In The Pink

Something a bit different on In The Pink now, not one but three very special guests. Natalie is joined by Richard Branson, his son Sam and his daughter Holly. Hear a unique insight into life in the Branson Family. What is Richard really like as a father and grandfather? Who wears the trousers in his marriage? And what makes the family tick? Hear what really matters to them all in politics, business and life. This is the most intimate profile yet of the family behind the global business empire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now we catch up with the incredibly impressive Helen Skelton. Is there anything the former Blue Peter presenter can't do? As well as learning golf alongside Natalie, the 37-year-old also impressed on the gruelling 'SAS Who Dares Wins' programme where she went through some of the military's toughest tests. And if you thought that was hard, the mother of two also managed to complete the Namibia Ultra Marathon, which is a series of three marathons across the dessert in boiling temperatures...impressive is an understatement. She discusses how she manages to do these things whilst balancing motherhood and her other jobs! Another one not to miss, so have a listen! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Next up for this series is Sky Sports News presenter Bela Shah. We discuss her unusual journey from law, to presenting one of the biggest sports news programmes in the world. But it's not been straight forward, changing a career path late on and fighting stereotypes in a male-orientated workplace. We also talk about her golf progression and why it's never too late to start the sport. Bela and Natalie prepare to compete in a brand new golf competition with two other women, who feature in the series. Bela is truly inspiring, so don't miss out and have a listen! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now for a serious gear change! We leave the racing world and speak to the wonderfully talented Fleur East. Most of you will know her from knockout performances on the X-Factor, where she sprung to fame singing Mark Ronson's massive hit 'Up Town Funk.' But there is so much more to her that that! She's also part of the fab four that have been tasked with learning golf in just six months, our host Natalie Pinkham joins her! Fleur also talks about her route and inspirations behind the music and even gives a private rendition of her favourite Alicia Keys song! A great listen and one not to miss! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's another one for all you racing fans! Next up is former Force India star Paul di Resta. The Scot discusses his route into professional racing through carting and what it was like finally catching his big break at the top of the sport. Although he's not been a lead driver since 2013, di Resta has still made some appearances, most notably standing in at short notice for Felipe Massa in 2017. Di Resta's career hasn't just been on the track, he's now turned into a leading pundit and commentator with Sky Sports. He talks about the transition to that and has his say on the Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen debate. Keep listening, they'll be plenty more great guests on the way! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When it comes to racing, Max Chilton has done pretty much everything by the ripe old age of 30. He currently races in America's IndyCar series, having come agonisingly close to winning their most iconic race the Indy500. Prior his move he competed in Formula One, driving for Marussia F1 in 2013 and 2014 and in 2012, he raced in the GP2 series for Marussia-backed Carlin Motorsport. Max talks about his rise through the racing ranks, what it was like to have raced alongside the late Jules Bianchi, and how the sport differs between F1 and IndyCar. He also discusses his personal life and we meet his very talented wife, Chloe. A great insight into what it takes to be a top level racing driver. Stay tuned, plenty more amazing guests on the way too! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back for another series! And what a way to kick it off, first up we have 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button. He discusses what it's like raising a family in America and talks about his newest endeavours. These include a team in the new 'Extreme E' series which promises to transform racing as we know it. But he's not just behind the wheel, Button is now a leading face of F1 on Sky Sports, so what is it like seeing the race weekend from that angle? Have a listen and find out! Plenty more great guest on the way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Eddie Izzard, the comedy legend talks about her life journey and battle to help people be more understanding of others who have different sexualities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Next up on In The Pink is comedy icon Eddie Izzard. Eddie is in the middle of a monumental marathon challenge - 31 marathons in 31 days through January 2020, with a stand-up gig tacked on to the end of each run. Impressively Eddie pounds the treadmill throughout her interview with Natalie, as they talk transgender issues; Eddie’s political aspirations, and her desire to see her life mantra and campaign slogan ‘Make Humanity Great Again’ a reality. Sit back relax, whilst Eddie does all the hard work of long distance running whilst sharing her thoughts, passions and an insight in to her fascinating life. To donate to Eddie’s fundraising efforts see www.eddieizzard.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this brief look at our interview with Sky Sports' Adam Smith, he talks about his route to the top of boxing within the company. Smith is now synonymous with the sport globally but that has taken nearly three decades of hard work. The now Head of Boxing at Sky Sports gives his tips for getting into the industry and shares his personal story of progression. One for any aspiring broadcasters out there. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Adam Smith, he discusses what makes boxing so special. The sport has the ability to make millionaires at its higher levels, but how can it help your every day person? Smith talks about its health benefits and how it has saved many fighters from a a different path or even jail. He also has a strong message... that boxing is not just a sport, Smith has seen people die fighting, and witnessed its impacts first hand. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Sky Sports' Adam Smith, he discusses the fight that everybody is talking about, Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury. Will it happen in 2021... and who will win? Smith reveals all. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When it comes to boxing, Adam Smith has really seen everything! We catch up with the sports fanatic, who has worked his way up from the bottom to become Head of Sky Sports boxing. Smith shares his stories about covering, and commentating on, some of the biggest fights in boxing's history. The iconic commentator shares his advice about making a career in boxing and discusses the benefits of the sport that has changed so many people's live for the better. He also has big news on Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury, the fight that everybody is waiting for!!! Another one not to miss! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former professional boxer Anthony Ogogo battled his entire life to get on the verge of fighting for world titles, only for it all to be cruelly taken away by a bad eye injury. The Olympic medallist talks about the highs and bigger lows of his time at the top of the sport. He also discusses how he's dealt with the problems thrown his way. A brutally honest interview and one not to miss! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with former boxer Anthony Ogogo, he reveals the real story behind his journey to Olympic Bronze in London 2012... but it certainly could have been a different colour round his neck. Agogo had to deal with a terrible run of injuries to even qualify for the Games, continually defying the odds to even represent Britain. When finally there, he had to decide between boxing for GB and being at his sick mother's bedside. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anthony Agogo ended up as a professional boxer, but it could have been very different. The Olympic medallist talks explains why he chose boxing over football, and discusses the benefits the sport brought to him growing up. Not everybody was a fan straight away, and he even had to make up lies to cover up for fighting injuries. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now to the bittersweet life story of former professional boxer turned wrestler Anthony Ogogo, where he reveals some of the details you didn't know about his rollercoaster career. Ogogo rose to fame by taking a bronze medal at London 2012, but it could have been gold, had he not suffered with injury and a bad health scare for his mum. After that in professional boxing, his dreams of a world middleweight title were cruelly taken away by a bad eye problem, which he's never fully recovered from. Ogogo is brutally honest about his disappointment and anger, but explains how he's tried to turn it round and is now chasing another childhood dream of being a professional wrestler. Find out about his unusual childhood and incredible journey. A truly amazing tale from start to finish, and one for any sports fan not to miss out on!!! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with racing great Damon Hill, we look back at the rollercoaster 2021 campaign that saw Lewis Hamilton equal the record for most title wins. But who could replace him at Mercedes? Hill talks about George Russel's progression, his season highlights and Sergio Perez's chances at Red Bull. He also discusses the best ways to nurture young talent within the paddock. Another one not to miss!! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the addition of Mick Schumacher to the 2021 F1 grid, racing great Damon Hill discusses if he can emulate father Micheal, arguably the greatest driver of all time. Hill himself a world champion, followed in his father's footsteps with his dad Graham winning two championships. But is carrying an iconic name a help or a burden? Damon Hill discusses what it was like growing up with an F1 great, and his experiences during his racing career. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We continue with more racing royalty! Nnext up is 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill. He gives his unique thoughts on the current racing paddock, shares his racers and moments of the year, plus tells you who to look out for next season! Hill, the son of Graham, who won two F1 titles himself, also talks about the father-son relationship within racing, as next year sees Mick, the son of Micheal Schumacher, join the pinnacle of motor sport. Hill also talks about his unique views on F1 and tries to explain what the sport really means. Another one not to miss!! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Johnny Herbert is considered as one of the fastest drivers of his generation... but what actually makes a great racer? In this quick look at our interview with the former F1 driver, he discusses just that. He touches on having to prove himself after a crash that threatened his career, why Lewis Hamilton is just so good and what physical aspects are needed to make it at the top table of motor racing. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with racing royalty Johnny Herbert, he looks back Romain Grosjean's death-defying crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Grosjean somehow, walked away with only burns to his hands. But how do you mentally recover from crashes like this? Herbert, who also had a career threatening crash which left him with foot problems, discusses some of the physical and mental issues around coming back from incidents like these. A must listen! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now we catch up with one of F1's most popular figures Johnny Herbert, who looks back at the unusual 2020 season, where the drivers faced new tracks and fresh challenges because of Covid-19. One of the stand out moments was Romain Grosjean's horror crash in Bahrain and Herbert, who suffered career-threatening injuries in a crash in 1988, reflects on the current safety measures and talks about what it takes for a driver to come back from an incident like that. He also discusses what it's like to have made the transition from driver to pundit. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here is one for all your aspiring F1 drivers! Ever wondered how much it actually costs to make it from carting to F1. Former driver and pundit Anthony Davidson reveals how much it takes to get to motor sport's top table. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Anthony Davidson, he looks back on where his racing career began. Davidson discusses his early carting days and how that led to professional racing. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our latest episode, we catch up with racing expert Anthony Davidson. He takes us through a career where he has pretty much everything in the sport. Davidson talks about his early carting career that took him to the pinnacle of the sport with F1, where he was on for a first podium finish, only to be hilariously denied by a groundhog. But he has done so much more, winning titles in different classes and becoming Mercedes' reverse and simulator driver. Ever wondered what it would take to become the next F1 star?... Davidson helps break it down. Another one not to miss! Sponsored by Bose and Esso. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Finland's Valtteri Bottas, we find about a bit more about the racing star. He talks about his upbringing... find out what unusual job his mum had. Bottas also discusses his route into racing, his allegince to Totto Wolf and Mercedes, plus why he's actually Lance Corporal Bottas. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish racing star looks back at a mixed 2020 season. He's had his success, but still fallen short in his quest to finally beat Lewis Hamilton to the driver's title. Bottas also talks about what it was like to be racing whilst Romain Grosjean cheated death in that shocking crash, and assess the skills of possible future Mercedes star, George Russell. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's another one for you all racing fans! Natalie catches up with Mercedes driver Valterri Bottas, who talks us through his season and what it's like to partner Lewis Hamilton, who he calls the greatest driver of all time. Bottas also opens up about the effects that Romain Grosjean's crash had on him and the paddock in Bahrain. Following that, Hamilton was ruled out for the second race in Bahrain, which means George Russell takes his seat, but how will he do? Bottas accesses his chances. Find out what make Bottas tick under the ice cool exterior, which he describes as just being Finnish. Finally he touches on his upbringing and the unusual jobs of his parents. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Romain Grosjean, he talks about his mind set for the rest of the season and talks his relationships within the paddock. The Frenchman also reveals what advice he would have given to his younger self in an early racing career, having been the target of his fair share of criticism. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With his F1 career seemingly coming to an end, Roman Grosjean looks back at his time at the top of the sport. Following his early Lotus days, Grosjean has spent five years at America's HAAS but they've struggled for any success and the Frenchman hasn't reappeared on the podium again. Grosjean also discusses the age-old driver/car debate and talks about what could have been, if the right seat became free earlier. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Romain Grosjean, we find out a little more about the man with 180 F1 races. He talks about his family life and many interests outside of the sport. With the end of his F1 career looming, Grosjean also talks about some of the close friends he's made throughout his career and just what makes a good driver. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With 180 races to his name Romain Grosjean is one of the more recognisable faces in the F1 paddock, but that looks set to be coming to an end with the Frenchman soon to lose his seat at HAAS. In this interview he looks back at his career, stating with Lotus before helping with the new venture of HAAS, an American outfit. Grosjean also discusses the politics within F1, his vision for a safer sport, his highs, lows and family life. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After seven years in F1, it looks to be coming to an end for Kevin Magnussen at motor sport's top table. The Danish star will no longer drive for HAAS next year, but what does the future hold for him? In this short look at our amazing interview with Magnussen he discusses the team's struggles in recent years and touches on his future plans. A great listen for any racing fan. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Kevin Magnussen, he opens up about his dislikes surrounding the politics sometimes involved in F1. The Danish star also reveals what it's been like driving for a struggling HAAS team and his passion for racing. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the Pink is back for another series! And we are kicking off with a lovely chat with Formula 1's Danish star Kevin Magnussen. He burst onto the scene in 2014 with a podium on debut in Australia, but he has struggled for more success. He talks about his more recent HAAS years, where he has now lost his seat, forcing him to evaluate his future in F1. The former McLaren man also discuses the politics of the sport and why being a great driver may still not be enough in some cases. Another great listen for any sports fan. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today is Caroline Flack's birthday. As a way of marking our friend's special day we have pulled together a podcast (with the permission of her family) of stories about Flacky told by her closest friends. We have stripped out the ads in the podcast and replaced them with mentions of two causes that were close to her heart. The Samaritans www.samaritans.org and Choose Love www.choose.love. We hope that the stories make you smile; and remember if you are struggling - Samaritans are always there to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The top F1 names keep coming! This time we are with another rising star Lance Stroll. At only 21, he finds himself towards the top of the drivers standings having an amazing season with surprise package, Racing Point. The Belgian-Canadian talks about his upbringing and racing background, and what it was like to have worked for Williams, before making the move to Racing Point. Surely it's only a matter of time before we see him win in F1, he was Italian F4 champion in 2014, Toyota Racing Series champion in 2015, and 2016 FIA European Formula 3 champion. Another great listen, sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our incredible interview with Trevor Nelson, the legendary DJ breaks his silence on the Black Lives Matter movement. He also discusses racism more broadly, touching on some of the barriers he has faced in his career, and what he has done to break them down. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Pinkers chats to legendary DJ Trevor Nelson. Iconic in the R&B, hip hop and soul world Trevor is like the Peter Pan of music broadcasting, he never seems to grow old, and will forever be cool. Hear him detail his 30 years on TV and radio through some amazing adventures where he’s met and worked with every imaginable music superstar. Hear him open up for the first time publicly about Black Lives Matter; what it means to him and where, in his opinion, we are collectively getting it right and wrong. A natural story teller - Trevor’s take on the world is a brilliant listen. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the shorter look at our interview with Alex Albon, he discusses what it's really like driving for Red Bull and talks about his relationship with Max Verstappen. How well do they get on? Have a listen and find out. He also discusses what it's like being part of the young driver scene and his friendships with Lando Norris and George Russell, who are also seen as the future of the sport. A unique insight to the workings of F1! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Alex Albon, he talks about his rise through motor sport which led him to ultimately sign for leading team Red Bull. It's been a great season so far for him, fighting back to score points in most races and even being in contention to win in Austria, but what's they key to his recent success? Listen and find out ! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We catch up with another of Formula One's rising stars Alex Albon. The Brit born Thai driver discusses his family, early life and rise to the pinnacle of motorsport in F1 plus his promising start to the season with Red Bull. Albon also talks about his friendships on the grid, especially with other home starlets Landon Norris and George Russel. He also opens up about what it's like to drive for world title winning team Red Bull and his future in the sport. Another one not to miss for any sports fan! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Williams driver George Russell talks about the team's greatly improved start to the season, and discusses his friendships with other new up-and-coming drivers Alex Albon and Lando Norris, who both feature on this podcast series. It's not been easy at Williams for Russell, with the car regularly falling to the back of the grid, but how can he help change that? He also touches on his future plans and the idea of driving in a different seat. Sponsored by Bose, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with F1 starlet George Russell, he talks about his rise through the ranks, winning the GP2 and Formula 3 series before being snapped up by Williams. He also discusses just what it's like racing for one of the sport's most iconic teams and outlines their aspirations. Russell also explains the plans for the future of his promising career. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a short look at our interview with F1's next big thing George Russell. He talks about his childhood and his early love for racing plus a sibling rivalry with his brother... but who was faster? Russell talks about the sacrifices made to get where he is and the moment he really thought he could mix it with motor sport's elite. It all ended up with him getting his big break and finally signing for Mercedes as a test driver. Another one for all your sports fans!! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now to another great guest! We catch up with Williams driver George Russell, who reflects on a much improved start to the season with the iconic F1 team. Russell is one of a number of up-and-coming British stars in motor racing and has been labelled a future F1 drivers champion. The 22-year-old won the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship and the 2017 GP3 Series before finally signing for Williams. He talks about the sacrifices made to get to where he is and opens up about his friendships with Lando Norris and Alex Albon. Another one not to miss for all you racing fans! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Karun Chandhok, he talks all about the hot topic of diversity within the sport. Chandhok, one of the only Indian F1 drivers talks about his experiences in the sport, and what can be done to make it more open and diverse. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Karun Chandhok, the Indian racing star talks about his transition from behind the wheel to interviewing his fellow drivers and presenting. Having been a driver and mechanic, it gives him a unique insight to the sport which has helped him become one of the most respected faces in the F1 paddock. But how has the access to the drivers changed over the year and what makes him so good at his job? Have a listen and find out! Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After moving to England to pursue his racing dream, Karun Chandhok eventually caught his break when he signed for Red Bull Racing, before driving for HRT and Lotus in Formula One. Chandhok talks about what is was like finally racing against the sport's elite and how his personality may have held him back from progressing further. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short look at our interview with Karun Chandhok, he talks about his unlikely route from India into motor racing. Chandhok discusses his early life and love of car mechanics, which ultimately led him into racing around India's very first race track. But there were big sacrifices along the way before he ended up in Brackley where his career really took off. Sponsored by Bose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.