Decca Aitkenhead on the life changing power of love

Changes with Annie Macmanus

This conversation is astonishing. Prepare to be completely engrossed and moved beyond belief by the phenomenal Decca Aitkenhead. The Chief Interviewer at the Sunday Times, Decca talks so beautifully with a warmth and lightness that contrasts with what she has lived through. The love story between her and her late husband Tony is like nothing else you have ever heard before.

Tragically, in 2014, Decca Aitkenhead’s husband Tony died while they were on holiday in Jamaica with their two young sons. A life shattering change. Here, Decca talks about why Tony was the most interesting person she has ever met - himself transforming his life in very surprising ways and describes how, throwing all logic out of the window, he completely changed her life. She also reflects on that fateful day, suddenly being a single mum and magical thinking.

Decca Aitkenhead’s top tier journalism has seen her interviewing the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Clinton and Johnny Depp. Her long list of writing achievements include the Catherine Pakenham Award, Interviewer of the year and the BBC’s Russell literary prize. Her memoir ‘All At Sea’ was nominated for the 2017 PEN Ackerley prize and tells her story with a raw vulnerability and depth.

Caution: this episode discusses sudden death, cancer and references drug addiction.

Buy Decca's book 'All At Sea' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-at-Sea-Decca-Aitkenhead/dp/0008142149

Read Decca's articles for The Times here: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/decca-aitkenhead

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Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes

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