Mo Gilligan sits down with chart-topping singer and entertainer Olly Murs to explore his journey from aspiring footballer to pop star. They delve into the emotional highs and lows of Olly's career, including his transformative experience on The X Factor, where he found his voice and direction in music. Olly reflects on the pressure of performing in front of icons like Whitney Houston and the significance of personal connections in his life, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from love and family rather than fame alone. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and remaining grounded amidst success, as Olly shares his aspirations for the future, including dreams of performing at Glastonbury.

Today's podcast features Guvna B, a multi-talented artist who shares his journey of resilience and creativity. He discusses the impact of his upbringing in Newham on his music and personal development, emphasizing the importance of community and identity in shaping his artistry. The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial demands, particularly in the age of social media and platforms like TikTok. Guvna B also reflects on his experiences with mental health, the significance of vulnerability, and the importance of being a present father. Ultimately, he aims to inspire others to embrace their emotions and break stereotypes, creating space for honest conversations in today's society.

Takeaways:

• Guvna B shares how growing up in Newham shaped his musical identity and creativity.
• The conversation highlights the importance of emotional vulnerability and expressing feelings, especially for men.
• Discussing the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with industry pressures, especially around social media.
• Guvna B emphasizes the significance of storytelling in breaking down stereotypes and showcasing diverse experiences.
• Mo Gilligan and Guvna B reflect on their journeys and the role of community in their lives.
• They discuss how performing arts and university experiences influenced their career paths and personal growth.

Mo Gilligan sits down with comedy legend Paul Chowdhry, the first British Asian comic to sell out Wembley Arena, to explore his journey through the world of stand-up. Chowdhury reflects on his beginnings in the UK black comedy circuit and the unique challenges he faced as an Asian performer in a predominantly white industry. Their conversation delves into the evolution of comedy, the impact of social media, and the importance of staying true to one's voice and experiences. They discuss the significance of cultural representation in comedy and how being a pioneer can inspire future generations of comics. The episode captures the essence of humor as a powerful tool for connection, resilience, and growth, highlighting the camaraderie and competition that define the comedy scene.

Mo Gilligan sits down with the multi-talented Jason Derulo, exploring his remarkable journey from a young songwriter to a global superstar. Derulo shares insights into his early beginnings, revealing that he started writing songs at just eight years old, driven by a crush on a classmate. The conversation delves into the pressures and challenges of maintaining success in the music industry, particularly the fear of the "sophomore slump" after a breakthrough debut. Derulo emphasizes the importance of resilience and hard work, illustrating how he transformed personal struggles, including a serious injury, into creative fuel for his music. As they discuss Derulo's current ventures and aspirations, the episode highlights the significance of self-love and the impact of mentorship on young artists pursuing their dreams.

Takeaways:

• Jason Derulo began songwriting at the young age of eight, inspired by a crush.
• The pressure to succeed in the music industry often leads to intense work habits.
• Derulo emphasizes the importance of self-love and believing in one's own potential.
• He believes in being honest with aspiring artists about their talents and potential.
• Creating a routine helped Derulo cope during his recovery from a serious injury.
• He aims to inspire young people to explore various career options beyond music.

Craig David needs no introduction!

From jumping on to perform his first vocals on the pirate radio scene, to listening to his break out track on his own at Carnival when no-one knew who he was, to performing in front of Beyonce and Quincy Jones, to even having MICHAEL JACKSON handing out his album to his close contacts, Craig has had a crazy career.

Join us for this special Christmas episode of Beginning, Middle, End.

Stand up comedian Eddie Kadi was born in Congo and started out the first part of his life there. His family then moved over to SW London. How did life compare and what was different?

This episode covers so much ground about how integral the continent of Africa is to Eddie's soul, the beautiful moments that Mo and Eddie have shared on their journey and what's next!

Eddie's debut National tour, Let Me Land, starts in February 2025.

Aisling Bea is a stand up comedian, an actor, a writer and now mother! She's a household name having appeared on every major panel show there is and she's evengood friends with huge A listers like Paul Rudd and has performed with Shania Twain but how did she start out, what is she working on at the moment and how will motherhood shape the next chapter of her life.

What can fame do to a person when it happens overnight? What inspires to continually create?

Michael and Mo have a real deep and meaningful on this episode.

We all know Frankie from S Club Juniors, The Saturdays and even from the back of the Bus with promoting Vitamins but we get an insight into how Frankie started, dealing with the pressures of fame from a young age and even the Iconic hair!

Grew up in NW London, studied at Cambridge, is a musician and a poet and has just authored his fourth book. George likes to keep himself busy! Fatherhood is the next challenge.

Come and join Mo and George as they reminisce on the old days.