Desert Island Discs

Marina Abramović is an artist renowned for performances and feats of endurance, in which her body is pushed to its limits. She has moved, scandalised and delighted audiences for half a century, and is now celebrated by world-leading galleries and institutions. Marina was born in Belgrade in 1946. Her parents were honoured as war heroes for their work for the Partisan resistance movement, and both took up senior roles in the post-war Yugoslav government. Marina became interested in painting during her childhood, and went on to study art. She first made her name as a performance artist in her 20s, creating events which often shocked viewers – and were equally traumatic for her. In 1974 she placed 72 objects, including sharp tools, a whip and a loaded pistol, on a table and invited gallery goers to use them on her, however they wished. She was attacked and left scarred, and part of her hair went white. For many years she led a nomadic existence, creating works with her partner, the German artist Ulay. In 1997, in response to the war in Bosnia, she created a prize-winning work for the Venice Biennale, in which for four days she attempted to scrub the blood from a vast pile of cow bones. In 2010 her exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York attracted almost a million people, many queuing for hours for a chance to sit opposite her in silence as part of her marathon performance The Artist is Present. More recently her work has been celebrated in a major retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, along with performances at English National Opera, marking the centenary of Maria Callas. DISC ONE: Aria from The Goldberg Variations. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach German composer and musician, performed by Igor Levit DISC TWO: Norma, Act 1: "Casta diva". Composed by Vincenzo Bellini, performed by Maria Callas (soprano) and Coro del Teatro alla Scala di Milano DISC THREE: 4 Degrees - Anohni DISC FOUR: Paloma Negra - Chavela Vargas DISC FIVE: Private Dancer - Tina Turner DISC SIX: Sherab Nyingpo Mantra (The Heart Sutra) - Tashi Lhumpo Monks DISC SEVEN: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 - 2. Andante. Composed by Mozart and performed by Mitsuko Uchida (piano), with the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Tate DISC EIGHT: Rum And Coca-Cola - The Andrews Sisters BOOK CHOICE: In Search of the Miraculous by Peter D Ouspensky LUXURY ITEM: A cashmere blanket CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Sherab Nyingpo Mantra (The Heart Sutra) - Tashi Lhunpo MonksPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor

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.