Author:Various,Rufus Hound,Terry Wogan,Chris Packham,Robert Webb,Caitlin Moran,Meera Syal,Sheila Hancock,Russell Kane,Shaparak Khorsandi,Full Cast
Forty-five episodes from Series 1-8 of the Sony Award-winning BBC Radio comedy show, hosted by Rufus Hound.
In this hilarious and revealing show, host Rufus Hound invites his guests to revisit their formative years by dusting off their intimate teenage diaries and reading them out in public for the very first time. From terrible poetry, musings on pop music and cringeworthy crushes, to fond recollections of schooldays and exotic holidays, to poignant and searingly honest confessions, these extracts reveal the secret thoughts, feelings and experiences of a host of well-known celebrities – before they became famous.
Among the contributors are Richard Herring, Shappi Khorsandi, Sheila Hancock, Meera Syal, Arabella Weir, Robert Webb, Caitlin Moran, Ken Livingstone, Terry Wogan, Alex Horne, Lionel Shriver, Michael Rosen, Ian Rankin, Debbie McGee and John Finnemore.
As they delve into the past and reflect on their youth, will they be filled with nostalgia, or embarrassment? What would they say to their younger selves? And what song will they choose to sum up their teenage years? Find out all this – and a lot more besides – in these surprising, insightful and hugely entertaining shows.
Produced by Harriet Jaine
Executive Producer: Aled Evans
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
Episodes:
Series 1
Richard Herring
Russell Kane
Shappi Khorsandi
Steve Hall
Josie Long
Jenny Eclair
Series 2
Sheila Hancock
Victoria Coren
Meera Syal
Rob Deering
Phil Nichol
Series 3
Michael Winner
Janet Street-Porter
Jo Caulfield
Arabella Weir
Series 4
Robert Webb
Caitlin Moran
Jackie Kay
Toby Young
Rhona Cameron
Julia Donaldson
Series 5
Ken Livingstone
Vanessa Feltz
Sarfraz Mansoor
Rachel Johnson
Janet Ellis
Kate Mosse
Series 6
Terry Wogan
Chris Difford
Oona King
Robert Newman
Lucy Worsley
Alex Horne
Series 7
Robert Peston
Lionel Shriver
Michael Rosen
Samira Ahmed
Chris Packham
2017 Special
Ian Rankin
Series 8
Debbie McGee
John Finnemore
Anneka Rice
Pippa Evans
Gyles Brandreth
Helen Lederer
Its value is in its witness to the grinding humiliation of the racism that tainted every moment of her louche life
—— John Lahr , London Review of BooksA wrenchingly authentic account of Holiday's turbulent trajectory from abused child to jazz genius
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailHer troubles are long behind her now. Her genius however, shows no sign of dimming any time soon.
—— Nick Hornby , Sunday TimesA searing account of her life as a brilliant artist, a heroin addict, simultaneously worshipped as a siren of sorrow and persecuted by a legal system structured by systemic racism. Booze runs like a glimmering ribbon through these pages - she even makes moonshine from potato peelings while incarcerated - but Holiday emerges as a figure far more nuanced and human than her mythic image.
—— Guardian , Leslie JamisonIf Madonna is your Elvis you will devour Lucy O’Brien’s definitive biography; not only can she write properly, but her book is objective, immaculately researched and illuminating.
—— Irish ExaminerLucy O’Brien’s measured and comprehensive profile takes a look at [Madonna's] extraordinary life to date, focusing on the cultural impact she’s made.
—— The Good Book GuideBritish rock journalist Lucy O’Brien seeks to go beyond the fastidiously cultivated image and get a glimpse of the woman behind the veil. She uncovers some fascinating, often shocking, nuggets.
—— Irish IndependentAn illuminating study of a complex, iconic woman, covering her life, her relationships and what motivates her as a woman and an artist.
—— Sainsbury's magazineWith detailed, surgical precision O'Brien bores to the heart of her subject, a heart that is, by turns, cold, impenetrable but forever beating.
—— Paul Tierney, arts journalistA page-turning insight into the zeitgeist from one of our most essential voices working today
—— Elle[Jill is one of the most recognizable non-binary people out there, and they want to use their fame to topple the patriarchy and create space for everyone
—— GQFunny and honest
—— AttitudeJill Soloway is not only a stunningly talented series creator, they’re an archangel, here to rid us of the patriarchy. It’s a grand mission and it’s not easy going, She Wants It is their wild-winged, soft-hearted share-all. I loved their book so much – it is about everything I’m interested in; a personal life amidst daring creative endeavors
—— Jane CampionFierce, funny and fabulous – this book is a triumph!
—— Margaret ChoJill Soloway writes with passion, fierceness and vulnerability. In She Wants It we read an amazing story of changing worlds – both the one around her, which is forever altered by her ground-breaking series, Transparent, as well as the one dwelling deep within her own unruly heart. She Wants It tells the story of a revolution, both cultural and personal. I often had to pause to laugh, or cry, or to simply catch my breath in wonder. Provocative, generous and inspiring
—— Jennifer Finney BoylanWhat an unbelievable pleasure to see the world through Jill's eyes and bear witness to their incredible journey as an artist, activist, parent, child, sibling and uncontainable human being. Part memoir, part manifesto, pure magic. Read this book
—— Van JonesA searingly honest and generously tender memoir which seeks, without judgement, to understand the complexities of the human heart and soul
—— Andrew McMillanShe Wants It brims with juicy gossip, vulnerable revelation and rousing calls-to-arms. After I finished reading it, I went out and made my first movie. What will you do?
—— Michelle TeaOne of the most interesting feminist voices in popular culture
—— The PoolA must-have for Bowie fans
—— Daily MirrorRevelatory and surprising – perfect for the Ziggy completist
—— New York MagazineBeguiling … the fabulosity of Bowie’s life and times lends itself extraordinarily well
to the oral history form
An affectionate, sometimes surprising, always fascinating picture of a Star Man in the real world
—— STELLA magazineOf all the volumes to appear since Bowie’s death last year, this is perhaps the most useful
—— i paperA treat for enthusiasts […] it bulges with essential and telling Spinal Tappish gossip
—— GuardianAn intimate, detailed and gossip-spangled survey of the life of the great enigma
—— Strong Words magazineThere are sixty-two and a half million books written about David Bowie; this is the one that has been unanimously praised. Indeed, David Bowie: A life might be the only one that you really need.
—— Loud and Quiet MagazineYou can go to any page and read something really interesting. It’s the only book about another artist that I’ve really enjoyed.
—— Chris Difford , Daily Express