Best Raven Lewis Podcasts (2025)

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Josie Lewis: The 12 best container plants for a showstopping summer display - Episode 251 22:28

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21d ago22:28

22:28

Following on from last week’s wintry themed episode on containers, this week we’re setting our sights on the summer ahead, on what’ll bring colour to your pots at the season’s peak. Josie’s absolute burning passion is containers, and this week she gives her plant picks for pots taking us through summer and autumn. Join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arran…

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Full Disclosure 2025: The Year Reviewed 6:43

5m ago6:43

6:43

A Boxing Day reflection on a standout year of Full Disclosure. James O’Brien revisits key guests and conversations from 2025, offering perspective on the ideas, stories and people that shaped the podcast over the past twelve months. With sincere thanks to everyone who has listened, shared and stayed curious, your company makes these conversations p…

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Shane Connolly: How to bring intimate, floral charm to large, extravagant spaces - Episode 254 27:54

33m ago27:54

27:54

Shane Connolly is a master of many arts, and one that he exhibits throughout the year is how to use sustainable floristry to create a sense of charm often reserved for the tiniest of tables. That’s why he’s in such high demand - we talk through his exciting, varied year of arranging in this week’s podcast, with a look at the festive season, and a f…

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Martin Shaw: The Professionals was a monster that swallowed my career 1:01:11

6d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

From bomb sites in postwar Birmingham to the centre of British stage and screen, Martin Shaw’s life has been shaped by curiosity, kindness and a refusal to play the part he was expected to play. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with one of Britain’s most enduring actors to trace the journey behind the performances. Shaw r…

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Arthur Parkinson: The 12 best low-maintenance perennials for easy garden impact - Episode 253 33:36

7d ago33:36

33:36

Whether you're nurturing a bustling city plot or a country border, there’s a spot in everyone’s gardens, pots and borders for beautiful, productive perennials throughout the year. Following on from last week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Arthur is with us again to focus this time on perennials that are light-touch and bountiful for those…

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Sir Gareth Southgate: There were days I didn’t want to get out from under the duvet 57:31

13d ago57:31

57:31

From missing the most famous penalty in English football to leading the national team into a new era, Gareth Southgate’s story is one of quiet resilience, modern leadership and emotional intelligence forged under relentless public pressure. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Gareth to trace the long road that shaped hi…

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Arthur Parkinson: The 12 top self-seeding perennials for an effortless garden - Episode 252 36:47

14d ago36:47

36:47

The ideal garden for our busy daily lives has a border bursting with colour, without the need for hours spent toiling to achieve it. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is the perfect antidote to fussy flowers - Arthur Parkinson returns to laud the best self-seeding perennials for a low-maintenance garden brimming with lasting impact …

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Jan Ravens: “I lived with a nameless dread” 1:02:00

20d ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Jan Ravens, the acclaimed impressionist at the heart of Dead Ringers, grew up learning to change the mood of a room long before she ever changed her voice on stage. In this conversation with James O Brien, she reflects on a childhood shaped by humour, instability and her father’s illness, and how those early pressures sharpened the instincts that l…

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Hal Cruttenden: Divorce blew my mind- it hits harder than losing parents 1:04:43

28d ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Before he became one of the most recognisable storytellers on the comedy circuit, Hal Cruttenden was a shy kid from West London who spent years trying to be what he thought others wanted him to be. He trained as an actor, chased approval, and tried to outrun a gnawing sense that something in his life was not quite aligned. It took heartbreak, thera…

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Josie Lewis: The 12 best container plants for winter scent and spectacle - Episode 250 29:21

29d ago29:21

29:21

The garden’s magic needn’t be seasonal - containers can be the heroes of hue in even the coldest months. It’s time to assemble your winter containers ready to keep the scent and colour peaking, carrying us through till spring, with 12 inspiring varieties from Sarah and our Head Gardener, Josie Lewis. Join them on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a pl…

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Stephen Mangan: When Mum died, I knew I couldn’t waste life being a lawyer- I had to act 1:00:18

1M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Before he became one of Britain’s most familiar faces, Stephen Mangan was a bookish North London boy from an Irish working-class family- the son of a builder and a barmaid- who won a scholarship to a boarding school his parents didn’t want him to attend. From there to Cambridge, to RADA, and to the West End, his path looks polished. But behind it l…

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Tom Stimpson: 12 top plants for superb structure in the garden - Episode 249 41:55

1M ago41:55

41:55

Whatever your garden’s size, picking plants with the right size and shape can be just as important for impact as their colour and scent. Tom Stimpson returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week as we uncover the plants that form the backbone of beauty, function and vibrance all year round. You’ll hear hardy varieties, plants for both the garden…

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Toby Jones: I never wanted to feel desperate about acting 1:04:28

1M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

From Truman Capote to Mr Bates, Toby Jones has built a career on disappearing- an actor whose transformations are so complete they can seem alchemical. But behind that versatility lies a story of inheritance, self-doubt and quiet rebellion. The son of two actors, Toby grew up watching his father’s unpredictable career and vowing never to feel so ex…

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Tom Stimpson: The 12 best dried flowers for glamorous Christmas decorations - Episode 248 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

It’s the run-in to Christmas, so if you’re thin on decorations and want to think more sustainably about dazzling your guests this year, turn to the garden and start drying flowers now. In the first of many ‘12 Best’ episodes over the coming months, Tom Stimpson joins us as he and Sarah talk through the best flowers for stunning dried arrangements, …

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John Lloyd: Blackadder, Spitting Image, QI and a life in search of meaning 1:03:46

2M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

As the creative mind behind Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not the Nine O’Clock News and QI, John Lloyd has quietly shaped British comedy for more than forty years. In this episode of Full Disclosure, he sits down with James O’Brien to look back on the work that defined his career-and the questions that have driven him ever since. Lloyd reflects on hi…

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Brenna Estrada & Arthur Parkinson: Exploring the undiscovered magic of violas and pansies - Episode 247 28:13

2M ago28:13

28:13

Violas and pansies are among the more overlooked flower families, an outlook that Brenna Estrada’s new book hopes to change for the better. She’s embraced their beauty as cut flowers throughout her gardening journey with Three Brothers Blooms, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ she shares her tips for newcomers to bring their violas …

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Jimmy Wales: The man who built Wikipedia 1:05:34

2M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Long before it became one of the most visited websites on Earth, Wikipedia began as a radical idea from a curious boy in Huntsville, Alabama. Raised by a father who managed a grocery store and a mother and grandmother who ran a tiny, Montessori-inspired school where “each one teach one” was the guiding principle, Wales grew up surrounded by early c…

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Josie Lewis: How to protect your garden from deer - Episode 246 24:21

2M ago24:21

24:21

As anyone in an area surrounded by larger animals might know, we’re entering a season where it’s harder to keep them at bay, and protect your handiwork from hungry mammals. Sarah and Josie have been hard at work finding what’s most effective for keeping deer away, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, share their best advice on how you…

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Charles Dance: From builder’s labourer with a stammer to Tywin Lannister 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Before he was Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones or the commanding presence of The Jewel in the Crown, Charles Dance was a boy from Worcestershire whose father died when he was three and whose mother built a new life for the family, remarried to their lodger. A childhood marked by loss, a stammer and humble beginnings gave little hint of the comman…

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Sarah’s guide to why you should treasure the beauty of brown tulips - Episode 245 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

Sarah once overlooked the beauty of the brown tulip, but over time has only grown to love them more and more. There’s a shade for every space, and so if you’re seeking inspiration on how to bring the beauty of Dom Pedro and La Belle Epoque into your garden, then brown tulips take centre stage on this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episo…

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Alexander Armstrong: My default setting is fear- I expect the worst of people 53:58

2M ago53:58

53:58

Before Pointless, Classic FM and comedy stardom, Alexander Armstrong was a restless kid growing up in rural Northumberland- lonely at boarding school, obsessed with music, and quietly desperate to perform. In this revealing conversation with James O’Brien, he opens up about the bruises and eccentricities of his childhood, the teachers who changed e…

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Sarah's top tips for bringing spring closer and celebrate the garden year-round - Episode 244 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

As the days grow shorter and the garden’s colours fade for winter, it’s easy to feel a little wistful for spring’s vibrant cheer, and it’s not always as far away as one might think…. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah shares her favourite ways to bring a burst of early colour into your home and garden, from clever bulb planting, to cr…

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Jack Thorne: “I was allergic to moving - the doctor said, ‘This might be forever.’” 1:06:24

3M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Growing up in Bristol, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Jack Thorne was a shy, politically driven kid who believed he could change the world- first through politics, then acting, before discovering that storytelling was where his voice truly belonged. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the Emmy and BAFTA-winning c…

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Sarah's top picks for wonderful winter flowers to grow in the greenhouse - Episode 243 15:29

3M ago15:29

15:29

One of the joys of year-round gardening is the succession that comes from a bulb lasagne, and for those with a greenhouse, the possibilities are stunning. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is full of inspiration for early narcissi, late tulips, and dahlias fit for each layer of a bulb lasagne, with a quick recap on how to layer them for ma…

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Cor Hutton: The Quadruple Amputee Who Found Her Feet 51:59

3M ago51:59

51:59

In 2013, businesswoman and mum Cor Hutton was given just a five percent chance of survival after contracting pneumonia that developed into sepsis. She pulled through, but lost both hands and her legs below the knee. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien speaks to Cor about her extraordinary journey- from relearning how to live as a quad…

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Jamie Oliver: “I’d gone from being skint to having a lot of money, I felt like a fake.” 1:03:22

3M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Before he became one of the world’s best-known chefs, Jamie Oliver was a dyslexic kid growing up in his parents’ pub in rural Essex, learning the value of hard work, fresh food, and family. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jamie to trace his journey from peeling veg at his parents’ pub to fronting The Naked Chef, res…

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Sarah Raven: Squirrel-proofing your bulbs with ornamental pot toppers and edibles - Episode 242 16:21

3M ago16:21

16:21

Pesky rodents can be a nightmare for pot gardeners trying to grow bulbs over the winter, but there’s plenty you can do to protect them, and put on a show while doing so! In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, you’ll discover Sarah’s tried-and-true methods for keeping squirrels away, the best looking varieties for form and function alike, an…

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Leo Varadkar: Former Prime Minister of Ireland on Power and Letting Go 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Before becoming Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar was a Dublin GP with bold ambitions and a belief that politics could be a kind of medicine for society. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with the former Prime Minister to explore his extraordinary rise from a mixed-heritage childhood in 1980s Ireland, to leading h…

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Sarah Raven: Brilliant bulbs for a succession of colour - Episode 241 17:44

3M ago17:44

17:44

As autumn arrives and bulb planting season begins, it's the perfect time to start planning next year’s garden so that it’s bursting with colour all year long. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah takes you on a journey through the bulbs carrying the colour baton in the Oast garden at Perch Hill, sharing how to layer bulbs in pots fo…

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Dr Richard Shepherd: Lessons from 23,000 Postmortems- including Hungerford, Hillsborough and Princess Diana 1:01:49

3M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Britain’s leading forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd has performed over 23,000 postmortems and given evidence in some of the most high-profile cases of our time, from Hungerford to Hillsborough, from Princess Diana to David Kelly. But his fascination with death began much earlier, when his mother died suddenly from heart disease and he was le…

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Mark Diacono: Finding ‘Abundance’ in every season - Episode 240 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

For those who look carefully and stay connected to nature, there’s abundance to be found all year round. That’s the commitment at the heart of Mark Diacono’s new book, which he’s penned in the years since his last appearance on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ in April 2021! Mark joins us once again to share his latest discoveries, festive recipes, and i…

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Arabella Weir: At nine my mum said, “I can’t bear the sight of you” 1:00:56

4M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Actor, comedian and bestselling author Arabella Weir grew up in a family that prized intellect and appearances but struggled to offer love. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she tells James O’Brien how an unsettled childhood shaped her fearless streak, her need to perform, and her instinct to turn pain into comedy. From the brutal remarks of her …

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Arthur Parkinson: Capturing the garden’s beauty with dried seedheads - Episode 239 20:01

4M ago20:01

20:01

While some of your flowers might’ve lost the colour that gave you joy throughout the summer, their charm in your home is far from over. Drying seedheads is one of Sarah and Arthur’s great delights, and with summer rolling into autumn it’s the perfect time to start drying seedheads and grasses ready to create stunning, sustainable Christmas decorati…

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Natalie Haynes: Greek Myths, Medea and the Comedy of Classics 1:04:23

4M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Natalie Haynes has never been easy to categorise. A stand-up comedian turned broadcaster and best-selling author, she has built a career out of making the ancient world vivid, funny and urgent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien talks with the presenter of Stand Up for the Classics about her unusual path from Birmingham bookshops to …

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Raymond Blanc OBE: Michelin Star inspiration for the kitchen garden - Episode 238 58:11

4M ago58:11

58:11

Of all the inspiring chefs to show a heartfelt appreciation for the work of the gardener, Raymond Blanc OBE might be the greatest advocate. The world-renowned restaurateur lauds the ‘magic of the garden and the miracles of the kitchen’ throughout his work. We’re fortunate to dive into his illustrious past, and how it guides some of the most tantali…

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From The Vault: Brian Cox 1:09:05

4M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

From a childhood in Dundee marked by loss, poverty and resilience, to becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation, Brian Cox’s life and career have been defined by an unrelenting pursuit of truth on and off stage. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner reflects on the death of his father a…

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Pressed flower magic for bringing nature into the home with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 237 15:29

4M ago15:29

15:29

Pressing flowers can be one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to immortalise the joyous blooms in your garden, and it’s a craft close to Arthur Parkinson’s heart. Arthur joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share the history behind this timeless craft, and tips for beginners to press their own vibrant and beautiful flowers, bri…

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From The Vault: Miriam Margolyes 1:00:08

4M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

From a childhood in Oxford shaped by unconditional love, Jewish heritage and a keen sense of curiosity, to a career spanning stage, screen, voice work and bestselling memoir, Miriam Margolyes’ life has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with James O’Brien, the beloved actor reflects on the security of her early years, the sting…

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How to enjoy your greenhouse every day of the year with Tom Brown - Episode 236 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

A greenhouse is not just for summer - it’s for the whole year round, and it’s far more versatile than many give it credit for. Tom Brown returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, fresh from the release of The Greenhouse Book, the writing of which has given him a new perspective on just how much delight it can bring in all seasons. Join Tom and Sarah a…

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Cariad Lloyd: Talking About Grief Changed My Life 1:01:05

4M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Cariad Lloyd never set out to become the voice of modern grief, but after losing her father at just fifteen, the silence around death stayed with her. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien speaks with the actor, comedian and creator of Griefcast podcast about how turning her personal loss into public conversation has transformed both he…

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The allure of alliums in succession - Episode 235 18:44

5M ago18:44

18:44

The season from May to August has been so extraordinary, thanks in no small part to the succession of alliums passing the baton throughout the summer months. August is prime time for sowing alliums ready for next year, so in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah takes us through a whole host of varieties that’ll have your garden dancing …

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Kevin Rowland: Beyond Come On Eileen 59:08

5M ago59:08

59:08

From a shifting childhood split between Wolverhampton, rural Ireland and London, to fronting one of the most distinctive and uncompromising bands of the 1980s, Kevin Rowland’s life has been defined by defiance, vision and resilience. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Dexys Midnight Runners frontman reflects on the lasting impact…

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Drying dahlias for stunning hanging arrangements with Philippa Stewart - Episode 234 24:32

5M ago24:32

24:32

Philippa Stewart started ‘Justdahlias’ when a passion turned into an obsession, and her talent for drying dahlias is a fabulous way to intensify their impact. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ dives into Philippa’s journey into dahlia drying, different techniques for drying them yourself, how best to arrange them, and the most stunn…

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Irvine Welsh: We’re More Addicted Now Than in Trainspotting 1:01:43

5M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

From the high-rises of Muirhouse to the heart of countercultural Britain, Irvine Welsh has built a literary universe fuelled by punk energy, dancefloor euphoria, and radical empathy. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien meets the novelist and cultural icon to trace a life shaped by rebellion, recovery, and relentless storytelling. They…

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Secrets to Long-lasting Cut Flowers - Episode 233 16:02

5M ago16:02

16:02

Over the course of 32 years Sarah has been perfecting the art of conditioning cut flowers, and her indispensable tips will help breathe life into your vases. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ covers 7 essential tips to condition any of your plants for not just a long-lasting tenure in an arrangement, but for keeping them looking pro…

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David Lammy: I’ve had imposter syndrome my whole life- until now 54:57

5M ago54:57

54:57

From a working-class childhood in Tottenham to the Cabinet table, David Lammy’s path to becoming Foreign Secretary was anything but straightforward. Raised by a single mother after his father disappeared when he was twelve, David’s early life was shaped by absence, ambition and a fierce sense of justice. In this deeply personal conversation with Ja…

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Grace Dent: Almost Everything I’ve Done, I’ve Been Told No First 1:02:35

5M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Before she was a MasterChef judge and one of Britain’s most distinctive food writers, Grace Dent was a Carlisle kid eating crispy pancakes and dreaming of life beyond beige dinners. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she joins James O’Brien to talk about blagging her way into London media, finding her voice through food, and why she still can’t be…

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Graham Fellows: Playing John Shuttleworth Came at a Cost 59:30

6M ago59:30

59:30

Before he became known as the quirky, banana-snacking John Shuttleworth, Graham Fellows was a kid from Sheffield with dreams of classical acting and a knack for writing unforgettable songs. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien meets the man behind the cult characters to trace the unpredictable path from Jilted John to Chicken Town. The…

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From Garden to Vase: Sarah’s Top Picks for Long-Lasting, Beautiful Cut Flowers - Episode 232 23:10

6M ago23:10

23:10

Cut flowers are one of the great joys of summer, and since Sarah’s last episode on cut flowers, there are a host of wonderful new varieties worthy of adorning your vases. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ hones in on 20 of the best flowers for taking cuttings throughout the coming season, offering unbeatable scent, intriguing shapes, and s…

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Jon Culshaw: The Impressionist Who Fooled the Prime Minister 1:00:26

6M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Long before Dead Ringers or Spitting Image, Jon Culshaw was a schoolboy with a knack for mimicry and a fierce determination to escape into voices- finding freedom, fun, and a future through the radio dial. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Jon to explore how a shy kid from Lancashire became one of the UK’s best-loved …