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BBC Radio 4

Kirsty Young asks fascinating people what advice they would give their younger self. Authors, artists, actors and film-makers are among those revisiting the moments that made them.

Young Again

Kirsty Young is back with more fascinating guests.

Young Again is back

Kirsty Young asks food writer Nigel Slater what advice he would give his younger self.

Nigel Slater began his career working in kitchens across the UK before becoming a food writer, initially for Marie Claire magazine. He has written a regular food column for The Observer newspaper for over three decades in which time he has also written numerous cookbooks. His 2003 autobiography, Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger, detailed a difficult childhood in the West Midlands during the 1960s and was later adapted into a film. He shares memories of Christmases past and last minute tips for making the perfect Christmas dinner in a special festive edition of Young Again.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

19. Nigel Slater at Christmas

Kirsty Young asks the rock star Pete Doherty what advice he would give his younger self.

Doherty became famous in the 2000s with The Libertines, the band he formed and fronted alongside fellow singer and guitarist Carl Barât. He became notorious as his own drug addictions led to break ups with the band and numerous arrests. He reflects on a childhood spent moving around the world following his father's postings in the British Army, the beginnings of The Libertines, the lows of addiction, and the family life he now lives in France. 

A BBC Studios Audio production.

20. Pete Doherty

Kirsty Young asks the comedian Sara Pascoe what advice she would give her younger self.

Pascoe found fame soon after moving from acting to stand up comedy in 2007. She has since packed out national tours, starred panel shows and sitcoms, and written three books including her acclaimed recent novel, Weirdo. She discusses drinking on stage, declaring bankruptcy, her first gig in front of just 12 people, becoming a mum in her forties and her continuing passion for performing stand up.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

21. Sara Pascoe

Kirsty Young asks BAFTA-winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor what advice he would give his younger self.

Known for his iconic performances in 12 Years a Slave and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ejiofor reflects on a tragedy that shaped his childhood, being cast by Steven Spielberg when he was just 19, and making the move into directing. He also discusses the inspiration he found in the works of Shakespeare and learning to stop being a perfectionist.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

22. Chiwetel Ejiofor

Kirsty Young asks Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson what advice she would give her younger self.

With 11 Paralympic gold medals and six London Marathon victories, Grey-Thompson reflects on a childhood in Wales, her extraordinary athletics career and her transition to becoming a campaigner and crossbench peer. She discusses the mindset of a champion, the importance of forward-looking goals, and her advocacy for disability rights.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

23. Tanni Grey-Thompson

Kirsty Young asks podcaster Adam Buxton what advice he would give his younger self. 

Buxton rose to prominence in partnership with Joe Cornish, first on TV with The Adam and Joe Show then as co-hosts of radio shows on XFM and BBC 6 Music. He has since struck out alone with his live show, Bug, and a hit interview podcast. He reflects on his time at art school, the split with Cornish, and the loss of both of his parents.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

24. Adam Buxton

Kirsty Young takes her guests back to meet their younger selves and asks the question: if you knew then, what you know now... what would you tell yourself?

Welcome to Young Again

Kirsty Young talks to legendary supermodel Linda Evangelista about what she’s learned from her life so far. After a career spanning 40 years, in early September 2023 she released a retrospective book with photographer Steven Meisel. As one of the first international supermodels, she reflects on listening to your parents, the infamous “$10,000 a day” quote, knowing your worth, and she looks back on how it felt to leave her marriage. 

If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what would you tell them? In Young Again Kirsty takes her guests back to the pivotal moments in their lives. Reflecting on what they wish they’d known at the time, and what they’ve learned along the way, she discovers the honest – and surprising – advice they’d give their younger selves. 

Producer: Sam Peach
Content Editor: Richard Hooper
Executive Editor: Alice Feinstein
Senior Technical Producer: Duncan Hannant
Presenter: Kirsty Young 

A BBC Audio Production

1. Linda Evangelista

Kirsty Young talks to the movie star Daniel Kaluuya, about what he’s learned from his life so far. He grew up in Camden, North London and first found success as an actor and also writer of the teen drama Skins. An acclaimed career in Hollywood has followed, with an Academy Award in 2021 for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah. His first feature film which he has written, produced and directed, The Kitchen, will be released in early 2024. 

Producer: Sam Peach
Content Editor: Richard Hooper
Editor: Alice Feinstein
Senior Technical Producer: Duncan Hannant
Presenter: Kirsty Young

A BBC Audio Production

2. Daniel Kaluuya

Kirsty Young asks comedian and actor Miranda Hart what advice she would give her younger self.

A decade ago Hart was starring in her own hit BBC sitcom, Miranda, and selling out stadium tours. But then she suffered a collapse and was forced into a career break. She discusses how years of low level illness built up to a major health crisis, and how an overdue diagnosis and writing her new book helped on her journey back towards fitness. She also reveals the perils of fame, the joy of playing the same venue as Beyoncé, and why her book had an unexpected happy ending.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

15. Miranda Hart

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