James Watt - or the BrewDog guy - is a guest I’ve wanted on the show for a while as, with these podcasts, I’m always curious to find out who the person is behind the name… So who is James Watt? For me, he’s an impressive business head, for some he’s a guy who sells great beer, others will know him from controversies surrounding the running of the business, but I think if I were to ask him, he’s say he’s still a North Sea fisherman at heart.

In order to answer this question, I reached out to an old friend from my MIC days, who also happens to be James’ fiancé, Georgia Toffolo (Toff to me) to kick off the interview. Although his story is shaped by a tough upbringing - dogged with a speech impediment, crippling shyness and a strained relationship with his mother - these early challenges became the foundation of his resilience and relentless drive, shaping who he is today.

We chat through the immense risks he took to build BrewDog, taking it to the dizzying heights of success, at its peak valued at $1.8billion, and how the profound impact of losing his father has shifted his outlook on what is important, and how time is the most valuable asset we all have.

This conversation reminded me of the importance to make space to understand each other and the different parts that make us who we are

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

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast and if you'd like to get in touch, you can email us at greatcompany@jampotproducitions.co.uk

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Video: Lizzie McCarthy

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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

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

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

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

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

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast

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

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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