Podcast · 43 episodes
Great Lives
by BBC Radio 4 · English
Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.
Latest episodes
Ruby Tandoh on Brian Jacques author of the Redwall seriesThe BBC “Great Lives” episode profiles children’s author Brian Jacques (Redwall series) through Ruby Tandoh’s culinary/reading lens and guests’ memories of his life, voice, and worldview.28 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Eric Ashby, Silent Watcher of the New ForestGreat Lives profile of Eric Ashby, a BBC wildlife cameraman who lived year-round in England’s New Forest and filmed secretive animals—especially foxes, badgers, and deer—using minimal equipment and…21 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Pauline Black of The Selecter on Poly Styrene of X-Ray SpexPauline Black (The Selecter) discusses her personal impact from Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex) and explores Poly’s life, identity, music, and struggles, including Hare Krishna years and mental health…15 Aug 2026 · 28 min
All episodes
Ruby Tandoh on Brian Jacques author of the Redwall seriesThe BBC “Great Lives” episode profiles children’s author Brian Jacques (Redwall series) through Ruby Tandoh’s culinary/reading lens and guests’ memories of his life, voice, and worldview.28 Sep 2026 · 28 min · 10 chapters
Eric Ashby, Silent Watcher of the New ForestGreat Lives profile of Eric Ashby, a BBC wildlife cameraman who lived year-round in England’s New Forest and filmed secretive animals—especially foxes, badgers, and deer—using minimal equipment and…21 Sep 2026 · 28 min · 10 chapters
Pauline Black of The Selecter on Poly Styrene of X-Ray SpexPauline Black (The Selecter) discusses her personal impact from Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex) and explores Poly’s life, identity, music, and struggles, including Hare Krishna years and mental health…15 Aug 2026 · 28 min · 13 chapters
Actor Laurence Olivier with Derek Jacobi and Tim WalkerThe episode profiles actor Laurence Olivier (Baron Olivier of Brighton) through stories from his nominator, journalist Tim Walker, and actor Sir Derek Jacobi.14 Aug 2026 · 28 min · 15 chapters
Cartoonist Naji al-AliThe life and political cartoons of Palestinian illustrator Naji al-Ali, focused on his recurring child character Handala (shown from behind) as a form of “bearing witness” to injustice against…2 Jun 2026 · 28 min · 23 chapters
Cleopatra picked by Kate WilliamsA discussion of Cleopatra VII’s real political power versus later sexualized myths in Shakespeare and Roman/modern retellings, focusing on how Rome portrayed her, her Ptolemaic background, her…1 Jun 2026 · 28 min · 17 chapters
Ade Edmondson on singer Sandy DennyAdrian Edmondson and music writer Patrick Humphreys discuss English folk singer Sandy Denny—her impact on Englishness and folk-rock, her songwriting and voice, her career path (Straubs, Fairport…19 May 2026 · 27 min · 22 chapters
Tony Garnett picked by Harry BradbeerGreat Lives profiles TV/film producer Tony Garnett, focusing on how his traumatic childhood shaped his political drive and production style, and highlighting his landmark works and working…19 May 2026 · 28 min · 14 chapters
Peter Cook picked by Jon Harvey aka Count BinfaceThe episode is a tribute to satirist Peter Cook, mixing clips of his work with discussion of his life and influence on British comedy.19 May 2026 · 28 min · 13 chapters
Coco Khan picks Edith Garrud, the jujitsu fighting suffragetteEdith Garrod (also spelled Garrod/Garrett in places), a suffragette who taught jiu-jitsu and other physical self-defence to women, using public demonstrations and a bodyguard-training role to protect…19 May 2026 · 28 min · 15 chapters
William Gladstone, four-time PMWilliam Gladstone—born 1809, Prime Minister four times (the only one to enter Downing Street as PM four times)—and how his lifelong intellectual energy and moral purpose connect to elderly engagement…19 May 2026 · 27 min · 11 chapters
Alistair McGowan on HE BatesAlistair McGowan discusses author H.E. Bates—his love of nature, short stories, wartime contribution to RAF morale, and the enduring appeal of works like The Darling Buds of May and Fair Stood the…11 May 2026 · 27 min · 14 chapters
Beverley Knight on Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the godmother of rock and rollBeverly Knight discusses Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “godmother of rock and roll,” focusing on her gospel-to-secular crossover, faith conflicts, and impact on later rock guitar and vocal styles.11 May 2026 · 28 min · 16 chapters
Daisy Dunn on Marcus Agrippa, ancient Rome's king of cementIn this episode, Dr. Daisy Dunn, the author of *The Missing Thread*, discusses Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a significant figure in ancient Rome known for his military victories and engineering…2 Mar 2026 · 27 min · 11 chapters
Dr Sian Williams nominates Anna FreudA biographical series where guests choose individuals who have inspired their lives.23 Feb 2026 · 28 min · 16 chapters
Pianist and broadcaster Keelan Carew nominates Russian composer Nicolai MedtnerPianist and broadcaster Keelan Carew nominates Russian composer Nicolai Medtner16 Feb 2026 · 28 min · 15 chapters
Comedian Helen Lederer on Joan Rivers"Great Lives" is a biographical series where guests discuss individuals who have inspired them throughout their lives.10 Feb 2026 · 28 min · 11 chapters
John Cooper Clarke on Johnny Green, road manager of The ClashThis episode features John Cooper Clarke, a punk poet, discussing Johnny Green, the road manager of The Clash.10 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
Helen Carr picks Christine de Pizan at the Gloucester history festivalGreat Lives is a biographical series where guests discuss individuals who have inspired them throughout their lives.28 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 15 chapters
Alex Wheatle, the Bard of BrixtonCelebrating the life and career of Alex Wheatle, an author who overcame significant adversity and became an influential figure in literature.19 Jan 2026 · 28 min · 13 chapters
Spitfire pilot Jeffrey Quill picked by astronaut Tim PeakeA biographical series where guests discuss individuals who have inspired their lives.12 Jan 2026 · 28 min · 14 chapters
Oliver PostgateThis episode of Great Lives features Andrew Davenport, the writer and creator behind beloved children's programs like *Teletubbies* and *In the Night Garden*, who nominates Oliver Postgate.3 Nov 2025 · 28 min
Sylvia PlathLucy Jones (author of *Matrescence*), Heather Clark (biographer of Sylvia Plath)27 Oct 2025 · 27 min
Elizabeth Day on HatshepsutElizabeth Day shares her fascination with Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh from ancient Egypt, exploring how she navigated a male-dominated world.20 Oct 2025 · 28 min