Desperately Seeking Wisdom

Two days after his 18th birthday, Kenny Imafidon was charged with a murder he did not commit. He spent the next 6 months on remand in Feltham Prison, and became the first person to complete his A levels there.He was eventually acquitted after a judge said there was no evidence whatsoever to support the charges against him. In the decade since, Kenny has forged a career as an award-winning social entrepreneur and campaigner, and is the co-founder & Managing Director of ClearView Research consultancy.Kenny talks candidly about what he learnt from his time in prison, the prejudice that still exists in our society, and what it feels like to get a second chance at life.

Tom Bradby is an award-winning journalist and TV presenter, and currently the presenter of ITV News at Ten. In his spare time, he’s written 10 novels and several screenplays. But a few years ago, his life came off the rails, when he had a breakdown and was signed off work for 3 months with acute insomnia. He speaks about what led to his breakdown, and how he found a way to a more balanced life.

The award-winning journalist Isabel Hardman talks about dealing with extreme trauma and a public breakdown while covering the Conservative Party conference.What she’s learned has helped her not just to cope, but thrive in the often brutal world of Westminster politics.She is a big proponent of the healing power of nature, which she outlines in her book, “The Natural Health Service.”

The BBC Today programme presenter, Justin Webb, is known for mixing forensic journalistic skills with being a true gentleman.But he had a difficult childhood, brought up by a complex mother with lots of issues and a step-father with a severe mental illness.When he was eight, his mother told him the presenter he was watching on the news was his father Peter Woods, a man he would never meet. He talks openly about all of this in his fascinating new memoir, “The Gift of Radio, My Childhood and other Trainwrecks.”

Dr Bruce Perry is one of the world's leading experts on trauma.He recently co-wrote a book with Oprah Winfrey, in which he says for too long we have asked the question, “What’s wrong with you?” when we should be asking, “What happened to you?”He believes our lives would all be so much simpler if we really understood where each of us is coming from.

Ruth Davidson, the former Scottish Conservative leader, is known for her enthusiastic, joyful approach to life, but twice she’s suffered serious injuries. She also wrote candidly about her struggles with clinical depression in her book, “Yes She Can: Why Women Own The Future.” But she hasn’t allowed any of that to define her . She's found joy campaigning, and what she learned from all of that is really worth hearing.

Richard Curtis, the writer, director and co-founder of Comic Relief, is bright, optimistic, caring and a huge success at whatever he turned his hand to.His films are loved by millions around the world, and Comic Relief has had a positive impact on the lives of tens of millions of people.But like all of us, Richard has had his share of pain and uncertainty. He speaks about the wisdom he’s gained, and how he’s handled deep sadness in later life. A warning - there is a short discussion about suicide during this podcast.

Seven years ago, the BBC TV presenter and journalist George Alagiah was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The prognosis wasn't good, and he was told to get his affairs in order.George speaks movingly and frankly about coping with the knowledge that his life and relationships will be cut short, and what living in the shadow of a terrible disease has helped him appreciate.

A podcast for people hoping to live a simpler, more fulfilled life - and want to hear the wisdom others gained after facing life's challenges. In this series, Craig Oliver talks to some extraordinary people who have faced extremely difficult - often traumatic experiences - and finds out what they learned and what they believe will help others gain peace of mind and heart.