Ed Byrne, the stand-up comedian, describes how he turned to comedy as a way of coping with the loss of his younger brother in 2023.

Ed Byrne, Rhianna Pratchett, Rod Dimbleby, James May

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Mary Beard unearths some of the fascinating little-known stories that helped build the Roman Empire in her new series of Being Roman, and reveals how a cake is responsible for making her Britain’s best-known classicist.   From the senate and the people of Rome to the Sherlock Holmes of Tudor England – star of the new Shardlake series, Arthur Hughes joins us. Born with a rare condition affecting his right arm, Arthur was the first disabled actor to swap his kingdom for a horse and portray Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Company.  How a story of star-crossed lovers helped bring together two friends thanks to a collection of lost letters written more than 80 years ago. Dawn Donkin and Theresa Moon are with us.  All that, plus the podcasting power-couple responsible for their son Jack...Michael and Hilary Whitehall share their Inheritance Tracks.  Presenters: Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard-McLean
Producer: Ben Mitchell

Mary Beard, Teresa Moon and Dawn Donkin, Arthur Hughes, Michael and Hilary Whitehall

The Titan of Tartan Noir, crime writer Val McDermid, who grew up playing in the ruins of Macduff's castle, shines a new light on Lady Macbeth in her new book, and tells us show she became addicted to video games. Nicola Nuttall has written a beautiful memoir about helping her daughter Laura make the most of her final days living with brain cancer…Laura had an extraordinary bucket list to complete in the last 12 months of her life; from going on Safari and flying a helicopter to meeting Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai. In the run up to her first world title fight, Olympic gold-medal-winning boxer Lauren Price reveals the powerful story behind her nickname ‘the lucky one’.  All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of former Made in Chelsea star turned entrepreneur, presenter, podcaster and so much more - Jamie Laing.  Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens
Producer: Ben Mitchell

Val McDermid, Lauren Price, Nicola Nuttall, Jamie Laing

Birmingham’s unofficial global ambassador, Steven Knight, who did as much for flat caps as he did for Brum by creating Peaky Blinders and he’s now taking us back to the West Midlands of the 1980’s with his latest TV series This Town.  Catherine Coldstream had a bohemian upbringing in London, lived in Paris and fell in love with "unsuitable propositions in dark polo necks" and then, spent twelve years cloistered, as a Carmelite nun. The social and domestic historian Ruth Goodman, famous for her hit TV series taking us back to Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian times, is currently revealing the curious history of our homes in her new podcast; from wallpaper to fridges and washing up. And this week’s Inheritance Tracks see the ultra-marathon running, American football obsessive, and fellow radio presenter Vernon Kay share with us the music that’s shaped his life.  Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens
Producer: Ben Mitchell

Steven Knight, Ruth Goodman, Catherine Coldstream, Vernon Kay

Racing driver Nic Hamilton is the first disabled athlete to compete in the British Touring Car Championship. Born with cerebral palsy and told he would always need to use a wheelchair, he certainly embodies his self-given title of ‘limit defier’ and shares how he proved everyone wrong in his new book 'Now That I Have Your Attention'. Victoria McCloud, the recently retired first trans woman judge in the UK, left because she felt she risked making the judiciary political, but her first interests weren't the law...instead she came to the profession via psychiatry, space, and an obsession with old computers.  We have not one but two world class puppeteers on the show in Josh Elwell and Eliot Gibbins. Both can operate Daleks and have a Tardis full of stories to share - as well as some special guest appearances from some of their creations.  All that plus another double act choosing their Inheritance Tracks in comedians and real-life couple Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris.  And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens
Producer: Ben Mitchell

Nic Hamilton, Josh Elwell and Eliot Gibbins, Victoria McCloud, Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris

The broadcaster, marathon runner, and proud parent to her life saving stoma Audrey, Adele Roberts reveals how she overcame cancer wrote a book and danced on ice. Writer and comedian Ben Elton whose new stand-up tour highlights his trademark incisive social commentary by exploring authentic stupidity.  David Duke went from sleeping rough and living in hostels to playing football in the Homeless World Cup and founding the Street Soccer Scotland charity helping thousands of other homeless people through the power of football.  All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of chef, restaurateur and podcaster Angela Hartnett. And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens
Producer: Ben Mitchell

Ed Byrne, Rhianna Pratchett, Rod Dimbleby, James May

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