On What If People Find Out?, comedian James Barr and music executive-turned-therapist Kalvin Ryder are joined by guests from across arts and culture, to share the part of themselves that they have kept hidden... until now. Each conversation, filled with laughter and reflection, teaches us a bit about ourselves too. This is a podcast about occupying your space with zero shame and where being unapologetically you is celebrated. New episodes every Monday.
She’s a Countess, a cabaret icon and one of reality TV’s most resilient stars. On our first episode of What If People Find Out, James Barr and Kalvin Ryder are joined by the one and only Countess Luann de Lesseps.
Best known for her years on The Real Housewives of New York City, Luann has lived much of her life in the public eye – from fairytale romance and high society to heartbreak, scandal and spectacular reinvention. Beyond the Housewives, she’s built a hugely successful cabaret career, released iconic tracks like Money Can’t Buy You Class and Feeling Jovani, and become a cult figure celebrated for her glamour, humour and honesty.
In this deeply open and moving episode, Countess Luann shares stories she’s rarely spoken about before: surviving a traumatic car accident with her children, the breakdown of her marriage, hitting rock bottom after her arrest, and the overwhelming shame of wondering, “what if people find out?”. She talks candidly about addiction, recovery, spirituality, self-love and how she transformed public humiliation into purpose, joy and empowerment on stage.
James, Kalvin and Luann explore resilience, confidence, shame, and the courage it takes to own your story – flaws, mugshots and all. It’s raw, funny, emotional and full of wisdom from a woman who knows how to fall down, get back up, and do it in sequins.
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