Harriet Harman joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about her book A Woman’s Work. Harriet brings along objects including her Labour rosette, her favourite apple crumble recipe and her lucky jacket (complete with very large shoulder pads). She talks about being pregnant when she joined the 97% male House of Commons in 1982, the rights that she has fought for over the course of her career, and the changes that she would like to see in the future. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruby Wax joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her book A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled. Ruby brings along objects including her graduation gown, a pair of red knickers and a plastic pig as she explains why she is fascinated by how the brain works, and how mindfulness has changed her life. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Land joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about her debut novel Good Me Bad Me. Ali brings along a selection of objects, including a scrapbook she made whilst working as a mental health nurse and a pair of sandals from Bondi Beach, as she explains why she is fascinated by the human psyche, and how travelling the world helped her to write her novel. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter turned children’s author Tom Fletcher joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his first novel The Christmasaurus. Tom discusses his lifelong obsession with Christmas and dinosaurs, and brings along a selection of objects including his miniature Christmas tree, which sits on his bedside table throughout the year, and his trusty red coffee mug. He reveals what Christmas was like in the McFly band house, and explains why writing books is a dream come true for him. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Oswald joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about the latest book in his Detective Inspector Tony McLean mystery series, The Damage Done. James brings along a number of objects that helped shape the series, including his walking boots, his notebook and a picture of his tractor as he explains how he combines writing with running a farm, and why you shouldn’t get on the wrong side of a crime writer. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zadie Smith joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her latest novel, Swing Time. Zadie brings along objects including a carved wooden head, a sequinned glove and a book on Fred Astaire as she talks dancing, motherhood and the importance of knowing your roots. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician, songwriter and singer Johnny Marr joins David Baddiel in the Penguin Studio to talk about his autobiography Set The Boy Free (and jam with David on the guitar). Johnny talks about first falling in love with the sound of the guitar listening to the Everly Brothers, reveals how he developed a passion for reading whilst bunking off school and explains how he handled huge fame as a teenager. He brings along a selection of treasured objects including The Complete Essays of Aldous Huxley, a Marc Bolan EP, and, of course, his signature model Fender Jaguar. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin Studio to talk about her book Inside Vogue: A Diary of My 100th Year, which documents the style bible’s centenary celebrations. Alexandra talks about her own twenty four years at the helm of British Vogue, reveals how she managed to pull off a royal cover coup featuring the Duchess of Cambridge, and considers the impact of Brexit on the fashion industry. She brings along a number of objects that influenced Inside Vogue, including her watch, a (very large) suitcase, and her coffee maker as she calculates how many cups of coffee it takes to power one issue of the magazine. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The foursome behind the UK’s biggest independent sports podcast, The Football Ramble, take over the Penguin studio to talk about their debut book, also called The Football Ramble. Marcus, Luke, Pete and Jim discuss football’s early beginnings; dissect the ‘media machine’ behind the modern game; marvel at the gargantuan amounts of money at stake and conclude that grassroots football is perhaps ultimately more enjoyable than the professional game. They also bring in various mementos including a pair of old boots, a Soviet hat and a ticket stub (complete with pie stain). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare Balding joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin Studio to talk about her first children’s book The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop. Clare brings along a number of objects that inspired her book, including her family jockey silks and her Olympic torch from the 2012 Games, as she explains why children love stories about ponies and why she was determined to write a book with a girl-power message. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.