Great Lives

"I find his novels extraordinarily beautiful .. and they're an excellent length."Miles Jupp picks an author he loves, but knows little about. JL Carr was born in Yorkshire and was a teacher, mapmaker, and an eccentric. Joining the comedian in studio to discuss Carr is a man who knew him well - DJ Taylor - who paints a picture of a man who hated London literary parties and knew how to have fun with anyone sent to interview him. A delightful episode that includes archive of Carr himself, plus Kenneth Branagh reading from his biography, God's Englishman by Byron Rogers. Carr's novel - A Month in the Country - was shortlisted for the Booker and turned into a film starring Kenneth Branagh, Colin Firth and Natasha Richardson in 1987.The producer for BBC Studios in Bristol is Miles Warde

Today's great life is possibly more famous as a Shakespearean character - King Richard II who was deposed by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke in 1399. He's been chosen by historian Helen Castor, author of The Eagle and the Hart, who shines a light on what really happened towards the end of his reign. Also helping is Professor Emma Smith who explains why the play was a hit two hundred years later under Elizabeth I. With archive of John Hurt as Richard and David Suchet as his cousin and usurper, Henry Bolingbroke.The producer for BBC Studios Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde

DJ Deb Grant picks US mailman turned country-folk singer John Prine, whose beautiful songs captured the world in which he lived. Bob Harris, who first met him on the Old Grey Whistle Test, adds to the conversation."I came to know him through him speaking about his own music - it's his character, his personality and his attitude that I fell for," says Deb Grant. "When he died I was absolutely inconsolable."Programme includes archive of John and his wife, talking after her husband died of complications arising from covid. There's also a reading of the lyrics from Sam Stone, his tale of a Vietnam vet returning from the war. "There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes," he sings.This is series 67 of Great Lives and future guests include Miles Jupp, Stewart Lee and Elizabeth Day.The producer for BBC Studios Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde

Seretse Khama was born in 1921 in Bechuanaland when it was still a British Protectorate. In 1966 he became Botswana's first president. In between he married a white Londoner, Ruth Williamson, was exiled by the British, and made to renounce his interest in succeeding as head of the Bangwato. It's an extraordinary and notable life, and he's been nominated by Professor Mike Bode, an astrophysicist and visiting professor to Botswana. As well as archive of Seretse Khama, the programme includes contributions from Bishop Trevor Mwamba and Susan Williams, author of Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation.The producer for BBC Studios Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde

Tessa Boase, an author who uncovered Emily Williamson's vital role in founding the RSPB, shares insights into Williamson's fierce opposition to the feather trade. Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who campaigns for swift conservation, illuminates the modern relevance of Williamson's legacy. They discuss bold protests for bird protection, the emotional ties humans have with nature, and the importance of acknowledging women's contributions to conservation history. The conversation is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to safeguard vulnerable bird species.

Maureen Mahon, a cultural anthropologist and music professor, joins actress and author Rebecca Humphries to celebrate Tina Turner's extraordinary life. They delve into Tina's rise from a challenging childhood in Tennessee to becoming a music icon known for her resilience. The discussion highlights her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, her powerful comeback, and her advocacy against domestic violence. Personal anecdotes reveal how Tina's music resonated during tough times, showcasing her unique talent and lasting impact on generations.

Raymond Blanc, a renowned chef and restaurateur, reflects on his mentorship under Professor Nicholas Kurti, a pioneer in low-temperature physics and molecular gastronomy. Their friendship blossomed as Kurti helped Blanc tackle culinary challenges like leaky puff pastry. Stephen Blundell, an expert in Kurti's revolutionary research, dives into how these scientific principles transformed cooking techniques. Together, they celebrate Kurti’s unique blend of culinary art and science, highlighting his enduring legacy in both fields.

Join Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides, and Rose Baring, travel writer and editor of Dervla Murphy's works, as they celebrate the adventurous spirit of Dervla Murphy. From her thrilling bike journey to India to her encounters with wolf attacks, Dervla's tales are full of resilience and passion for sustainable travel. They discuss her unique writing process, her transformative experiences, and personal anecdotes that reveal her genuine, down-to-earth character. This engaging conversation offers insights into a trailblazing life of exploration.

Join popular historian Alex von Tunzelmann, protest historian Katrina Navickas, and playwright Joe Ward-Munrow as they unravel the myth of Ned Ludd, a symbol of workers' rights. They explore cross-dressing Luddite protests and their implications for identity and community. The discussion dives deep into how Ned’s legend reflects ongoing struggles against technology in labor rights, linking historical resistance to contemporary anxieties around AI. With insights on societal fears and the enduring legacy of the Luddites, this conversation is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Richey was, beautiful says Cummins, a natural icon and a gift to photograph. He also believes his writing has been overshadowed by the fact of his disappearance in 1995. "I think nobody has looked beyond that for quite a long time.”Manic Street Preachers biographer, Simon Price, also knew Richey Edwards and says he was "the most intelligent rock star I've ever met".This programme covers alcoholism, anorexia, and self-harm, but it also celebrates Richey’s sensitivity and, as Price says, the fact that he is one of those "icons of alienation" like Ian Curtis and Kurt Cobain who will " always be there for people to discover the genius of his work".Presented by Matthew Parris and produced for BBC Studios by Ellie Richold.