What I Wish I'd Known

Jul 18 2024 97 ep. 47 mins 1.1k
What I Wish I'd Known Podcast artwork

How do those often facing the hardest beginnings in life become so successful? Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester talk to extraordinary people living astonishing lives to learn from those who excel in sport, politics, the arts, business and more, despite real adversity. We hear their secrets and their inspirations, and learn how you too can thrive after life’s setbacks.

Thoughtful, revealing and inspirational, follow the podcast now and never miss an episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  Society & Culture
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Cressida Cowell

Jul 18 2024 29 mins  
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.

James Cleverly

Jun 21 2024 39 mins  
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.

Rachel Reeves

Jun 21 2024 39 mins  
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.

Arlene Phillips

May 31 2024 32 mins  
“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 difficul

Ashley John-Baptiste

May 24 2024 24 mins  
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.

Sharon Stone

May 17 2024 30 mins  
"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 aroun

Series 8 - COMING SOON...

May 16 2024 1 mins  
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.spe

David Blunkett

Dec 27 2023 59 mins  
“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 h

Steve Backshall

Dec 20 2023 52 mins  
“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 creatu

Ed Davey

Dec 13 2023 53 mins  
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 to