Best Ruth Madeley Podcasts (2024)

1
RUTH MADELEY: celebrating the inclusivity of Doctor Who 36:36

4M ago36:36

36:36

Ruth Madeley was born in Westhoughton, near Bolton, and studied English and creative writing at university. She always wanted to work in the entertainment industry and thought that her path lay in scriptwriting. She was born with spina bifida and, as an ambulatory wheelchair user, Ruth just didn’t see herself represented on screen However, a work e…

1
DAN SCHREIBER: exploring the world of the weird with a QI elf 57:15

5M ago57:15

57:15

Dan Schreiber was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Sydney, and moved to England at the age of 19. Once here, Dan was hired as a researcher on the BBC panel show QI. And it was a job that Dan was born to do - one that combined his love for facts and comedy. In 2008, Dan launched The Museum of Curiosity on BBC Radio 4 and, after that, came No Such Thing…

1
LIZ BONNIN: sharing a passion for the natural world 51:46

5M ago51:46

51:46

Liz was born in France, grew up in Ireland, and studied biochemistry and wildlife biology at university. She has since travelled the world studying animal behaviour. And her documentaries include Drowning in Plastic, Galapagos and Should We Close Our Zoos? Liz is also part of Our Changing Planet, a seven-year-project for the BBC, visiting vulnerabl…

1
WAAD AL-KATEAB: a refugee and filmmaker who dares to dream 39:23

5M ago39:23

39:23

Waad Al-Kateab is a BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker. Born in Syria, Waad left home at 18, to study at the university of Aleppo. In 2011, she began shooting video on her phone, while attending pro-democracy protests. Waad went on to document the next five years in Aleppo, capturing life, loss and emergency care in the besieged city - as …

1
CAROL MORLEY: the detective filmmaker shining a light on forgotten women 42:36

6M ago42:36

42:36

Carol Morley is an acclaimed filmmaker, whose work includes short film, documentary and drama. She was born in Stockport, and spent her teens enjoying the Manchester music scene, before moving to London - where she studied Fine Art, Film and Video, at Saint Martins College. Her 2000 documentary, The Alcohol Years, showed a fearlessness and an early…

1
PROFESSOR MARY BEARD: a don's life and love for Ancient Rome 42:18

6M ago42:18

42:18

Classics professor Dame Mary Beard was a bright child, who was bumped up a year at school, went on archaelogical digs as a teen, and studied classics at Newnham College. After completing her PhD, Mary taught at King’s College in London, before returning to Cambridge - where she remained for nearly forty years. During her long academic career, Mary …

1
Catherine Newman 25:37

6M ago25:37

25:37

Edi and Ash have been best friends for over 40 years, so when Edi is diagnosed with cancer, Ash has to reshape her world around the rhythm of Edi’s hospice care. This week’s Book Club novel is We All Want Impossible Things, an extraordinary story of devotion and sadness. Author Catherine Newman joins Richard and Judy to talk about why she writes so…

1
Introducing 'Disney Frozen: Forces of Nature' 1:20

6M ago1:20

1:20

Introducing the "Disney Frozen: Forces of Nature" podcast, an all-new chapter of the "Frozen" story! Experience this official Disney podcast by following "Disney Frozen: Forces of Nature" on Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/232jk5yf), Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/ykkb5cah), Wondery+ (https://tinyurl.com/44nd9dz9) or wherever you're listening now…

1
AVA GLASS: crime reporter to "new queen of spy fiction" 39:29

6M ago39:29

39:29

Ava Glass is the pen name of Christi Daugherty. She was born in Texas and worked as a crime reporter before moving to the UK. A few years after settling in London, Christi was recruited to work in the communications department of the Home Office - tasked with helping the public understand what the intelligence services do, to keep us safe. This was…

1
Ava Glass 27:08

6M ago27:08

27:08

When a body is found in a padlocked suitcase, Investigator Emma Makepeace knows it’s murder, and that it’s personal. In The Traitor, Emma’s investigation sees her shadowing two oligarchs procuring illegal weapons in the UK, and it’s looking increasingly likely that someone deep inside the British government is helping them. Author Ava Glass joins R…

1
STEVE GALLANT: finding courage on London Bridge and a purpose in prison 45:03

6M ago45:03

45:03

In November 2019, Steve Gallant was serving a life sentence for murder when he confronted the terrorist Usman Khan. Steve had been allowed out on day release, to attend a Learning Together event, near London Bridge. Learning Together was an initiative that brought students and prisoners together - and helped change many lives for the better. But on…

1
Janice Hallett 23:39

7M ago23:39

23:39

Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels – a cult who brainwashed a teenager and convinced her that her baby was the anti-Christ. But 18 years later, two competing true crime authors are quickly discovering all is not what it seemed. Author Janice Hallett joins Richard and Judy to explain why she felt so comfortable writing The Mysterious Ca…

1
ZAK OVÉ: shining a light on invisible histories through art 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

The British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové was born into an artistic family. After studying at St. Martin’s School of Art, he worked as a photographer and as a director of television and music videos. At the age of 40, Zak had an epiphany while filming in Trinidad. Feeling a distance from his subject matter, Zak realised that he wanted to be a “maker” …

1
Gregg Hurwitz 27:57

7M ago27:57

27:57

You might already be familiar with the protagonist of this week’s Book Club novel, The Last Orphan. It’s Evan Smoak, aka government assassin Orphan X. There have been numerous books in the Orphan X series, but The Last Orphan also stands alone as a brilliant thriller. Author Gregg Hurwitz joins Richard and Judy to talk about the moral code that def…

1
SARAH SANDS: editing the news and finding hope in hedgehogs 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

Sarah Sands grew up in Tunbridge Wells and cut her teeth on a local newspaper in Kent, before moving to the diary, on the Evening Standard. She later edited the Standard but not before spending some time at The Telegraph, and re-designing the Sunday edition, with the launch of two new magazines. In 2017, Sarah moved into broadcast journalism, as ed…

1
Charlotte Levin 22:58

7M ago22:58

22:58

If I Let You Go is this week’s Book Club novel. It tells the story of Janet Brown, a quiet woman who’s still carrying the guilt of a devastating loss 11 years ago when she’s catapulted into the national conscious for saving a child’s life. However, all is not as it seems... Author Charlotte Levin joins Richard and Judy to talk about coming to writi…

1
MICHAEL MANSFIELD KC: the power in the people 45:44

7M ago45:44

45:44

Michael Mansfield became a barrister in 1967 and, since then, he’s worked on some very high-profile cases in the UK. He has overturned miscarriages of justice, fought for civil liberties, and for change. He helped to free the Guildford Four and the Birmingham Six. He defended the Orgreave miners, fought for the family of Stephen Lawrence. And he re…

1
Dinah Jefferies 26:35

7M ago26:35

26:35

Known for historical novels, returning Book Club author Dinah Jefferies has now written Night Train to Marrakech, a thriller and a love story rolled into one. In 1960s Morocco a young woman travels to meet her estranged grandmother, a woman whose childhood secrets are catching up with her. In 1960s Morocco a young woman travels to meet her estrange…

1
SIR CHRIS BRYANT: why we need to fix Parliament 40:29

7M ago40:29

40:29

Sir Chris Bryant was born in Cardiff, and lived in Spain as a child, before returning to the UK. After reading English at Oxford, he studied Theology and was ordained in the Church of England. He then spent time in Latin America, and worked as a curate, before deciding to leave the church and move into politics. Chris was elected MP for Rhondda in …

1
STEPHEN DAVIS: investigating the secrets surrounding Flight 149 39:13

8M ago39:13

39:13

Stephen Davis is an investigative journalist and author, who has worked around the world, on newspaper stories and documentaries. He’s also a podcaster, whose most recent series investigates the sinking of the passenger ferry Estonia. It is Europe’s worst shipping disaster - since the Titanic - and a gripping tale of tragedy, smuggling, and spies. …

1
PROFESSOR ROSE ANNE KENNY: how to live a longer and healthier life 41:16

8M ago41:16

41:16

Professor Rose Anne Kenny is an expert in ageing who has over 35 years of clinical and research experience. She’s a Professor of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College, Dublin, and the Director of Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, at St. James's Hospital. Rose Anne is also the brains behind TILDA - a groundbreaking research study into agein…

1
Dan Jones 26:37

8M ago26:37

26:37

The Hundred Years War has begun, and although King Edward and his lords are on the march through France, the war really belongs to the men on the ground. One of the tight knit companies making their way through the chaos are the Essex Dogs, who are trying to stay alive long enough to see their home again. Author of Essex Dogs, Dan Jones, is a histo…

1
Dawn O'Porter 26:59

9M ago26:59

26:59

A shocking event shatters the conventional life Mia has carefully crafted in this week’s Book Club novel Cat Lady, and it turns out that beneath the surface there was another woman clawing to get out... Returning Book Club author Dawn O’Porter joins Richard and Judy to talk about the very specific relationship ‘cat people’ have with their animals. …

1
B. A. Paris 23:48

9M ago23:48

23:48

Amelie wakes up in a pitch black room, having been abducted, she assumes by her loathsome husband... but she quickly discovers all is not as it seems. This is the plot of B. A. Paris’ novel The Prisoner. Bernadette MacDougal joins Richard and Judy to explain why an initial lack of confidence in her writing made her decide to write under a pen name.…

1
Ruth Jones 25:48

9M ago25:48

25:48

All Grace wants for her 90th birthday is to heal the heartbreaking rift that’s rocked her family for decades. Love Untold is Ruth Jones third novel, and explores the intricate, devastating, and life-affirming relationships between four generations of Welsh women. Ruth joins Richard and Judy to discuss why family dynamics are such fertile ground for…

1
JESS MCDONALD: the reality of being a detective in The Met 39:25

9M ago39:25

39:25

Jess McDonald was one of the first recruits on The Metropolitan Police’s Direct Entry Detective Scheme. Launched in 2017, to address a shortage of detectives, this scheme was not without its critics. Successful applicants had a direct route into a career as a detective, without first undertaking a role in uniform policing. When Jess first pitched a…

1
Jessie Burton 24:42

9M ago24:42

24:42

The Brandt family faces ruin; 18 year old Thea’s aunt Nella is convinced the only solution is to find Thea a wealthy husband among Amsterdam’s elite. The House of Fortune follows Nella and Thea as they clash over the demands of duty and the heart, old secrets overwhelming them along the way. Returning Book Club author Jessie Burton joins Richard an…

1
MATT FORDE: impersonating & interviewing politicians 48:40

9M ago48:40

48:40

The Nottingham-born comedian Matt Forde has been fascinated by politics ever since he was 9 years old. Raised by his mum, without much money, Matt experienced life: “at the sharp end of every political decision taken by the government.” He studied politics at university and, after working for a few MPs, he became a regional organiser for the Labour…

1
Claire Douglas 16:13

10M ago16:13

16:13

The Woman Who Lied tells the story of Emilia Ward. She’s the bestselling author of detective novels, but as she embarks on her tenth book an incident straight out of one of her plots occurs in real life. Then it happens again, and again. Returning Book Club author Claire Douglas joins Richard and Judy to talk about why this incredibly intricate sto…

1
MICK LYNCH: strikes, workers' rights & rail nationalisation 42:01

10M ago42:01

42:01

Mick Lynch is the General Secretary of Britain's largest specialist transport trade union, the RMT. In May 2022, the RMT announced that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes, in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. At the time, they said it was the biggest endorsement of industrial action, by railway workers, since privatisa…

1
CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS: bringing South London to the world 40:16

10M ago40:16

40:16

South Londoner Candice Carty-Williams has gone from publishing house marketing executive, to literary sensation - and now, she's taking on TV. Queenie, her 2019 debut, was a best-seller. Critics and readers loved it and Candice won several awards, including book of the year at the Nibbie’s. Fast forward to 2023 and Candice is the creative force beh…

1
SIR BEN OKRI: the power of art at a time of crisis 41:54

10M ago41:54

41:54

The poet and writer Sir Ben Okri was born in Nigeria and spent some of his childhood in London, before moving with his family to Lagos, on the eve of the Nigerian Civil War. This experience had a defining impact on Ben, who has said that he is “crammed full” of the painful things that he witnessed. In 1978, Ben returned to London to study but he re…

1
ANITA ANAND: Empire, kick-ass women & learning from history 37:54

10M ago37:54

37:54

The voice of broadcaster and writer Anita Anand will be familiar to many. Her career began while she was still at university, in the newsroom of satellite channel Zee. Anita was then snapped up by Radio 5 Live and she has since presented many news and current affairs programmes on the BBC. In 2012, Anita became the host of Any Answers on Radio 4, w…

1
JACK THORNE: diverse stories, political engagement and a load of love for Channel 4 42:25

10M ago42:25

42:25

The award-winning screenwriter and playwright, Jack Thorne, joins Jon to discuss his work, passions, activism and politics. They discuss Jack's new TV show, Best Interests, (starring Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen) and why it was so tough to write this story. At the age of 42, Jack was diagnosed with autism, something he is still processing. He ta…

1
TIM MARSHALL: the politics and power of the new space race 36:42

11M ago36:42

36:42

Journalist, broadcaster and best-selling author, Tim Marshall, joins Jon to talk about the power and politics of the new space race. Tim's new book - The Future Of Geography - looks at how the developments in space will change our world forever. The new space race is on, with China, USA and Russia leading the charge and many more vying for pre-emin…

1
Mark Dawson 28:37

11M ago28:37

28:37

Oxford has Morse, Brighton has Grace, and now Salisbury has Atticus Priest thanks to author Mark Dawson. In this week’s Book Club novel, The House In The Woods, private eye Atticus must solve the murder of a father, mother, son, and daughter. Mark joins Richard and Judy to talk about why setting the book in Salisbury was both a commercial and an ar…

1
Series 3 Episode 7: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Special featuring Disney Fans 1:27:24

11M ago1:27:24

1:27:24

In the final episode of the series, our attention turns to celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. And what better way to do this than by featuring some of our amazing Disney fans and podcast listeners? Nine fans have joined us on this special bumper episode, alongside Gi and both of our Disney Insiders, to share their magical memories and top tips…

1
REV RICHARD COLES: passion, prayer, power and policing 38:53

11M ago38:53

38:53

The Reverend Richard Coles left two major institutions within the same year; The BBC and The Church, but he cannot and will not sit still. Richard joins Jon to discuss his fascinating life and career, the power of prayer and what the future holds for him without a dog collar... Jon and Richard share their love and nostalgia for choral music, as wel…

1
Ruth Ware 25:07

11M ago25:07

25:07

Do you know an It Girl? In Ruth Ware’s novel of that name, April has confidence, money, brains, friends, and good looks. This makes many people adore her, but it inspires hatred too. In fact, someone hates her enough to kill her. Returning Book Club author Ruth joins Richard and Judy to explain why she wrote such a complex, fleshed-out murdered cha…

1
DAVID HAREWOOD: acting, storytelling & eloquent activism 46:44

11M ago46:44

46:44

David Harewood is an actor, director, author and activist. He was born in Birmingham, trained at RADA, and made a name for himself on the stage, with big roles that included Othello and Martin Luther King. Most recently, he played the right-wing commentator William Buckley Jr. in Best Of Enemies. A fantastic production that is currently screening i…

1
Anthony Horowitz 24:00

11M ago24:00

24:00

Author Anthony Horowitz felt Ian Fleming was in the room with him as he wrote the most recent in the James Bond series – With A Mind To Kill. Picking up where The Man With The Golden Gun ends, it begins at M’s funeral. But one man is missing from the graveside: the traitor who pulled the trigger and who is now in custody, accused of M’s murder – Ja…

1
DAME JOAN BAKEWELL: life at 90 and the joy of being freelance 32:51

11M ago32:51

32:51

Dame Joan Bakewell is a broadcaster, journalist, author and Labour Party peer. Her broadcasting career spans six decades and she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Royal Television Society in 2016, and a BAFTA fellowship in 2019. At the age of 90, she is still presenting TV programmes (most recently Landscape Artist Of The Year), sitting…

1
C. L. Taylor 23:45

11M ago23:45

23:45

What would you do if your husband framed you for murder? Finally free after five years in prison, Olivia looks to clear her name and bring down her husband in this week’s Book Club novel, The Guilty Couple. Author C. L. Taylor joins Richard and Judy to talk about transitioning from writing romantic comedy to thrillers, and whether authors are in so…

1
PROFESSOR HANNAH FRY: understanding algorithms and A.I. 46:05

12M ago46:05

46:05

Hannah is a Professor of Mathematics at University College London. She is an expert in algorithms, who studies the patterns in human behaviour – particularly in an urban setting. Hannah is also a brilliant communicator, who shares her passion for maths - in books, podcasts, radio, television, and public talks. Her hit shows include The Curious Case…

1
John Brownlow 23:32

12M ago23:32

23:32

If you want the job, you have to kill the person currently holding it. Agent Seventeen is a hired gun, but he must kill his predecessor in order to assume the title the world’s greatest hitman. Agent Seventeen, the debut novel from author John Brownlow, is this week’s Book Club read. John joins Richard and Judy to tell them about the differences be…

1
PHIL WANG: how to be from two worlds at once 36:36

12M ago36:36

36:36

The comedian and writer Phil Wang was born in Stoke-on-Trent and spent his childhood in Malaysian Borneo, before moving to Bath at the age of 16. Phil successfully combined engineering with comedy at Cambridge University. He won the Chortle Student Comedy Award in his second year, a Comedy Central Award the following year, and became President of F…

1
ADJOA ANDOH: from Bridgerton's Lady Danbury to Richard III 38:59

12M ago38:59

38:59

When not playing Lady Danbury, in the huge Netflix series Bridgerton, Adjoa is a renowned stage actor. Celebrated for her performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, and The Globe. Where, in 2019, she played Richard II, in the UK's first all-women-of-colour production. Adjoa has now turned her attention to Shakespeare’s R…

1
Lisa Jewell 23:28

12M ago23:28

23:28

Human bones and the seeds of a rare tree are found in a bag on the banks of the River Thames in this week’s Book Club novel, The Family Remains. DCI Samuel Owusu is called in to solve the mystery. Returning Book Club author Lisa Jewell joins Richard and Judy to explain why, despite not liking writing literary detectives, she ended up giving her DCI…

1
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL: passing the baton to a new generation 46:25

1y ago46:25

46:25

Alastair Campbell started out in journalism and became Political Editor of the Mirror, before entering the political fray and helping return Labour to power, with a landslide victory in 1997. He remains a prolific writer who’s found his voice - and lots of listeners - as a podcaster. Disagreeing agreeably with co-host Rory Stewart, on The Rest Is P…

1
DR RACHEL CLARKE: palliative care in the NHS & Ukraine 40:33

1y ago40:33

40:33

Dr Rachel Clarke is a palliative care doctor, and best-selling author. Who spent a decade, working as a journalist, before deciding to change careers. She took her science A-Levels, studied in the evening and started at medical school, just before her 30th birthday. When the time came to specialise, Rachel chose palliative care because she was draw…

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