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Mel C: The Harsh Reality Of Being In The World’s Biggest Girl Band | E179
60 segments available
Mel C is a singer and ‘Sporty Spice’ from the Spice Girls, through her solo career and her time with the Spice Girls she’s sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best selling musical artists of all time. 0:00 Intro 03:22 Early years 14:35 Dancing 17:31 Not being taken care of a a child 20:41 Discovering singing & joining the spice girls 27:44 Receiving horrible comments 32:15 The come up of the spice girls 46:44 The pressure being in a girlband 53:28 Turning into a robot 01:02:25 Depression 01:05:57 Life after the spice girls 01:07:58 Coming back together as the spice girls 01:21:08 Wheres your line in sharing stuff 01:27:33 The impact of your parents relationship on you 01:28:31 The last guests question Mel: https://mobile.twitter.com/melaniecmusic https://www.instagram.com/melaniecmusic/ Mels book: https://amzn.to/3R1ikGl Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsors: Huel - https://g2ul0.app.link/wjmvak5nAsb Craftd - https://g2ul0.app.link/gZ8in6Dsvsb
Segments Timeline
The Heartbreaking Audio Loss
In this poignant introduction, Steven Bartlett shares the emotional weight of losing the audio from his conversation with Mel C, the iconic 'Sporty Spice' of the Spice Girls. He expresses his guilt and the importance of Mel's story, urging listeners to appreciate the episode despite the audio challenges. This segment sets the stage for a deeply personal and revealing discussion.
"before we start I've got to be honest with you about something um when we recorded this episode with Mel c um it was honestly one of the most moving heartbreaking inspiring revealing conversations I'v..."
The Catalyst of Fame
Mel C reflects on the early days of the Spice Girls, describing them as both the best and most dramatic times of her life. She candidly discusses the harsh realities of fame, including the negative media attention and its impact on her mental health, marking a pivotal moment in her journey as an artist.
"you're gonna enjoy it there's an element of guilt attached to my success it was join us do you know because I had a secret and it was killing me [Music] early days of the Spice Girls were the best and..."
Childhood Shaped by Change
Mel C takes us back to her childhood, sharing how her parents' divorce at a young age profoundly affected her. She describes the shift from a stable family life to living with her mother and grandparents, highlighting the confusion and need for acceptance that arose from these early experiences.
"without further Ado I'm Stephen Bartlett and this is the Diary of a CEO I hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this to yourself [Music] when I when I sit here with people I'm I I al..."
The Quest for Worthiness
In this introspective segment, Mel C discusses the feelings of confusion and unworthiness that stemmed from her family's dynamics. She reflects on how her parents' separation and the introduction of new family members made her feel like a 'spare part,' driving her to seek validation and a place in the world.
"what was your um your family's sort of economic situation throughout this journey was it were you a working class family or absolutely yeah I mean my family still are you know very working class you k..."
The Burden of Emotional Burying
Mel C opens up about her tendency to bury intense emotions as a coping mechanism. She explores how this behavior, rooted in her childhood experiences, has influenced her life and career, leading to both determination and perfectionism.
"then I had Step Brothers and so there was just there was just quite a lot of big things happening in my little world and it made me just kind of confused to like where I belonged who I was how I fitte..."
Understanding Parental Choices
Reflecting on her father's decision to leave, Mel C shares her lack of animosity towards him. She discusses how becoming a parent herself has given her a deeper understanding of her father's choices, emphasizing the complexities of adult relationships and the journey of growing up.
"one of the things that I was quite surprised to read was this almost contradiction between you you really looked up to your dad you I think you wrote your book that you almost worshiped him but then w..."
Dancing: A Safe Haven
Mel C recounts her early love for dancing, describing it as a form of expression and freedom. She shares how her passion for dance provided a safe space during her childhood, allowing her to feel confident and alive amidst the challenges she faced.
"my own mind because I I don't want to make any assumptions that feeling of like not feeling worthiness came from that dysfunctional family Dynamic that's the first sort of hint you have of it I I thin..."
The Impact of a Troubled Environment
In this segment, Mel C discusses her experiences growing up in a challenging environment after moving to Runcorn. She reflects on the socio-economic struggles her family faced and how these circumstances shaped her perspective on life and success.
"were still many um were you know problems can occur because it's it's kind of set up there are you know there are just opportunities I suppose for people to be quite discreet and there was you know lo..."
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Mel C reflects on the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the feeling of never truly growing up. She shares her experiences of feeling like a child even as an adult and how dancing became a safe space for her to express herself and find confidence.
"know they know how everything should be and how everything should be done and then when you become an adult you're like you know I'm 50 in a year and a half and I still haven't got a clue so and I sti..."
Dancing: A Safe Haven
Mel C discusses how dancing was her first love and a means of expression. She describes her early experiences with dance, the joy it brought her, and how it served as a refuge from her shyness and academic struggles.
"a way of expressing myself and a freedom and it was almost like a safe place safe place like many performers and I'm sure you've spoken to people who are like this but that I'm quite shy in certain as..."
The Discipline of Dance
Mel C explains how the discipline and structure of dance training provided her with a sense of safety. She reflects on her meticulous nature and how being hard on herself stems from her need for discipline in her life.
"where I really felt in my element so so you became a very obsessive dancer practicer very meticulous yeah I think the ballet and the training of that and it just really works for me and and even now y..."
Instability in Childhood
Mel C opens up about her childhood experiences with instability, including her mother's career as a performer and the impact of having a young nanny. She shares how these experiences shaped her feelings of safety and security.
"unsafe absolutely I'm sure I'm sure I think there was a lot of you know my mum's a performer and you know it's it's so it's so weird now because obviously I find myself in in a similar position but sh..."
A Child's Neglect
Mel C recounts a troubling experience from her childhood where she was left waiting for her nanny, leading to a moment of embarrassment. She reflects on how these early experiences may have influenced her later life.
"yeah as soon as mum found out she put an end to it but I think I was very quiet about it because I was so little I think I was only about five so um I chose not to tell her probably didn't want to roc..."
The Impact of Childhood Experiences
Mel C discusses how childhood experiences, including neglect and instability, can have lasting effects. She emphasizes the importance of therapy in understanding and addressing these impacts.
"yeah so that's I mean again I was so young there's there's just these little flushes of memories of those things I think I think when you're when you're young you maybe don't it's not that those I thi..."
Discovering Singing
Mel C shares her journey of discovering her passion for singing while studying in London. She reflects on the joy it brought her and how it became a pivotal moment in her life.
"yeah I mean you know I'm a good believer in therapy and I've been having it for many years um probably I only started to do that because of my time with the Spice Girls and how much of a head [ __ ] t..."
The Call to Join the Spice Girls
Mel C recounts the moment she received a flyer for an audition to join a girl band. She describes her strong intuition about this opportunity and how it led her to the Spice Girls.
"so I just knew growing up it's really really hard working in the music industry is really difficult so you know my young brain goes okay I want to be a pop star but it's really hard so I love dancing ..."
The Audition Experience
Mel C details her audition experience for the Spice Girls, including the challenges she faced with illness during the recall. She reflects on the significance of this opportunity in her career.
"what I have to do So eventually you um un 400 other young women respond to a advert in a magazine what was that advert okay so what I so the stage newspaper was when you leave perform regards College ..."
Pivotal Moments in Career
Mel C discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including the initial lineup changes in the Spice Girls and the impact of being handed that audition flyer.
"yeah I went along to that audition and how did that go it went well I was recalled we had to dance and then we we called to sing and then we were all sent away and then we were we were called back but..."
Reflecting on Alternate Paths
Mel C reflects on the 'sliding doors' moments in her life and career, contemplating how different choices could have led to alternate outcomes. She shares her thoughts on fame and its impact on her life.
"five that everybody got to know you know there was I think there were three girls from the the beginning of the band being put together who didn't end up being part of the final lineup of the Spice Gi..."
The Weight of Fame
Mel C candidly discusses the challenges and pressures that come with fame. She questions whether becoming famous has had a negative impact on her life, despite her achievements.
"consider is that maybe I would have been happier have you ever have you ever thought that often often yeah you know I I wouldn't change my life obviously I'm so proud of the things that I've achieved ..."
Early Days of the Spice Girls
Mel C reminisces about the early days of the Spice Girls, highlighting the excitement and fun before their music was released. She contrasts this with the pressures that followed their rise to fame.
"in those early years then so before you've released any music you stumbled around trying to find management for a while right and then you recount stories in your book about some like [ __ ] that's ma..."
Body Image Struggles
Mel C opens up about the body image issues she faced in the performing arts industry. She recounts a hurtful comment made by a financial backer regarding her appearance and its impact on her self-esteem.
"you know I'd been witness to that in my life but yeah it never affected me personally um you know and I'm a teenager put on a little bit away moving away from home not really eating as well going down..."
Catalyst for Change
In this segment, Mel C discusses how the hurtful comment about her appearance served as a wake-up call, prompting her to conform to the industry's unrealistic body standards. She emphasizes the damaging effects of such pressures on young performers and how a single remark can alter one's health trajectory.
"I think like I was probably 19 at that point which at the time you feel like you are grown up in that college going out into the Big Wide World you're a child you know you're still so young and so vul..."
The Cruel Culture of Dance
Mel C elaborates on the harsh realities of the dance industry, recalling experiences of body shaming from teachers and peers. She highlights the need for change in the culture surrounding body image in performing arts, drawing parallels to recent discussions in gymnastics and the broader implications for young dancers.
"like a wake-up call it was like if I want to do this if I'm going to be a pop star and you have to remember this was like the 90s as well so it was you know body image was a very different thing there..."
The Search for Management
Mel C recounts the early days of the Spice Girls as they sought new management after leaving their original team. She shares humorous anecdotes about their encounters with Simon Cowell and the challenges they faced in securing a record deal, illustrating their determination and belief in their potential.
"Simon Cowell as well and he he must hate when you recount this story because oh it's so funny because he this is the thing right everybody remembers things differently because he remembers he said yes..."
Struggles of a New Girl Band
In this segment, Mel C discusses the financial struggles the Spice Girls faced after leaving their original management. She describes the living conditions of the group during this time, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to making their dreams a reality despite the hardships.
"um but when we left them I think I went to stay with a friend back in sukup where I've been to college so I was like staying in her spare room and then there was a period of time where Melanie and Jer..."
The Turning Point with Simon Fuller
Mel C shares the pivotal moment when they met Simon Fuller, who recognized their potential and offered them a record deal with Virgin. She reflects on the excitement of signing with a label that aligned with their vision and the significance of that partnership in their journey to stardom.
"time and he kind of took us under his wing and would take us out for dinners and he'd got us to meet people and that kind of got us on our road success and then you met Simon Fuller talk to me about t..."
The First Big Check
Mel C recounts the moment she received her first advance check from Virgin Records, a significant milestone for the Spice Girls. She shares her excitement and how she spent the money, illustrating the transition from aspiring artists to recognized performers.
"Simon Fuller gave you your first um 10K check I believe and this is before you've released any music right so this is like is this a signing bonus so we got like um you get a advance when you you know..."
The Quick Rise to Fame
In this segment, Mel C discusses the rapid success of the Spice Girls following the release of their debut single 'Wannabe.' She reflects on the whirlwind of events that led to their global recognition and the challenges of adjusting to sudden fame.
"of what it goes on how quickly did things move from the point of getting that check on that stairwell to um wannabe the first single taking off how how quickly was that gosh are you you're really test..."
The Excitement of Stardom
Mel C describes the exhilarating experience of becoming a global superstar after the release of 'Wannabe.' She shares insights into the band's early days of fame, the excitement of recognition, and the overwhelming nature of their success.
"original manager were always like don't get too big for your boots you know you haven't done anything yet you need you've got work to do we know we've got work to do but we've got something special an..."
The Spice Girls Phenomenon
In this segment, Mel C reflects on the brief yet impactful period of the Spice Girls' initial success. She discusses the rapid evolution of the band and the cultural phenomenon they became, highlighting the significance of their message of empowerment and individuality.
"oh and it really was I I was trying to make sure I had the dates right before because when I was looking at the the amount of time from that first single to the number one albums and the meteoric glob..."
The Spice Girls' Breakthrough
Mel C reflects on the Spice Girls' rise to fame, discussing the unique dynamics that set them apart from other girl bands. She emphasizes the importance of individuality and timing in their success, highlighting how their message of empowerment resonated with the cultural climate of the 90s.
"right we got together in 94 that's when we all first met so together a couple of years beforehand but yeah by 98 Springer 98 Jerry had gone we went on to do our U.S leg of the tours of four piece we c..."
Navigating Media Pressure
Mel C shares her experiences with the brutal tabloid media during the Spice Girls' peak. She discusses the harsh scrutiny faced by young women in the spotlight and how it affected her mental well-being, contrasting it with the challenges of today's social media landscape.
"um because you know if you'd been maybe 10 years earlier maybe it wouldn't have worked out or 10 years later but there's it's funny the the case of timing and then even when you think back to being ha..."
The Weight of Expectations
In this segment, Mel C opens up about the damaging comments and expectations placed on her by the media. She recounts her struggles with self-identity and the confusion that arose from public criticism, leading to her battle with eating disorders.
"me about the the pressure of public scrutiny back then on young women you're right you know the Tabloid media were brutal I think things have improved not that much I mean it is quite shocking now whe..."
Becoming a 'Robot'
Mel C describes how she coped with the pressures of fame by detaching from her emotions, referring to herself as a 'robot.' She explains how this mindset affected her health and well-being, ultimately leading to a breaking point in her life.
"you didn't mean to change when I took when I mentioned that it looked like it genuinely I could I could see how that that phase of your life had impacted you just from the the change in your um yeah i..."
Reflections on a Tumultuous Journey
Reflecting on her past, Mel C expresses regret for the struggles she faced during her rise to fame. She discusses the conflict between her public persona and private battles, particularly regarding her eating disorders and the impact of fame on her mental health.
"went from the size probably about a size I suppose it just sounds like a lot if you sell like a size six to a size 14 but then a size 14 I don't think it's even the average size of women in the UK and..."
The Denial of Eating Disorders
Mel C candidly discusses her journey with eating disorders, detailing the denial she experienced and the unhealthy coping mechanisms she adopted. She reflects on the long-term effects of malnourishment and the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
"[ __ ] dramatic in how it went down what would you say to her if you could speak to her I say sorry I do I feel so sorry but I did that to him yeah I think I've been angry as well I think I've ain't a..."
Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Appearance
Mel C opens up about the damaging effects of societal expectations on women's bodies. She shares her journey of self-acceptance and the realization that one's worth is not defined by physical appearance. This segment emphasizes the importance of recognizing the essence of a person beyond their looks.
"think often now I get so exhausted I think it's probably through years of being malnourished um I lived on fruit and vegetables for about two years and I was underweight my period stopped you know I k..."
The Turning Point: Acknowledging Depression
Mel C recounts her experience of being diagnosed with depression, describing the relief of finally naming her struggles. She reflects on the long journey of recovery and the ongoing battle with mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and understanding one's emotions.
"you know I was talking to my family this weekend I I lost an older sibling a few years ago and we were talking about when people pass and you know and suddenly he died of cancer and we know in the las..."
The Fear of Relapse
In this candid discussion, Mel C shares her fears surrounding depression and the anxiety of potentially relapsing into old habits. She talks about the importance of maintaining mental health and the strategies she employs to keep her depression at bay, illustrating the ongoing nature of her journey.
"know this is why I started talking about my body because I'm so grateful to my body because it took over and it's and it said to me we can't do this anymore you're not doing this anymore we are taking..."
Navigating Life After the Spice Girls
Mel C reflects on her life after the Spice Girls, discussing the challenges of transitioning to a solo career. She shares her feelings of pressure and the comparisons made by the media, highlighting the difficulties of carving out an individual identity while still being associated with the iconic group.
"can you remember that day vividly I do I really do I remember sitting up to him his desk and I think I said everything out loud for the first time but my eating about crying and not being able to do t..."
The Weight of Expectations
In this segment, Mel C discusses the immense pressure she felt during her time with the Spice Girls and how it affected her mental health. She shares her struggles with self-image and the expectations placed on her as a public figure, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and resilience.
"beginning of a very very long journey very very long joke I think I'm still on that Journey To be honest I don't think I think depression is always there it's always waiting in the wings to looming an..."
The Spice Girls: A Bond That Endures
Mel C talks about the enduring bond between the Spice Girls, even during times of separation. She reflects on the importance of their friendship and how they have grown individually, while still cherishing their shared experiences as a group.
"because you know I've I've always felt like there's a fire in my belly and even you know mostly at my lowest of points I can go this will pass we can do this but there are times within my depression w..."
Victoria's Absence and Its Impact
In this segment, Mel C discusses the feelings surrounding Victoria Beckham's absence from the group during their reunion. She shares the mixed emotions of excitement and concern, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other while navigating their individual paths.
"did want to leave the band but we we took the decision to never officially split up because we because we didn't want the Press intrusion we were terrified of because we know I mean I slept at once on..."
The Success of the Reunion Tour
Mel C reflects on the success of the Spice Girls reunion tour, despite the challenges faced without Victoria. She shares her joy in performing together again and the positive experiences that came from reconnecting with fans and each other.
"were gutted but you would be yeah totally one of their and we were scared because we'd go [ __ ] are people going to want us it's a full piece um you know in a different configuration and the thing is..."
Comparisons and Individual Success
In this concluding segment, Mel C discusses the challenges of being compared to other members of the Spice Girls and the pressure of achieving solo success. She emphasizes the importance of defining success on one's own terms and finding happiness in personal achievements.
"and you know with her blessing sadly without her but we did it and it was incredible and it really is truly some of my happiest Spice Girls memories one of the things that I wish I'd asked Liam Payne ..."
Facing Fears and Embracing Growth
Mel C opens up about the fears associated with reuniting with the Spice Girls, acknowledging the emotional triggers that arise when they come together. She discusses the importance of facing these fears and how their reunions have led to beautiful moments and a deeper understanding of each other. This segment emphasizes personal growth and the value of mindfulness in relationships.
"concentrate on the important things when you when you went on the reunion tour what did you learn about your former experience from that tour Ireland it was a shame that we couldn't fully appreciate i..."
The Journey of Writing My Story
In this segment, Mel C shares her motivations for writing her book, reflecting on her journey from a working-class background to international stardom. She discusses the challenges of recounting her past, including struggles with depression and eating disorders, and the emotional toll of revisiting those memories. Mel expresses her hope that her story will inspire others and provide a sense of hope.
"him she was like why does that make you emotional because this incredible thing that happens to you and it's so hard to appreciate it because it's it's so intense you know because that experience was ..."
The Emotional Toll of Recounting
Mel C discusses the emotional challenges she faced while recording the audiobook of her memoir. She reflects on the difficulty of articulating painful memories and the unexpected emotions that arise during the process. This segment highlights the vulnerability involved in sharing one's story and the impact of past experiences on present emotions.
"within it because you know I have I I personally for me feel like I've been at Buck bottom at a time but I've worked my way up back up to like feeling okay I'm feeling great sometimes so yeah I know I..."
Navigating Fame and Its Impact
In this segment, Mel C addresses the complexities of fame and its effects on personal relationships. She discusses the guilt associated with her success, especially in light of her family's working-class background. Mel emphasizes the importance of being mindful of how fame affects not just the individual but also those around them, shedding light on the emotional burdens that come with public life.
"written um what was the hardest part for you to read I'm only halfway through okay I haven't even got to the really tough but yeah um but you know what's weird I wonder if you would find this too some..."
The Weight of Success and Guilt
Mel C reflects on the guilt she feels regarding her success compared to her family's hard work. She discusses the disparity between her passion-driven career and the manual labor her father endures, highlighting the emotional conflict that arises from such differences. This segment delves into the psychological aspects of success and the societal pressures that accompany it.
"is a fact so yeah there was this I felt like I had to spill my guts and I was still very vulnerable and I feel very ill you know I wasn't anywhere near on the road to recovery you know it was just the..."
Finding Balance in Life
In this closing segment, Mel C shares insights on achieving balance in her life as a mother and artist. She discusses the challenges of managing her workload while being present for her daughter and reflects on the lessons learned from past mistakes. Mel emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and staying true to oneself amidst the pressures of fame and success.
"I had a few words to say about one of my sponsors on this podcast for many years people have been asking for a coffee flavored Hill and quite recently he'll release the iced coffee caramel flavor of t..."
Breaking Toxic Patterns
Mel C discusses the unhealthy and toxic motivations that can drive one's life and how age and experience can help shift those patterns. She emphasizes the importance of listening to oneself and trusting one's instincts, especially for young people who may feel pressured by external narratives.
"different way those things that drove you then yeah which ultimately are quite unhealthy and toxic and and creating a lack of balance in one's life how do you stop those things driving you now how do ..."
The Essence of You
In this segment, Mel C reflects on the importance of maintaining one's essence and instincts amidst societal pressures. She shares insights on how external narratives, such as parental expectations and social media, can overshadow personal desires, urging listeners to reconnect with their true selves.
"like I spent so much time this weekend with like really young people in front of me and and I just look at them and I just think just don't lose the essence of you you know because it because I think ..."
Life's Chapters and Changes
Mel C talks about the evolving nature of life decisions and how what feels right at one point may change over time. She encourages embracing the power to change paths when something no longer works, highlighting the importance of adaptability in personal growth.
"that you might already have all the answers if you just listened and tuned out these other voices super easier said than done almost impossible yeah and I think the fingers as well it's like because y..."
Impact of Parental Relationships
Reflecting on her childhood, Mel C shares how her parents' relationship shaped her understanding of love and family. She expresses a yearning for security and stability, particularly as a mother, and discusses the challenges of wanting to provide a different experience for her daughter.
"powerful to know I mean it's [ __ ] scary and not everybody has the luxury of just going okay I want to change right okay I'm gonna move back because I'm going to gym no move country whatever but I th..."
The Last Guest's Question
In a unique twist, Mel C addresses a question posed by the previous guest, exploring the concept of enjoying pain. She shares her experiences with emotional and physical pain, particularly through exercise, and how it can serve as a form of relief and self-discovery.
"had we have got one last question for you so the last guest asks a question for the next guest but they don't know who they're asking the question to so they write a question in the book I don't see i..."
Exercise as Emotional Medicine
Mel C discusses her complex relationship with exercise, describing it as a 'miracle drug' that transforms her mood and energy levels. She emphasizes the mental health benefits of physical activity and how it can help alleviate emotional pain, encouraging others to embrace movement.
"that you enjoy having ah ah okay this this um I've had a little emotional turmoil recently and I was in the gym and I was stretching to the point where it hurts but it felt good and I think sometimes ..."
Honesty and Healing
In this heartfelt segment, Mel C reflects on the importance of honesty in her book, particularly regarding her struggles with eating disorders and depression. She acknowledges the fear of sharing her story but recognizes the potential impact it can have on others, emphasizing the healing power of vulnerability.
"say to me oh you know how do you encourage people to do exercise and it's like listen just go no pressure say I'll do 10 15 minutes and a better you there for an hour agree that is when I was first wh..."
Meaningful Connections
Mel C and Steven Bartlett conclude their conversation by discussing the significance of meaningful connections and experiences. Mel expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story, highlighting the lessons learned from her unique journey and the importance of authenticity in life.
"our life and I said to you before we started recording that I usually don't make that many notes and I just I made way too many and it's really because I had so I gained so much from reading it about ..."