OneChat podcast launch reveals “the real Jonnie Irwin”

TV host “feels alive” after revealing he has cancer

LONDON – 24th May 2023 – UK TV host Jonnie Irwin has given the most frank interview yet in an intimate podcast series launched today, and describes going public about his cancer as the day he started living again.
In the launch episode of a new podcast series called OneChat, hosted by UK life insurer AIG Life, Irwin candidly shares “the real Jonnie” and the impact that talking – as well as not talking – has had on his wellbeing, while urging listeners to learn from his mistakes.

Irwin publicly announced in November 2022 that he was living with terminal cancer – two years after he was diagnosed with brain cancer and given just six months to live.
In the OneChat with Jonnie Irwin podcast, he confesses he wishes he’d spoken out sooner about living with cancer, so he could enjoy more quality years with his family. He also suggests that “burying my head in the sand” is how he remains positive in his fight against the cancer.

On speaking out, Irwin said: “Goodness me, it’s been a massive weight off my shoulders. The day I came out and told the world that I had cancer, terminal cancer, is the day I started living again. It’s like being Jonnie Irwin again and I actually feel alive. Do I wish I’d done it sooner? In a way, yes.”

Launching OneChat

Each episode of the OneChat podcast series is an intimate chat with a special guest about their health and wellbeing, and how talking can help us live a better life.
AIG Life Limited, the UK life insurance arm of Corebridge Financial, has launched the series to profile the stories of people whose lives were changed by a single conversation, with the aim of showing how talking, and taking action, can lead to improved wellbeing.

AIG interviewed Jonnie Irwin for its launch podcast because his brave step to tell people he had terminal cancer has engaged the public in an important conversation that people shy away from, said Camilla Hoskisson, Head of Marketing at AIG Life.

“Our health and wellbeing is the most important thing we have, and if we want to live as full and happy a life as possible, it’s important we take control and take action. Jonnie gets, as do we, that how we connect with others about wellbeing and our experiences can make such a difference. That’s the purpose of the OneChat series. If people improve their own lives by hearing our stories, we make a difference.”

Talking about his story

In this first episode of OneChat podcast, Irwin shares the conversations that have shaped his TV career and opens up about the emotional, physical and financial impact of living with cancer, as well as how proud and thankful he is of his family and the legacy he wants to leave.

Part of that legacy, said Irwin, is he hopes that by talking about the financial impact of dealing with cancer – something he describes as “expensive” – people learn from his story and buy critical illness insurance.

“One of the reasons I came out and told people about my story…I want people to learn from my mistake. I didn’t take critical illness insurance out and therefore I had to keep working. Without work, I’ve got no means of paying the bills. And if I had taken the critical illness insurance out, that could’ve covered my outgoings and I probably could’ve told the world a lot sooner. I could’ve had two years of living a more open lifestyle. And I want people to learn from that mistake.

“To be able to concentrate on your family and friends, and concentrate on the battle with cancer, and your health, or do the things you want to do is the most important thing. Because I didn’t have that cover, I’ve not been able to do that. And so I implore anyone if they’ve got the opportunity, do it now. Don’t put it off.”

Had Irwin bought critical illness insurance when he was younger and before he had any symptoms of cancer, he would have been able to claim a lump sum of money that he could use any way he liked. Whether that’s to take time off work while going through treatment, to pay the bills and the extra costs that being ill creates (travelling to hospital, extra heating, more expensive food). As Irwin explains in the podcast.

On his health

Irwin shares honestly and in detail the tough journey he’s been on since discovering he had cancer. He talks about his positive approach to fighting it and the positive things he does to stay as healthy as possible.

Later on, he said he found talking about his life journey in the launch OneChat podcast “cathartic”, and suggested his next steps may be to “open Pandora’s box” and seek professional counselling, to improve his wellbeing further.

“My whole life is an anecdote of ‘do as I say, not as I do’. I’ve found just talking about [my story] quite cathartic, and I know I need to engage a therapist, a psychologist, and open up Pandora’s box somewhat. I’ve probably only cried five times – that last bit of blubbing [in the podcast interview] is probably one of those five times. I need to speak to someone. And I need to do more of that.”

On his family

The ray of sunshine that’s helping Irwin stay positive in his battle with cancer is the time he’s spent with his wife Jess these last two years, and how he proud he is of his three boys as he’s watched them grow up.

“Anybody in my position would appreciate their family more. Especially my wife. My children are everything to me. But even now, I’m probably a bit too focused on their future rather than enjoying it now. This process is helping me enjoy my life, enjoy the here and now. And enjoy my family. And I’ve noticed them more. Rather than coming home from work – ‘How was your day? Fine’ – I’ve just noticed their character more. These last couple of years, I’ve been home more than ever before and I’m lucky to have seen every bit of their upbringing, and see how they change. That makes me very proud. And I’m kind of thankful for that.”

The OneChat series

The podcast series, launched by the UK life insurance arm of Corebridge Financial, is aimed at people interested in understanding the power of conversation – and how in one chat your world can change.

Each quarter, interviewees share their stories and discuss the conversations that have influenced their lives, in the hope that it will show listeners how they can act on their health and wellbeing.

OneChat is available from Wednesday 24th May on the Amazon, Apple, Google and Spotify podcast platforms.

ENDS

Notes To Editors

AIG Life is the UK life insurance arm of Corebridge Financial, formerly AIG Life and Retirement.

About Corebridge Financial

Corebridge Financial (NYSE: CRBG) makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $365 billion in assets under management and administration as of March 31, 2023, Corebridge is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit corebridgefinancial.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

About AIG Life

Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aiglife.co.uk | YouTube: www.youtube.com/aiglifeUK | Twitter: @AIGLifeUK www.twitter.com/AIGLifeUK | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aiglifelimited. These references with additional information about AIG Life have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release.