Cody Simpson: I Became Famous at 13… I Had No Idea What It Would Cost

From teen pop star to elite swimmer, Cody Simpson opens up about fame, identity and what happens when success comes too early. Known for hits like Pretty Brown Eyes, Paradise and iYiYi, Cody reveals how YouTube covers led to a record deal, worldwide fame and life inside the teenage pop machine. He reflects on being discovered online during the rise of Justin Bieber, moving to Los Angeles at 13 and navigating the pressure of fame before he was old enough to understand the cost. Cody speaks candidly about the years that nearly derailed him, from rebellion, partying and substance abuse to experiencing psychosis and hitting rock bottom. He explains why leaving music and returning to elite swimming ultimately saved his life and how that decision led to representing Australia and winning medals. We also explore the relationships and moments that shaped his journey, from dating Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Emma McKeon and Miley Cyrus to the brutal discipline required to rebuild his life after fame. Now returning to music with a new record deal and a completely different mindset, Cody shares what he’s learned about fame, identity, discipline and why the most important chapter of his life may still be ahead. Cody Simpson, We Need To Talk. This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. We've included support charities below: MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/gbuRaxjM3Nb Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb 00:00 Intro 01:35 Cody Describes Growing Up on the Gold Coast, Australia 07:36 Cody’s First Experiences with Playing Music and Writing Songs 14:15 How Cody Was Discovered and Signed a Record Deal 22:28 Cody’s Early Experiences of Songwriting in LA 27:04 Paul Surprises Paul With A Photograph 27:32 What Was Life Like Back in Australia Once Cody Found Fame? 29:51 Why Does Cody Think He Was So Popular So Quickly? 31:28 How Scooter Braun Marketed Cody Compared to Justin Bieber 34:59 ‘Tween Mags’ and Cody’s Markers of Success 37:11 Cody Listens Back to a Couple of His Old Songs 42:54 Snapchat Ad 44:03 Shopify Ad 45:11 Cody Breaks Down His Romantic Relationships with Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Miley Cyrus 55:50 Cody Breaks Down His Relationship with Olympic Swimmer Emma McKeon 58:55 Cody Reflects on the Negative Effects of Fame at an Early Age 01:10:17 Paul Surprises Cody With A Letter From Someone He Loves 01:16:06 Cody’s Transition from Music to Swimming Professionally 01:24:41 Moving Back to Australia And Training For The Paris Olympics 01:31:45 Cody Reveals Plans For His New Music 01:40:31 Paul’s Takeaways Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Cody here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysimpson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@codysimpson Sponsored by: Snapchat: Learn more at https://thekeysuk.snapchat.com Shopify: www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk Sync-ID: MB01ODJ7JASFYBQ