Alan Yentob

Rose Boyt is a writer and photographer. In her latest book, Naked Portrait, Rose delves deep into the intricate and often tumultuous relationship she shared with her father, the artist Lucian Freud. By immersing herself in her rediscovered typed diary, Rose fearlessly confronts the complexities of their bond, delving into its raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and complexities. It is a compelling reflection on family relationships, art, identity, and the profound impact these connections can have on one's life.

Justin Theroux's work spans various facets of the entertainment industry. His numerous acting credits include leading roles in "Mulholland Drive" and "Inland Empire,” both directed by David Lynch, and the lead role in the HBO series "The Leftovers. He is about to be seen in the second Beetlejuice film. Additionally, he directed the film "Dedication” and was a screenwriter for movies such as "Tropic Thunder," "Iron Man 2," "Rock of Ages," and "Zoolander 2.” Justin advocates against breed discrimination, particularly concerning pit bulls, driven by his love for his dog, Kuma.

Sir Ben Okri is a Nigerian-born British poet and novelist. His renowned novel, The Famished Road, won him the Booker Prize and became a beacon for a rising cohort of African writers. It has also inspired many forms of the arts. His words on the climate crisis are discerning and urgent. His language compels us to reassess our environmental rapport and unite our efforts. He underscores the vital importance of ecological preservation for future generations, establishing himself as a crucial advocate for collective action in the face of global environmental challenges. He was knighted in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours list for his services to literature.

Patrick Woodroffe is pre-eminent in lighting design. He is a pioneer in touring rock shows. He has worked with most of the world's biggest acts: Abba ACDC, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, and Adele. He has been lighting the Rolling Stones since 1982. In 2009, he worked with Michael Jackson on his 02 shows and spent the last full day of his life with him. He has lit opera, ballet, and Hollywood parties and did the lighting for the London Olympic Games opening ceremony. Reflecting on his work, Woodroffe once said: ‘ The stage is your canvas; the lights are your electronic paint box.’

Jacques Villeneuve epitomises motorsport excellence, rising to stardom in various racing disciplines. Son of Gilles Villeneuve and nephew of Jacques Villeneuve Senior, his path to success was forged amidst tragedy, losing his father at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix qualifiers, aged just 11. Jacques claimed the Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship with Williams and triumphed in the 1995 Indycar series, securing the iconic Indianapolis 500. His 'triple' feat status places him in an elite group with Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi. From 1996 to 2006, Jacques raced in Formula 1, notably co-founding and driving for BAR-Honda, which later transformed into the Mercedes AMG F1 Team. In 2022, he made waves at the Daytona 500, becoming one of only two drivers - alongside Mario Andretti - to compete in the Daytona 500, Le Mans 24 Hours, and Formula 1.

Alexi Lubomirski is a celebrity, fashion, and culture photographer and writer. Among his most memorable works are the official engagement and wedding photographs of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. This series of portraits offered an intimacy rarely seen in The Royal Family and is a testament to the unique perspective Alexi brings to his craft. He wrote a book called Princely Advice for a Happy Life for his two sons, which has been translated into six languages. He has also had books published of his photographs; Transit, Talk to me Always (which includes his prose and poetry) Decade, Diverse Beauty and most recently The Sittings. His only condition in agreeing to be interviewed was that he retake the original photograph for the podcast. I said yes, he took the photograph, and I was very happy with the result!

Alan Yentob is one of the most prominent figures in British broadcasting. He held some of the BBC's key positions, including controller of BBC1 and BBC2 and creative director. Throughout his career, he has produced and presented numerous programs that interview some of the world’s most compelling writers, artists, and performers. His documentary on David Bowie, ‘ Cracked Actor,’ is considered one of the finest music documentaries.

Sol's choice of train journey is from Pretoria to Dar Es Salaam. Sol Campbell is the ex-England international footballer who played for his country 73 times and ‘is the only player to have represented England in six consecutive major tournaments. Campbell began his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur and then, in a contentious transfer, moved to their North London neighbours. His time at Arsenal proved successful. He won two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups, which included the league and FA Cup double. He was part of the team known as The Invincibles for their undefeated 2003–04 Premier League season. From Arsenal, he joined Portsmouth and captained them to victory in the 2008 FA Cup Final. He has constantly remained something of an enigma and feels deeply misunderstood by the majority who know him by name.

Jose Antonio Suarez Londoño is one of Columbia’s most celebrated living artists and someone who rarely gives interviews. At the core of his creative process are a notepad, a marker and a book His work has become a recording of his readings and daily occupations – a graphic autobiography. Despite his isolation ( he has no phone nor a computer, } his figurative drawings are everything you’d want them to be - delicacy, light and foresaw the work of a generation of Colombian artists.

Nicky Chinn: Our passenger today is Nicky Chinn, the English songwriter whose songs with Mike Chapman dominated the charts in the 1970s and early 1980s. The duo with producer Micky Most created the Glam Rock sound that shaped a generation. They wrote hits such as Sweet's Blockbuster!" "The Ballroom Blitz", Teenager Rampage. Suzi Quatro's, ‘ Can the Can”, and "Devil Gate Drive”. And Mud's Tiger Feet" and "Lonely This Christmas”.    In recent years, Nicky has been very open in his battle with depression, which, in his words, is now more appropriately referred to as bipolar disorder.  He has said that being bipolar is a privilege which made him who he is. “ The only people who understand it are those who suffer from it. The best I could hope for was acceptance...'