‘How are you?’ - a question we don't ask enough, but one Simon Gunning wants us to ask more often. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, I’m joined by Simon, CEO of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a charity dedicated to suicide prevention, raising awareness, and offering practical support. As an ambassador for CALM and someone who has had struggles with anxiety myself, this conversation means a lot to me, and one that is important to share.

TW - this conversation contains discussion of suicide which some listeners might find distressing.

There are some staggering stats about death by suicide in recent years and yet it’s still such a difficult thing to talk about but charities like CALM are breaking down barriers and really shining light into a topic which can sometimes feel intolerably dark. Simon and I reflect on our relationships with our fathers, how a handshake was his only physical connection with his dad, and why these generational silences shape men’s aptitudes of emotion.

This episode is about why leaning into the uncomfortable can be life changing - or indeed, saving.

If you, or anyone you know is affected by anything in today’s episode, you can speak to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in confidence. Find out more about CALM's helpline, tools and resources at thecalmzone.net

One of the ways to support CALM's life-saving work is through the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw - offering the chance to win a luxurious home in Devon worth over £2,000,000 - plus £250,000 in cash - with paid entries starting from £10. Draw entries are available now at @omazeuk.The Draw closes at midnight on Sunday 27th October.

Link: https://goto.omaze.co.uk/3N1t8oJ

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.

Posh, tall and hilarious - believe it or not, I’m not describing myself - this week I have the wonderful Jack Whitehall joining me on the show. Jack and I have known each other for years, but in that time, his rise has been astronomical: from a gigging standup to the big screen, Jack is one of the most successful British comics of our day.

Getting a friend on the show is always an interesting experience as I get to discover things I never knew - for instance Jack’s failed career in textiles, the reality of working so closely with family (both the joys and challenges) and how becoming a father himself, has changed Jack's outlook on life.

We also discuss his latest show, Fatherhood with My Father, and reminisce on some hilarious moments from the show.

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.

Alain de Botton views the world in a way that is profound yet easy to understand; a modern-day philosopher and essayist, he set up the School of Life, which explores self-understanding and aims to educate people on the aspects of life we don’t get taught at school - like relationships, careers, anxiety, ageing and so much more. I had the honour of sitting down with Alain to chat, and am so pleased it was recorded as I’ll be listening back to this episode aplenty.

What is love? How do we navigate heartbreak? Why is our childhood so informant on the rest of our lives? How do we sit with ourselves? And while we’re at it - what actually is the meaning of life? Alain talks me through why we experience the ‘ick’, the emotional burdens parents project onto their children, and how breakdowns can be breakthroughs. He also helps me understand better my own relationship, examining how attachment styles and past experiences can shape the way we love.

This conversation is rich in kindness and full of appreciation for the complexities of being a human.

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 want to read Alain's latest book, A Therapeutic Journey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Therapeutic-Journey-Lessons-School-Life/dp/0241642558

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji and Ryley Kirby

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

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