Great Lives

BBC Radio 4

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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408 episodes
Updated June 2

Episodes408

Newest first

Oct 13, 2025 · 30 min
Comedian Stewart Lee on Derek Bailey
Stewart Lee chooses guitarist Derek Bailey.
Oct 6, 2025 · 27 min
Jock Stein, first British football manager to win the European Cup
Famous guests pick someone they love or admire.
Sep 29, 2025 · 26 min
Benjamin Franklin
Famous guests nominate lives they love or admire - today Benjamin Franklin.
Sep 22, 2025 · 27 min
Miles Jupp on JL Carr, author of A Month in the Country
Famous guests pick a life they love or admire.
Sep 15, 2025 · 27 min
Helen Castor on Richard II
Helen Castor picks Richard II, deposed king of England.
Sep 8, 2025 · 26 min
DJ Deb Grant on John Prine
DJ Deb Grant picks US mailman turned country-folk singer John Prine.
Jun 30, 2025 · 27 min
Sir Seretse Khama, first president of Botswana
Notable guests pick a great life they admire.
Jun 23, 2025 · 27 min
Emily Williamson, co-founder of the RSPB
Notable guests pick someone who has inspired their lives.
Jun 16, 2025 · 27 min
Tina Turner
Famous guests pick someone they are passionate about
Jun 9, 2025 · 27 min
Raymond Blanc on Professor Nicholas Kurti
Raymond Blanc chooses physicist Nicholas Kurti.
Jun 2, 2025 · 27 min
Dervla Murphy, author of the classic Full Tilt
Famous guests pick someone who has inspired their lives
May 26, 2025 · 27 min
Ned Ludd mythical leader of the Luddites
Famous guests pick someone who has inspired their lives
May 19, 2025 · 27 min
Richey Edwards of The Manic Street Preachers
Guests pick great lives they admire or are passionate about.
May 12, 2025 · 27 min
Benny Hill
Benny Hill is this week's surprising selection for Great Lives.
May 5, 2025 · 27 min
Maggi Hambling picks muse and lover Henrietta Moraes
Artist Maggi Hambling picks her muse.
Apr 29, 2025 · 27 min
Harriet Harman on Maria Callas
Harriet Harman nominates opera star Maria Callas.
Apr 9, 2025 · 27 min
Kate Raworth on Donella Meadows
Economist Kate Raworth chooses the Environmental Scientist Donella 'Dana' Meadows
Mar 3, 2025 · 27 min
Mark Billingham chooses George Harrison
Crime writer Mark Billingham nominates the musician, singer and songwriter George Harrison
Mar 3, 2025 · 27 min
Jake Arnott on John Gay
The satirist and writer of The Beggar's Opera nominated by Jake Arnott. With Ian Hislop.
Feb 24, 2025 · 27 min
Ellen E Jones nominates Florynce Kennedy
Film journalist Ellen E Jones nominates the flamboyant American activist Florynce Kennedy