Nihal Arthanayake brings you in-depth interviews each week with the biggest names in entertainment, culture and the arts. Remember to subscribe and leave a review.
Matthew Vaughn
“Movie stars, sadly, are a dying breed”.
Matthew Vaughn, director, producer, and writer - known for the Kingsman franchise, KickAss, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - is back with a new movie - a spy action comedy film called Argylle.
He told Nihal he thinks that times are changing in the movie industry - and you can no longer guarantee that a film will be a massive hit in the box office - just because you have a big name star in it.
2/1/2024 • 31 minutes, 37 seconds
Adeel Akhtar
'I just really enjoyed the idea of this tiny, dishevelled, half pint Luther....popping about the place trying to solve crimes.' Actor Adeel Akhtar on his role as DS Sami Kierce in the new smash hit Netflix show 'Fool Me Once'.
1/19/2024 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
Dr Rangan Chatterjee
‘It’s about progress not perfection’
Dr Rangan Chatterjee on keeping a journal, things to be grateful for, and how to make every day just a little bit better.
1/4/2024 • 39 minutes, 58 seconds
Jamie Dornan
“Just when I thought I knew where it was going, and what kind of a show it was, it would just do a one-eighty” - Actor Jamie Dornan on the new series of The Tourist and his lifelong love for Manchester United.
12/28/2023 • 32 minutes, 45 seconds
Sheridan Smith
“When do I tell them I can’t swim”. The award winning film, tv and stage actor Sheridan Smith, on being a parent, her new role in a show about being cast away on a desert island, and why she never learned to swim.
12/21/2023 • 26 minutes, 29 seconds
Jonathan Pryce and Dominic West
Someone like me can't turn down a part like Charles. He's so interesting. He's so complex.”
Actors Dominic West, who played Prince Charles in the last two seasons of The Crown, and Jonathan Pryce who plays Prince Philip – talk about the success of the show, how they prepared for their respective roles, and where they were when they learned of the death of Princess Diana.
12/21/2023 • 34 minutes, 50 seconds
Ricky Gervais
“I’m offended” is quite meaningless’. The comedian and actor talks about his new stand-up special, Armageddon, the nature of offence, and why he’s going to stop explaining his jokes to people who don’t like them.
12/20/2023 • 45 minutes, 33 seconds
Rebecca Ferguson
“The experience for women and men in music is very, very different”The singer talks about her successful musical career, and using her voice to speak out about exploitation in the music industry.
12/14/2023 • 29 minutes, 31 seconds
Ian Broudie
“If you didn’t like it, you listened to it ‘til you liked it”Singer-songwriter and Lightning Seeds frontman, Ian Broudie, on his lifelong love of music, his memoir, and being back on tour. As well as his memories of how ‘Three Lions’ was first received by the England Squad of the time.
11/30/2023 • 22 minutes, 42 seconds
Emeli Sandé
“Finding your own unique voice is usually the biggest challenge”. Singer songwriter Emeli Sandé on new music, writing about love and how her life has changed since she first hit the top of the charts in 2012.
11/23/2023 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds
Keanu Reeves & Jenson Button
“When I was a little, I wanted to be a race car driver” Keanu Reeves and Jenson Button talk to Nihal about their new documentary ‘Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story’.
11/16/2023 • 26 minutes, 4 seconds
Chris Kamara
"Am I going to be a burden to my family?" Sports pundit Chris Kamara talks about his life after his apraxia diagnosis.
11/9/2023 • 41 minutes, 1 second
DURAN DURAN: Simon and John from the band join Nihal
“Glastonbury, I want to play Glastonbury… and it’s got to be the pyramid stage.” Simon Le Bon tells Nihal about what he loves about being in a band, how to manage being a rock star and having some sort of balance in life… and the things he still wants to accomplish with Duran Duran.
11/3/2023 • 51 minutes, 37 seconds
Kerry Washington
‘I’m interested in meeting my donor’. The Scandal star on learning she was conceived using a sperm donor.
10/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
Geri Halliwell-Horner
"I've always loved the power of words". The Spice Girls star on her literary career.
10/19/2023 • 39 minutes, 21 seconds
Laura Linney
“I don’t think it’s about winning or losing.” The American star on the Hollywood actor’s strike and her new film Miracle Club.
10/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
Big Zuu
"When do you ever get three Muslim brothers cooking for Jonathan Ross?" The TV chef says his success is down to good timing and other people "creating that lane" for him.
10/5/2023 • 30 minutes, 55 seconds
Michael Palin
“I hope he had a sense of humour.” The Python star and documentary maker on his great-uncle Harry.
9/28/2023 • 45 minutes, 15 seconds
Corinne Bailey Rae
“Music doesn’t have to stay in genres or boxes.” The singer songwriter on why Chicago and grunge inspired her new album.
9/21/2023 • 52 minutes, 7 seconds
Clive Myrie
“I have been known to rant, but I don’t do it on the telly and that’s the point.” The BBC presenter on his years as a foreign correspondent and news anchor.
9/14/2023 • 50 minutes, 19 seconds
Rory Stewart
“I realised that the person I ended up despising most, was myself”. Former Conservative MP, writer, and broadcaster Rory Stewart lifts the lid on what working in Westminster is really like.
9/7/2023 • 50 minutes, 32 seconds
Andy Taylor
"I'm still in this dreamy space of thinking - did I really get that lucky?" The Duran Duran guitarist on the ground-breaking treatment he is undergoing for prostate cancer.
8/31/2023 • 42 minutes, 18 seconds
Rose Matafeo
“I’m just enthusiastic about being free to do what I want.” The co-creator of Starstruck on the final series and why she’s enjoying doing stand-up comedy
8/22/2023 • 31 minutes, 31 seconds
Lucy Spraggan
“This album's about acceptance, accepting life". The singer-songwriter joins Nihal to talk about her new music.
8/9/2023 • 51 minutes, 35 seconds
Amol Rajan
The presenter on taking over University Challenge, family, fame and the source of his ambition.
7/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 41 seconds
Ashley Cain
"One day I just sang 'oobedoo' and she just instantly stopped crying." The former footballer on life after losing his daughter.
6/28/2023 • 37 minutes, 28 seconds
Elliot Page
“There’s a beautiful ripple effect that comes with self-love.” Elliot talks to Nihal about living an authentic life, queerness in Hollywood, and having the strength to fight a ‘crisis’ of hate in society.
6/21/2023 • 43 minutes, 30 seconds
Oleksandr Zinchenko
“Thanks to football for the opportunity to represent my country”, The Premier League player on Ukraine, football and staying focussed.
Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko talks about his love for Ukraine and how football focussed his mind.
6/20/2023 • 28 minutes, 45 seconds
Tom Grennan
“I live and breathe this stuff… and I want to win.” Tom tells Nihal what drives his music.
6/19/2023 • 43 minutes, 23 seconds
Louise Redknapp
"I dance better in a club when I have a cheeky tequila.” Louise tells Nihal it’s time for her to get back on the dancefloor.
6/8/2023 • 37 minutes, 49 seconds
Judy Murray
“It made me look really stupid.” Judy talks to Nihal about the media, mentoring and being a “grammar geek.”
6/6/2023 • 52 minutes, 24 seconds
Mick Hucknall
: “I’m almost in tears now talking about it.” The Simply Red singer remembers Miles Davis, Tina Turner and George Harrison.
5/31/2023 • 44 minutes, 8 seconds
Eddie Izzard
“People say you shouldn’t exist, well I do exist” The gender fluid actor, also known as Suzy talks to Nihal being a ‘serious’ actor, getting into politics and dyslexia.
5/29/2023 • 40 minutes, 20 seconds
Kesha
"Seemingly I'm just a lot more emotional than other people." The US superstar talks to Nihal about her new album.
5/18/2023 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
Ronnie O’Sullivan
“Snooker made me want to get myself sorted.” Ronnie talks to Nihal about the game, fame and family.
5/15/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second
Jack Whitehall
The comedian and TV star on sharing bathrooms, leaving home and Ray Mears.
5/3/2023 • 46 minutes, 7 seconds
Everything But The Girl
“Live is not something we intend to do.” Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt on the duo’s first album since 1999.
4/20/2023 • 51 minutes, 41 seconds
Richard Armitage
“We don’t just want the shirt, we want the trousers as well.” The Hobbit and Spooks actor on his new drama Obsession.
4/19/2023 • 39 minutes, 27 seconds
Harlan Coben
“I kicked the racoon in my sleep.....” The author on how he uses real life in his plots.
3/28/2023 • 54 minutes, 5 seconds
Mae Muller
“I want to look 10 out of 10.” The UK’s Eurovision entry tells Nihal how she’s preparing for the competition.
3/21/2023 • 26 minutes, 22 seconds
Penn Badgley
Nihal speaks to the star of Netflix’s smash hit series ‘You’.
3/9/2023 • 32 minutes, 12 seconds
Michael Rosen
The children's author Michael Rosen on how he's 'getting better' after nearly dying of coronavirus
2/28/2023 • 53 minutes, 29 seconds
Bernie Sanders
The Vermont senator and former Presidential candidate on inequality and “uber-capitalism.”
2/23/2023 • 31 minutes, 31 seconds
Hugh Jackman
“I could not have been worse.” The Hollywood star reveals his most embarrassing audition.
2/22/2023 • 34 minutes, 47 seconds
All Quiet on the Western Front
“I hope to inspire folks that they can do this”
Two of the driving forces behind the BAFTA winning film, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, producer Malte Grunert and screenwriter Lesley Paterson share the challenges they faced in making the film, and why they felt the story should be told.
2/21/2023 • 54 minutes, 53 seconds
Macklemore
“I’m selling music but that’s not the spiritual core of my job”. The rapper and songwriter on fatherhood, art and addiction.
2/20/2023 • 46 minutes, 27 seconds
Tony King
“I’m in the studio, dressed as the Queen, doing a commercial for John Lennon.” The music industry insider on Elton John, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Roy Orbison.
2/9/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 53 seconds
Adam Curtis
"This showed the extraordinary complexity of what millions of people went through." The multi-BAFTA winning filmmaker, Adam Curtis on how he pieced together the fall of the Soviet Union, using never-before-seen archive footage.
2/3/2023 • 33 minutes, 26 seconds
Jay Shetty
“If I want a compliment from someone else to feel good, I’m actually going to find that good in myself first”. The bestselling author, former monk and social media star on why he wants us all to write a love letter to our younger selves.
2/2/2023 • 50 minutes, 31 seconds
KSI
"I was terrified. For me to come to them and say I'd failed, it was traumatic." YouTuber, rapper and boxer tells Nihal how a past failure drives his thirst for success.
1/30/2023 • 37 minutes, 30 seconds
Darren Harriott
"I've got two bruised hips; whiplash and my partners blade sliced my arm open." The comedian tells Nihal about the challenges of doing Dancing On Ice.
1/24/2023 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds
Rick Rubin
“You never know where that peak is until you go past it.” The producer and Def Jam co-founder on making records.
1/17/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Stephen Mangan
“They look at the world with a sensitivity that I don’t.” The actor and writer on the “magic” of art.
1/11/2023 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Terry Hall
Another chance to listen to Nihal speak to Terry Hall in 2019. Tributes have been paid to The Specials lead singer, after his death at the age of 63.
12/20/2022 • 24 minutes, 3 seconds
Romesh Ranganathan
The comedian and presenter tells Nihal why he’s no role model for Asian footballers.
12/8/2022 • 40 minutes, 34 seconds
Ricky Gervais
“The joke is a magic trick – every word matters.” Ricky Gervais tells Nihal there are no off-limit topics in comedy, as long as you craft the joke in the right way.
12/7/2022 • 52 minutes, 48 seconds
JOAN ARMATRADING
“I can’t claim credit for what I do – it’s a god given talent.” Joan Armatrading tells Nihal why she keeps making music, after 22 albums and five decades.
11/15/2022 • 34 minutes, 49 seconds
Micah Richards
As a player, he won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup when he was playing at Manchester City. Now, he is a fan favourite pundit on 5 Live, Match of the Day and Sky Sports. Micah Richards joined Nihal to talk about his memoir.
11/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 46 seconds
Greta Thunberg
“Our societies are still very much in denial.” The climate campaigner on the media, greenwashing and her favourite veg.
11/2/2022 • 49 minutes, 1 second
Rob Delaney
“I don’t have to get to a finish line with grief”. The actor, comedian and writer talks about his memoir of loss
10/19/2022 • 50 minutes, 5 seconds
Hugh Bonneville
Hugh Bonneville, the star of Downton Abbey, Paddington and W1A talks early roles, embarrassing correspondence, and the sound of his mother's footsteps.
10/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 58 seconds
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott
The singers, who are former bandmates in The Beautiful South, have released their fifth studio album as a duo. They joined Nihal to talk about singing, football and photography.
10/10/2022 • 36 minutes, 23 seconds
Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson is best known as an actress in films like Sleepless in Seattle, and as a producer on My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia. She’s also a country singer, and has released an album of duets with the likes of Smokey Robinson and Elvis Costello. She spoke to Nihal about her love of music.
10/6/2022 • 52 minutes, 23 seconds
Craig David
“In my case it was: you move to Miami” The singer-songwriter and DJ on dealing with bullying.
10/4/2022 • 29 minutes, 57 seconds
Alex Scott
Alex Scott tells Nihal about her journey from the east end of London to international football stardom. She discusses her relationship with her alcoholic father, the challenges she faced getting into the game, and the respect she has for her mother and grandmother – the women who brought her up.
10/3/2022 • 51 minutes, 12 seconds
Rylan Clark
"It's time for partyless politics." The presenter on why he’s not ruling out a career in Parliament.
9/30/2022 • 41 minutes, 35 seconds
David Dimbleby
The veteran presenter talks to Nihal about how politicians have changed, the role of the BBC, and how it felt to cover some of the biggest news events of the past five decades.
9/29/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 6 seconds
Gary Neville
“I’m an ex-footballer with a big gob.” Gary tells Nihal why he’s resisting a career in politics.
9/28/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 37 seconds
Sir Lenny Henry
“He was way ahead of the game.” Sir Lenny tells Nihal why Richard Pryor was such an influence on him.
9/26/2022 • 42 minutes, 42 seconds
Graham Norton
Graham Norton on the secret to his chat show success, and why he bans some celebrities if they misbehave.
9/26/2022 • 41 minutes, 55 seconds
Sir Michael Palin
“The earliest cities in the world, it’s stupendous.” The presenter and ex-Python on exploring Iraq.
9/22/2022 • 39 minutes, 16 seconds
Melanie C
The Spice Girl on a life in music and dance. “We had something important to say.” Mel on girl power and the Spice Girls.
9/21/2022 • 53 minutes, 21 seconds
Richard Osman
The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller. “I’m endlessly on a deadline.” The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller.
9/21/2022 • 25 minutes, 28 seconds
Self Esteem
“I’m just getting started.” The Mercury nominated artist on the joy of dancing, sarcastic self-love and her short lived career as a PA.
9/7/2022 • 42 minutes, 24 seconds
Edward Enninful
The editor in chief of British Vogue on partying in Ladbroke Grove with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
9/6/2022 • 41 minutes, 34 seconds
Robert Harris
The author on his new novel set during the English Civil War and the election of Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader
9/5/2022 • 42 minutes, 40 seconds
William Orbit
The musician and producer on working with Madonna and why he is mining a new seam of creativity.
9/1/2022 • 32 minutes, 47 seconds
Maggie O’Farrell
The historical fiction author on bringing to life the “beauty and brutality” of Renaissance Italy.
8/30/2022 • 42 minutes, 30 seconds
Paul Oakenfold
“It’s about the connection, the story you want to tell.” Paul tells Nihal what DJ’ing means to him.
8/29/2022 • 45 minutes, 53 seconds
Dave Gorman
The comedian on creating PowerPoint stand-up and the secrets of setting cryptic crosswords.
8/25/2022 • 37 minutes, 10 seconds
Kevin Bridges
“The laptop was smoking.” The stand-up tells Nihal how the ending of his debut novel came to him.
8/23/2022 • 45 minutes, 10 seconds
George Ezra
The star tells Nihal about walking from Land’s end to John O’Groats with two friends.
8/22/2022 • 46 minutes, 2 seconds
Vir Das
“I do movies in Hindi, but I do comedy in English.” Comedian on global stand-up, staying focused and dealing with hecklers.
8/17/2022 • 26 minutes, 15 seconds
Jayde Adams
“I never enter a competition I don’t think I can win”. Actress and comedian on her upcoming Strictly Come Dancing debut.
8/16/2022 • 53 minutes, 32 seconds
Sergio Pizzorno
“Kanye West, Travis Scott, David Bowie and Jim Morrison.” Kasabian’s frontman on who he wants to emulate as the band’s lead singer.
8/11/2022 • 52 minutes, 11 seconds
Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz, who has sold tens of millions of copies of his books, talks to Nihal about his upbringing, the so-called culture wars, politics, and why he doesn’t crave fame.
8/11/2022 • 51 minutes, 34 seconds
Paul Hollywood
“Because baking has got better, the handshakes have got more.” British Bake-off judge on his ‘Hollywood Handshake’ and what makes the deserving recipient.
8/9/2022 • 48 minutes, 50 seconds
Tom Sturridge
"We all know what it feels like to hold something back." The Sandman actor on the creative process behind his character, along with the influence that creator Neil Gaiman held over production.
8/8/2022 • 18 minutes, 45 seconds
Reverend Richard Coles
“You looked like a walrus that had been tasered.” Reverend Richard Cole on writing fiction, how to mourn well and his mums thoughts on his dancing.
8/3/2022 • 52 minutes, 8 seconds
Vicky Pattison
“There’s going to be good days with my dad and there are days where he will lose his battle to alcohol” - The reality TV star and author on living with an alcoholic parent.
8/2/2022 • 42 minutes, 17 seconds
George the Poet
The spoken word performer and star of BBC Sounds’ ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’ on his brand of musical poetry.
7/28/2022 • 40 minutes, 11 seconds
Michael Connelly
The legendary crime author on inspiration, death, and his iconic characters.
7/25/2022 • 41 minutes, 20 seconds
PP Arnold
The soul singer on working with the likes of Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger.
7/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Example
Elliot talks to Nihal about his 8th studio album ‘We May Grow Old But We Never Grow Up".
6/30/2022 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
Barbara Charone
From Keith Richards to Madonna and Michael Stipe. The music industry publicist on dealing with artists and “spilling the beans”.
6/27/2022 • 27 minutes, 43 seconds
Chris McCausland
The stand-up and actor on writing comedy, touring and hecklers.
6/22/2022 • 41 minutes, 16 seconds
Neneh Cherry
The singer-songwriter on artists like Robyn, Sudan Archives and Greentea Peng reworking her biggest tunes.
6/13/2022 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
Top Gear
“As we’re doing it it’s real, you can’t pause it.” Paddy McGuinness and Fred Flintoff on filming with alligators in the new series of Top Gear.
5/31/2022 • 20 minutes, 19 seconds
Steve Jones
“We were lit by midday”: The Sex Pistols guitarist on visiting Buckingham Palace and Danny Boyle’s new 6 part tv drama “Pistol”.
5/30/2022 • 33 minutes, 18 seconds
Dave Stewart
Former Eurythmics member talks about his new album and music growing up.
5/26/2022 • 27 minutes, 13 seconds
Jarvis Cocker
The Pulp founder on “watching too much telly” as a child, “cobbing” stuff and wearing Lederhosen to school.
5/26/2022 • 51 minutes, 38 seconds
Marian Keyes
“Before I started writing I just felt like a uniquely defective oddball.” The multi-million selling author on her creation Rachel Walsh and latest novel Again, Rachel.
5/24/2022 • 29 minutes, 16 seconds
Jack Savoretti
The singer-songwriter on why his in-laws didn’t think he’s make it in music and his new album Europiana Encore.
5/23/2022 • 42 minutes, 33 seconds
Joe Lycett
The comedian and presenter on being a consumer champion, dealing with walk-outs and swimming.
5/17/2022 • 36 minutes, 7 seconds
Minnie Driver
Actor, podcaster, singer and author Minnie Driver joins Nihal to look back on her career, her unusual upbringings and the lessons she’s learned from her late parents.
5/11/2022 • 36 minutes, 51 seconds
Emeli Sandé
Emeli joins Nihal to talk in depth about live, love and the music that inspires her. Plus she performs two tracks from her new album Let’s Say for Instance.
5/10/2022 • 52 minutes, 2 seconds
Soft Cell
“I’m looking at the world with a wry smile.” Marc Almond on song writing and his ambition to star in a Bollywood movie.
5/6/2022 • 44 minutes, 1 second
Jake Bugg
“I think the haircut gives it away.” Jake shares some of his tricks for keeping his rock stardom quiet.
5/5/2022 • 35 minutes, 57 seconds
Beverley Knight
“To see an empty diary was scary.” The soul singer on the joy of returning to the West End stage.
5/3/2022 • 40 minutes, 40 seconds
Eddie Marsan
“I couldn’t pull a toilet chain.” Eddie tells Nihal why he spent so much time on the dancefloor as a young man.
4/29/2022 • 40 minutes, 50 seconds
Kele Okereke
“Talk about the worst film to watch as a child - I couldn’t sleep.” Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke talks to Nihal about being traumatized by horror movies as a kid, the band’s new album and how making music helps him understand himself.
4/28/2022 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
Barry Hearn
The promoter on the business of sport, Joshua v Fury and his rules for table talk at mealtimes.
4/27/2022 • 51 minutes, 55 seconds
DBC Pierre
The Booker Prize winning author talks to Nihal about magic, backgammon, Shane Warne and his new book Big Snake, Little Snake.
4/26/2022 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Steve Coogan
"It's a mistake to think that the best way to deal with something is to not talk about it." Comedian Steve Coogan chats to Nihal about his upcoming portrayal of Jimmy Savile in BBC drama The Reckoning, his comedy career, cancel culture and his new tour 'Stratagem'.
4/21/2022 • 49 minutes, 14 seconds
Catherine Tate
Catherine Tate is a multi-award winning writer, actress and comedian. She talked to Mobeen Azhar about her Netflix prison comedy Hard Cell, in which she plays several parts. She told Mobeen where she gets inspiration for her characters from.
4/13/2022 • 30 minutes, 12 seconds
Jayde Adams
Comedian Jayde Adams talks to Mobeen Azhar about moving back to her hometown, her parents bickering, how her Bristol accent helped her career and her next big projects.
4/11/2022 • 42 minutes, 55 seconds
Bill Bailey
: "Major key songs don't tend to win." Comedian and musician Bill Bailey talks about the secrets of a Eurovision hit, why a release party for snails is no fun and dancing to remixes of the Skype theme.
4/5/2022 • 38 minutes, 23 seconds
Shaparak Khorsandi
The comedian and author tells Mobeen about the beginning of her comedy career, learning to live with ADHD and why doing impressions can lose you friends.
4/4/2022 • 40 minutes, 17 seconds
James Bay
"You need to always feel like anything can happen." James talks to Nihal about success, self-perception, channeling different energies and the beauty of live performance.
3/31/2022 • 30 minutes, 1 second
Lemn Sissay
"At 18, I didn't know anyone that knew me for longer than a year." Award-winning poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay talks about his experience of growing up in care, what our names mean to us and his new children's book, Don't Ask The Dragon.
3/28/2022 • 40 minutes, 56 seconds
Matt Goss
The Bros lead singer on playing for Joe Biden, gaming with his brother Luke and being asked to leave an online dating site.
3/25/2022 • 48 minutes, 2 seconds
Nish Kumar
The stand-up comedian on romance, bad smells, unsympathetic audiences and Jimi Hendrix.
3/24/2022 • 38 minutes, 45 seconds
Zoe Lyons
“Getting a second series is always the hardest thing.” The comedian and writer on her BBC2 quiz show “Lightning”.
3/23/2022 • 45 minutes, 15 seconds
Bob Odenkirk
The Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul actor on how the lawyer got his haircut, writing for SNL and getting acting advice from Bryan Cranston.
3/22/2022 • 51 minutes, 9 seconds
Delia Smith
"Everyone knows deep down...that we're made to have peace and harmony." Chef and TV presenter Delia Smith talks about her new book You Matter; an appreciation on the phenomenon of human existence and unity. Plus, she declares her love for our very own Nihal.
3/17/2022 • 25 minutes, 40 seconds
Harlan Coben
"Damn you, Dan Brown!" Best-selling writer Harlan Coben talks through his latest book The Match, reflecting the political climate and how his golfing compares to other big-time writers.
3/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Franz Ferdinand
"You need your common sense, a sense of humour and a sense of absurdity." Franz Ferdinand front man Alex Kapranos talks through the 'absurdities' of fame and what it would take for the band to play in Russia once again.
3/14/2022 • 26 minutes, 43 seconds
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams has sold nearly 70 million albums and 30 million singles worldwide - and he still holds the record for the longest unbroken stint at number one in the UK charts. He's also a professional photographer who has captured the likes of the Queen, Dame Judi Dench and Salman Rushdie. He spoke to Nihal as his fifteenth studio album, So Happy It Hurts, was released.
3/10/2022 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
Little Simz and Jasmine Jobson
"That aspect of being a part of something a lot larger than yourself, in order to make a great result." Rapper, actress and Best New Artist BRIT Award recipient Little Simz is joined by Top Boy actress Jasmine Jobson. The pair get into mentorship, bonding, the differences in making music and acting, and what they've learned from their parents.
3/9/2022 • 32 minutes, 5 seconds
Dolly Parton and James Patterson
Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and James Patterson has sold 400 million books. Now they've teamed up to write a novel together, called Run Rose Run. They told Nihal about the book - and gave their advice for young musicians and writers.
3/8/2022 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
Martin Compston
The actor talks to Nihal about his latest ITV drama Our House, how to perfect an accent, and his life in Las Vegas.
3/7/2022 • 26 minutes, 40 seconds
Johnny Marr
"There's still lots of mystery in it for me, I still want to get better." Musician and former The Smiths member, Johnny Marr on still being besotted with the guitar, changing attitudes and the structure of his new album, Fever Dream Parts 1-4.
2/24/2022 • 17 minutes, 39 seconds
Tears For Fears
"That gave me the idea that men, God even, is impotent, is unreliable." 80s pop icons Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears talk through what they learned growing up, their musical career span and their latest album, The Tipping Point.
2/23/2022 • 51 minutes, 50 seconds
Tim Key
"That's the most starstruck I've ever been." The comedian on learning to speak Russian, working with his comedy hero Steve Coogan, and his new anthology of surrealist poetry and musings.
2/22/2022 • 38 minutes, 35 seconds
Frank Turner
"There's quite a lot of stuff in it that I can't believe I've said out loud." The singer-songwriter on new album FTHC, grieving loss to suicide and reconciling with his estranged father.
2/17/2022 • 35 minutes, 53 seconds
James Morrison
“Even when I had a no.1 album, I bought myself a second-hand Toyota and I thought I was winning because it smelt new." The singer-songwriter on money and success.
2/15/2022 • 34 minutes, 29 seconds
Lou Sanders
The comedian and writer on her new stand-up show and why she’s wary of Canterbury.
2/14/2022 • 31 minutes, 55 seconds
Lin-Manuel Miranda
"The greatest asset of the arts is empathy... to be inside the brain of someone who thinks nothing like you." Broadway musical genius behind 'In the Heights' and 'Hamilton' Lin-Manuel Miranda on his film directorial debut, 'Tick, Tick... Boom!', how his creativity started and how art can enact change in the world.
2/10/2022 • 29 minutes, 2 seconds
Dan from Bastille
The Bastille singer Dan Smith on their new album, and being back on tour.
2/8/2022 • 48 minutes, 19 seconds
Dara O Briain
"I've lived here for 20 years, you'd think I would've done something about it." The comedian and broadcaster on why he can’t speak slowly and the joys of touring.
2/2/2022 • 51 minutes, 43 seconds
Kerry Godliman
“It’s meant to be affectionate banter, but you do occasionally get it wrong.” The comedian and After Life actor on the dangers of using family experiences in an act.
2/1/2022 • 44 minutes, 39 seconds
Sam Fender
“I’ve learnt to go a bit more personal with the Lyrics.” Sam talks To Nihal about song-writing.
1/31/2022 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Benedict Cumberbatch
The Sherlock and Doctor Strange star on going Method for his latest role as a 1920s Montana rancher in The Power of the Dog.
1/26/2022 • 33 minutes, 59 seconds
Elvis Costello
The singer-songwriter on making music, mortality and his comic run-in with Frida from Abba and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
1/18/2022 • 49 minutes, 41 seconds
Ricky Gervais
“There’s nothing amusing about pure success, there’s nothing funny about people with perfect lives.” Comedian Ricky Gervais speaks to Nihal about thinking more about his fans, what awards mean to him and why there's nothing funny about winners.
1/10/2022 • 25 minutes, 58 seconds
Vicky Pattison
'People, especially British people, love an underdog.’ The reality star and self-help author on fame, self-belief and social media.
1/6/2022 • 36 minutes, 49 seconds
Hugh Dennis
The satirist and actor on why he’s taken his interest in archaeology to the small screen and the joy of a “quiet” New Year’s Eve.
1/3/2022 • 39 minutes, 31 seconds
Eddie Hearn
“I had a great leg up, but I had to do a lot on the way as well.” The boxing promoter on following in his father’s footsteps.
12/23/2021 • 44 minutes, 39 seconds
Jamie Cullum
The jazz pianist and presenter on making a Christmas album and working with producer Quincy Jones.
12/16/2021 • 43 minutes, 44 seconds
Ben Elton
'I've never ruined my appreciation of art by attempting to analyse it.' The comedian, novelist and scriptwriter on making a return to stand-up.
12/13/2021 • 39 minutes, 40 seconds
Mark Steel
"If there's a British Squid Game, this is going to be in it... it was just horrible." The comedian and author on British Bulldog, growing up in the 1970s and the decision to track down his biological parents.
12/8/2021 • 51 minutes, 22 seconds
Munya Chawawa
“Send me a pigeon messenger man.” The comedian and presenter schools Nihal in slang and talks about his creation of “Unknown P”.
12/7/2021 • 44 minutes, 10 seconds
Tim Vine
“I put my back out doing a move too many.” The comedian on his Elvis tribute stage show and memorabilia collection.
12/6/2021 • 39 minutes, 39 seconds
Thom Yorke & Stanley Donwood
“I don’t just sit there bashing out chords and sweating out words.“ The Radiohead frontman and his collaborator on the band’s artwork discuss the creative process.
12/1/2021 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
Mark Cavendish
“I knew I’d done damage before I stopped rolling.” The Manx Missile talks about his Ghent crash, mental health and stunning 2021 Tour de France.
11/30/2021 • 34 minutes, 27 seconds
Jack Savoretti
“I’m very scared about the time when the tears stop...but right now…I’m smiling through the tears.” The singer-songwriter pays tribute to his father, who recently passed away.
11/29/2021 • 40 minutes, 17 seconds
Reggie Yates
“It had its own language - its own dress code - its own holiday destination." The writer and broadcaster on the influence of UK garage music on his directorial debut Pirates.
11/25/2021 • 46 minutes, 20 seconds
Guy Garvey
"If you're being coached by a 3 year old, then you really shouldn't be on the road." The Elbow frontman speaks to Nihal about being a bad driver, writing an album remotely, and his late mother-in-law, Dame Diana Rigg.
11/23/2021 • 35 minutes, 57 seconds
Miriam Margolyes
"Some people seem to be able to retain their wind almost indefinitely. I cannot do that, I have to let it go." The actor speaks to Nihal about breaking wind and accidentally going commando during a driving test.
11/22/2021 • 47 minutes, 49 seconds
Sting
“I’m quite a shy person.” The 100 million selling artist on family, fame and the art of songwriting.
11/18/2021 • 43 minutes, 3 seconds
Sir Rod Stewart
“They never called me back.” The 250 million selling singer-songwriter on football, family and why his new album includes a tribute to Marc Bolan. This episode contains some moderate swearing.
11/17/2021 • 35 minutes, 13 seconds
Kylie Minogue
“If it’s the right song, I’m there.” The princess of pop on partying, daggy dancing and the precise whereabouts of her famous gold hotpants.
11/15/2021 • 33 minutes, 25 seconds
Adam Peaty
“In the water it’s war.” The world record breaking swimmer talks Strictly, stoicism, social media and the dedication it takes to be the best.
11/11/2021 • 40 minutes, 27 seconds
Glenn Hoddle
“I knew I was closer to a continental player.” The former England and Spurs star tells Nihal why his footballing style was inspired by watching Johan Cruyff.
11/10/2021 • 44 minutes, 43 seconds
Flo & Joan
Sisters Nicola and Rosie tell Nihal about the pitfalls of living abroad and their on-tour eating habits
11/9/2021 • 38 minutes, 6 seconds
James Haskell
“I wore tweed, there weren’t even pheasants over there….they called me Lord Farquar.” The former England back row tells Nihal about hunting in New Zealand and other stories.
11/8/2021 • 39 minutes, 55 seconds
Bear Grylls
“That’s not happening.” What the Secret Service made of the adventurer's plan to feed President Obama “bear kill” on his show Running Wild.
11/4/2021 • 39 minutes, 55 seconds
Rick Astley
“It’s a new world.” Rick tells Nihal how video games and film soundtracks are introducing his music to younger generations and why it’s important to have an afternoon nap.
11/2/2021 • 39 minutes, 45 seconds
Freddie Flintoff
"We call it the Andros moment." The former England all-rounder and presenter tells Nihal how Andros Townsend helped him loosen up on camera.
11/1/2021 • 35 minutes, 40 seconds
Jack Dee
The comedian gives Nihal a therapy session including advice on pronunciation, hobbies and career choices
10/28/2021 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
Tinie
The rapper and presenter reveals his passion for property – and how it inspired his new TV show.
10/27/2021 • 22 minutes, 30 seconds
Sir Elton John & Charlie Puth.
“I basically became the session musician I was 54 years ago.” Sir Elton and Charlie talk about collaborating for the new album The Lockdown Sessions.
10/21/2021 • 20 minutes, 42 seconds
Rob Beckett
“This story will be told amongst my family as a funny story - but whenever I’ve told middle class people they find it horrifying.” The stand-up on class, comedy and whether Mango chutney is jam.
10/19/2021 • 36 minutes, 6 seconds
Sir Lenny Henry
“I was writing the book I would’ve wanted to read as a 12 year old kid.” Comedian Sir Lenny Henry tells Nihal about his new book for children.
10/19/2021 • 41 minutes, 8 seconds
Tom Daley
“The hardest part was not having your family there.” The gold medal winning diver on keeping his focus in Tokyo, coming out and body image.
10/13/2021 • 44 minutes, 6 seconds
Sir Billy Connolly
“Just barge merrily forward.” Sir Billy tells Nihal how to be “windswept and interesting”, what to take on a beach holiday in Aberdeen and what makes him happiest now.
10/12/2021 • 41 minutes, 2 seconds
Candice Carty-Williams
“You find your tribe when you find your fellow outsiders.” The writer of Queenie tells Nihal about her new young adult fiction book, Empress and Aniya, which looks at friendship between teenage girls.
10/7/2021 • 42 minutes, 12 seconds
Dave Grohl
“The last piece I wrote was the one I was afraid of writing, which was losing Kurt and Nirvana ending.” The Foo Fighters frontman tells Nihal about his new memoir.
10/5/2021 • 30 minutes, 52 seconds
Natalie Imbruglia
“You can leave the critic out of the room.” The singer-songwriter tells Nihal about her new album, Firebird, and why she’s now more relaxed writing songs.
10/1/2021 • 31 minutes, 9 seconds
The Specials
“They’ve all got different stories and messages.” Terry Hall and Horace Panter on recording an album of protest songs chosen by the band.
9/29/2021 • 44 minutes, 45 seconds
Anne-Marie
“I have had such a massive issue with believing people when they say nice things about me.” The 2002 singer on learning to love herself and how getting into reading again inspired her to write a book.
9/27/2021 • 32 minutes, 34 seconds
Richard Osman
“I’d be shocked if there weren’t a Dame in there somewhere.” Richard muses on who Steven Spielberg will cast in the film of The Thursday Murder Club.
9/22/2021 • 33 minutes, 45 seconds
Ramla Ali
The boxer, model and activist talks to Nihal about becoming the first Somali fighter to compete in the Olympics and her memoir Not Without A Fight.
9/20/2021 • 48 minutes, 15 seconds
Paul Merson
'I wanted to break my fingers so I couldn't bet.' The former England footballer on his experience of addiction to alcohol, cocaine and gambling.
9/16/2021 • 44 minutes, 29 seconds
John Lydon
“I was doing my absolute best for her, but I was really denying her the privilege of conversation with other women.” John tells Nihal about the highs and lows of being the total carer for his partner Nora, who has Alzheimer’s.
9/10/2021 • 36 minutes, 5 seconds
Phil Wang
The comedian tries to explain to Nihal where he is from and why British desserts are the best in the world.
9/9/2021 • 32 minutes, 34 seconds
Ainsley Harriott
“I don’t know how the words came out of my mouth.” The chef and TV presenter on his first TV appearance, cooking at Lord's and how he’s learnt to communicate.
9/8/2021 • 48 minutes, 24 seconds
Sharleen Spiteri
The lead singer of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, talks to Nihal about their new single, “You Can Call Me”, from the latest album “Hi” – and also about Thai massages and climate change.
9/7/2021 • 32 minutes
Shaun Ryder
The Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder joined Nihal Arthanayake to talk about his career in music, his struggles with school and his new album, Visits from Future Technology.
9/2/2021 • 33 minutes, 30 seconds
Mo Gilligan
The comedian and presenter Mo Gilligan told Nihal about his new book, That Moment When - which takes us through some of his biggest life stories. They spoke about his upbringing, his dyslexia and cooking!
9/2/2021 • 38 minutes, 57 seconds
Ed Balls
The former shadow Chancellor Ed Balls talks to Nihal about his new book, a mixture of cookery and memoir; his time on Strictly Come Dancing, his football career and campanology.
8/24/2021 • 36 minutes, 35 seconds
Nish Kumar
“I was ejected from the stage by a heavy metal band.” The comedian and podcaster reflects on how playing at the Edinburgh fringe has been a constant highlight of his career.
8/19/2021 • 37 minutes, 27 seconds
Rachel Fairburn
Rachel tells Nihal about getting nervous before performances, why her mother encouraged her to become a stand-up and how All Killa No Filla became a must listen podcast.
8/18/2021 • 40 minutes, 17 seconds
Richard Hammond
The presenter and motoring journalist chats to Nick Bright about the latest edition of the Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video with Jeremy Clarkson and James May. In ‘The Grand Tour presents: Lochdown’ the boys go on a tour across Scotland to explore the American cars from the 70s that they saw on TV shows as kids – and to find out why these amazing vehicles never took off in Britain.
7/28/2021 • 25 minutes, 24 seconds
Bella Mackie
“The thing is to make sure the reader is rooting for her.” The journalist and podcaster podcaster tells Mobeen about the challenge of creating a likeable baddie for her first novel.
7/21/2021 • 39 minutes, 13 seconds
Ellie Taylor
"I couldn't resist her sheer magnetic force"; Comedian Ellie Taylor on why a well known TV personality found out about her pregnancy before her parents, breastfeeding in public and the joy of playdough.
7/14/2021 • 37 minutes, 17 seconds
Laura Mvula
I had to pretend I was at some 80’s inspired party.” Laura tells Nihal about the challenges of making her new album during lockdown.
6/23/2021 • 36 minutes, 50 seconds
Karin Slaughter
The bestselling crime writer tells Nihal about the inspiration behind her new novel.
6/22/2021 • 45 minutes, 22 seconds
Garbage
The band’s singer Shirley Manson tells Nihal about their new album and a long awaited return to touring.
6/10/2021 • 36 minutes, 45 seconds
Stephen Mangan
The actor, screenwriter and author talks about his first novel for children - Escape the Rooms, which he wrote in hour-long bursts in dressing rooms and on trains.
6/9/2021 • 35 minutes, 53 seconds
Big Zuu
The grime artist, podcaster and TV presenter on how his love of food from around the world inspired his new cook book and his thoughts on taking the knee at sporting events.
6/3/2021 • 34 minutes, 37 seconds
Cush Jumbo
The Good Wife star on why she needed therapy while making her new drama The Beast Must Die and how it kept her going being able to have her son with her on set.
5/26/2021 • 27 minutes, 33 seconds
Paul Weller
Paul tells Nihal about his 16th solo album, changing musical styles, parenting methods and how he deals with superstardom.
5/19/2021 • 40 minutes, 4 seconds
Tony Bellew
Former WBC world cruiserweight champion tells Nihal about the anger that fuelled his determination to succeed, why he cringes when he thinks of some of his past antics (and outfits) – and issues a warning to Youtubers who consider themselves serious boxers.
5/13/2021 • 52 minutes, 19 seconds
St. Vincent
Nihal talks to St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) about her new album Daddy’s Home, where she finds musical inspiration and why she’s using her poetry and music to take ownership of a difficult event in her family’s past. Photo: Zackery Michael.
5/13/2021 • 27 minutes, 4 seconds
Geoff Norcott
“I didn’t eat an olive until I was in my mid-twenties.” The comedian tells Nihal about discovering “middle class” food and his memoir "Where Did I Go Right?."
5/12/2021 • 44 minutes, 5 seconds
Suggs
The Madness frontman talks to Nihal about a new documentary charting the band’s history. Plus the joys of being a grandfather, how they dealt with hooligans at gigs, and why he’s working on a new song with Paul Weller.
5/11/2021 • 47 minutes, 49 seconds
AC Grayling
The philosopher and writer talks to Nihal about Science, History and the frontiers of human knowledge.
5/10/2021 • 42 minutes, 36 seconds
Imelda May
The Irish singer-songwriter tells Nihal about her latest album, 11 Past The Hour and why she had to take drastic action to catch a Miles Kane concert.
5/6/2021 • 33 minutes, 32 seconds
Rag'n'Bone Man
“All the tracks you hear are like one take, start to finish” The singer-songwriter tells Nihal how his new album had to be recorded live in Nashville over just 6 days because of quarantine rules.
4/28/2021 • 44 minutes, 59 seconds
Jane Fallon
The best-selling author on being a cat lover and why insincere friendships are at the heart of her new novel.
4/27/2021 • 39 minutes, 20 seconds
Rose Matafeo
The award-winning stand-up, actor, director and writer tells Nihal about her new BBC comedy, Starstruck.
4/22/2021 • 29 minutes, 41 seconds
Drew McIntyre
The two time WWE Champion tells Nihal about his personal and career highs and lows and his hopes to be involved in a “Battle of Britain” pay per view fight with Tyson Fury.
4/22/2021 • 45 minutes, 2 seconds
London Grammar
Hannah and Dot tell Nihal why their third album “Californian Soil” took over four years to make and consider which of the band members is the most annoying. (Picture: Alex Waespi)
4/21/2021 • 44 minutes, 12 seconds
The Secret DJ
The self –styled “Balearic Silverback” talks to Nihal about Marathon DJ sets and the changing face of the dance music industry.
4/15/2021 • 25 minutes, 55 seconds
Tez IIyas
The comedian talks about his memoir “The Secret Diary of a British Muslim” and teaches Nihal some Arabic, Urdu and Punjabi phrases.
4/8/2021 • 42 minutes, 51 seconds
Wunmi Mosaku
The Bafta winning actor on her latest movie “His House”, screen idols and self-heating canned drinks.
4/7/2021 • 42 minutes, 3 seconds
Mel Giedroyc
The comedian, actor, former Great British Bake-Off Presenter and of course half of ‘Mel & Sue talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her debut novel ’The Best Things’.
3/31/2021 • 46 minutes, 1 second
Carlo Rovelli
The theoretical physicist and author of Helgoland talks to Nihal Arthanayake about the fascinating, confusing world of quantum mechanics – and its intersection with philosophy.
Photo: Christopher Wahl
3/25/2021 • 51 minutes, 52 seconds
Aaron Sorkin
The Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his latest movie for Netflix, The Trial of the Chicago 7, which has been nominated for six Academy Awards.
Picture: Matt Winkelmeye
3/24/2021 • 24 minutes, 10 seconds
Andi Osho
The actress, author and comedian talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her new novel, Asking For a Friend, starring in the current season of Line of Duty and why she decided to stop doing stand-up.
3/23/2021 • 45 minutes, 18 seconds
Tom Grennan
“It’s where love happened, it’s where heartbreak happened.” The singer-songwriter tells Nihal about the relationship behind his new album Evering Road.
3/16/2021 • 43 minutes, 7 seconds
Edgar Ramirez
The Venezuelan star of Carlos and The Assassination of Gianni Versace talks to Nihal about his new Netflix comedy “Yes Day”, growing up in Colombia at a time when Pablo Escobar’s influence was at its height and making the switch from his first career as a journalist to acting.
Picture: Matt Kennedy.
3/11/2021 • 37 minutes, 4 seconds
Gareth Thomas
Gareth tells Nihal about life after rugby, his experience of coming out and how the experience of his “dear friend” Prince Harry reminds him of his own treatment by some newspapers.
3/9/2021 • 51 minutes, 5 seconds
Louise Redknapp
“I look at social media and I want to be like every woman I see on there.” Louise tells Nihal about the pressure on women to be perfect and how it’s amplified by social media.
3/9/2021 • 43 minutes, 30 seconds
Frank Bruno
“You don’t go in the ring to play tiddlywinks” Frank tells Nihal about his two fights with Mike Tyson and why he likes getting up early to keep fit.
3/8/2021 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Delroy Lindo
The British stage and screen star talks to Nihal about his starring role in Da 5 Bloods and his thoughts on being tipped for Oscar success.
3/3/2021 • 22 minutes, 30 seconds
Gordon Ramsay
The last twelve months have been the most difficult of my career”; The chef and TV presenter talks to Nihal about reviving the restaurant industry and his new BBC game show.
2/24/2021 • 18 minutes, 50 seconds
Ricky Gervais
"We all have a superpower and that's making someone feel better.” Ricky chats to Nihal about kindness, Covid and writing series 3 of Afterlife.
Nihal talks to the actress and singer about her life on and off screen, her huge social media following and her new memoir Unfinished.
2/9/2021 • 36 minutes, 31 seconds
David Baddiel
The comedian and writer talks to Nihal about anti-Semitism and his new book “Jews Don’t Count”.
2/5/2021 • 43 minutes, 24 seconds
Warwick Davis
The Star Wars and Harry Potter star talks to Nihal about the secrets of success in business and why he’s never been a fan of football.
2/4/2021 • 24 minutes, 40 seconds
Ruth Coker Burks
The caregiver talks to Nihal about dedicating her life to comforting the men dying of AIDS in Arkansas in the 1980s against a backdrop of stigma and fear.
2/3/2021 • 48 minutes, 18 seconds
Sathnam Sanghera
“The legacies of empire…are things we live with on a daily basis.” The journalist and author talks to Nihal about how the experience of empire has changed Britain.
1/27/2021 • 52 minutes, 18 seconds
Anne-Marie & KSI
The two stars talk to Nihal about their musical collaboration, online dating, fighting and infectious laughter.
1/20/2021 • 25 minutes, 12 seconds
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
The cook, campaigner and writer talks to Nihal about how small changes to what we eat can make a big difference to wellbeing.
1/13/2021 • 49 minutes, 22 seconds
Sacha Dhawan
The actor tells Nihal about starring in Channel 4’s The Great, and as the Master in Doctor Who.
1/5/2021 • 29 minutes, 45 seconds
Belle and Sebastian
Stuart Murdoch and Chris Geddes on post gig football matches, why you shouldn’t play a matinee show after a big night out and their new live album.
12/18/2020 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
James Acaster
The comedian tells Nihal about his poor driving skills, over-eating Christmas pudding and live streaming his show “Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999”
12/17/2020 • 42 minutes, 25 seconds
Eve
The Grammy-winning rapper, actor and presenter talks to Nihal about her new BBC podcast, Constantly Evolving.
12/10/2020 • 30 minutes, 33 seconds
Gareth Southgate
The England manager on the occasional need for “frank and direct” communication with his players and his tips for reaching your full potential. (Image: courtesy of Getty Images.)
12/9/2020 • 40 minutes, 56 seconds
Harry Kane
5 Live’s Nihal Arthanayake talks exclusively to Spurs striker and England captain Harry Kane about standing up to racism in football, the return of fans, VAR, being “old-school Bieber” and much more.
12/2/2020 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
The War On Drugs
Adam Granduciel chats to Nihal about songwriting, studios, fatherhood and the band’s new album Live Drugs.
12/1/2020 • 26 minutes, 28 seconds
Mica Paris
"He was painfully shy”; the singer and actress remembers hanging out with Prince and talks about her new album Gospel.
11/26/2020 • 39 minutes, 10 seconds
Irvine Welsh
The Trainspotting author on the return of Begbie in his new novella and why boxing is his favourite counterbalance to writing.
11/20/2020 • 46 minutes, 8 seconds
Amy Macdonald
The singer-songwriter on fast cars, football and her “more meaningful” new album.
11/19/2020 • 32 minutes, 53 seconds
Anne-Marie
"I’m a bit nervous about it…I’m just going to put everyone through." The singer-songwriter on her new role as a coach on The Voice and her new YouTube documentary.
11/17/2020 • 32 minutes, 26 seconds
Tom Allen
The comedian on growing up in 90’s suburbia, Kenneth Williams, coming out and his verdict on Nihal’s newest dessert recipe. (Photo credit: Aemen Sukkar)
11/12/2020 • 45 minutes, 57 seconds
Dan Walker
The BBC Breakfast host on some of the Remarkable People he’s met during his career and his love of organising much deserved flypasts.
11/11/2020 • 43 minutes, 16 seconds
Elvis Costello
Nihal chats to Elvis about his new album Hey, Clockface.
11/10/2020 • 44 minutes, 17 seconds
Matthew McConaughey
Nihal Arthanayake talks to the Oscar-winning actor at length about his childhood, his relationship with his parents and his Hollywood success. The True Detective and Interstellar star has written his first memoir, Greenlights, which is available now.
11/3/2020 • 46 minutes, 17 seconds
Stephen Fry
Patrick Kielty talks to the Stephen about mythology, penmanship and life in lockdown as he releases the latest in his Mythos trilogy, Troy.
10/29/2020 • 45 minutes, 48 seconds
Sir David Jason
Patrick Kielty talks to the actor about everything from Del Boy to Danger Mouse as Sir David releases his latest autobiography, A Del of a Life.
10/28/2020 • 39 minutes, 20 seconds
Tim Peake
From flying helicopters in the army to orbiting the earth aboard the International Space Station. Major Tim tells Nihal about his influences, motivation and his memoir Limitless.
10/22/2020 • 46 minutes, 28 seconds
Katie Melua
The multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter tells Nihal about her development as an artist and her new album which has been 4 years in the making.
10/21/2020 • 42 minutes, 58 seconds
John Cooper Clarke
John Cooper Clarke talks to Nihal about punk, poetry, ambition, wanting to conform and his new memoir I Wanna Be Yours
10/14/2020 • 50 minutes, 31 seconds
Fran Healy
The Travis frontman talks to Nihal about 10 songs, the band’s first studio album in four years, the art of songwriting and life in LA.
10/13/2020 • 38 minutes, 28 seconds
Joe Marler
The England and Harlequins prop tells Nihal about the highs and lows of his career – and shares the secrets behind some of the ‘dark arts’ of the scrum.
10/8/2020 • 48 minutes, 8 seconds
George Takei
The actor, who rose to global fame as Mr Sulu in Star Trek, talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his life on an off the screen. From his childhood experience of internment during the Second World War to having to live a double life as a closeted gay man in an era when homophobia could threaten his livelihood, to his current role in CBeebies Love Monster.
10/6/2020 • 39 minutes, 50 seconds
Mary McAleese
The former President of Ireland on being in office during a pivotal time in the peace process.
10/1/2020 • 46 minutes, 41 seconds
Jamie Redknapp
The former England, Liverpool and Spurs Midfielder talks to Nihal about his life on and off the pitch, his relationship with his dad and his new memoir.
10/1/2020 • 45 minutes, 9 seconds
Chuck D
The Public Enemy founder tells Nihal about the bands return to Def Jam for their new album.
9/29/2020 • 40 minutes, 20 seconds
Andrew Flintoff
The former England cricket captain and TV star on living with bulimia for over 20 years.
If you’ve been affected by anything we were talking about there you can find a range of organisations which offer support and advice on the BBC Action Line. Just go to www.bbc.co.uk/actionline.
9/23/2020 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
Clarissa Ward
CNN’s chief international correspondent on a career spent reporting from war zones.
9/15/2020 • 37 minutes, 4 seconds
Arlo Parks
The 20-year-old singer, songwriter and poet on her new single, artistic inspiration and mental health.
9/10/2020 • 29 minutes, 25 seconds
Chris & Rosie Ramsey
The podcasters talk relationships, flatulence and much more with Nihal. Their book Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed. is out now.
9/8/2020 • 36 minutes, 38 seconds
Vinnie Jones
“You start with the numbness.” The footballer and film star talks to Nihal about losing Tanya, his wife of 25 years.
9/7/2020 • 37 minutes, 39 seconds
Alastair Campbell
Tony Blair’s former communications director on his lifelong struggle with depression.
9/3/2020 • 48 minutes, 43 seconds
Will Young
The singer and actor talks to Nihal about his new book To be a Gay Man.
9/2/2020 • 44 minutes, 21 seconds
Adam Buxton
One half of the comedy and podcasting duo Adam and Joe, Adam Buxton, tells Nihal about his relationship with his late father. Plus, he talks about his memoir ‘Ramble Book.’
9/1/2020 • 44 minutes, 9 seconds
Noel Clarke
Fresh from an appearance at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the actor, director and writer Noel Clarke talks to Nihal about the current state of the media landscape, and why more must be done to nurture diverse talent.
8/27/2020 • 30 minutes, 32 seconds
Luke Goss
The actor and former Bros star tells Nihal about starring in Paydirt alongside Val Kilmer.
8/27/2020 • 30 minutes, 54 seconds
Katie Mack
The theoretical astrophysicist tells Laura Whitmore how she thinks the universe will end.
8/25/2020 • 34 minutes, 33 seconds
Alex Edelman
The award-winning comedian talks to Nihal about his new album, fast food and cycling.
8/13/2020 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Oliver Stone
The Oscar-winning director talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his parents, Vietnam and making Platoon. His memoir, Chasing The Light: How I Fought My Way into Hollywood - From the 1960s to Platoon, is out now.
8/12/2020 • 36 minutes, 28 seconds
David Tennant
The actor talks to Nihal about the second series of ‘David Tennant does a podcast with…’ and filming BBC One’s Staged in lockdown with regular collaborator Michael Sheen.
8/11/2020 • 30 minutes
Ronan Keating
The pop star talks to Nihal about his new album Twenty Twenty, head-butting the Pope’s hand, hanging up on Pavarotti and having his fifth child as the world entered lockdown due to Coronavirus.
7/29/2020 • 20 minutes, 33 seconds
David Mitchell
The best-selling author of Cloud Atlas joins Nihal to talk about his new novel, Utopia Avenue, and his work on the screenplay for the forthcoming Matrix sequel.
7/28/2020 • 41 minutes, 25 seconds
James Bay
James talks to Nihal about the survival of small venues, meeting Eric Clapton and his forthcoming album.
7/21/2020 • 40 minutes, 7 seconds
Chrissie Hynde
The Pretenders star on what she loves about the UK and why she still gets starstruck meeting famous musicians and The Pretenders new album 'Hate for Sale'.
7/20/2020 • 40 minutes, 38 seconds
Jameela Jamil
Laura Whitmore talks to the model, actor and activist about ‘cancel culture’, body image and her new podcast.
7/15/2020 • 27 minutes, 55 seconds
The Streets
The Streets' Mike Skinner talks to Nihal about his new mixtape 'None Of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive', changing social attitudes and hot sauce.
7/14/2020 • 36 minutes, 41 seconds
Adam Kay
The writer and comedian of “Dear NHS”, a collection of 100 household names telling their stories of the health service.
7/9/2020 • 37 minutes, 12 seconds
Nadine Shah
The Mercury nominated singer-songwriter on family,feminism and her new album Kitchen Sink
7/8/2020 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
Denise Welch
The TV star tells Nihal Arthanayake about documenting her depression in her latest book; The Unwelcome Visitor.
7/2/2020 • 40 minutes, 42 seconds
Daveed Diggs
Ahead of Hamilton’s release on home streaming, the Broadway star tells Nihal Arthanayake about the cultural impact of the smash-hit musical.
7/1/2020 • 23 minutes, 21 seconds
Norah Jones
The multiple Grammy-winning singer songwriter talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her new album Pick Me Up Off the Floor.
6/25/2020 • 23 minutes, 44 seconds
David Oyelowo
The multi-award winning actor and producer tells Nihal Arthanayake about his work on the podcast Stor14s which features stories written for children. The podcast aims to raise funds to help Covid-19 relief efforts in Africa. He also talks about his relationship with his father, his view on systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter movement and his own charity work in Nigeria.
6/24/2020 • 22 minutes, 47 seconds
George Alagiah
The BBC newsreader and journalist returns to Headliners to tell Nihal how his cancer treatment is going, what he makes of the recent increase in exposure for the Black Lives Matter movement and how he’s been coping during lockdown.
6/24/2020 • 21 minutes, 12 seconds
Keisha Buchanan
Former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan tells Nihal Arthanayake about the trauma she experienced as the only black member of the platinum-selling girl-group. She says she was unfairly stereotyped as an “angry black woman” by the press, leading to her needing therapy to recover.
6/10/2020 • 19 minutes, 18 seconds
Rutger Bregman
The historian and author Rutger Brebman tells Nihal why he thinks humanity is less cruel than we’ve been led to believe. His new book Humankind looks at why some of the stories and experiments that are often-cited examples of our cruelty may be fundamentally flawed.
Photo credit: Maartje ter Horst
6/10/2020 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
Aitch
The Manchester rapper talks to Nihal about his rise to stardom, wanting to work with Liam Gallagher and how success has changed his family’s life.
6/3/2020 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
Jay Blades
The Repair Shop star talks to Nihal about growing up with dyslexia and how he found his passion for restoring furniture.
6/1/2020 • 51 minutes, 2 seconds
Tori Amos
A piano prodigy who won a scholarship to the Peabody Institute at the age of five, Tori Amos is one of the most remarkable musical talents of her generation.
In this episode of Headliners, she talks to Nihal about the inspiration for her songwriting, addressing dark truths in her work and why she decided to record her thoughts in her new book; Resistance: A Songwriter’s Story of Hope, Change and Courage – which is part memoir, part personal manifesto.
Photo credit: Des Willie.
5/26/2020 • 38 minutes, 14 seconds
The Last Dance
Nihal discusses the legacy, impact and reaction to NBA legend Michael Jordan in the wake of Netflix’s smash hit documentary series The Last Dance.
He’s joined by journalist and former Olympic athlete Matthew Syed, DJ and presenter Reece Parkinson and John Amaechi, the first Briton to play in the NBA, who faced Jordan on court at the beginning – and the end – of this career.
Photo credit: Andrew D Bernstein
5/21/2020 • 47 minutes, 54 seconds
KSI
The pioneering YouTuber on his new album, his next fight and why he won’t live in the USA.
5/20/2020 • 40 minutes, 53 seconds
Russell Tovey
The Years and Years actor on learning to dance, collecting art and “keeping real” in quarantine.
5/18/2020 • 35 minutes, 13 seconds
Gianluca Vialli (from 2020)
The former Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea striker tells Nihal about the people that have inspired him, his hopes for the future of football, and his recovery from pancreatic cancer.
5/14/2020 • 43 minutes, 59 seconds
Lionel Shriver
The award winning writer on the cult of exercise, the economic consequences of Covid-19 and her new book The Motion of the Body Through Space.
5/7/2020 • 40 minutes, 44 seconds
Freya Lewis
Nihal talks to Freya Lewis, who was just 14 when she was severely injured in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 - an attack that also claimed the life of her friend Nell. She tells Nihal about her recovery, how she raised tens of thousands of pounds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital – and why she can’t wait to get a tattoo on her eighteenth birthday!
Freya tells her story in her new book, What Makes Us Stronger.
5/6/2020 • 32 minutes, 36 seconds
Shaggy
5 live’s Nihal Arthanayke talks to the reggae legend about the anniversary of his 10-million selling album, Hot Shot, and why he’s decided to update the tracks for a brand new release.
4/30/2020 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
Jade Thirlwall
Jade from Little Mix tells Nihal she’s getting through lockdown with impersonations, cooking and Lego.
4/28/2020 • 18 minutes, 21 seconds
Ricky Gervais
Ricky joins Nihal to talk about series 2 of AfterLife. Warning: contains strong language.
4/23/2020 • 34 minutes, 50 seconds
David Haye
The former heavyweight champion on going from poker novice to playing in one of the world’s biggest tournaments.
4/22/2020 • 23 minutes, 35 seconds
Tom Kerridge
Multiple Michelin-starred chef and TV presenter Tom Kerridge joins Nihal Arthanayake to take questions from 5 Live listeners about what to cook (and what not to cook) in their kitchens during the Coronavirus lockdown.
4/9/2020 • 33 minutes, 9 seconds
MJ Cole
The classically trained musician turned garage DJ talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his new release, MJ Cole Presents Madrugada, a beautiful piano and strings-led instrumental album that takes its inspiration from the early hours of the morning.
4/9/2020 • 36 minutes, 21 seconds
Lynda La Plante
The best-selling author talks to Nihal about her new book, Buried.
4/1/2020 • 35 minutes, 36 seconds
Big Narstie
Nihal talks to the grime legend about his new book.
3/31/2020 • 31 minutes, 42 seconds
Harlan Coben
Nihal Arthanayake speaks to the author Harlan Coben about his new book; The Boy From The Woods, how Coronavirus is impacting his work and how he helped Netflix adapt his best-seller The Stranger.
3/26/2020 • 28 minutes, 25 seconds
Stacey Dooley
Nihal speaks to Stacey Dooley about her new documentary, Strictly Come Dancing, and life in the public eye.
3/12/2020 • 37 minutes, 2 seconds
Professor Brian Greene
Nihal meets the theoretical physicist to talk about his book Until The End Of Time and to ask some of the big questions about the nature of time, the future of the universe and whether we’re all living in a simulation of reality.
3/4/2020 • 50 minutes
Eleanor Conway
Nihal talks to the comedian Eleanor Conway about her hilarious, and brutally honest, new show You May Recognise Me From Tinder, in which Eleanor talks frankly about why she’s been single for more than a decade.
2/25/2020 • 35 minutes, 6 seconds
Bob Geldof
The music legend talks, in depth, to 5 Live’s Nihal Arthanayke about his new book; Tales of Boomtown Glory, and the new studio album from the Boomtown Rats.
2/24/2020 • 50 minutes, 40 seconds
Tracey Thorn
Geoff Lloyd talks to the Everything But the Girl singer about her second autobiography Another Planet: A Teenager in Suburbia.
2/19/2020 • 40 minutes, 37 seconds
Ben Bailey Smith
The actor, singer and author on his starring role in the new BBC legal drama “The Split”
2/12/2020 • 41 minutes, 51 seconds
Frances Barber
The star of Prick Up Your Ears, Doctor Who and Silk talks to Nihal about starring in the Pet Shop Boys cabaret ‘Musik.'
2/11/2020 • 37 minutes, 19 seconds
Blossoms
Joe, Tom and Myles talk relationships, hot sauce and their new album “Foolish Loving Spaces”.
2/5/2020 • 43 minutes, 7 seconds
Ben Watt
Ben talks about songwriting, Everything But The Girl and having a very low-key wedding.
2/4/2020 • 39 minutes, 54 seconds
Frankie Bridge
The Saturdays singer on how opening up and talking about her mental health has helped her
2/3/2020 • 36 minutes, 17 seconds
Georgia
“It was always going to be music.” The singer talks to Nihal about football, dance culture and sobriety.