Best Matt Stadlen Podcasts (2025)

1
20 Questions With Neil Kinnock 1:18:43

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1h ago1:18:43

1:18:43

The former Labour leader gives his views on patriotism, Keir Starmer, the upcoming Budget, inequality, child poverty, raising taxes, the left behind, the future of British manufacturing, charisma in politics, the survival of the Tory Party, Nigel Farage, populism, Donald Trump, proportional representation, the legacy of Thatcherism, and what it was…

1
20 Questions With former Fun Lovin' Criminal Huey Morgan 34:08

2h ago34:08

34:08

Wow! What an extraordinary story Huey Morgan has to tell. Brought up on the rough side of New York by his mother, Huey got into trouble with the law before joining the US Marines. After leaving the military, he fell back into the criminal underworld before helping to establish the rap rock band, Fun Lovin' Criminals. His memoirs, Fun Lovin' Crimina…

1
20 Questions With Steve Richards 50:40

16d ago50:40

50:40

Steve Richards gives his views on the state of British politics, some of the challenges facing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - including the vital importance of communication skills - the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, the shift towards a multi party landscape, and the urgent need, as he sees it, to improve public services. Richards has been a…

1
20 Questions With Paul Johnson 57:03

9d ago57:03

57:03

As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British eco…

1
20 Questions With Freddie de Tommaso 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his s…

1
20 Questions With Tim Wigmore 46:57

1M ago46:57

46:57

Why is Test cricket loved so much? What makes it so special? Telegraph cricket writer, and author of 'Test Cricket A History', Tim Wigmore takes a deep dive into what many insist is the greatest game on earth. Whether you're a lifelong fan or merely tempted to dip your toes into a sport that grips hundreds of millions around the world, this is a pa…

1
20 Questions With Rachel Johnson 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Author, writer, broadcaster and podcaster Rache Johnson talks about self-doubt, hard work, hustling, what it was like being the Prime Minister's sister, a challenging childhood, her love of learning new skills, juggling parenthood with her career, "difficult women", mortality, declining opportunities for younger generations, the importance of resil…

1
20 Questions With Simon Calder 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

Simon Calder is a household name in Britain, popping up on our TV screens and radio stations when a big travel story hits the headlines. Here he tells us the story of how he fell in love with traveling, names some of his favourite destinations in the UK and beyond, explains why travel has become easier since he started out as a journalist, and give…

1
20 Questions With Sir Jeremy Hunt 46:10

2M ago46:10

46:10

Sir Jeremy Hunt was the Chancellor of the Exchequer tasked with fixing the crisis created by the Mini Budget under Prime Minister Liz Truss. Before that he was Foreign Secretary, the longest serving Health Secretary in British history, and the Secretary of State in charge of the 2012 London Olympics. Here he reflects on his time as Chancellor and t…

1
20 Questions With Dame Maureen Lipman 1:01:10

2M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Dame Maureen Lipman reflects on her career on stage, in film and on our TV screens. From Shakespeare to Coronation Street, from her role as Beattie in the iconic BT ads to sitting on stage alone in Rose, Lipman's versatility as an actress has spanned decades in the limelight. A household name, she discusses laughter, marriage, motherhood, Jewishnes…

1
20 Questions With Sir John Redwood 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

An MP for almost four decades before he stepped down at last year's General Election, Sir John Redwood gives his insights into the politics and policies of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Taking in Thatcher, Blair, Cameron and Starmer, Redwood sets out his vision for a more prosperous Britain.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

One of the best known politicians of his generation, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg divides opinion. Here he discusses the impact of his Catholicism on his political views, offers his vision for a more prosperous Britain, reflects on his public image, and reveals his passions outside of politics.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

One of the most iconic voices in sport, indeed one of the most iconic voices in the history of radio, Henry Blofeld shares his reflections on a career behind the mic during which he bore witness to some of the greatest feats in cricketing history. Now 85 and retired from the BBC's Test Match Special commentary team, he recalls the day the legendary…

1
20 Questions With Dom Joly 39:31

3M ago39:31

39:31

Twenty five years since the launch of Trigger Happy TV, its star and creator, Dom Joly, reflects on a career that has taken in comedy, diplomacy in Prague, journalism, a trip to North Korea, and Twitter spats. Brought up partly in Lebanon during the civil war, Joly offers insights into how he became a household name on prime time TV, his experience…

1
20 Questions With Geoff Norcott 42:47

3M ago42:47

42:47

Right-leaning comedian Geoff Norcott on stand-up, being serious, talking politics, fatherhood, career trajectory, Labour's tax rises, challenging audiences, touring the country, podcasting, ageing, weight-lifting and keeping busy.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Charlie Morgan 57:10

3M ago57:10

57:10

Senior rugby writer at The Telegraph, Charlie Morgan, shares his insights and passion for the game. From 20 year-old superstar Henry Pollock to the recently crowned Premiership champion Max Ojomoh; from muscle mass to instinct and flair under pressure; from England's prospects to the coming Lions series; from big name interviews to micro analysis, …

1
20 Questions With Otto English 52:32

4M ago52:32

52:32

Author, journalist and Twitter personality Otto English on social media under Musk, the Labour government, Farage, why Brexit made him so angry, why he's known as Otto English more than his real name, Andrew Scott, the myth about Dunkirk, heroes and villains from history, fake news, and his amazing children.…

1
20 Questions With Mehdi Hasan 37:34

4M ago37:34

37:34

Journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan reflects on Islam, rising Islamophobia, antisemitism, integration, Elon Musk, why he still uses X, the politicisation as he sees it of child sexual exploitation, British politics, the Israeli government, what he describes as the genocide in Gaza, using his voice for a living, and the setting up of his online p…

1
20 Questions With Hugo Rifkind 42:58

4M ago42:58

42:58

Award-winning Times columnist, Times Radio presenter, author, and star of The News Quiz on the BBC, Hugo Rifkind takes us behind the scenes of his working life and beyond, assesses the challenges of taking on populism, gives us his take on immigration levels, and rates Nigel Farage's chances of making it to Number 10.…

1
20 Questions With Simon Heffer 52:19

5M ago52:19

52:19

Sunday Telegraph columnist and author SImon Heffer discusses some of the most contentious issues in politics today - illegal immigration, welfare, the rise of Reform, the plight of the Tory Party, and Keir Starmer's Prime Ministership - and reflects on British political figures, including Enoch Powell, whose official biography he wrote.…

1
20 Questions With Yasmin Alibhai-Brown 1:00:13

5M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Award-winning newspaper columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown dicusses immigration, integration, belonging, loyalty and social justice, and explains why, despite her contempt for the politics of Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, she won't be voting Labour at the next election. She also reveals that she was beaten up by her brother and her uncles in Uganda…

1
20 Questions With Dame Prue Leith 1:01:00

6M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Prue Leith reveals her kitchen secrets, discloses how she won her Michelin star, describes the twin disasters of pouring tea for the Queen and setting the kitchen on fire while cooking for Princess Margaret, tells the story of what happened when the Beatles ate at her restaurant, announces her favourite chef, spells out why she's not a food snob, d…

1
20 Questions With Kevin Cummins 31:50

6M ago31:50

31:50

The award-winning photographer on photographing Bono, navigating the Oasis feud, creating his new book, Oasis The Masterplan, with Noel Gallagher, and watching Manchester City home and away.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Sir James MacMillan 30:43

6M ago30:43

30:43

Scottish composer and conductor Sir James MacMillan offers rare insights into how he goes about composition, revels in the beauty of the Ayrshire landscapes where he lives, explores the influence of religion on his and others' music, compares his experience of watching football (he's a huge Celtic fan) and attending concerts, and reflects on the en…

1
20 Questions With Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah 30:05

6M ago30:05

30:05

Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Abdulrazak Gurnah reveals what drives him as an author, discusses universality, examines what "home" means, reflects on his decision to leave his native Zanzibar as an 18 year-old, and talks about his eleventh novel, Theft.By Matt Stadlen

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20 Questions With Nicola Benedetti 30:56

6M ago30:56

30:56

Global superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti on her search for truth as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival; musical intelligence; how she remembers all those notes; life in her thirties; being a mum; handling the future, and the art of performance.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Colum McCann 35:20

7M ago35:20

35:20

Multi award-winning Irish author Colum McCann talks about his new novel, Twist, which delves into the lesser known but critical world of underwater cables; reveals his concern about what he sees as America's moving away from the democratic model under President Trump; speaks about opening up cracks with his writing that he hopes others might widen,…

1
20 Questions With Rafael Behr 47:31

7M ago47:31

47:31

The Guardian's award-winning columnist, and leader writer, Rafael Behr on Trump, the Starmer government, how Boris Johnson got under his skin, his heart attack, the changing shape of politics, writing his columns, why he's turned his back on Elon Musk's X, and journalism in the digital age.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Guillaume Bonn 36:06

7M ago36:06

36:06

Photo journalist Guillaume Bonn has documented war, social issues and the environment for a quarter of a century. Here the Madagascan born award-winning photographer reveals the moment he thought he was about to be shot dead in a Somalian square, discusses the challenges facing photo journalism in the age of fake news, and describes the thrill of b…

1
20 Questions With David Yarrow 53:28

7M ago53:28

53:28

David Yarrow is one of the most successful photographers on the planet. From photographing lions and elephants to capturing Diego Maradona, John McEnroe, Erling Haaland and Cindy Crawford, Yarrow has crossed in and out of genres. He is exhibited around the world and has shot from Antartica to the Arctic. Here he talks about his life behind the lens…

1
20 Questions With Storm Huntley 24:43

8M ago24:43

24:43

The tables are turned on Storm Huntley as the Channel 5 star answers questions instead of asking them. The host of her own daily news and current affairs programme on TV, The Storm Huntley Show, the Glasgow-raised presenter takes us behind the scenes of her busy life and reveals what life is like for her on and off camera.…

1
20 Questions With Paul Lewis 36:16

9M ago36:16

36:16

The son of a Liverpool docker, Paul Lewis is one of the great classical pianists of the age. His Moonlight Sonata has been listened to more than 200 million times and he is a regular at the major concert halls of the world. Here he offers rare insights into his stellar career behind the keyboard.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Steven Isserlis 20:41

9M ago20:41

20:41

One of the world's greatest cellists, Steven Isserlis offers rare insights into his life and craft.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Dame Imogen Cooper 33:23

10M ago33:23

33:23

International concert pianist Dame Imogen Cooper reveals the secrets of her success and takes us behind the scenes of her musical life.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Polly Toynbee 29:07

11M ago29:07

29:07

Polly Toynbee on a fair society, Labour's Budget, public services, the importance of growth, and the pressure of writing her Guardian columns.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Jason Donovan 37:16

11M ago37:16

37:16

A star of musical theatre, an icon and heartthrob of the 1980s, and a man with four UK Number Ones to his name, Jason Donovan takes us behind the scenes of a career in the spotlight.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Sir Malcolm Rifkind 59:30

11M ago59:30

59:30

Continuously a minister for the 18 years of Tory rule that stretched from 1979 to 1997, Sir Malcolm Rifkind offers insights from his time in and out of power. What was it like being the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary? As a former Defence Secretary, does he think Britain needs to spend more on defence? How should political leaders do business wi…

1
20 Questions With Bryn Terfel 45:23

11M ago45:23

45:23

Britain's greatest living opera singer, Bryn Terfel, tells us of the magic in the Welsh water and how he began life as a farmer's son, recounts his rise to fame, explains the secrets to his success as a bass baritone, reflects on performing with his wife, the harpist, Hannah Jones, remembers listening to Pavarotti in his dressing room and appearing…

1
20 Questions With Ajay Chowdhury 26:29

11M ago26:29

26:29

Tech entrepreneur and crime writer Ajay Chowdhury on the ways in which Generative AI is changing the world, the exciting possibilities it presents and the extreme risks it poses.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Adrian Chiles 48:11

12M ago48:11

48:11

Broadcaster and columnist Adrian Chiles on fame, drinking, mental health, football, presenting, writing, grief, national cuisine, barbecues, dad jokes and books on display.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Robert Lindsay 44:07

12M ago44:07

44:07

On the cusp of turning 75, Robert Lindsay, star of stage and screen, reflects on his award-winning career and offers insights into his life behind the scenes.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Vanessa Feltz 27:26

12M ago27:26

27:26

One of the biggest names in British broadcasting since the 1990s, Vanessa Feltz is about to launch her autobiography, Vanessa Bares All. Here she offers intimate insights into a life lived in the public gaze, analyses her career trajectory, discusses ancient Greek theatre, and reveals why she doesn't feel embarrassed talking about sex.…

1
20 Questions With Graham Gooch 1:04:16

1y ago1:04:16

1:04:16

The most prolific run-scorer in professional cricket history, Graham Gooch shares some of the secrets of his success as a player and a coach. From his 333 against India at Lord's to his 154 not out against the might of the West Indies at Headingley in bowler friendly conditions, what was it that made England's captain such a brilliant player? And h…

1
20 Questions With Humza Yousaf 46:22

1y ago46:22

46:22

First Minister of Scotland until May of this year, Humza Yousaf is a major figure in Scottish and British politics. Here he makes the case for Scottish independence, argues in favour of wealth taxes, makes the case for immigration, champions multiculturalism and has some tough words for Elon Musk.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Dame Joan Bakewell 32:35

1y ago32:35

32:35

A pioneer of arts broadcasting and an icon of Britain's cultural scene for decades, Dame Joan Bakewell here reflects on her career so far. At 91 she looks back on her work in television, shares her passion for art and music and literature, and explains her affair with Harold Pinter. This is a rare insight into the winner of a BAFTA Fellowship who h…

1
20 Questions With Justin Webb 39:46

1y ago39:46

39:46

The longest serving of the current crop of Today Programme presenters on Radio 4, Justin Webb gives rare insights into life behind the scenes at the BBC's flagship news show, discusses how the corporation covers politics, addresses allegations of liberal bias levelled against the national broadcaster, explains the challenges of reporting on Donald …

1
20 Questions With Daniel Norcross 1:13:33

1y ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross sheds a tear as he describes his elevation from founder of internet cricket commentary provider, Test Match Sofa, to one of the BBC's best loved and most enduring products. He explains the joy of cricket, reveals the secrets of his trade, and makes the case for the longest form of the game. Whether or …

1
20 Questions With Omid Djalili 44:18

1y ago44:18

44:18

Multi award-winning comedian Omid Djalili on comedy, causing offence, making a difference, his solidarity with Iranian women, expressing himself on social media, his upcoming tour and the meaning of life. (In this episode, Djalili mentions comedian Louis CK, who expressed remorse for masturbating in front of women, but said that he had never reveal…

1
20 Questions With Louis de Bernières 26:16

1y ago26:16

26:16

Louis de Bernières, author of novels including Captain Corelli's Mandolin, on the meaning of life.By Matt Stadlen

1
20 Questions With Guillem Balagué 47:18

1+ y ago47:18

47:18

One of football's best loved pundits, Guillem Balagué is the author of 10 books, including on Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona and Guardiola. Here he gives his verdict on the the greatest player of all time, how he fell out with Ronaldo, what he thinks of the foreign ownership of clubs, highlights the scourge of racism in the game, explains the difference …