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

10 March 2026 · 1h 49m

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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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 Cody 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

Follow Cody here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysimpson

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@codysimpson

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