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

Jan 5, 2021 · 27 min
Rob Rinder on Jessica Mitford
Aristocrat turned civil rights activist Jessica Mitford is championed by Robert Rinder.
Dec 29, 2020 · 27 min
Diane Morgan on Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding
Comedian and actor Diane Morgan chooses the life of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding
Dec 17, 2020 · 27 min
David Spiegelhalter on Frank Ramsey
Statistician David Spiegelhalter champions the short, brilliant life of Frank Ramsey.
Dec 11, 2020 · 28 min
The Great Lives of Great Lives
After 450 episodes, Matthew Parris thinks it's time to find out what makes a great life.
Dec 8, 2020 · 27 min
Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII
Who would marry a serial killer? Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII
Sep 29, 2020 · 27 min
Xuanzang, Chinese monk and traveller
Michael Wood on the great Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
Sep 22, 2020 · 27 min
James Graham on John Maynard Keynes
The acclaimed playwright tells Matthew Parris why he's inspired by Keynes' life and work.
Sep 15, 2020 · 27 min
Sir David Adjaye on Okwui Enwezor
Curator and educator Okwui Enwezor championed by the architect Sir David Adjaye.
Sep 8, 2020 · 27 min
Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams
Comedian Tom Allen chooses the entertainer Kenneth Williams.
Sep 1, 2020 · 27 min
Ernie Bevin, forgotten political giant
Frances O'Grady nominates Ernie Bevin
Aug 25, 2020 · 27 min
Jessie Ware on Donna Summer
The singer and podcaster, Jessie Ware, chooses the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.
Aug 18, 2020 · 27 min
Peter Frankopan on Konstantin Tsiolkovsky
The best-selling historian Peter Frankopan nominates Russia's "father of space travel"
Aug 12, 2020 · 27 min
Frida Kahlo nominated by author Jessie Burton
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is nominated by author Jessie Burton.
Aug 4, 2020 · 29 min
Mussolini
Benito Mussolini, founder of fascism and ruler of Italy 1922-1943
Jun 2, 2020 · 27 min
Dolly Alderton on Doris Day
Doris Day is the choice of Dolly Alderton, author, podcaster and columnist.
May 26, 2020 · 27 min
Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy
Sara Wheeler nominates her literary hero, Sybille Bedford.
May 19, 2020 · 27 min
Billy Bremner of Leeds United
Anand Menon chooses Leeds United captain, Billy Bremner.
May 13, 2020 · 27 min
Sally Phillips on Hollywood star Myrna Loy
Sally Phillips nominates her comedy star, Myrna Loy
May 5, 2020 · 27 min
Victoria Wood
Victoria Wood, creator of Dinnerladies, Acorn Antiques and As Seen on TV
Apr 29, 2020 · 27 min
Maya Angelou
Professor Olivette Otele chooses author Maya Angelou.