Peggy Seeger is often described as the godmother of folk. She was married to Ewan McColl who led the British Folk Revival in the late 50s and 60’s and wrote The First Time Ever I Saw your Face, for her. Peggy’s been singing since the age of two; has played guitar, banjo, piano, electroharp, the concertina and Appalachian dulcimer. All of this is not surprising given she’s a member of the North American musical Seeger family. Many songwriters have penned the lyrics – Love Changes Everything and i...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Carrie and David Grant are best known as the expert vocal coaches from Fame Academy to Carrie and David's Pop Shop. But, they’re new book 'A Very Modern Family' charts their parenting experiences in the hope that it will help other families in similar circumstances. The scientist and presenter Professor Turi King, whose genealogy, forensics and archaeological finds helped her identify Richard III during his car park exhumation. Bringing the funny to proceedings stand-up comedian Nabil Abdulrashi...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Countryfile, Woman’s Hour, and dazzling audiences on the Strictly Dancefloor – Anita Rani is a hugely popular and award-winning presenter whose Indian ancestry means a lot to her - and it was her experience on Who Do You Think You Are? that planted the seed for her debut novel “Baby Does a Runner". Max Dickins is a stand-up comedian and author who has performed thousands of gigs and 3 hour solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. His latest book ‘Billy No Mates’ is a memoir which touches on some real...
Jul 15, 2023•59 min
Dawn O’Porter reigned supreme in the area of TV that wanted the presenter ‘immersed’ in the subject; exploring the dangerous size-zero aesthetic, attitudes to nudity, mail order brides, geisha traditions and most personally perhaps, breast cancer, the disease to which she lost her mother. But since 2006 she’s refocused her attention to the written word having penned eight books, with two more on the way, her latest is Cat Lady. Believe it or not the new football season is just three weeks away. ...
Jul 08, 2023•59 min
Today we welcome the writer, broadcaster and journalist Jimi Famurewa. Martin Roberts, the broadcaster, property expert and host of BBC Television series Homes Under the Hammer. And the founder of the Tuneless Choir, Nadine Cooper. Plus, we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks from 'kitchen disco queen' and singer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason Mohammad. Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies
Jul 01, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Today we welcome singer-songwriter, television presenter and sound healing practitioner, Charlotte Church. Reverend Eve Pitts, one of the first Black Caribbean Vicars in the Church of England and a campaigner for racial justice. Former police officer turned best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. And we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks from actor, comedian and writer, Guz Khan. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason Mohammad. Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies
Jun 24, 2023•59 min
Today we say 'kia ora' to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, opera legend and Patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of The World - which is in it's 40th anniversary year. With a story of ‘hidden roots’, singer Joe Jaquest Oteng reveals the huge family secrets he unearthed after the death of his father, which took his search to Ghana. And we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks of the wonderful actor Tanya Moodie. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell
Jun 17, 2023•57 min
The actor, memoirist and ‘woman relishing Old Rage’ Dame Sheila Hancock looks back on her storied career having worked at the top of the game for seven decades. The multi-hyphenate Vogue Williams, model, podcaster, media star, business woman and mother of three describes what the podcast world has done for her. Engineering presenter Fran Scott, famous for her fiery TV demonstrations, reveals the secrets of how to build an F1 car. And we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks of actor, rapper and writer ...
Jun 10, 2023•59 min
Eoin Colfer, the international bestselling Artemis Fowl author reveals why he’s tackling climate change via a graphic novel and how you write subjects like this for children. Taking on the challenge of the great outdoors in a very personal way, is hairdresser Alan Bateson who's about to run 1,047 miles in 22 days...we’ll find out why! Tackling each other’s very different views, on the 75th anniversary of Windrush, we have squabbling couple Jennifer Beckford and Professor Robert Beckford. And we’...
Jun 03, 2023•58 min
Live from the Hay Festival Nikki and Huw are joined by the model, presenter and writer Lisa Snowdon whose book 'Just Getting Started' urges women, especially those who’re menopausing, to seize their power. Author, travel writer, broadcaster and local boy Horatio Clare has been asking ‘Does Psychiatry Work’ in his latest radio series and as someone who understands psychosis personally, he may have some good insights. More empowering guidance is at hand in the shape of the irrepressible TikTok sta...
May 27, 2023•57 min
We’re all standing to attention, as the paragon of discipline, former SAS member Billy Billingham and chief instructor on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins talks about how he's gone from a life of crime to towing the line. Louise Minchin is a broadcaster who spent twenty years on the BBC Breakfast sofa, but did you know she is passionate about endurance sports? Her latest book "Fearless" sees her taking on physical challenges with inspirational women. And completing the Circle of Life are the leon...
May 20, 2023•59 min
Multi-hyphenate Steve Jones, TV presenter, podcaster, novelist and librocubicularist, discusses his debut novel Call Time. Not one for lying in bed reading, Gardener's World gardener Rekha Mistry reveals what it takes to make great marmalade. Freya Bromley, author and podcaster of The Tidal Year, expounds upon the virtues of swimming in every tidal pool in the UK and how it helped her grief. Ghost and Horrible Histories star, Mathew Baynton, shares his Inheritance Tracks. Presenters: Nikki Bedi ...
May 13, 2023•1 hr
Bestselling novelist AJ Pearce, whose work has been inspired by a personal collection of women’s magazines and journals dating back to 1761! Her new book, "Mrs Porter Calling", is the third in her Emmy Lake Chronicles, set in London during The Second World War. Ian Holloway, the celebrated football manager and pundit, whose post-match interviews do wonders for the English language, reveals what it was like balancing the abuse he received on the pitch with coming to terms with raising three child...
May 06, 2023•59 min
Dr Chris Van Tulleken's new book, Ultra-Processed People: Why do we all eat stuff that isn’t food, untangles our relationship with fast food, bad food and maybe even your breakfast. The poet and artist Frieda Hughes, daughter of famed Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, has written about her experiences saving a wild Magpie, George, and why she now lives with 14 owls, two huskies, a Maltese terrier, five chinchillas, a ferret called 'Socks', a Royal python and her collection of motorbikes. Artist and a...
Apr 29, 2023•59 min
Ghosts, Steth Lets Flats and Ted Lasso star, Katy Wix, talks about her life through the medium of...cake. Her memoir Delicacy uses the sweet treat to frame the biggest moments of her life. Janina Ramirez, author of the bestselling Femina and President of the Gloucester History Festival, reveals why she gave up a career as a punk rocker to regale us all with stories of ancients civilisations. As a dark chapter in Ukraine's history continues to be written, Solomiya Znak from the Ukraine Opera and ...
Apr 22, 2023•57 min
The designer and business-woman Cath Kidston reveals the person beyond the patterns - and explains how she's moved away from drawing flowers to drawing on the natural properties of them for her new business venture. Stig Abell's career spans from running the Press Complaints commission, managing editor of The Sun and Times Radio breakfast show presenter. But, he can now add crime fiction novelist to his extensive CV with the publication of Death Under a Little Sky. Wheelchair rugby star and Olym...
Apr 15, 2023•59 min
Designer and broadcaster, Anna Ryder Richardson, reveals why she gave up her celebrity life and go full "Matt Damon" when she bought a zoo and moved her family to rural Wales. During the first lockdown, with all his performances cancelled, the writer and opera star Peter Brathwaite began researching his Barbadian roots, uncovering both enslaved and enslaver ancestors - culminating in a new book and exhibition at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery; Rediscovering Black Portraiture. Lee Skeet had...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr
Harlan Coben joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The multiple award-winning thriller writer has sold over 80 million books, many of which have been adapted for TV. The Netflix adaption of Fool Me Once is currently being filmed. A New Jersey native, Harlan's latest book I Will Find You explores the darker side of suburban living. Fergus Durrant and Romy Dixon found something unexpected in his father’s effects, a discovery that was to lead them on a journey made 125 years earlier. James Phillips w...
Apr 01, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Broadcaster and biological anthropologist Alice Roberts reveals the secret behind the UK's fascination with castles. Chris Howard, one of the creators of David Attenborough's Wild Isles, discusses the trials and tribulations of filming the elusive beaver. Scottish-Egyptian musicians The Ayoub Sisters perform their revival of an old Arabic folk song; live in the studio. Author and Broadcaster Elizabeth Day shares her Inheritance Tracks. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran Producer: Ben Mitche...
Apr 01, 2023•59 min
Nikki Bedi and Shaun Keaveny are joined by Spencer Matthews, who gained fame in the reality tv series Made In Chelsea. Now an entrepreneur and broadcaster, Spencer has made a documentary which shows him looking for his brother who went missing on Mount Everest over 20 years ago. Comedian Rachel Parris joins us, talking about the power of seeking advice and how it has influenced her life. Dilly Carter is a straight-talking organiser who can be seen on TV as a decluttering expert. After spending h...
Mar 18, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Shaun Keaveny are joined by Prue Leith, GBBO judge, restaurateur, novelist and now with a one woman show. Sarah Raven on her journey from inauspicious school career to training as a doctor to purveyor of plants and writer - her latest book is A Year Full of Veg. Jenny Radcliffe has made a successful living from breaking into people’s homes and businesses, testing out security systems. She joins us to explain how she got into it. and Michelle Elman on showing her scars after years ...
Mar 11, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Lang Lang joins Nikki Bedi and Danny Wallace. The internationally renowned pianist has sold millions of albums and performed around the world. He started playing the piano age three and to follow his dreams his family made significant sacrifices. Lang Lang talks about his path to success, and why he wants to encourage others to perform. You can watch Lang Lang on The Piano, Channel 4 and his Disney Book album is out now. Until recently, Zainab Alema was working as a neonatal nurse. However, in 2...
Mar 11, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Jojo Moyes joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The bestselling author has sold over 50 million novels and Me Before You was adapted into a film starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke. Jojo talks about the inspirational for her new book Someone Else's Shoes, rebooting her life, and her unusual painting collection. Henry Naylor is an award-winning playwright but before that he wrote comedy satire for Spitting Image and Smith and Jones. His latest show Afghanistan is Not Funny looks back at a trip ...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined in the studio by broadcaster Johnny Vaughan. Best known for his presenting stints on The Big Breakfast and radio shows on pretty much every network, Johnny now has a new podcast called Alien Kidnap Club in which he interviews people who believe they have encountered alien life. Actress Felicity Montagu stars in new series Beyond Paradise, which spins off from Death in Paradise. Known for her wide range of acting roles, especially playing Alan Partridge's l...
Feb 18, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by writer, podcaster and ghost-botherer Danny Robins, behind the hit podcast The Battersea Poltergeist and smash West End play 2.22 A Ghost Story. TV presenter and inclusive travel expert Sophie Morgan is best known for presenting the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She talks about her life-changing injury, her recovery and the new series of Living Wild in which she embarks on an epic road trip across the UK. Psychologist Dr Julie Smith ...
Feb 11, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Michael Rosen: Bear Hunt writer, broadcaster, covid survivor, national treasure… he tells us about his life lessons. Susanna Thornton tells us about her lifelong association with cycling and freedom – which led to a mammoth cycle from Hong Kong to London and many much smaller, wild bikepacking trips in the UK, which she documents online. She joins us. Actor Nikki Amuka Bird joins us to talk about her route into acting and her latest role. Nature writer ...
Feb 04, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Haydn Gwynne joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The actor talks about her latest role in The Great British Bake Off Musical. Since deciding to pursue acting in her mid-twenties, Gwynne has had a varied career on stage and screen, including playing Camilla in The Windsors. Award winning composer Peter Raeburn’s work has ranged from films such as Sexy Beast to adverts including Guinness Surfer. Peter’s forthcoming album Recovery is based on his personal experiences after having life-saving brain-...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Miles Jupp, comedian, writer and actor who pops up in everything from the Vestry in Rev, the press room in The Thick of It, a Greek Island in The Durrells and recently, the desert in SAS Rogue Heroes. He's also written novels, radio series and presented the News Quiz. Cariad Lloyd is a comedian who lost her father at a young age and has since dealt with her grief through her podcast, Griefcast. She talks openly and honestly about grief and its effects w...
Jan 21, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Vicky Pattison joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The podcaster and author was Crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2015. Gaining fame initially through the reality TV show Geordie Shore, Vicky reflects on the ups and downs of her life in the public eye and shares her experiences in her latest book The Secret to Happy. George Linnane is a caver who was rescued by 300 volunteers after 54 hours underground. One of those volunteers was Maxine Bateman. They discuss what happened and how George is recover...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Philippa Perry joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The psychotherapist, writer, agony aunt and broadcaster is married to the artist Grayson Perry. Her works include The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did). Peter Lantos tells the story of how he survived the Holocaust as a small child in Bergen-Belsen. He offers an extraordinary perspective of not just living through terrible events, but on making sense of them as well. Sean Gandini is a renowned jugg...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 24 min
