Saturday Live

Birmingham’s unofficial global ambassador, Steven Knight, who did as much for flat caps as he did for Brum by creating Peaky Blinders and he’s now taking us back to the West Midlands of the 1980’s with his latest TV series This Town. Catherine Coldstream had a bohemian upbringing in London, lived in Paris and fell in love with "unsuitable propositions in dark polo necks" and then, spent twelve years cloistered, as a Carmelite nun.The social and domestic historian Ruth Goodman, famous for her hit TV series taking us back to Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian times, is currently revealing the curious history of our homes in her new podcast; from wallpaper to fridges and washing up.And this week’s Inheritance Tracks see the ultra-marathon running, American football obsessive, and fellow radio presenter Vernon Kay share with us the music that’s shaped his life. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Racing driver Nic Hamilton is the first disabled athlete to compete in the British Touring Car Championship. Born with cerebral palsy and told he would always need to use a wheelchair, he certainly embodies his self-given title of ‘limit defier’ and shares how he proved everyone wrong in his new book 'Now That I Have Your Attention'.Victoria McCloud, the recently retired first trans woman judge in the UK, left because she felt she risked making the judiciary political, but her first interests weren't the law...instead she came to the profession via psychiatry, space, and an obsession with old computers. We have not one but two world class puppeteers on the show in Josh Elwell and Eliot Gibbins. Both can operate Daleks and have a Tardis full of stories to share - as well as some special guest appearances from some of their creations. All that plus another double act choosing their Inheritance Tracks in comedians and real-life couple Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris. And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The broadcaster, marathon runner, and proud parent to her life saving stoma Audrey, Adele Roberts reveals how she overcame cancer wrote a book and danced on ice.Writer and comedian Ben Elton whose new stand-up tour highlights his trademark incisive social commentary by exploring authentic stupidity. David Duke went from sleeping rough and living in hostels to playing football in the Homeless World Cup and founding the Street Soccer Scotland charity helping thousands of other homeless people through the power of football. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of chef, restaurateur and podcaster Angela Hartnett.And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The irrepressible Tom Shakespeare shares how the boy nicknamed 'The Blob' at school went on to become a bioethicist, disability rights advocate, and now a debut novelist. Kate Silverton has swapped the newsroom for the therapists couch having retrained as a child counsellor. She has also become a bestselling author and her latest book maintains that there's still no such thing as being naughty.Did you struggle at maths with school? Having been diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia as a child Rebecca Ginger did too. She has recently given up a successful career in the tv industry to create her own method of making learning maths fun after seeing her daughter struggle with the subject herself.All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian, presenter and latest Taskmaster contestant, John Robins.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

One of Yorkshire’s finest, the actor famous for Fat Friends, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, Gaynor Faye. She’s making her directorial debut with the stage adaptation of The Syndicate, written by her mother; the late, great Kay Mellor. Tommy Blaize is the voice of Strictly. He’s been singing on the show since the very first episode. But today he reveals the family DNA secret that unlocked the story behind his musical talents. What do you get when you walk the UK’s 19,000-mile coastline, apart from blisters? For former paratrooper Christian Lewis, it was a dog, a partner, a baby and a renewed sense of purpose.All that, plus we have the joyous Inheritance Tracks of natural history presenter Liz Bonin.And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first woman to hold flag rank in The Royal Navy, keeps us ship shape and shares how a rebellious teenager became the highest ranking female member of the Navy. Ready to send us to the sin bin Sara Cox, not that one, reveals how she "walked through stinging nettles" to become the world's first professional female rugby union referee and inspire a whole generation of officials.And the professionally ‘shattered’ comedian and writer Ashley Blaker, father of six children tells us why some of them are Coldplays and others, Zappas. Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of musician, broadcaster and voice of Desert Island Discs Lauren Laverne. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Entertainer, actor, comedian, author and very clever man, Julian Clary joins us, he makes disdain and innuendo hilarious and he’s back onstage playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar.When Christopher Samuel picked up a biro and drew a picture of himself, it changed his life. He’ll tell us how he’s now using art to challenge the perceptions of disability.And having both served time, the award-winning hosts of the ‘Life After Prison’ podcast Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan tell us how they aim to reduce post-prison stigma and help people figure out ‘what’s next’.Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of Eastenders’ actor and ‘Off the Telly’ podcast host Natalie Cassidy.Presenters: Nikki Bedi & Jon Kay Producer: Lowri Morgan

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Jennie Gow, the journalist and BBC motor racing presenter who is navigating her post-stroke life and plans to be back on air for the Formula 1 this season. Sarah Marsh, the deaf author who has written a debut novel about a deaf woman finding her identity in a hearing world. And sailor Ken Fowler who circumnavigated every island in England and Wales, solo, in a 4m dinghy called Yoda.And don't miss the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian Alex Horne who is on Channel 4’s hit comedy game-show and this week, we’ve given him the task of assisting us with choosing his musical choices. Presenters: Jon Kay and Nikki BediProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

Chris Anderson, an entrepreneur with a unique background as the son of missionaries and now the head of the TED organization, advocates for the power of Infectious Generosity as the ultimate idea worth spreading.Jane Cholmeley, once a feminist bookseller and now an author, shares her journey of running Europe's largest women's bookstore amidst challenges of homophobia and misogyny.Daisy Goodwin, a prolific television producer, screenwriter, and bestselling novelist, known for bringing iconic shows like Grand Designs and Victoria to the world, delves into her latest book exploring the life of the legendary Diva, Maria Callas.And don't miss the Inheritance Tracks of 'Da Gerry' from Derry Girls, as we hear from the witty comedian and talk show host Tommy Tiernan.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Glyn Tansley

Today - our guests inhabit very different worlds...One exists in kindness, James Timpson, the businessman and philanthropist - whose new book The Happy Index - puts happiness at the top of his business plans.Marianna Spring on the other hand, spends much of her life in a world filled with nastiness and trolls, and asks Why Do You Hate Me? in her new podcast.And Callum Scott Howells inhabits and interprets other people’s lives for our pleasure, currently starring in A View from the Bridge on the stage and The Way on the small screen.Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of Antipodean comedian, TV presenter and para-standing tennis player Adam Hills.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

National sweetheart, and very silly boy, Joe Lycett adds some pizazz to proceedings...as he talks art, Queen's Heath and his special brand of public service vigilantism as he sets his sights on the water companies.The writer, producer and creator behind landmark TV series; Queer as Folk, It’s A Sin, Years and Doctor Who, Russell T Davies, looks back on a ground-breaking career.So much has happened in the life of Alison Lapper since that beautiful Mark Quinn sculpture, ‘Alison Lapper Pregnant’, sat proudly on The Fourth Plinth. She reveals how she processed the grief of the loss of her son into her latest exhibition. And we have the Inheritance Tracks of The Grand Tour presenter Richard Hammond as he embarks on the trios penultimate outing.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Greg James Producer: Ben MitchellIf you’ve been affected by any of the issues we discuss in this programme – you can find links to organisations that can help here: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Bringing his trademark droll humour and a bit of poetry to proceedings…the actor and comedian Tim Key discusses his new collection and reveals the story behind one of the most remarkable acts kindness he received from a stranger.He loves dogs, he loves sport and he’s one of the best in the world at commentating on both…we welcome the voice of a thousand sports Andrew Cotter. Bringing us emotional repair through wool…Samantha Moore, the BAFTA nominated director of Visible Mending talks about the healing power of knitting and the joy of spinning a yarn. Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of Test Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Greg James Producer: Ben Mitchell

Tom Odell, the Ivor Novello Award winning musician discusses his new album 'Black Friday' and reveals why freshly baked cakes helped with his piano lessons.Zoë Colville, aka The Chief Shepherdess, went from the madness of hairdressing in a trendy Soho salon in London, to the ‘relative’ tranquillity of tending sheep on a farm in Kent.Boxer Nathan Heaney describes his journey from fighting with grief to being the underdog and now British Middleweight Champion.Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian and Love Island narrator Iain Stirling.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Greg James Producer: Lowri Morgan

Extending our knowledge of Imperial frontiers - journalist, author and Empire educator Sathnam Sanghera’s reveals why tea is the best medium to discuss the British Empire. Crossing the final frontier with Libby Jackson - she boldly explores where none of us are likely to as The Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency. And the record-breaking Darren Edwards keeps crossing endurance frontiers after announcing his next challenge is to become the first disabled adventurer to complete the longest sit-ski expedition across the Antarctic. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of ceramic designer and Great Pottery Throw Down judge, Keith Brymer Jones. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Greg James Producer: Ben Mitchell

Bestselling writer, self-experimenter and host of Just One Thing, Michael Mosley is a man so keen on giving the nation ‘just one thing’ to do to improve our lives, that we’re soon going to run out of hours in the day to incorporate them all.If the very thought of handmade chocolates makes you salivate, prepare to drool, because the master chocolatier behind the new Wonka film, Gabriella Cugno reveals how useful a chocolate teacup actually is.And Julie Felix, Britain’s first professional Black ballerina who has been named in the New Year's Honours list, describes how after being told in 1970’s Britain that she had the wrong skin colour for ballet she pirouetted across the Atlantic to America where her career took off.Plus, the Inheritance Tracks from a man of many jobs; weatherman, turned drummerman, turned Radio 2 early riser...Owain Wyn Evans.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Greg James Producer: Ben Mitchell

Ed Byrne, the stand-up comedian, describes how he turned to comedy as a way of coping with the loss of his younger brother in 2023.

With 2024 just around the corner, we’re celebrating the lovely achievements of our guests from the year past and some of yours too... Artist Gareth Reid has painted King Charles, Graham Norton, and recently won Portrait Artist of the Decade with his interpretation of Dame Judi Dench. Rogue Jones, the married singer-songwriters Ynyr Ifan and Bethan Mai, won the coveted Welsh Music Prize 2023 for their charming second album Dos Bebés Plus the Inheritance Tracks of this year’s Masterchef Celebrity Champion, opera star and broadcaster Wynne Evans.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben MitchellCORRECTION: This programme has been edited since broadcast to include Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339: Laudate Dominum for Wynne Evans’ Inheritance Tracks

The creative polymath Mark Gatiss; actor, writer, director, producer, funny man and excellent purveyor of Christmas ghost stories - shares his love for the macabre.By car, train, bus and...canoe - .The Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod, reveals the festive traditions of the Isle of Lewis.And illustrator Lucy Claire who came to fame by honouring the likes of The Queen and Matthew Perry with art drawn from behind - shares her joy for craft and creativity at this time of year.Plus the Inheritance Tracks of broadcaster and Quizmaster extraordinaire; Sandi Toksvig.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Steven Moffat, the BAFTA and Emmy award winning TV writer and producer, famous for Doctor Who and Sherlock has made his debut as a playwright with The Unfriend returning to London’s West End.Kelda Wood is the former GB Para-Canoeist, first adaptive-rower to row the Atlantic unsupported, and a charity founder, whose world turned upside down by not one...by two lifechanging incidents.And the animator and illustrator Robin Shaw, the International Emmy Award winning director of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and brought The Snowman to life, now turns his attention to Mog for our festive television enjoyment.Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of the actor and former Strictly Champion Kelvin Fletcher. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

From an animal loving Billericay boy to international supermodel turned designer - David Gandy has been the face of some of the worlds biggest brands. The Scottish actor Sam Heughan is internationally famous for playing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser in Outlander but is also an award-winning businessman and bestselling author.And the Queen of Harps, Catrin Finch, not only a classical harp virtuoso, she’s also a collaborator who exemplifies musical freedom and knows a thing or two about music’s healing powers. Plus the Inheritance Tracks of historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Author Katherine Rundell, winner of Waterstones’ Book of the Year 2023 for her fantastical and mythical ‘Impossible Creatures’, had a childhood filled with travel; from Kent, to Zimbabwe and Belgium - to an adult life filled with playfulness.Steve Greenwood, one of the directors of Planet Earth III, has spent his life tracking-down impossible creatures and even discovered a new species of rat. Trekking through jungles, racing through deserts, being chase by Rhinos, the natural history producer explains how he tells animal stories with pictures.And children’s author and traditional oral storyteller Atinuke reveals how she shares her heritage and stories from the Africa...especially her homeland, Nigeria. Plus...the Inheritance Tracks of yarn-spinning, punchline-dropping, hip-hop-loving comedian Romesh Ranganathan.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Dan Snow, history conduit, broadcaster, podcaster and bestselling author grew up with two posters on his bedroom wall...one was of Kylie Minogue - the other was of the Duke of Wellington defeating Napoleon at Waterloo. Corporal Rob Bugden is a former RAF parachute instructor whose career ended in an aerial collision which left him with life changing injuries. He now teaches the importance of resilience.Psychiatrist, psychotherapist and gardener Marchelle Farrell has moved from the beaches and emerald hills of Trinidad to a country garden in Somerset - and her award-winning memoir, Uprooting, connects our external landscapes to the way we feel about ourselves Plus, he moo-ves like Jagger - we have the Inheritance Tracks of farmer and broadcaster Adam Henson.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Italian chef, restaurateur, writer and buongustaio Aldo Zilli, learned to cook at his mother’s knee and started dreaming of his own Italian restaurants in 1970’s Soho, under the watchful eyes of the mafia, and at a time when you could only buy olive oil in a chemist. Levy Rozman – the international chess master with millions of subscribers - who’s moving the game into the digital age after retiring from the game for the sake of his mental health.Historian Phillipa Langley, not content with finding Richard III under a car park, she’s now looking to try and re-write British history once again hunting for the truth about the Princes in the Tower. Plus the beautiful and powerful Inheritance Tracks of actor and comedian Miles Jupp. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Professor Hannah Fry, whose job involves demystifying data and exploring how science and tech will shape our futures, personally though, she’s realised that ‘Life isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s an experience to be had’. From body-building online star to social media sceptic. Oenone Forbat tell us how her life as a digital celebrity isn’t quite as glamorous as the filters might have us believe And the legendary hair stylist Sam McKnight, reveals how a boy form a small Scottish mining town went on to style, shear and zhush the tresses of supermodels, pop goddesses and princesses. Plus...the Inheritance Tracks of magician and illusionist Derren Brown.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Ross Kemp who, after leaving EastEnders, found his métier making BAFTA award winning documentaries and writing bestselling books…and he’s just written a memoir... From Grant Mitchell to Cary Grant - Hollywood’s ultimate leading man - his daughter and producer of new ITV series Archie, Jennifer Grant, joins us.Hari Budha Magar is a Gurkha veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan and earlier this year made mountaineering history as the first double above the knee amputee to summit Everest.Plus...ground control to Major Tim - we’ll be beaming in the Inheritance Tracks of Tim Peake.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

If you’re feeling adventurous this weekend, we have just the guest to inspire you. The world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes joins us – but who inspires him? Multi-award-winning author of The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory is here to cast a light on the unsung women of history. The Man....The Voice....The Ostrich-farmer. Opera-singer Russell Watson has ditched his bow-tie to tell us why he’s now just as happy in his overalls. Plus...we have the Inheritance Tracks of rock and roll reverend...Kate Bottley. Presenters: Jon Kay and Dawn O'Porter Producer: Ben Mitchell

Dr Adam Rutherford is a geneticist, a broadcaster and science populariser and his latest book, aimed at young people, examines evolution, what race really is, and what makes us human.Broadcaster and author Kate Humble will be sharing the inspiration behind her new book which sees her on a quest to define what makes a house a home.And Peeps Nicol - who after being diagnosed with MS and then being widowed - wanted to find a new hobby. Peeps recently became a powerlifter and now at 71 years of age she’s deadlifting heavy weights. We’ll be hearing her story.All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of chef and author Tom Kerridge.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Olly Mann Producer: Gareth Nelson-DaviesCLARIFICATION: This programme has been edited since broadcast to remove an incidental reference to the death of Blair Peach in 1979, describing it as “murder”. Although the official investigation concluded that Blair Peach died from a blow to the skull with the evidence pointing to it being struck by a police officer, the subsequent inquest gave a verdict of death by misadventure.

Rory Bremner stand-up chameleon, actor and impressionist, who’s currently on tour as Chris Tarrant in the play Quiz, about the Millionaire cougher-case. He also reveals the shared passion for comedy he and his dad had, especially with the late Mike Yarwood, and how he is embracing his newly diagnosed ADHD. The Gardeners World presenter Sue Kent, whose career has taken her from sports masseuse at the 2012 Olympics to award-winning garden designer, has lived with the physical consequences of the drug Thalidomide; taken by her mother whilst she was pregnant. Bake Off’s first Italian winner Giuseppe Dell’Anno reveals how his training as an engineer, using accuracy and precision, raises the bar with his baking. Plus...we have the Inheritance Tracks of the man who served tea for The Queen and Paddington Bear – star of Ghosts, Simon Farnaby.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Olly Mann Producer: Ben Mitchell

She wanders, rambles, saunters and strolls…and has made a career out of walking in the great outdoors…broadcaster and writer Julia Bradbury’s new book Walk Yourself Happy discusses the power of nature in the light of her cancer battle.Fresh from the depths of the ocean this years Wildlife Photographer of the Year Laurent Ballesta, who dives to incredible places to bring us images never-before-seen, describes the lengths he went to to capture the winning image. Comedian and novelist Mark Watson shares the eight deaths he has experienced and life after them in his memoir Mortification; from his struggles with alcohol, marriage breakdown, and battles with mental health.Plus...Countryfile’s Helen Skelton shares her one album Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Olly Mann Producer: Ben Mitchell

The England rugby star Danny Cipriani, who became just as famous off the pitch as on it, is regularly described as one of the most talented rugby players of his generation. He shares an insight in to his life on and off the pitch. Podcaster Paige Lewin talks about her aim of creating a better world for afro and curly hair communities. Dr Allison Angell is the UK’s first person to have four organ transplants and who is now a GP.And finally actor Alan Fletcher – who most famously played the role of Karl Kennedy in the television series Neighbours – has just released his first solo album. He shares his Inheritance Tracks. Presenter: Nikki Bedi and Olly Mann. Producer: Ben Mitchell

Colin Jackson has spent his life hurdling one thing or another, be it breaking world records, or down barriers, the Olympian turned broadcaster continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. He’s written for The Kumars at No. 42, and Goodness Gracious Me, now Suk Pannu reveals how his 'Asian aunties' inspired his new book 'Mrs Sidhu: Dead and Scone' and why cosy culinary crime may be the next big thing.She's traversed the famous Lands’ End to John O' Groats route, climbed Kilimanjaro, and recently completed a 1,000 mile cycle around the coastline of Scotland - all in the memory of her three late children, who sadly all passed away in their 40s, from unrelated causes. But, what sets Mavis apart - is she’s 85 years old - and with two hip and knee replacements she has earned the nickname Bionic Grannie Mave. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of comedian and actor and star of new BBC comedy 'Juice'; Mawaan Rizwan.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Olly Mann Producer: Ben Mitchell

He’s started but nowhere near finished, the master mind of BBC News presenter, Italian road-tripper and writer Clive Myrie. Having just released his memoir 'Everything is Everything', Clive reveals the paper round that inspired him to become a journalist and what it takes to find the humanity to report from the frontlines of a warzone. From Port Talbot to Glyndebourne, Adele Thomas is and opera director famed for her dynamic, intensely physical productions. But once told she would never fit into the world of Opera she has spent a career proving people wrong. The internationally acclaimed, double Palm D’Or winning director Ken Loach, still comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable six decades into his career discusses what potentially may be his final film 'The Old Oak'.Plus.....we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian, political commentator, and author of 'The British Bloke Recoded'; Geoff Norcott.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

The sparkling, South African, ‘Strictly’ star-dancer Johannes Radebe, one half of the history-making same sex male couple to dance on the show, reveals a life of bullying and how his Auntie is responsible for his carrer in new memoir 'Jojo: Finally Home'.Louise Boyce, best known by her social-media handle “Mama Still Got It”, has vlogged her journey from model...to mum...to influencer...to bestselling author. She’s describes why she returned to an industry that told her having children would end her career.The multi-talented, multi-stented, outright king of live comedy Jason Byrne joins us to discuss his new tour 'Bionic Ironic' and how he is lucky to be alive to tell the tale.And, the former Pointless star and now bestselling crime-writer of 'The Thursday Murder Club', Richard Osman, chooses his Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

From the day he was found in a Harrods bag as a baby on the steps of Guy's Hospital in London, author Andy McNab has carpe'd the diem out of life. As a member of the SAS he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years on five continents. Now he’s one of the world’s best-selling authors. An astonishing achievement given he had the reading age of an eleven-year-old when he joined the army and read his first book by his seventeenth birthday.Ten years ago, Briony May Williams became so unwell with polycystic ovary syndrome that she needed to take time away from her job as a language teacher. A friend at the school suggested baking would be a distraction and within five years, she was a semi-finalist on the Great British Bake Off. Since then, she’s gone from contestant to presenter – fronting tv shows like “Food Unwrapped” and “Escape to the Country”.Denisa Gannon defied the odds to become the first Roma lawyer in England and Wales. Born in a small village in Czechia, she was the fifth of six siblings and the only one to go to a mainstream school. Even after passing the equivalent of A-levels, because of her ethnicity, she faced prejudice and discrimination and was exploited by people to such an extent that she decided to help herself, and others in similar situations, by studying law.All that plus The Inheritance Tracks of actor and musician Johnny Flynn - and we join the artists and adventurer James Hart Dyke ...In Nature.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Angela Barnes was brought up on comedy. She and her dad Derek would go to stand-up shows together and when they listened to comedians on the radio he would say “Why don’t you have a go at that?, Angela. Why don’t you give comedy a try?”. For a long time, she felt she couldn’t. But when Derek died suddenly at the age of 60 Angela remembered his words and today she appears on the very shows she used to listen to with her dad. The National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, has that wonderful advantage of being able to see the world via a bi-cultural lens; she’s Welsh-Iraqi. Hanan’s also a filmmaker and scriptwriter and her monologue 'With Her Back Straight' was performed as part of The Hijabi Monologues at the Bush Theatre in London and she worked on the much loved and lauded Channel 4 comedy series We Are Lady Parts.If you watch Britain’s Got Talent, the chances are you saw Richard Essien introduce himself as the street magician Magical Bones. His shows combine magic, illusions and street-dance culture and before he fully committed to his magic career, he was a hip-hop dancer working with huge music acts; form The Black-Eyed Peas to Alicia Keys and even private events for Madonna.All that plus The Inheritance Tracks of comedian Lou Sanders - and we join Jason Williams ...In Nature.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Suzi Quatro grew up in Detroit in a very musical family. It was, at the age of six, after seeing Elvis perform on television that made Suzi decide music was to be her life. She’s also an actor, poet, has a new album called 'Face to Face' with KT Tunstall, is on tour...and she once broke Alice Cooper’s nose.Shortly after they got married, the best-selling author Amy McCulloch and her new husband headed to South America for a six-month backpacking adventure. Then, one night, Amy heard that a cabin had suddenly become available on a ship heading to the Antarctic. She was desperate to take it. He wanted to stay. This thrilling real story was the spark for the inspiration behind her new book 'Midnight'.Picture the scene...Sheffield in the mid-nineties. Two cheeky teenage lads sitting together in the school canteen tucking into burger and chips for lunch or maybe a bacon sandwich. Since then, Henry Firth and Ian Theasby are the plant-based chefs behind the hugely successful “BOSH!” and whose new cookbook 'Meat' sees them make bacon from bananas and chicken from peas.All that plus The Inheritance Tracks of journalist, broadcaster and BBC Explainer–in-Chief, Ros Atkins - and we join Nicky Dorrington ...In Nature.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Jon Culshaw's big break came when convincing the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in a prank phone call that HE was the then Conservative leader William Hague - an infamous moment in his life for which he was called an imposter. Since then, he’s built up a repertoire of 350 celebrity voices, starred in 23 series of Dead Ringers and joins us live from the Edinburgh Festival where he’s starring in his new show, Imposter Syndrome.Tommy Jessop is an actor, a campaigner and has just had his first book published, 'A Life Worth Living’. In 2007, he became the first actor with Down Syndrome to star in a primetime BBC Drama in the film ‘Coming Down the Mountain’ and has gone onto tour theatres as Hamlet and played Terry Boyle in 'Line of Duty’.This year’s Great British Sewing Bee champion Asmaa Al-allak spent her formative years growing up in Iraq. Her grandmother was a seamstress who passed her skills on to Asmaa’s mother, who in turn taught her and after winning the series, Asmaa said it’s fair to say ‘it’s in the blood’. After leaving Iraq at the age of 14, having lived through the Iran-Iraq war, Asmaa and her family moved to Durham where her father was working as a scientist. She went on to study medicine and is now a consultant breast surgeon at a cancer centre in Cardiff.Also - the first in our '...In Nature' series where we hear from artists and creatives about how they are inspired by the natural world. Today is the turn of printmaker and wood engraver Molly Lemon.And...the Inheritance Tracks of Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 in Ruth Birch’s case – it certainly did. Ruth was forced to leave the job she loved after the "horrific" experience of being interrogated by military police over her sexuality. She was an analyst in the Intelligence Corps having joined the Army in 1987 – where it was illegal to be gay until the year 2000 - and was investigated over her same sex relationship with Ju - who was an officer as they served together in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Dame Tanni Grey Thompson is one of the country’s greatest sports stars. A Baroness, gold medals aplenty, sits on the board of many organizations, TV and radio presenter and Mastermind veteran. Need we say more.All that – plus the Inheritance Tracks of metal music icon Dave Mustaine. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason Mohammad Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 Abdulrashid has gone from a finalist on Britain’s Grot Talent to making a Pilgrimage on the BBC Two show. All that – plus the Inheritance Tracks of Rob Rinder.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason Mohammad Producers: Ben Mitchell and Glyn Tansley

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 really important and emotional issues about loneliness and why so many men are so bad at friendship. Nadeem Perera is a wildlife host and co-founder of the birdwatching collective “Flock Together”. He grew up in the London Docklands but was often taken back to Sri Lanka by his mother and it was the nature of her homeland that inspired him to become a naturalist.Plus the Inheritance Tracks of the mellifluous actor and musician Minnie Driver.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason MohammadProducer: Ben Mitchell

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. But Robert Kasanga is worlds away from the big money world of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp. Having turned his life around from a world of inner-city gangs to founding Hackney Wick FC – a club that gives young people involved in gangs a way out through football.Nick Hounsfield began his career as an osteopath, following in the footsteps of his father, and set up his own practice alongside his wife. A passionate surfer since he was knee high to a grasshopper, Nick has since founded The Wave, a pioneering artificial surfing park which opened its first site near Bristol in 2019. But less than a year later, at the age of 46, Nick suffered a series of strokes, and his infant business was forced to close because of the pandeminc.And we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks of DJ turned author and podcaster Annie Mac.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jason Mohammad Producer: Ben MitchellDetails of support for bereavement and victims of crime is available at BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

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

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

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 StephensProducer: Ben Mitchell

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 Ben Bailey Smith.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw StephensProducer: Ben Mitchell

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’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks of Supergrass frontman and solo singer Gaz Coombes.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw StephensProducer: Ben MitchellDetails of support for addiction and child sexual abuse is available at BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

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 star and funny woman Fats Timbo with her ten commandments to live with 'Main Character Energy'. And The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, shares his Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw StephensProducer: Ben Mitchell

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 leonine brothers and longest serving cast members of The Lion King, actors Shaun Escoffery and George Asprey.Former A & E doctor, Love Island star and mental health campaigner Dr Alex George shares his Inheritance Tracks. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw StephensProducer: Ben Mitchell