Today we are joined by an up and coming talent you are going to become obsessed with, Ellis Howard. 

Ellis has been treading the theatre boards for a while including in the Olivier nominated, ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ and pulling together an incredible screenwriting career but now he’s about to become a role model to many, starring in the exceptional BBC drama, ‘What It Feels Like For A Girl’. Based on the powerful memoir by previous Reign guest, Paris Lees (head back to episode 18) the show follows Ellis’s character Bryon in the year 2000 trying to break out of their small town and start their queer journey, which eventually leads to Byron transitioning. 

Today we talk about how Ellis landed a role that really changed his life in so many ways and how he went from “running away from himself at 100 miles per hour,” growing up queer in a working class background to embracing his identity fully. 

When I say I loved talking to Ellis, I mean it with my whole gay heart because sometimes there is nothing more comforting than sitting across from a fellow queer and having a chat that really speaks to you. 

So I hope wherever you are, however you identify, something in this great chat resonates with you. And if you love this chat please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign’. Love, Josh x

P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!

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Mia Theapleton makes her podcast debut on ‘Reign’ and I am so excited for you to get to know this incredibly talented and super fun actor! 

You might already know Mia from her incredible performance opposite her mother, Kate Winslet  in Channel 4 drama, ‘I Am Ruth’ where she played Freya, a teenager who’s mental health spirals because of social media. Or you may have seen her in Apple TV’s answer to ‘Bridgerton’, ‘The Buccaneers’ which returns for season two very soon. 

Now Mia is taking the big screen by storm in Wes Anderson’s latest movie, ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ where she stars as a young nun, Liesel who goes on the most bizarre adventure with her billionaire father, Zsa-zsa Korda played by Benicio del Toro. Throw in a basketball playing Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson and a who’s who of acting and you are in for a real trip, trust me! 

We cover everything in this episode from auditioning for the role of a lifetime with a dirty napkin on the top of her head, to her fear of crumpets, Mia’s journey with self confidence and dealing with dyslexia growing up - a conversation I think many will love. 

As you know each episode ends with an incredible rule to live by and I think Mia’s might be my favourite one to date, so get ready and if you love listening to this conversation as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign’. Love, Josh x

P.S. If this chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!

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I am so excited that today we are joined by a true trailblazer, Rose Ayling-Ellis who I have wanted to have on the podcast for ages and trust me this conversation was worth the wait! 

Rose has achieved so many firsts: she is the first deaf person to win ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ which even won her a BAFTA, the first deaf person to host live sports coverage on British TV as a presenter for the 2024 Paralympics, and the first deaf actor to be nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in ‘As You Like It’. 

And now after acting for 13 years she has landed her first lead role in ITV’s gripping new TV drama, ‘Code of Silence’ which follows her character Alison who is plucked from working in the police station canteen and recrutied to lip read for the police on a dangerous case. Plot spoiler: it’s INCREDIBLE! 

In this episode we talk about the hurdles and prejudice Rose has had to overcome to pursue the career she’s dreamed of, the lessons she’s learned from resilience and the pressure that comes from being a trailblazer. 

We also chat about the mental health problems in the deaf community which we all need to pay more attention to and how we can all make space for oneanother to become a truly inclusive society. 

If you love this conversation as much as I do, get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of ‘Reign’. Love, Josh x

P.S The power of conversation is so important and asking for help instead of trying to face stuff alone can be SO empowering. Empowerment is what we’re all about on ‘Reign’ so I am so pleased this episode is brought to you in partnership with online therapy platform, BetterHelp. With over 5,000 therapists who have a diverse variety of expertise in mental health in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide you with access to the best mental health professional for you. With BetterHelp you can have online therapy on your schedule, wherever you are and build your support system, 

If you need support now you can get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp by visiting betterhelp.com/reign.

P.P.S. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! 

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You will have seen Faye Marsay in so many incredible movies and TV shows, including my favourite movie Pride, playing Maisie William’s arch nemesis, The Waif in Game of Thrones and Ten Pound Poms but it’s her latest TV show that has got millions of people talking. 

In case you have missed it, Faye plays DS Misha Frank in Netflix’s limited series, Adolescence which follows a family and society turned upside down after 13-year Jamie is arrested for murdering a female schoolmate. 

In this episode Faye drops some many insightful and interesting stories about filming the show and the overdue conversations the show is starting about incel culture, misogyny and how social media is raising our children. Faye also opens up about her own horrific experiences with social media whilst she starred in Game of Thrones and one of the moments on a set that shows we need more vocal male allies for women. 

Faye also talks about dealing with clssisim as a northern working class actor, exploring her sexuality and just how meaningful it was to play one of the first openly queer characters in the 50 year long history of the Star Wars franchise, in the Disney+ show, Andor which is back for season two on 23rd April. 

We really pack a lot into this episode and if you love this conversation as much as I do get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign. 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cowboys and cowgirls hold onto your hats because I am joined by the biggest female artist in country music right now, Lainey Wilson. 

In this episode Lainey reflects on her journey to the top of country music from growing up in a small town in Louisiana where she was a Hannah Montana impersonator (we do our own mini rendition of See You Again - you are welcome!), to moving to Nashville at 19 years old and living in a trailer for three years whilst trying to make it. 

Now Lainey is a Grammy Award Winner and has six county number ones and you are going to learn so much about the power of self belief in this episode! 

Lainey joined me ahead of headlining the Country To Country Festival at the 02 Arena and she also opens up about dealing with body shaming online, overcoming misogyny in the male dominated world of country music, and how experiences in her family taught her to look after her mental health.

If that wasn’t enough to fill you (cowboy) boots with, Lainey also shares some life advice she got from THE Dolly Parton and walks me through the ultimate night out OUT itinerary in Nashville. Pack your bags, we are going and if you love listening to Lainey as much as I did please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign. 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As this series of the podcast is all about celebrating love in all forms, and especially the relationship we have with ourselves, I am so excited to welcome Hayley Atwell to ‘Reign’ because she shared an incredible piece of advice with me earlier in my career which completely changed my relationship with myself and my confidence. So, get ready for more nuggets of wisdom! 

As well as being very wise, Hayley knows a thing or two about starring in a blockbuster movie. Hayley has played Agent Carter in six Marvel films including Captain America and two TV series spin-offs - most notably the namesake series, Agent Carter - and most recently you will have seen her dangling from a train, or driving a Fiat 500 at breakneck speed in Rome alongside Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible franchise. 

As Hayley returns to her first love of theatre, in the Jamie Llyod’s West End production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ opposite Tom Hiddleston, she joins us to talk about how the play raises some serious questions about cancel culture and our society’s gender double standards. 

Hayley also talks about learning to walk into rooms as your autentic self, how she wishes she was more compassionate to her younger self and about the lack of male allies for women in Hollywood and beyond. There are a lot of Heartstopper fans who listen to this podcast so we of course chat about her incredible cameo in the Netflix show as Nick’s (played by Kit Connor - if you missed his episode of the pod, scroll back and listen after this episode) aunt - which makes me cry every time - and she shares the best piece of advice for learning to manage social anxiety that she learnt from THE Tom Cruise. 

This episode is packed full of advice and if you love listening to Hayley as much as I did please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you. I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign. 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your passport, bikini (and your SPF of course) because we are off to The White Lotus with the show’s star, Michelle Monaghan! 

I, like so many of you, have been obsessed with The White Lotus since season one and season three is not holding back on the drama is it?!? I am OBSESSED with the dysfunctional dynamic between Michelle’s character Jaclyn and her two childhood friends Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Kate (Leslie Bibb). That is the girls trip I want to be on, even if it’s just for a front row seat for the drama. 

As the series continues Michelle joins us to talk about the juggle that comes from trying to be everything to everyone all at once - especially as a mother - the power of sisterhood, how female competition has changed in the entertainment industry and how good things come from a no! If you are struggling to build boundaries or want to reframe your relationship with rejection, that is a piece of advice you need to hear. 

Michelle also reflects on her 25 year long career that's seen her star in Mission Impossible, True Detective and Family Plan and reveals a producer once told her she would never work again after she simply said no to doing some publicity she didn’t feel comfortable doing. It’s a story which reminds us all that using your voice and facing your fears always pays off and always improves your relationship with yourself, too! 

If you love listening to Michelle as much as I did, please get in touch with me across socials @joshsmithhosts as I always love hearing from you and I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign. 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is only the second time we have welcomed back a guest and of your favourite guests ever, it’s Simone Ashley. Who I am pleased to report is not only in her ‘strong queen era’ but her ‘f**k that era’ too! 

The last time Simone joined us Bridgerton season two had just dropped and her role as Kate Sharma, the love match for Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony, was providing the long overdue south asian representation we needed on her screens. If you missed that episode go back right now and listen to episode 42 for a very inspirational chat about the power of determination. 

Now Simone rejoins us as she takes on the rom-com genre in Prime Video’s new movie Picture This opposite Hero Fiennes Tiffin where she plays Pia whose family decide to play matchmaker with hilarious and heartwarming results.  

In this episode Simone talks about BS social pressures to tick boxes by certain ages, feeling othered in rooms full of men and why we need to start throwing as many promotion parties as we do weddings and baby showers. It’s a big yes from me! 

I have learnt so much from Simone about the power of self belief and I hope this episode shows you how much cutting out the external noise and working on your relationship with yourself can help YOU achieve your dreams. If you love this episode too as always please get in touch as I love talking to you. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhosts and I’ll see you next week for another episode of Reign! 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with a brand new series which is all about celebrating LOVE in all forms so consider this episode a gift from me to you as we are joined by everyone’s favourite, Leo Woodall. 

You will have seen Leo as the Essex bad boy who was caught by Jennifer Coolidge in a very compromising position with his ‘Uncle’ in ‘The White Lotus’ and breaking our hearts in ‘One Day’ along with one our favourite ever Reign guests, Ambika Mod. 

Now he’s playing the world’s greatest genius, Ed in Apple TV’s show ‘Prime Target’ - it’s very ‘Good Will Hunting’ meets ‘Bourne Identity’ - and even ‘Bridget Jones’ is now mad about the boy as Leo plays Bridget’s new love interest. If you haven’t seen the new Bridget movie yet make sure you take an entire pack of tissues, I cried the entire way through it. 

If you loved Leo already, prepare to love him even more after this episode as we get deep! We talk about going to therapy, learning to embrace yourself, what it takes to be a (non-toxic) leading man and why giving kindness to others is the best manifestation of self love. 

Plus we chat about navigating intimacy scenes and for the first time ever on this podcast I attempt lad banter. There really is something for everyone in this episode, see I told you it was a gift! If you love listening to Leo or just need an emotional support group to talk about the new ‘Bridget Jones’ movie get in touch and let me know what you think - you can get me at @joshsmithhosts across socials. 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 give you a loving dose of positivity, and to serve as a reminder that love - whether we give it, receive it or feel it has the power to uplift and heal. That’s why we’re empowering you to BE LOVE through these conversations - get out there and feel love, embody love and pass it on because 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. If all this self-love chat has left you wanting to improve your relationships and build new ones check out my self help book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! The book gives you so much advice on how to have incredible conversations with everyone, and how you can turn everyday conversations into a self development practice so you can improve your relationships and mental health in the process. You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope you love it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are starting 2025 on Reign with a guest you have been desperate to hear from on the podcast and today it finally happens, say hello to THE Florence Pugh. 

Over the last decade Florence has been the definition of booked, busy and blessed with roles in ‘Dune’, ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Black Widow’, ‘Don’t Worry Darling’, and her Oscar nominated performance in ‘Little Women’. 

Now she’s breaking our hearts into a million pieces opposite Andrew Garfield in ‘We Live In Time’, which tells the story of a couple, Almut aka Alma and Tobias. who are brought together by a chance encounter and find time is running out after a devastating diagnosis. It’s ‘P.S I Love You’ levels of tears, so take your tissues. 

We recorded this episode just after Florence came to a premiere I hosted and she gave me THE best pep talk beforehand, so expect plenty of inspiration and deep moments from her as we tackle the under- discussed topics of death and grief, plus we talk about Andrew Garfield shaving her head, and the pressures of being a young woman in the entertainment industry. 

The moment I love most though? Florence talking about a random act of kindness she received when she most needed it. So I hope this episode inspires you to take life by the horns and go out there and spread kindness. If it does please get in touch, as always please get in touch as I love hearing from you. You can get me at @joshsmithhosts across socials. Love, Josh x

P.S. It's a new year, new me central at the moment and if you are in the market for a self help book… In this episode 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices