The poet Lemm Sissay was cast away by Kirsty Young in 2015.As a poet, writer and playwright, much of his work tells the story of his search for his birth parents. Born to a young Ethiopian woman who wanted him temporarily looked after while she completed her studies, he was with a foster family until he was 12.Lemn told Kirsty how he felt after his foster family broke ties with him.You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
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Jill Scott on her start in football
The former footballer Jill Scott was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2023.Jill was part of the Lionesses’ winning team at the Euros 2022.When Jill was starting out in her career, the women players had to settle for second-hand kit and miserly wages.She spoke to Lauren about the challenges she faced when she started her senior career at Sunderland aged 17.You can find the full episode on BBC Sounds.
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Adrian Edmondson on working with Rik Mayall
In 2023, the comedian and writer Adrian Edmondson was cast away by Lauren Laverne.Adrian met his comedy partner, the late Rik Mayall, at university. They bonded over their shared interests in double acts, violent slapstick and the plays of Samuel Beckett. It was the start of a long performing partnership and friendship.Adrian spoke to Lauren about the creative process behind the anarchic TV comedy and long-running touring show Bottom.You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
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Dr Nicola Fox on the tragedy that changed her life
After completing her PhD, Dr Fox took up a post-doctoral fellowship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland. In 2010, she became the project scientist for the Parker Solar Probe, humanity’s first mission to a star.Shortly after she began working on the Parker Solar Probe project, she was away on work business when her husband died suddenly, leaving their very young children home alone. She told Lauren about that fateful day.You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
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George Michael on his accidental start in music
As a singer and songwriter, George sold more than 100 million records, won two Grammy awards and notched up countless number one hits.He told Kirsty about how an accident played a pivotal role in his love for music.You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.