Make It Reign with Josh Smith

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

‘The Witcher' fans ASSEMBLE as today we are joined by royalty, Princess Ciri herself, Freya Allan.  If you don't already know about one of Netflix's biggest shows, ‘The Witcher' is a high octane adventure about the Witcher Geralt, a monster hunter played by Henry Cavill (who is being replaced by Liam Hemsworth for season four) who finds out humans tend to be more wicked than beasts. If you haven't watched it yet, you have three epic seasons to catch up on - lucky you!  I have wanted to talk to Freya on the podcast for a long time so it's amazing to finally do it as she makes her big screen debut in one of the longest running and biggest franchises in Hollywood, ‘Planet of the Apes'.  The latest installment, ‘Kingdom of Planet of the Apes' is currently the biggest movie in the ENTIRE WORLD and follows Freya's character Mae, a lone human who finds unlikely friendship in Noa, the ape and there is so much drama it's gonna blow your eyebrows off. Fun fact; the apes are played by real humans and it's so emotional so take your tissues.  Today Freya tells me about the power of proving people wrong - so get ready to feel VERY empowered - and about how she navigated a huge change in her life when she went from being in school to starring in a huge Netflix franchise at just 16 years old. I really respect Freya's honesty as she talks about why she didn't want to return to season four of ‘The Witcher', and teases what you can expect from the final installment of the show. I hope you love this episode! If you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! 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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today by popular demand, Nicholas Galitzine finally joins the podcast and he does not disappoint!  Many of you will know that Nicholas first burst onto our screens as the all-singing, all-charming Prince in Prime Video's ‘Cinderella' with Camila Cabello, and then he played a troubled marine in Netflix's ‘Purple Hearts.' However it was playing the closeted gay prince, Henry who falls for the son of the first female USA president, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez in ‘Red, White and Royal Blue', that really captured imaginations!  Not someone to shy away from intimate scenes, Nicholas recently played King James I's lover in Sky's TV show, ‘Mary and George', whose game playing and thirst is only matched by his ambitious mother, played by Julianne Moore.  Now Nicholas stars as a boyband member who falls for a fan's mum, played by Anne Hathaway, in the new Prime Video movie, ‘The Idea of You' and it's the rom-com we have been waiting for!  In this episode Nicholas talks about why we need more male allies for women, and how he wants to set a better example to younger men in society. He also chats about doing all *those* intimate scenes, overcoming imposter syndrome and finally feeling comfortable in who he is. What I love most is Nicholas's words about becoming our own cheerleader which is what Reign is all about, so I hope you love this episode! If you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! Love, Josh x P.S. In this episode you will have heard me talking about my favourite SPF brand, Mecca Cosmetica. If you want to find out more about their products that not only protect your skin, but also contain amazing advanced skincare ingredients visit MeccaCosmetica.com And make sure you check out my favourite product, ‘To Save Face' SPF 50+ Sunscreen', which is the best SPF for wearing under makeup - thank me later!  P.P.S You will also have heard me mention my book. ‘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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dune fans the time has come, Dune: Part Two is FINALLY coming to cinemas and today we are joined by the M-O-T-H-E-R of Dune in so many ways; the incredible Rebecca Ferguson.   After starting out in Swedish soap operas, Rebecca landed her first English-speaking role in the BBC drama, The White Queen and she didn't look back. She quickly joined Tom Cruise - who she credits with changing her life in this episode - in the Mission Impossible franchise, starring in three of it's movies, and has also starred in The Greatest Showman, Apple TV's Silo, The Girl on The Train and now two Dune movies.  If you missed the first Dune movie, Rebecca plays Lady Jessica, the mother of Timothée Chalamet's character Paul, who is destined to become the universe's greatest leader. However, he has the power to see the future, and only he can see how dangerous he will be in this fantasy world. In Dune: Part One, things were dramatic for Lady Jessica to say the least after her husband was murdered, she lost her power and was exiled. Dune: Part Two is no different; she's pregnant with a baby she can talk to in the womb (yes, really), becomes THE all-powerful reverend mother, and that is just a taster of what to come. If you are confused so far, all you need to know is that as sequels go, this is one of the all time greats!  Today Rebecca and I have a DMC about everything Dune where she reveals she initially played hard to get, telling the franchise's director, Denis Villeneuve (who she calls Denny) she wasn't interested in the role (!!!) and she talks about the valuable lessons she learnt from working with Timothée. Rebecca also tells ms about the time she stood up for herself in the face of an absolutely horrid co-star in another movie, which is a firm reminder to us all to always use our voice, even when we are scared to.  I absolutely LOVED talking to Rebecca and I think you will leave this episode just as obsessed with her as I am. It's rare to meet someone this authentic and comfortable in their own skin, especially in this industry. If you do love this episode please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! And speaking of epic people, if you missed it, check out last week's episode with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. Love Josh x  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by two incredible women, Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, and I am not sure I will ever recover!  Like me you may already be obsessed with them after watching the TV show, True Detective: Night Country, which is available to watch now on Sky Atlantic, streaming service NOW and available to download and own on digital platforms. on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK. It is edge of your seat amazing! If you have already watched the whole series PLEASE DM me so we can debrief immediately.  If, however, you have missed the action so far True Detective: Night Country is a murder thriller set in the high arctic of Alaska and follows two detectives, Danvers and Navarro who are on the case when scientists from a research facility go missing. The disappearance opens up a can of worms as it turns out the research facility is linked to a mine that is poisoning an indigenous community, and it's also linked to a cold case of a woman from the community who was brutally murdered. The twists and the turns are incredible and you won't see the ending coming!  On today's episode we have a proper debrief about the show and we also reflect on the pair's game changing careers. We all know two time Oscar winner Jodie from the likes of Silence of The Lambs, Taxi Driver and Panic Room to name just a few (!!!) and Kali, before she recently started acting (this is only her THIRD acting role) achieved six world boxing titles, and you know how much we love a female athlete on this podcast (if this is your first time here, check out our two women in sports series!).  We also talk about one of the show's most important themes: violence against women, and why as a society we need to talk about it more.We chat about the power of feeling seen, and why comparing yourself to your younger self isn't healthy.  What I love about this episode is we are joined by two women who are, in their words, finally fully in their power after finding freedom in their life. That is something Reign is all about, so I hope you love this episode and if you do, please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts! And speaking of epic shows, if you missed it, check out last week's episode with One Day star, Ambika Mod! See you next week, love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone else so emotionally invested in Netflix's One Day to the point it's all you can think about? Just me? Didn't think so! Well, prepare yourself as today we are joined by the show's star, Ambika Mod.  In case you have missed the show of the year/ the best show ever, One Day is based on the best selling book by David Nicholls and follows Ambika's Emma and Dexter (played by Leo Woodall) on the same day, for 20 years as they go from crush, to friendship and the rest is a plot spoiler so I'll leave it to your imagination. (Note: there are plot spoilers in this episode,so consider yourself warned!) In today's episode Ambika joins me to talk about her journey from stand up comedy to landing a role she had secretly manifested for decades in One Day. We also chat about the importance of representation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and Ambika tells me about her own journey with mental health after starring alongside Ben Wishaw in the heartbreaking BBC adaptation of Adam Kay's This is Going To Hurt (which if you missed it, you need to add to your watch list right now!).  This episode is also a mini reunion as it turns out that Ambika and I actually worked at Conde Nast together at the same time! But another reason I love this episode so much, and admire Ambika is because she is a symbol of what you can achieve if you work hard and stay so damn determined. So I hope you will be just as inspired as I am, to get out there and chase your dreams.  If you love this episode as much as me please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts as I would love a debrief on One Day with you! Love, Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the season of giving and receiving (oi oi) and this year I am clearly in a giving mood (oi oi x2) because I am gifting you an early Christmas present as today we are joined by the triple threat Queen, Hannah Waddingham.  It's been hard to miss Hannah Waddingham this year because she has been booked, busy and blessed and all over our screens. In 2023 Hannah has done more than most in their entire career. She presented the Olivier awards, before going on to become an overnight gay/national treasure presenting Eurovision and she reprised her Emmy award winning role as the football boss, Rebecca Welton in the final season of Ted Lasso. If you aren't familiar with ‘Ted Lasso' it's one of the best feel good shows on the planet, as it follows American college Football coach, Ted (played and co-created by Jason Sudeikis) who takes over AFC Richmond and wins the sporting world over with his distinct positive penny outlook.  As Hannah releases her very own all singing, all dancing, camp as christmas extravaganza on Apple TV+, ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas' she joins me for a jolly good chin wag and let me tell you on this show, during the season of giving, she is giving us RANGE let me tell you - Mariah Carey better watch her holiday season crown!  Today Hannah chats to me about making her dreams happen later in life after treading the boards across the West End and Broadway before her big Hollywood break in ‘Ted Lasso' after an iconic stint in ‘Game of Thrones', too.  I love Hannah's words on choosing to be single, finding positivity in life even when it's tough and never letting anyone dim her light again after men dimming her light in her 20s and 30s. Let this be a reminder to you, that you should NEVER dim your light for anyone babes and I hope this chat inspires you to shine brightly all year round babes.  It has been the BEST sharing all the episodes of Reign with you in 2023, we have had some incredible guests from Lionesses to Christina Ricci and if you have missed any episodes treat yourself this holiday season by cracking open the Quality Street tin and taking some time out to listen to some empowering conversations so you make sure you make it reign in 2024 and beyond! Thank you from the bottom of my little gay heart for listening and making this podcast a real dream come true, I love you! See you next year, Love Josh xxx P.S If you ever want to get in touch, you can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials - I love talking to you so much so please reach out any time!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to slam it to the left, shake it to the right and Spice up your life, because on today's episode we are joined by the icon, Geri Halliwell-Horner!  You will of course know Geri as one fifth of the Spice Girls who achieved icon status after producing hit after hit and teaching everyone Girl Power before going on to have a huge solo career, including releasing the greatest cover song of all time, in my humble opinion, It's Raining Men.  Today Geri joins me in the Reign studio (screams in gay!) to talk about her latest venture, her TENTH book Rosie Frost and Falcon Queen. The book follows Rosie who, after being suddenly orphaned, moves to Bloodstone Island to attend a school built in the memory of Anne Boleyn, by Elizabeth I. In the present day, whilst she encounters mean girls and a demon teacher, Rosie even comes into contact with the ghost of Anne Boleyn who hundreds of years on, haunts the halls. Trust me, it's a page turner for all ages.  Not only do we chat about our joint obsession with Anne Boleyn (I wore my ‘divorced, beheaded, died…' t-shirt to make the occasion) Geri talks powerfully about her experiences with bullying, loneliness and grief after losing her father at a young age.   We also talk about navigating the pressures of your 30s, when Geri felt like she was falling behind and failing to ‘tick boxes' in life and how not finding love meant she found comfort in her gay friends who filled that void in her life. The gays are the best, trust me babes!  What I love so much about this episode though is Geri's words on friendship and making friends as adults, because if you wannabe my lover babes, you gotta get with my friends! I hope you take a lot of Spice and advice away from this episode and if you do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts Love, Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are in the studio today and the category is ICONS ONLY, as we are joined by Billy Porter, so prepare to experience ALL the emotions from laughter to tears.  After years trying to make it in the entertainment industry on his own terms, Billy won a Tony for Kinky Boots, being his fabulous authentic self, heels and all. It was a turning point for Billy who then went on to win a Grammy, and then an Emmy for the hit TV show Pose, becoming the first black gay man to win that award in the process.  In the spirit of being 100% himself, Billy drops his seventh studio album, Black Mona Lisa, and in this episode we talk about how this has been an album 30 years in the making, as Billy tells me all about his journey, including the bullying and discrimination he has had to deal with and overcome. Billy broke my heart when he cried talking about the lessons he has learnt from going to trauma therapy, the worst year of his life which saw him be diagnosed with HIV, diabetes and being declared bankrupt, and how he finally found love for himself. And in true Billy fashion, he will make us laugh too as shares his love for English rugby men!  This is a really special conversation and I can't wait to share it with you. If you love Billy as much as I do, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts and make sure you come back next week for another inspiring episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.  Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL' campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.  If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile's educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation. Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are back in the Reign studio and I have a hoot with my new favourite pop girlie, Talia Mar. Following her hits ‘Stay the Night' and ‘Sweet Lies', Talia has just dropped my favourite song of the moment, ‘Bored' which, whilst being a banger, is actually all about a boring date she went on to Nando's. Now, if that isn't a bit of us I don't know what is!  In today's episode, Talia takes us back to the beginning of her career when she started uploading YouTube videos at 13 years old - including a questionable self-penned country song about her fella going off to war, which we will discuss - and how she accidentally found herself becoming a huge gaming influencer. But music was always Talia's first love after going to see Christina Aguilera in her ‘Dirty' chaps era when she was five (her parents are clearly legends), and attending The BRIT School, which sounds absolutely wild.   We also chat about everything from her first job being the Karen of Chessington World of Adventures (niche!), to her hilarious perspective on getting married this year to her husband Simon, aka Miniminter who is one of the Sidemen with KSI.  Talia also talks about eye-opening online hate, which has seen her deal with everything from hateful comments, to trending on an adult website with men doing their ‘business' on her images, and people trying to stir up trouble in her relationship. But as you will learn from this episode, Talia is a resilient queen and she won't let that stop her for one second.  If you love Talia as much as I do, get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts and come back next week for another episode of Reign when we will be joined by the ICON BILLY PORTER. I AM ALREADY SCREAMING WITH EXCITEMENT. Love, Josh x P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.  Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL' campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.  If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile's educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation. Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by actual genius and Oscar Winner, Emerald Fennell.  After an acting career that saw her star in one of my faves, Call The Midwife, play Camilla in The Crown, and feature in the Barbie movie as Midge, Emerald turned her talents to writing and directing. Her first movie Promising Young Woman about a survivor of sexual assault, played by Carey Mulligan, who aims to take toxic men down one by one, earned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and Emerald also became only the sixth woman to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars too. What. A. Trailblazer. Now Emerald is back with her second movie, Saltburn which follows Oliver, played by Barry Keoghan who skips off to Oxford University, becomes obsessed with the jock on the block, Felix played by Jacob Elordi (who can blame him). When Oliver secures an invite to summer on Felix's estate what follows is a lot of racy comings and goings, some iconic camp one liners from Oliver's mother, Elsbeth played by Rosamund Pike and her bff, Pamela played by Carey Mulligan and some very dark moments which will have your jaw on the floor.  On this episode Emerald and I talk all about Saltburn, and cover a lot of ground including the Cheeky Girls, how to master a camp one liner, the awkward things we do when we become obsessed with a romantic partner, and the desperate need many of us have to fit in. Just like her movies, this chat has RANGE.  I also really love what Emerald says about building a safe working environment on set as a female leader, after decades of Hollywood being known for unkindness and bullying. I think we need more leaders like Emerald, don't you think?  If you love Emerald as much as I do, get in touch with me across social media @joshsmithhosts and make sure you come back next week for another inspiring episode of Reign. Love, Josh x P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.  Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL' campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.  If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile's educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation. Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You asked for it and today we make it Reign with Maisie Peters who in her own words, makes music for the quietly unhinged, which is one of the most relatable things I have heard this year TBH.  If you're not familiar with Maisie's story already, she started independently releasing music before Ed Sheeran signed her as the first artist on his own record label, Gingerbread Man Records. She's since gone on to release the absolute bops, Lost the Breakup, Psycho and Not Another Rockstar, and this year secured her first number one album with her second album, The Good Witch, which made her the youngest British female artist to go to number one in a decade!  Today I catch up with Maisie as she releases the deluxe version of her album and at the end of her worldwide tour to toast her amazing year. It's safe to say that she is in need of what she calls “a girl rest.” Maisie talks about pushing through a big moment of self doubt after her first album came out, falling into comparison traps, her mental health and how she had to relook at how she defined her self worth.  We also chat about dealing with negative comments online and why for her, dating musicians is a red flag! What I really loved most was Maisie's words on self belief. So I hope you feel inspired to believe in yourself, too, because you should babes, you are amazing!  P.S. As someone who has experienced hate and cyberbullying online, I know how it can affect you offline, too. So I am beyond proud to be bringing you four special podcast episodes talking about our digital wellbeing in partnership with Urban Decay to mark their ongoing partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation.  Their joint ‘Online Bullying Hurts IRL' campaign hopes to educate people about how cyberbullying can affect mental health and offer support for those who need it.  If you need help or know someone who does, head to https://bit.ly/CybersmilexUDEducationalModules to find Urban Decay and Cybersmile's educational modules and their digital changemaker toolkit which are designed to allow us to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, responsibly intervene and positively change the conversation. Together we can build a safer online world by learning and talking about how we can make a positive impact through considered social media use. If you are struggling right now, we have got you and make sure you talk to people you trust. You are never alone offline, even if you feel it online. Love Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Reign we are joined by someone who knows a thing or two about sudden social media fame, Abby Roberts.  Whilst still a teenager growing up in Leeds, Abby started doing makeup tutorials on social media. She went on to gain over 16 million TikTok followers and become the biggest beauty content creator in the world. Casual.  But when she hit burnout in 2020, Abby returned to her first love: music. With songsPink Champagne, Imposter Syndrome and Video Girl, she has gone from doing low key shows in pubs to 20 people to supporting her friend Halsey on an arena tour across America. Casual x2.  Today Abby walks us through her journey from internet fame to musician and talks powerfully about dealing with imposter syndrome, social anxiety and the bullying she has faced both in real life and online since she was a child. But Abby is a walking, talking example of never letting anything get in the way of your ambition, and making the impossible possible.  And as this episode drops on Halloween, I ask Abby about being the queen of halloween looks, too and it turns out she never feels better than when she is dressed up like a skeleton.  If you love Abby's story, let me know, please get in touch as I love chatting to you all! You can find me @joshsmithhosts and I'll see you next week for another episode of Reign! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.  During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it's important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.  Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it's the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis's Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.  That's what I love about Elemis's formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too. So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn't just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by the queen of a banger, actress, and someone who refreshingly laughs in the face of her own misfortune, Paloma Faith. You will of course know Paloma from her mega hits including ‘Only Love Can Hurt Like This', ‘Lullaby' and ‘Changing', and over her decade-long career she's had five double platinum albums and won a BRIT Award for Best British Female. Meanwhile her acting career has seen her star in everything from ‘St Trinians' to the Batman prequel series, ‘Pennyworth'.  Her new single, ‘How You Leave A Man' from her forthcoming sixth album, ‘The Glorification of Sadness' (out on 16th February) is her most personal yet, and she tells me today that the break up from her partner and becoming a single mum inspired her new music.  Strap yourself in for a DMC and a half as she is also refreshingly honest about the grieving process that comes from breakups, body image and the BS labels and pressures placed on women. What I love most about this chat though, is that Paloma is all about laughing in tough times, and using humour to get you through. Something I have long tried to do, too.  So if you are finding things tough at the moment I hope this episode gives you some comic relief. If it does please get in touch. You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It's always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.  During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it's important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.  Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it's the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis's Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.  That's what I love about Elemis's formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too. So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn't just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month on the podcast we are serving up honest discussions about our mental wellbeing, so I am so excited on this episode that we are joined by a mental health advocate and the host of one of my fave podcasts, ‘The Real Pod', Victoria Garrick Browne.  Victoria, just like this podcast, is all about destigmatising conversations about mental health after she first started to experience mental health problems at college, when as a division one Volleyball player at USC, she experienced performance anxiety that affected all aspects of our life. She has since gone on to share her story across her incredible social media account (find her @victoriabrowne across socials if you haven't already), on an incredible Ted Talk you need to check out and Victoria even co-founded her own charity, The Hidden Opponent which aims to help athletes with their mental health.  In today's DMC, we talk about the stigma around loneliness, why we need to put busy culture in the bin and Victoria shares some amazing advice for talking about, and dealing with, your mental health.  If you are struggling with your mental health right now, I hope this encourages you to reach out to those around you to share your feelings. Even if you can't find the words right now, I promise it will help. And if this episode helps you please get in touch. You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It's always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.  During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it's important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.  Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it's the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis's Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.  That's what I love about Elemis's formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too. So go on, practice self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn't just skin deep, head to Elemis.com now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't believe I am saying this but we are back babes with season 8 of the podcast, and to celebrate, the dress code for today's episode is *SEQUINS ONLY*, because we are joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge, Motsi Mabuse!  Before Motsi became a judge on our favourite TV show, she had a 30 year professional dancing career, which saw her being crowned Latin dance champion, and if you haven't seen her dancing yet, sashay to YouTube ASAP, Motsi is mesmerising. Plus, she is also a judge on the German version of the show, where she still lives with her husband and daughter.  Aside from spilling the sequins on this season of Strictly, Motsi shares her inspirational journey to the glitterball world, which wasn't a waltz, growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and leaving for Germany to follow her dreams with only 50 euros to her name. Motsi also tells me about the discrimination she has faced and continues to face and how she deals with it.  I LOVE what Motsi says about never giving up on yourself, looking after the relationship with yourself and that one of her greatest learnings in life is: when things are bad they don't stay bad forever. Plus she loves the gays almost as much as I do!  If you find Motsi as joyful as I do, get in touch! You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. It's always so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am so proud to bring you these special episodes of the podcast which are focusing on our self care and wellbeing with my favourite skincare brand, Elemis.  During the change of seasons so many different feelings can come to the surface so it's important you make positive self care decisions everyday to help your wellbeing.  Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it's the simple things that make the big difference for me, like using Elemis's Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm every day just to reset. Its formula combines the ripe, green and earthy tones of Fig, Raspberry, and Bergamot for a fresh, calm and uplifting scent which has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to help relieve tension and stress.  That's what I love about Elemis's formulas: they use high performance scientific ingredients with blended essential oils that not only give you visible results but give you a moment of mindfulness, too. So go on, practise self care and treat yourself to a good skin day, it might just make a difference that isn't just skin deep, head to elemis.com and find out more about their wellbeing work here: https://uk.elemis.com/blog/world-mental-health-day?utm_campaign=reignpodcastmind&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited to share this live episode we recorded at Selfridges with my new hero, Sabrina Elba!  Think you know who Sabrina Elba is? Think again, because she cannot be boxed in! Sabrina is the co-founder of her well-being brand, S'able Labs with her husband Idris Elba, she's a model, the host of her podcast Coupledom with Idris, AND above all she is an incredible activist.  You will not believe how much inspiring work Sabrina does to help diversity, equality and the climate as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and beyond. So get ready to feel inspired as she shares some incredible thought provoking words on FGM and more - a topic which is close to her heart after her own mother experienced FGM in her homeland of Somalia.  As this live recording was part of Jamz Supernova Selects events at the iconic Selfridges which were all about celebrating culture, music, fashion and expression and we got into all of those topics in this episode, too, so big thanks to Jamz for having us. And I am thrilled that Sabrina is just as much of a Spice Girls fan as I am!  It was AMAZING to be surrounded by so many people in the REIGN family to record an episode which is all about celebrating community and family. One of the most beautiful moments in this episode is where Sabrina says she has subconsciously been trying to create a better world for the little girl her mum was.  So, I hope this inspires you to use your voice and help build a better world for yourself and others. If it does, get in touch! You can find me @joshsmithhosts across socials. As always it's so great chatting to you! Love, Josh xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hands up if you can barely do a handstand or a forward roll? Just me?!? Well today we are joined by a set of twins who have flipped and flew their way into the Olympic history books and I'm sure they could teach me a thing or two about flexibility: Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova.  The twins made Olympic history when at 16, they were part of the Team GB gymnastics team who took Bronze at the Tokyo games. It was the first medal in the event for Team GB in 95 years, and they haven't stopped making history since.  Still only 19 years old, Jessica has become World Champion on the floor, claimed an all-round Bronze medal at the World Championships, and has five European Championship titles to her name along with a further three European medals. Jennifer also has a World and European Championship silver, too and multiple British Championship medals. If you haven't seen their jaw dropping routines run to YouTube whilst listening to this episode! Your jaw will be on the floor!  It is remarkable that twin sisters can make it all the way to the top of gymnastics together, and today they talk about the secrets of their success, from climbing on furniture as kids, to practicing in their garage to prepare for their first Olympics.  I'm sure you are going to feel so inspired by the sheer determination of Jessica and Jennifer, and what I love the most about them is how they can continually show up in the face of failure. As they say, failure is part of their process every day, so hopefully this might encourage you to reframe when things don't go right too!  If you are inspired by Jessica and Jennifer please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts and let me know your thoughts, because it's always great chatting to you! AND if you missed it make sure you catch up on the other episodes in our special series celebrating women in sport as we have been joined by World Cup Lioness Lucy Bronze, Lioness legend Jill Scott, the new athletics queen Keely Hodgkinson & more! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest knows a thing or two about endurance, both in and out of the world of swimming. Get ready to meet the inspirational marathon swimmer, Alice Dearing.  Alice has been swimming since the age of four, and at the Tokyo Olympics became the first Black woman to compete in an Olympic swimming event for Team GB. It has taken 125 years from swimming's Olympic debut in 1896 for this to happen, so let's just let that sink in for a second and ask why? Well in this episode, Alice shares some insight on the racism that has prevented black people from accessing the world of swimming.  Alice isn't just a game-changer in elite sport, she is also trying to change swimming at grassroots level too, by co-founding The Black British Swimming Association, which she hopes will reverse the statistics that 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim.  It doesn't stop there, Alice has co-created the very first swimming hat designed specifically for Black hair, something that is vital for representation in swimming, a place which hasn't always made space for Alice. But why wait to take a seat at the table when you can build your own, like Alice has done, right?  I really hope you will be inspired by Alice's story, as she talks about the racism and mental health hurdles she's had to overcome to participate in sport, as well as the sheer endurance it takes to just keep swimming.  As always, if you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it's always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not every day we are joined by true royalty on this podcast! Bow down for the Queen of the Pitch and the Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott!  Jill is a true Lioness legend who helped bring football home at the Euros last year, and shortly afterwards announced her retirement from football after playing for an incredible 18 years!  In that time Jill went from being an unpaid football player in Sunderland, to a European Champion playing in front of record crowds at Wembley. Jill's career saw her also play for Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa, and with 161 England appearances, she is England's second-most capped footballer, male OR female! She also scored three FA cup titles, was named FA International Player of the Year, AND was awarded an MBE.  Not only did Jill solidify her legend status on the pitch, since retiring she's gone on to win I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and is now the first female captain on the hit Sky show, A League of Their Own.  The stories Jill shares today are eye-opening; from being called names at school, being tripped up and breaking her elbow just because she was a girl who played football, to being told as a professional not to show emotions on the pitch, Jill shows just how much women's sport has changed.  I really love what Jill says about how women's football gave her space to truly be herself and take pride in her identity, and I hope it will inspire you to go into every space and be yourself! If you love this chat or just want a Lioness England World Cup support group, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it's always great chatting to you! AND if you missed it make sure you catch up on our episode with fellow Lioness, Lucy Bronze earlier in our  special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love a bit of healthy competition and today's guest thrives off it too! So, on your marks, get set and go prepare yourself for the record breaking Team GB runner, Keely Hodgkinson. Keely's big sporting break came when she won Silver in the 800 metres at the Tokyo Olympics at just 19 years old. Since then, she has gone on to obliterate the national 800 metre record multiple times, set a new world indoor 600m record and has taken home medals at the Commonwealth Games, and the European and World Championships. All in the space of two years - busy, much?!? Ahead of the World Championships this Summer, and the Paris Olympics next year, Keely joins us to talk about her journey to the top in athletics, and it hasn't always been in the fast lane! In this episode, Keely tells me about the harder times that have made her the incredible athlete she is today, how she quit athletics as a teen, the times she ended up crying on the pavement during lockdown, and how she went from not being able to get out of bed, to winning a Commonwealth medal in the space of a week. Now *THAT* is the kind of mentality we all need to take notes from! So many of Keely's wise words are so relevant to our everyday lives, from her thoughts on failure, to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, so get ready to take her record breaking mindset into your life!  You'll also hear Keely call for more research into how contraception affects women's bodies in sport and beyond (which is long overdue - RIGHT!!!), plus so much more. AND as always, if you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it's always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialling, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BONUS EPISODE ALERT! Come on Barbies (and Kens) let's go party because not only are we dropping a bonus episode of the podcast today, but we are joined by President Barbie herself, Issa Rae!  The Reign team have been high key obsessed with Issa since we watched her TV show, Insecure. If you haven't watched one of the greatest TV shows ever made yet, it's about a directionless millennial woman and it's not only highly relatable, but it changed the landscape of TV, as Issa became the first Black woman to create and star in a premium cable series. That's right, not only did Issa star in the show, she created it, wrote it and produced it, too!  Issa IS everything and she's proving that yet again by taking on the role of President Barbie, in the most anticipated movie of the year, Barbie - created by fellow genius, Greta Gerwig, and alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Trust me when I say this movie is worth every inch of the hype!  There are many reasons I am SO excited that Issa is joining us today, but one of them is because she has done everything off her own back and on her own terms.  She started out making shows on YouTube, got a HBO contract, created two incredibly successful TV shows, and joins us today in her ‘mogul era', with her own production company, Hoorae Media and a forty-million dollar contract with Warner Media.  Issa is a true role model for making your dreams a reality in the face of huge obstacles, and I can not wait for you to hear her talk in this episode about everything from tackling the patriarchy to leaning into vulnerability.  This President certainly gets my vote and I know she will get yours too… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There aren't many athletes who make Olympic history with Union Jack space buns, but there aren't many athletes quite like weightlifter Emily Campbell, who is as hilarious as she is strong, as you're gonna hear in this episode!  You might remember watching Emily at the Tokyo Olympics, weightlifting her way to history by winning a silver medal, which made her the first British female weightlifter to win a medal at the Olympics. Alongside being a Commonwealth Games champion she is now also a European champion, and double World Champion medalist and Emily has been snatching and raising the bar ever since! After winning her Olympic silver medal, Emily said, ‘“I don't look like a typical athlete, but what my body does is amazing,” and Emily's success at the bar is matched by her success in changing the game for body positivity in sport. She is doing it for the strong gals, and this episode is a reminder to everyone that no matter what your body may look like, you are capable of anything!  It's not been an easy journey for Emily to become an Olympic athlete - as you will hear in this episode. Not only has she had to overcome outdated societal standards about strong women, she had to self-fund her way to Olympic trials whilst living at home with her parents.  Emily's story is the definition of inspirational and I hope her words about embracing and celebrating her body make you love yourself a little bit more. AND if you didn't think weightlifting was for you - think again - I am off to give it a go.   If you love this chat please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it's always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off our special series celebrating one of my favourite things, women's sport, and ahead of the Women's World Cup this summer, we are joined by a real sporting game changer: England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze!  As part of the EURO winning England team last year, Lucy truly changed the game for the visibility of women's sport, and for future generations.  But being part of a winning team is just a part of Lucy's legacy. Alongside more than 100 caps for England, she has won every domestic cup in England, the domestic title in France, the Champions League, a bronze medal in the Olympics, the SheBelieves Cup, the Arnold Clark Cup in 2022, been named FIFA's World Player of the Year AND she just received an MBE!  In today's episode Lucy looks back on her epic career, the sexism she has had to overcome, how she has learnt to thrive under pressure, managing her mental health and how one chat with fellow icon Jill Scott helped make her into the team player she is today.  Lucy also shares some never before heard tales from winning the Euros from the pitch and also as they wrote a letter to the government to campaign for all girls to be allowed to play football at school. And as we look forward to (hopefully/crossing everything) England bringing football home again at the World Cup, Lucy talks about how empowering the new Nike England kit with game changing blue shorts are!  I love what Lucy says about the work that still needs to be done for true gender parity in sport and hopefully normalising talking about periods in sport and beyond might get us one step further to that! If you love this chat too, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because it's always great chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special women in sport series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am BEYOND proud that this series is empowered by Nike, whose ambition - just like Reign - is to champion women and girls and ensure they feel seen and included in sport and beyond.  Nike is committed to celebrating ALL women, supporting HER journey by taking action to make meaningful change and coming through with innovative style-led products you will hear all about in this series.  I'm sure you will have already seen the game-changing new England women's football kit - which we talk about in this episode - that includes the new Leak Protection technology embedded in the lining of the Nike Pro Short for athletes. And Nike have also just launched the Phantom Luna - a women-led football boot, backed by Nike's most meaningful investment in women yet that has taken more than two years of research, trialing, designing and styling to develop.  We haven't even got onto the bras, leggings, Pro Hijabs and their maternity and plus size ranges so make sure you check out all of the latest innovation for HER product at Nike.com and @nikewomen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am SO excited for season two of Netflix's ‘Heartstopper' and I know you are too! So I am thrilled that we are joined by the latest addition to the cast, Bel Priestley, for the final special episode of this series which has been celebrating all things Pride!  You may have already seen Bel before all over TikTok as she has emerged as one of the UK's leading young transgender voices. From sharing her transition journey to shutting down trolls, Bel's honesty has garnered her an epic 1.2 million followers and 84.9 million likes!  Today Bel tells me about her transition journey that began at 13 years old, and now at 20, she looks back at the lessons she's learnt along the way and shares stories of the eye opening prejudice she has faced.  At a time when trans people are facing hate in record numbers, and governments across the world are trying to undo their rights - including right here in the UK - it's more important than ever to listen, learn and celebrate our trans community. So, I hope Bel's story inspires you to be a true trans ally. Because now is the time for true allyship.  If Bel's story resonates with you or inspires you, please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because I love chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special pride series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours! The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.  AND here's the exciting bit: they've given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com  Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90's baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beat that face and prepare your fabulous self for today's episode as we are joined by Miss Benny, the star of Netflix's epic new show, ‘Glamorous', which is giving Ugly Betty-meets-Devil Wears Prada.  I have not been this obsessed with a TV show in ages because Glamorous is pure queer joy from start to finish. The story follows Marco, a young gender non-conforming queer person who is obsessed with beauty, when one day a lucky run in with the makeup mogul, Madolyn Addison played by THE icon, Kim Cattrall sees Marco landing his dream job: becoming Madolyn's second assistant.  The show is packed full with the best one-liners - including my personal fave, ‘I am a twink on prep, I can do anything' - camp drama and tons of hot men. What more do you want from a TV show?!?  Despite this being Miss Benny's first leading role in TV, you may recognise them from starting out on YouTube, and a music career that is one big middle finger up to gender norms and heteronormative culture!  But today Miss Benny talks about the sheer amount of rejections they faced before landing their dream role in Glamorous. They tell me about their journey to accepting their queer identity from growing up in Texas and facing prejudice to navigating relationships as a feminine queer person.  This conversation means so much to me as a feminine gay man who has long struggled to truly embrace themselves in the face of prejudice both outside and inside the LGBTQIA+ community, so if you've ever felt something similar, I hope this episode makes you feel not just seen and heard but ATTRACTIVE AF, because you are babes! It's not all about masc 4 masc… IYKYK!  If this episode does speak to you please get in touch across socials on @joshsmithhosts because I love chatting to you and come back next week for the next episode in our special pride series! Love, Josh xx P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours! The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.  AND here's the exciting bit: they've given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com  Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90's baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Pride month and it really couldn't get queerer than this, as today we are joined by the Eurovision icon Loreen!  I have been the biggest Loreen fan since she first won Eurovision in 2012 with her song Euphoria. And I have been screaming it in the shower/in the back of taxis on the way OUT OUT, and in Gay clubs across the world ever since - anyone else?!?!  This year Loreen returned to Eurovision with the power ballad Tattoo and became the first woman to win the competition twice. But it hasn't all been a euphoric journey for Loreen, as she tells me about her journey to making history in this episode.  Loreen also chats about coming out as bisexual, what pride means to her, those Eurovision nails which double up as weapons, and whether she will mark the 50 year anniversary of Abba winning the Eurovision song contest next year in Sweden with a collaboration to end all collaborations. LET'S ALL PRAY TO ALL THE (GAY) GODS TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!  What I really loved about this chat was hearing Loreen's empowering outlook on life and she really does seem like the philosopher of our time (move over Socrates). I hope her advice for cutting negative energy out of your life and overcoming pain to build your mental strength will help you out, too! If it does, get in touch I'm @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don't forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.  Love, Josh xx P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours! The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing BIAB technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.  AND here's the exciting bit: they've given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com  Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90's baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I am joined by Reneé Rapp, and if you're feeling a little bit sluggish or unmotivated, I promise this episode is the pickup you need because Reneé is a ball of energy!  If you're not already a superfan like I am, get ready to be one! If you've caught The Sex Lives of College Girls, you'll recognise Reneé as Leighton, and if you've been lucky enough to see Mean Girls on Broadway, she played the original iconic Regina George - a role she'll be revisiting in the movie adaptation of the musical - which she teases in this episode and I am SO excited for that! And as if her stunning acting resume wasn't enough for you, Reneé is an incredible singer and songwriter as well. I went (alongside THOUSANDS of others) to her first ever London gig back in January which sold out so quickly they had to upgrade the venue TWICE!  I have Reneé's song Too Well constantly on repeat since the launch of her EP so I am so excited that she has new music coming and she has just announced the title of her upcoming debut album Snow Angel and the single of the same name is out right now!  We cover off so much in this episode - from talking about Reneé's incredible career (and she's just getting started), to navigating queer identity and biphobia to dealing with heartbreak.  I really love Reneé's enthusiasm for life and how she does not apologise for being ambitious. I guarantee this episode will brighten any dark day and as always if you want to get in touch I'm @JoshSmithHosts on socials - I love to chat to you! And don't forget you can catch some of the video highlights from this episode over on my YouTube channel, just search Reign with Josh Smith.  Love, Josh xx P.S. I am beside myself excited that this episode, which is celebrating Pride month, is brought to you in partnership with The GelBottle, who just like Reign, are all about inclusivity and individuality, helping people express themselves and be who they really are - right down to their nail colours! The GelBottle not only have created over 500 colours, but are famous for their game changing biab technology, which leaves your nails looking stunning, whilst increasing your nail growth too! Their at-home formula for sister brand, Peacci, also gives your nails that salon quality feel.  AND here's the exciting bit: they've given me my very own edit, called the REIGNBOW edit which has a Peacci colour to represent every single stripe of the pride flag - from the banana yellow, Clueless to the summer green of dreams, Serena because no matter how you identify, everyone is welcome inside the REIGN-bow! Check out the collection here: www.thegelbottle.com  Plus 25% of the proceeds from now until the end of August from the Peacci REIGNBOW Edit and the 90's baby collection will go to Switchboard, a charity that has been listening to and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community since 1975! So go forth and express yourselves however you want and support our LGBTQIA+ community. x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices