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.