Six years ago, Sophie Pierce’s 20 year old son, Felix, died suddenly whilst at university. No warning. No indication. The death was recorded as SUDEP, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Sophie, who had been due to meet her son the day they found him, is learning to live with her unimaginable loss. Part of that healing process is the writing and publication of her new book, The Green Hill - letters to a son. In her conversation with me for this podcast, she also explains how the ritual of her Catholic faith helped her through the worst of times. Her book can be pre-ordered on the link below. https://unbound.com/books/thegreenhill/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=project_mailer%3Apledge_confirm_being_funded

My latest podcast guest is the journalist Mark Dowd. Born in Salford in 1963, he was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended De La Salle College in Pendleton. He later obtained degrees from both Exeter and Oxford University, before exploring his vocation to the priesthood with the Dominican Order. After realising that the life of a friar was not for him, he found his way to journalism at The Times newspaper. From there, he moved to television, working on network programmes such as Weekend World, Newsnight and Panorama. Since leaving the BBC in 2001, he’s specialised in presenting prime time television documentaries on religion themes, such as the award-winning “Children of Abraham”, a three part series for Channel 4. He’s also an author. His latest book is “My Tsunami Journey: The Quest for God in a Broken World”. In a remarkable and honest interview, Mark talks about his life, his sexuality, his career, and his abiding faith.  

My latest podcast interview with the wonderful Rev Richard Coles. From life as a pop star with the Communards, to rural priest and prolific author, the Reverend Richard Coles is a beautiful man. The living embodiment of the people’s Vicar.

Zeb Soanes has one of the most recognisable radio voices in the country. In 2015 he was named the Nation’s favourite male voice in a Sunday Times poll. For years his dulcet tones could be heard on BBC Radio 4. He’s recently moved on to Classic FM. Alongside his radio presenting he regularly appears in concert performances and has published his own children’s book series featuring Gaspard the Fox. As he tells Leo Devine, a recent and serious health setback has changed his whole outlook on life.

Cole Morton is an award winning broadcaster, journalist and writer. A former editor for the Independent on Sunday, he’s also written for The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Financial Times. You may have heard one of his acclaimed BBC radio series, such as “the boy who gave his heart away”, or read one of his five books. For good measure he writes songs and sings in a band called The Light Keepers.

Janey Lee Grace is a former former pop star and backing singer for Wham, Boy George and Kim Wilde. Janey is now a successful DJ, author and TV Presenter.  Since 1999, she's also been a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2 and can be heard regularly on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. Janey talks to Leo about the deep Christian faith that has guided her throughout her amazing career.