20 Questions With Adrian Chiles

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

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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). 

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