This week Jacky and Pete chat with Chris O'Connell, a LinkedIn influencer and entrepreneur who turned a tumultuous start into a £25 million business success. Born into poverty in 1976, Chris faced abandonment and abuse that shaped his early struggles with self-worth and suicidal thoughts.

Chris recounts his rise in the recruitment industry, becoming a top worldwide biller and later founding a highly acclaimed company. His career faced a severe test during a legal battle with a private equity firm, which led to personal and financial losses. Yet, Chris emerged resilient, embracing a growth mindset and stressing the importance of authenticity and learning from others.

His journey from personal despair to professional heights, including a viral LinkedIn post reaching millions, showcases his strength and inspirational comeback.

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In this lively episode, wAFF joins Jacky and Pete for a candid and often humorous discussion about the challenges and changes in his life and career. 

wAFF shares his experiences with the intense pace of the DJ lifestyle, from playing marathon sets to adjusting to quieter moments at home. He reflects on how, after three years without using ketamine, his life has undergone significant transformations, emphasising a shift towards healthier habits—even though he admits to struggling with the simpler task of taking daily walks.

The conversation also dives into wAFF's recent move to a new apartment conveniently next to a gym, yet he humorously reveals his rare visits. Amidst laughter, they discuss quirky food experiences like the "McGriddle," highlighting the cultural shocks and indulgences encountered on tours. wAFF expresses a growing preference for spending time at home, indicating a shift from the relentless touring schedule to craving more personal space and tranquility.

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Kellie Allen takes us on journey from her early days in a girl band to her current status as a seasoned artist in the electronic music scene.

Kellie reminisces about the initial excitement of performing, even at quirky venues like outside a Sainsbury's with a makeshift stage of shopping baskets. Her story reflects a deep passion for music, moulded by her experiences in the vibrant 2000s pop culture.

As her career progressed, Kellie confronted the repetitive nature of the nightlife and its taxing highs and lows, which eventually led her to reevaluate her enjoyment of the scene. She discusses dealing with anxiety, a common struggle in the entertainment industry, and how it influenced her decision to embrace sobriety—now approaching four years.

Kellie also highlights the underestimated impact of sleep on overall well-being, particularly how it affected her during her more indulgent years.

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Goddard opens up about navigating the highs of his career while coping with personal lows, including the grief of losing his mother. He discusses the challenge of using emotional energy positively and the importance of resilience during tough times.

The conversation also touches on lighter moments, like his memorable experience at the Brit Awards, humorously likened to a Seth Rogen movie. However, Goddard reflects on the struggles of staying present amidst life’s whirlwind and the realisations about processing life's rapid events.

The episode wraps up with a candid discussion on the influence of social media on personal relationships and mental health - insights on the need for digital detox and finding a healthy balance between online engagement and personal life.

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This week we welcome Tim Chaplin, a recovering addict with a powerful story of survival, resilience, and redemption. Tim opens up about his challenging journey, starting with the impact of his father's addiction and his own early feelings of isolation. From his darkest moments contemplating suicide to finding salvation through recovery, Tim's story is a poignant reminder of the struggles many face in silence.

Tim's candid reflection on his past addiction, viewed as a superpower when channeled positively, sheds light on the complex interplay of genetics and environment in substance abuse. His journey from despair to purpose underscores the crucial message that it's never too late to seek help and transform pain into a catalyst for growth.

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In the tenth episode hosts Jacky and Pete take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey they've embarked on so far. Celebrating a lineup of guests that reads like a who’s who of the music and entertainment worlds—from Roger Sanchez to James Dexter—they delve deep into the profound insights and memorable moments shared by each guest.

Throughout this special episode, Jacky and Pete revisit the powerful themes of perseverance, passion, and the importance of community that have resonated throughout their series. They share personal revelations about overcoming self-doubt and the drive that pushes them to pursue their dreams against all odds. Highlights include their admiration for the hard work ethic shown by their guests, the humorous yet insightful anecdotes, and the candid discussions that have both challenged and affirmed their perspectives.

The lads also touch on the personal impact of their discussions, particularly how the stories of resilience and asking for help have influenced their own lives. They explore the emotional weight of topics like mental health and the unexpected connections that have emerged, underscoring the power of sharing and listening within their growing community.

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This week we sit down with the exceptionally talented James Dexter. Dive into James's early experiences, starting from a challenging debut at just 15 years old to becoming a respected figure in the electronic music scene. 

James shares the highs and lows of his career, including the struggles and triumphs of running his own music label that champions unknown artists. He also discusses the importance of work-life balance, his dedication to fitness, and how personal losses during the pandemic shaped his outlook on life and career. 

This episode is a profound look into the resilience and passion that drives a person down the path of a single passion and how overcoming adversity can be difficult but equally rewarding.

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Jacky and Pete welcome the charismatic DJ and producer Schak, a proud North East lad and a truly exceptional individual. He shares his unique insights and experiences from the vibrant music scene. Schak's stories are not just about beats and basslines; they delve into the essence of creativity, the highs and lows of the industry, and the personal growth that comes from navigating such a dynamic environment.

This week's guest also opens up about the challenges and triumphs he's encountered on his journey, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make it in the world of music. His reflections on success, adaptation, and staying true to one's roots are both enlightening and inspiring.

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This week we sit down with Lloyd Nwagboso for an incredibly raw and inspiring conversation. Lloyd shares how a tough situation turned into a blessing, leading him to Defected Records. He talks about the importance of taking steps back to move forward, and the dangers of comparing oneself to others, especially on social media.

Lloyd discusses the cyclical nature of music, maintaining balance through fitness, and his disciplined lifestyle. He also opens up about his darkest times, losing his dad, and the pivotal moment he learned to ask for help.

A heartfelt episode of Bare Chat, where Lloyd also shares his journey of resilience, self-care, and personal growth.

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Chapter & Verse has a journey like no other, defying the conventional DJ story.

Barry, previously a successful business owner and entrepreneur, found himself at a crossroads and made the bold decision to pursue a career as a global DJ and producer at the age of 39.

This week’s episode is a testament to the power of unwavering authenticity and self-belief. It serves as a reminder that the only limitations we face are the ones we create in our own minds.

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