
Profile
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2024 • 15min
Richard Tice
Reform UK - formerly known as 'The Brexit Party' - has hit 10% in polls for the first time. And its leader, Richard Tice, is gearing up to contest the next general election. In a press conference this week, he vowed that Reform UK candidates would stand in every seat in England, Wales, and Scotland - posing a threat to Conservative candidates across the country. Dubbed a "bad boy of Brexit", who is the businessman turned politician leading this charge from the right? Presenter: Paul Connolly
Producers: Ellie House, Diane Richardson, Julie Ball
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio Manager: James Beard
Production Coordinator: Janet Staples

Dec 30, 2023 • 15min
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, chief executive of education trust, Star Academies, which runs schools often in deprived areas, many of which have achieved outstanding results. Sir Mufti Hamid Patel left school in Blackburn at 16, without himself excelling academically. Having worked in local government in Blackburn, he then ran a Muslim girls school before starting Star Academies. The trust has grown to include 34 primary and secondary schools mainly in northern England, the Midlands and East London.
New government ways of monitoring progress, show almost half the top twenty achieving schools in the country are run by Star. PRODUCTION TEAM
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producer: Bob Howard
Editor: Richard Vadon
Sound: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Dec 23, 2023 • 15min
Polly Neate
Polly Neate. CEO of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter. Recently rescued in a dramatic cliff top drama, Neate was determined to fight social injustice from an early age. She started life as a journalist and then worked for the charities Action for Children and Women's Aid before taking the top job at Shelter. Her climbing injury has left her on crutches but she continues her professional work campaigning to help the homeless and is still determined to carry on climbing. PRODUCTION TEAM
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producer: Bob Howard
Editor: Richard Vadon
Sound: Graham Puddifoot
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Dec 16, 2023 • 15min
Tucker Carlson
Tucker Carlson, the American conservative political commentator and newscaster.He was born in California and from the age of six was brought up by his father after his mother left the family home. Tucker Carlson followed in his father's footsteps when he left college and took up a career in journalism. He's worked for CNN, MSNBC and Fox News from which he was 'let go' in April this year. As he launches his own streaming website 'Tucker Carlson Network', Stephen Smith finds out about the man who has been described as one of the most influential people in American media in recent years. CONTRIBUTORS
Neil Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Tucker Carlson Network
Chadwick Moore , Journalist and Author of 'Tucker' a biography of Tucker Carlson
Alex Shephard, Senior Editor, 'The New Republic'
Heather Hendershot, Professor of Communications and Journalism, Northwestern UniversityPRODUCTION TEAM
Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball
Editor: Bridget Harney
Sound: James Beard
Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCREDITS
Network, MGM 1976, Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway-
Tucker Carlson Network, Last Country Inc
Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Dreamworks Pictures

Dec 9, 2023 • 14min
Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman, Oscar winning actress. Stephen Smith charts her career from an appearance at the age of 4 in a school nativity play, through to her current project as Mrs. Scrubbit in the new 'Wonka' film. Olivia Colman first came to public attention as a comedy actress in 'That Mitchell and Webb Look' and then 'Peep Show' but she always felt she could do more. It was being cast in the British film 'Tyrannosaur' that brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Now she's on her way to National Treasure status with the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren. CONTRIBUTORS
Paterson Joseph, Actor, Producer, Writer. Screen Credits, Boat Story, Vigil
Paul Hands, Former Director of Drama, Gresham's School
Anna Smith, Film Critic, Broadcaster and host of 'Girls on Film' podcast
Catherine Shoard, Film Critic, The GuardianPRODUCTION TEAM
Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball
Editor: Bridget Harney
Sound: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCREDITS
Peep Show, Channel 4
Wonka, Warner Bros. Pictures
L'Orchestre Cinematique, Pure Imagination (Newley/Bricusse)
Oscars Award Ceremony 2019 - Best Actress Award
The Crown, Netflix , Writer: Peter Morgan
Life in Stages, Episode 1 Olivia Colman, National Theatre

Dec 2, 2023 • 15min
Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses the development and impact of AI technology, his upbringing and early life, building AI for the betterment of mankind, his personal life, the release of ChatGPT, and his removal and subsequent reinstatement as CEO of OpenAI.

Nov 25, 2023 • 15min
Javier Milei
The new President of Argentina, Javier Milei swept into power winning fifty-five percent of the popular vote. He's threatened to take a chainsaw to the economy, replace the peso with the dollar and blow up the Central Bank. With looks more reminiscent of a seventies rock star, will this unconventional economist be able to solve the hyperinflation that is crippling Argentina's economy once more. Or will his lack of experience and support in government cause this self-professed anarcho-capitalist to have to change tack?CONTRIBUTORS
Juan Luis González, author, El Loco.
Lilia Lemoine, Vice president of the Libertarian Party in Argentina.
Ana Lankes, Latin America Correspondent, The Economist.
Ezequiel Gonzalez-Ocantos, Professor of Comparative and Judicial Politics, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford.PRPDUCTION TEAM
Presenter: Stephen Smith
Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball
Editor: Bridget Harney
Sound Engineer: James Beard
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Nov 18, 2023 • 15min
James Cleverly
James Cleverly, a former artist turned politician, discusses his unexpected transition into politics, his rapid rise through various political positions, and his ability to connect with people. The podcast explores his approach to fitting in and foreign policy, as well as examining the qualities of a politician and the challenges they face.

Nov 11, 2023 • 15min
Antony Blinken
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State and confidante of three US presidents, is in the eye of the storm as conflict rages in Israel and Gaza. Stephen Smith explores Blinken's background, his love for music, his transition into politics, and his role as Secretary of State. The podcast also delves into challenges faced by the Biden administration, including the chaotic Afghan pullout and crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Nov 4, 2023 • 15min
Taylor Swift
The US pop superstar, Taylor Swift, who's just become a billionaire entirely through music. Recent success includes a new re-recorded album, her live tour and accompanying film.