Simon Thomas: grief, faith and the devastating loss of his wife | Unfiltered with James O'Brien #34

[@spicyspiral4942]

So much empathy for a person I've never met. Articulate, courageous, open, respectful, I can only hope that one day the mountains will give way to a life of happiness for both him and Ethan.

[@PatrickJConnor]

"He (Ethan) is very very lucky to have you, just remind yourself of that sometimes" well said.

[@kiely4561]

really nice finishing words by James at the end of the interview, brought a manly tear to my eye i won't lie

[@TalkNorwichCity]

What a wonderful interview. Simon helped me considerably when I lost my father 3 years ago, he was always dropping in asking how things were going and took me behind the scenes at Carrow Road when he was presenting a Norwich game at Carrow Road. That tells you all you need to know about Simon. He's a top man and doesn't deserve any of this that's happened to it and he's dealing admirably with the loss. Also, James, keep bringing these podcasts to our ears mate, the best thing out there at the moment.

[@sunnysjwinter]

Good to see you on here TNC! Glad to hear Simon helped you so much :)

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks such wonderful feedback. Thank you! Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@Butterflies-are-free]

Please don’t be deceived. This man came and spoke lies over a whole community. Yes, I’m sure he sounds wonderful. But lying to people and never being accountable is NOT godly

[@MAGGIEANN71]

This was sad to watch, and at the same time uplifting. I lost my catholic faith as a teenager, when I lost my dad ( I was 8) .He was pulled out of canal. Death from drinking. I know that faith has always centered me in one way, yet the guard went up. I always light a candle whenever I'm abroad and say a prayer. I might go back to church.- dunno God bless you Simon, and may you find peace. xx

[@JoelWende]

This is one if the guests that I hadn't heard of before. I'm Australian so that's hardly unsurprising, but discovered this podcast through one of the myriad of viral posts floating around featuring James. This is one of the most honest and powerful interviews I have ever seen. It contains a humanity, from both men, that we don't see very often. Whilst very very sad it is also very beautiful!

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Joel. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@maweenova]

I don’t know what to put , I’m speechless with tears drying on my cheeks, excellent

[@blackadder5837]

What a fantastic Father. I wish you all the best Simon x

[@cmistryreeves]

Simon Thomas is one of the if not bravest blokes on TV to speak so openly about his wife’s illness. So heartbreaking to hear. He is a trooper and a fantastic example to husbands and dads everywhere x

[@JasonConlan75]

I never liked him on Sky sports thought he was a bit smug but having see him bearing his soul at losing his wife and finding it hard to bring his son up on his own I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man.

[@9mikeydee]

Why is there a need to say you didn't like him before?

[@JasonConlan75]

He came across as smug and patronizing to answer your question my friend but it's not until you see the person at their lowest do you see the real one. Oh and everyone should admit if they are wrong.

[@goldenstartfish7929]

Thank you, James, for your interview with Simon and thank you, Simon, it was nice to listen to you and to be given a tiny insight into your life... James, It would have been lovely to hear all the wonders that is Simons wife and Ethan's Mummy Gemma, how they met, the day Ethan was born, how Simon proposed etc. Every time Simon was about to give a glimpse of this magic, it was halted 'we're jumping the gun a bit, let's go back to prep school." I often find in grief the emphasis becomes about 'what happened', and in the discussion, our loved one is easily only resonated with on this level. However, of course, they are everything but, all the love, fun, wisdom, caring, attention, adventures, achievements, their annoying habits, etc. It is so important to open a discussion on grief and how it has, is and will affect us all, however, I am finding within these groundbreaking discussion the true beauty of the person is overshadowed, often by the questions delievered by the interviewer. By no means a criticism but something to think about. Thank you, Simon,​ so much for being so open, you're a game changer and love to you, your wife and son.

[@andrewgoddard6005]

Outstanding chat and emotional. Thankyou to 2 guys at the top of their professions.

[@edenapplet]

I couldn't look away, so heartbreaking , but what a lovely, lovely man.

[@devlifedotnet]

So refreshing to see two men talking about emotions so openly, both occasionally having to wipe tears from their eyes, one out of grief, another out of empathy. Such a lovely and thoughtful interview.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Firstly my thoughts are with Simon Ethan and their family at this terrible time and its refreshing to know Simon has such a faith. As for James well this programme should be networked as he makes sure it is about those he is interviewing rather than himself. A certain Mr Morgan really could learn a lot from him even if its not every other question needs to be salacious. Well done James.

[@JAFC49]

Mad respect for Simon

[@adrianbrown9068]

Wow. I couldn't stop listening. Simon talks so honestly and leaves nothing out. Full full credit to him. He will help many many people in the future. And as for James, well I have always enjoyed his style of interviewing and talking. Huge huge credit to both. Thank you.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks Adrian, really pleased to hear you've enjoyed this. Have you subscribed to Unfiltered yet? playpodca.st/unfiltered

[@Nickydo111]

Oh boy, panic attacks are horrendous, what a brave fella for talking about this.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Nick. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@louisahusteden8903]

Made my heart heavy to hear the raw honesty of how you coped with the loss of your loved one! Thank you

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Louisa. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@afcjonny1]

Really lovely words from James at the end there, Simon really is a loving father, there's nothing a boy benefits from more.

[@richardbailey1774]

What a strong strong man! Brought tears to my eyes! Stay strong Simon!

[@danielbritton7463]

This interview was touching by the end I was left speechless and I loved the quote "You won't find a atheist on a sinking ship." This is actually making me reconsider my outlook on life. Thank you for this.

[@davidcousins3508]

I watched this and can empathise with what he has been through. My wife collapsed very suddenly and unexpectedly with a brain aneurysm and never regained consciousness before life support was switched off. We were separated but still on good terms. I was with her when she died and I regret the fact that I never got to speak to her to say goodbye. It was very helpful to listen to his experience.

[@Phatcanary]

Simon needed to hear that last Statement, very well said. Tough to watch but i have no doubt the clouds will clear for him eventually. He has nothing but support from us fellow Norwich fans, and the whole of Norfolk for that matter.

[@sunnysjwinter]

Really tough to watch this. I feel like I know Simon. That's a credit to his openness and strength in the face of such turmoil and sorrow. Wish I could do something to help. I lost a close friend (ex-girlfriend) a couple years ago, aged 26 and I know it'll take a lifetime to reconcile my loss. We all need to do our bit to support those grieving.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@Harbaksh1234]

As a father & a husband, I have a lot of respect for this man & all those out there going through the same thing. Unimaginable sorrow & courage...

[@jon4heather]

Stayed up until 3pm to watch this. Thank you for this interview. Would love to meet Simon one day and have a good cry. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.

[@johntogher7356]

Great guy, I worked with Simon in the late 90s in Selfridges. He was a great laugh and some of the antics he got up to. good old days

[@kazbuz15]

What an incredible brave,honest but inspirational interview.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Karen. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@Tomacious_f]

This has absolutely ruined me (in a nice way) this was such a tough and (manly) emotional listen for sure. Simon speaks about his wife with such admiration and love and it's made me realize exactly what I've got and to cherish it each and everyday. I really wish Simon and his boy all the best for the future and hope this will only make their bond stronger. Top work again too J'OB you really are the the best in the business!

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Tom. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@user-kq5qp6dh8l]

my wife died of cancer 4 years ago on the 20th November. you really can't get your head round it , I know where he is coming from.

[@robertdevlin3754]

Top man, I have all the time in the world for Simon. Keep on brother.

[@gemma5632]

“A Pioneer in emotional literacy” I love that description!!

[@alexmechanikool8348]

Very touching interview! James, I thought you handle the delicate scenario really well. And Simon massive props for putting your emotions out there. What a vulnerable thing to do. Respect!

[@susanmerriman4520]

Gripping, funny, sad and loving, this is only the second unfiltered I have watched but James is a great listener and able to steer the interviewee back on course.

[@smar4433]

What a moving and brutally open interview, thank you.

[@deano6410]

Tough to watch, but very inspirational.

[@deano6410]

Thoughts are with you Simon

[@BuddahUK]

Simon Thomas. Despite what you have been through, you must have a portrait in the attic sir

[@louiseschilt4050]

Hearts break around the world my heart is broken already I lost my brother Jacob in 2015 he was killed at Shoreham I've battled through so much and my journey still hasn't ended I hate how I feel on a daily basis because it's not easing up it hurts that I know Jacob should be married not buried six feet under he was my only sibling.

[@tlrflava]

i stumbled across this and i did not think i would like this but it was brilliant.The whole thing was really good and i was surprised that i actually liked James in this format. Hand clap

[@julianjunior3899]

Wonderful interview. Respect to you all

[@KH-rr2dt]

This was an amazing interview

[@tarny11]

A good interview. Simon you are doing really good . Keep it up.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks!

[@andreab2627]

So helpful, thank you for your honesty.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback Andrea. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@yelb9135]

Thank you, both.

[@leoncrisp7141]

Truly moving interview.

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

Wow. The first ten minutes of this interview(Private School and how unhappy Simon was there) almost makes me feel glad that i attended a Comprehensive where because i'd come to England from Scotland(different set-up), the English school asked me to spell five words and threw me into the middle band and then finding i was(without knowing at that point) a FULL year behind on Biology, History, Chemistry, Maths, English(might explain the spellings..3 out of 5), Science, Rural Science, don't get me started on French, had a drunken English teacher who told the class to start reading at page 5 and arrived back in class 35 mins later stinking of whiskey, a nutter of a tutor(board rubbers and chalk thrown regularly by a leftover grammar school teacher who continually told the story of his close-quartered witnessing of his best friend's head being chopped off in the R.A.F. by a propeller in front of him during WW2, a biology teacher who by today's standards would be classed as a mental abuser, a Headmaster who disappeared home about five times a day because he lived around the corner, a Games teacher who spent more time in front of a mirror grooming himself more than anybody i can ever remember grooming themselves in their whole lives(you do the math) and the list just went on and on..... Well, they certainly sent my education packing down the area of the town of LOSERVILLE. I walked out with one Grade C O-level in English and a bunch of useless grade 4 and 5 C.S.E.'s longer than the Suez Canal The rest of Simon Thomas's interview is heart-breaking...i wish him good luck with his future. P.S. It wasn't all bad after school though as it filled me with venom and i went on to run two businesses reasonably successfully for 35 years...and now i'm a pro-songwriter, so can't be bad. I can still smell the English teacher's whiskey-breath though. Oh well, better than the b.o. in the boy's toilets..and the "grooming" games teacher!!!

[@MatthewMcVeagh]

The feels, the tears... Jesus.

[@Cyriuxa]

Great interview, but a very tough listen.

[@Ben-cw5fd]

Would love to see an interview with Ian Hislop

[@Caitlin11ify]

Ben great suggestion. That’d be a great interview.

[@michaelmouse4024]

2 great men. x

[@user-ht4mo5sj5q]

Why the fuck has anyone disliked this? The guys in pain!

[@MrAkgunner84]

Another amazing podcast. Keep up the fantastic work James. I hope you manage to get Trevor Noah on here one day 😅

[@JOE_co_uk]

Thanks for your feedback. Please leave a review on the podcast if you have time, we'd much appreciate it! itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/unfiltered-with-james-obrien/id1290769207?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

Am fine thank you.

[@brynroberts9880]

Astonishing. Nothing else to say.

[@Tom_murray89]

Simon going to sky sports and Jake to bt sport is the BBC’s loss

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

How are you Simon boo

[@tossell1969]

What a very sad story. Just tragic I say oh god like I say oh shit. It's just a saying. Doesn't mean I believe. I never have and never will. Religion is a nonsense. That said I have religious friends (the only people I can't be friends with are tories) and stand by anybody's right to believe in any of the 400 odd gods they wish. They can make another up for all I care. I have stared death in the face and buried a child to say I would (then have) suddenly started to believe in a god because I saw the grim reaper is a nonsense too. But each to their own. So long as you are a good person good luck to you

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

My man crush I love you

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

❤️

[@Tom_murray89]

Totally agree when Simon talks about god

[@steamlocomotivesltdjamesh6760]

The think is Simon sadly sometimes God's answer is no

[@tauseefp23]

Cancer sucks!

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

❤️😍😘🌹❤️😍😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@mariaassumptanagudi4603]

I love you Honey

[@Thisworldthisweek]

God? Poor man, very tragic, but I struggle listening to anyone talk about God.

[@jameshardy4354]

JESUS is the way the truth and the life science proves Gods existence

[@Butterflies-are-free]

Another false prophet. He came to Canada and gave people a bunch of false prophecies…..he never was accountable, never apologized for lying to people, never said sorry for being a “poser”………. How is this a Christian? How can someone lie to people, pretend he speaks for God and is never accountable? So sad. Please people, seek Jesus, not these lying false prophets

[@hufclufc]

O'Brien's bald patch is getting bigger

[@toniandlade]

David Lea Who cares? He's in a happy family life and enjoys his career. That is what is inportant not a loss of some hair.

[@hufclufc]

He may have a lovely wife and children, have anexponential growth of radio listners, and an innovative internet interview format, but all that pales into insignificance when you clog up the drain in the shower with large clumps of your hair!

[@sratus]

David Lea is bald/balding and is not happy about it

[@hufclufc]

Have plenty of hair. I was being flippant. Hair is overrated anyway. Best of luck in the future, Simon.