Desert Island Discs

Romesh Ranganathan, a BAFTA-winning comedian and broadcaster, shares his journey from math teacher to comedy star. He delves into his cultural identity and familial struggles, illuminating how these experiences shape his humor. With candid anecdotes, he reflects on early career challenges and the importance of family support. Music plays a key role too, as he connects with hip hop's emotional depth and fond memories linked to his mother's cooking. Romesh also ponders philosophical themes from 'The Life of Pi,' weaving together nostalgia for food, music, and family.

Abdulrazak Gurnah, the Nobel Prize-winning writer from Zanzibar, reflects on his fascinating journey through exile and identity. He delves into the lasting impact of the 1964 Zanzibar revolution on his family and the emotional complexities of immigrating to Britain. Gurnah shares his personal anecdotes, revealing the transformative power of storytelling and music in navigating life's challenges. He also offers aspiring writers valuable insights on finding their unique voices and the intricate connections between gardening and the writing process.

Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, a groundbreaking scientist in pharmaceutical nanoscience, shares her inspiring journey from London to Nigeria and her passion for chemistry. She discusses the power of nanoparticles in delivering medicines to challenging areas like the brain and explores their potential in combating the opioid crisis. Ijeoma also reflects on her family’s immigration story, the joys of a surprise Las Vegas wedding, and the importance of diversity in academia. Her insights blend science with personal anecdotes, showcasing resilience and ambition.

Danny Dyer, a well-known actor from East London famous for his role in EastEnders and more, shares his fascinating journey from a disinterested youth to a celebrated performer. He delves into the challenges of sudden fame, revealing struggles with addiction and personal loss. Danny discusses his evolving views on masculinity, highlighting the importance of emotional openness. He amusingly reflects on solitude while choosing his ideal book and luxury item for a desert island, all while connecting deeply with the music that has shaped his life.

Jack Thorne, a celebrated screenwriter and playwright known for 'His Dark Materials' and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', shares eight unique tracks, a book, and a luxury item for his desert island stay. He reflects on the powerful role of television in fostering empathy and discusses balancing diverse creative projects. Jack reminisces about his formative experiences at Glastonbury and sheds light on his journey through disability advocacy, emphasizing the importance of representation in storytelling. His nostalgic love for media and its impact on our lives concludes a thought-provoking discussion.

Lindsey Hilsum, a multi-award-winning journalist and Channel 4's international editor, reflects on her 40-year career covering major global events. She discusses the emotional toll of reporting in conflict zones, the bonds formed with colleagues, and the impact of music on her experiences. Lindsey shares personal anecdotes from her upbringing, the challenges of balancing personal loss with professional duty, and the resilience required in high-risk journalism. Her connection to her chosen songs adds depth to her storytelling, making for a compelling narrative.

Donna Ockenden is a former clinical midwife who led the Ockenden Review which revealed, at the time, the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history. Published in 2022, the review highlighted serious failings in maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust which contributed to the deaths of more than 200 babies and nine mothers.Donna grew up in the village of Aberaman in the Welsh Valleys. She experienced a complicated childhood which included a period living in a homeless shelter along with her mother and four siblings. She is also a survivor of sexual abuse and believes her background helped her develop a tenacity and determination which she went on to apply to her work.She completed her nursing training in Swansea and Neath and trained as a midwife at the Portsmouth School of Midwifery. In 2015 she became Senior Midwifery Adviser to the Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In May 2022 she was appointed chair of the independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust which will be published next year. It is already the largest investigation into a single service in the NHS, hearing evidence from over 2,000 families so far.Donna lives in Chichester with her two cats.Details of organisations offering information and support with child sexual abuse or child bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.DISC ONE: We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters DISC TWO: Bye Bye Baby - Bay City Rollers DISC THREE: Ukulele Lady - Ethel Merman DISC FOUR: Isn’t It Amazing - Hothouse Flowers DISC FIVE: If Only - Hazel O’Connor DISC SIX: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse Flowers DISC SEVEN: We’ll Keep a Welcome - Harry Secombe DISC EIGHT: Francesca - Hozier BOOK CHOICE: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë LUXURY ITEM: Red lipstick CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse FlowersPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Carl Jones, a conservation biologist renowned for rescuing the Mauritius kestrel from extinction, shares his extraordinary journey. He discusses his innovative breeding methods that brought the kestrel back from the brink, along with touching stories about his bond with Andean condors. Jones reflects on how childhood memories sparked his passion for wildlife and explores the emotional challenges of conservation. He also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and his role in restoring ecosystems, including introducing giant tortoises to Mauritius.

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her vibrant style and activism, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in New York to music stardom. She discusses the profound impact of her mother on her love for music and reveals funny anecdotes from her early career struggles, including a near year-long loss of her voice. Lauper highlights the empowering significance of her song 'True Colors' during the AIDS crisis and reflects on the evolution of women's roles in the music industry, celebrating the resilience of young female artists.

William Boyd, an award-winning author renowned for his 'whole life' novels, shares his fascinating journey from his childhood in Ghana to becoming a celebrated writer. He discusses the impact of his early experiences on his storytelling and the role humor plays in his writing. Boyd reminisces about his serendipitous meeting with his wife and offers insights into his creative process, including the significance of envisioning endings. He also reflects on his admiration for Brahms, blending music with literary inspiration and personal memories.