Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake

Iconic sports presenter and author Gabby Logan on some of her career highlights and covering some of sports biggest events.She has just released a new book called “The Midpoint Plan,” inspired by her successful podcast called “The Midpoint Plan podcast,” talking about making the most of midlife, with insights from health experts.She also reflects on her husband Kenny’s prostate cancer diagnosis and how "The Midpoint Plan podcast” has inspired many men to get checked.She also talks about why the Olympic games mean so much to her, particularly London 2012.

‘Forever’ is Bon Jovi’s 18th album. The one and only Jon Bon Jovi told Nihal Arthanayake about writing the new album, the secrets of a long and successful marriage, how he hopes to be able to sing live again after having surgery on his vocal chords two years ago, and being an unashamed optimist.

Satirical comedian, Michael Spicer, known for going viral and gaining millions of views online thanks to his iconic satirical show, The Room next door, chats to Johnny I’Anson about his journey through comedy. He talks about the state of politics in the past few years to the issues of today. He talks about his constant quest for new and unique content and talks about how he deals with the pressures of constantly trying to make people laugh, while making political points. He also talks about his journey from office work to social media stardom, as well as his future aspirations.

‘If there’s something really good that entices you and you want to have the emotion of the people sitting around you, those are the reasons that cinema is going to be there for a long time’Jerry Bruckheimer is an American film and television producer most known for producing action-packed and explosive blockbusters including the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, ‘Top Gun’, and ‘Black Hawk Down’.He's got a new film on Disney called' Young Woman and the Sea' - and it's a bit of a step change from some of these mega action-packed blockbusters you might normally associate with him.He’s been chatting with Nihal Arthanayake about his life and career, and why despite the rise on online streaming, he’s not worried about the future of cinema.

Toby Kebbell on his breakthrough role in Shane Meadows’ Dead Man’s Shoes, and working with huge industry names like Woody Allen, Oliver Stone, M. Night Shyamalan, Guy Ritchie, Val Kilmer and Robert Redford to name but a fraction. “There’s no such thing as a bad student, only a bad teacher.” Toby also gets into all the skills he’s learned for roles - things like horseback riding, playing the piano and most recently being trained to box by legend Carl Froch for new movie Salvable co-starring Shia LeBeouf. The pair also discuss the different ways becoming a father can change you, why Toby believes theatre is still the best way for young people to learn acting (even amid the rise in social media presence and personalities), class culture wars and differences in opportunity, and why he believes discipline is responsible for his success.

"An honour to be a part of these young people’s lives". Five-time Chortle-award winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean speaks to Nihal Arthanayake about her new show ‘Peacock’, which is based on how she and her partner became foster carers.

Radio genius Richard Bacon is back on the 5 Live airwaves for the latest Headliners slot – so will there yet be a return of the Special Half Hour, 15 years on? A radio mastermind and no slouch in the TV department either, the pair also delve into Richard’s TV production credits both sides of the Atlantic, and discuss how his ADHD diagnosis and near death experience in adulthood have affected him: “’You were meant to die’, I think about that phrase everyday’.” Oh, and how he’s technically married to Britney Spears; what happened when he played a montage of Partridge-inspired on-air moments to Steve Coogan; why he has high hopes for a high tech phone case you’ve never seen before; and how life in LA has changed his perspective of what’s realistically achievable. Enjoy, Great Britain, wherever you are!

Australian actress and comedian Rebel Wilson shot to fame in Hollywood in Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect trilogy, where she played a character called "Fat Amy”. She has just released her autobiography, ‘Rebel Rising’, charting her course to fame. She also dives deep into her personal and private life, documenting her struggles with weight, romance and fertility.

'I'm not a victim, I call myself a survivor'Former Manchester United defender, Patrice Evra, discusses how he was sexually abused aged 13, and why he's now working with the UN and WHO to ensure other children grow up in a world free of violence and abuse.He also reflects on his time at Manchester United, his early life growing up as one of 24 siblings, and how his partner Margaux changed his life. As a warning to listeners - some of this podcast makes for difficult listening – with discussions of sexual abuse.

“When I arrived at the hospital they thought it might already be too late” The Booker Prize-winning author, Sir Salman Rushdie speaks to Nihal. He is one of most famous and most celebrated authors of our time. And in August 2022 he was stabbed on stage in New York. Sir Salman said he is using his new book, ‘Knife’, as a way of fighting back against what happened. As a warning to listeners - some of this podcast makes for difficult listening – with depictions of violence.