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Rachel Johnson's voice has echoed across the airwaves, her words have filled the pages of Britain's most read newspapers and her wit has lit up our screens. She is not just a journalist – she's a broadcaster, columnist, podcaster, author of eight books, and the only editor of The Lady to have entered the Big Brother House. From the Financial Times to BBC Radio 4 and LBC, from Question Time to Celebrity Mastermind, Rachel is always up for a challenge or a good debate. She's a fierce advocate for women's voices, she's a sharp observer of British life, she's a fearless commentator on politics, culture and everything in between and she's very funny.  Related links Follow Rachel on Instagram Rachel Johnson Difficult Women Podcast Rachel's books Bandwidth Conversations is proudly sponsored by Klira.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Alexander Dragonetti is many things; a school teacher, DJ for radio, national heartthrob, ambassador for Mencap, older brother to an amazing young man with autism and global learning disorder, a British diplomat and... a Traitor. This podcast covers a wide range of topics. Alexander reflects with candour and deep humility on many aspects of his eventful life. If you are a fan of The Traitors or if you are interested in insights about teaching in one of the toughest schools in the country, lessons in diplomacy, losing a sibling and caring for people who are 'different', this is the podcast for you. Related links Mencap Follow Alexander on Instagram Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant  

I loved my conversation with the charming, humble and very talented Humphrey Ker - actor, comedian, improviser, writer and football aficionado. From the stage to the stadium, Humphrey talks about his acting and comedic journey, his detour via Wrexham AFC with actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to becoming a treble promotion winning cult hero football executive and why he'll be spending his 2025/26 Christmas holidays at the Birmingham Rep playing Sherlock Holmes singing songs written for him by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Humphrey Ker is a total delight! Related Links Welcome to Wrexham Season 4 Trailer Birmingham Rep Tickets Museum of Curiosity

In this episode, Dr. Emma Craythorne takes us far beyond the surface. From surviving an IRA bombing to becoming one of the UK's most recognized dermatologists, Emma shares her extraordinary journey through medicine, resilience and media. She talks about her work on the hit TV show The Bad Skin Clinic, her candid conversations on After Hours Skin Clinic, and the personal experiences that shaped her path. Committed to her patients, listeners and viewers, transforming the lives of all those she treats, Emma's achievements are many and her story is an inspiration. Related Links Follow Emma Emma's Website Klira Skin Listen to Emma's Podcast  

'Lessons in Chemistry' is a multi-million copy bestselling novel, it's in over 40 countries and has won far too many awards to list here. Such is its success it has been made into a series on Apple Plus, starring Brie Larson. My aunt sent it to me to cheer me up after I had open heart surgery this Summer. It was one of the best presents I have ever been given and it transformed my recovery. I was devastated when I finished it. I contacted author Bonnie Garmus to tell her how wonderful her book was and she very kindly agreed to let me interview her. In the episode, Bonnie discusses her journey, inspirations, how she came up with her characters, the struggles of being a writer, tackling sexism & how to use anger constructively. Funny, smart, self-deprecating, full of wisdom, insight and humour, talking to Bonnie was as joyous and compelling as reading her brilliant novel. Bonnie's Website Buy 'Lessons in Chemistry'

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by someone whose career defies convention and whose work has touched lives across war zones, hospital wards and the written page. Dr Rachel Clarke began as a broadcast journalist, reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places — covering Al Qaeda, the Gulf War and the civil war in the DRC. Then, at 29, she retrained as a doctor, specialising in palliative care, where she now helps patients live their final days with dignity and as much comfort as possible. Her bestselling books; 'Your Life in My Hands', 'Dear Life', 'Breathtaking' & 'The Story of A Heart' have become essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the human side of healthcare. 'Breathtaking', her searing account of the COVID-19 frontline, was adapted into a critically acclaimed ITV drama in 2024, co-written by Rachel herself alongside Jed Mercurio and Prasanna Puwanarajah. Rachel's also a fierce NHS advocate and a public voice for compassion in medicine. I'm in awe of every guest I speak to, but Rachel's story is one of extraordinary reinvention, resilience and radical empathy. In this podcast we explore how Rachel's managed to excel in journalism, medicine, activism, storytelling and what drives her to keep speaking truth to power. Related links:  Rachel's Website Watch the trailer for 'Breathtaking' Follow Rachel on Instagram Follow Rachel on Twitter

Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music is the man behind the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, Inception, Dunkirk, Gravity, American History X, The Notebook and Austin Powers to name but a few. Paul has collaborated with legendary composers, visionary directors and groundbreaking producers creating award-winning music to some of the greatest movies of the last half century. From orchestras to Oscar winners, his journey is packed with stories that span genres, generations and global stages. This podcast is a masterclass in film music, the craft of scoring, the stories behind some of our all-time favourite movie scenes and the man who made it happen. I was so lucky to talk to Paul and you are going to love this podcast!

In this unmissable episode, I talk to renowned psychiatrist, philosopher and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist to explore the profound questions that shape our existence: Why are we here? Who are we? Drawing from his groundbreaking books — including The Master and His Emissary and The Matter with Things — Dr. McGilchrist shares insights from his life and career, weaving together neuroscience, philosophy and metaphysics. Dr. McGilchrist explains the mysteries of the divided brain, the nature of time, the power of creativity and intuition, the pursuit of happiness and the essence of consciousness and The Divine. This conversation is a journey into the heart of what it means to be human — rich with wisdom, wonder and the kind of clarity that only Dr. McGilchrist can offer. Related Links Iain's Website The Master and His Emissary The Matter with Things Iain's Podcast

In this episode, Gerry Beckley; singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic band America takes us on a remarkable journey through five decades of music, fame and friendship. Gerry talks about their timeless hits including "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" and what it felt like to top the charts with both a No. 1 single and album at just 19 years old. He shares vivid stories of forming the band while still in high school, navigating sudden stardom, collaborating with legendary producer George Martin (The Beatles) and performing alongside everyone from Pink Floyd to Cat Stevens. From whirlwind early tours and surreal LA house parties with the likes of David Bowie, Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, to the emotional highs and challenges of a 53-year musical brotherhood with Dewey Bunnell — this is a rare and intimate look behind the curtain of one of the most enduring bands in rock history. Plus: The making of the acclaimed new documentary "I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America" and why their music still strikes a chord with fans across generations. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the band, this episode is packed with heart, humour, history and harmony. Related links  Follow Gerry: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybeckley/ Follow America: https://www.instagram.com/americaband/ Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35U9lQaRWSQISxQAB94Meo?si=ygKZ8OV6R9eom3r4kF-PBw&nd=1&dlsi=8914814ea28a42b2  

Edward Whitley OBE is a financier, philanthropist, author and conservationist whose work has helped protect some of the planet's rarest species. He's raised over £24 million for more than 220 conservation projects in 80+ countries, encountering everything from golden-headed tamarins to monkey-eating eagles.  He's also written on subjects ranging from Gerald Durrell and Nick Leeson, to Indira Gandhi, Sir John Betjeman, and even Jane Austen vs George Eliot—all while running his own investment firm for over two decades. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore endangered wildlife, financial scandals, 19th-century literature, and a closing note from Sir David Attenborough. Informative, surprising, and inspiring—listen now. Related links: The Whitley Fund for Nature Gerald Durrell's Army The Graduates Rogue Trader Jane Austen and George Eliot The Lady and The Radical

Erling Kagge is a man of firsts: In 1990, together with Børge Ousland, he was the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. In 1992/3 he was the first man to walk solo to the South Pole. In 1994 he summitted Everest making him the first man on the planet to have completed the journey to the North Pole, the South Pole and to have climbed Everest – in other words, to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot, all unsupported. He has crossed oceans and he even crossed New York City through its tunnel system. A true explorer, he's also a writer, philosopher, entrepreneur, lawyer, publisher and art collector. This episode is full of adventure, history, philosophy and wisdom. A true rock star of life, this conversation is one not to miss.  Related links Erling Kagge's books  

Lucy Cooke is a zoologist, an explorer, a passionate conservationist and a champion of animal species that are often misunderstood. She has shared her knowledge through books, blogs and television shows that have appeared on many channels from National Geographic through to the BBC, ITV and Radio 4, along with writing in all the major newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. I have read her work and she manages to turn detailed research into easy to understand and highly entertaining information, debunking some long-held beliefs of the masters of this space including Darwin himself. Listen today for a fun and fact-filled conversation about some of the most surprising recent discoveries in the animal kingdom and the impressive, hilarious and passionate person behind, collating and presenting that research. Lucy Cooke is a force for good. Not to be missed! Related Links Lucy's Webisite Lucy's TED TALK on sloths Follow Lucy on Instagram

I can't quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she creates the amazing books she writes, from the first glimmer of an idea to completion. A true rock star of life, this is an important conversation for those suffering from grief or those supporting someone suffering from grief, it is also an insight for all aspiring writers on how to write a roller-coaster, twist-filled novel and it is a lesson to us all on how to tackle life in the worst and best of circumstances, how to strive for what you want and how to triumph. I took away several lessons from our conversation and am already employing them in my life and they are working! I am sure they will for you too. I am so grateful to Clare for this wonderful conversation. Related Links Clare's Website Follow Clare on Instagram Follow Clare on Twitter

I had been really looking forward to talking to Julian Ovenden but the conversation I ended up having with him was extraordinary and unexpected. Not only is he a talented actor appearing in some of our best loved TV shows and theatre productions: Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Foyle's War, My Night with Reg, All About Eve to name but a handful, he is also a hugely talented singer whose concerts, albums and worldwide performances have touched the hearts of many. He is a winning combination of self-deprecating, funny, and honest and he generously shared some of the best and worst periods of his life. At times hilarious, at others heartbreaking and at all times fascinating, this is an important, entertaining and ultimately uplifting conversation. I feel honoured have been part of it and to be able to share it with you. Related Links Follow Julian Ovenden Julian Ovenden - YouTube

Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotion and artistry. His keen eye for storytelling and his innovative approach to filmmaking have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. Whether behind the camera or crafting intricate plots, Måns' contributions to the world of cinema are nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast, Måns talks about some of his masterpieces – the trials and triumphs all with good humour and humility. Related Links Måns Mårlind IMDB