This week, Gyles is joined by very special guest Sir David Jason, who talks about memories of his career: how he started out in his local theatre group in north London, and progressed through amateur dramatics, to rep, and finally to the West End and television. There are, of course, a few cameos and helping hands along the way: Brian Epstein, Humphrey Barclay, Ronnie Barker and John Sullivan, to name but a few. You'll know Sir David's television work, because it's legendary: Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours and Touch of Frost are classics which will be watched for many years to come. But you may not know about his early work on the stage, or his humble roots as a mechanic and then an electrician, or about the impressions he did of his teacher at school, or about the crucial role Ronnie Barker played in getting his career off the ground.

This is a funny and touching conversation with one of the true legends of British stage and screen. Thank you to Sir David for your time, and wonderful stories.

Sir David's book, This Time Next Year, is out now in paperback, published by Penguin.

This episode was recorded at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London, thank you to them.

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We've got something quite unique for you this week: an episode of More Rosebud, in which Gyles meets one of the greatest composers who ever lived : Ludwig Van Beethoven. In this fascinating conversation, Gyles will find out about Beethoven's first memory, his challenging childhood in which he was forced to play the piano by his drunken father, and his ascent to genius, both aided and hampered by his encroaching deafness.

In this conversation, Beethoven is brought to life by the writer and performer, Tama Matheson. What you are going to hear is a classic Rosebud interview, answered by Tama as if he were Beethoven himself.

Tama is a brilliiant performer who has written and conceived a series of shows based on the lives of great artists - composers and poets - in which he brings these geniuses to life through performance, music, and meticulous research.

Tama's amazing show about the life of Beethoven I Shall Hear In Heaven is at Opera Holland Park in London on the 6th and 8th August. Tickets are available here.

Tama's own website is here. The Moonlight Sonata at the end of the episode is played by Jason Gillham.

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It's the week of William Shakespeare's birthday, so Gyles has poetry on his mind... and we thought we'd celebrate with a special conversation recorded with Simon Armitage, who has been Poet Laureate since 2019. Gyles finds out about Simon's childhood and early days, when he played out on the moors with his friends, watched TV and read comics... long before he became turned on to poetry by reading Ted Hughes. Gyles hears about Simon's parents, his love of indy music, and his first career as a probation officer. Gyles and Simon talk about poetry, about Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney. We hope you enjoy this episode, and that it inspires you to read some poetry today - Simon's most recent book, Blossomise, it out now - it's a celebration of blossom and is well worth reading this springtime.

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Val McDermid tells Gyles her remarkable story. An only child from Kirkcaldy in Fife, the daughter of a welder and a shop assistant, Val became obsessed with books after being read to by her mother as a young child and, when the family moved opposite the town's Central Library, she read every book on the shelves. It was her favourite books - The Chalet School series - that inspired her to become a writer and to apply to Oxford University, despite the fact that she'd only ever been to England once, on a family holiday to Blackpool. Val also tells Gyles about the 3 months she spent in an isolation hospital when she was first born, forever effecting her relationship with her mum; about discovering her sexuality at university; and about her first career as a journalist. Val is now one of the best-selling crime writers in the world, and her latest book 'Past Lying', the latest in the Karen Pirie series, is out now.

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This week, Gyles talks to Elizabeth Day, host and creator of the hit podcasts How to Fail and Best Friend Therapy, and author of multiple best-selling fiction and non-fiction books, including Magpie, The Party and Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, which is released in paperback in March 2024. Elizabeth tells Gyles about her childhood, spent near Derry in the north of Ireland; her unhappy years at boarding school; her first job as a 12 year-old newspaper columnist; and her experience of living in a tower block near St. Petersburg in Russia. And Gyles and Elizabeth reminisce about the first time they met, when Elizabeth was only 17. This is fascinating, frank, and warm conversation - thanks so much to Elizabeth for her time, energy and wonderful stories.

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It's the fifth of the Rosebud Dames, and in this episode Gyles is talking to Dame Jilly Cooper about her life and times. They talk about her childhood, when she was horse mad and wasn't even put off by being bitten by her first pony. They talk about her early days as an office worker, when she got fired from 22 jobs. They talk about leaving the manuscript for Riders on the bus. And they talk about the best ways to write a really good sex scene. This is an intimate chat between old friends: enjoy.

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Gyles's guest this week is the renowned evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins. At the end of the episode, Gyles asks Richard how he would like to be remembered: "A scientist, lover of the truth, and motivated by a desire to communicate truth to others". Because of that desire for truth, this episode is unflinching. It involves some challenging subject-matter: for example, both Gyles and Richard share their experiences of abuse at boarding school in the 40s and 50s. They also discuss Richard's childhood, some of which was spent in Kenya and Malawi, and how he started out on his career as a groundbreaking scientist and author.

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It's Valentine's week, and we're celebrating with our first ever Rosebud couple: Clare Balding and Alice Arnold. This is a truly romantic and life-affirming episode. You may have seen Clare and Alice on Celebrity Gogglebox, you'll certainly know Clare from her many appearances anchoring major sporting events, from the Olympics to Crufts, and Alice was for a long time the voice of the news on Radio 4's Today programme. Gyles talks to Clare and Alice about their first memories, but also about how they met, what they love about each other and the secrets to a long and happy marriage. Sit back, relax, and feel the love!

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Well, this episode has got it all: gripping stories, laughter, tears and a lot of singing. Gyles takes Lulu back to memories of her childhood in Glasgow, which was both happy and turbulent, but full of love and music. She remembers her early performances - as a very young girl at a street party for the Queen's coronation, and then as a 5 year-old, standing on a chair so she could reach the mic, in Blackpool. She tells Gyles about making it, about singing so loudly while recording "Shout" that she broke the microphone, and about meeting The Beatles. She talks about working with David Bowie, their close relationship and the lost recordings they made together, and we get an exclusive performance of her version of a David Bowie track. This is a fascinating and very entertaining episode, full of highs and lows. Thank you, Lulu.

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Dame Esther Rantzen is a tour de force: journalist, TV presenter and campaigner, her vision and dynamism brought about the nationwide helpline for children in distress, Childline. Through her massively popular consumer show That's Life, Esther was also responsible for campaigning for organ donation and introducing compulsory seatbelts for children, at the same time as showcasing viewers' faulty washing machines and laughing at misshapen vegetables. Recently, That's Life's incredible reunion of Sir Nicholas Winton with the children he had rescued from the Holocaust in Prague has been made the subject of the film One Life starring Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Gyles and Dame Esther spoke over Zoom, and the interview was recorded in two parts.

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Gyles invites the brilliant comedian, actor and writer David Mitchell to look back at his early memories. This chat starts with David's childhood, and then broadens out into a wide-ranging discussion about history, the worst professional experiences Gyles and David have ever had and school dinners, via a heated debate about whether being a hairdresser is as stressful as being a chef and a bombshell about King Arthur. We'd love to hear what you think - please email us at hello@rosebudpodcast.com. Enjoy the show and enjoy the memories.

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This week, Rob Brydon looks back on his childhood and adolescence in South Wales. From riding around on bikes pretending to be Starsky and Hutch, to his first electrifying stage kiss in the school play, to being rejected by Rada, bumping into Harold Pinter, and his friendship with Ronnie Corbett, this is an evocative, funny and fascinating interview peppered with impressions, famous names and great stories. It's slightly longer than our usual episodes, simply because Rob and Gyles were enjoying each other's company so much!

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Geri Halliwell-Horner is a woman of many guises. She's been Ginger Spice, a hugely successful recording artiste and member of the world's biggest girl band. She's been a UN Goodwill Ambassador who met Nelson Mandela. She's been a heartthrob - who famously kissed Prince Charles when she first met him at The Royal Variety Performance. She is now a writer - her Rosie Frost series of novels for young adults have been bestsellers. In this frank and far-reaching conversation, Gyles finds out more about what makes Geri tick. From her childhood - when she performed to get her father's attention, to the devastating news that her father had died, to the years with the Spice Girls, to her present-day happiness as a wife, mother and writer.

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We begin this episode of Gyles's diary in Switzerland, where he's spending the summer as an au pair to the family of the Head of the Swiss Army. He beats the President of Switzerland at cards and attends an underwhelming 'son et lumiere'. Back in England, Gyles returns to another busy term at Bedales, in which he carries on his relationship with Sally and tries to reconcile that with his endless school projects: this term he's arranging activities for the children in the younger years, to involve them more in the life of the school. Plus, Gyles's sisters have an argument and we find out more about his friendship with Simon Cadell. Enjoy this.

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For our first episode of 2024 we have a very special guest: Sir Michael Palin. From his childhood in 1950s Sheffield, to getting drunk at boarding school, discovering his talent for writing and performing at Oxford University, meeting his wife Helen on holiday at 16 and of course the formation of Monty Python - Michael Palin has had a long and fascinating life. This is a an entertaining, fascinating and sometimes moving conversation, we hope you enjoy it!

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Another medley episode for you, this time with a new year's focus. We've got new year's reminiscences from Lorraine Kelly, Anneka Rice and Joe Wicks, and Gyles tells a new year's eve story about a fateful family trip to Glasgow when he was a child. We end with a sneak preview of our next episode featuring the great Sir Michael Palin. See you next Friday, in 2024!

Thanks so much for listening to Rosebud this year.

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This episode is a collection of Christmas stories and memories from lots of our Rosebud guests, friends and listeners. It's like a Christmas stocking: full of treats and surprises. Next week we'll do the same, but the theme will be new year. We'll be back with a full-length interview show on January 5th 2024, with Sir Michael Palin.

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Our Rosebud Christmas Special is with Rowan Williams, who was Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012. Rowan begins by talking to Rowan telling Gyles about his childhood as a bright and doted upon only child who became increasingly drawn towards the church. He talks about his happy schooldays, his close friendships, and his inspirational teachers. And later in the podcast Rowan and Gyles talk about the message of healing at the heart of Christmas, and what it's like to be Archbishop of Canterbury. Next week and the week after we'll have two fun shows: we've made you some Christmas and new year medleys with messages from lots of our Rosebud guests. But until then, merry Christmas from us to you!

We love getting your messages, so please email us at hello@rosebudpodcast.com with your first memories or comments.

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In this second of the special Rosebud Christmas Cracker episodes, Gyles talks to Patricia Owtram: the first Rosebud centenarian. Pat tells Gyles about her fascinating and long life: from her childhood in 1920s Lancashire where she was taught to speak German by the family's Austrian cook, to her schooldays and her war years. Pat did critical work as part of the Y Service, listening in on the goings-on of the German fleet. She also tells Gyles about meeting George VI and about her later career as a journalist and TV producer. This conversation gives a fascinating glimpse of life as it was at the start of the 20th century.

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It's Rosebud Christmas Cracker Week, and we're giving you two special extra episodes before our Christmas Special this Friday. This first Christmas Cracker is with the acclaimed British actress Adjoa Andoh, who stars as Lady Danbury in Netflix's Bridgerton, alongside many appearances at the RSC, National Theatre and in shows such as Doctor Who and Casualty. Adjoa tells Gyles about the challenges she faced growing up as "the only black girl in the Cotswolds", and how this informed her recent portrayal of Richard III - a performance which Gyles found inspiring. She talks about her teens as a blue-haired punk rocker, her first love, and her discovery of theatre and how it led her to a career as an actor.

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Joe Wicks, the man who inspired the UK to leap off their sofas and start exercising and eating healthily, joins Gyles for this episode. Joe talks about his childhood growing up with a father who was struggling with addiction, and a mum with OCD. He talks about his early love for PE and how that developed into a career. Joe is so impressive that Gyles even asks him for advice about his own wellness regime! Joe's book, Feel Good in 15 is out now.

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In this episode Gyles talks to Strictly Come Dancing judge and ballroom dancer extraordinaire, Anton Du Beke. Anton shares stories of his childhood as the son of immigrant parents who had to work two jobs each to make ends meet, and tells Gyles about the driving ambition that led him to become a champion on the dancefloor, despite being a late starter.

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Gyles talks to his friend Dame Sheila Hancock, one of Britain's most distinguished living actresses. Now 90 years old, Dame Sheila looks back at her remarkable life - from a childhood spent living above pubs, to her war time experiences, and then to her career on stage, TV and in film, and more recent times - how she's coped with widowhood by being busy and curious. This is a wide-ranging, fascinating, frequently funny and sometimes moving conversation. Enjoy!

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Gyles meets the host of ITV1's Big Brother, AJ Odudu. AJ tells Gyles about her childhood growing in Blackburn, Lancashire in a "bubble of love" with her 7 brothers and sisters, about her amazing parents and their arranged marriage, about her early ambitions to become a TV presenter, about playing "pass the polo" at the Waves Leisure Centre with her friends, and ends by describing the best day of her life. Thank you AJ for sharing your infectious warmth and positivity with the Rosebud podcast!

Also in this episode, Gyles speaks to David Belchamber, Judi Dench's childhood next-door neighbour, who told Judi they should call each other 'darling' when they were only 6. Don't miss it.

We want to hear from you - email hello@rosebudpodcast.com.

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Sir Tim Rice, lyricist extraordinaire, is Gyles's guest today. Tim is one of the few people in the entertainment world to have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award, and his songs for shows like Joseph, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess and the Lion King are known and loved all around the world. And yet Sir Tim remains modest and charming, as you'll hear in this conversation - perhaps thanks to the good manners he inherited from his father. Tim tells Gyles about his childhood, his schooldays at Lancing College and how, despite his lack of ambition, he moved to London and got a job with EMI. Much of this conversation, not surprisingly, is about music: the records Tim listened to as a teenager, the band he played with at school, and the first songs he wrote and which helped him to get noticed. We find out how he met Andrew Lloyd Webber and started to make musical history. Thank you Sir Tim Rice for your warmth, wit and wonderful stories.

Tim Rice is on a nationwide tour telling his brilliant stories and featuring some of his best-known songs until the end of May, tickets available here

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Gyles talks to the poet, novellist and activist Sir Ben Okri. Born and raised in Nigeria - with a 4 year interlude in Peckham - Ben moved to London for good in his 20s. There, he build upon his success as a writer, and won The Booker Prize with his novel The Famished Road in 1991, when he was just 32 years old. Sir Ben and Gyles talk about Ben's early years in Peckham, his return to Nigeria aged 6, and his formative experiences during the civil war. They talk about Ben's early career working in a paint factory in Lagos, and how he realised that his true calling was writing. Sir Ben's latest book, Tiger Work, poems, stories and essays about climate change, was published in 2023. Ben was knighted in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

Please get in touch with us: we're at hello@rosebudpodcast.com and on Twitter and Instagram @therosebudpod.

We're keen to hear your Christmas and new year memories - let us know if you have any you'd like to share.

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Dame Joanna Lumley and Gyles have known each other for over 50 years - and this is a chance to hear them reminisce about her incredibly rich, varied and star-studded life and career. Joanna spent her childhood in India, Hong Kong and then at boarding school in Kent and went on to become a model in swinging London in the 60s and then an actress on film, TV and stage. She is, of course, best known for her portrayal of the drink-addled, chain-smoking Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous. But she is much more than that - as her amazing performance at the very end of this podcast shows. We recommend that you listen up to the end... This episode was recorded in front of an audience at The Orange Tree theatre in Richmond, so it's another Rosebud on the Road. Enjoy.

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Lorraine Kelly is a journalist, writer, interviewer and broadcaster who has been a mainstay of ITV's morning TV landscape for over 30 years. Since working together on TVam in the 80s, she and Gyles are old friends and this is a chance to hear them talk and laugh about Lorraine's early years in the Gorbals, her amazing grandma who told tall tales and wore her best hat to put out the bins, her schooldays, her break into journalism and some standout memories from her career. Lorraine's novel The Island Swimmer is out in February 2024.

We want to hear your first memories - email hello@rosebudpodcast.com. Plus we're looking for memories of Christmas and new year for our festive shows.

We're on Twitter and Instagram @therosebudpod.

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This week's episode is different, and special. Gyles is talking to Anne, Lady Glenconner at a live event at The Barnes Book Fest. A socialite, aristocrat and best-selling author, Lady Glenconner was the best friend and Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret for many years. She has also had a fascinating and dramatic life of her own, as wife to Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner. Together they developed the Caribbean island of Mustique and turned it into a destination for the rich and famous. This show features fascinating reminiscences from a rich and long life spent among remarkable people - many of them royal. Anne's latest book Whatever Next, is about her turbulent marriage.

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Jay Blades tells his remarkable story - from Hackney council estate to MBE. Having been told he'd amount to 'nothing' by the careers advisor, suffering racism at the hands of school bullies and the police, Jay has gone on to become host of one of the UK's most popular TV shows: The Repair Shop. He talks to Gyles about his childhood memories, the tough times he's been through, and how he's kept his positive attitude. Jay's new book Life Lessons is out now.

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Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, is arguably one of the most successful British politicians of her generation. But how did it all begin? And what will life be like once she steps away from the limelight? Gyles discusses all this and more with her in this fascinating conversation, which includes Nicola's reflections on meeting Queen Elizabeth II and what happened when she met a superfan... in the bath.

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Gyles's guest is the BAFTA-winning actress, best-selling writer, national treasure and force of nature Miriam Margolyes. Gyles and Miriam meet in Miriam's London flat, and chat about her first memories, her childhood, her love of white haired ladies, her passion for Charles Dickens and her delight in farting. As you might expect, this is slightly ruder than our usual shows, but there's no swearing - just some sexual references.

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Gyles talks to the best-selling writer, Rest Is Politics host, charity leader, ex MP and adventurer Rory Stewart. This is a fascinating and honest conversation - you'll find out about Rory's unusual childhood ambitions, his relationships with his parents, his unsuccessful early attempts at romance and the delivery of his son on the bathroom floor - and many other things. Rory Stewart's book, Politics on the Edge, is published by Jonathan Cape and is out now.

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It doesn't get much better than this - Ken Bruce: one of the best-loved radio DJs of all time, host of Popmaster, dad of six, and all round legend. Gyles and Ken talk about Ken's school days and what it was like being given "the belt" on a regular basis, his marriages, and his move to Greatest Hits Radio. Ken's show is on Greatest Hits every day from 10am til 1pm.

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Gyles Brandreth talks to fellow star of This Morning and host of Bake Off Alison Hammond. They discuss her childhood roots in Birmingham, her incredible talent for rounders, and whether Gyles is a breast or a leg man; all while sitting on Alison's double bed. Expect laughter, warmth and Gyles attempting to do a Brummy accent.

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Wayne Sleep was once called "the finest virtuoso ballet dancer the Royal Ballet has ever produced" by the founder of the company, Ninette de Valois. In this episode, Wayne tells Gyles his remarkable story - raised by his single mother in Plymouth and Hartlepool, Wayne overcame poverty and his short stature to become one of the most well known and successful British ballet dancers of all time. It's a fairytale that includes David Hockney, Rudolph Nureyev and Princess Diana, and much more besides. Thank you to Wayne for your time, wit and energy. Enjoy this.

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In this first ever episode of Rosebud, Gyles talks to someone very special: the legendary actress Dame Judi Dench.

They chat about her happy childhood in York, her experiences growing up during WWII, her early forays into acting and her marriage to Michael Williams. She ends by impressing Gyles, as she recites a Shakespeare sonnet by heart. 

Join us again next week when Gyles will be snuggling up with Alison Hammond.

To get in touch with Gyles and tell him about your first memories, email: hello@rosebudpodcast.com

A 'Keep It Light Media' Production

Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: hello@keepitlightmedia.com

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Legendary British writer, broadcaster, ex-MP and TV star Gyles Brandreth launches his new podcast “Rosebud” on September 1st – St Giles’s Day. In this new series, Gyles will talk to famous and fascinating people about their first memories and first experiences.

Expect laughter, fascinating stories, revelations and, of course, the odd name-drop from Gyles. 

Rosebud is a long-form interview series which takes guests back to first principles: to their very first memories and experiences. How much have these formative moments shaped them? Are they anything like they were back then? And what’s their advice for future generations?

New episodes will launch weekly on Fridays.

Gyles is available for media appearances, contact the producer, Harriet Jaine: hjaine@yahoo.co.uk.

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Brian Cox is one of the finest classical actors of his generation. Fans of Succession will of course know him for his portrayal of the ruthless media mogul, Logan Roy, but in this interview we go back to the beginning of Cox's long career, which has its roots deeply in theatre. We also go back to his childhood in Dundee, which was unusual and somewhat solitary. Brian talks to Gyles about his early years, the death of his father when he was very young, and his mother's subsequent struggles with mental illness and depression. He talks about his early ambitions to act, his lucky break getting a job at Dundee Rep when he was only 15 and the things that happened there. He tells Gyles about moving to London for drama school, getting married, and his early successes. He tells stories about some of the great actors he's worked with: Olivier, Richardson and Gielgud. This is a fascinating conversation with an unconventional, and remarkable, person. Thank you to Brian for this brilliant interview.

Brian is currently starring in The Score at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, in London. It's open until April 26th 2025. Gyles has been and loved it - this is highly recommended.

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After a three-week wait, we're back with another episode of the young Gyles Brandreth's diary. In these extracts, which take us up to the start of the summer holidays, 1965, Gyles turns 17, is given a three-foot long bar of chocolate, and continues with his impressively busy school life. He's got himself an office and a few new jobs: running the school bookshop and organising the cycling proficiency lessons for the younger students. He's also organising Mr Badley's 100th birthday celebrations, and putting on another successful school production. He also goes to London to be a Debs' Delight. This is a fun one.

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In a complete one-off, Rosebud is releasing an episode on a Saturday, because our guest is the 2022 Grand National winner, and two-times winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Sam Waley-Cohen. Sam is an amateur jockey, but is one of the most successful Grand National riders of all time, and finally won the race in his last ever race with the 50 to one shot horse Noble Yeats in 2022. Sam talks to Gyles about what it takes to make a great partnership with a horse, how to find the best starting position, the challenges of the Grand National, and also about his life, which has been full of daring and adventure. There's also been great sadness, as Sam tells Gyles about the death of his younger brother Thomas.

Sam also gives his tip for the race today. Our thanks to him for this great conversation.

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We're really delighted that Sue Perkins is our guest on Rosebud this week, and this is a special conversation. Gyles and Sue have known and worked with each other for years on shows like Radio 4's Just a Minute, which Sue now hosts, so this conversation about Sue's first memories, family history, childhood and student days is intimate, honest, and at times very moving. Sue tells Gyles about her childhood, growing up in a close but slightly sheltered family in south London. She tells Gyles about being left-handed, about playing the flute and about her first boyfriend. She talks about how she defied her teachers' predictions by getting a place at Cambridge, and about the life-changing friends she made there. She talks about coming out and about finding herself. Thank you very much to Sue for your warmth, your wit and for your wonderful stories. Cue the music.

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Today's More Rosebud is an unexpected April treat from the great comedian Harry Hill. You'll know Harry from his brilliant TV shows like TV Burp and Alien Fun Capsule or his podcast Are We There Yet? but you won't know about his incredible life. In this episode Harry tells Gyles his scarcely believable story - and what a story. Growing up in his dad's circus in North Kent, Harry tells a tale of dodgy doctors, depressed elephants, nefarious clowns and men with gills. We've all been there. Enjoy this special episode of More Rosebud with Harry Hill.

Harry Hill is on a nationwide tour now, tickets available here.

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Today Gyles speaks to a remarkable person: Sir Grayson Perry. Artist, presenter, thinker and fashion icon, Perry is a unique figure who has led an unusual life. Grayson was born and brought up in Chelmsford, but his father left the family when Grayson was only four years old, and his mother married the local milkman - a Tom Jones lookalike with an unpredictable temper. Grayson talks to Gyles about the effect this lonely and unsettled childhood had on him: this is a moving episode. Gyles also asks Grayson about his transvestism and about his art. We hope you enjoy this very interesting edition of Rosebud.

Grayson Perry is on tour nationwide this autumn, and tickets are available at https://www.fane.co.uk/grayson-perry.

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It's Chelsea Flower Show in London this week, and at Rosebud we're celebrating - with this special episode recorded at one of the most beautiful gardens in the world: Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. At Sissinghurst Gyles meets the writer Adam Nicolson, grandson of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson (who famously conceived and designed the garden there) and his wife Sarah Raven, the plantswoman and entrepreneur, who is one of the most influential people in gardening today. Sarah's garden at Perch Hill in Sussex, and the business she runs from there, have been instrumental in introducing a new abundant, naturalistic and colourful style in gardening, and her story is fascinating.

This is a brilliant conversation about the history of Sissinghurst and the Nicolson family, and about Sarah's childhood 'botanising' with her father, John Raven. It's also about finding wild tulips, the meaning of the word 'wharfinger' and the burden of inheritance.

Adam Nicolson's latest book, which is brilliant, is called Bird School and is available here. Sarah Raven's website is inspirational for any gardener and is here. Her book, A Year Full of Pots, is also highly recommended.

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In this episode you join Gyles and Harriet at the Oldie of the Year lunch, where Harriet asks some of the guests at the event for their first memories. Including memories from Radio 4 legend John Humphrys, children's writer Dame Jacqueline Wilson, choreographer Arlene Philips, actress Nanette Newman and 102 year-old skydiver Manette Baillie. Plus some chat from Gyles and Harriet and one of your emails, about synaesthesia.

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Gyles really enjoyed meeting this week's guest, Ed Balls, because he enjoyed bonding over their shared experience of Westminster. And the political gossip and insight in this chat is fascinating - from a very funny behind-the-scenes account of the famous dinner at Granita in Islington at which Tony Blair and Gordon Brown thrashed out their leadership in 1997; to a description of what it's like to lose a seat as an MP (like being at your own funeral, apparently). But there's much more than politics, here. This is also the fascinating story of Ed himself, his humble Norfolk beginnings, his academic success, his early journalistic career, his marriage to fellow Labour Party high-flier, Yvette Cooper, and why it's best to lean in to a mid-life crisis. We hope you enjoy this week's brilliant edition, and thank you very much to Ed for your time, warmth and fabulous company.

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We're back, diary fans, with another instalment from Gyles's diary. This one starts in the 1964 summer holidays, Gyles is 16, and he's off on a road trip with his Canadian cousin Johnnie. Gyles is not impressed. In the autumn it's time for the General Election and, at Bedales, the school mock election, in which Gyles is running as the Conservative candidate. He's also appearing as Isaac Newton in the school play, taking over the school magazine, and getting his O-level results. As usual, there's never a dull moment. This episode also features an extended chat from Gyles and Harriet at the start, and a couple of your emails.

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Dame Kristin Scott Thomas is one of our best, most distinctive, and most watchable actresses, and we're delighted that she's our guest on Rosebud today. Dame Kristin tells Gyles about her childhood, which was at times idyllic but was coloured by the tragic deaths of both her father and step-father. She talks about her impressive and highly talented mother, who brought up five children in the midst of loss. She talks about her move to Paris as a teenager, how she met and married her first husband, and how important her new French family became to her. She talks about her career, working with Prince, how she was cast in The English Patient and her work on stage in The Audience and Elektra. Kristin's life is fascinating, and this is a fascinating, and moving, episode.

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In another special episode dedicated to the how, what and why of memory, Gyles talks to his long-time friend and colleague Professor Brett Kahr. Professor Kahr is a practising psychotherapist and an expert on Sigmund Freud, the father of psychotherapy and the inventor of the "talking cure". In this fascinating conversation, Gyles and Prof. Kahr take a detailed look at the power of childhood memories, particularly traumatic ones, to effect our adult lives, and the benefits to be had from examining them and learning from them. Brett also tells Gyles about Freud himself, how he developed his ideas and how he escaped the Nazis and came to London. Gyles talks to Brett about some of the memories we've heard from our guests on Rosebud, and Brett talks about some of the common themes which come up in psychoanalysis - such as dreams and sex. This is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, we hope you enjoy it.

Professor Kahr's book: Coffee with Freud, is available from major bookshops online.

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