Past Imperfect

In this episode, Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester speak to children's book author and illustrator Cressida Cowell known for the How to Train Your Dragon, The Wizards of Once and Which Way to Anywhere book series. She was the Waterstones Children's Laureate from 2019 – 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester speak to James Cleverly, Secretary of State for the Home Department, about his childhood as a young black man growing up in South East London and how the racism he encountered then is different to the situation now.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, tells us about how her childhood and passion for chess have shaped her identity as a woman within male dominated environments. Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“And when I went into the church hall, every little girl, every single one, was in pink ballet shoes. And I walked in with my green ballet shoes, which were half price in the sale. And I did want to run back out through those great big double doors. But I knew if I did I would never get to dance.” In this episode we speak to Arlene Phillips, who tells us about her difficult childhood and her resilience in pursuing her passion for dance until today, most recently rewarded with the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer in Guys & Dolls.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we talk to BBC broadcaster and presenter Ashley John-Baptiste about his significant achievements, despite having suffered childhood trauma from his upbringing in foster care.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"People don't want you to be able to see anything, report anything, or say anything intelligent. You just have to be an object of beauty." In this episode, Hollywood legend Sharon Stone talks to us about her new career as a painter and how it helped her address childhood traumas. We also discuss her difficult relationship with Hollywood, and the abuse she encountered from men around her since becoming a sex symbol.WARNING: contains very strong languageProducer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Times Journalists Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson return to talk to more extraordinary people about how their past has shaped their lives and how their childhoods have defined who they are today.In this series they are joined by the likes of Sharon Stone, Arlene Phillips, Rachel Reeves and many more.This podcast has been produced in association with Speakers for Schools: www.speakersforschools.orgSeries Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Your life is built on the way you do things and the way people see you and the way you react”. The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, says he is unsure whether he would choose the ability to see if he could. Born blind, David has come to know and embrace life without sight. But his start to life was fraught with pain; as a child he had to cope with the traumatic death of his father all whilst attending a strict school for the blind, where caning was a regular occurrence. “If you think about caning a child on their hand, when their hands are used for braille reading… it was like throwing salt in your eyes.”Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I felt uncomfortable with my passions and with my life at school,” says Steve Backshall. The naturalist has wowed British children for years with shows such as Deadly 60, but his own childhood discomfort with his passion for nature is a lasting regret. He feels at home around animals in their natural habitat and despite coming face to face with the largest and deadliest creatures on the planet, Steve insists he is not driven by adrenaline seeking; “I certainly feel more intimidated and more at risk in the big city, than I ever do in the rainforest.”Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says on his parliamentary profile that he had a happy childhood with no financial hardships, but it was also one driven by such heartache that it's hard to comprehend. He was just four years old when his father John George died and after years of caring for his mother Nina, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer, she passed away too when he was only 15. Ed has remained a positive outlook on life, focused on his work, he's adamant that he's never felt sorry for himself. Yet when Ed's son, John, was born with a rare neurological condition and he became a carer once again in adulthood, it's astonishing to comprehend the resilience that Ed has learned. “Throughout my life, I've always thought that people need to see things in proportion a bit, look at what's most important.” - Ed Davey . WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Perseverance can lead to a life that maybe society thinks you're not going to have”, that's what Jimmy Akingbola tells us despite being placed in a children's home at the age of two years old. The actor, best known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Bel Air, was disowned by his father and abandoned by his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia not knowing what fate would be in store for her son, she left him in a social-security office. Despite the feeling of not belonging that consumed Jimmy as a child, he has always remained a positive outlook on his life, acknowledging how lucky he was for the love and support he received through foster care. WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Everyone was fake in the world I was in”, that's what Jamie Wood, step son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, says of growing up in the shadow of a rockstar. He claims he was unwittingly introduced to drugs at a young age, which became a big part of an alternate reality he carved out for himself, away from the limelight. But multiple health scares, including a heart attack in his 40s, have made him rethink his own health. If he had the chance, he would tell his younger self “don't take drugs, don't trust dad”.WARNING: contains very strong language and discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The birds will help you”, says Mya-Rose Criag. The 21-year old ornithologist, author and campaigner explains how catching glimpses of rare birds has the ability to heal and soothe. She saw the positive effect in her own life as she grappled with her identity at school thanks to an unusual family life. And she saw how her mother's Bipolar Disorder was calmed by family birdwatching trips; “at the start she couldn't focus… she couldn't talk. At the end, she was sharp and present and spotting things… she was my mum again”. Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“People talk about being obsessive like it's a bad thing… but it's not, it's a really good thing. It drives you,” says Gary Numan. The influential pop star explains how he has come to see his Asberger's diagnosis as a superpower, despite struggling with it as a youngster. For Gary, his early fame and success felt like an “express train”, one he was always looking into from the outside. Now, he speaks about how his wife, Gemma, reinvigorated his declining career in music, when “she encouraged me to go back to doing it as a hobby”. Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I am so grateful for everything that's ever happened,” says Suzie Fletcher. The Repair Shop's resident leather expert explains how traumatic experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Chief among those was the abusive 15-year marriage to her late husband, Rob. Despite facing violence and psychological manipulation, Suzie maintains an open and ever curious approach to understanding abusers as well as their victims; “he was a human being, too. He had all the same emotions”. WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you love your kids, they will be more resilient than you think,” says Joe Wicks. The nation's P.E.teacher talks about how his parents' enduring love shaped Joe into the person he is today. Through his dad's struggles with drug addiction and his mum's mental illness, Joe found that movement and exercise helped him through his difficult childhood circumstances and since then he has made it his mission to ensure all kids have the same opportunity to get moving and "use your body to shift your mindset and change your reality for a few moments”.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I've been able to be equal parts missionary and mercenary,” says Karl Lokko. In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, the venture capitalist and former gang leader talks of how his extraordinary youth has led to a clear purpose in the work he now does. At the age of just 12, Karl witnessed his first shooting. He went on to be shot at, stabbed, cut in the face and he saw his close friend get murdered. But with the help of certain influential women in his life, Karl turned his life around before founding Black Seed, which finances black entrepreneurs. Karl's experiences have shaped his mission; “I went uptown to get resources to bring downtown”.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best selling writer Anthony Horowitz, shares how he believes his astonishing drive and creativity was born out of trauma. He fought against countless people telling him he would never be good enough, including his own father, and now he's one of Britain's most prolific writers with more than 55 books, including the Alex Rider teen spy series that has sold over 21 million copies, and adding to the James Bond series of thrillers.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Life is what is in front of you” says Deborah Meaden. In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, the business leader shares how the challenges she faced in her early years shaped her as the entrepreneur we know today. At four years old she lived with a surrogate family whilst her mother worked to make ends meet. She met her biological dad on her doorstep as a teen, and left school at 16, and her first company failed. Deborah prides her success in later life from the determination, grit and tenacity that she learnt from the challenges she faced in childhood.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it that often people with the hardest beginnings in life become the most successful adults? And is there something to learn from those people who perhaps have the strongest sense of what matters most?Times Journalists Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson return to talk to even more extraordinary people about how they overcame moments in their early lives to achieve great success. This series they are joined by the likes of one of Britain's most recognisable women in business Deborah Meaden, the nations favourite PE teacher Joe Wicks, acclaimed novelist Anthony Horowitz and more.New episodes every Thursday.Follow the podcast now so you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, former Prime Minister Tony Blair shares how the challenges he faced in his younger years shaped him into the man we know. From the devastating stroke his father suffered, to his mother's death when he was in his early 20's and how he managed anxiety whilst he was Prime Minister. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, entrepreneur Richard Branson shares how despite his success with his business ventures from the Virgin Group, he has come up against challenges just like you and I. From living with severe dyslexia, to leaving school at 15 years old with teachers doubting his potential and how he's learnt to manage his ‘yes man' personality- Richard reflects on how the adversity he faced in his life shaped his success. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, TV Presenter Kirstie Allsopp shares how she lived in the shadows of her mothers impending death for several years. From nurturing her siblings from a young age, to attempting to carry out her mum's final wish of being buried in the family garden, Kirstie explains how the hardships she faced in her early years have helped her to now give to others what she has always yearned for herself- a perfect home. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Death, illness, bullying, griefSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, actor Brian Cox shares his memories of growing up in poverty in Dundee after his father died when he was just eight years old, and how witnessing his mother's attempted suicide made him know he could survive anything. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Suicide, death, illnessSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, one of the UK's most successful rappers Professor Green, Stephen Manderson, talks candidly about being brought up on an East London council estate by his grandmother, struggling with anxiety and how his father's suicide made him re-evaluate his own life.WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Suicide, death, illness, abuseSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear renowned poet Lemn Sissay OBE share the harrowing but compelling story of his childhood. Stolen from his birth mother and rejected by foster parents, Lemn endured years of mistreatment within the UK care system.WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Death, illness, abuse, racism Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear British politician Bridget Phillipson's first hand account of growing up in poverty on a council estate in Sunderland. From house burglaries, to school bullies and feeling ‘caught between two worlds' as a student at Oxford university. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Death, abuseSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear the novelist, Maggie O'Farrell, reflect on the misfortunes and sliding door moments that have put her life at risk. From a fatal illness she suffered with as a child, to nearly drowning as a teenager and her encounter with a stranger on a dark night- who she later found out was a murderer. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: Death, illness, injury, abuseSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear the champion British diver, Tom Daley, share the impact of his childhood stardom. From battling school bullies, to navigating the devastating loss of his father. Tom reveals his deeply romantic side, his passion for parenthood and, astonishingly, his lifelong fear of diving off the top board.WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including:abuse, mental illness, grief, injurySeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear businesswoman and former civil servant Suzanne Heywood share her life story. At the age of six she embarked on ten years of sailing around the world with her family. From threatening pirates at gunpoint, to undergoing brain surgery after their boat was shipwrecked and many more jaw-dropping moments, Suzanne reflects on how these early events shaped the rest of her life.WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: abuse, mental illness, grief, injurySeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known, we hear Fatima Whitbread MBE share her life story, from being abandoned as a baby and her devastating relationship with her birth mother to becoming an Olympic medal winning, world beating javelin thrower. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: sexual abuse, mental illness, griefSeries producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I'd Known hear senior British politician Michael Gove's first hand account of being abandoned in an orphanage, growing up in seventies Scotland and how he feels about stabbing Boris Johnson in the back. WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, grief Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it that often people with the hardest beginnings in life become the most successful adults? And is there something to learn from those people who perhaps have the strongest sense of what matters most? In this podcast, formerly known as Past Imperfect, Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester chat to extraordinary people who have lived astonishing lives and not only survived, but thrived. Sporting icons, remarkable politicians and other well known figures give their first hand account on how they achieved success in the face of adversity. Plus, Alice and Rachel reflect on their greatest interviews to date from the Past Imperfect archive with new thoughts and revelations.Follow the podcast now so you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joan Bakewell, 89, is a Labour peer is a broadcasting legend. She was one of the first women to be taken seriously in television and on radio. She broke boundaries with her arts and investigative programmes but was in a constant battle to pursue her career in an environment where institutional sexism and discrimination were rife. Her private life was equally fascinating, she juggled two children, a high-powered job, two marriages and a seven-year affair with the playwright Harold Pinter who wrote a play based on their relationship, Betrayal. “Even when she was behaving badly, she behaved well,” one fellow journalist commented at the time. Today she discusses her novel cancer treatment, sex, music and miniskirts, death and growing up during the War in the industrial North of England. Warning: Contains discussions of sensitive subjects including cancer and sexual abuse.-------OUT Links for Additional support (on Past Imperfect pod pages Website) Child abusehttps://www.nspcc.org.uk Cancer Supporthttps://www.mariecurie.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson are joined by Conservative peer, campaigner and one of the founders of legendary dance club Ministry of Sound, James Bethell. James talks candidly about his campaign against online pornography, his aristocratic background, raves and the devastating impact of his mother's descent into depression, addiction and her tragically early death. NB: (trigger warning included) Contains discussion of sensitive topics including: postnatal depression, child neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, suicide. Links for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages) Post Natal Depression Supporthttps://pandasfoundation.org.uk/what-is-pnd/post-natal-depression Alcoholism and Addictionhttps://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk Mental health and suicide awarenesshttps://www.mind.org.uk/ The Samaritans Tel: 116 123www.samaritans.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel and Alice talk to Professor John Bell, Regius professor of Medicine at Oxford University. His first memory, he says, was looking up and seeing “a load of guys with white coats around me”. He'd contracted polio and his father, had also caught the disease and was critically ill in the same hospital. “People forget about polio,” he says, but Professor Bell never did, always concerned that another disease may sweep across the world. Now, more than 70 years later, he is known for helping secure a covid vaccine and advising the government on how to lead Britain out of the pandemic. His research teams are also on the brink of major breakthroughs in the fight against cancer. Links for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages)Polio information and support Polio - Eradication, Vaccination, & Access | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Polio Survivors Network – Lives lived with healthcare lessons for the futureCancer Supporthttps://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explorer, broadcaster and Chief Scout Bear Grylls talks candidly to Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson about his love of adventure, the profound impact of the deaths of his inspirational father, and one of his closest friends in the SAS, Sergeant Chris Carter. Bear discusses life in the special forces, the challenges of climbing Mount Everest, and the catastrophic parachuting accident that nearly paralyzed him for life.Links for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages) Bereavement supportwww.sueryder.org.uk The Royal British LegionSupport for soldiers and ex-soldiershttp://www.britishlegion.org.uk Mental health https://www.mind.org.uk/Support for those affected by paralysisLiving with Paralysis - Reeve Foundationwww.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Harewood (MBE, OBE) is an actor who attained international stardom with TV roles in Homeland and The Night Manager. He was the first black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in London, and has delivered acclaimed performances as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. His latest role is a white Conservative commentator William F Buckley pitched against the liberal Gore Vidal in the hit play Best of Enemies which has received rave reviews in the West End.But David's early life was marred by racist attacks, and mental illness, culminating in him experiencing a psychotic breakdown. Despite being awarded both an MBE and an OBE he still sees himself as an outsider. “There's a sense of displacement, “he says, “That's been constant throughout my life.” WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: racist attacks, homophobia, drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, suicide. Links for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages) Anti-racismhttps://www.stophateuk.org/about-hate-crime/racism-in-the-ukAlcoholism and Addictionhttps://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk Mental health and suicide awarenesshttps://www.mind.org.uk/ The Samaritans Tel: 116 123www.samaritans.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Lady in waiting Lady Anne Glenconner, talks candidly to Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson about growing up as a member of the Royal Family's inner circle. She reveals the high s and lows of her life as a socialite: Riding tricycles with Princess Margaret, holidays in Mustique and being maid of honour at the Queens's coronation. She speaks frankly about her marriage overshadowed by an abusive husband and the death of two sons.Warning: Contains frank discussion of domestic violence, death, brothels and violence to animals (eels)https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anne-GlenconnerLinks for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages) Domestic abusewww.womensaid.org.ukDomestic Abuse Help · National Centre for Domestic Violence (ncdv.org.uk)Child Abusehttps://www.nspcc.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Cullen is a trade union general secretary who has led her members out on strike for the first time in her union's 109-year history. In recent weeks, Pat has been on picket lines all over the country with her colleagues and patients, leading the negotiations with the UK government on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing. In this episode of Past Imperfect, Pat Cullen talks candidly to Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson about how her tenacity and her belief in justice has been shaped by growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and through losing both her parents as a teenager. “When I believe in something.” She says, “I'll follow it through to the bitter end, I absolutely will.” -------Links the Royal College of Nursinghttps://www.rcn.org.uk/ Bereavement supporthttps://www.sueryder.org/https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ Mental health https://www.mind.org.uk/young people's mental healthhttps://www.youngminds.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mariella Frostrup is a renowned journalist and a voice familiar to Times Radio listeners. Today, the tables are turned. Mariella is on the other side of the mic, answering the questions rather than asking them.She talks candidly to Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson about her chaotic childhood, constantly being moved from house to house, from country to country as her parents divorced. She talks about the devastating impact of her dad's early death and her stepfather's violence and links to the IRA. Mariella also shares warm memories of her youth in the music industry, living in London's Kings Road at the height of its punk glamour, jokes with Bono and dates with Iggy Pop. Warning: Contains discussions of sensitive subjects including: alcoholism, bullying, death, drug use, domestic violence and coercive control, death.-------Links for additional support Bereavement supporthttps://www.sueryder.org/https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ Domestic Violencehttps://www.ncdv.org.uk/domestic-abuse-help/ Bullyinghttps://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/ Alcoholism and Addictionhttps://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk Mental health https://www.mind.org.uk/young people's mental healthhttps://www.youngminds.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candice Brathwaitei s a best-selling author, television presenter and social media star. Her honest and funny accounts of motherhood as a black woman have made her one of Britain's most successful influencers. But her early life was far from picture perfect. She was raised by her grandfather due to her mother's mental health issues. Her father died suddenly was she was 21. Then she was almost killed by an infection following the birth of her first child. This experience led her to explore the experiences of black mothers and baby in the UK health care system. A 2018 study showed that black women were more than 5 times more likely to die in childbirth. A shocking statistic, that inspired Candice to become a vocal campaigner for health care reform. Warning: Contains frank discussion of illness, childbirth, abortion, suicide and racism. Additional support Pregnancy and Post-natal supportNational Childbirth trusthttps://www.nct.org.uk/ Mental health and suicide awarenesshttps://www.mind.org.uk/ www.samaritans.org The Samaritans Tel: 116 123 Abortion advice(www.mariestopes.org.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.