Martin Sixsmith is many things; he’s an academic, an investigative journalist, a documentarian and he spent years as a foreign correspondent for the BBC working in Russia, Washington and Poland. He’s an author of both fiction and non-fiction, a radio and television presenter and he was an adviser to the Labour Government. Of the 8 books he has written to date, probably his most well known is “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” which was turned into a multi Oscar and BAFTA nominated film “Philomena” starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

In this conversation Martin talks about his experiences in Russia, The Cold War and Putin and how he came to write about The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. Fascinating, frank, informative and funny, I really enjoyed talking to Martin.

In no particular order, Gyles Brandreth was an MP in John Major’s government, is a writer of novels, biographies, autobiographies and stageplays, is a broadcaster, a podcaster, a television presenter and an accomplished speaker.

He has set up a teddy bear museum, he started the UK Scrabble competition, he campaigns for public spaces. Veteran of Call my Bluff and Just a Minute, he is one of the most quick witted people on the planet!

Full of wisdom and hilarious anecdotes, this is a wonderful conversation.

Gyles Brandreth’s Website

My guest today Ben Goldsmith has been dealt cards of both privilege and tragedy. In our conversation, Ben covers his upbringing, his time at Eton, his love of nature, the tragic loss of his daughter Iris and the organisation he has set up in her memory; ‘The Iris Project’.

Ben is also a pioneer in the rewilding movement and has his own podcast ‘Rewilding the World’. He discusses some of the environmental challenges the world is facing and details some fascinating facts and stories about our connection to nature.

Ben talks with such openness and eloquence. It was very special for me to have him as a guest.

Related links

Ben’s Book ‘God Is an Octopus’

Listen to Ben’s podcast ‘Rewilding The World’

The Iris Project

Follow Ben Goldsmith