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

Apr 8, 2024 · 27 min
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Sir Bruce Forsyth, nominated by political writer and broadcaster Steve Richards.
Apr 1, 2024 · 27 min
Harry Enfield on Gerard Hoffnung
Comedian Harry Enfield chooses the cartoonist, musician and raconteur Gerard Hoffnung.
Jan 23, 2024 · 27 min
Alan Freeman picked by Simon Mayo
Simon Mayo picks his broadcasting hero, Pick of the Pops's Alan 'Fluff' Freeman.
Jan 16, 2024 · 28 min
Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver
Actor Niamh Cusack chooses the American poet Mary Oliver.
Jan 9, 2024 · 28 min
Mr Motivator picks Harry Belafonte
Mr Motivator chooses the King of Calypso, whose hits include Day-O and Jump in the Line.
Jan 2, 2024 · 27 min
Jimmy Wales on Thomas Jefferson
The founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, picks the third President of the USA.
Dec 26, 2023 · 28 min
Eartha Kitt proposed by Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer from Steps nominates a singer and dancer with a trademark growl.
Dec 19, 2023 · 28 min
John Gray on JG Ballard
Philosopher John Gray chooses the iconic futuristic writer JG Ballard.
Dec 14, 2023 · 28 min
Iszi Lawrence on Diana Barnato Walker
Iszi Lawrence chooses record-breaking aviator Diana Barnato Walker
Dec 5, 2023 · 28 min
Mohammad Mossadegh, PM of Iran ousted in a coup
Mohammad Mossadegh was toppled in a coup in Iran in 1953.
Sep 29, 2023 · 27 min
Ludwig Koch
Chris Watson on Ludwig Koch
Sep 29, 2023 · 27 min
Lady Eve Balfour
Lady Eve Balfour was a pioneering organic farmer and founder of the Soil Association.
Sep 29, 2023 · 27 min
Ken Loach on Gerrard Winstanley
Ken Loach on Gerrard Winstanley.
Sep 19, 2023 · 27 min
Chi-chi Nwanoku on Jessye Norman
Chi-chi Nwanoku picks the global star of opera Jessye Norman.
Sep 5, 2023 · 27 min
Ninette de Valois
‘The Godmother of English ballet’, Dame Ninette De Valois
Aug 15, 2023 · 27 min
Sophie Scott on Hattie Jacques
Neuroscientist Sophie Scott chooses comedy legend, Hattie Jacques
Aug 8, 2023 · 27 min
Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore and London Zoo
The head of ZSL, Matthew Gould, picks the founder of London Zoo.
Aug 1, 2023 · 27 min
Susie Dent on Thomas Mann
Susie Dent chooses the German writer Thomas Mann who wrote 'Death in Venice'.
Jun 1, 2023 · 27 min
Tony Benn
Ellie Gibson picks the Labour politician Tony Benn.
May 16, 2023 · 27 min
Jon Ronson picks Terry Hall of The Specials
Terry Hall, lead singer of The Specials and Fun Boy Three - includes Lynval Golding