20 episodes
Desperately Seeking Wisdom Creators Inc Limited
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- Society & Culture
Five years ago, Craig Oliver's high-powered job and privileged position at the heart of British government came to an abrupt end with Brexit.
In the aftermath of a bruising battle, he despaired at how divided society had become, but also came to realise something fundamental was missing from his own life. Outwardly he was still achieving, with an impressive career; but he realised he'd never felt comfortable in his own skin.
Life had always felt more of a grind than a gift – he'd always believed that if he only worked harder, he'd find fulfilment. Now he realised that wasn't the case. Like many others during Lockdown, he asked himself why he'd always had a constant feeling of unease and discontent?
He wondered what wise people had to say about how we can live better. Craig decided to try a different path to the one he'd travelled before, reading and listening to many people. Some things they claimed were obviously snake oil, some were revelatory.
Throughout this podcast series, Craig talks to some extraordinary people who have faced extremely difficult - often traumatic experiences - and finds out what they learned and what they believe will help others gain peace of mind and heart.
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David Baddiel
David Baddiel has been at the top of comedy for many years – often using stories about his complex family for his hilarious, but sometimes painful material.
He’s also a celebrated writer, having a huge impact with his children’s books and the polemic, Jews Don’t Count.
His most recent book, The God Desire (published on April 13th, 2023), explains why although he yearns for there to be a God, he can’t bring himself to believe in one. David has fascinating insights throughout our wide-ranging conversation. -
Lyse Doucet
Lyse Doucet is one of the best and most recognised journalists in the world. Her story of how she came to report on some of the poorest and most war-torn parts of the world is remarkable – but what is truly impressive about her is the empathy she brings to everything she does.
We discuss how she stays grounded, her choice not to have a family and how one simple teaching is the bedrock of her approach to her life. -
Anthony Scaramucci
Anthony Scaramucci achieved worldwide fame when he was fired as Donald Trump’s Director of Communications after just eleven days.
When I first met him, I thought he would be just another loud-mouthed politico – but I discovered a man who had thought deeply about his life and the train-wreck of his career in politics. He couldn’t be further from his caricature and that’s why I wanted to talk to him on this podcast. -
Reverend Richard Coles
The Reverend Richard Coles has had the most extraordinary life, from being an unlikely pop-star at the forefront of the gay rights movement in the 1980s, to being a Church of England vicar and much-loved broadcaster and writer.
He talks about the harsh realities of being gay in the Church – and grieving for David, the love of his life, who died after years of being a chronic alcoholic. -
John Simpson
John Simpson is a journalistic legend. At 78 he is still at the top of his game, reporting from the world’s hotspots, including the war in Ukraine.
He talks openly about the seminal moment in his life when as a six-year-old boy he chose to live with his father over his mother. We also talk about why he keeps going and the impact of that on his sixteen-year-old son, Rafe. -
Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse
Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse faced one of the most horrifying experiences anyone could suffer – being unable to save their beloved daughter, Natasha, when she had a severe allergic reaction to a Pret-a-Manger sandwich that wasn’t properly labelled.
It’s tough to hear what they went through – but they are utterly inspirational in revealing the hard-won wisdom they gained, and how they remain so close and supportive of each other.