Desert Island Discs

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.

Adrian Edmondson first shot to national fame in 1982, playing the studded punk Vyvyan in the TV sitcom The Young Ones, set in a seedy student flat. The cast largely came from the developing alternative comedy scene, and included Rik Mayall and Alexei Sayle. Adrian was born in Bradford in 1957. He spent time as a child in Cyprus, Bahrain and Uganda, following his father who worked as a teacher for the armed forces. He attended a boarding school in Yorkshire from the age of 11, where he often rebelled against its rules and restrictions, but enjoyed performing in school plays. He headed to Manchester University to study drama, where he soon met Rik Mayall. They bonded over their shared interests in comedy, double acts, violent slapstick and the plays of Samuel Beckett. It was the start of a long performing partnership and friendship, which included the anarchic TV comedy and long-running touring show Bottom and a production of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot on the West End stage.Adrian has also worked widely as an actor and musician, including an acclaimed appearance as Scrooge for the RSC, and performances with the reunited Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Adrian married Jennifer Saunders in 1985, and they have three daughters.DISC ONE: Downtown - Petula Clark DISC TWO: A Song of the Weather - Flanders & Swann DISC THREE: Sugar, Sugar - The Archies DISC FOUR: On My Radio - The Selecter DISC FIVE: Jole Blon - Vin Bruce DISC SIX: Saturday Gigs - Mott the Hoople DISC SEVEN: I’m Bored - Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band DISC EIGHT: Wide Open Spaces - The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks)BOOK CHOICE: Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett LUXURY ITEM: A tab of acid CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Wide Open Spaces - The Chicks Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor

Renowned folk singer Shirley Collins shares her experiences in the British folk music scene, her collaborations with other musicians, and her triumphant return to music after a long silence. She discusses her love for folk music, her travels to America to record blues and folk musicians, and her journey from voice disorder to finding her voice again in her 80s. Shirley also reveals her favorite songs and her luxury item for a desert island.

Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes Formula 1 motor racing team, discusses his journey in motorsport, personal struggles, and leadership. From his childhood adversity to his entrepreneurial success and transition to team management, Toto shares his insights. He reflects on the impact of family struggles, his love for racing, and the challenges he faced as a driver. Toto also discusses his perception of emotions, relationships, and intensity. A fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Formula 1's most successful managers.

Simon Woolley, first black man to head an Oxbridge college, discusses founding Operation Black Vote, the power of voting, and the importance of character and values. He shares his approach to being cast away on an island and his final choice of song, revealing a life filled with joy and love.

Jill Scott is the second most capped England footballer ever, playing for her country 161 times. Before her retirement last year, she played in ten major international tournaments and was part of the England team who beat Germany to win the 2022 European Championships.Jill was born and brought up in Sunderland, and excelled in a range of sports from an early age. She won the London mini-marathon when she was 14 but her heart was in football. She played for a boys junior football team until she was asked to leave when she was nine years old. Fortunately her mother found a girls team for her. She began her senior career when she was a teenager, initially playing for Sunderland before moving on to Everton and then Manchester City, where she won all the domestic trophies. She was renowned as a highly competitive midfield player, who scored 27 goals for England. She lives in Manchester with her partner Shelly, where they co-own a coffee shop. .DISC ONE: (Something Inside) So Strong - Labi Siffre DISC TWO: So Good - Boyzone DISC THREE: Step by Step - Whitney Houston DISC FOUR: Sunday Morning - Maroon 5 DISC FIVE: The Climb - Miley Cyrus DISC SIX: My Love is Your Love - Whitney Houston DISC SEVEN: Mysterious Girl - Peter Andre DISC EIGHT: Sweet Caroline - Neil DiamondBOOK CHOICE: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend LUXURY ITEM: A notebook and pens CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: The Climb - Miley CyrusPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor