Best Irvine Welsh Podcasts (2025)

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Dead Men's Trousers part 2 52:47

13d ago52:47

52:47

Time to say goodbye to one of Welsh's most loved characters (until he is back in Men in Love in July anyway) Our new episode - part two on Dead Men's Trousers from 2018 - is out now.

1
[189] John Lydon 1:06:09

7d ago1:06:09

1:06:09

John Lydon, frontman of the Sex Pistols and punk icon, joins The Michael Anthony Show for Episode 189 — a raw, honest, funny and wide-ranging conversation. In this episode, the ever irreverent Lydon speaks openly about the spirit of punk, the legacy of the Sex Pistols, and his personal journey through grief and loss. He reflects on the importance o…

1
Dead Men's Trousers part 1 53:08

19d ago53:08

53:08

Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie are back, but trouble isn't far behind in the form of psychotic coppers, organ traffickers and horny in-laws. And, for one of them, it'll be the end of the road. Part one of our discussion on Dead Men's Trousers, from 2018, is out now

1
Wedding Belles 52:45

2M ago52:45

52:45

You are cordially invited to our latest episode, discussing a tale of forthcoming nuptials, murder, crack and a bit of Northern Soul. It's Wedding Belles, a film from 2007, directed by Philip John and written by Irvine Welsh and Dean Kavanagh.

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[188] A Town Called Hope 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

A variety of topics are explored in Episode 188 of The Michael Anthony Show, from the philosophical and cultural, to the societal and personal, with a tribute to former show guest Rick Buckler also featuring. Tune in. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

1
[187] Charlie's Sexuality 38:01

3M ago38:01

38:01

A wide variety of subjects are covered in the new Episode [187] of The Michael Anthony Show, as Michael explores the world via his stream of consciousness. Tune in. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

1
[186] w/ Giuseppe Rossi II 1:09:22

3M ago1:09:22

1:09:22

One of football's good guys, our pal Giuseppe Rossi returns to The MA Show for Episode 186. Many topics are discussed with the former Italy forward, from the collapse of his former club Manchester United, to deeper and wider issues such as his change in worldview since retiring, His pending testimonial in Florence is also discussed, which will see …

1
The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins 1:08:51

3M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

We're off to Miami again, as a sadistic personal trainer breaks in a new client in a way only Irvine Welsh can think up...its our review of the 2014 novel - The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins

1
[185] w/ Errol Musk 1:03:45

4M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Errol Musk joins The Michael Anthony Show for Episode 185 in which he discusses a wide variety of cultural and historical topics. The South African also opens up on his personal journey including his relationship with his son Elon Musk, as he details what it was like raising the man who would go on to be the most powerful in the Western World. Tune…

1
24. Adam Buxton 44:09

4M ago44:09

44:09

Kirsty Young asks podcaster Adam Buxton what advice he would give his younger self. Buxton rose to prominence in partnership with Joe Cornish, first on TV with The Adam and Joe Show then as co-hosts of radio shows on XFM and BBC 6 Music. He has since struck out alone with his live show, Bug, and a hit interview podcast. He reflects on his time at a…

1
[184] Loving v. Virginia 42:19

4M ago42:19

42:19

The Michael Anthony Show returns for 2025 with a solo show for Episode 184. MA takes explores a wide variety of topics - tune in. Respect to the listeners. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

1
23. Tanni Grey-Thompson 46:11

4M ago46:11

46:11

Kirsty Young asks Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson what advice she would give her younger self. With 11 Paralympic gold medals and six London Marathon victories, Grey-Thompson reflects on a childhood in Wales, her extraordinary athletics career and her transition to becoming a campaigner and crossbench peer. She discusses the mindset of a cham…

1
22. Chiwetel Ejiofor 40:01

4M ago40:01

40:01

Kirsty Young asks BAFTA-winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor what advice he would give his younger self. Known for his iconic performances in 12 Years a Slave and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ejiofor reflects on a tragedy that shaped his childhood, being cast by Steven Spielberg when he was just 19, and making the move into directing. He also discusses…

1
21. Sara Pascoe 46:17

5M ago46:17

46:17

Kirsty Young asks the comedian Sara Pascoe what advice she would give her younger self. Pascoe found fame soon after moving from acting to stand up comedy in 2007. She has since packed out national tours, starred panel shows and sitcoms, and written three books including her acclaimed recent novel, Weirdo. She discusses drinking on stage, declaring…

1
20. Pete Doherty 48:57

5M ago48:57

48:57

Kirsty Young asks the rock star Pete Doherty what advice he would give his younger self. Doherty became famous in the 2000s with The Libertines, the band he formed and fronted alongside fellow singer and guitarist Carl Barât. He became notorious as his own drug addictions led to break ups with the band and numerous arrests. He reflects on a childho…

1
19. Nigel Slater at Christmas 45:56

5M ago45:56

45:56

Kirsty Young asks food writer Nigel Slater what advice he would give his younger self. Nigel Slater began his career working in kitchens across the UK before becoming a food writer, initially for Marie Claire magazine. He has written a regular food column for The Observer newspaper for over three decades in which time he has also written numerous c…

1
Crime Series 2 1:24:49

5M ago1:24:49

1:24:49

We're back with a Christmas special* as DI Ray Lennox returns to catch a serial killer, while still battling his own demons. It's Crime Series 2, complete with our new theme tune, available now *Not even remotely Christmassy

1
Young Again is back 1:32

6M ago1:32

1:32

Kirsty Young is back with more fascinating guests.By BBC Radio 4

1
[183] Searching for Captains 38:46

6M ago38:46

38:46

The Michael Anthony Show returns with a high energy solo show for Episode 183, in which a variety of issues are dealt with. Tune in, love to the listeners. MAS. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

1
18. Malcolm Gladwell 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

Kirsty Young asks the writer and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell what advice he would give his younger self. Gladwell's writing, in books such as The Tipping Point and Outliers, successfully distil complex ideas for a mass audience, and he has worked as a staff writer for The New Yorker. His podcasts include Revisionist History, which reconsiders things…

1
[182] Now it's a Syndrome 45:29

7M ago45:29

45:29

The Michael Anthony Show returns with a solo Episode for 182, in which a variety of topics are discussed. The US presidential race, education, celebrity culture, parenthood, Damien Duff and Man Utd are all delved into, with music from Bill Fay also featuring. Tune in. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

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17. Irvine Welsh 47:29

7M ago47:29

47:29

Kirsty Young asks the author Irvine Welsh what advice he would give his younger self. Welsh became a literary sensation when his first novel, Trainspotting, was published in 1993. The film adaptation that followed made him a star. But before that he'd gone from being a punk in London to a turn into administrative work for his local council, via a b…

1
16. Gloria Steinem 36:27

7M ago36:27

36:27

Kirsty Young asks the activist and writer Gloria Steinem what advice she would give her younger self. Through the last seven decades, Steinem has been a singular voice and influential thinker for the causes of feminism and equality in the USA. She discusses her breakthrough as a young journalist going undercover as a Playboy Bunny, founding the hug…

1
15. Miranda Hart 44:27

7M ago44:27

44:27

Kirsty Young asks comedian and actor Miranda Hart what advice she would give her younger self. A decade ago Hart was starring in her own hit BBC sitcom, Miranda, and selling out stadium tours. But then she suffered a collapse and was forced into a career break. She discusses how years of low level illness built up to a major health crisis, and how …

1
Annie announces a change for Changes 11:28

8M ago11:28

11:28

This week, Annie has some news. Changes is changing! Annie talks through how she has come to the decision to pause this podcast and shift the Changes conversation onto Substack. You can now find Changes with Annie Macmanus here: https://anniemacmanus.substack.com/p/welcome-to-changes-with-annie-macmanus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo…

1
14. Gabor Maté 40:15

8M ago40:15

40:15

Kirsty Young asks physician Gabor Maté what advice he would give his younger self. Maté was born to Jewish parents in terrible circumstances in Hungary in 1943. His grandparents were killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp, his father was in forced labour and his mother was suffering from jaundice. He reveals how his own understanding of the lon…

1
DJ Fat Tony on why music is better than any drug and the moment of empathy that changed his life 40:47

8M ago40:47

40:47

DJ Fat Tony is one of the most iconic figures of London’s nightlife scene. Tony’s extraordinary four-decade career at the heart of music and clubbing has seen him spinning tracks for everyone from Madonna to Prince, but his rise to stardom was paired with a drug addiction that almost killed him. Tony’s 2022 Sunday Times bestselling memoir ‘I Don’t …

1
The Long Knives 1:45:12

8M ago1:45:12

1:45:12

Best wear a protective cup, gentlemen, there's a couple of penis removing maniacs on the loose in the second installment of Irvine Welsh's Crime trilogy - The Long Knives (2023)Find out what Jem and I thought of it.

1
13. Minnie Driver 46:15

8M ago46:15

46:15

Kirsty Young asks actor Minnie Driver what advice she would give her younger self. Driver has fashioned a 30-year career in the entertainment industry since becoming a Hollywood star in movies including Circle of Friends and Grosse Pointe Blank. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Good Will Hunting, and she revisits that famous O…

1
Irvine Welsh on toxic masculinity, addiction and softening with age 39:43

8M ago39:43

39:43

There are few writers more renowned for pushing the boundaries of modern fiction than Scottish literary icon and author of the 90s cult classic Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh. Irvine grew up as a working class boy in Edinburgh surrounded by drugs, crime, poverty and unemployment. It was this harsh environment and the people he grew up around that beca…

1
Introducing a new series of Young Again 3:05

8M ago3:05

3:05

Kirsty Young asks fascinating people what advice they would give their younger self.By BBC Radio 4

1
Clara Amfo on speaking her truth, overcoming shame and her favourite B word after Beyonce 45:44

8M ago45:44

45:44

Sometimes to move forward, you have to look back and in today’s episode Annie is joined by her dear friend Clara Amfo who opens up for the first time publicly about the life-altering event in her childhood that changed her forever. Broadcaster, pop culture aficionado and British ‘it girl’ Clara Amfo is an unstoppable force when it comes to British …

1
[181] w/ John Cooper Clarke 59:10

8M ago59:10

59:10

For Episode 181 of The Michael Anthony Show, we are joined by the iconic John Cooper Clarke as he explores his fascinating life in "punk poetry". A variety of subjects are delved into with the legendary Mancunian, including his relationship with writing, technology, living with Nico, drug abuse, individualism, Arctic Monkeys' adaptation of 'I Wanna…

1
Amy Liptrot on The Outrun, her journey to sobriety and the healing power of nature 39:31

8M ago39:31

39:31

Bestselling author of ‘The Outrun,’ Amy Liptrot is proof that change is not only possible but life-saving. When Amy found herself in rehab for alcoholism aged 30, she left London behind and returned to her family’s farm on Orkney, a remote Island off the coast of Scotland. Overcoming addiction on an isolated island, Amy found solace in the wild lan…

1
AJ Tracey on London’s streets and how music saved him from a culture of fear 42:24

9M ago42:24

42:24

AJ Tracey is one of the most influential artists in the UK music scene today but his life could have taken a very different direction had he not made some serious changes. AJ is known for his groundbreaking contributions to grime, drill and UK garage. Last year he celebrated 1 billion streams in the UK and was honoured with the Brits Billion Award.…

1
Michelle De Swarte on the currency of beauty, money and the void from ageing 42:34

9M ago42:34

42:34

Model turned comedian Michelle de Swarte’s life story has more twists and turns than most novels. A born and bred South Londoner, Michelle was scouted aged 19 and moved to New York to begin her modelling career working for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and Versace. After two decades on the runway Michelle started doing stand up comedy and eventual…

1
[180] Wherever Darren is Now 45:35

9M ago45:35

45:35

The Michael Anthony Show returns with a solo show for Episode 180, with a variety of cultural topics discussed. Oasis reunion, Manchester United, philosophy, animals and much more is explored. Tune in. Support the showBy Michael Anthony

1
Bella Mackie on anxiety and OCD, marriage and hating wellness 56:31

9M ago56:31

56:31

Our first guest of the series is the phenomenally popular author Bella Mackie. Bella’s debut novel ‘How To Kill Your Family’ was a #1 Sunday Times Bestseller and lined the top 10 book charts for a staggering 47 weeks. It has just been announced that Netflix will adapt the book with Anya Taylor-Joy starring as Grace Bernard. Bella is back with a bra…

1
[179] w/ May Pang 1:33:09

9M ago1:33:09

1:33:09

The Michael Anthony Show is honoured to be joined by May Pang for Episode 179. In a wide-ranging conversation with the New Yorker, Pang dives deep into her fascinating life, discussing her time as personal assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as her subsequent relationship with the iconic Beatle famously known as 'The Lost Weekend'. A var…

1
Changes Focus: Bodies - CMAT, Marian Keyes, Afua Hirsch, Dr Jen Gunter 20:55

10M ago20:55

20:55

In this final Changes Focus of the series we are focusing on Bodies, one of the topics from our popular mini series earlier this year which seemed to resonate with so many of you. With that in mind we’ve pulled out some of the highlights. You’ll hear from the brilliant musician (and fellow Dubliner) CMAT, who gives her refreshing perspective on bod…

1
The Blade Artist 1:15:29

10M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

We discuss the return of a new, "nicer" Begbie in his very own standalone story from 2016.

1
Changes Focus: Trans Lives - Chelsea Manning, Kae Tempest, Travis Alabanza, Shon Faye 27:28

10M ago27:28

27:28

This weeks episode of Changes Focus is a celebration of Trans lives. On this podcast we try to build empathy and connectedness through sharing people’s personal stories and the only way we can understand what it’s like to be a Trans person is by actually listening to those people who are living it every day. In this episode we’ve got Chelsea Mannin…

1
Changes Focus: Dealing with Grief - Cariad Lloyd, Grace Dent, Yebba, Jack Rooke 24:14

10M ago24:14

24:14

In this episode of Changes Focus we’re zooming in on a big change that we will probably all experience at some point - grief. Grief shapes us in different ways and hearing other people’s experiences of how they have coped with their loss can help in moving through our own. In this tender and insightful episode, Annie revisits conversations with Car…

1
Changes Focus: Changemakers - Rose Ayling-Ellis, Baroness Kidron, Nigel Bromage, Lady Unchained 25:27

10M ago25:27

25:27

Welcome to a new series of Changes Focus where we focus on a specific area of change and hear multiple perspectives from some of our incredible guests. In this episode the focus is on Changemakers - people who are working hard to drive meaningful, positive change in the world. In this powerful episode, Annie revisits her conversation with poet and …

1
Matt Haig on finally returning to Ibiza, hope and new perspectives 36:21

11M ago36:21

36:21

Aged 24 in Ibiza, Matt Haig’s life changed forever when he had a breakdown. Now 49 he has returned to the island, facing his past head on, returning with a whole new perspective, more optimism, and now, a new book called ‘The Life Impossible’. Matt has sold over 9 million copies of his books worldwide, and they have been translated into 58 language…

1
Annie’s personal revelations on her birthday week 36:51

11M ago36:51

36:51

Hello folks, for this episode I took myself into the rave shed and reflected on the big changes that have taken place in my life over the last year. It’s my birthday week, as I’m a Cancer I am trying to extend it into a whole month. I love any excuse for a party so there will be one of those happening for sure, but I also love, more and more, an op…

1
Decca Aitkenhead on the life changing power of love 59:16

11M ago59:16

59:16

This conversation is astonishing. Prepare to be completely engrossed and moved beyond belief by the phenomenal Decca Aitkenhead. The Chief Interviewer at the Sunday Times, Decca talks so beautifully with a warmth and lightness that contrasts with what she has lived through. The love story between her and her late husband Tony is like nothing else y…

1
[178] Justifiably Joining Convents 1:12:06

11M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

Tune in to Episode 178 of The Michael Anthony Show in which many cultural, political and sporting topics are explored throughout. Motor Neurone Disease, nicotine use and quitting, sex party culture, teenage romance and philosophy are all delved into, as is the US Presidential Race, golf and the Olympics. An in depth discussion on the English nation…

1
Ruby Wax on not passing on ‘the baton of madness’ and the constant of change 47:13

11M ago47:13

47:13

From inside Ruby Wax’s bedroom, Annie gets up close and personal about Ruby’s life changes - from her troubled childhood and creating a comic persona as a result, feeling like a freak when she became a mother to those famous interviews on ‘When Ruby Wax Met,’ which changed how she was perceived. Ruby’s latest book and touring one-woman play, ‘I’m N…

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Jack Rooke on growing with grief, using real life for art and being braver 45:40

11M ago45:40

45:40

Jack Rooke is the recent BAFTA winning comic genius behind the incredible multi award winning sitcom Big Boys. Jack won his BAFTA for Best Comedy Writer after using his own life experience of losing his Dad, when Jack was 15, to write and narrate Big Boys. The show follows Jack leaving his mum to go to University where he navigates making new frien…

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