Desert Island Discs

The actor Michael Sheen was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025.
He has portrayed many real people on stage including Tony Blair, Brian Clough and David Frost, though never Jack Nicholson. That was his father's department, who had a second career impersonating the actor, which started around the time Nicholson played the Joker in the 1989 Batman film.
You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Record producer Rick Rubin was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2022.
He is responsible for shaping the sound of artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys and is credited with reinvigorating the career of Johnny Cash in the 1990s, but you're more likely to see him reclining on a sofa than hunched over a mixing desk when he's hard at work. He explains what he listens for in a piece of music.
You can hear the full episode on BBC Sounds.

The writer and journalist Caitlin Moran was cast away by Kirsty Young in 2017.
Her journey took her from a three-bedroom council house in Wolverhampton, where she lived with her parents and seven siblings, to becoming a columnist for The Times newspaper and writing her own sitcom. She explains why she feels it's important to highlight the experience of those raised on benefits like herself.
You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

The comedian Romesh Ranganathan was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025.
He’s a BAFTA-winning broadcaster, standup, actor and writer who has been a fixture on British TV screens for the past decade. He talks about finding the sweet spot in his comedy and how discussing the perils of parenting on stage has resulted in cult hero status for his middle son.
You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

The wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson was cast away by Sue Lawley in 2001.
She recalls the pressure to do well at the Sydney Olympics and the relief when she managed to clinch four gold medals, but the long-distance phone call home to live-stream the medal ceremony nearly broke the bank.
You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.