In this engaging conversation, Nick Cave, a renowned singer and writer known for his intense music with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, reflects on his artistic journey and the themes of loss and hope in his work. He shares the emotional complexities of songwriting, revealing how personal struggles fuel creativity. Cave also delves into his experiences with grief following the loss of his sons, the transformative power of addiction, and the importance of community in art. The light-hearted segment about his desert island favorites adds a delightful twist!

Harriet Wistrich, a notable human rights lawyer, shares her inspiring journey from filmmaker to legal advocate for women. She discusses her landmark victories, including representing women who killed their abusers. The conversation addresses systemic failures in protecting victims of violence and the emotional weight of cases like that of John Warboys. Harriet reflects on her upbringing and influences, while also highlighting the role of music in advocacy. She humorously imagines life on a desert island, paired with her love for white wine and literature.

Laurie Anderson, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and multimedia artist, discusses her groundbreaking career and the cultural impact of her hit 'O Superman.' She shares insights on combining technology with art and reflects on her vibrant childhood memories that shaped her creativity. Laurie delves into the 1970s New York art scene, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passion over commercial success. With tales of unique performances and heartfelt narratives about love, loss, and the joy of canine concerts, she showcases the transformative power of art.

Mark-Anthony Turnage, a groundbreaking contemporary classical composer, shares his eclectic journey from being named 'Britain’s hippest composer' to tackling bold themes in his operas. He recounts the shocking debut of his opera 'Greek', touches on his early musical influences in a Pentecostal household, and discusses the thrill of seeing his works performed. Reflecting on solitude during the pandemic, he finds creativity in isolation, and humorously explores the challenges of tuning pianos on a desert island.

Marianela Núñez, Principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and Opera, shares her journey from Argentina to becoming a celebrated ballerina. She reveals the emotional thrill of opening nights and the sacrifices made by her family. Marianela discusses the profound impact of Tchaikovsky's music in her performances and the challenges faced during her career, especially during the pandemic. With a cozy nod to her cats and a favorite blanket, she emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in both dance and life.

Gareth Southgate OBE, one of England's most successful football managers, shares his inspiring journey from a rejected teenager to leading the national team. He discusses his unique leadership approach and the emotional connection football has with the nation. Southgate reflects on the pressure of critical moments, like the memorable penalty shootout against Germany, emphasizing the importance of psychological support for players. He also reveals how music fuels his passion, intertwining his love for football with personal growth and community.

Cher, the iconic singer and actor, reflects on her remarkable journey from backup singer to global superstar. She shares stories about her tumultuous childhood and the influence of her mother on her artistic identity. Cher discusses the emotional resonance of her hit 'I Got You Babe' and the trials of navigating personal and professional relationships in the music industry. She also touches on motherhood, the challenges with her sons, and her love for music, culminating in a heartfelt connection to her favorite song, 'A Change Is Gonna Come.'

Former cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent is the first Black woman to play for England and she was part of the team which won the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009. Today she is a broadcaster and cricket commentator for Channel 4, Sky Sports and the BBC’s Test Match Special.Ebony was born in south London and as a child it was football that caught her attention, especially Liverpool FC and her hero Robbie Fowler. At primary school she was encouraged to have a go at cricket through a charity called Cricket For Change which was set up to encourage more state school children into the sport. Holding a bat in her hands for the first time, she hit the ball as hard as she could and, as she watched it soar through the air, she was hooked.Ebony started out playing for Surrey Cricket Club’s Under 11’s team as a bowler. In 2003 a serious back injury forced her to stop playing and she thought her sporting career was over. She was determined to prove the medics wrong so she retrained as a batswoman as batting was easier on her back.In 2007 she made her debut for England and two years later was part of the World Cup-winning team. In 2020 Ebony joined forces with Surrey Cricket Club and founded the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) to build grassroots cricket programmes for young people in black communities across the UK. In 2021 she was awarded an MBE for her services to cricket and charity.DISC ONE: Cold Sweat - James Brown DISC TWO: Girlie Girlie - Sophia George DISC THREE: Pass Me Over - Anthony Hamilton DISC FOUR: A Long Walk - Jill Scott DISC FIVE: Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin DISC SIX: Never Forget - Take That DISC SEVEN: Superheroes - Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Work To Do - The Isley Brothers BOOK CHOICE: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho LUXURY ITEM: A drum kit CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: A Long Walk - Jill Scott Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Mark Steel is a writer, comedian and radio presenter. His performing career began as a poet in the alternative comedy scene in the early eighties at the Comedy Store. A regular presenter on Radio 4, he began his award winning series, Mark Steel’s in Town in 2009. Alongside his performing career, he’s been a regular newspaper columnist writing for the Guardian and Independent Newspapers. Mark was born in 1960 and adopted at ten days old by Doreen and Ernie. He grew up in Swanley, Kent and left home at 18 to live in a squat in Crystal Palace. After his own son was born, Mark spent many years tracing his birth parents and eventually met up with his genetic father who had been a professional gambler and a friend of Lord Lucan. Mark has two children and lives in London.DISC ONE: My Boy Lollipop - Millie Small DISC TWO: Janie Jones - The Clash DISC THREE: San Quentin (Live at San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, CA - February 1969) - Johnny Cash DISC FOUR: Killing in the Name - Rage Against The Machine DISC FIVE: Trøllabundin - Eivør Pálsdóttir DISC SIX: Love Me or Leave Me - Nina Simone DISC SEVEN: Into My Arms - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds DISC EIGHT: 1977 - Ana Tijoux BOOK CHOICE: Wisden Cricketers' Almanack LUXURY ITEM: A piano CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Love Me or Leave Me - Nina SimonePresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor

Lauren Laverne talks to Ian Wright in an episode first broadcast in 2020.Ian Wright is a former professional footballer and now a football pundit on TV and radio. He began his career at Crystal Palace before moving to Arsenal where he became their highest goal scorer of all time, a record only surpassed eight years later by Thierry Henry.Born to a Jamaican couple in south-east London, Ian grew up with his mother and step-father. His biological father had left the family when Ian was under two years old. Things at home were difficult and Ian spent as much time as possible outside playing football.At his primary school a teacher, Mr Pigden, took him under his wing and Ian would later credit him with changing his life. He left his secondary school at the age of 14 to get a job. Although he took part in trials for many professional football clubs as a teenager, he was never selected. He continued to play for amateur sides. By the age of 21, he had three children to provide for, so when Crystal Palace came calling in 1985, he turned them down three times before accepting a two-week trial, followed by a three-month contract. His football career had finally begun.After impressing as a forward at Palace, he was bought by Arsenal for a record fee in 1991. He was called up to the England squad the same year and would go on to collect 33 caps. He spent his last couple of years in professional football at a number of clubs around the country and in total, he played 581 league games, scoring 387 goals for seven clubs in England and Scotland. Since his retirement from football in 2000, he has had a career as a pundit on both TV and radio.He has eight children and has been happily married to his second wife, Nancy, since 2011.DISC ONE: The Marriage of Figaro: Duettino - Sull'aria by Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, composed by Lorenzo Da Ponte and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart DISC TWO: Looking For You by Kirk Franklin DISC THREE: River Deep Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner DISC FOUR: Redemption Song by Bob Marley & The Wailers DISC FIVE: Mysteries of the World by MSFB DISC SIX: Endlessly by Randy Crawford DISC SEVEN: Crown by Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Just Fine by Mary J BligeBOOK CHOICE: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon LUXURY ITEM: A seven iron golf club and golf balls CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Endlessly by Randy CrawfordPresenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Cathy Drysdale