“I’ve Never Spoken About This!” YUNGBLUD Breaks Silence On Bankruptcy, Dating & Toxic Masculinity

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

FlightStory

Leisure, Relationships, Society & Culture

4.8 • 652 Ratings

🗓️ 20 May 2025

⏱️ 107 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of We Need To Talk, YUNGBLUD sits down for his most honest interview yet - revealing how he went from rock bottom to global success. Best known for anthems like I Think I’m OKAY and Parents, YUNGBLUD opens up about the childhood trauma, identity struggles, and online hate that shaped who he is today. He reflects on growing up in Doncaster, the emotional toll of being misunderstood, and why he’s worried about young men today. YUNGBLUD speaks candidly about his relationship with Halsey, the reason he’s “taking space” from Jesse Jo Stark, and how relationships, identity and self-discovery have all played a part in his journey. From being signed at 21 to launching Bludfest, this is a story of rebellion, resilience, and radical self-expression. He also shares an exclusive on his upcoming single Zombie and what fans can expect from his fourth studio album, Idols. Please note this conversation includes sensitive topics that may be distressing Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/qcJLJLhBjTb MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb Beat Eating Disorders: https://g2ul0.app.link/gHK6cjr3ZRb Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Support YUNGBLUD here: Instagram https://g2ul0.app.link/WcWcbfu7uTb TikTok https://g2ul0.app.link/S02FIJA7uTb Pre-save Zombie https://g2ul0.app.link/eYVHjWp7uTb Pre-save IDOLS https://g2ul0.app.link/m1p5JkH7uTb (0:00) Intro (1:29) Growing Up in Doncaster (4:32) The Most Painful Moment in YUNGBLUD's Childhood (5:21) How Has YUNGBLUD's Turbulent Childhood Shaped the Man He Has Become? (10:24) People's Perceptions of YUNGBLUD from Childhood and Into Adult Life (20:42) YUNGBLUD's Thoughts Around Modern Masculinity (30:48) Who Did YUNGBLUD Look Up To as a Child/Teenager? (32:31) The Story of How YUNGBLUD Was Signed to Interscope Records (41:26) How YUNGBLUD Built His Fanbase and Community (43:44) YUNGBLUD's Struggle with His Identity During Commercial Success (46:09) YUNGBLUD's Insecurities Sparked by Online Comments and Discourse (50:33) The Inspiration Behind Bludfest (54:07) The Story Behind 'Hatred' (57:28) The Spectre of 27 and Music Artists (59:54) Shopify Ad (1:00:58) Tinder Ad (1:02:13) YUNGBLUD's Relationship with Jessie Jo Stark (1:09:02) YUNGBLUD's Relationship with Halsey (1:10:04) YUNGBLUD's Thoughts on Marriage and Having Kids (1:11:02) YUNGBLUD Addresses Discourse Around His Upbringing (1:14:09) YUNGBLUD Addresses Accusations of 'Queer Baiting' (1:19:23) Why YUNGBLUD Took a Break from Social Media (1:21:21) YUNGBLUD's New Album (1:24:21) YUNGBLUD's Book and 'Loves and Hates' (1:26:35) What YUNGBLUD Grandad Thought of His Career (1:29:39) The Meaning Behind YUNGBLUD's New Single 'Zombie' (1:35:18) What Would Seven-Year-Old Dom Say to 27-Year-Old Dom? (1:37:38) Most Memorable Conversation (1:42:51) Paul's Takeaways (1:45:29) Crossed Wires Ad Sponsored by: Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB We Need To Talk LIVE: https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	I've f***ed everyone under the sun.
0:01.7	People say you're weird baiting.
0:03.2	This thing about it is, I love human beings.
0:05.5	Whatever it is, I'm down if it's a vibe.
0:11.5	I really struggle with my body.
0:14.0	I always have.
0:14.6	People would say in the comments.
0:16.5	I would read it and read it and read it.
0:18.0	I was like, I am not well.
0:19.3	I am drinking a lot.
0:20.6	I was just going on mad binges and then eating nothing for four days.
0:23.8	I didn't even know how bad it was until I stopped.
0:26.7	We've got to talk about the music.
0:28.5	No one gave a fucking UK.
0:29.8	But then someone in America, he goes, I want you to come to L.A.
0:34.5	You basically left with 60 cents. 60 quid and it came back with a $1.00 record deal.
0:40.4	What was the most painful moment?
0:43.3	My family went bankrupt.
0:45.9	I know they speak about that moment.
0:48.6	I really believe in kindness and I really believe in love.
0:52.0	I see it every day at the gigs.
0:53.8	This is why I am so happy that my son
	...

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