20 Questions With Nicola Benedetti

20 Questions With

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38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.…

about a year ago 30:56

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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.

116 episodes

20 Questions With Nicola Benedetti

20 Questions With

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

116 episodes

#Arts #Business #Government #Matt Stadlen

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1
20 Questions With Simon Heffer 52:19

2 days ago52:19

52:19

Sunday Telegraph columnist and author SImon Heffer discusses some of the most contentious issues in politics today - illegal immigration, welfare, the rise of Reform, the plight of the Tory Party, and Keir Starmer's Prime Ministership - and reflects on British political figures, including Enoch Powell, whose official biography he wrote.…

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

18 days 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 - the country of her upbringing - for playing opposite a black actor in Othello, and describes her subsequent experience as an immigrant to Britain. In this deeply personal and hugely political conversation, Alibhai-Brown doesn't hold back in the setting out of her values.…

1
20 Questions With Prue Leith 1:01:00

5 weeks 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, discusses finding love again in her seventies, lets us in on the secret to her happy marriage with John (now her co-star on Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen), takes us behind the scenes on The Great British Bakeoff, explains her support for assisted dying, and recounts the time she had breakfast with Winston Churchill.…

1
20 Questions With Kevin Cummins 31:50

5 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Sir James MacMillan 30:43

7 weeks 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 enduring legacies of greats such as Handel and Bach.…

1
20 Questions With Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah 30:05

7 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Nicola Benedetti 30:56

7 weeks ago30:56

30:56

1
20 Questions With Colum McCann 35:20

8 weeks 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, and extols the virtues of New York, where he lives.…

1
20 Questions With Rafael Behr 47:31

9 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Guillaume Bonn 36:06

11 weeks 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 being in the wild.…

1
20 Questions With David Yarrow 53:28

11 weeks 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 and offers forthright insights into the worlds of conservation and fine art.…

1
20 Questions With Storm Huntley 24:43

13 weeks 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

19 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Steven Isserlis 20:41

20 weeks ago20:41

20:41

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

1
20 Questions With Dame Imogen Cooper 33:23

22 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Polly Toynbee 29:07

25 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Jason Donovan 37:16

26 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Sir Malcolm Rifkind 59:30

27 weeks 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 with despots or those they may otherwise hold in contempt? At a time of crisis for the Conservative Party, what really is Conservatism? And what are his top tips for public speaking? A rare insight into the life of one of the UK's leading political figures.…

1
20 Questions With Bryn Terfel 45:23

28 weeks 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 with José Carerras, and chooses the role and opera house he'd take with him to Heaven.…

1
20 Questions With Ajay Chowdhury 26:29

28 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Adrian Chiles 48:11

30 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Robert Lindsay 44:07

31 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Vanessa Feltz 27:26

32 weeks 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

33 weeks 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 how did he later help drive an England team containing Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook to become the number one Test side in the world? Who is the greatest bowler he ever faced? Did he find the spin of Shane Warne or the speed of Malcolm Marshall more challenging? Four decades on from the rebel tour to South Africa that he led on the field, does he regret his decision to travel to a country still under the yolk of Apartheid? And after his rehabilitation in the national side following.a three year ban, why did the England captaincy bring the best out of him? This is a rare chance to hear from one of England's greatest ever players.…

1
20 Questions With Humza Yousaf 46:22

35 weeks 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.

1
20 Questions With Dame Joan Bakewell 32:35

36 weeks 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 helped transform the way the arts were covered on TV.…

1
20 Questions With Justin Webb 39:46

39 weeks 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 Trump for his podcast, Americast, and describes the childhood he chronicles in his memoir, The Gift Of A Radio.…

1
20 Questions With Daniel Norcross 1:13:33

40 weeks 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 not you like the sport, Norcross shows that in the case of TMS's coverage, it's as much about the commentary as it is about the cricket.…

1
20 Questions With Omid Djalili 44:18

40 weeks 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 revealed himself without first asking permission).…

1
20 Questions With Louis de Bernières 26:16

43 weeks ago26:16

26:16

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

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Guillem Balagué 47:18

46 weeks 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 between football in England and Spain, predicts who will win the Euros, offers support to Gareth Southgate, and reveals that his real passion is story-telling, not football. A rare insight into the man behind the headlines.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Tom Kerridge 53:46

46 weeks 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 losing 12 stone in weight, recounts his experience of cooking for Liam Gallagher, and outlines why a happy work force is essential to a successful business.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Kriss Akabusi 48:54

47 weeks 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 education. He learned to play the clown to fit in and then the army and sport brought structure. The rest is athletics history, and Akabusi describes in charismatic detail the experience of anchoring the GB 4x400m men's relay team to gold in 1991.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Steven Berkoff 50:43

49 weeks 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.

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Professor David Howarth 44:39

51 weeks 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 on the high seas? How did the British Empire in India emerge from the foundations set by the Company? And at what cost? How should we look back at our highly controversial colonial role on the global stage? Historian and Emeritus Professor David Howarth helps to answer these questions at a time when imperialism is under the spotlight like never before. Drawing on his book Adventurers: The Improbable Rise of the East India Company, he takes us back to the 17th and 18th centuries as the English began to establish themselves as a major world force. And he reveals the influence on his career of his own father, Tom Howarth, who was friends with Field Marshal Montgomery and won the Military Cross for bravery in World War II. What was it like being shown round Rommel's caravan by 'Monty' as a young boy? An unmissable insight into the importance of history, which, as Howarth says, is very far from dead.…

20 Questions With

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

52 weeks 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 bridge the gap between the men's and women's games, reviews how the sport has changed since she began playing, and celebrates the progress made by girls and women in team sports.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Hermione Norris 23:38

1 year 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.…

20 Questions With

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

1 year 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.

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Alexandra Shulman 29:01

1 year 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 wear - including my decision to wear white trainers with a jacket and tie.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Joanne Harris 33:23

1 year 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.

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Agnes Poirier on Paris 48:07

1 year 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 significance of the Eiffel Tower, the French resistance, religion and secularism, the rebirth of the city after the Nazi occupation, Coco Chanel, the Banlieue, the Left Bank and its personalities, the Catacombs, culinary tradition and, of course, a reputation for love.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Alan Rusbridger 32:25

1 year 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 Elon Musk's X, the need to counteract alternative facts, such as those promoted by Donald Trump, the importance of impartiality at the BBC, and what he believes is at the core of good journalism.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Guy Deacon 28:39

1 year 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 showed the world what can be done in the face of adversity. Here he tells his extraordinary and inspiring story.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With John Simpson 58:11

1 year 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, his views on the future of the BBC, his take on public service broadcasting, and his passions outside of work.…

20 Questions With

1
20 Questions With Rory Cellan-Jones 34:38

1 year ago34:38