What I Wish I'd Known

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.