Hanif Kureishi, an acclaimed novelist and playwright, discusses his life-altering experience following a fall that left him paralysed. He shares insights from his new book, Shattered, capturing the duality of his identity as both a writer and a tetraplegic. The conversation delves into the emotional upheaval and existential fears following his accident, the challenges of documenting personal trauma, and the role of community support in healing. Hanif reflects on his vibrant creative journey and the transformative power of storytelling amidst adversity.

Michel Roux Jr, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs and a MasterChef star, shares his journey in the culinary world. He recounts the rigorous path from his pastry apprenticeship in Paris to the pressures of living up to his family's legendary restaurant legacy. Michel discusses shedding his 'angry chef' persona, the impact of modern dining dynamics, and the nurturing role of food in family bonds. He also reflects on significant life changes like quitting smoking post-fatherhood and the balance between ambition and fulfillment in the kitchen.

"I wasn’t driven by being famous, I was driven by being successful. I wanted to be recognised by my peers, people who I considered ‘posh actors’”.Award-winning actor and bestselling author, Sir David White, is better known by his stage name David Jason. His career has spanned over 50 years, and is best known for his iconic roles Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses and Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost.His childhood dream of becoming an actor was ‘crushed’ by his father, who couldn’t afford to support his acting career after his brother was accepted to RADA. David spent years as an electrician, whilst learning his craft in amateur theatre. In this episode David talks about his passion for performance, the heartbreak of losing a role in Dad’s Army and why he’s addicted to making audiences laugh.His latest memoir This Time Next Year is out now.

"I'm that lucky guy who found his hobby and was able to turn it into a job." William Dalrymple is a multi-award winning and bestselling historian. Growing up on the Dalrymple family estate in North Berwick, with an almost Edwardian childhood, William was sent off to Ampleforth College at just eight years old. It was there that his passion for history grew and he spent his free time on archaeological digs and getting lost in history books. William has gone on to turn that childhood fascination into an incredible career. He has written numerous bestselling books including White Mughals and The Last Mughals. His latest book The Golden Road is out now.

Graeme Park is a legendary DJ and one of the founders of the UK's house music movement. Best known for his nine-year residency at Manchester's iconic superclub, The Hacienda, Graeme's journey into DJing was far from planned. In fact, he stumbled into it almost by accident. However, his passion for sharing the music he loved had a huge impact on the dance scene of the 80s and 90s, influencing a generation of club-goers, including sixteen year old James O'Brien.Today, Graeme continues to perform to fans old and new around the world. He also DJs alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra as part of the Hacienda Classical shows, which have been touring the UK since 2016 and even opened the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2017.You can find out more details about Graeme's upcoming gigs on thisisgraemepark.com

"Britain is nowhere near as bad as America but let's not get complacent about the risk."Jon Sopel is a journalist, broadcaster and author who launched the hugely successful The News Agents podcast with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall in August 2022. Previously, he was the BBC’s North America Editor, covering U.S. elections including Donald Trump’s presidency. He is the author of several books including: If Only They Didn’t Speak English and A Year at the Circus: Inside Trump’s White House. His latest book: Strangeland is out now.

Angela Rayner, the dynamic Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, shares her incredible journey from a challenging childhood in poverty to a powerful political figure. She reflects on the resilience forged from her chaotic upbringing and the importance of compassion in advocacy. The conversation touches on the balancing act of motherhood and politics, navigating public scrutiny, and the challenges of the care sector. Her humorous anecdotes and emotional reflections illustrate her commitment to helping others while carving her path in British politics.

In a compelling conversation, Sir Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister and former Leader of the Opposition, shares his unconventional journey into politics. He reflects on his childhood in a bustling household and his passion for donkeys, alongside his early aspirations in music. Starmer discusses the emotional toll of media scrutiny and the challenges of public life, emphasizing the importance of humility and self-promotion in leadership. His candid stories and insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the values and experiences shaping his political life.

Tony Blackburn, a radio legend with a six-decade career, reflects on his life in broadcasting. He shares nostalgic tales from his early days on pirate radio and his iconic role at BBC Radio 1, where he made history as the first DJ. Blackburn discusses the influence of family and soul music on his journey and the importance of humility in the industry. He also opens up about the pressures of fame and his ongoing commitment to engaging audiences, proving that his love for radio remains as strong as ever.

Jordan Stephens, writer, musician, and one half of Rizzle Kicks, shares his candid journey from chaos to self-discovery. He opens up about the painful breakup that spurred his exploration of heartbreak and masculinity. Jordan discusses the struggles with ADHD, creativity, and self-worth amid the pressures of fame. He emphasizes the importance of discussing male vulnerability and the healing power of love, while reflecting on how shared pain can foster understanding. His new book, 'Avoidance,' dives deep into these experiences.