Model turned police officer Penny Lancaster shared her menopause journey, whilst bestselling author Lee Child revealed his Birmingham childhood and creative process. From Madonna's spiritual awakening to Cardi B confronting depression, this week brought raw honesty and profound revelations.
The week opened with Katherine Ryan discussing single motherhood and building her comedy career on Great Company with Jamie Laing. The comedian reflected on shifting her mindset from insecurity to gratitude whilst raising her daughter Violet, and spoke candidly about navigating the male-dominated entertainment industry. Ryan's conversation touched on treating children as capable individuals rather than babies, a philosophy that has shaped her approach to parenting her growing family.
Penny Lancaster delivered one of the week's most powerful conversations on Begin Again with Davina McCall. Rod Stewart's wife opened up about traumatic childhood experiences, including a violent attack at age 12 and an assault at 17 that she buried for decades. Lancaster discussed her journey from international model to Special Constable at 50, but the heart of her interview centred on perimenopause. She described being misdiagnosed with depression and the mental toll of symptoms she couldn't understand, eventually finding relief and clarity. Lancaster explained that speaking out about menopause wasn't just for herself, but for every woman still struggling in silence.
Mental health remained a recurring theme as Roman Kemp joined The High Performance Podcast to discuss male suicide rates and his new Premier League initiative, Together Against Suicide. Kemp, who has battled depression and lost his best friend to suicide, spoke about creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable opening up. The podcast also featured golfer Matt Fitzpatrick, who revealed he's tracked every shot since age 15, explaining his meticulous data-driven approach to winning the US Open and advice he received from Michael Jordan. Richard Osman appeared in a special episode exploring his philosophy of "tipping generously," reflecting on how feeling different as a tall child developed his deep sense of empathy.
The week's literary guests brought fascinating insights into creativity and process. Lee Child appeared on Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth, painting a vivid picture of his Birmingham childhood with "well-meaning but cold parents" and his days at Granada Television before creating Jack Reacher. The multi-million selling author shared his writing routine with Brandreth, offering a masterclass in storytelling from one of crime fiction's most successful voices.
British comedian Greg James brought his characteristic energy to Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, discussing his new book 'All the Best for the Future: Growing Up Without Growing Old' whilst on tour. Meanwhile, renowned trauma expert Gabor Maté appeared on We Need to Talk with Paul C. Brunson, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult relationships and the connection between trauma and physical health, including the striking statistic that women in unhappy marriages are four times more likely to die prematurely.
Education dominated conversations when Katharine Birbalsingh appeared on Radical with Amol Rajan. The Michaela Community School headteacher argued that multiculturalism has led to excessive focus on differences rather than unity, defending her strict discipline approach and traditional values. Birbalsingh criticised the government's schools bill whilst discussing how institutions can promote British identity and shared values.
Political leadership featured as John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, joined The Rest Is Politics: Leading. Healey discussed Britain's military readiness, tactics borrowed from unexpected sources, and compared the patience for change between New Labour's 1997 victory and the current government's challenges. His conversation with Rory and Alastair touched on defeating populism, referencing lessons from Labour's 2012 Rotherham by-election victory over UKIP.
Letitia Wright delivered an emotionally charged interview on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day. The Black Panther star spoke about growing up in Tottenham, experiencing online bullying and college torment, and battling depression whilst finding purpose through acting. The podcast also republished a moving tribute episode with the late Jane Goodall, who passed away at 91. Goodall's 2022 conversation explored her 60-year study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, reflections on hope and resilience, and her unwavering belief in the next generation. The week also featured Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Lily Allen in a compilation episode discussing navigating one's twenties, with both reflecting on that tumultuous decade of self-discovery.
Madonna gave a rare, intimate interview to On Purpose with Jay Shetty, discussing her nearly 30-year spiritual journey through Kabbalah. Joined by her longtime teacher Eitan, Madonna explored how spirituality has shaped her resilience, creativity and sense of purpose, touching on manifestation with consciousness and discovering one's soul's purpose. Cardi B also appeared on the podcast, sharing her journey from the Bronx to global stardom whilst discussing battling depression, dealing with constant public criticism, and the loneliness that comes with fame. The Grammy-winning artist spoke about balancing motherhood with her career, her unwavering faith in God, and teaching her children not to be lazy whilst managing her own mental health through prayer and self-belief.
Grace Van Patten discussed her role in Tell Me Lies on Call Her Daddy, opening up about playing complex characters, her relationship with co-star Jackson, and preparing to portray Amanda Knox in an upcoming project. The actress reflected on attending performing arts school, navigating toxic relationships both on and off screen, and her rebellious teenage years.
Happy Place with Fearne Cotton offered practical wisdom through two episodes. One focused on achieving work-life balance, featuring Grace Beverley on setting boundaries, Brené Brown tackling perfectionism, and Trinny Woodall on building professional confidence. Another brought author Aisha Muharrar discussing her debut novel 'Loved Ones', which explores grief, jealousy and the strange reality that different people know vastly different versions of those we love.
Sporting excellence was represented by golfer Matt Fitzpatrick on The High Performance Podcast. The US Open champion explained his meticulous data-driven approach, revealing he's tracked every shot since age 15. Fitzpatrick discussed finding an edge when others possess more natural power, the impact of featuring in Netflix's golf documentary, and advice he received from Michael Jordan. His conversation highlighted the discipline and analytical mindset behind modern golf success.
The week also saw Richard Osman featured in a special episode about generosity on The High Performance Podcast. The bestselling author reflected on how growing up tall and feeling different gave him a deep sense of empathy, leading to his philosophy of "tipping generously" in both financial and emotional ways. The episode explored why giving makes us happier, how generosity builds trust and connection, and why small everyday acts shape who we become.
The Red Clay Strays brought country rock energy to The Joe Rogan Experience, with band members Brandon Coleman, Andy Bishop and Drew Nix discussing their Get Right tour and recent live album recorded at the Ryman. Their conversation covered the music industry, touring life, and the creative process behind their Southern rock sound.
The Red Clay Strays brought country rock energy to The Joe Rogan Experience, with band members Brandon Coleman, Andy Bishop and Drew Nix discussing their Get Right tour and recent live album recorded at the Ryman. Their conversation covered the music industry, touring life, and the creative process behind their Southern rock sound.
We use transcripts of podcasts and AI to help us with this article
