It’s not just a party game — the idea that you’re only six connections away from anyone on Earth has real-world relevance. In fact, we put it to the test using the PepTalk expert network. The challenge? Start with Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon and end with psychologist Kimberley Wilson in the UK (chosen because we just really like Kimberley!) — chartered psychologist, brain health advocate, and PepTalk speaker.
Here’s how we got there, using verifiable, public connections across advertising, media, and podcasting.
1. Kevin Bacon and the EE Campaigns
Kevin has been the face of EE’s UK ad campaigns since 2012. These campaigns, known for their humour and slick production, were created by advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi London.
2. Enter Nick Miaritis
During the time these EE campaigns were running, Nick Miaritis held senior roles at Saatchi & Saatchi — including SVP Global Business Director. Whether or not he worked directly on EE, he was part of the leadership tier during that high-profile work. Nick is also the Omelette King, known for his influential work on the egg influencer economy!
3. From Saatchi to VaynerMedia
Nick left Saatchi to join Gary Vee aka Gary Vaynerchuk's VaynerMedia in 2018, where he became Chief Client Officer. VaynerMedia is known for building brands through modern storytelling — exactly the type of media ecosystem where cross-industry paths converge. Nick Miaritis also works alongside the wonderful Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer and PepTalk expert.
4. Gary Vaynerchuk Meets Steven Bartlett
In 2022, Gary appeared on The Diary of a CEO, the hugely successful podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett, where he discussed business, family, and emotional intelligence. It was a conversation that offered a rare glimpse into the mind behind the brand.
5. Steven Bartlett Interviews Davina McCall
Steven later invited Davina McCall — TV presenter and health advocate — onto his show. Their conversation covered resilience, personal challenges, and navigating public life. Davina, like Steven, is also a PepTalk speaker. She also hosted him on her show, Begin Again, in 2025, speaking about her brain surgery experience and health scare.
6. Davina McCall Interviews Kimberley Wilson
Davina then interviewed Kimberley Wilson on her podcast Begin Again. The two explored the science of brain health, the psychology of ageing, and the lifestyle changes that support long-term mental wellbeing.
That’s it — from Kevin to Kimberley in six meaningful, professional steps.
Why Kevin Bacon Theory Matters
The Kevin Bacon theory isn’t really about Kevin Bacon — it’s about how interconnected people are, especially in tightly-networked systems like Hollywood. It's a playful, memorable way to illustrate the power of connections.
It’s a reminder that the worlds of entertainment, advertising, podcasting, and public speaking are more interconnected than we realise. In a world of increasing noise, the value of networks, platforms, and shared credibility becomes more powerful than ever. And in case you're wondering — yes, you’re probably just six steps away from Kevin too.
It's also science! Scientists have identified a gene in fruit flies called "degrees of Kevin Bacon" that influences social behavior within their groups. This gene affects the way flies communicate and interact, leading to different levels of cohesion in their networks. The research suggests that similar genetic influences might exist in other animals, including humans... Watch this space.
Book Kimberley Wilson or other PepTalk experts to bring science-backed insight and storytelling to your next event. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!
Amber is VP of Talent & Marketing. She has 20 years of international experience in the creative industries, including as a copywriter and Head of Customer Experience in the music industry, using storytelling to drive behaviour change. Amber holds an MA in Digital Management and an MSc in Organisational Psychology and is always looking for inspiration.
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