�㽶ֱ��

Old Member Katie Brewer (Mathematics, 1987) is kindly developing a series of Old Member Conversations for the College, inspired by her own podcast , where Katie interviews 'rock stars of life'.

In this series, Katie speaks with Old Members of �㽶ֱ�� about their life and career, the inspirations behind their work and the lessons they have learned. The series starts with the writer and broadcaster Rageh Omaar (Modern History, 1987), and you will be able to find new episodes as they are released here. 

Toby Spence is an award-winning tenor, who has played lead roles across the world in every major opera theatre from The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to The Met in New York to La Scala in Milan. A frequent performer at The Proms and on acclaimed recordings, he has also brought classical music to popular audiences through shows like The Rob and Romesh Show.

In this episode, Toby shares his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation, his battle with thyroid cancer and the remarkable process of relearning to sing after surgery. You can also find this episode on and . 

Steve Hilton is a British and American political commentator. He was David Cameron’s Senior Advisor when he was Prime Minister. He is an entrepreneur, a best-selling author, a podcaster and he hosts his own television show on Fox News. With all his political experience he is considering the role of Republican candidate for governor of the state of California in 2026.

In this episode, Steve talks about how he went from the son of Hungarian immigrants to leading construction projects at the tender age of 16 to David Cameron’s Senior Advisor to the Republican hopeful for governor of the state of California. It is a story that encompasses different occupations, nationalities and continents. You can also find this episode on and . 

Brent Hoberman, co-founder of Lastminute.com and Made.com, is a true force in the world of entrepreneurship. From building multi-million-dollar businesses to founding the renowned Founders Forum, Brent is now a key player in supporting the next wave of innovators. He’s an advisor to governments on tech, a board member tackling issues from cyberbullying to education and a relentless advocate for startups. In this lively and insightful conversation, Brent opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the dot-com boom, the lessons he’s learned, and the unique challenges of being a pioneer in the digital age.  You can also find this episode on and . 

�㽶ֱ�� is deeply saddened by the death of our alumnus Dr Michael Mosley, and extends our profound sympathy to his family. This podcast was recorded in March 2024.        

Dr Michael Mosley is a household name as a medical journalist, a producer and presenter of award-winning television programmes. He has written international bestselling books on diet, sleep and a myriad of health topics. 

In this episode Michael talks about his circuitous route to medicine and, following that, the media and is full of health advice and anecdotes about the crazy things he has subjected himself to in the quest for medical knowledge from which we may all benefit and thereby live better and longer lives. You can also find this episode on and

Martin Sixsmith is many things; he’s an academic, an investigative journalist, a documentarian and he spent years as a foreign correspondent for the BBC working in Russia, Washington and Poland. He’s an author of both fiction and non-fiction, a radio and television presenter and he was an adviser to the Labour Government. Of the 8 books he has written to date, probably his most well known is “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” which was turned into a multi Oscar and BAFTA nominated film “Philomena” starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

In this conversation, Martin talks about his experiences in Russia, The Cold War and Putin and how he came to write about The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. You can also find this episode on and . 

Sally Phillips co-created, wrote and acted in Smack the Pony, a double Emmy Award-winning comedy show, for which she was nominated for best female newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. She has starred in countless films, television series, comedy shows and radio programmes such as the Bridget Jones films, Miranda, Green Wing, I am Alan Partridge, Rescue Me, Veep, among many others. In this episode Sally talks about some of her career highlights and lowlights, the joys and pitfalls of being a female comedian, what it was like to be Shazza in Bridget Jones, and what it is like to live with her son Ollie, dispelling some of the unkind myths surrounding Down’s Syndrome. You can also find this episode on  and . 

Prasanna Puwanarajah became a junior doctor after graduating from �㽶ֱ��. He then pivoted to acting and has appeared in multiple TV series, films and theatre productions; ‘The Crown’, ‘Patrick Melrose’, ‘Line Of Duty’, ‘Defending the Guilty’, ‘Ten Percent’ to name but a few. 

In this episode he talks to Katie about the challenges he faced being a junior doctor, the multiple and varied projects he has either performed or masterminded in the entertainment industry and why he feels he is ‘skin queer’. You can also find this episode on and .

In no particular order, Gyles Brandreth was an MP in John Major’s government, is a writer of novels, biographies, autobiographies and stageplays, is a broadcaster, a podcaster, a television presenter and an accomplished speaker. He has set up a teddy bear museum, started the UK Scrabble competition, and campaigns for public spaces. In this episode, Katie & Gyles talk all things �㽶ֱ�� and onwards. You can also find this episode on and .

Lucy Walker talks to Katie about how she became a multi-award-winning documentarian and the craft of making documentaries. She shares what it was like to climb a peak in the Himalayas with a group of blind Tibetan children, what it was like to create art out of waste in one of the largest landfill sites in the world, how the Amish youth are set free in the hope they return to the community for life and many other extraordinary stories. You can also find this episode on and . 

Kate Mosse is an international best-selling and multi-award-winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and short stories, playwright, broadcaster and champion for women’s creativity. She has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide in 38 languages and in over forty countries. In this episode, Kate talks about her new book: “Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries”, how she came to be a champion of women’s rights and creativity, the inspiration behind “Labyrinth” and the “Languedoc Trilogy”, what she thinks of Tarot card readings, why “The Taxidermist’s Daughter” is so dark, plus great tips for writers and for living your best life. You can also find this episode on  and . 

Sir Christopher Hampton is a playwright, screenwriter, translator, adaptor, director and lyricist. He is an Oscar and Tony Award winner. Among many things, Sir Christopher talks about his formative years in Alexandria, making theatre history by being the youngest playwright to have a West End hit at the age of 20, writing “Dangerous Liaisons” and winning the Oscar, writing the screenplay of “Atonement”, translating and co-writing “The Father” and his acting role alongside a young Leonardo DiCaprio as the judge in “Total Eclipse”. You can also find this episode on and  

Ingrid Oliver: One half of the comic double act Watson & Oliver; comedian, actor and writer. Ingrid talks about her journey from student to drama school, all the way through to having her own comedy show and to acting in some of the most iconic shows and alongside some of the greatest actors of this generation. She talks about the highs and lows and shares some embarrassing and hilarious moments along the way. You can also find this episode on and .

Patrick Gale is one of this country’s best-loved novelists. He has written 20 sparkling books to date. His novels cover many aspects of life but their essence is about family, relationships, of being human, frail and vulnerable. He is also a screenwriter and his screenplay, Man in an Orange Shirt, won an International Emmy Award for Best Movie/ Miniseries. In this conversation, Patrick talks about his journey, family, novels, and writing method. You can also find this episode on and . 

Rageh Omaar has covered and reported from some of the most hostile places on earth. His career has spanned the BBC, Al Jazeera and ITN. He is a reporter, a documentary maker, author, newscaster and is now International Affairs Editor at ITV. In this conversation Rageh talks about how he became a journalist, his time with the BBC reporting from Iraq during the 2003 invasion and what it was like to interview Nelson Mandela. He discusses the highs and lows of being a journalist and reflects on his life’s work throwing a spotlight on war, terror, trauma and tragedy. You can also find this episode on and .