Kirsty Young, Scottish journalist and broadcaster, joins Adam to discuss falling in love with your own voice, the pros and cons of social media, their encounters with Tom Hanks, emotional broadcasting, and coping with illness. They also share moments from Desert Island Discs and reveal what they'd put in Room 101.
The power of authenticity and emotions in intimate conversations can surpass initial expectations and create profound connections.
In-person interviews provide rich visual cues and a sense of presence, allowing for deeper connections and understanding.
Maintaining respectful boundaries and a power balance in interviews is crucial, even in magazine-style programs.
Podcasts offer a platform for conversational and authentic interviews, providing fresh perspectives and open dialogue.
Deep dives
Podcast Episode Summary
In this episode, Kirsty Young, a Scottish journalist and broadcaster, joins Adam Buxton for a rambling conversation. They discuss topics such as falling in love with the sound of your own voice, the impact of social media, the trustworthiness of the BBC, and Kirsty's experiences hosting Desert Island Discs. They also touch on encounters with Tom Hanks, emotional moments in broadcasting, and what got Kirsty through a period of ill health. The episode provides insights into Kirsty's career and personal experiences while offering a candid and authentic conversation.
Challenging Interviews and Emotional Moments
Kirsty Young shares some of her most uncomfortable and uplifting interview experiences. She recalls challenging encounters with guests such as John McEnroe and Barry Manilow, where initial expectations were surpassed. She also discusses emotional moments interviewing concentration camp survivor Ben Helfgot and her own tearful sign-off during the coverage of Queen Elizabeth's funeral. Despite professional boundaries, Kirsty acknowledges the power of authenticity and emotions in intimate conversations.
Appreciating the Authenticity of In-person Interviews
Kirsty Young emphasizes the importance of in-person interviews, noting the rich visual cues and sense of presence they provide. She recounts her positive experiences with guests like Daniel Kaluuya, whose sharpness and presence in the room left a lasting impression. Kirsty believes that face-to-face interviews bring out the best in individuals, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding.
Navigating Magazine-style Interviews and Personal Boundaries
Kirsty Young discusses her interviewing approach for magazine-style programs like Desert Island Discs, where personal questions are balanced with respectful boundaries. She reflects on the interviewees' consent and the importance of authentic conversations. Kirsty highlights her reluctance to become too familiar with interview subjects and emphasizes the power balance that exists in such dynamics.
The Impact of Podcasting and Reflecting on Personal Growth
Kirsty Young shares her experiences as a podcaster and how the format allows for conversational and authentic interviews. She reflects on her growth as an interviewer and the evolution of her style. Kirsty also discusses her thoughts on the changing landscape of media and the role of podcasts in providing fresh perspectives and open dialogue.
Living with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
In this podcast episode, the host interviews Kirsty, who shares her experience living with chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Kirsty discusses how her conditions have affected her daily life, including the challenges and limitations they present. She talks about the importance of managing her symptoms through various methods, such as medication, yoga, and meditation. Kirsty also highlights the need for awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia, as it is often misunderstood and overlooked as a legitimate condition. Overall, the episode sheds light on the physical and mental impact of chronic pain and the importance of finding effective ways to cope with it.
Worrying and Dealing with Existential Anxieties
Another main topic in the podcast episode is the discussion around worrying and dealing with existential anxieties. The host and Kirsty both share their experiences with anxiety and the various worries that occupy their minds on a daily basis. They touch upon topics such as worrying about loved ones, health concerns, and the fear of death. Kirsty talks about her strategies for managing her anxiety, including practicing meditation and listening to Eckhart Tolle for guidance. The episode explores the universal tendency to worry and the importance of finding personal ways to deal with these anxieties to maintain mental well-being.
Adam talks with Scottish journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Young about the danger of falling in love with the sound of your own voice, why social media isn't all bad (or is it?), whether you should trust the BBC, behind the scenes moments from Desert Island Discs, their respective encounters with Tom Hanks, when and if it's OK for broadcasters to get emotional, why the death of the Queen nearly tipped Kirsty over the edge live on air, what got Kirsty through her bout of ill health, and a few of the things she and Adam put in Room 101. There's also some unexpected Song Wars nostalgia.
This conversation was recorded face to face in London on October 18th, 2023.
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing.
