Different with Nicky Campbell

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.