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Saturday Live

Saturday Live

800 episodes — Page 3 of 16

Adam Richman, Christie Watson, Dereck Gow, Karen Hauer

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

Mar 23, 202458 min

Jennie Gow, Sarah Marsh, Ken Fowler, Alex Horne

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

Mar 2, 202459 min

Daisy Goodwin, Chris Anderson, Jane Cholmeley, Tommy Tiernan

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

Feb 24, 202458 min

Marianna Spring, James Timpson, Callum Scott Howells, Adam Hills

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

Feb 17, 202458 min

Joe Lycett, Alison Lapper, Russell T Davies, Richard Hammond

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

Feb 10, 202458 min

Tim Key, Samantha Moore, Andrew Cotter, Jonathan Agnew

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

Feb 3, 202458 min

Tom Odell, Zoë Colville, Nathan Heaney, Iain Stirling

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

Jan 27, 202459 min

Sathnam Sanghera, Libby Jackson, Darren Edwards, Keith Brymer Jones

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

Jan 20, 20241h 0m

Michael Mosley, Julie Felix, Gabriella Cugno, Owain Wyn Evans

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

Jan 13, 20241h 1m

Ed Byrne, Rhianna Pratchett, Rod Dimbleby, James May

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.

Jan 8, 202459 min

Gareth Reid, Rogue Jones, Wynne Evans

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

Dec 30, 202358 min

Mark Gatiss, Coinneach MacLeod, Lucy Claire Dunbar, Sandi Toksvig

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

Dec 23, 202358 min

Steven Moffat, Robin Shaw, Kelda Wood, Kelvin Fletcher

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

Dec 16, 20231h 0m

David Gandy, Sam Heughan, Catrin Finch, Lucy Worsley

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

Dec 9, 202358 min

Katherine Rundell, Atinuke, Steve Greenwood, Romesh Ranganathan

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

Dec 2, 202357 min

Dan Snow, Marchelle Farrell, Rob Bugden, Adam Henson

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

Nov 25, 202358 min

Aldo Zilli, Philippa Langley, Levy Rozman, Miles Jupp

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

Nov 18, 20231h 0m

Hannah Fry, Sam McKnight, Oenone Forbat, Derren Brown

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

Nov 11, 20231h 0m

Ross Kemp, Jennifer Grant, Hari Budha Magar, Tim Peake

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

Nov 4, 202359 min

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Russell Watson, Philippa Gregory, Rev Kate Bottley

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

Oct 28, 202358 min

Kate Humble, Adam Rutherford, Peeps Nicol, Tom Kerridge

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.

Oct 25, 202359 min

Rory Bremner, Sue Kent, Giuseppe Dell'Anno, Simon Farnaby

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

Oct 21, 202359 min

Julia Bradbury, Mark Watson, Laurent Ballesta, Helen Skelton

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

Oct 14, 202357 min

Danny Cipriani, Paige Lewin, Allison Angell, Alan Fletcher

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

Sep 30, 20231h 0m

Colin Jackson, Suk Pannu, Mavis Patterson, Mawaan Rizwan

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

Sep 23, 202359 min

Clive Myrie, Ken Loach, Adele Thomas, Geoff Norcott

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

Sep 16, 202359 min

Johannes Radebe, Jason Byrne, Louise Boyce, Richard Osman

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

Sep 9, 202359 min

Andy McNab, Briony May Williams, Denisa Gannon, Johnny Flynn, James Hart Dyke...in nature

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

Sep 2, 202358 min

Rory Cellan-Jones, Amanda Hone, Sam Talo (aka El Sam), Rose Matafeo, Bethany Handley...in nature

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

Aug 26, 20231h 0m

Angela Barnes, Hanan Issa, Richard Essien (aka Magical Bones), Lou Sanders, Jason Williams...in nature

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

Aug 19, 202358 min

Suzi Quatro, Henry Firth and Ian Theasby (aka BOSH!), Amy McCulloch, Ros Atkins, Nicky Dorrington...in nature

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

Aug 12, 202359 min

Jon Culshaw, Asmaa Al-allak, Tommy Jessop, Alice Oseman, Molly Lemon...in nature

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

Aug 5, 202359 min

Peggy Seeger, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Ruth Birch, Dave Mustaine

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

Jul 29, 20231h 0m

Carrie & David Grant, Nabil Abdulrashid, Turi King, Rob Rinder

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

Jul 25, 20231h 0m

Anita Rani, Max Dickins, Nadeem Perera, Minnie Driver

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

Jul 15, 202359 min

Dawn O'Porter, Robert Kasanga, Nick Hounsfield, Annie Mac

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

Jul 8, 202359 min

Martin Roberts, Jimi Famurewa, Nadine Cooper, Sophie Ellis-Bextor

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 1, 20231h 0m

Charlotte Church, Reverend Eve Pitts, Clare Mackintosh, Guz Khan

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, 202359 min

Kiri Te Kanawa, Joe Jaquest Oteng, Tanya Moodie

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

Jun 17, 202357 min

Sheila Hancock, Vogue Williams, Fran Scott, Ben Bailey Smith

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

Jun 10, 202359 min

Eoin Colfer, Jennifer and Robert Beckford, Alan Bateson, Gaz Coombes

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

Jun 3, 202357 min

Hay Festival - Lisa Snowdon, Fats Timbo, Horatio Clare, Sadiq Khan

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

May 27, 202356 min

Billy Billingham, Louise Minchin, Shaun Escoffery and George Asprey, Dr Alex George

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

May 20, 202359 min

Steve Jones, Rekha Mistry, Freya Bromley, Mathew Baynton

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 and Huw StephensProducer: Ben Mitchell

May 13, 202359 min

AJ Pearce, Ian Holloway, Magdalena Osinska, Douglas Stuart

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 children who were born profoundly deaf.The next big thing from Aardman Animations, Magdalena Osinska, charts how her journey from Warsaw to Bristol has led her to writing and directing her very own stop-motion Star Wars film - "I Am Your Mother".The Booker Prize winning author Douglas Stuart shares his Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran Producer: Ben Mitchell

May 6, 202358 min

Chris van Tulleken, Frieda Hughes, Gary Andrews, Alex Jones

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 animator Gary Andrews has worked for Disney and brought Fireman Sam to life - but possibly his most powerful work was created whilst he illustrated his way through the grief of loosing his wife. Alex Jones, broadcaster and host of The One Show and Reunion Hotel, shares her Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran Producer: Ben MitchellDetails of support with eating disorders is available at BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Apr 29, 202359 min

Katy Wix, Janina Ramirez, Solomiya Znak, Sir Tony Robinson

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 Ballet Company of Kyiv, describes how art is helping to cast a ray of hope.Sir Tony Robinson, actor, broadcaster and host of new podcast Cunningcast, shares his Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran Producer: Ben MitchellDetails of support with eating disorders is available at BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Apr 22, 202356 min

Cath Kidston, Stig Abell, Kylie Grimes, Rufus Wainwright

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 Olympic gold medallist Kylie Grimes discusses the sport's expansion and champions getting more women into sport of all kinds.Musician Rufus Wainwright shares his inheritance tracks.

Apr 15, 202358 min

Anna Ryder Richardson, Peter Brathwaite, Lee Skeet, Sophie Raworth

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 to give up his dream after a hit and run accident saw him forced out of the kitchen for over three years. The former head chef at a Michelin starred restaurant, who trained under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, has just opened his new restaurant named after his son who also survived the incident that changed his life.Broadcaster Sophie Raworth shares her Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran Producer: Ben Mitchell

Apr 8, 202359 min

Harlan Coben

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 won the ARIAS Best New Presenter Gold award for 2022 and a Bronze award for his National Prison Radio programme, The Rock Show. James talks about the events that led him to prison and his life now, after serving his sentence.Matthew Modine shares his Inheritance Tracks: Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto and On My Feelings by Ruby Modine.Dr Sian Williams has been an anchor of some of the BBC’s biggest shows, including BBC Breakfast. During her career she's also presented Saturday Live, and most recently Life Changing on Radio 4. Ten years ago she retrained as a psychologist and will talk about how her two areas of specialism collide. Producer: Claire Bartleet

Apr 1, 20231h 24m