Desert Island Discs

Dr. Nicola Fox, Head of Science at NASA, discusses her role at NASA and her fascination with space, the recent Osiris Rex mission and the emotions involved in watching space missions, the Parker Solar Probe and its significance, the tragic loss of her husband and life lessons learned, NASA's efforts to search for life in the universe, and her stress-relieving luxury item and favorite track.

Pia Sinha, Director of the Prison Reform Trust and former prison governor, discusses the challenges of prison reform, her experiences working as a psychologist in a women's prison, and the importance of staying hopeful. She also shares her favorite song, 'Kathy's Song' by Simon & Garfunkel, and her luxury item choice of chili sauce.

Peter White, award-winning broadcaster, shares his experiences as a blind presenter and his motivation behind creating a series portraying disability. He discusses learning Braille, winning competitions, and his fears about being stranded on an island. Peter also reveals his book choice and favorite song.

Lea Salonga, international theatre star and advocate for better Asian representation on stage and screen, discusses her early success, facing racial discrimination in the industry, making history on Broadway, being a double Disney princess, and her preferences for a desert island.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Government’s first Women’s Health Ambassador for England, discusses her role in the Women’s Health Strategy, her taboo-breaking work in obstetrics and gynaecology, and her journey from aspiring doctor to leading advocate. She also shares her desert island song choices including Nina Simone, Mahler, and Bach, and discusses her book and luxury item picks.

Patrick Grant, designer and entrepreneur, discusses his unconventional path in the fashion industry, challenges faced by Cookson and Clegg factory, impact of the fashion industry on the environment, and his book and luxury item choices on a desert island.

Film studio executive Dame Donna Langley discusses her career in Hollywood, including greenlighting films like Oppenheimer and Mamma Mia. She emphasizes the importance of gut instinct in decision-making and champions original content. In this entertaining podcast, she also shares her personal connection to music and reflects on the dark side of Hollywood. She discusses the impact of silence, systemic changes in the industry, and her joy of motherhood. With her British background and adventurous spirit, Dame Donna Langley shares fascinating insights into the film industry.

Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, shares his entrepreneurial journey in the energy market. Highlights include his early years in Germany, returning to education, and his transition from selling his mirror company to venturing into the energy sector. Greg also discusses the importance of customer care and his desire to explore new places. He reveals his choice of a pinball machine as a luxury item on a desert island.

Katherine Ryan, a Canadian comedian and writer, discusses her successful career, her sitcom 'The Duchess', and the importance of personal stories. She talks about growing up in a small-minded town, her experience working at Hooters, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of miscarriages. The podcast also introduces an upcoming show 'Nature Bang' exploring consciousness and self-identity.

Lucinda Russell, a Scottish racehorse trainer with almost 900 winners and two Grand National champions, discusses her passion for horses, her successful career in racing, and the emotional experience of winning the Grand National. She also reflects on her childhood connection to the Ground National at Aintree and addresses controversy surrounding horse safety.