White Wine Question Time

Kate Thornton

Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time is the podcast that brings together well-known friends, three glasses of wine and three thought-provoking questions. Discover the friendships behind the entertainment headlines, and listen in on their conversations for a side to the celebrities you've never heard before.

Join us weekly for something new, or feel free to dive into our cellar of over 450 incredible episodes - all as enjoyable and relevant to listen to now as when they were first recorded.

If you'd like to say hi you can send us an email any time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

551 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes551

Newest first

February 5 · 41 min
Helen Skelton on Challenges, Confidence and Comebacks
Welcome to White Wine Question Time - we're not far away from our 500th episode - and as ever we do want to say thank you for listening whether you're new to our show or whether you're one of the OG listeners. As we prepare for the NEXT 500 shows we'd love to know who your favourite guests have been - drop us an email (about that or anything else!) to hello@whitewinepod.com. Now this week we have a phenomenal woman on the podcast. Helen Skelton done it all - cycled to the South Pole, kayaked along the Amazon and run marathons through the desert. She continues to redefine her life and career - bending the traditions and so-called rules to fit her ambitions and her family. Those who have worked with her (including our producer Geoff who worked with Helen at BBC Radio 5 Live) are quick to say she's one of the nicest people in the industry and deserves every opportunity she's fought for. In the past few years we've watched her grow in confidence after some setbacks - and we're all ready for her triumphant era. As Helen would have said on Blue Peter... here's one we made earlier. Cheers xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 3 · 1 hr 4 min
Couples conversations from the Cellar: Richard and Judy
Throughout February we’re celebrating the month of love by hearing some of our favourite couples conversations from the Cellar. This week it's a couple so iconic that no surnames are required; it’s Richard and Judy. With their signature warmth, wit, and unmistakable chemistry, these broadcasting legends dominated the breakfast TV schedules in the nineties and early noughties. In this show they share stories of rising through the ranks of journalism, how they first met, the lessons they’ve learned from working together, and the highs and lows of a lifetime in the spotlight. It’s the perfect tonic for Valentine’s season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 29 · 57 min
Alex Brooker on The Last Leg, Soccer Aid and Skipping Queues...
January is almost over, the days are getting (slightly!) longer and this week we've got something else to brighten your mood - an extremely funny, and emotional chat with one third of The Last Leg trio, Alex Brooker. As a child he underwent over 40 operations with no guarantee that he'd ever walk. Now with two daughters of his own he reflects on what that time must have been like for his own parents. He talks about how he actually looks back with fond memories on the many hospital trips, and with his typical dark humour wonders if his mum might have been a bit hasty with the decision to amputate! You get the impression listening to this interview that Alex understands, and appreciate the many people who've helped him on his journey from Great Ormond Street to winning awards for his TV work, especially as there have been a few moments where some simple decisions could have changed his story completely. Thanks so much to Alex for stopping by for a chat - I hope you all enjoy it too. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 27 · 1 hr 8 min
Inspiration from the Cellar: Owen O'Kane
This week, we’re heading back down to the cellar to revisit a fascinating chat with renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author Owen O’Kane. Owen’s journey is as compelling as his advice—growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, training as a priest, working in palliative care, and finally finding his true calling as a therapist. In this episode, he shares powerful tools to recognise anxiety triggers, disrupt negative cycles, and bring more calm into your life. Plus, he answers your questions, tackling everything from therapy timelines to simple exercises for managing worry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 22 · 43 min
James Nesbitt the Plot Twists, Pinch-Me Moments and Perks of Parenting.
Jimmy Nesbitt is one of the guests we've always wanted to get on the podcast. He doesn't do many interviews, so we're thrilled he chose to sit down with us and look back at his extraordinary career. From his very first performance (aged 5) he recognised the buzz he got from performing, and having started as a comic actor his portrayals of The Throubles in Bloody Sunday showed the world what a versatile performer he is. Since then he's taken roles which (in his own words) mean he's lost about four children and as a cop about ten partners - and he's now starring in one of the world's most-watched shows; Harlen Coben's Run Away on Netflix. James spoke to us from his home in Belfast after an extremely busy start to the year and reminisced about his Dad and everything he taught him (literally - his Dad was his primary school teacher), the people in his life who've changed the narrative - like Director Paul Greengrass who cast James in Bloody Sunday. It's a fabulous chat, so we hope you can find somewhere to enjoy it. As ever - thanks for listening, and cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 15 · 35 min
Scarlett Moffatt on Strictly, Side Hustles, and Tea at The Ritz
It's our 7th birthday, congratulations if you've been listening since we started back in early 2019! One person who did feature on one of our early episodes is Scarlett Moffatt. She's always been one of our favourite guests and we're thrilled she's popped back in for a chat this week. She's always brilliant and in this episode we talk about the jobs she had before she became famous as Scarlett's about to release a documentary she's presented about side hustles. Scarlett is always honest, and as you'll hear we've now made a promise to have her on EVERY January. Thanks for listening (whether you're one of the OG 2019 listeners, or if this is you're first time listening) - we really do appreciate it. Cheers, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 13 · 44 min
Inspiration from the Cellar: Sir Tim Peake
Ready to feel inspired? All this month we're digging into our archive of almost 500 episodes to bring you the MOST inspirational guests - and well, it doesn't come more inspirational than this. If you've ever looked up to the stars and wondered about the enormity of space... well today's White Wine Question Time guest has done more than just dream. He's been there. Sir Tim Peake had to undertake the equivalent of two degrees as part of his training to go to the International Space Station - including being fluent in Russian. His desire to travel into space served as his motivation, also drawing on his military training and reserves. His perspective on life has changed, and it serves as a timely reminder that we are all inhabitants of Earth - whatever our race, religion or politics - we all call this third rock from the sun 'home' Enjoy this episode from our archive and we'll be back on Thursday with something brand new. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 8 · 40 min
Paul McKenna on mindset, happiness and catching bad guys.
Welcome to 2026! We've lined up the perfect guest for our first episode of the new year. Paul McKenna has helped millions of people with his books, DVDs, CDs & downloads. He's one of the best-selling self-help authors on the planet, and in this chat he opens up about finding love through hypnotism, the darker side of hypnotism and the ethics of toying with someone's self-conscious. It's a fascinating conversation and we hope it helps add some positivity to what can feel like the longest month of the year! We are fast approaching our 500th episode, so we'd love to know what your favourite episodes have been, how long you've been listening and what you enjoy about the podcast - feel free to drop us an email to hello@whitewinepod.com From all of the team at White Wine Question Time we'd like to wish you a Happy New Year, and all the best for 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 6 · 1 hr 5 min
Inspiration From the Cellar: Sara Davies
Happy New Year! What do you have planned for 2026? This month we've dug deep in our archive to find the most inspirational guests we could find - it's our New Year's gift to you. To kick us off it's our chat with Sara Davies from 2023. A phenomenally successful business woman she was shot into the public consciousness through shows such as Dragon's Den and Strictly Come Dancing. She always knew she wanted to run a business, but in this conversation you'll hear how her 'won't take no for an answer' attitude opened the doors she needed to open to make a success of her product. On Thursday we'll be back with our first NEW episode of the year - and it's the PERFECT guest for January; Paul McKenna. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 25, 2025 · 52 min
Something from the Christmas Cellar: Noddy Holder
It's CHRISSSSSTMAAAAAAAASSSSSSS! Who else could we offer you as a delight from our almost 500 shows of back catalogue... than Mr Christmas himself, Noddy Holder! Can we also take this opportunity to say thank you. We never take your loyalty or your downloads for granted. As we enter the SEVENTH year of White Wine Question Time we're forever grateful for your company whether you've been with us since 2019 or you're new to the pod. Merry Christmas from the whole WWQT team, we're excited about what 2026 will bring and we hope you are too. Cheers! xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 23, 2025 · 59 min
Denise Welch on Simon Cowell, Glasto Flags and why Mother Has ARRIVED!
Merry Christmas! As promised here's the second of three festive treats. Whilst Kylie Minogue may have landed the Christmas Number One - the most surprising entry in the running for top of the pops this year was Denise Welch. It marks the end of an extraordinary year which started in a very dark place, saw her die at least three times (according to social media), get lost flying over the Alps in a hot air balloon (it's a long story!) and get reinvented as the undisputed Queen of the Huns. When flags are being flown at Glastonbury featuring your name and face - you know you've become an icon. In this extremely honest interview Denise talks about the highs and lows of 2025, her love of reality TV, her flirtation with a pop career and why she things everything has suddenly come good for her. We've saved Noddy Holder for pudding on Christmas Day, and we'll be back with a brand new episode on New Year's Day. Thanks as always for listening - have a fabulous festive season. Cheers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 18, 2025 · 43 min
The WWQT Woman of the Year is... RAYE
This episode marks the first of a festive trio of treats. On Christmas Day join us for a chat with Mr Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssstmaaaaaaaaaaassssss! himself... Noddy Holder! In our next episode we'll catch up with Denise Welsh, whose reinvention as queen of the huns has been extraordinary - PLUS we'll talk about her brand new Christmas single. But today we're handing our a gift - when we sit down and look back on 2025 there is one woman who we think has had a quite extraordinary year. She's won awards, released her breakthrough work, and won us all over with her energy, personality and relentless work ethic. She is truly living her best life and doing it HER way. Our White Wine Question Time 'Woman of the Year' is RAYE. To celebrate - this is a chat I had with RAYE a few years ago as she was really starting to break through as her own artist. As you'll hear all of the hallmarks of her current success were there all along. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 16, 2025 · 43 min
Something from the Cellar: Shirley Ballas
NOTHING says Christmas like the final of Strictly Come Dancing - and for our 'Cellar' episode this week we're serving up a treat - Head Judge Shirley Ballas. 2026 will be Shirley's 10th year on Strictly after replacing Len Goodman. It's recognition for a lifetime of excellence in dancing, having won multiple British, US, and World Latin American Dance titles. Her ambition in dance has on occasion been a hinderance to her personal relationships, but as you'll hear her positivity is endless and infectious. She gets a definite '10' from us. Enjoy this festive episode - and keeeeeeep listening! Cheers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 11, 2025 · 54 min
The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen on Childbirth (x9), Separation and a Simple Christmas
What an episode we have for you this week - an incredible conversation with a formidable woman. Amanda Owen is known to many as The Yorkshire Shepherdess, and her family life has been shared with us through social media and numerous TV series. Since her separation from her ex-husband Clive she's adapted to a new way of living - sharing the farm as they still do, with children running between the two houses on their land. Her outlook on life has been shaped by the outstandingly beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales, and it's a refreshing take on modern living. Her new book Christmas Tales from the Farm is out now - and she talks about Christmas with all the children in this episode - it's fascinating. Enjoy this (literal) fireside chat. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 9, 2025 · 48 min
Something from the Cellar: Julian Clary
Is it December already? What happened to 2025? IT'S BEHIND YOU!!!! Welcome to panto season on White Wine Question Time. This month we're helping you get into the festive spirit with some episodes that ooze Christmas. Today we're in full panto mode to bring you a classic conversation with Julian Clary. Julian has bought his outrageous comedy to our stages and screens for the past four decades and on the eve of his new panto at the London Palladium we thought it would be a good idea to remind ourselves of why he's become an absolute national treasure. We hope you enjoy it. Cheers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 4, 2025 · 46 min
Radio 1's Matt Edmondson: Embracing ADHD, Creativity, and Resilience
In this episode of White Wine Question Time Radio 1's Matt Edmondson shares his journey from a young magic enthusiast to a successful broadcaster and board game creator. He discusses living with ADHD and cyclothymia, the challenges and gifts they bring, and how these conditions have shaped his career and personal life. Matt also opens up about his relationship with money, his creative ventures, and the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming personal struggles. CONTENT WARNING: Please note this episode does contain some frank discussion of depression and suicide. It's a fascinating conversation with a truly great creative thinker. If you enjoy this episode don't forget to hit 'Follow' wherever you listen to ensure new episodes are delivered directly to you when they're released. It's completely free and means you'll get our 'Cellar' episodes on a Tuesday and a brand new episode every Thursday. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 2, 2025 · 47 min
Something from the Cellar: Reverend Richard Coles
As we ramp up our festive preparations we've dug around in the cellar to find some episodes that just feel right for this time of year - over the next few weeks you can expect some Panto shenanigans (oh yes you can!), some Strictly magic and THE king of Christmas music. First up - it's one of the signs that it's nearly Christmas... I'm A Celebrity on the TV! We're taking you back to last year - when Reverend Richard Coles won the nation's heart in the Australian jungle. If your tree's not up already - why not get yourself in the festive mood and listen to this sermon - from the pop star turned vicar - Reverend Richard Coles. Cheers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2025 · 43 min
Big Brother host Will Best on his Big break and crying at work
Will Best's journey from T4 to Big Brother hasn't been straightforward. It might surprise you to know that in between he's run a tech company, launched an alcohol brand, and ask a lot of questions to Simon Cowell. His start has never been brighter than it is right now - hosting Hits Radio breakfast with James Barr and Fleur East and standing alongside AJ outside the Big Brother house. It's a fascinating story which has seen Will pick himself up after several false-dawns. He's always adding to his knowledge, and learning from every challenge - something we can all learn from. Enjoy the episode! Cheers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 25, 2025 · 50 min
Something from the Cellar: Gyles Brandreth
Welcome to White Wine Question Time; the podcast that asks it's guests three thought-provoking questions over three glasses of wine. Today, we're heading back down to the cellar for another episode from the archives, and as part of our mini literature festival we're holding this month, it's from another bestselling author... My guest today has written more than a hundred books, and is also a broadcaster, a knitwear designer, a former politician, and a celebrated raconteur. Having become well-known on breakfast television in the 80s, in no small part thanks to his choice of knitwear, he's been a mainstay on TV shows like The One Show, Countdown, Celebrity Gogglebox, This Morning, and Radio 4's Just a Minute. He was also the host of the award-winning Something Rhymes with Purple podcast with Susie Dent, and on his latest pod, Rosebud he talks to famous and fascinating people about their first experiences. This is the last of our November authors - I hope you've enjoyed this look back - and for December we've lined up some festive episodes designed to put you in the perfect mood for Christmas. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 20, 2025 · 50 min
Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese reveals all
Our guest on this episode of White Wine Question time is the 'Queen of Burlesque' Dita Von Teese She's a performer at the very top of her game who’s elevated striptease and burlesque into high art – from martini glasses to Swarovski carousels, she’s transformed a vintage niche into sell out tours around the world, and has her own residency in Vegas. But her story began far from the spotlight. Born Heather Renée Sweet, she was a shy, self-conscious child who cleaned toilets at her ballet school in exchange for lessons, and dreamed of escaping into the Technicolour world of 1940s Hollywood. Alongside her stage career, she’s written books, launched perfumes, created lingerie lines, and is even producing her own French gin. She’s appeared in films and music videos for artists from Green Day to Taylor Swift, and continues her Las Vegas residency with over 100 performances a year. At 53, she shows no signs of slowing down. Next up is Noctornelle, her most ambitious production yet, inspired by 19th-century stage magicians, which will tour the UK in 2026. She's an incredible artist and this was a Dita at her very honest best. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.