Podcast · 76 episodes
Desert Island Discs
by BBC Radio 4 · English
Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.
Latest episodes
Warwick Davis on his first role as an Ewok in Star WarsWarwick Davis recalls how he got his first acting role as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at age 11, and how his career evolved from being cast for his height (3 ft 6 in the transcript) to…30 Sep 2026 · 4 min
How Lily Allen brought the house down with a Disney song aged 11Lily Allen discusses her childhood school reports, being a shy/bullied kid depending on home circumstances, and how singing transformed her confidence.29 Sep 2026 · 3 min
How hiding in a toilet helped Steven Spielberg get into the movie businessSteven Spielberg’s origin story—how he secretly toured Universal Studios by hiding in a restroom stall, then used passes and a friendly guard to become an unofficial apprentice; plus reflections on…28 Sep 2026 · 4 min
All episodes
Warwick Davis on his first role as an Ewok in Star WarsWarwick Davis recalls how he got his first acting role as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at age 11, and how his career evolved from being cast for his height (3 ft 6 in the transcript) to…30 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 1 chapter
How Lily Allen brought the house down with a Disney song aged 11Lily Allen discusses her childhood school reports, being a shy/bullied kid depending on home circumstances, and how singing transformed her confidence.29 Sep 2026 · 3 min · 1 chapter
How hiding in a toilet helped Steven Spielberg get into the movie businessSteven Spielberg’s origin story—how he secretly toured Universal Studios by hiding in a restroom stall, then used passes and a friendly guard to become an unofficial apprentice; plus reflections on…28 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 3 chapters
Malorie Blackman on receiving 82 rejection letters from publishersMalorie Blackman discusses her path from a financial markets analyst to a children’s/YA author, including the emotional toll of leaving her job and getting 82 rejection letters before her first books…25 Sep 2026 · 3 min · 2 chapters
How snooker halls became Ronnie O'Sullivan's "creche" from a young ageRonnie O’Sullivan recalls how snooker halls in East London became his “creche,” where his father would drop him off unaccompanied from about age 7–8 so he could play safely while adults watched.24 Sep 2026 · 3 min · 1 chapter
Delia Smith on her catchphrase - "Let's be havin' you!"Delia Smith discusses her catchphrase “Let’s be havin’ you!” and how it became a viral football-fan chant.23 Sep 2026 · 3 min · 3 chapters
How Kate Moss's modelling break came at an unexpected momentKate Moss describes how her modelling break began unexpectedly while she was travelling in economy, and how she navigated early castings as a teenager. Guests: Kate Moss (supermodel).22 Sep 2026 · 3 min · 1 chapter
Keith Richards on writing "Satisfaction" in his sleepKeith Richards recalls meeting Mick Jagger again in 1961 at Dartford train station, their shared music interests, and how he claims the “Satisfaction” riff and framework came to him while sleeping…21 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 1 chapter
Chaka Khan, singer and songwriterChaka Khan’s Desert Island Discs choices and life story, spanning her Chicago upbringing, civil-rights and Black Panther activism, musical influences, major collaborations, struggles with fame and…13 Sep 2026 · 51 min · 26 chapters
Professor Dame Pamela ShawDesert Island Discs with Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, a neurologist focused on motor neurone disease (MND).6 Sep 2026 · 52 min · 23 chapters
Emma Grede, businesswomanEmma Grede, a self-made fashion and consumer-business entrepreneur, discusses her rise from East London to building talent-marketing company ITB, then launching Good American with Khloe Kardashian…29 Aug 2026 · 52 min · 29 chapters
Sir Roger Deakins, cinematographerCinematographer Sir Roger Deakins discusses his 50-year career shaping modern cinema, his private, nervous temperament, and how he approaches filmmaking through “the eye to the eyepiece” and…23 Aug 2026 · 51 min · 29 chapters
Shania Twain, musicianShania Twain’s Desert Island Discs episode covers her life story (poverty, abuse, family responsibility, career breakthroughs, illness, divorce, and later love) and how her songwriting and musical…16 Aug 2026 · 50 min · 26 chapters
Paul Farmer, charity leaderPaul Farmer, charity leader, discusses “belief making” through campaigning and connection—first in mental health, then ageing—arguing society is in denial about later life, with loneliness and ageism…8 Aug 2026 · 50 min · 31 chapters
Professor Liz Morris, glaciologistDesert Island Discs with glaciologist Professor Liz Morris, covering her polar fieldwork (Arctic and Antarctica), barriers faced by women in Antarctic research, and her views on climate change/polar…2 Aug 2026 · 51 min · 18 chapters
Norman Cook, DJ and musicianNorman Cook (Quentin Leo Cook) discusses his life and music career through his Desert Island Discs choices: from early DJing and punk influences to sampling, Big Beat, fame, addiction recovery, and…25 Jul 2026 · 51 min · 31 chapters
Jo Nesbø, writerWriter Jo Nesbø (Harry Hole/Nordic noir) chooses Desert Island Discs tracks and explains how his life in football, the army, finance, and music fed his crime writing.18 Jul 2026 · 51 min · 22 chapters
Anna Maxwell Martin, actorAnna Maxwell Martin discusses her acting career, improvisation and avoiding typecasting, her grief and PTSD after her father’s death, her relationship with director Roger Michel, and her advocacy for…12 Jul 2026 · 51 min · 30 chapters
Peter Layton, artistArtist Peter Layton, “Grand Master of Glass,” founding figure of the British Studio Glass Movement; his life story and how glassmaking, music, and community shaped his work, including politically…5 Jul 2026 · 51 min · 26 chapters
Guy Martin, presenter and former motorcycle racerDesert Island Discs with TV presenter and former motorcycle racer Guy Martin.28 Jun 2026 · 51 min · 33 chapters
Emily Watson, actorEmily Watson discusses her acting career and creative process, shaped by childhood reading and a strict upbringing in the School of Economic Science (SES).20 Jun 2026 · 53 min · 27 chapters
Gary O'Donoghue, journalistBBC journalist Gary O’Donoghue discusses reporting under pressure, disability and access, and his life story through the Desert Island Discs format.14 Jun 2026 · 51 min · 26 chapters
David Morrissey, actorActor David Morrissey’s Desert Island Discs choices and stories, focused on how his upbringing, masculinity themes in acting, and personal struggles (anxiety, sobriety) shaped his work and identity.6 Jun 2026 · 51 min · 24 chapters
Classic Desert Island Discs - Whoopi GoldbergWhoopi Goldberg’s Desert Island Discs episode centers on her life choices, career path, and what music means to her.31 May 2026 · 35 min · 21 chapters