One of the best-liked MPs in Westminster, Chris Bryant has led an incident-packed life as the title of his new autobiography A Life And A Half proves. In a frank, astonishing, sometimes dark but also very funny interview he explains how he went from a painful childhood to becoming an Anglican priest to winning a very traditional South Wales seat as an out gay man. From early encounters with Boris Johnson to bizarre stories in Brussels, it’s one of the most remarkable interviews we’ve done. “My mum looked after Shirley Bassey’s wigs, which may explain my sexuality,” he tells Seth Thévoz and Marie le Conte.

• Don’t forget you can watch full video on Spotify.

Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse which some listeners may find difficult.

ESCAPE ROUTES

• Chris saw the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Edinburgh Festival.

• Marie recommends The Door by Magda Szabó.

• Seth has been watching old episodes of Doctor Who with Tom Baker, some of which were good...

... and some of which weren’t.

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz and Marie Le Conte. Audio and video production by Chris Jones and Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Art direction: James Parrett. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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362 | Wednesday Q&A with Kristin Williams | March 3, 2021