Jordy Cernik was an up and coming TV and radio presenter when a rare disease called Cushing Syndrome started wreaking havoc on his life. After a string of life or death brain surgeries Jordy was left with one unexpected symptom - he is physically unable to feel fear. He told Nicky about jumping out of a plane to prove it, what life is like without fear and what it’s like to die on the operating table.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of surgical procedures. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

WARNING this episode contains strong language and descriptions of sexual violence. Suzy Angus tells Nicky how she joined forces with two other women to fight the law of corroboration - a law previously described as the “cornerstone” of Scottish justice.Suzy tells Nicky why the law meant there was no chance to prosecute her rapists and talks about her hopes for how these reforms will affect change for other survivors. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Holistic sex educator and tantric yoga teacher Jenny Keane meets Nicky to chat misconceptions about sex, being a sex educator in Ireland and why sex education matters.Warning: This episode contains adult conversations about sex.

Nicky meets Joseph Paris, a man who spent several decades making wigs for Frank Sinatra. He tells Nicky what kind of man Frank was, what New York was like in the 70’s and which famous band Sinatra chased out of a Vegas steam room…Warning: This episode contains strong language and adult themes

A New Year selection box including…Nicky’s conversation with Tony King, promoter to some of the most famous bands ever - including Queen and the Beatles.A trip to Zara the dominatrix’s dungeon to explore why people pay for pain.A daring tale of crime and adventure - David McMillan recounts his escape from a notorious Thai prison.Joy Milne and Perdita Barran tell Nicky how Joy’s super-smelling superpower lead to a huge scientific breakthrough.*** This episode has themes of bereavement, if you've been impacted by any of the issues discussed you can find support at bbc.co.uk/actionlineProduced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Nicky Campbell meets Elf Whisperer Bryndis Bryndis Fjóla Pètursdóttir, who describes herself as a seer and horticulturalist. She talks to Nicky about the hidden people and elves that dwell in the garden, a widespread and common belief in Iceland.Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Zak Ebrahim was 7 when his father went to prison, initially for the attempted assassination of Rabbi Meir Kahane, while there it was discovered he had helped plan the 1993 World Trade Centre Bombing, alongside men like the Blind Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman. Now Zak speaks about his experiences, learning to let go of hatred and how he found peace. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Katy Morgan-Davies was born in a nondescript house in Lambeth in London, but thirty years later the world would discover she, and the other occupants in the house, were anything but ordinary. Katy was born into a strict communist-Maoist cult, didn’t know who her parents were, wasn’t allowed to get any education, leave the house or even look out the window. She escaped in 2013 when one of the other women held there memorised the number of a charity, who arranged their release. Katy tells Nicky how she learnt her worldview from a copy of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, how she never wanted her father to go to prison and forgiveness.Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Nicky first spoke about the abuse he witnessed and suffered at Edinburgh Academy on this podcast, now more than a year later Panorama has released an investigation into Iain Wares - at one point known only as the pseudonym “Edgar” - the teacher accused by multiple victims of abuse over several decades. Nicky learns more about the investigation with journalists Eleanor Plowden and Tom Stone, finding out about the work Panorama has done and how you investigate a story as sensitive and complex as this one. Joining them are Neil Douglas and Stuart - not his real name - who survived abuse and now are working to bring Wares to justice.Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Our usual episode is delayed - Nicky explains why.

Robert Mazur was once the go-to money launderer for Pablo Escobar’s Medellin cartel - but it was all a ruse, Robert was undercover and it led to one of the largest money laundering prosecutions in history. He joins Nicky to talk about making friends with ruthless criminals, fear and how more money than ever before is being laundered. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound Design: Ailsa Rochester

Pastor Clement Okusi, biblical scholar Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou and geneticist Dr Adam Rutherford join Nicky for a far reaching conversation. Asking questions like…where does the bible stand on evolution? Did Jesus exist? Does it matter if he did? Who gets into heaven? And what’s the meaning of life? Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Sarah Jane Downing was a victim of the now imprisoned surgeon Ian Paterson. Ian Paterson specialised in breast cancer operations, and between 1997 and 2011, he subjected more than 1000 patients to unnecessary and damaging surgeries, many of them mastectomies. He's currently serving a 20 year sentence after being found guilty on 17 counts of wounding with intent, and three counts of unlawful wounding. When Sarah Jane Downing discovered the lumpectomy he’d performed on her was unnecessary she founded a group to bring together his victims. WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of surgery and distressing conversations about receiving a cancer diagnosis . Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Wim Hof is an extreme athlete who held the record for swimming under ice, prolonged full body contact with ice and completing a half marathon barefoot on ice and snow. Now an author, tv star and motivational speaker he encourages everyone to embrace the cold - whether it’s wild swimming, cold showers or ice baths. He talks to Nicky’s wife Tina who’s a devoted wild swimmer, hears Nicky’s experience with a cold shower and we find out the unlikely mantra that helped him survive his barefoot marathon. WARNING: This episode contains strong language and a conversation about losing a loved one to suicide. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

In 1984 college student Angela Samota was found dead in her Texas apartment, her murder went unsolved for more than 30 years. Nicky speaks to Angela’s friend Sheila Wysocki who pressured police into reopening the case and finally finding the killer. Sheila is now a private investigator who focuses on cold cases and unsolved murders - she tells Nicky what the police think of her, what it’s like to have lunch with a suspected murderer and why she can’t quit. WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual assault and adult themes Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Michael Scott Moore is an American journalist living and working in Berlin - in 2012 he was reporting on the court case of a group of Somali pirates being tried in Germany and planning on writing a book on piracy. He travelled to Somalia where he was taken by pirates and held for the next 2 and half years of his life. He tells Nicky about what it was like to come home, the cruelty of the pirates and why he gave up hope. WARNING: This episode contains strong language and references suicidal feelings and descriptions of violence Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

This week on Different Nicky meets Tony King, a record promoter who worked with John Lennon, the Rolling Stones, Freddie Mercury and remains a close friend of Elton John’s. He tells Nicky about working with the most famous people on earth, Studio 54 in its heyday and shopping with Freddy. WARNING: This episode contains adult content and references to substance abuse. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

This week on Different Nicky explores the band which changed his life, with two people who were there while the music was being made - Pattie Boyd and Tony King. Pattie Boyd was married to George Harrison, then later Eric Clapton, and George wrote the song "Something" for her. She tells Nicky about meeting him, her career as a model, what it was like to be married to a Beatle and how George and Eric remained friends. Tony is a retired record promoter who worked closely with the Rolling Stones, Elton John and the Beatles, and we find out what John Lennon said really happened between him and Brian Epstein WARNING: This episode contains references to sex and substance abuse. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

In 2013 Bryan Johnson sold his company to Paypal for $800 million, since then he’s founded two new companies, and began Project Blueprint - the regimen designed to make him live forever. He tells Nicky about his gruelling daily routine, being the most measured man in human history and why he thinks perfect health is on its way. WARNING:This episode contains adult themes. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Journalist and author AJ Jacobs tells Nicky about his year long mission to understand the bible better - by following every rule it sets. From not shaving the corners of his beard, to stoning adulterers and having to bring his own camping chair on the subway because of some extremely restrictive rules on where he could sit. He and Nicky discuss how much of the bible was meant to be taken literally, why people are drawn to men with big beards and white robes and why a non religious life can still be sacred. WARNING this episode contains mild bad language. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Jamie Hull had left the SAS when he went to America to train as a pilot - part of his longer plan to work as a commercial airline pilot. In his final weeks of training Jamie took his plane up on a solo flight, where it caught fire. He tells Nicky about jumping from the plane, what it’s like to think you’re moments from death, and his long road to recovery. WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of accident and injury, and a discussion on assisted dying and suicidal thoughts. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

What’s it like to be a psychopath? Nicky finds out with diagnosed psychopath ME Thomas. They talk about guilt, love and why most serial killers are too emotional to be actual psychopaths. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Bruce Findlay ran legendary Edinburgh record story Bruce’s before going on to manage band Simple Minds. He tells Nicky about meeting the biggest names in music, why he and Simple Minds parted company and how his shop was the first in Scotland to sell the Beatles White Album. WARNING: This episode contains bad language Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Ailsa Rochester

Nicky talks to Martin Davidson, a historian who discovered as an adult that his Grandfather was a mid ranking SS Officer in the Nazi party - and had joined the party far before Hitler came to power. He and Nicky discuss what he uncovered about the holocaust, recognising evil and family secrets. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky talks to forensic psychiatrist and author Dr Gwen Adshead about working with violent offenders, psychopaths and the dangers of certainty. WARNING: This episode includes discussion of violent crimes, child sexual assault and rape. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Jason Bray, a minister in the Church of Wales talks about his job as a deliverance minister - explaining why if you think you're possessed you definitely aren’t, where the bible stands on ghosts and why he considers himself a sceptic. WARNING: this episode contains references to mental illness, self harm and the occult Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky learns how the power of super-smeller Joy Milne has been harnessed to make a new test to diagnose Parkinson’s. They discuss her ability, how she found out that she had identified the smell of Parkinson's, the other illnesses she can smell and the ethical dilemma that comes with being to diagnose with her nose. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Dream decoder and author Theresa Cheung talks about being homeschooled by a family of spiritualists and astrologers, getting into Cambridge and the red flags to watch out for if you visit a psychic. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Seoyhun Lee’s father was one of North Korea’s privileged party members, but when the regime came for their friends the family made the decision to defect. Seoyhun Lee tells Nicky about her best friend's kidnapping by the state, what’s really going on in Pyongyang and life in America. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Rhonda McCrimmon explains to Nicky what being a shaman is all about, plays him the drum that takes you into a dream state and explains why Scotland is so tied up with ancient magic. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Craig Edmondson

Dr Jill Bolte Taylor is an author and neuroanatomist who used her own stroke to better understand how her brain perceives reality. She tells Nicky about that experience, about how her brother’s schizophrenia inspired her to start her career, and they explore which bits of the brain do what.

Nicky talks to Giles Duley, a conflict photographer, chef and founder of the Legacy of War Foundation. Giles lost three limbs when he stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan, where he was embedded with US troops and reporting on the conflict. He tells Nicky about overcoming his injuries and his determination to return to war zones as a triple amputee, and how cooking has helped with his mental health. WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of injury, violence and war For details of organisations that can provide help and support for some of the issues raised, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

In the first series of Different Nicky spoke to journalist Alex Renton about the abuse that he saw and experienced at his school, the Edinburgh Academy, in the 1970s. Since the episode, ‘Edgar’ was published, many more victims have come forward, and the case against the alleged living abuser continues. After that episode Nicky received many emails, one of which was from the daughter of the man who abused him, Hamish Dawson. Nicky travels to Edinburgh to meet Jenny Pearson to discuss her childhood, and how hearing her father’s name on the radio shook her world. She talks about healing, volunteering to speak to her father’s victims and thriving despite the legacy her father left behind. WARNING: This episode contains bad language, descriptions of child abuse and violence that some listeners may find upsetting. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed, you can find more information and support on the BBC Action Line website: http://bbc.co.uk/actionline Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Craig Edmondson

Richard Reeves tells Nicky about his new book which explores “the male malaise” and investigates whether boys and men are failing at everything from school, to work and relationships. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky hears what it’s like to quit the rat race in a big way. Gaynor Leeper left her London city life to move to the Arctic Circle and train sled dogs - despite a fear of dogs. They talk about dark mornings, racing sleds and owning 43 dogs. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Craig Edmondson

Ex undercover operative Mubin Shaikh tells Nicky how he became radicalised as a teenager, before changing his views and being recruited by the Canadian government to gather information on terror suspects. He talks de-radicalisation, terror threats and his faith now. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky spends time with David Denison who has pancreatic cancer and is now in end of life care. David has been campaigning for assisted dying to be made legal in the UK and believes he should have been allowed the legal right to choose when he dies - without criminalising his partner. He tells Nicky what it’s like to know you’re nearing the end of your life, his legacy and why he thinks assisted dying reform is on the way.

World renowned animal behaviourist Temple Grandin meets Nicky to talk about how her extraordinary visual brain means she can think like the farm animals she works with. They discuss diagnosing autism, how she learned to make small talk and scary shadows. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

After hearing Alex Renton’s BBC Radio 4 documentary, In Dark Corners, Nicky Campbell chose to speak out about abuse he witnessed and experienced at Edinburgh Academy. One of those abusers, “Edgar” is alive and living in South Africa, awaiting extradition. In this episode Alex updates Nicky on Edgar’s extradition, and they speak to another survivor of Nicky’s abuser, who tells them how the abuse he experienced affected his whole life. WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of child abuse and attempted suicide that some listeners may find upsetting. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed, you can find more information and support on the BBC Action Line website: http://bbc.co.uk/actionline Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky speaks to author and neuroscientist Anil Seth about consciousness, free will and how our memory works - are we remembering, remembering? WARNING: This episode includes a conversation about recreational hallucinogenic drugs Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky explores an experiment in slow journalism. Paul Salopek has been walking in the steps of the first humans as they left the mother continent of Africa. Paul has been following that journey and speaking to the people he meets along the way. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Nicky and broadcaster Iain Lee swap stories of how their neurodivergence affects them in the studio. We hear stories of Iain Lee on the 11 O’Clock show and Nicky forgives him for the part he unwittingly played in the show…along with some other insider secrets (Iain Lee - Gemini). They’re joined by Nicky’s daughter Kirsty, who received her ADHD diagnoses and medication as a teenager - taking her from D’s to A’s practically overnight, they discuss the positives and negatives of ADHD. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Is heaven a concept? Or a literal place? And might it be quite boring? Nicky Campbell and Leicester Imam Ibrahim Mogra chew over those questions, as Ibrahim paints a picture of Islam’s incredibly detailed depiction of where we go when we die. From rivers of honey to fragrant burps… Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Comedian Janey Godley tells Nicky why she’s different- from her neurodivergent family, her old tweets nearly getting her cancelled, to getting a cancer diagnosis in lockdown. WARNING: This episode contains reference to attempted suicide. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed you can find more information and support on the BBC Action Line website http://bbc.co.uk/actionline Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Retired drug smuggler David McMillan sits down with Nicky to discuss his extraordinary life. What’s it like being on the run? How does knowing you may face the death penalty affect you? And how do you escape Thailand’s notorious, sprawling, Klong Prem prison? WARNING: This episode contains some strong language and reference to attempted suicide. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed you can find more information and support on the BBC Action Line website http://bbc.co.uk/actionline Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Rochester Editor: Jo Meek Sound: Rob Green

Mortician and author Caitlin Doughty talks to Nicky about some of the most unusual death rituals around the world, and how she thinks we get death wrong. In this episode Nicky and his guest talk frankly about what happens to our bodies after we die, and get into things like the details of cremation and some quite unusual funeral practises around the world, which do get graphic and gory in places, and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Finn Mackay has been called “the author hoping to end the gender wars”. Nicky finds out how and why the trans conversation has become so heated.

Nicky hears a documentary exposing abuse in public schools, realises his school is named, and that he knows the abuser. Now he’s on a mission to bring Edgar to justice. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed, you can find more information and support on the BBC Action Line website: http://bbc.co.uk/actionline

Dial 6 for UFOs. Nicky speaks to the former civil servant who was assigned to investigate UFO sightings in Britain. He didn't believe then...he does now.

We hear what it's like to grow up as the only person of colour in an English village from author and ultra marathon runner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys.

Nicky sits down with an evangelical Christian and a Satanist to discuss God, the devil and eternal damnation.

What’s it like to see the worst crime scenes imaginable? To catch a killer, a solve a murder? Nicky finds out with one of the world’s best forensic scientists.

Nicky meets professional dominatrix Zara, and enters the world of sex, pain, power and fetish.

Nicky meets Richard, a man who found himself trapped in a cult. Richard tells him what it’s like to be under the spell of a charismatic cult leader.

For his first guest Nicky travels to a remote cottage in the Highlands to meet Tonks, a witch. They talk spells, religion and being menaced by the celtic gods...

What does it mean to be different? Is it how we think? Or how we act? For this new podcast Nicky Campbell explores just that with guests who are extraordinarily different.