidden costs, and why vulnerability is her true power. Golda also unpacks living with dyslexia, therapy, why imposter syndrome can actually be a good thing, and why vulnerability is the gateway to real human connection. 00:00 – Trailer 00:30 – Intro 1:05 – The chat that led to marriage 05:05 – Letting go of control 06:40 – Childhood, migration & the power of community 08:40 – Discipline, sport & training the mind 09:30 – Living and working with dyslexia 11:40 – The power of storytelling 13:20 – The failed audition that led to Queen Charlotte 15:45 – How Bridgerton changed her life (and made it smaller) 18:30 – Being queer & being told not to come out 21:30 – Therapy, mental health & imposter syndrome 30:00 – Vulnerability, friendship & real connection 34:30 – Fear, dreaming big & staying grounded 42:20 – Loneliness, fame & Queen Charlotte's humanity 44:30 – Final question & outro ________ Josh Smith's Great Chat Show (@joshsmithsgreatchatshow) Brought you by Next Chapter Studios (@theNextChapterStudios) Host: Josh Smith (@joshsmithhosts) Creative Director: Carrie Rose Senior Producer: Bella Neale This podcast is part of the Spotify Partner Programme. Follow Josh Smith's Great Chat Show on Spotify and tap the

From Lucius Malfoy to a darkly unforgettable Captain Hook - Jason Isaacs has built an iconic career playing men you love to hate, most recently earning a Golden Globe nomination for ‘The White Lotus'. In one of Josh's most raw Great Chats, Jason opens up about addiction, sobriety, and the inner conversation that saved his life. Each episode ends with the same question “What should we be talking about more?” - and Jason offers one of the most urgent answers yet, stepping back to examine fear, power and inequality in the world of AI. 00:00 – Trailer 00:30 – Intro 01:05 – The greatest chat: a conversation with himself 02:20 – Hypnosis, childhood, and meeting four-year-old Jason 06:20 – Addiction hiding in plain sight 08:00 – Why sobriety took years, not days 10:10 – “My world just shrunk and the walls closed in” 12:00 – Loneliness after getting sober 13:45 – Learning how to live without substances 16:00 – Asking for help (again and again) 18:30 – Why self-esteem is built, not found 20:30 – Never fitting in - even with success 22:00 – What a ‘big break' really looks like 25:00 – Fame, ego, and letting go of outcomes 28:30 – Awards, recognition, and separating ego 31:30 – Advocating for others when you couldn't for yourself 35:00 – Anger, resentment, and choosing forgiveness 38:00 – Magic, obsession, and the need to belong 41:45 – What should we all be talking about more? 46:15 – Final line & outro ________ Josh Smith's Great Chat Show (@joshsmithsgreatchatshow) Brought you by Next Chapter Studios (@theNextChapterStudios) Host: Josh Smith (@joshsmithhosts) Creative Director: Carrie Rose Senior Producer: Bella Neale This podcast is part of the Spotify Partner Programme. Follow Josh Smith's Great Chat Show on Spotify and tap the

You can watch or listen to Josh Smith's Great Chat Show for free on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts from 4 February. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maya Rudolph, the mother of comedy and the only person to ever make me wet myself with laughter (so far) joins us today!  Maya's rise to the top of comedy started on ‘Saturday Night Live' with iconic sketches with the likes of Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig before she went on to win SIX Emmys, and of course bring us so much joy in one of the greatest movies of all time, ‘Bridesmaids'.  Maya is currently taking on her first lead role, playing the billionaire Molly who tries to redeem herself with a charitable foundation in one of my favourite TV shows, Apple TV+'s ‘Loot'. It's so funny, it's pure escapism and as ‘Loot' returns for a third season on 15th October we chat about how comedy helped Maya find her people, herself and her confidence.  In this episode I also teach Maya about some key iconic moments from British pop culture involving Posh and Becks and we chat about what's in our dressing up boxes, the incredible advice she got from Bill Murray, straight men confidence and her incredible work playing Kamala Harris on ‘Saturday Night Live'. There are laughs and some special moments in this episode, as I think Maya shows a whole other side of her and if you love this chat as much as me please get in touch. You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I'm really excited to be working with Primark - our go to for smart shopping and off the moment trends. Primark are serving us the best new denim collection for autumn with every fit imaginable: wide leg, palazzo, barrel, bootleg, or baggy. Primark's denim has a look for literally every occasion and for everyone because like Reign, Primark wants to empower you to celebrate you and your style everyday, no matter the occasion. Head to primark.com to browse the collection, and why not try the click and collect service while you're there babes?! P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you obsessed with the TV show, ‘The Girlfriend' on Prime Video AND the show's star Olivia Cooke?  In case you have no idea what I am talking about, ‘The Girlfriend' follows Olivia Cooke's character Cherry as she goes toe-to-toe with her overbearing mother-in-law, Laura, played by Robin Wright with disastrous consequences. It is TV at its best and you have to watch it ASAP!  Back to the podcast… you have been LOVING our recent episode with Olivia Cooke - who you will also know from ‘House of The Dragon', ‘Ready Player One', ‘Slow Horses' and so much more - so I thought why not treat you to a special bonus episode with Olivia!  When we recorded the episode at the London Podcast Festival I opened up the floor to audience questions and they were sooooo good I had to turn them into an episode.  Olivia shares so many incredible pieces of life advice in this special episode including one of my all time favourite lines on the podcast, “shoulders back babe!” So next time you feel like an imposter in any room, remember to pull those SHOULDERS BACK BABE and walk in with the confidence that you belong.  I hope this brings you as much joy and inspiration as it did me and our incredible audience and if you love this and Olivia's episode you can also check out episode 116 where Olivia joined us with her House of Dragon co-star, Emma D'Arcy. And as always please get in touch, I love to chat to you. You can find me on @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I'm really excited to be working with Primark - our go to for smart shopping and off the moment trends. Primark are serving us the best new denim collection for autumn with every fit imaginable: wide leg, palazzo, barrel, bootleg, or baggy. Primark's denim has a look for literally every occasion and for everyone because like Reign, Primark wants to empower you to celebrate you and your style everyday, no matter the occasion. Head to primark.com to browse the collection, and why not try the click and collect service while you're there babes?! P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teyana Taylor can do it all: she's a singer, songwriter, actress, model, dancer, choreographer, and director and in this episode of ‘Reign' Teyana proves she is an incredible philosopher too, because WOW the amount of great advice she shares in this episode is off the charts!  Teyana first came to our attention in the MTV show, ‘Super Sweet 16.' Her reality TV stints led to her choreographing for Beyonce and launching a music career with huge hits like ‘Gonna Love Me'. All before she announced she would retire from music to pursue acting. Plot spoiler - in case you don't know already - after a five hiatus Teyana returned to music this year with her new album, ‘Escape Room'.  After securing roles in ‘A Thousand and One' and ‘Coming to America 2', Teyana is now getting deserved Oscar buzz for starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn in Paul Thomas Anderson's ‘One Battle After Another' which is out in cinemas from 26th September. Teyana plays revolutionary Perfidia, part of the French 75 revolutionary movement fighting against right wing politics. It's certainly a timely movie which raises questions around migrants, racism and white supremacy and it's truly one of the best movies of the year which will hopefully get us all talking.  Teyana joins me for a deep chat, which shows a whole other side of her, as she talks about everything from the power of patience to operating in survival mode. Get your notepad and pen out whilst listening to this episode because there are so many quotes you need to live by!  If you love listening to Teyana as much as I did, get in touch, as I always love chatting to you and you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I'm really excited to be working with Primark - our go to for smart shopping and off the moment trends. Primark are serving us the best new denim collection for autumn with every fit imaginable: wide leg, palazzo, barrel, bootleg, or baggy. Primark's denim has a look for literally every occasion and for everyone because like Reign, Primark wants to empower you to celebrate you and your style everyday, no matter the occasion. Head to primark.com to browse the collection, and why not try the click and collect service while you're there babes?! P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am so excited to share this episode with the one and only Olivia Cooke, which we recorded live from the London Podcast Festival!  Olivia has shown us so much range on screen from big movie blockbusters like Steven Spielberg's ‘Ready Player One' to playing THE Allicent Hightower in ‘House of The Dragon.' But as you will discover in this episode Olivia serves just as much range when chatting off screen. As Olivia takes on the role of Cherry in your new TV obsession ‘The Girlfriend' on Amazon Prime we chat about her journey from growing up in Oldham to starting work at 18 and all the lessons, challenges, successes and failures she's encountered along the way.  Prepare to laugh a lot as Olivia as she shares hilarious stories including one involving a merkin and to be uplifted too as Olivia opens up about her mental health journey and the power of friendship. If you enjoy listening to Olivia as much as I did, get in touch as I always love chatting to you and you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I'm really excited to be working with Primark - our go to for smart shopping and off the moment trends. Primark are serving us the best new denim collection for autumn with every fit imaginable: wide leg, palazzo, barrel, bootleg, or baggy. Primark's denim has a look for literally every occasion and for everyone because like Reign, Primark wants to empower you to celebrate you and your style everyday, no matter the occasion. Head to primark.com to browse the collection, and why not try the click and collect service while you're there babes?! P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JoJo Siwa who has truly done it all since she rose to fame at just 11 years old in the reality TV show, Dance Moms. Since then JoJo has gone on to sell over 90 million hair bows as part of a billion dollar empire, had her own Nickelodeon show, launched a hugely successful YouTube channel, notch up billions of views and music streams and became the youngest person to sell out the O2 arena.  As JoJo prepares to go back on tour in October with new music she joins to have a very honest chat about her identity and her sexuality after she came out in 17 and recently formed a romantic relationship with Chris Hughes on Celebrity Big Brother UK.  This chat is filled with honesty and I hope this shows you that no matter how you identify that no one has the right to your identity and you should live your life for you and on your terms. If you enjoy listening to JoJo's story, get in touch as I always love chatting to you and you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x TO BE CONFIRMED P.S. I'm really excited to be working with Primark - our go to for smart shopping and off the moment trends. Primark are serving us the best new denim collection for autumn with every fit imaginable: wide leg, palazzo, barrel, bootleg, or baggy. Primark's denim has a look for literally every occasion and for everyone because like Reign, Primark wants to empower you to celebrate you and your style everyday, no matter the occassion. Head to primark.com to browse the collection, and why not try the click and collect service while you're there babes?! P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Include the p.s from Primark  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back with season 12 and in the spirit of fresh starts, get ready for a home makeover because today we are joined by one of THE names in interior design Kelly Hoppen CBE. Since she started her business at just 16 years old Kelly has designed every kind of space imaginable from jets to hotels, become a TV personality on the likes of Dragon's Den and now has her own collection for M&S. In today's episode Kelly talks about how losing her father at a young age propelled to start her business, being diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, the scars that childhood bullying has left and why you should *NEVER* chop a cushion… Along with giving us an interior design crash course Kelly shares so many great pieces of wisdom from her five decades in business so prepare to feel inspired. If you enjoy listening to Kelly, get in touch as I always love chatting to you and you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I am thrilled this episode is brought to you in partnership with M&S to celebrate Kelly Hoppen's incredible M&S design collections and her most recent debut launch into the world of M&S florals. It all began with her gorgeous Calla Lily's and statement Orchid - that you can order online right now - and her next floral arrangement from the collaboration is coming in September. The Vintage Rose Bouquet features 12 luxurious roses in a soft, powdery pink, paired with rich burgundy leaves and architectural branches, creating a bouquet that's both classic and contemporary. Head to the M&S website to bring affordable luxury into your home here: marksandspencer.com/l/brands/kelly-hoppen P.P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones- in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Garner has played some of the most iconic roles of recent times, including Ruth in ‘Ozark' and Anna Delvey in ‘Inventing Anna' - so I am beyond excited to have Julia on the podcast this week!  The three time Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner joins us as she takes on another iconic as the Silver Surfer in ‘The Fantastic Four' which she stars in alongside an O.G Reign queen, Vanessa Kirby (check out Vanessa's episode - it's a corker!).  Today we have a really great chat about how a loss in confidence led to Julia enrolling in clown school in France - and how it taught her so much about failure -  the power of being open and asking questions and how love at first sight when it comes to friendships is SO real.  Julia sprinkles so much wisdom in this episode but above all, I really love her words on why you should approach every situation like you have no limits and how letting go is an art form in itself. If you enjoy listening to Julia, get in touch as I always love chatting to you and you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S If this great chat has left you wanting to improve your communication skills and boost your relationships - and build new ones-  in the process check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk to Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' which is out now in paperback. Whether you are socially anxious, struggling to make connections on dates or want to learn how to have difficult conversations, this is the book for you! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From supermodel to ‘Superman' is there anything this week's guest Sara Sampaio can't do?  I am so excited to be joined by Sara as we take our Instagram friendship up a notch! Sara joins me to talk us through her inspiring rise through modelling - from starting out in a hair competition with little self belief to gracing the cover of every major fashion magazine including Vogue and becoming a certified Victoria's Secret Angel!  But when the pandemic hit and Sara hit a new low, she decided to start again and pursue acting. So if you are thinking of a career change, Sarah's words today might really help you take that leap of faith.  Now, as she stars as the misjudged influencer Eve Teschmacher in the new ‘Superman' movie, she opens up about how experiencing panic attacks led her to therapy and how being diagnosed with ADHD made everything click.  Sara shares some amazing words on the transformative power of finding what truly fulfills you in life, and learning the power of no so I hope this episode inspires you to trust your instincts.  If you love this conversation as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign' with the incredible Julia Garner. Love, Josh x P.S. This is an Advertisement for BetterHelp. The power of conversation is so important and asking for help instead of trying to face stuff alone can be SO empowering. Empowerment is what we're all about on ‘Reign' so I am so pleased this episode is brought to you in partnership with online therapy platform, BetterHelp. With over 5,000 therapists who have a diverse variety of expertise in mental health in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide you with access to the right mental health professional for you. With BetterHelp you can have online therapy on your schedule, wherever you are and build your support system,  If you need support now you can get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp by visiting betterhelp.com/reign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by one of my favourite athletes, a true tennis champ, Danielle Collins. I love Danielle because she is such a fierce competitor and so real and I think you are going to be so inspired by her honesty in this episode.  Fresh from Wimbledon, Danielle takes us back to her improbable journey to the top of tennis  from not even being able to keep score in her first tournament as a kid and playing against 50 year old men as a ten year old to becoming a top ten player in the world, a grand slam runner up at the Australian Open, and going on a career changing  15 match winning streak last year. That streak saw her win a huge tennis title, Miami Open and another Charleston back to back - a feat last achieved by Serena Williams.  But some of Danielle's greatest challenges have come off the court as she talks about having to deal with sexism, inappaorpate behaviour from men, and playing tennis with endometriosis.  I love Danielle's words on the life changing power of letting go of trying to be liked, so I hope this episode encourages you to walk into any room with a faith in your voice and confidence in yourself. If you love this chat as much as I do please reach out, as I love to chat. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhosts and if you want more inspiring conversations with incredible sporting stars from Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina to Lioness legends Jill Scott and Lucy Bronze check out our podcast back catalogue. Love, Josh x P.S This week's episode of Reign is brought to you in partnership with my favourite brands, FP Movement - who offer performance ready activewear from the studio to the street. What I love about  FP Movement is that they believe in the power of community, while standing out amongst the crowd, and we are ALWAYS here for any opportunity to express yourself while lifting up others! If listening to Danielle has got you inspired to pick up a tennis racquet, head to FP Movement. Their tennis and racket sport collection is full of performance ready styles which allow for maximum flexibility and power on the court. Check out the collection online at www.freepeople.com/uk/fpmovement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strap yourself in for a great chat with Megan Stalter - this is truly one of the funniest episodes of the podcast ever!  You might already know Megan from her TikTok comedy skits which got her big break in the Emmy award winning TV show ‘Hacks' where she plays the chaotic assistant, Kayla opposite Jean Smart.  Now Megan is taking the lead in Lena Dunham's new semi-autobigraphical Netflix show, ‘Too Much' where she plays Jessica, who moves to London after a heartbreak and meets an indie boy in her local boozer played by Will Sharpe (you will remember him from The White Lotus - of course!) It's a chef's kiss from me and you will absolutely LOVE this show when it lands on Netflix on 10th July.  Today we giggle through so many relatable topics like confidence, fears of phone calls, being thrown out of a Shakespeare improv group and how much we love gay - because pride is 365 days of the year babes!  I hope this episode shows you that if anyone ever calls you TOO MUCH, they are actually just too small for you! And if you love this conversation too, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are celebrating all things love and we are joined by an artist I, and so many of you love, Joy Crookes. The BRIT Award nominee shot to fame with her top five debut album, Skin which gave us the absolute belters ‘Feet Don't Fail Me Now' and ‘When You Were Mine.' Now as Joy prepares for release album two in September this year - which has already given us ‘I Know You'd Kill' and ‘Carmen' - we take a look back at Joy's journey from growing up in South London doing Irish Dancing for a McDonald's Happy Meal (that's our gal!) to picking up an Argos guitar and finding her way to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.  As we look back we also talk about how Joy isn't interested in being an artist who doesn't use her voice and platform, the politics of shame and the power of strangers.  There is so much to take away from this chat but what I found so refreshing about this episode is how honest Joy is about how finding love made her really reflect on herself and started a mental health crisis. This really spoke to me because it isn't always a honeymoon period when you are truly seen by someone for the first time but it's so worth it in the end.   If you loved this conversation with Joy as much as I did, please do get in touch as I love talking to you. You can get me on @joshsmithhosts and come back on Thursday because we will be serving you a bonus episode of the podcast with the audience questions from the show! It's an absolute hoot so you don't want to miss it! Love, Josh x P.S. I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Reign and Pandora both stand for the power of telling your own story in your way, and that's where Pandora's charm bracelets come in. Each charm can tell a different story about who we are - from the memory of an incredible trip that we loved, to the birthstone of someone special in our lives, or a charm to celebrate an achievement, however big or small! Start telling your story with Pandora by heading to pandora.net P.P.S If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones, check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk To Anyone. Make New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' is out now in paperback and audiobook! Whether you are socially anxious or a confident communicator already, the book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone in any situation, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why have one episode of the podcast with Jodie Comer in a week when you can have TWO!?!  Jodie is the guest that keeps on giving so I decided to spoil you this week by dropping a bonus episode with the audience questions from ‘Reign' live on the West End at the Adelphi Theatre. The audience really delivered with the questions, so I wanted to share this part of the show with you. We cover a lot of bases here, from Jodie's surprising first celebrity crush to her amazing words on building a legacy.  I really hope this brings you as much joy and inspiration as it did me and just remember, in the words of the iconic boy band Blue, “one love is all you need,” babes!  Make sure you listen to the full live recording with Jodie, if you haven't already and  I really hope we get to do another live event soon, so follow me on @joshsmithhosts to get updates and I'll see you soon for another episode of Reign. Love Josh x P.S If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones, check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk To Anyone. Make New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' is out now in paperback and audiobook! Whether you are socially anxious or a confident communicator already, the book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone in any situation, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have lost count how many times you have asked me to get Jodie Comer back on the podcast so when we did we had to go big or go home! So this episode was recorded in front of a 1000 plus strong audience at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End - it was a dream come true, everyone who came bought the energy and the chat really delivered!  In this episode Jodie reflects back on her career from her very first performance, to her Bafta and Emmy award winning role as Villanelle in ‘Killing Eve'. Just before Jodie embarks on a nationwide tour of her Olivier and Tony Award winning role in the one woman play, ‘Prima Facie' we talk about the game changing conversations around consent the show has started and of course we cover her latest movie role in the eagerly anticipated sequel, ‘28 Years Later' which is out in cinemas now!  As the event also celebrated the paperback release of my book, ‘Great Chat: Talk To Anyone. Build New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' Jodie shares some of the great chats that have shaped her and the power of feeling seen in intimate relationships.  There is so much to take away from this conversation but I really hope Jodie's words inspire you to get out of your own way and find your worth.  If you loved this conversation with Jodie as much as I did, please do get in touch as I love talking to you. You can get me on @joshsmithhosts and come back on Thursday because we will be serving you a bonus episode of the podcast with the audience questions from the show! It's an absolute hoot so you don't want to miss it! Love, Josh x P.S If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones, check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Talk To Anyone. Make New Connections. Improve Your Relationships' is out now in paperback and audiobook! Whether you are socially anxious or a confident communicator already, the book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone in any situation, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited to share this very special bonus episode of the podcast with you, it's an extract of my audio book, ‘Great Chat: Talk To Anyone. Make New Connections and Improve Your Relationships' which is out now finally out in paperback and a new updated audiobook!  Get your copy and listen to the audiobook here: geni.us/GreatChat Listen to the audiobook on Spotify Premium for free here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HH55EZsUSYtajczP6yjjJ?si=d25fe2b16afd4d4b  If you don't know what ‘Great Chat' is about, it's a self help book that will turn you into a more confident communicator. Whether you are socially anxious or a social butterfly there are seven vital lessons to make us all better communicators for ourselves and the people around us - no matter what social situation you find yourself in! So if you are finding it difficult to build meaningful connections on dates, I have got you! If it's hard to network - I have got you!  At the end of each chapter is a ‘chatterbox', which is a challenge to practice all the amazing lessons you will learn in the book, so it's really packed full of practical advice and guidance.  Here's even more exciting news! The paperback and audiobook have special bonus content that wasn't in the hardback edition. You will find an extra chapter about some life changing lessons I have learnt from conversations which will inspire you to get out there and get chatting. What you, my ‘Reign' listeners will LOVE is that I've extracted these lessons from my Reign guests including the amazing Kerry Washington, Richard E Grant, Cynthia Erivo, Rebecca Ferguson and Sadiq Khan AND there's also an additional ‘Chatterbox' in the new edition on how we can all be better allies to the neurodivergent community in coversations which is so vital!  The audio edition was so much fun to create and I went back into the studio a couple of weeks ago to record not only the bonus content that you can all find in the paperback but some bonus BONUS content just for the audiobook, too. For the lucky audiobook listeners, I will share some special bespoke advice from me. I asked you on my Instagram for some questions around chatting and communication, so you'll have to get the audiobook to see if I answered them! Don't forget, from the initial publication of ‘Great Chat', we also have the GREATEST chat with my friend and fantastic presenter Emma Willis, at the end of the audiobook, too. So when I say the audiobook it's super special, it really is. Now, as we did with the hardback publication, I'm going to treat you to another exclusive extract from the audiobook. In this special episode of ‘Reign' here's the very first chatterbox in the book: ‘Check Your Inner Chat.' Because the first step to becoming a more confident communicator starts with the conversation you have with yourself!  I hope you enjoy it and if you do, it would mean the world to me if you had a listen to the audiobook or buy the book and leave a comment wherever you get it! Hope you love it! Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been a Rita Ora fan since she popped off with ‘Hot Right Now' back in 2012, so I am so excited to have her on the show today. Since then Rita has amassed over 10 billion global streams, had 13 Top 10 UK singles, four of which have gone number 1 and she hasn't stopped there, she's entertained us on the likes of ‘The X-Factor' and ‘The Masked Singer' and she's now tackling the acting world starring alongside Henry Cavill in the upcoming ‘Voltron' and Disney's ‘Descendants'. As Rita releases her latest single, ‘Heat' - which is giving pure summer fun with the girl's energy and we truly love to hear it - Rita joins us for an interview whereby by her own admission she shares more than ever before.  We talk about making mistakes, finding staying power, dealing with misogyny, owning her music and learning to work on her mental health.  One of things I love most in this chat is when Rita chats about looking after her inner child which is a great reminder for us all to practice self love. If you love this conversation too, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.S. This is an Advertisement for BetterHelp. The power of conversation is so important and asking for help instead of trying to face stuff alone can be SO empowering. Empowerment is what we're all about on ‘Reign' so I am so pleased this episode is brought to you in partnership with online therapy platform, BetterHelp. With over 5,000 therapists who have a diverse variety of expertise in mental health in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide you with access to the best mental health professional for you. With BetterHelp you can have online therapy on your schedule, wherever you are and build your support system,  If you need support now you can get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp by visiting betterhelp.com/reign. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We say the word iconic a lot, but it really does apply to this week's guest Cynthia Nixon!  After starting her career as a child actor, in her early 30s Cynthia took the role of Miranda Hobbs in ‘Sex and The City' and not only did her life change, but the show's conversations around dating and sexuality changed the lives of women across the world. Off screen Cynthia also changed the game when she came out in the early 00s.  As she reprises the role of Miranda in the third season of ‘And Just Like That' - which you can watch exclusively in the UK on SKY and NOW - Cynthia joins me in Paris for a great chat that looks back on her career and her incredible advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.  We talk about how Cynthia almost lost the role of Miranda, getting with nuns (hey Rosie O'Donnell!), how you can come of age at any time, and the unforgettable chat on the set of ‘Sex and The City' that changed her life.  It's crazy to think when Cynthia came out the only out queer women were her and Ellen, and whilst this episode shows how far we have come with LGBTQIA+ visibility I hope - especially given the world we are living in right now - is shows much further we need to go and how so many of our long fought for rights need protecting this pride month and beyond.  If you love this episode as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.S. If this chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by an up and coming talent you are going to become obsessed with, Ellis Howard.  Ellis has been treading the theatre boards for a while including in the Olivier nominated, ‘To Kill A Mockingbird' and pulling together an incredible screenwriting career but now he's about to become a role model to many, starring in the exceptional BBC drama, ‘What It Feels Like For A Girl'. Based on the powerful memoir by previous Reign guest, Paris Lees (head back to episode 18) the show follows Ellis's character Bryon in the year 2000 trying to break out of their small town and start their queer journey, which eventually leads to Byron transitioning.  Today we talk about how Ellis landed a role that really changed his life in so many ways and how he went from “running away from himself at 100 miles per hour,” growing up queer in a working class background to embracing his identity fully.  When I say I loved talking to Ellis, I mean it with my whole gay heart because sometimes there is nothing more comforting than sitting across from a fellow queer and having a chat that really speaks to you.  So I hope wherever you are, however you identify, something in this great chat resonates with you. And if you love this chat please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mia Theapleton makes her podcast debut on ‘Reign' and I am so excited for you to get to know this incredibly talented and super fun actor!  You might already know Mia from her incredible performance opposite her mother, Kate Winslet  in Channel 4 drama, ‘I Am Ruth' where she played Freya, a teenager who's mental health spirals because of social media. Or you may have seen her in Apple TV's answer to ‘Bridgerton', ‘The Buccaneers' which returns for season two very soon.  Now Mia is taking the big screen by storm in Wes Anderson's latest movie, ‘The Phoenician Scheme' where she stars as a young nun, Liesel who goes on the most bizarre adventure with her billionaire father, Zsa-zsa Korda played by Benicio del Toro. Throw in a basketball playing Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson and a who's who of acting and you are in for a real trip, trust me!  We cover everything in this episode from auditioning for the role of a lifetime with a dirty napkin on the top of her head, to her fear of crumpets, Mia's journey with self confidence and dealing with dyslexia growing up - a conversation I think many will love.  As you know each episode ends with an incredible rule to live by and I think Mia's might be my favourite one to date, so get ready and if you love listening to this conversation as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.S. If this chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited that today we are joined by a true trailblazer, Rose Ayling-Ellis who I have wanted to have on the podcast for ages and trust me this conversation was worth the wait!  Rose has achieved so many firsts: she is the first deaf person to win ‘Strictly Come Dancing' which even won her a BAFTA, the first deaf person to host live sports coverage on British TV as a presenter for the 2024 Paralympics, and the first deaf actor to be nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in ‘As You Like It'.  And now after acting for 13 years she has landed her first lead role in ITV's gripping new TV drama, ‘Code of Silence' which follows her character Alison who is plucked from working in the police station canteen and recrutied to lip read for the police on a dangerous case. Plot spoiler: it's INCREDIBLE!  In this episode we talk about the hurdles and prejudice Rose has had to overcome to pursue the career she's dreamed of, the lessons she's learned from resilience and the pressure that comes from being a trailblazer.  We also chat about the mental health problems in the deaf community which we all need to pay more attention to and how we can all make space for oneanother to become a truly inclusive society.  If you love this conversation as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign'. Love, Josh x P.S The power of conversation is so important and asking for help instead of trying to face stuff alone can be SO empowering. Empowerment is what we're all about on ‘Reign' so I am so pleased this episode is brought to you in partnership with online therapy platform, BetterHelp. With over 5,000 therapists who have a diverse variety of expertise in mental health in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide you with access to the best mental health professional for you. With BetterHelp you can have online therapy on your schedule, wherever you are and build your support system,  If you need support now you can get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp by visiting betterhelp.com/reign. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You will have seen Faye Marsay in so many incredible movies and TV shows, including my favourite movie Pride, playing Maisie William's arch nemesis, The Waif in Game of Thrones and Ten Pound Poms but it's her latest TV show that has got millions of people talking.  In case you have missed it, Faye plays DS Misha Frank in Netflix's limited series, Adolescence which follows a family and society turned upside down after 13-year Jamie is arrested for murdering a female schoolmate.  In this episode Faye drops some many insightful and interesting stories about filming the show and the overdue conversations the show is starting about incel culture, misogyny and how social media is raising our children. Faye also opens up about her own horrific experiences with social media whilst she starred in Game of Thrones and one of the moments on a set that shows we need more vocal male allies for women.  Faye also talks about dealing with clssisim as a northern working class actor, exploring her sexuality and just how meaningful it was to play one of the first openly queer characters in the 50 year long history of the Star Wars franchise, in the Disney+ show, Andor which is back for season two on 23rd April.  We really pack a lot into this episode and if you love this conversation as much as I do get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cowboys and cowgirls hold onto your hats because I am joined by the biggest female artist in country music right now, Lainey Wilson.  In this episode Lainey reflects on her journey to the top of country music from growing up in a small town in Louisiana where she was a Hannah Montana impersonator (we do our own mini rendition of See You Again - you are welcome!), to moving to Nashville at 19 years old and living in a trailer for three years whilst trying to make it.  Now Lainey is a Grammy Award Winner and has six county number ones and you are going to learn so much about the power of self belief in this episode!  Lainey joined me ahead of headlining the Country To Country Festival at the 02 Arena and she also opens up about dealing with body shaming online, overcoming misogyny in the male dominated world of country music, and how experiences in her family taught her to look after her mental health. If that wasn't enough to fill you (cowboy) boots with, Lainey also shares some life advice she got from THE Dolly Parton and walks me through the ultimate night out OUT itinerary in Nashville. Pack your bags, we are going and if you love listening to Lainey as much as I did please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As this series of the podcast is all about celebrating love in all forms, and especially the relationship we have with ourselves, I am so excited to welcome Hayley Atwell to ‘Reign' because she shared an incredible piece of advice with me earlier in my career which completely changed my relationship with myself and my confidence. So, get ready for more nuggets of wisdom!  As well as being very wise, Hayley knows a thing or two about starring in a blockbuster movie. Hayley has played Agent Carter in six Marvel films including Captain America and two TV series spin-offs - most notably the namesake series, Agent Carter - and most recently you will have seen her dangling from a train, or driving a Fiat 500 at breakneck speed in Rome alongside Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible franchise.  As Hayley returns to her first love of theatre, in the Jamie Llyod's West End production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing' opposite Tom Hiddleston, she joins us to talk about how the play raises some serious questions about cancel culture and our society's gender double standards.  Hayley also talks about learning to walk into rooms as your autentic self, how she wishes she was more compassionate to her younger self and about the lack of male allies for women in Hollywood and beyond. There are a lot of Heartstopper fans who listen to this podcast so we of course chat about her incredible cameo in the Netflix show as Nick's (played by Kit Connor - if you missed his episode of the pod, scroll back and listen after this episode) aunt - which makes me cry every time - and she shares the best piece of advice for learning to manage social anxiety that she learnt from THE Tom Cruise.  This episode is packed full of advice and if you love listening to Hayley as much as I did please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your passport, bikini (and your SPF of course) because we are off to The White Lotus with the show's star, Michelle Monaghan!  I, like so many of you, have been obsessed with The White Lotus since season one and season three is not holding back on the drama is it?!? I am OBSESSED with the dysfunctional dynamic between Michelle's character Jaclyn and her two childhood friends Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Kate (Leslie Bibb). That is the girls trip I want to be on, even if it's just for a front row seat for the drama.  As the series continues Michelle joins us to talk about the juggle that comes from trying to be everything to everyone all at once - especially as a mother - the power of sisterhood, how female competition has changed in the entertainment industry and how good things come from a no! If you are struggling to build boundaries or want to reframe your relationship with rejection, that is a piece of advice you need to hear.  Michelle also reflects on her 25 year long career that's seen her star in Mission Impossible, True Detective and Family Plan and reveals a producer once told her she would never work again after she simply said no to doing some publicity she didn't feel comfortable doing. It's a story which reminds us all that using your voice and facing your fears always pays off and always improves your relationship with yourself, too!  If you love listening to Michelle as much as I did, please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you and I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is only the second time we have welcomed back a guest and of your favourite guests ever, it's Simone Ashley. Who I am pleased to report is not only in her ‘strong queen era' but her ‘f**k that era' too!  The last time Simone joined us Bridgerton season two had just dropped and her role as Kate Sharma, the love match for Jonathan Bailey's Anthony, was providing the long overdue south asian representation we needed on her screens. If you missed that episode go back right now and listen to episode 42 for a very inspirational chat about the power of determination.  Now Simone rejoins us as she takes on the rom-com genre in Prime Video's new movie Picture This opposite Hero Fiennes Tiffin where she plays Pia whose family decide to play matchmaker with hilarious and heartwarming results.   In this episode Simone talks about BS social pressures to tick boxes by certain ages, feeling othered in rooms full of men and why we need to start throwing as many promotion parties as we do weddings and baby showers. It's a big yes from me!  I have learnt so much from Simone about the power of self belief and I hope this episode shows you how much cutting out the external noise and working on your relationship with yourself can help YOU achieve your dreams. If you love this episode too as always please get in touch as I love talking to you. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhosts and I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign! Josh x P.S I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with a brand new series which is all about celebrating LOVE in all forms so consider this episode a gift from me to you as we are joined by everyone's favourite, Leo Woodall.  You will have seen Leo as the Essex bad boy who was caught by Jennifer Coolidge in a very compromising position with his ‘Uncle' in ‘The White Lotus' and breaking our hearts in ‘One Day' along with one our favourite ever Reign guests, Ambika Mod.  Now he's playing the world's greatest genius, Ed in Apple TV's show ‘Prime Target' - it's very ‘Good Will Hunting' meets ‘Bourne Identity' - and even ‘Bridget Jones' is now mad about the boy as Leo plays Bridget's new love interest. If you haven't seen the new Bridget movie yet make sure you take an entire pack of tissues, I cried the entire way through it.  If you loved Leo already, prepare to love him even more after this episode as we get deep! We talk about going to therapy, learning to embrace yourself, what it takes to be a (non-toxic) leading man and why giving kindness to others is the best manifestation of self love.  Plus we chat about navigating intimacy scenes and for the first time ever on this podcast I attempt lad banter. There really is something for everyone in this episode, see I told you it was a gift! If you love listening to Leo or just need an emotional support group to talk about the new ‘Bridget Jones' movie get in touch and let me know what you think - you can get me at @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That's why we're empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are starting 2025 on Reign with a guest you have been desperate to hear from on the podcast and today it finally happens, say hello to THE Florence Pugh.  Over the last decade Florence has been the definition of booked, busy and blessed with roles in ‘Dune', ‘Oppenheimer', ‘Black Widow', ‘Don't Worry Darling', and her Oscar nominated performance in ‘Little Women'.  Now she's breaking our hearts into a million pieces opposite Andrew Garfield in ‘We Live In Time', which tells the story of a couple, Almut aka Alma and Tobias. who are brought together by a chance encounter and find time is running out after a devastating diagnosis. It's ‘P.S I Love You' levels of tears, so take your tissues.  We recorded this episode just after Florence came to a premiere I hosted and she gave me THE best pep talk beforehand, so expect plenty of inspiration and deep moments from her as we tackle the under- discussed topics of death and grief, plus we talk about Andrew Garfield shaving her head, and the pressures of being a young woman in the entertainment industry.  The moment I love most though? Florence talking about a random act of kindness she received when she most needed it. So I hope this episode inspires you to take life by the horns and go out there and spread kindness. If it does please get in touch, as always please get in touch as I love hearing from you. You can get me at @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. It's a new year, new me central at the moment and if you are in the market for a self help book… In this episode you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is empowerment for the soul as we are joined by THE Kerry Washington.   Kerry hit the big time playing the political fixer Olivia Pope in ‘Scandal' (IfF you haven't watched it yet it is truly one of the greatest TV shows ever) alongside roles in the movie, ‘Django Unchained' where she starred alongside Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCcaprio, and the epic TV show 'Little Fires Everywhere' with Reese Witherspoon.  Now Kerry has us standing to attention in the Netflix movie, ‘The Six Triple Eight' which brings the real life story of World War Two's only Women's Army Corps unit of colour, who were given the seemingly impossible task of sorting through a three-year backlog of mail that hadn't been delivered to American soldiers. In the face of discrimination, Kerry's real life character Major Charity Adams ensured they delivered hope when no one else could and the movie serves YOU the hope we all need right now.  Today Kerry talks about the gender double standards in leadership and the transformative power of inclusive leadership after being told by a male co-star, “you aren't here to think,” earlier in her career. Plus aside from serving us so many life lessons she shares the moment she felt so satisfied by proving people wrong.  Listening to Kerry is like being an incubator of empowerment so I hope she inspires you to see the hurdles in front of you, and jump right over them, just like she has done! If you love this episode, as always please get in touch as I love hearing from you. You can get me at @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x P.S. In this episode you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are sharing a VERY special live recording of the podcast with none other than a true national treasure, Richard E. Grant. And trust me when I say this episode is packed full of incredible stories!  You will of course know Richard from his extensive TV and Movie career, from the iconic 1980s movie, ‘Withnail and I' to the bathwater slurping smash, ‘Saltburn.' If you are a big ‘Saltburn' fan, you have to listen to our episode with the movie's creator and director, Emerald Fennell, after this episode.  But it's not just this Oscar Nominee's on screen performances that have made him an icon, it's also his joyful Instagram content of frolicking in fields and his beautiful book, ‘A Pocketful of Happiness' which details his life story and his one true love story with his wife, Joan Washington.  Today Richard talks very movingly about losing his wife to cancer, grief and why we need to speak about it more, his foray into fragrance with his own perfume brand, Jack and shares some hilarious stories from his career INCLUDING FROM SPICE WORLD THE MOVIE. SCREAMS!!!  What I really took away from this conversation was just how powerful talking about our struggles can be, so I hope this encourages you to open up about your life, your experiences, your pains and losses because we are all the better for doing so.  If you loved listening to our great chat as much as I did, please get in touch, I always love hearing from you. You can find me across social media @joshsmithhosts and I can't wait to share next week's episode with you too. See you then, Josh xx P.S. In this episode you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.  P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it's one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones - especially during the holiday season! If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don't we - AND it's so festive there at the moment!! Luxury also doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It's only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited for you to listen to this week's incredible guests, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele.  You will of course know Will for his movies, ‘Anchorman', ‘Elf', ‘Zoolander', ‘Blades of Glory', ‘Step Brothers' and ‘Barbie' - to name just a few! But this might be the first time you have heard of Will's long-term comedy writing partner, Harper Steele. Will and Harper met on the set at ‘Saturday Night Live' in 1995, when Will got his big break and Harper was in the writers room. Fast forward 30 years and after collaborating on so many comedy sketches and movies including ‘Eurovision', their friendship entered a new chapter when Harper sent Will an email saying she was coming out as transgender.  After years of being each other's allies - including joint early failures at SNL - Will came up with the idea of filming ‘Will and Harper', a Netflix documentary movie which follows them going on a road trip across the USA to talk about Harper's experiences, and see how Harper now navigates the former bro-heavy environments she used to love, as transgender woman. The movie is incredibly funny, moving, and essential viewing for everyone, so please watch it during the holidays with your family for some much needed education on the trans lived experience.  Today their road trip rolls into London, and we talk about the power of vocal allyship (and finally we have found a male ally willing to speak up!), how Harper became very aware of her safety for the first time, the universal nature of body image concerns, and the alarming anti-trans policies Donald Trump promises to impose in his second term as President.  This episode is a real testament to the power of friendship, and the true joy that can come from being your authentic self so I hope this chat encourages you, no matter how you identify, to live your life the way you want to and find the people who encourage you to live that life proudly! If anything in this episode resonates with you, as always I would love to hear from you, you can get in touch across social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat Whether you are already confident at chatting or are socially anxious this book really is for everyone and I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Reign' Season 10 really is serving you ICONS, and today we are joined by the Spanish superstar Úrsula Corberó. Úrsula has been working in Spain since she was six years old in shows like the huge teen drama ‘Física o Química', but in lockdown she shot to international fame when she played Tokyo in the Netflix drama, ‘Money Heist'. It blew up, becoming one of their biggest Netflix shows ever, and saw Úrsula gain 20 million Instagram followers overnight.  Now, Úrsula is ramping up the intensity again starring in Day of The Jackal which follows the Jackal, an elite sniper and assasin played by Eddie Redmayne and his wife Nuria, played by Úrsula, who slowly starts to discover his secret life. It's SO GOOD and you can watch it on Sky TV and NOW.  I LOVED talking to Úrsula as she really says it as it is. We bonded over the exhaustion of being in our mid thirties, how over ‘growth' we are, setting boundaries and she drops some game changing life advice I immediately started using, so hope it will be for you too!  Úrsula also tells me about how overwhelming overnight fame was, how being told to behave as a child actor kept her quiet into adulthood and how she now is done with behaving. YES BABE!  There are also some amazing words on why we need to stop saying we are lucky and lean into how deserving we are for our success and I really hope this episode inspires you to step into your power. If you do love the episode, get in touch and tell me all about it. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhhosts and don't forget to come back for next week's episode where I will be chatting to the incredible Richard E. Grant! Love Josh xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WITCH, PLEASE! Get ready for a bumper episode of the podcast! So make yourself comfortable on your broom, as we are joined in the Reign studio by one of my favourite guests ever and one of the greatest performers of all time, Cynthia Erivo.  In case you've been M.I.A. in OZ visiting the Wizard or something and missed it, Cynthia stars as Elphaba in the movie adaptation of the mega musical hit, ‘Wicked', alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey, who aptly plays Prince Charming himself, Fiyero.  This isn't Cynthia's first dalliance with musicals. After starting out on the West End Cynthia went on to win a Tony, Emmy and Grammy award for her performance in ‘The Colour Purple' and was nominated twice at the Oscars for her performance in ‘Harriet' playing the racial freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman, and for the original song ‘Stand Up'. There is a reason Cynthia is only an O away from being an EGOT, but she's not just an incredible performer, she is an incredible conversationalist, too.  We cover SO much in this episode! We talk about Cynthia's ‘Wicked' journey - from auditioning to singing ‘Defying Gravity' for the first time on set, the life lessons she's learnt from Oprah and Ariana Grande, feeling like an outsider, how she *almost* became a spinal surgeon, and how her next role in life might take her off to Havard to study. Is there ANYTHING Cynthia can't do?  I loved sharing this incredible conversation with Cynthia, but it's the bits about embracing queer identity and the power of dreaming big that really made me tear up.  I hope this episode inspires you to defy gravity and dream big, and if you love it please get in touch, as I would love to talk to you about all the themes and just how incredible ‘Wicked' is, too. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhhosts and don't forget to come back next week for another great chat! Love Josh xxx P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat Whether you are already confident at chatting or are socially anxious this book really is for everyone and I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back babes and we are joined by someone who is having a YEAR, Ella Purnell. Ella has been acting since she was 12 but this year has been her best yet! Ella starred as Lucy in one of the biggest TV shows of the year, the adaptation of the game, ‘Fallout' on Prime Video - I was obsessed - have you seen it yet? And now Ella is starring and producing, ‘Sweetpea' on Sky and the streaming service, NOW in the UK and Starz in the USA!  ‘Sweetpea' is one of my favourite shows of the year and it follows Ella's character Rhiannon, a wallflower who is pushed over the edge and goes on a killing spree. It's dark but SO GOOD, and stars previous ‘Reign' guest and all round mega human, Nicôle Lecky, too. ‘Killing Eve' fans, you will love this show, I promise!  Today Ella and I cover some serious ground, from everyday sexism to conkers (they are making a comeback apparently! Ella also tells me about the wild rumours she was dating Brad Pitt when they hadn't even met, as well as how she truly found her voice.  Anyone who has a ‘go to karaoke' list in their phone is a bit of us so I really hope you love this episode. If you do or you just want to talk about how amazing ‘Sweetpea' is get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat Whether you are already confident at chatting or are socially anxious this book really is for everyone and I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am SO excited about this episode because it has literally been years in the making! Today we are joined by the supermodel, business mogul and all round mega-babe, Rosie Huntington- Whiteley.  Rosie has been working as a model since she was 16 years old and 20 years later, she's gone from pounding the pavements with her trusty A-Z map trying to book jobs to gracing every major magazine cover, runway and brand campaign.  Today Rosie looks back on her incredible career, and all the rejections and successes that have shaped her. One huge success of Rosie's has been her collaboration with Marks and Spencer - from lingerie to now contourwear - and hearing how she turned an idea into a decade long success will inspire you to take your ideas and run with them!  There are so many great nuggets of wisdom in this episode including one of my faves, that we should see failure as happening for us, not at us.I hope you love this episode and if you do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great chatting with you. Love, Josh x P.S Thank you to our sponsor Marks and Spencer! This episode marks the release of Rosie's latest collection, Rosie ContourWear. The latest chapter in her 12 year collaboration with M&S is a 40 piece collection of contemporary, luxury lingerie and light control shapewear - ranging from bodysuits to waist-cinching knickers - that creates a sleek, flawless foundation. You can wear the pieces beneath clothing or style them to be seen and it is available right now in selected M&S stores, or at marksandspencer.com.  P.P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan joins us in the studio.  Sadiq has just won a historic third term as London Mayor but his road to political success has been an unlikely one. When he emerged in politics it was dominated by white public school boys but being one of eight who was raised in a council flat in Tooting by his parents who worked as a seamstress and a bus driver became his USP.  Sadiq's career has seen him become a human rights lawyer, being elected MP for his community in Tooting and becoming a Labour Cabinet Minister. But his greatest impact has come as London's longest serving mayor.  Today Sadiq talks about the recent race riots in the UK, how they personally affected him and his family and how the recent events show in our now divisive society we need to truly listen to one another and hold social media companies to account.  He also calls out those in power who have used hateful language for their own gain and after Donald Trump's war of words during his presidency led to him having increased security, how anxious Sadiq is about the prospect of the former president retaking power.  Whatever your view on politics or politicians (Sadiq knows how we all feel about politicians!) I hope you find Sadiq's journey inspiring. What I love most though is Sadiq's words about allyship so I hope this episode inspires you to speak up and show up for the groups in our society that need us most. If his words or story resonate with you, as always I would love to hear from you - get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great hearing from you. Love, Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour babes! I am so excited about this episode because it has been YEARS in the making! Today, ahead of Emily In Paris season four we are joined by Mindy herself, Ashley Park.  Before Ashley made her TV debut in the hit Netflix show, she started her career in Broadway Musicals starring in Mamma Mia, The King and I and earning a Tony Award nomination for the Mean Girls Musical. But Emily in Paris has taken her career to new levels and she has since starred in Only Murder in The Building alongside Selena Gomez AND MERYL STREEP, the Emmy winning Beef and the hilarious girls trip comedy movie, Joyride (if you have missed it, watch it immediately it's SO funny!).  It's no secret I love a ‘Great Chat' and so does Ashley so in this episode we laugh, we get deep and there's some tears as we talk about everything from self love to representation and her incredible friendship with Lily Collins (our OG Reign Queen - head back to episode one to listen to Lily on the podcast!). Ashley also talks about recovering from septic shock earlier this year and how filming the latest season of Emily in Paris whilst still recovering showed her the true meaning of ‘it takes a village.' What this episode really shows is how amazing life is when YOU become the protagonist of your own life and if Ashley's words inspire you as much as they did me, please get in touch via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x P.S. I am so happy that today's episode is brought to you with the support of Pandora. Both Pandora and Reign are all about celebrating love in all its forms - be that romantic love, love for our friends and family or the practice of self love. This episode, like every episode of Reign, hopes to sprinkle some sparkle and positivity in your life and empower you to BE LOVE. Especially in difficult times, just a little bit of love can truly help you and others. So, radiate it. Initiate it. Accept it. Expect and BE LOVE - you never know how much it could change your life or someone else's. Head to pandora.net to discover the latest jewellery collections and more. P.P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard Ashley and I talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you had a very up and down relationship with exercise? I have! That was until the fitness queen Leanne Hainsby-Alldis came into my life via the Peloton Bike!  If you have jumped on a Peloton before you will recognise Leanne for her sparkle and pure positivity. But before fitness fame, Leanne spent a decade as a professional dancer (my dream job - shame I don't have enough rhythm) working with everyone from Taylor Swift to Katy Perry. That all changed when on a 10/10 hangover she was headhunted to become an instructor by Peloton's very own Cody Rigsby.  Today Leanne serves us a healthy dose of motivation - no matter where you are at in your fitness journey - and reflects on how career change, milestone anxiety and all the things we experienced in our 20s and 30s have shaped her.  But it was a change she didn't see coming that has really shaped Leanne into the person she is today. In October 2022, shortly after losing her best friend she was diagnosed with cancer.  We recorded this just before her wedding to fellow Peloton instructor, Ben Alldis and Leanne powerfully shares her story with us and just how life changing the last few years have been. Leanne is a role model for resilience and I hope her strength really inspires you. Like Leanne says, energy starts with you - so I hope her words encourage you to nurture and look after your energy no matter what situation you find yourself in. If Leanne's words resonate with you, drop me a message - I am @joshsmithhosts across social media. Love Josh x P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am serving you an ACE episode today as we are joined by three time grand slam champion, Stan Wawrinka! See what I did there?!?  In case you can't tell when you listen to the episode I am beside myself excited that we recorded this at the evian Mountain of Youth VIP suite at *actual* Wimbledon just before the championships kicked off. I had goosebumps all over walking around these iconic grounds.  Stan or rather Stan The Man or Stanminal - depending on your nickname of choice - is a true sporting great. Not only has he won THREE grand slam titles, the French Open, the US open, the Australian Open Stan has won Olympic gold alongside fellow swiss icon Roger Federer, 31 career titles and double quarter finalist here at Wimbledon, too. And he already has his hands on the Wimbledon trophy as you will find out in this episode… Today Stan talks about his journey to the top of tennis, reveals the secrets behind his champion mentality, the big loss that actually empowered him (against Novak Djokovic no less) and he serves us the best advice for nurturing our mindset and living a life without regret.  If we couldn't love Stan more - he is such a great guy - he also talks about how other sports need to catch up with Tennis when it comes to gender parity! I hope Stan also inspires you to not only adopt a fresh mindset but embrace failure, too and if he does get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you and there is nothing more I love than talking about tennis! And if you love tennis make sure you check out the episode with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina too! Love, Josh x  P.S This podcast episode is sponsored by evian and it is an absolute dream come true to have recorded this amazing episode in the evian Mountain of Youth VIP suite at ACTUAL WIMBLEDON to celebrate the start of this iconic sporting event. evian have been keeping players and spectators refreshed at The Championships since 2008 as the official water partner. Keeping hydrated is one of the easiest acts of self care we can all participate in too. Drinking at least 2 litres of fluid, including water, a day can contribute to the maintenance of normal physical and cognitive function so grab your evian bottle and stay hydrated!  P.PS. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited to share this very special bonus episode of the podcast with you, it's an extract of my audio book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now in audio and hardback.  Hardback copy:https://geni.us/GreatChat Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HH55EZsUSYtajczP6yjjJ?si=6ba9bc48f73544a0 Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Great-Chat-Audiobook/B0CVLG18ZC?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Apple: https://apple.co/4ajKZkf I think I might have mentioned I have written a book a few times… maybe…and in case you didn't know already I LOVE to chat. But when I look around it really feels like in this digital age we have lost the art of real life conversation. We are more lonely and anxious than we have ever been and chatting really is the way to reverse that and I know personally how transformative it can be for your wellbeing. That's where ‘Great Chat' comes in!  ‘Great Chat' uses all the lessons I have learnt from over a decade of interviewing every mood and personality and every celebrity from Oprah to Victoria Beckham, alongside jaw dropping research to give you a practical guide to help you create more meaningful conversation, whatever the situation. That could be on dates or winning someone over at work - you name it Great Chat is your wingman for any conversation or scenario - and it will help you with everything from becoming an active listener to embracing difficult conversations.  ‘Great Chat' will help you turn chatting into a self help practice to help YOUR wellbeing and I really hope you will build more meaningful connections with the people already in your life and the people you don't know yet after reading and listening to it.  So here's the introduction to Great Chat - I hope you love it and when you listen to the audio book you will also find an exclusive chat with me and the mega babe Emma Willis, where we put some of the ‘Great Chat' lessons into practice. Trust me - you're gonna wanna hear this! Let me know what you think - you can get me @joshsmithhosts - can't wait to have a GREAT CHAT with you. Love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a House of The Dragon fan I am SO excited that we are joined by the show's stars Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke for this episode!  If you are not familiar with the prequel series to Game of Thrones already - where have you been babes - it slays in many ways. There's murder, there's backstabbing, a whole lot of hot people getting up to hot things, and many storylines to get your head around, so it's time to take a trip to Westeros if you haven't already (and you don't even have to have watched Game of Thrones to love the show).  At the centre of it all is Princess Rhaenyra played by Emma D'Arcy and her childhood best friend, Allicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke who destroy their friendship in the quest for power. If you thought you had had a tough friendship break up, this is NEXT LEVEL.  Outside of Westeros you may also already recognise Olivia from the Oscar nominated The Sound of Metal, Me Earl and The Girl, Ready Player One and Apple TV's Slow Horses. And whilst this is Emma's breakout role they were nominated for a Golden Globe for their scene stealing performance.  Today as they return to House of The Dragon season two - which is available now on Sky and streaming service NOW - they talk about the moments on the show that had them clutching their pearls, how they are finally finding their power in their roles and the sheer embarrassment of getting smacked in the face (or in Emma's case being spat in the face by a co-star!).  What I love most about this episode though is when Emma opens up beautifully about the relief at being able to live their life openly as a non-binary person and just how cute the friendship they have built off screen is. If you love the episode too, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x P.S. In this epsidoe you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is FINALLY out this week! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of.  P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it's one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don't we?! But luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It's only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May the force be with you on this week's episode as we are joined by Daisy Ridley.  Many of you will know Daisy from her breakout role playing Rey in three blockbuster ‘Star Wars' movies and now she's back in the legendary Jerry Bruckheimer's new movie, ‘Young Woman and The Sea', playing Trudie Ederlee, the first woman to swim the English Channel who not only had to deal with life threatening situations, she had to face a host of 1920s misogyny too.  It is already one of my favourite movies ever (bold statement but wait until you see it) and you are going to LOVE it too because it's everything we love on Reign: sticking two fingers up at the patriarchy and proving the haters wrong!  I LOVED talking to Daisy and she joins us post going out OUT (she's a bit of us) to talk about the incredible physical and mental challenges the film presented her, the sexism she has faced in her own life and how creating her next movie ‘Magpie' with her husband Tom Bateman was a huge moment of overcoming self doubt.  Daisy also teases her return to ‘Star Wars' but what I love most about this episode is Daisy's words on how powerful finding your people and having the right people around you is. So I hope this inspires you to lean on those around you or to go out there and find your people!  If you love this chinwag with Daisy or you head straight to watch ‘Young Woman and The Sea' and wanna compare notes get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - I always love talking to you. Love, Josh x P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June.  P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it's one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don't we?! But luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It's only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is such a special episode as we are joined by the star of Baby Reindeer, Jessica Gunning, who shares her coming out story for the very first time publicly.  I felt so honoured to be able to help Jessica tell her story, and I hope as we start Pride Month, no matter how you identify, or how you are currently feeling about your identity, Jessica's story will inspire you to embrace yourself and celebrate YOU. As you will hear in this episode Jessica is every bit as incredible off screen as she is on screen and the entire world has now woken up to her talents in Netflix's Baby Reindeer. If you are one of the few who hasn't watched the show yet, it was created by, and stars Richard Gadd, who brings his own life story to screen as his character Donny is intensely stalked by Jessica's character, Martha. It's one of the best TV shows not just of the year, but ever, as it goes from comical to heartbreaking in just a few seconds.  But this is no overnight success, as Jessica talks us through her epic career and the incredible lessons she has learnt along the way from her first big role in one of my favourite movies of all time, Pride, to playing the hilarious parole officer Dianne in the BBC comedy, The Outlaws, which is back for a third season.  Along with our emotional chat about coming out, Jessica serves the comedy too as we talk about our failure to grasp the French language and her hilarious run in with The Outlaws co-star, Christopher Walken.  If you love this chat as much as I do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great hearing from you. Love, Josh x P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June!  P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it's one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don't we?! But luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It's only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices