What I Wish I'd Known

In this episode, Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester speak to children's book author and illustrator Cressida Cowell known for the How to Train Your Dragon, The Wizards of Once and Which Way to Anywhere book series. She was the Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2019 – 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester speak to James Cleverly, Secretary of State for the Home Department, about his childhood as a young black man growing up in South East London and how the racism he encountered then is different to the situation now.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, tells us about how her childhood and passion for chess have shaped her identity as a woman within male dominated environments. Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“And when I went into the church hall, every little girl, every single one, was in pink ballet shoes. And I walked in with my green ballet shoes, which were half price in the sale. And I did want to run back out through those great big double doors. But I knew if I did I would never get to dance.” In this episode we speak to Arlene Phillips, who tells us about her difficult childhood and her resilience in pursuing her passion for dance until today, most recently rewarded with the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer in Guys & Dolls.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we talk to BBC broadcaster and presenter Ashley John-Baptiste about his significant achievements, despite having suffered childhood trauma from his upbringing in foster care.Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"People don't want you to be able to see anything, report anything, or say anything intelligent. You just have to be an object of beauty." In this episode, Hollywood legend Sharon Stone talks to us about her new career as a painter and how it helped her address childhood traumas. We also discuss her difficult relationship with Hollywood, and the abuse she encountered from men around her since becoming a sex symbol.WARNING: contains very strong languageProducer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Times Journalists Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson return to talk to more extraordinary people about how their past has shaped their lives and how their childhoods have defined who they are today.In this series they are joined by the likes of Sharon Stone, Arlene Phillips, Rachel Reeves and many more.This podcast has been produced in association with Speakers for Schools: www.speakersforschools.orgSeries Producer: Florence de Schlichting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Your life is built on the way you do things and the way people see you and the way you react”. The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, says he is unsure whether he would choose the ability to see if he could. Born blind, David has come to know and embrace life without sight. But his start to life was fraught with pain; as a child he had to cope with the traumatic death of his father all whilst attending a strict school for the blind, where caning was a regular occurrence. “If you think about caning a child on their hand, when their hands are used for braille reading… it was like throwing salt in your eyes.”Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I felt uncomfortable with my passions and with my life at school,” says Steve Backshall. The naturalist has wowed British children for years with shows such as Deadly 60, but his own childhood discomfort with his passion for nature is a lasting regret. He feels at home around animals in their natural habitat and despite coming face to face with the largest and deadliest creatures on the planet, Steve insists he is not driven by adrenaline seeking; “I certainly feel more intimidated and more at risk in the big city, than I ever do in the rainforest.”Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says on his parliamentary profile that he had a happy childhood with no financial hardships, but it was also one driven by such heartache that it’s hard to comprehend.  He was just four years old when his father John George died and after years of caring for his mother Nina, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer, she passed away too when he was only 15. Ed has remained a positive outlook on life, focused on his work, he’s adamant that he’s never felt sorry for himself. Yet when Ed’s son, John, was born with a rare neurological condition and he became a carer once again in adulthood, it's astonishing to comprehend the resilience that Ed has learned. “Throughout my life, I've always thought that people need to see things in proportion a bit, look at what's most important.” - Ed Davey . WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Perseverance can lead to a life that maybe society thinks you're not going to have”, that’s what Jimmy Akingbola tells us despite being placed in a children's home at the age of two years old. The actor, best known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Bel Air, was disowned by his father and abandoned by his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia not knowing what fate would be in store for her son, she left him in a social-security office. Despite the feeling of not belonging that consumed Jimmy as a child, he has always remained a positive outlook on his life, acknowledging how lucky he was for the love and support he received through foster care. WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Everyone was fake in the world I was in”, that’s what Jamie Wood, step son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, says of growing up in the shadow of a rockstar. He claims he was unwittingly introduced to drugs at a young age, which became a big part of an alternate reality he carved out for himself, away from the limelight. But multiple health scares, including a heart attack in his 40s, have made him rethink his own health. If he had the chance, he would tell his younger self “don’t take drugs, don’t trust dad”.WARNING: contains very strong language and discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The birds will help you”, says Mya-Rose Criag. The 21-year old ornithologist, author and campaigner explains how catching glimpses of rare birds has the ability to heal and soothe. She saw the positive effect in her own life as she grappled with her identity at school thanks to an unusual family life. And she saw how her mother’s Bipolar Disorder was calmed by family birdwatching trips; “at the start she couldn’t focus… she couldn’t talk. At the end, she was sharp and present and spotting things… she was my mum again”. Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“People talk about being obsessive like it’s a bad thing… but it’s not, it’s a really good thing. It drives you,” says Gary Numan. The influential pop star explains how he has come to see his Asberger’s diagnosis as a superpower, despite struggling with it as a youngster. For Gary, his early fame and success felt like an “express train”, one he was always looking into from the outside. Now, he speaks about how his wife, Gemma, reinvigorated his declining career in music, when “she encouraged me to go back to doing it as a hobby”. Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I am so grateful for everything that’s ever happened,” says Suzie Fletcher. The Repair Shop’s resident leather expert explains how traumatic experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Chief among those was the abusive 15-year marriage to her late husband, Rob. Despite facing violence and psychological manipulation, Suzie maintains an open and ever curious approach to understanding abusers as well as their victims; “he was a human being, too. He had all the same emotions”.  WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you love your kids, they will be more resilient than you think,” says Joe Wicks. The nation's P.E.teacher talks about how his parents’ enduring love shaped Joe into the person he is today. Through his dad’s struggles with drug addiction and his mum’s mental illness, Joe found that movement and exercise helped him through his difficult childhood circumstances and since then he has made it his mission to ensure all kids have the same opportunity to get moving and "use your body to shift your mindset and change your reality for a few moments”.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’ve been able to be equal parts missionary and mercenary,” says Karl Lokko. In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, the venture capitalist and former gang leader talks of how his extraordinary youth has led to a clear purpose in the work he now does. At the age of just 12, Karl witnessed his first shooting. He went on to be shot at, stabbed, cut in the face and he saw his close friend get murdered. But with the help of certain influential women in his life, Karl turned his life around before founding Black Seed, which finances black entrepreneurs. Karl’s experiences have shaped his mission; “I went uptown to get resources to bring downtown”.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best selling writer Anthony Horowitz, shares how he believes his astonishing drive and creativity was born out of trauma. He fought against countless people telling him he would never be good enough, including his own father, and now he’s one of Britain's most prolific writers with more than 55 books, including the Alex Rider teen spy series that has sold over 21 million copies, and adding to the James Bond series of thrillers.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Life is what is in front of you” says Deborah Meaden. In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, the business leader shares how the challenges she faced in her early years shaped her as the entrepreneur we know today. At four years old she lived with a surrogate family whilst her mother worked to make ends meet. She met her biological dad on her doorstep as a teen, and left school at 16, and her first company failed. Deborah prides her success in later life from the determination, grit and tenacity that she learnt from the challenges she faced in childhood.WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, former Prime Minister Tony Blair shares how the challenges he faced in his younger years shaped him into the man we know. From the devastating stroke his father suffered, to his mother’s death when he was in his early 20’s and how he managed anxiety whilst he was Prime Minister.  WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.