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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm so excited to bring you an amazing new series of Reign, with a whole host of incredible guests- Royalty in their own right! In this series you'll hear from Jesy Nelson, Tom Ellis and Léa Seydoux - and that's just the first few episodes. So make sure you're subscribed, so you'll be the first to hear my conversation with Jesy when it drops on Tuesday 28th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My podcast, Reign with Josh Smith is ALL about open and empowering conversations but it’s also about the power of listening to others. So, in the spirit of listening, you asked and I am serving you the guest you have been thirsting after for the longest time in this very special bonus episode… drum roll please… It's the aSASSin herself, Jodie Comer! You will of course know Jodie for bursting onto our screens as the ‘other woman’ in Doctor Foster before she went on to slay everyone and every accent as Villanelle in Killing Eve. Now she’s starring in her first big Hollywood movie, Free Guy opposite Ryan Reyonolds which follows Ryan’s character, Guy who realises not only is he a background character in the world’s most successful computer game, Free City but the world he is living in is under threat. Step forward computer programmer Millie, played by Jodie who along with her kickass avatar, Molotovgirl teams up with Guy to help save the day. It’s all high jinx but meta AF as it encourages us all to be the main character in the game of life! Deep! I love Jodie’s personality so much so this episode is full of laughter - something we all need right now! And naturally, as this movie is all about computer gaming, in this episode we reminisce about the glory days of playing The Sims nonstop and Jodie admits that she isn’t that badass in real life after being kicked in the face on set. Something she describes as a ‘bucket list’ moment, if you say so babes! Jodie also reveals she recorded a cover of Mariah Carey’s Fantasy for the movie after Ryan Reynolds suggested it - could we be seeing the rebirth of Jodie Comer the popstar?!? YES. PLEASE. Jodie also opens about the lessons she has learnt from sitting with her ‘self’ over the last year and how it’s taught her to let go of ‘bad habits’ - who can relate?!! ME! - and how she is stepping into her power to say, ‘you've worked to be here. Stop, stop with the, ‘oh thank you.’ Or, ‘sorry, it's just so great!’ In the words of Jodie herself, ‘imposter syndrome is so 2020!’ Jodie also talks about managing her mental health after shooting new TV show, Help where she played a care home worker battling the beginning of the coronavirus opposite her mentor, Stephen Graham and how filming the show at home in Liverpool allowed her to have her Mum’s roast dinners on set. (Find out the secrets to a Comer family roast, too)! AND if that wasn’t enough Jodie reveals the meeting she had with Ridley Scott which led to her starring opposite Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck in the forthcoming movie, The Last Duel. I loved talking to Jodie so much - this chat is pure joy so I hope you love it as much as I do - and thank you for taking the time to listen to Reign with Josh Smith, it means the world to me. I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hands up if you have seen Netflix's trilogy of horror movies, Fear Street, absolutely pooped yourself AND fallen into new levels of obsession with its star, Kiana Madeira who plays the central protagonist, Deena? I knew I wasn't the only one who was obsessed SO for this very special bonus episode of Make It Reign, I am joined by the new scream queen herself, Kiana! You may have seen Kiana before in the Netflix hit, Trinkets, which follows a group of High Schoolers who end up in a Shoplifters Anonymous Group. But now she is gathering new fans by creeping us out as Deena, a teenager living in the fictional town of Shadyside for the Netflix hit Fear Street based on the books by R.L STINE.The three movies follow a group of high schoolers across three very different periods in 1994, then 1978 and finally, 1666 attempting to not only solve a murder mystery but an ancient curse. Now that's a long to-do list for one gal! One of the things I loved about the three movies was that they centre around the queer love story between Deena and her high school lover, Samantha. Isn't it about time a trilogy of films celebrate a same sex relationship without making it heavily sexualised? HELL YES! As this bonus episode lands after our Reign with Pride series - where we were joined by the likes of Cara Delevingne, Samira Wiley, Courtney Act and Paris Lees - we talk about the power of representing a queer love story. Kiana also talks powerfully about her relationship with religion, how acting affected her body image and how she has learnt to take pride in her mixed heritage and finally embrace her curly hair. I loved talking to Kiana so much as she has so many amazing words about learning to love your self and others - so I hope YOU listen to this episode and give yourselves a little bit of extra love. I am now taking a little break before we drop season four BUT there *may* be a very special surprise guest coming your way in August so make sure you follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts so you are the first to know about it. TRUST ME, you won't want to miss it as I am asked every single day when this person will appear on the podcast. Thank you for taking the time to listen to Reign - it means the world to me. I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign your own lives, too. Until next time, WEAR THOSE CROWNS WITH PRIDE and get in touch, I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxxP.S Thank you to our sponsors, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Start your engines because Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act joins me for the final episode of my mini-series, Reign with Pride! Shane has had many iconic international and historic moments as his drag persona, Courtney Act after they appeared in the first series of Australian Idol in 2003, becoming the first LGBT contestant to openly appear on a reality TV talent show downunder.International fame came knocking after Courtney Act became the runner up in the sixth season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and was later named as the third most powerful drag queen in America by New York Magazine. Courtney went on to win UK’s Celebrity Big Brother and in 2019 was the first same-sex pairiing in the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars. Now Shane has launched his own podcast, Building Queertopia on BBC Sounds, which brings together members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community by asking them to envision a perfect ‘queer utopia’ where everyone is welcome. But before you RACE off to listen to it, this episode is a corker as we talk about growing up fearing straight men, how drag affected his mental health and how his relationship with body image has changed. SO much of what Shane says in this episode speaks of my own experiences grappling with my identity so I hope you feel heard and seen by the episode! If you have missed this series so far, this mini-series of four episodes features some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community - from Cara Delevingne to Samira Wiley - to celebrate Pride Month. It’s something that means so much to me because when I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Shane- and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am. If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation. I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances. When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic. P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, activist and transgender trailblazer, Paris Lees joins me for the third episode of my mini-series, Reign with Pride, and it is one of the most eye opening conversations I have ever had. Paris Lees is the definition of a LGBTQIA+ trailblazer. She was the first openly trans woman to present a show on Radio 1, to present a show on Channel 4, to appear on Question Time and become a contributing editor for Vogue. She’s even had a cameo on Hollyoaks, addressed the Oxford Union in 2014, and in 2016 gave evidence at the home affairs select committee on prostitution laws.But her personal story, which she details in her powerful new memoir 'What It Feels Like For A Girl', tells even more of a story. It is a brutally honest account of her being groomed for sex work as a teenager, the abuse she suffered from her father, being physically bullied at school, and how she came to terms with her identity. In spite of all this adversity and ending up in prison as a teenager after committing a robbery, Paris went to college and went on to graduate at Brighton University with a degree in English language and literature and finds herself where she is today. Hearing Paris Lee's lived experiences in this episode was remarkable as we reflected on chosen family, spectrum grace in the LGBTQIA+ community and how despite experiencing the darkest of times she found her power. This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community from Cara Delevingne to Samira Wiley, to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Samira - and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am. If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation. I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances. When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic. P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May the lord open! The Emmy award winning The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley joins me for the second episode of Reign with Pride, opening up about being same-sex parents, coming out, and learning to take pride in the intersections of her identity. Samira Wiley has been the definition of a role model since she first starred as Poussey in Orange Is The New Black. Samira went on to win an Emmy Award for her performance as Moira in The Handmaid’s Tale which she dedicated to her wife, Lauren. She received the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award, and appeared as a couple on the cover of OUT magazine, giving same sex relationships the visibility they deserve! YES! I caught up with Samira just a few months after the birth of their baby daughter, George and she has so many amazing words about raising a new generation to take pride in their identity. Samira herself is now proud to call herself a ‘gay woman’ but it hasn’t always been the case, as as Samira revealed she was encouraged to enter into a fake ‘relationship’ with a gay male friend to protect her career. Now Samira, who credits playing Moira in The Handmaid’s Tale with helping her find her voice, sees her relationship as one of her greatest achievements and we love to hear it! I have to confess that I have been obsessed with Samira since I started watching The Handmaid’s Tale - which I think is THE best TV show ever made (it’s a fact!) - so of course we had a little chat about season four. If you haven’t caught up, there are some plot spoilers in the first ten minutes so listen with caution! This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models - like Samira - and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am. If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation. I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxx Thank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances. When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic. P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cara Delevingne joins me for the first episode of my new mini-series, Reign with Pride and opens up about sexuality, sex and even some hilarious stripper stories - I promise this episode has it all! This mini-series of four episodes will feature some of the most prominent role models in the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month - something that means so much to me! When I was growing up I didn’t feel like I truly had any role models, and I know that listening to these guests would have helped ‘younger me’ and also, ‘adult me’ during the multiple times in my life when I have struggled with taking pride in who I am. Cara Delevingne has been a role model to many since she started her modelling career just after leaving school. She went on to be the face of quite literally everything from Dior to Chanel, she’s won Model of The Year at the British Fashion Awards twice, and has found huge - and at times - isolating levels of fame. Cara then stepped into the world of movies with a role in Anna Karenina before taking on leading roles in Suicide Squad, Paper Towns before landing as a fairy in Amazon Prime’s TV extravaganza, Carnival Row. I caught up with Cara on a HAWT day whilst she was filming on location in Prague - so hot in fact that the windows had to be open - sorry about the background noise, but a girl has to stay cool! She opens up about becoming an entrepreneur with her sex tech brand, Lora DiCarlo, the stigma around female masturbation - including being shamed for masturbating at boarding school - and how after coming out as Pansexual last year, she is now defining her own sexuality on her own terms. We also talk about her ongoing journey with mental health, her views on plastic surgery and what pride means to her. Cara’s honesty in this episode is incredible, and shows that even role models don't have all the answers - because at the end of the day, who does? And that is the most reassuring thing of all, especially when you are discovering who you are! If you are struggling with your identity at the moment or just need someone to talk to please reach out to the LGBT Foundation, who I mentioned in this episode. Their helplines are always open and confidential and you can find out more at lgbt.foundation. I hope you love this episode as much as I do and I truly hope this series will help you take pride in your identity no matter how you identify. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Love Josh xxxThank you to our sponsors this week, Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances. When it comes to embracing the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety, there is no one quite like Jean Paul Gaultier! The brand is a symbol of queer freedom and the gorgeous new RAINBOW limited edition Le Male Pride collector bottle symbolises just that. 100% of profits will go towards the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT who have provided over 250,000 nights off the street for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. You can pick up your very own Le Male Pride bottle right now from Look Fantastic.P.S You will also have heard an advert for my favourite skincare brand, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for Reign with Pride: a special four-part mini-series, where Josh talks in-depth with some the LGBTQ+ community's biggest trailblazers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pop queen Anne-Marie joins me for the first ever live recording of Reign! I think the clapping, the screaming and the laughter show just how much I loved recording this episode. Anne-Marie's honesty both in her music and on social media about her battles with anxiety, body image and being perfect make her the kind of role model we all need in our lives - plus she has the infectious laughter to match! If you didn't know already Anne-Marie has nine Brit Award nominations to her name, 4 million album sales and 5 UK top ten singles (CASUAL) and now she is about to release her second album, the aptly titled Therapy on 23rd July. So, in this episode we delved into her mental health journey, how she dropped to rock bottom during lockdown, how resorting to therapy last year saved her and she reveals just how close she was to quitting music. Anne-Marie's words about becoming her own ally, how lockdown made her review her definition of success and failure and how she has defined 'perfect' on her own terms are so powerful and needed - especially now - so I hope you love this episode just as much as I do. Anne-Marie and I recorded this episode LIVE at the LiveNow studios in London. AND, it was live streamed, so you can head to www.live-now.com to watch it back! This is actually the last episode in season two - I can't believe we got to this point when Make It Reign was only launched in January - so I just wanted to thank you for listening. Thank you for your messages saying how much the podcast has helped you and I hope Reign continues to be a place you come to hear stories that help you find your own power and wear your crown with pride. Love Josh xxxP.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Thank you to our sponsor this week, Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathalie Emmanuel, star of Game of Thrones and The Fast and The Furious is our guest queen on this episode of Reign with me, Josh Smith! I first watched Nathalie back in my university (very hungover) days when I was addicted to Hollyoaks as she starred in the show for four years playing Sasha Valentine - remember that?! But after quitting the soap and finding it difficult to find work, Nathalie took on a zero hours contract - something she powerfully opens up about in this episode. But soon the world of Westeros came calling, and for seven seasons, Nathalie starred as Missandei in Game of Thrones before meeting a brutal and controversial end. She went on to star in Mindy Kaling’s TV reimagining of Four Weddings and a Funeral (available via Amazon Prime). And now, she is taking things up a gear for a third time in The Fast and The Furious franchise - which is now in its NINTH film! In this chat we talk about diversity in casting after THAT debate following her Game of Thrones exit, the resilience she gained from being bullied as a teenager and where she draws the line about nudity on screen. There are so many amazing words about working out what your boundaries are, and sticking to them, too - something I could learn from as we step into post lockdown life! Hope you love this episode as much as me and let me know what you think as I LOVE hearing from you! Josh x P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Thank you to our sponsors this week: Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! We are also proud to be working with the leading CBD beauty brand CBII. Their products can change people’s lives through better quality sleep and managing symptoms of stress and anxiety. CBII products come in so many different forms – you can choose between an oil, a capsule, a skincare range or candle so you are spoilt for choice! And if you’ve never used CBD products before, CBII have a 7 Day Discovery Duo starter kit of their two best-selling CBD oils to get you going. You can get it for half price at just £8! Just head to www.cbii-cbd.com and use the code MAKEITREIGN and you can experience the feel good difference for yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming live from her childhood bedroom, Ginny and Georgia star, Antonia Gentry is the latest guest on Reign! Not familiar with Ginny and Georgia? Well prepare to become obsessed! It focuses on a mother-daughter relationship between Georgia and Ginny, who have to navigate a 15 year age gap, relocate to a New England town, deal with everyday discrimination and avoid a mysterious past. Antonia was born and raised in Atlanta, and after getting her her start in a small Netflix film, Candy Jar in 2018, she was in the middle of graduating when she landed her lead role in Ginny and Georgia. She since gone on to be nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance - so deserved! In this episode we talk about the intersections of Antonia’s identity, the trials and tribulations of growing up and rediscovering some of her hilarious childhood diaries from said childhood bedroom.I literally loved talking to Antonia as she has so many wise AF words about sitting back and listening to others which I think we could all learn a lot from. So I hope you love this episode too. Love, Josh xxP.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Thank you to our sponsors this week:Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne.And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do!We are proud to be working with the leading CBD beauty brand CBII. Their products can change people’s lives through better quality sleep and managing symptoms of stress and anxiety. CBII products come in so many different forms – you can choose between an oil, a capsule, a skincare range or candle so you are spoilt for choice!And if you’ve never used CBD products before, CBII have a 7 Day Discovery Duo starter kit of their two best-selling CBD oils to get you going. You can get it for half price at just £8! Just head to www.cbii-cbd.com and use the code MAKEITREIGN and you can experience the feel good difference for yourself! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hold on tight to your magic carpet, because in this episode of Reign I am joined by a real life Disney Princess; Princess Jasmine herself, Naomi Scott! I loved her and her commitment to wing eyeliner in a lockdown. Naomi (who has also starred in Power Rangers and the latest Charlie's Angels reboot) is currently lending her voice to the new dramatic podcast, Soft Voice, which is about a London estate agent who navigates two very different voices inside her head. Naomi is also about to star in Netflix's new series, Anatomy of a Scandal where her character is involved in a sexual assault allegation, which she talks about so powerfully in this episode. If like me, you fell in love with Naomi showing us a whole new world and new feminist Disney Princess you are going to love this episode as she is the LITERALLY best friend we all wished we had! Naomi opens up about her changing relationship with her Christian faith - after growing up with her pastor parents - how marrying her husband, footballer, Jordan Spence at 21 years-old has enabled them to grow together (and forced Naomi to *actually* tidy up) and how not fitting into the ‘English rose' demographic of female actors has affected her. The way Naomi talks about her faith and her identity has really stuck with me so I hope you love listening to her as much as I did! Love, Josh xx P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from you! Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you are as obsessed with Netflix's new smash hit TV show, Shadow and Bone as I am you are going to LOVE this episode of Reign with it's star, Jessie Mei Li. But if you haven't watched it already (where have you been?!?) Shadow and Bone is basically Netflix’s answer to Game of Thrones. It follows Jessie’s character - Alina; a young woman with unique powers who has overcome her fair share of monsters, hot boys and the fold. Think of it as just another day socialising at the park, then! Before she found the power within her on screen, Jessie had dropped out of university and was working as a special-education teaching assistant. She enrolled in some acting lessons, and went on to land an agent and a role in the West End production of All About Eve before Netflix came calling! In this episode Jessie opens up about how the rise in anti-asian hate has affected her, her and her family's experiences of racism and how she navigated feeling like an 'outsider' growing up. There are so many amazing words about defining your identity on your own terms and refusing to adhere to the labels society can place on you, so I hope you love listening to Jessie just as much as I did chatting to her! Love, Josh xxP.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom! Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Radio 1 host, Strictly Come Dancing star, podcast host of This City and *official* Barbie doll, Clara Amfo joins me for this episode of Reign. Since joining Radio 1 in 2015, Clara went on to host the iconic Live Lounge and has done everything from interviewing Jay-Z, to playing basketball with Justin Bieber at his house. After the death of George Floyd in June 2020, Clara showed just how powerful her voice is when she delivered an anti-racism speech in her radio show, concluding that “You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues. And I say that with my chest.” It went viral, and she was included in British Vogue's activism issue, and was made a 'Barbie Role Model’ by Barbie who created a doll version of her! Since we chatted, it’s been announced that Clara will step into Annie Mac's headphones to present the Future Sounds show from September. Go on, Queen! In this episode Clara opens up about finding, and staying true to her voice, the grief she continues to experience after the death of her father and why it is MORE than ok to be single. All the women, who independent, throw your hands up at me, because I couldn't agree more! I hope you love listening to Queen Clara just as much as I did chatting to her! Love, Josh xx P.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom! Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay! FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are activists and then there is Munroe Bergdorf, who joins me for the second episode of season two! With over half a million followers on Instagram alone, Munroe has become one of today's most powerful voices, continuously standing up for marginalised people, diversity, feminism, the queer community and transgender visibility.So it’s no wonder that she's a UN Women UK Changemaker, that Time Magazine called her a Next Generation Leader on their cover last year, and British Vogue named her as one of the 25 most powerful women in Britain.Munroe is one of my favourite people to talk to, as she’s beyond open and always promotes new ways of thinking, and this conversation shows just that. We talk about how we both came out at 14 years old, and how lockdown reminded us both of the isolation we experienced as a teenager. We talk about filters and photoshopping, the price of being a prominent Black Transgender activist on social media, labels, and our mutual appreciation for the icon that is Martine McCutcheon! This episode truly has it all so I hope you take away just as much from this chat as I did. And if you are feeling alone or isolated (I’ve been there!) reach out and talk, I promise it will help. Love, Josh xxP.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom! Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has brought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI - Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am SO excited that the first guest for Reign season two is Vanessa Kirby, a *genuine* Oscar nominee who gave me one of the best pieces of advice for managing anxiety I have ever heard. It completely changed my own mindset so I hope this episode helps you if you are struggling in these ever changing times. Given that she played Princess Margaret on ‘The Crown’ - one of my all time favourite TV shows and performances - this is as close as I might ever get to having a member of the Royal Family on ‘Make It Reign’ so excuse me whilst I contain myself!Vanessa also starred in ‘Fast and The Furious: Hobbs and Shaw’ and ‘Mission Impossible’ but it was playing a mother consumed by grief after losing her baby during a home birth, in Netflix’s ‘Pieces of A Woman’ that Vanessa broke all of our hearts and sweeped to, beyond deserved, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Oscar nominations. I couldn’t stop crying, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you are going to need your tissues! Vanessa joins me for a very moving conversation about why we all need to open up more about grief and loss and how watching an IRL birth in preparation for ‘Pieces of A Woman’ has changed her forever. Plus we talk about how Vanessa has learnt to manage her anxiety, navigate imposter syndrome and how lockdown boredom saw her regressing back to being a teenager spending hours playing The Sims. My kinda queen!I hope you find this chat just as reassuring and inspiring as I did! Enjoy, queens!Love, Josh xxP.S. You can follow me at @joshsmithhosts across social media and please get in touch as I love to hear from the queendom! Thank you to our sponsors Aurelia London who are, not only, THE experts in Probiotic Skincare but using their Probiotic Concentrate with my Aurelia London Day Moisturiser has bought back my glow, just in time for me to re-enter civilisation! Yay!FYI Aurelia London's probiotic skincare is effective for skin conditions from dullness to ageing to rosacea and pigmentation to acne. And as a treat for you Queens, you can get 20% off the entire range by heading to aurelialondon.com and using the code JOSH20 at the check out! Hope you love it as much as I do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey Queens, we're back for Season 2! New episodes coming at you from next week, so I'll see you there! Love, Josh x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special episode of Reign, Josh talks to L'Oreal Paris ambassador, model, entrepreneur and body image activist Iskra Lawrence Iskra was dropped by her modelling agency at just 15 years old for being in quotation marks, "TOO BIG," which led to body image issues and disordered eating. Since her recovery Iskra has been determined to change the perception of women across society. Here Iskra opens up about her journey towards feeling worth it including the toxic relationships, mental health and body image issues she's had to overcome along the way and how becoming a mother gave her a new respect for her body. She also candidly opens up about the street harassment she has experienced in her life and how we need to encourage men to have conversations about their behaiour. Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and as Iskra powerfully shows talking about her insecurities ultimately saved her, so we hope this episode encourages you to embrace your worth and let your voice be heard. You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time!This special episode is sponsored by L'Oreal Paris who are celebrating 50 years of the iconic phrase BECAUSE YOU'RE WORTH IT. Since then L’Oreal Paris has continuously encouraged women to stand up, be heard and be the change they want to see in society, showing that we’re ALL worth it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Reign, Josh talks to Outerbanks star, Madelyn Cline. Madelyn - who stars as Sarah in the Netflix teen drama, Outerbanks - talks candidly for the first time about how she felt 'silenced' and on an 'island' during, and after, an abusive relationship when she first moved to LA to pursue her dreams. But as Madelyn powerfully shows opening up about her experiences and feelings allowed her to not only rebuild friendships she thought she lost, but also herself. Madelyn also talks about how meeting her Outerbanks cast mates allowed her to truly be herself, the lessons she has learnt from therapy and how she has learnt to live with her anxiety. Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and Madelyn’s chat is a powerful account of how we are never truly alone and how speaking up is the most important thing we can do for ourselves and others. And let's face it we are all feeling a little more isolated than normal right now so I hope you feel less alone after listening. You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Reign, Josh talks to Olympic athlete and World Champion, Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Katarina - or KJT as she is known to her fans - talks candidly about how she was, “very close” to quitting athletics after what was deemed a “public failure” at the Rio 2016 Olympics where she finished sixth, whilst others tipped her for a gold medal. Having struggled with self-confidence, public pressure and injuries Katarina completely changed her life - including working with a psychologist - in order to change her mindset and put her into winning form. Now the reigning World Champion in the Heptathlon - making her the world’s best all round female athletics athlete - Katarina opens up about the Tokyo Olympics, how body image affected her early career and the racist microaggressions she has faced throughout her life. Open and honest conversations are key to making it reign and Katarina’s chat is a powerful account of how we need to define success and failure on our own terms and how we all have the power to switch up our mindset and achieve our dreams - whatever they may be. If you are lacking motivation right now - let’s face it, we all are - then this is the conversation you NEED to listen to. You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens! Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Josh talks to It's A Sin star Lydia West AKA the Pink Palace ally, Jill. Lydia talks candily about the mental health impacts of playing Jill in the powerful new Channel 4 and HBO Max drama which follows a group of queer youngsters dealing with the impact of the HIV and AIDs epidemic in 1980s London. Lydia opens up to Josh about the most heartbreaking scenes to film (including one where she had to call her Mum mid take), the backlash against the show's sex scenes and how discrimination has affected her own life. Standing up for others and using your platform - however small or big - is key to making it reign and Lydia's chat is a powerful example of how allyship and true friendship can help others whilst reducing shame and stigma. As Lydia and Jill both show kindness is the greatest currency of all. You can follow Josh on social media across @joshsmithhosts and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and comment if you loved the episode as we love to hear from you, queens. Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Josh talks to Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood. Aimee talks frankly about her experiences with eating disorders and how her relationship with her body image changed after filming the sex scenes in Sex Education, playing Aimee Gibbs. Opening up about filming THAT solo sex scene, Aimee discusses how it initially left her with “vulnerability hangover,” but looking back now she is so proud the scenes portrayed female pleasure in a realistic, non-airbrushed way. Just. Yes! Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign - and Aimee’s chat is like therapy in itself. As the queen herself says, letting go of our problems, and refusing to no longer compare ourselves to others, is just like having a really great poo. Now, who can’t relate to that! Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Josh is joined by the Bridgerton and Derry Girls star, Nicola Coughlan. Nicola talks openly about how her path to stardom definitely wasn’t plain sailing and how she was ready to give up - but didn’t! (And we are SO thankful she kept going!) And of course, Nicola chats to Josh ALL about playing Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton from the costumes to THAT PLOT TWIST and her hopes for season two! Plus Nicola talks all about how she was given the part from just one audition - what a QUEEN - after being handpicked by Shonda Rhimes herself and how she can not watch those Bridgerton sex scenes with her mother. (Who can relate?!?) Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign and Nicola keeps it real to show us all that persistence is KEY and you have to define success on your own terms! Nicola also has some great advice lifted from the pages of William Shakespeare himself. (It’s all very high brow around here!) Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next Tuesday. Follow Josh across social media via @joshsmithhosts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the very first episode of Reign with Josh Smith, Josh is joined by Golden Globe Nominee, the star of Netflix’s smash hit show ‘Emily in Paris’ and long time pal, Lily Collins!Lily takes a seat on the Make It Reign throne to talk about her battles with body image and eating disorders, the ways she has found peace and comfort in her self (and let’s face it, we’re in our own company A LOT right now!) and how - and where - she’s drawn strength to overcome her personal challenges and wear her crown with pride! Talking, sharing and listening is key to making it reign and Lily has some incredible wisdom about how transformative opening up can be. There is so much to take away from this episode! Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t already, because Josh will be back to Make it Reign with another Queen next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Make It Reign, where each episode journalist and presenter Josh Smith catches up with one of our favourite stars - and modern day Queens - to talk honestly about the challenges they've faced away from the spotlight, how they overcame them to make it reign in their lives, and how we all can, too! Make sure you're subscribed or are following for the very first episode. See you there - get your crowns ready! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 August 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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices