Best Matt Stadlen Podcasts (2025)

1
20 Questions With Yasmin Alibhai-Brown 1:00:13

11d ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Award-winning newspaper columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown dicusses immigration, integration, belonging, loyalty and social justice, and explains why, despite her contempt for the politics of Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, she won't be voting Labour at the next election. She also reveals that she was beaten up by her brother and her uncles in Uganda…

1
20 Questions With Prue Leith 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Prue Leith reveals her kitchen secrets, discloses how she won her Michelin star, describes the twin disasters of pouring tea for the Queen and setting the kitchen on fire while cooking for Princess Margaret, tells the story of what happened when the Beatles ate at her restaurant, announces her favourite chef, spells out why she's not a food snob, d…

1
20 Questions With Kevin Cummins 31:50

1M ago31:50

31:50

The award-winning photographer on photographing Bono, navigating the Oasis feud, creating his new book, Oasis The Masterplan, with Noel Gallagher, and watching Manchester City home and away.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Sir James MacMillan 30:43

1M ago30:43

30:43

Scottish composer and conductor Sir James MacMillan offers rare insights into how he goes about composition, revels in the beauty of the Ayrshire landscapes where he lives, explores the influence of religion on his and others' music, compares his experience of watching football (he's a huge Celtic fan) and attending concerts, and reflects on the en…

1
20 Questions With Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah 30:05

1M ago30:05

30:05

Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Abdulrazak Gurnah reveals what drives him as an author, discusses universality, examines what "home" means, reflects on his decision to leave his native Zanzibar as an 18 year-old, and talks about his eleventh novel, Theft.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Nicola Benedetti 30:56

1M ago30:56

30:56

Global superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti on her search for truth as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival; musical intelligence; how she remembers all those notes; life in her thirties; being a mum; handling the future, and the art of performance.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Colum McCann 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

Multi award-winning Irish author Colum McCann talks about his new novel, Twist, which delves into the lesser known but critical world of underwater cables; reveals his concern about what he sees as America's moving away from the democratic model under President Trump; speaks about opening up cracks with his writing that he hopes others might widen,…

1
20 Questions With Rafael Behr 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

The Guardian's award-winning columnist, and leader writer, Rafael Behr on Trump, the Starmer government, how Boris Johnson got under his skin, his heart attack, the changing shape of politics, writing his columns, why he's turned his back on Elon Musk's X, and journalism in the digital age.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Guillaume Bonn 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

Photo journalist Guillaume Bonn has documented war, social issues and the environment for a quarter of a century. Here the Madagascan born award-winning photographer reveals the moment he thought he was about to be shot dead in a Somalian square, discusses the challenges facing photo journalism in the age of fake news, and describes the thrill of b…

1
20 Questions With David Yarrow 53:28

2M ago53:28

53:28

David Yarrow is one of the most successful photographers on the planet. From photographing lions and elephants to capturing Diego Maradona, John McEnroe, Erling Haaland and Cindy Crawford, Yarrow has crossed in and out of genres. He is exhibited around the world and has shot from Antartica to the Arctic. Here he talks about his life behind the lens…

1
20 Questions With Storm Huntley 24:43

3M ago24:43

24:43

The tables are turned on Storm Huntley as the Channel 5 star answers questions instead of asking them. The host of her own daily news and current affairs programme on TV, The Storm Huntley Show, the Glasgow-raised presenter takes us behind the scenes of her busy life and reveals what life is like for her on and off camera.…

1
20 Questions With Paul Lewis 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

The son of a Liverpool docker, Paul Lewis is one of the great classical pianists of the age. His Moonlight Sonata has been listened to more than 200 million times and he is a regular at the major concert halls of the world. Here he offers rare insights into his stellar career behind the keyboard.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Steven Isserlis 20:41

5M ago20:41

20:41

One of the world's greatest cellists, Steven Isserlis offers rare insights into his life and craft.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Dame Imogen Cooper 33:23

5M ago33:23

33:23

International concert pianist Dame Imogen Cooper reveals the secrets of her success and takes us behind the scenes of her musical life.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Polly Toynbee 29:07

6M ago29:07

29:07

Polly Toynbee on a fair society, Labour's Budget, public services, the importance of growth, and the pressure of writing her Guardian columns.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Jason Donovan 37:16

6M ago37:16

37:16

A star of musical theatre, an icon and heartthrob of the 1980s, and a man with four UK Number Ones to his name, Jason Donovan takes us behind the scenes of a career in the spotlight.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Sir Malcolm Rifkind 59:30

6M ago59:30

59:30

Continuously a minister for the 18 years of Tory rule that stretched from 1979 to 1997, Sir Malcolm Rifkind offers insights from his time in and out of power. What was it like being the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary? As a former Defence Secretary, does he think Britain needs to spend more on defence? How should political leaders do business wi…

1
20 Questions With Bryn Terfel 45:23

6M ago45:23

45:23

Britain's greatest living opera singer, Bryn Terfel, tells us of the magic in the Welsh water and how he began life as a farmer's son, recounts his rise to fame, explains the secrets to his success as a bass baritone, reflects on performing with his wife, the harpist, Hannah Jones, remembers listening to Pavarotti in his dressing room and appearing…

1
20 Questions With Ajay Chowdhury 26:29

6M ago26:29

26:29

Tech entrepreneur and crime writer Ajay Chowdhury on the ways in which Generative AI is changing the world, the exciting possibilities it presents and the extreme risks it poses.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Adrian Chiles 48:11

7M ago48:11

48:11

Broadcaster and columnist Adrian Chiles on fame, drinking, mental health, football, presenting, writing, grief, national cuisine, barbecues, dad jokes and books on display.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Robert Lindsay 44:07

7M ago44:07

44:07

On the cusp of turning 75, Robert Lindsay, star of stage and screen, reflects on his award-winning career and offers insights into his life behind the scenes.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Vanessa Feltz 27:26

7M ago27:26

27:26

One of the biggest names in British broadcasting since the 1990s, Vanessa Feltz is about to launch her autobiography, Vanessa Bares All. Here she offers intimate insights into a life lived in the public gaze, analyses her career trajectory, discusses ancient Greek theatre, and reveals why she doesn't feel embarrassed talking about sex.…

1
20 Questions With Graham Gooch 1:04:16

8M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

The most prolific run-scorer in professional cricket history, Graham Gooch shares some of the secrets of his success as a player and a coach. From his 333 against India at Lord's to his 154 not out against the might of the West Indies at Headingley in bowler friendly conditions, what was it that made England's captain such a brilliant player? And h…

1
20 Questions With Humza Yousaf 46:22

8M ago46:22

46:22

First Minister of Scotland until May of this year, Humza Yousaf is a major figure in Scottish and British politics. Here he makes the case for Scottish independence, argues in favour of wealth taxes, makes the case for immigration, champions multiculturalism and has some tough words for Elon Musk.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Dame Joan Bakewell 32:35

8M ago32:35

32:35

A pioneer of arts broadcasting and an icon of Britain's cultural scene for decades, Dame Joan Bakewell here reflects on her career so far. At 91 she looks back on her work in television, shares her passion for art and music and literature, and explains her affair with Harold Pinter. This is a rare insight into the winner of a BAFTA Fellowship who h…

1
20 Questions With Justin Webb 39:46

9M ago39:46

39:46

The longest serving of the current crop of Today Programme presenters on Radio 4, Justin Webb gives rare insights into life behind the scenes at the BBC's flagship news show, discusses how the corporation covers politics, addresses allegations of liberal bias levelled against the national broadcaster, explains the challenges of reporting on Donald …

1
20 Questions With Daniel Norcross 1:13:33

9M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross sheds a tear as he describes his elevation from founder of internet cricket commentary provider, Test Match Sofa, to one of the BBC's best loved and most enduring products. He explains the joy of cricket, reveals the secrets of his trade, and makes the case for the longest form of the game. Whether or …

1
20 Questions With Omid Djalili 44:18

9M ago44:18

44:18

Multi award-winning comedian Omid Djalili on comedy, causing offence, making a difference, his solidarity with Iranian women, expressing himself on social media, his upcoming tour and the meaning of life. (In this episode, Djalili mentions comedian Louis CK, who expressed remorse for masturbating in front of women, but said that he had never reveal…

1
20 Questions With Louis de Bernières 26:16

10M ago26:16

26:16

Louis de Bernières, author of novels including Captain Corelli's Mandolin, on the meaning of life.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Guillem Balagué 47:18

10M ago47:18

47:18

One of football's best loved pundits, Guillem Balagué is the author of 10 books, including on Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona and Guardiola. Here he gives his verdict on the the greatest player of all time, how he fell out with Ronaldo, what he thinks of the foreign ownership of clubs, highlights the scourge of racism in the game, explains the difference …

1
20 Questions With Tom Kerridge 53:46

11M ago53:46

53:46

One of the very top names in British food, Tom Kerridge is the only chef in the country with a two Michelin star pub. He runs multiple establishments, writes cook books and fronts TV series. Here he reveals the secrets to his stardom, describes his journey from a working class, single-parent childhood, talks about his triumph over alcoholism and lo…

1
20 Questions With Kriss Akabusi 48:54

11M ago48:54

48:54

World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Kriss Akabusi reveals the trauma he experienced as a child and the impact that had on his rise to international stardom. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, he tells the story of the sadness he felt when his Nigerian parents left him behind in London as a boy so that he could experience a British educati…

1
20 Questions With Steven Berkoff 50:43

11M ago50:43

50:43

A legend of stage and screen, Steven Berkoff is an actor, director and playwright, known for his roles in Bond, Beverley Hills Cop and Rambo as well as for having given his name to Berkovian theatre. Here he discusses his techniques, why theatre matters and why he's so passionate about his work.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Professor David Howarth 44:39

12M ago44:39

44:39

How did the East India Company come about and how did it become the largest corporation in the world? How did the English compare to the Spanish and Dutch as a naval power, and how did they manage to gain a foothold in the Indian subcontinent? What were the obstacles to success, and what motivated the mercantile adventurers who risked their lives o…

1
20 Questions With World Cup winner Rocky Clark 33:42

12M ago33:42

33:42

Rochelle "Rocky" Clark won 137 caps for England, making her the second most capped player in the history of English rugby. She took part in four World Cups, winning one of them, and is an icon of the women's game. Here she reveals what it takes to reach the top, shares her highest bench press, discusses weight and fitness, gives her views on how to…

1
20 Questions With Hermione Norris 23:38

1y ago23:38

23:38

Star of Cold Feet, Spooks, Luther, Kingdom, Doctor Who and Silent Witness, Hermione Norris takes us behind the scenes of her craft, describes the differences between stage and screen, discusses the need for more female parts, reveals why the role of spy Ros Myers helped her as a new mum, and explains why she enjoys playing bad people.…

1
20 Questions With Tom Walker AKA Jonathan Pie 43:48

1y ago43:48

43:48

Tom Walker, whose character Jonathan Pie has become a viral sensation, talks about his comedy, causing offence, whether he shares the politics of Pie, how he made the transition from online to on stage, and how he deals with difficult audience members.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Alexandra Shulman 29:01

1y ago29:01

29:01

Alexandra Shulman edited British Vogue for a record 25 years. Here she explains why fashion matters, how she became passionate about clothes, reveals her favourite brands, gives her verdict on her successors, describes the ethical issues she had to navigate in the world of fashion and offers her message to those wanting to experiment with what they…

1
20 Questions With Joanne Harris 33:23

1y ago33:23

33:23

Author of 20 novels, including Chocolat, Joanne Harris explains her craft, reveals whether she dreams in English or French, gives her verdict on literary prizes and assesses the good and the bad of social media. A rare insight into the inner world of one of Britain's most successful writers.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Agnes Poirier on Paris 48:07

1y ago48:07

48:07

Author and journalist Agnes Poirier takes us on a whirlwind tour of historical and contemporary Paris, illuminating some of its cultural and political landmarks and telling the story of its prominence as one of the great capitals of the world. Along the way we encounter the French Revolution, the building, burning and rebuilding of Notre Dame, the …

1
20 Questions With Alan Rusbridger 32:25

1y ago32:25

32:25

One of the most important journalists of his generation, Alan Rusbridger edited the Guardian for two decades, helping to break international mega stories that included Snowden, Wikileaks and phone hacking. Now editor of Prospect magazine, here he reflects on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, not least on El…

1
20 Questions With Guy Deacon 28:39

1y ago28:39

28:39

Guy Deacon served in the British Army for over three decades. At the age of 49 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but in his late fifties and early sixties, having left the military, he drove from the shores of Morocco to Cape Town, taking the western coastal route. On his way he raised awareness about the disease on the African continent and showe…

1
20 Questions With John Simpson 58:11

1y ago58:11

58:11

Legendary broadcaster and BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson talks about being punched in the stomach by a British Prime Minister, the different approaches as he sees them of Tory and Labour governments to the BBC, questions of bias, the importance of reflecting nuance, his career reporting from 160 countries, surviving 10 near death experiences…

1
20 Questions With Rory Cellan-Jones 34:38

1y ago34:38

34:38

The man who became famous for bringing the latest developments and inventions in tech to BBC audiences is now, arguably, less famous than his rescue dog, Sophie from Romania. Here Rory Cellan-Jones explains this canine phenomenon, describes the impact of Parkinson's on his life, discusses the future of technology and the reach of AI, contemplates w…

1
20 Questions With Sathnam Sanghera 39:16

1y ago39:16

39:16

The author of Empireland and Empireworld, Sathnam Sanghera, explores the impact of British colonialism on Britain and the world, expresses his frustration at the amnesia about the involvement of people of colour in British history, encourages us to understand the past rather than rank it, eschews the culture wars, discusses the Royal Family's invol…

1
20 Questions With 'The Black Farmer' 42:44

1y ago42:44

42:44

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, self-styled as 'The Black Farmer', came to Britain from Jamaica as a small boy and grew up in poverty as one of nine siblings. He was often 'very, very, very hungry'. At an early age he became determined to own his own farm. Despite leaving school with no qualifications, after a career in television and then in PR, he realis…

1
20 Questions With John Suchet 1:02:31

1y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

ITN newscaster turned Classic FM presenter John Suchet takes us on a passion-fuelled tour of Beethoven's life and music. Is the composer, who began to lose his hearing as a young man, the greatest of them all? What about Mozart or Schubert? Suchet's infectious love of his subject provides a must-listen for any listener to classical music - and for …

1
20 Questions With Alastair Campbell 53:07

1+ y ago53:07

53:07

Who better to talk to in General Election year than Tony Blair's former Director of Communications and Strategy, the man who helped drive New Labour to power and keep it there. Here he gives his verdicts on Starmer and Sunak, sets out a blueprint for growth, reveals why he became so involved in the fallout from the Brexit referendum, laments the mo…

1
20 Questions With Bettany Hughes 39:30

1+ y ago39:30

39:30

Classical historian Bettany Hughes takes us on a revelatory journey through the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From the Great Pyramid at Giza to the Lighthouse of Alexandria via the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Immerse yourself in the beauty and brutality of a world that lives on in us.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Matthew Taylor 52:01

1+ y ago52:01

52:01

Matthew Taylor is the Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation. Here he gives his take on the challenges facing the NHS, the shortfalls in funding, the need for capital investment, the under-management of the health service, the choices facing politicians, the problems in social care, huge waiting lists, the cost analyses of prevention and innovati…

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