Leonie Mellinger’s guest is Sir Michael Palin, one of the most loved and respected figures in British TV and film.

From the Frost Report, Monty Python and Ripping Yarns, through The Missionary, A Fish Called Wanda and The Death of Stalin, to Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole and now Venezuela, Sir Michael has been a fixture on our big and small screens for more than 60 years.

He joins Leonie to talk about the organisation that bears his name and which has enjoyed his support since it was founded, The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering.

They discuss its impact and how he became involved in the first place, while Leonie shares her and her daughter’s own experience of the centre’s important work.

Michael also talks about how a stammer affected his father and their family life and reflects on playing Ken with a stammer in the iconic comedy film, A Fish Called Wanda.

They chat about his recent travel series in Venezuela, undertaken at the age of 81, and the prospect of military intervention against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime by Donald Trump’s America.

Sir Michael also reflects on his friendship with the late Terry Jones, the loss of his wife Helen and how he's coping with his grief.

And, of course, there are entertaining stories and the suggestion that he should one day be designated the patron saint of silliness!

The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering provides life-changing therapy for children who stammer, helping them find their voice and unlock their potential.

They help 500 families a year and provide 250 new families with a charitably funded assessment every year. The centre’s therapists develop a personalised programme including individual or intensive group therapy.

For more information on The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering and please visit their website michaelpalincentreforstammering.org.

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The Courage to Speak is from Leonie Mellinger Ltd.

It is produced by Square Elephant Productions with Danny Garlick.

Theme music composed by Guy Pearson.