Bandwidth Conversations

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by someone whose career defies convention and whose work has touched lives across war zones, hospital wards and the written page. Dr Rachel Clarke began as a broadcast journalist, reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places — covering Al Qaeda, the Gulf War and the civil war in the DRC. Then, at 29, she retrained as a doctor, specialising in palliative care, where she now helps patients live their final days with dignity and as much comfort as possible.

Her bestselling books; 'Your Life in My Hands', 'Dear Life', 'Breathtaking' & 'The Story of A Heart' have become essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the human side of healthcare. 'Breathtaking', her searing account of the COVID-19 frontline, was adapted into a critically acclaimed ITV drama in 2024, co-written by Rachel herself alongside Jed Mercurio and Prasanna Puwanarajah.

Rachel's also a fierce NHS advocate and a public voice for compassion in medicine. I'm in awe of every guest I speak to, but Rachel's story is one of extraordinary reinvention, resilience and radical empathy. In this podcast we explore how Rachel's managed to excel in journalism, medicine, activism, storytelling and what drives her to keep speaking truth to power.

Related links:

Rachel's Website

Watch the trailer for 'Breathtaking'

Follow Rachel on Instagram

Follow Rachel on Twitter

Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music is the man behind the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, Inception, Dunkirk, Gravity, American History X, The Notebook and Austin Powers to name but a few. Paul has collaborated with legendary composers, visionary directors and groundbreaking producers creating award-winning music to some of the greatest movies of the last half century.

From orchestras to Oscar winners, his journey is packed with stories that span genres, generations and global stages.

This podcast is a masterclass in film music, the craft of scoring, the stories behind some of our all-time favourite movie scenes and the man who made it happen. I was so lucky to talk to Paul and you are going to love this podcast!

In this unmissable episode, I talk to renowned psychiatrist, philosopher and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist to explore the profound questions that shape our existence: Why are we here? Who are we?

Drawing from his groundbreaking books — including The Master and His Emissary and The Matter with Things — Dr. McGilchrist shares insights from his life and career, weaving together neuroscience, philosophy and metaphysics. Dr. McGilchrist explains the mysteries of the divided brain, the nature of time, the power of creativity and intuition, the pursuit of happiness and the essence of consciousness and The Divine.

This conversation is a journey into the heart of what it means to be human — rich with wisdom, wonder and the kind of clarity that only Dr. McGilchrist can offer.

Related Links

Iain's Website

The Master and His Emissary

The Matter with Things

Iain's Podcast

In this episode, Gerry Beckley; singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic band America takes us on a remarkable journey through five decades of music, fame and friendship.

Gerry talks about their timeless hits including "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" and what it felt like to top the charts with both a No. 1 single and album at just 19 years old. He shares vivid stories of forming the band while still in high school, navigating sudden stardom, collaborating with legendary producer George Martin (The Beatles) and performing alongside everyone from Pink Floyd to Cat Stevens. From whirlwind early tours and surreal LA house parties with the likes of David Bowie, Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, to the emotional highs and challenges of a 53-year musical brotherhood with Dewey Bunnell — this is a rare and intimate look behind the curtain of one of the most enduring bands in rock history.

Plus: The making of the acclaimed new documentary "I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America" and why their music still strikes a chord with fans across generations. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the band, this episode is packed with heart, humour, history and harmony.

Related links

Follow Gerry: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybeckley/

Follow America: https://www.instagram.com/americaband/

Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35U9lQaRWSQISxQAB94Meo?si=ygKZ8OV6R9eom3r4kF-PBw&nd=1&dlsi=8914814ea28a42b2

Edward Whitley OBE is a financier, philanthropist, author and conservationist whose work has helped protect some of the planet's rarest species. He's raised over £24 million for more than 220 conservation projects in 80+ countries, encountering everything from golden-headed tamarins to monkey-eating eagles.

He's also written on subjects ranging from Gerald Durrell and Nick Leeson, to Indira Gandhi, Sir John Betjeman, and even Jane Austen vs George Eliot—all while running his own investment firm for over two decades.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore endangered wildlife, financial scandals, 19th-century literature, and a closing note from Sir David Attenborough. Informative, surprising, and inspiring—listen now.

Related links:

The Whitley Fund for Nature

Gerald Durrell's Army

The Graduates

Rogue Trader

Jane Austen and George Eliot The Lady and The Radical

Erling Kagge is a man of firsts: In 1990, together with Børge Ousland, he was the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. In 1992/3 he was the first man to walk solo to the South Pole. In 1994 he summitted Everest making him the first man on the planet to have completed the journey to the North Pole, the South Pole and to have climbed Everest – in other words, to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot, all unsupported. He has crossed oceans and he even crossed New York City through its tunnel system. A true explorer, he's also a writer, philosopher, entrepreneur, lawyer, publisher and art collector. This episode is full of adventure, history, philosophy and wisdom. A true rock star of life, this conversation is one not to miss.

Related links

Erling Kagge's books

Lucy Cooke is a zoologist, an explorer, a passionate conservationist and a champion of animal species that are often misunderstood. She has shared her knowledge through books, blogs and television shows that have appeared on many channels from National Geographic through to the BBC, ITV and Radio 4, along with writing in all the major newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. I have read her work and she manages to turn detailed research into easy to understand and highly entertaining information, debunking some long-held beliefs of the masters of this space including Darwin himself. Listen today for a fun and fact-filled conversation about some of the most surprising recent discoveries in the animal kingdom and the impressive, hilarious and passionate person behind, collating and presenting that research. Lucy Cooke is a force for good. Not to be missed!

Related Links

Lucy's Webisite

Lucy's TED TALK on sloths

Follow Lucy on Instagram

I can't quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she creates the amazing books she writes, from the first glimmer of an idea to completion. A true rock star of life, this is an important conversation for those suffering from grief or those supporting someone suffering from grief, it is also an insight for all aspiring writers on how to write a roller-coaster, twist-filled novel and it is a lesson to us all on how to tackle life in the worst and best of circumstances, how to strive for what you want and how to triumph. I took away several lessons from our conversation and am already employing them in my life and they are working! I am sure they will for you too. I am so grateful to Clare for this wonderful conversation.

Related Links

Clare's Website

Follow Clare on Instagram

Follow Clare on Twitter

I had been really looking forward to talking to Julian Ovenden but the conversation I ended up having with him was extraordinary and unexpected. Not only is he a talented actor appearing in some of our best loved TV shows and theatre productions: Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Foyle's War, My Night with Reg, All About Eve to name but a handful, he is also a hugely talented singer whose concerts, albums and worldwide performances have touched the hearts of many. He is a winning combination of self-deprecating, funny, and honest and he generously shared some of the best and worst periods of his life. At times hilarious, at others heartbreaking and at all times fascinating, this is an important, entertaining and ultimately uplifting conversation. I feel honoured have been part of it and to be able to share it with you.

Related Links

Follow Julian Ovenden

Julian Ovenden - YouTube

Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotion and artistry. His keen eye for storytelling and his innovative approach to filmmaking have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. Whether behind the camera or crafting intricate plots, Måns' contributions to the world of cinema are nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast, Måns talks about some of his masterpieces – the trials and triumphs all with good humour and humility.

Related Links

Måns Mårlind IMDB