Afleveringen
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Toby Spence is an award-winning tenor, who has played the lead roles across the world in every major opera theatre from The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to The Met in New York to La Scala in Milan. A frequent performer at The Proms and on acclaimed recordings, he has also brought classical music to popular audiences through shows like The Rob and Romesh Show.
In this episode, Toby shares his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation, his battle with thyroid cancer and the remarkable process of relearning to sing after surgery. Humble, witty and candid, this is a rich, touching and inspiring conversation.
Related Links
Toby the Tenor
Tobyâs performance of Brittenâs âSerenade for Tenor, Horn and StringsâPrince Albert Gruss an der Bruder
Toby Spence as Captain Vere in Billy Budd -
Steve Hilton is a British and American political commentator. He was David Cameronâs Senior Advisor when he was Prime Minister. He is an entrepreneur, a best-selling author, a podcaster and he hosts his own television show on Fox News. With all his political experience he is considering the role of Republican candidate for governor of the state of California in 2026.
Having made his mark on both sides of the Atlantic, Steve talks about how he went from the son of Hungarian immigrants to leading construction projects at the tender age of 16 to David Cameronâs Senior Advisor to the Republican hopeful for governor of the state of California. It is a story that encompasses different occupations, nationalities and continents.
Related Links
The Steve Hilton Showâš
Restoring the Californian Dream Golden Together
Follow Steve on Twitterâš
Follow Steve on Instagram
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Brent Hoberman, the visionary co-founder of Lastminute.com and Made.com, is a true force in the world of entrepreneurship. From building multi-million- dollar businesses to founding the renowned Founders Forum, Brent is now a key player in supporting the next wave of innovators. Heâs an advisor to governments on tech, a board member tackling issues from cyberbullying to education and a relentless advocate for startups.
In this lively and insightful conversation, Brent opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the dot-com boom, the lessons heâs learned, and the unique challenges of being a pioneer in the digital age. Packed with energy, hilarious anecdotes and reflections, this episode offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a rare glimpse into the mind of a serial innovator.
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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions around sexual abuse and violence.
David Tait is a rock star many times over.
-WORK: He is CEO of The World Gold Council having run trading desks at Goldman Sachs, UBS, Credit Suisse and Bluecrest Capital.
-CHARITY: He has single handedly raised ÂŁ7.5m for the NSPCC for whom he is a speaker, ambassador and trustee.
-ADVENTURE: He has successfully summitted Everest 5 times and is the only person to have summitted from the North and descended via the South (starting in Tibet and ending up in Nepal).
-CHILDHOOD: He has achieved all the above having been sexually abused as a child by grandfather's brother, his father and others. For many years David kept this abuse a secret which nearly cost him his life. His tragic and deeply compelling story is portrayed in the movie Sulphur & White.
All the above is discussed in our conversation.
Related Links
Davidâs Website
The World Gold Council
NSPCC
Donate to the NSPCC (If you'd like to donate specifically to The Lighthouse, please say when you donate)
Sulphur & White trailer
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Guy Chambers is a rock star in every sense of the title. He is one of the most successful and prolific musicians, songwriters and producers in the UK. He has more than 50 gold and platinum albums to his credit. He has worked with a variety of top artists, ranging from Mark Ronson and The Wanted to Katie Melua and Beverley Knight. He has also composed the music for films, musicals and even an opera.
His best known and long-standing collaboration is with Robbie Williams, with whom he wrote some of the biggest hits of the 1990s and 2000s including âAngelsâ, âRock DJâ, âFeelâ, âMilleniumâ and âLet Me Entertain Youâ. In this conversation Guy talks about some of his present and past collaborations, how he wrote the song that changed everything for him and Robbie and what life was like under the spotlight of fameâs adulation and scrutiny. Full of wisdom, reflection, humility and candour, my conversation with Guy will fascinate and entertain!
Related Links
Guyâs Website
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Andy Coulson was editor of The News of the World and was Downing Street Director of Communications for David Cameron after he became Prime Minister in 2010. He founded and now runs Coulson Partners giving strategic advice to global CEOs, entrepreneurs and philanthropists on crisis avoidance and management, on seizing opportunities and on how to drive smart, long-term decision making.
He also founded and hosts the brilliant âCrisis What Crisis?â podcast, talking to guests who have endured the worst of lifeâs experiences and who share their wisdom on how to survive and thrive. In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, his podcast has just been made available to thousands of inmates across UK prisons. These podcasts will inform, inspire and provide hope in what are often empty, wasted, despair-filled days. Andy understands crisis well when, 10 years ago, he himself was convicted of conspiracy to intercept voicemails and spent time in prison at HMP Belmarsh and Hollesley Bay.
In this conversation, Andy describes the highs and lows of his journey and how he has dealt with both successes and crises. Andy is very open, honest and has much wisdom to share.
Related links
Coulson Partners
Listen to Andy's podcast: Crisis What Crisis?
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James Krishna Floyd is an award winning actor, a screen writer and director. He has been described as a young Robert de Niro and his versatility is displayed in the extraordinary breadth and variety of roles he has played to date. His film Unicorns which he wrote and co-directed came out last week (July 5th). Itâs not only entertaining but also important, brave, ground-breaking and deeply human.
In this conversation James talks about how he prepares for the roles he plays and the scripts he writes; he lived in amongst East London gangs for six months, he found an Egyptian refugee on which to base his character in The Swimmers and he immersed himself in the Gaysian scene for Unicorns. Packed with interest, thoughtful insights, humility and empathy, I was struck by this hugely talented man and profound thinker.
Related Links
Unicorns Trailer
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Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter, film and TV director and author. He wrote and directed 'Jack and Sarah' with Richard E. Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellan. He directed 'The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes', 'Thatcher The Final Days', the last 90 minute episode of 'Cold Feet' and 'Coronation Street'. His scripts include 'Letters to Juliet' with Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. He co-wrote 'A Handful of Dust', 'Where Angels Fear to Tread' and more recently 'My Little Pony: A New Generation' which shot to the number one movie slot worldwide on Netflix in its first week of release.
He is now the author of a series of crime novels which are gripping, clever and twisty, yet also touching and funny, featuring a brilliant detective DS George Cross who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. It has been hailed as the best detective series since Sherlock Holmes. His latest novel in the series, 'The Teacher', is out in paperback on Thursday.
Tim discusses the joys and woes of writing for Hollywood, his writing process, advice for aspiring writers and the surprising way he plots his novels. My conversation with Tim is out today!
Related Links
Timâs Website
Buy âThe Teacherâ
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This interview was recorded on March 15th 2024.
Dr Michael Mosley is a household name and one of the best loved and most respected doctors in the UK. Heâs a medical journalist, a producer and presenter of award-winning television programmes.
He has written international bestselling books on diet, sleep and a myriad of health topics. He has a brilliant podcast called âJust One Thingâ which gives simple, scientifically proven tips to improve your health and change your life. I am addicted to it!
Michael talks about his circuitous route to medicine and, following that, the media and is full of health advice and anecdotes about the crazy things he has subjected himself to in the quest for medical knowledge from which we may all benefit and thereby live better and longer lives.
Related Links
Michaelâs Website
Follow Michael Mosley
Listen to âJust One Thingâ - Michaelâs Podcast -
Martin Sixsmith is many things; heâs an academic, an investigative journalist, a documentarian and he spent years as a foreign correspondent for the BBC working in Russia, Washington and Poland. Heâs an author of both fiction and non-fiction, a radio and television presenter and he was an adviser to the Labour Government. Of the 8 books he has written to date, probably his most well known is âThe Lost Child of Philomena Leeâ which was turned into a multi Oscar and BAFTA nominated film âPhilomenaâ starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
In this conversation Martin talks about his experiences in Russia, The Cold War and Putin and how he came to write about The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. Fascinating, frank, informative and funny, I really enjoyed talking to Martin.
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In no particular order, Gyles Brandreth was an MP in John Majorâs government, is a writer of novels, biographies, autobiographies and stageplays, is a broadcaster, a podcaster, a television presenter and an accomplished speaker.
He has set up a teddy bear museum, he started the UK Scrabble competition, he campaigns for public spaces. Veteran of Call my Bluff and Just a Minute, he is one of the most quick witted people on the planet!
Full of wisdom and hilarious anecdotes, this is a wonderful conversation.
Gyles Brandrethâs Website
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My guest today Ben Goldsmith has been dealt cards of both privilege and tragedy. In our conversation, Ben covers his upbringing, his time at Eton, his love of nature, the tragic loss of his daughter Iris and the organisation he has set up in her memory; âThe Iris Projectâ.
Ben is also a pioneer in the rewilding movement and has his own podcast âRewilding the Worldâ. He discusses some of the environmental challenges the world is facing and details some fascinating facts and stories about our connection to nature.
Ben talks with such openness and eloquence. It was very special for me to have him as a guest.
Related links
Benâs Book âGod Is an Octopusâ
Listen to Benâs podcast âRewilding The Worldâ
The Iris Project
Follow Ben Goldsmith
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Guy Fletcher is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, engineer and producer. He has performed, recorded, toured and worked with artists including Dire Straits, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Roxy Music, Tina Turner and Mick Jagger.
His longest standing collaboration is with Mark Knopfler not only with Dire Straits, but also with Notting Hillbillies, Markâs solo albums and the film scores they have written together.
In this conversation, Guy talks about his love of music from an early age, some of the mad experiences touring with bands at the height of their fame, his extraordinary project for the Teenage Cancer Trust and how in his career he has covered all areas in the world of music. Hugely talented, hugely modest, Guy Fletcher is one of a kind!
Related Links
Guy Fletcherâs Website
Follow Guy Fletcher
Listen to Guyâs music
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Bagawire is the new band to look out for. Its band members are Steve Overland and Tony Remy, both legends in the world of music. Steve Overland is a singer, songwriter & guitarist who has headlined all over Europe and America. He is best known as FMâs lead singer and for whom heâs written 20 albums. Steveâs been voted one of the top 10 rock singers of all time and in Europe he is known simply as The Voice.
Tony Remy is one of the worldâs greatest and most versatile guitarists. He has been sought after by rock and pop music icons including Annie Lennox, Simply Red, Gary Barlow, Jack Bruce, Craig David, Glenn Hughes and from the Jazz, Funk and Soul world, heâs played with Herbie Hancock, Pee Wee Ellis, The (Jazz) Crusaders, Matt Bianco, Incognito and many more.
Sonia Jones, their manager, is one of the top backing vocalists worldwide & has sung, recorded and toured with bands including The Who, Rolling Stones, Dave Gilmour, Donna Summer, Spandau Ballet and Monty Python. I am lucky enough to sing with them with the band The Staks.
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Prasanna has appeared in multiple TV series, films and theatre productions; âThe Crownâ, âPatrick Melroseâ, âLine Of Dutyâ, âDefending the Guiltyâ, âTen Percentâ to name but a few.
Onstage he has further acting credits with the RSC, the Donmar Warehouse and the Young Vic. He writes for the stage, for the screen and is a published author. He started off life as a junior medical doctor.
In this conversation Prasanna talks about the challenges he faced being a junior doctor, the multiple and varied projects he has either performed or masterminded in the entertainment industry and why he feels he is âskin queerâ.
Packed full of insights, anecdotes and honesty, this is a great episode!
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âLessons in Chemistryâ is a multi-million copy bestselling novel, itâs in over 40 countries and has won far too many awards to list here. Such is its success it has been made into a series on Apple Plus, starring Brie Larson.
My aunt sent it to me to cheer me up after I had open heart surgery this Summer. It was one of the best presents I have ever been given and it transformed my recovery. I was devastated when I finished it. I contacted author Bonnie Garmus to tell her how wonderful her book was and she very kindly agreed to let me interview her.
In the episode, Bonnie discusses her journey, inspirations, how she came up with her characters, the struggles of being a writer, tackling sexism & how to use anger constructively. Funny, smart, self-deprecating, full of wisdom, insight and humour, talking to Bonnie was as joyous and compelling as reading her brilliant novel.
Bonnieâs Website
Buy âLessons in Chemistryâ
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What do Cindy Crawford, Bill Nighy and a polar bear have in common? They have all been photographed by David Yarrow, one of the most celebrated photographers in the world.
David Yarrowâs photographs are on the walls of celebrities, art collectors and no less than 3 ex-US presidents. He makes and takes photographs of the natural world and captures scenes that tell iconic stories.
In this conversation we talk about how David began, left and returned to photography, the current marketplace for photographers, the pitfalls of conservation and how he took some of his legendary shots. He, like his photographs, is a great story teller and he talks with great humility and humour. I loved talking to David!
Related Links
David Yarrowâs Website
Follow David on Instagram
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Santa Montefiore is a no 1 bestselling author on the Sunday Times Best Sellers list and each and every book she publishes immediately shoots into the top ten. She writes sweeping sagas of love, tragedy, trauma, heartbreak and hope. She has written 30 books and has sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
A friend of hers recently said of her, âShe is a candidate for sainthood as a mother, sister, godmother and wife, but somehow also one of the funniest people in London.â
Santa talks about her childhood, her love affair with Argentina, her incredible success, how she has honed her craft and her ability to see spirits all with great humility, humour and insight.
Santa has also just released her new book 'Wait for Me'. Based on a true story, this is a tale of enduring love and devastating secrets, sweeping across England during WWII to Australia five decades later.
Related Links:
Santa Montefiore Website
Oogway Ascends - Bing video
Related Books:
Wait for Me
Here and Now
Flappy Entertains
The Deverill Chronicles Collection
Meet Me Under the Ombu Tree
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Sir Ivor Roberts KCMG FCIL served in the British Diplomatic Service for nearly forty years. He served his country in Lebanon, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Vanuatu, Spain and served as British Ambassador to Yugoslavia during the Balkans war. He was posted as Ambassador to Ireland immediately following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and also served as Ambassador to Italy. During that time and, among many roles, he was sent to deal with a rebellion, was involved in the complex and delicate negotiation of releasing hostages and served as the Foreign Officeâs Head of Counter Terrorism.
His memoir of his years in the Balkans, Conversations with Milosevic, was published in 2016. After a glittering career as a diplomat, he became President of Trinity College, Oxford.
In this conversation Ivor shares his experiences and perspectives; from Terry Waite to Milosevic to Silvio Berlusconi to who poses the biggest threat today plus some funny anecdotes and what to expect from a career in the Diplomatic Service.
Related Links
Conversations With Milosevic
Parting Shots
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Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and managing director of Hat Trick Productions, one of the countryâs leading producers of comedy, drama and entertainment. Heâs also a comedian, comedy writer, actor and television presenter.
He has written, produced and acted in countless shows; Alas Smith and Jones, Chelmsford 123, Whose line is it anyway, Have I got News for You, Outnumbered, Drop the Dead Donkey to name but a few.
In 1999 he won the BAFTA Alan Clarke Award for his creative contribution to television. In 2003 he and his then wife Denise OâDonoghue were listed in the Observer as two of the 50 funniest people in Britain.
In this conversation Jimmy talks about many things; among them his journey from comprehensive school to reading Classics and French at Cambridge University to being one of the funniest men in the UK and one of its leading producers. He is an absolute legend and I loved talking to him!
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