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Desert Island Discs

Latest episodes

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13 snips
Jul 20, 2024 • 52min

Anthony Joshua, boxer

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua shares his inspirational journey from a troubled youth in Watford to Olympic gold medalist. He reflects on transitioning from football to boxing, memorable fights, and balancing family with boxing. Joshua discusses his love for reggae music, survival tactics, and his philanthropic endeavors.
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Jul 14, 2024 • 52min

Clive Myrie, journalist

Award-winning journalist Clive Myrie discusses his diverse career, from reporting in conflict zones to hosting quiz shows. He shares his love for Beethoven's string quartets, reflects on his Caribbean roots, and explores the challenges of reporting on tragic events with empathy and resilience. Clive's thoughtful book and luxury item choices demonstrate his appreciation for storytelling and music.
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Jul 7, 2024 • 50min

Shirine Khoury-Haq, businesswoman

Shirine Khoury-Haq, first female CEO of Co-op Group, shares her inspiring journey from a diverse background, facing racism and challenges. She discusses finding comfort in music, navigating adversity, industry pushback, and standing up against racism. Embracing family, faith, and leading with openness, she reflects on isolation, survival on a desert island, and the healing power of music.
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Jun 30, 2024 • 49min

Rebel Wilson, actor

Rebel Wilson, the Australian actor known for her roles in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect, shares her journey from Sydney to Hollywood, embracing comedy and breaking gender stereotypes. She discusses her childhood with Beagles, overcoming family challenges, and her rise to fame. Wilson reflects on life, love, music, and her choices for a desert island.
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Jun 22, 2024 • 52min

John Boyne, writer

Irish writer John Boyne discusses childhood memories, inspiration, and addressing sensitive topics like abuse in Catholicism. He reflects on his journey from studying literature to writing success, emphasizing character development and impactful music choices. The podcast explores themes of complicity, creativity, and personal preferences, offering a glimpse into Boyne's emotional journey and reflections on home.
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Jun 15, 2024 • 51min

Dame Sarah Storey, athlete

Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's top Paralympian, shares her journey from swimming to cycling, breaking records and facing challenges. Reflects on childhood dream sparked by a TV show, overcoming bullying, and balancing family life. Discusses music and success in competitions, with a focus on resilience and determination.
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Jun 9, 2024 • 50min

Greg Davies, comedian

Comedian Greg Davies shares childhood influences, teaching struggles, and comedic journey. Discusses family dynamics, early comedic experiences, and transition from teacher to stand-up. Reveals survival skills, vegetarian diet choice, and musical picks for a desert island.
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5 snips
Apr 27, 2024 • 49min

Professor Tim Spector, scientist

Professor Tim Spector, genetic epidemiologist, discusses gut microbiome impact on health, twin studies, personal health scare, and citizen science app. Reveals surviving helicopter crash, diverse book picks, and passion for food fermentation on island survival scenario.
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Apr 21, 2024 • 37min

Professor Alice Roberts, scientist and broadcaster

Professor Alice Roberts is one of the most popular science communicators in Britain today. As the presenter of the BBC archaeology programme Digging for Britain, she reveals the underground mysteries of our collective past to millions of viewers. Alice was born in Bristol and developed an interest in science from an early age – examining insects under her microscope in order to draw them and digging up bits of pottery in her parents’ vegetable patch. At the age of eight she was entranced as she watched a live feed which showed researchers at Bristol University unwrapping an Egyptian Mummy. Alice studied medicine in Cardiff and worked as a house officer doing paediatric surgery and then taught anatomy to students at Bristol University. She followed this up with a PhD in paleopathology, the study of disease in old bones, which led to her first television appearance as a bone expert on the Channel 4 series Time Team. Alice has written several books that explore human evolution and history and in 2012 she was appointed the first Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. DISC ONE: Monkey Gone to Heaven - Pixies DISC TWO: Temple of Love - Sisters of Mercy DISC THREE: Apotheosis - Austin Wintory DISC FOUR: Cherub Rock (2011 Remaster) - The Smashing Pumpkins DISC FIVE: Times Like These (BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge) - Live Lounge Allstars DISC SIX: Sugar - System Of A Down DISC SEVEN: Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. Composed by Ryuichi Sakomoto and performed by Phoebe Stevens DISC EIGHT: Coins for the Eyes - Johnny Flynn & Robert Macfarlane BOOK CHOICE: Middlemarch by George Eliot LUXURY ITEM: A kayak CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. Composed by Ryuichi Sakomoto and performed by Phoebe StevensPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley
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Apr 13, 2024 • 35min

Jenny Sealey, theatre director

Jenny Sealey has been the artistic director of Graeae Theatre Company since 1997: Graeae is a deaf and disabled-led company and a leader and innovator in accessible theatre. Jenny has directed opera as well as plays, and was the co-director of the 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony. Jenny was born in Nottingham in 1963, the eldest of four sisters. She lost her hearing at the age of seven following a fall at school in which she banged her head. At that time, deaf children were not encouraged to use British Sign Language, and so she taught herself to lip read, and stayed in a mainstream school, although she often found it challenging. She also continued to take ballet lessons, helped by an inspirational teacher who encouraged her to follow the form and movements of the dancer in front of her. She went on to study dance and choreography at Middlesex Polytechnic.After graduation, Jenny worked as an actor before becoming the artistic director of Graeae. In 2022 she was awarded an OBE for services to disability arts. Most recently she returned to acting and toured the UK with Self Raising, her one-woman autobiographical play. Jenny lives in London with her son and partner. DISC ONE: Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 44, Chorus. Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth. Composed by George Frideric Handel and performed by The Sixteen Choir, conducted by Harry Christophers DISC TWO: Yesterday - The Beatles DISC THREE: Teenage Kicks - The Undertones DISC FOUR: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack DISC FIVE: Because The Night - Patti Smith Group DISC SIX: Spasticus Autisticus – John Kelly and the cast of Reasons to be Cheerful DISC SEVEN: If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong – John Kelly and the cast of Graeae’s stage production of Reasons To Be Cheerful DISC EIGHT: Days – Kirsty MacCollBOOK CHOICE: The Complete Works of Armistead Maupin LUXURY ITEM: A photography kit CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 44, Chorus. Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth. Composed by George Frideric Handel and performed by The Sixteen Choir, conducted by Harry Christophers Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor

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