Radical with Amol Rajan

Dwayne Fields, the UK Chief Scout who overcame a tough upbringing in London, guest edits with a focus on volunteering and homelessness. He shares his powerful journey from a life of crime to kindness, highlighting how outdoor adventures can empower urban children. Dwayne discusses the transformative effects of volunteering in scouting, promoting inclusivity and respect. He also reflects on the societal neglect of homelessness and critiques the wellness industry’s dark underbelly, advocating for transparency in healing communities.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, UK Children's Laureate and children's author, guest edits this insightful discussion, focusing on the necessity of reading to young children as a public health priority. He interviews iconic country music star, Dolly Parton, who shares her journey in writing children's books and her passion for the Imagination Library, which provides free books to kids. The dialogue emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in early childhood bonding, literacy, and overall emotional well-being, highlighting its profound benefits for both children and parents.

Justin Webb, BBC’s North America editor, discusses major political shifts in the UK and US during 2024, including the unexpected election outcomes. Emma Barnett reflects on her debut as a Today presenter and the challenges of navigating public expectations. Gary Richardson shares his favorite sports moments from the year, exploring how these events intertwine with personal narratives. Together, they dive into the intricate ties between politics, sports, and personal stories, making for a compelling reflection on a transformative year.

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party and former Business and Trade Secretary, shares her insights on personal responsibility and the evolution of conservatism. She delves into the current political landscape, reflecting on youth anxiety and the Conservative Party's internal challenges. Badenoch critiques immigration policies, emphasizing cultural values, and discusses falling birth rates and the need for genuine leadership. The conversation also touches on the complexities of trade agreements and the impact of wellness culture on societal views.

Jose Manuel Barroso, the former President of the European Commission, shares his insights on the recent political chaos in France and Germany, analyzing how it impacts the EU amid economic decline and rising populism. He discusses the challenges facing traditional parties and the potential implications of these shifts on European stability. Sports presenter Karthi Gnanasegaram joins to reveal her hectic Christmas schedule and highlights her 'Moment of the Week,' adding a refreshing touch to the serious discussions.

Chris Mason, BBC political editor and co-host of Newscast, dives into the dramatic rise of Nigel Farage and his aspirations for the Reform UK party. The conversation reveals insights on how political opportunism is reshaping the British Conservative Party amidst disillusionment. Mason and fellow guests explore the emotional toll of political realignment, the influence of contemporary media on younger voters, and the importance of policy in connecting with working-class constituents. They also touch on lessons from Donald Trump’s success in America.

In this discussion, Jonathan Ashworth, former Labour MP and current director of Labour Together, analyzes Keir Starmer's challenges and vision for his government after a turbulent start. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication around Starmer's five core missions and the political reset needed following recent resignations and public backlash. Ashworth probes the complexities of leadership and the necessity of engaging with citizens amidst political realities. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas faced by politicians and the significance of emotional connections in politics.

Dame Esther Rantzen, beloved television presenter and ChildLine founder, shares her personal journey with assisted dying, sparking crucial dialogue in the UK. Labour MPs Preet Kaur Gill and Warinder Singh Juss weigh in, discussing how their Sikh faith shapes their perspectives on the upcoming legislation. The conversation dives into the emotional and ethical complexities of assisted dying, reflecting on personal choices, legislative responsibilities, and the societal implications of such a transformative bill.

In this engaging discussion, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, a renowned screenwriter and UK Children’s Laureate, shares his excitement about being a guest editor for a Christmas edition of a prestigious radio program. He emphasizes the importance of reading and its role in children's emotional and educational development. Frank also reflects on the power of storytelling and the impact of diverse literature in shaping young minds. Expect insights on cherished children’s books and the collaborative spirit that defines the festive programming.

In this special episode two former Labour prime ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, reflect on the life of the former deputy prime minister who has died at the age of 86. Plus, Amol and Nick discuss their recollections of John Prescott and assess the impact he had on British politics.You can listen to John Prescott on Desert Island Discs here, in an episode first broadcast in 2012: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b01c6trmThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you’ll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won’t miss our extra bonus episodes either.The Today Podcast was made by Lewis Vickers with Nadia Gyane. The technical producer was Nathan Chamberlain. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.