What’s it like being one of Hollywood’s greatest villains - with a heart of gold? Alan Rickman played a professor, a doctor, an angel, a terrorist - but above all - he was a brother, son, husband and friend.  Actress and collaborator Juliet Stevenson and brothers David and Michael take us inside the life of the star of the stage and big screen. In part one, we find out how Alan’s love of art would eventually lead him to tread the boards - and take Hollywood hostage. 

Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity.  Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings.  Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life. In part two, we see what happens when America’s sweetheart goes down the wrong path - and how a soulful diva handles losing her voice.

Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity.  Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings.  Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life. In part one, we find out how a young girl’s faith led her to fame - and how she united America.

Rambling troubadour. Strumming vagabond.  An American treasure. Rock and roll icon Tom Petty is forever Free Fallin’. From rural Florida to the bright lights of Hollywood, Stephanie Okupniak takes us on a journey through Tom’s life alongside his good friend, record promoter Jon Scott.

B.B. King *is* the blues.  The musical giant performed with everyone from rockstars to presidents through the decades - and provided the soundtrack to 20th century America - all with his beloved Lucille by his side.  Stephanie Okupniak honours the life of this Beale Street icon with the help of his daughter Shirley King, former drummer Tony Coleman and close friend Chris Clouser. 

What would you be willing to give up to be famous?   George Michael gave his fans songs they will sing for the rest of their lives - but he had to live a lie for decades. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by his friend and manager Rob Kahane and publicist Phil Lobel to shine a spotlight on his life. In part two, we find out how George was inspired by love and loss to create some of his most iconic tracks - but was never far from controversy.

What would you be willing to give up to be famous?   George Michael gave his fans songs they will sing for the rest of their lives - but he had to live a lie for decades. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by his friend and manager Rob Kahane and publicist Phil Lobel to shine a spotlight on his life. In part one, we explore how George transitioned from boyband heartthrob to a chart-topping solo phenom - all while struggling with his sexuality. 

Lemmy lived life in the fast lane.  The heavy metal pioneer rewrote the history books - fueled by speed, cigarettes and a bottle of Jack.  Stephanie Okupinak takes a deep dive into the rock god's life with the help of journalist Morat and writer Steffan Chirazi. 

Prince was more than pop royalty - he was an artist, a trailblazer, a pioneer and a symbol - literally.  Stephanie Okupniak talks to his studio engineer Susan Rogers and mega fan and biographer Matt Thorne to see what it’s like to work and play with a legend.

Imagine fleeing a cult at four to become a movie star by 14. River Phoenix was more than an 80’s heartthrob. He was a musician, a vegan, an environmental activist and an Oscar nominee.  Stephanie Okupniak is joined by director William Richert and family friend Josh Greenbaum to talk about the echo River left behind.

Stephanie Okupniak is back with a brand new series of A Life Lived.

The second season of A Life Lived will be with you later in 2020 - but in the meantime, check out this brand new original series from Audioboom. Truth vs Hollywood premieres June 12th

Carrie Fisher is known best for her role as Star Wars' iconic feminist hero Princess Leia. But before she ruled over Alderaan, she grew up here on earth as Beverly Hills royalty. In the spotlight her whole life, Carrie battled demons, family feuds, drug addiction and bipolar disorder - all while navigating a successful Hollywood career. Through turbulent relationships and personal heartache her rebellious spirit would remain - and inspire millions.  Stephanie Okupniak is joined by Carrie's...

Kurt Cobain was one of the most iconic rock stars of all time. A reluctant spokesperson for a generation, this boy from a broken home would change the face of rock music forever.  After the raw energy, but moderate success of their debut Bleach, nobody could have predicted the world conquering phenomenon that was Nirvana's Nevermind. Its success would weigh heavily on Cobain. From fights with Axl Rose to his relationship with Courtney Love, Kurt's life was a whirlwind, with his music at the...

Harold Ramis could do it all. Actor, comedian, director, writer. This Ghostbuster has had an undeniable influence on generations of comedians, comedy writers, actors and singers - a lasting legacy for a man who started off as a grocery bagger in his family's store in Chicago. Join Stephanie Okupniak as she gets to the heart of one of the industry's most beloved stars with the help of Harold's daughter Violet Ramis Stiel and co-star Ernie Hudson. We find out how Ramis went working in a...

Alexander McQueen was one of the most striking, controversial and talented designers of his generation.  But how did a taxi driver's son from Lewisham become a four-time 'British Designer of the Year' and attract the following of stars from Lady Gaga to Kate Moss. Join Stephanie Okupniak and authors Andrew Wilson and Dana Thomas to hear the story of the boy who swapped life in a council house for life in the biggest fashion houses in the world. 

Aretha Franklin is the undisputed Queen of Soul.  Join Stephanie Okupniak as we find out how a preacher's daughter who was raised by the church would go on to become the voice of a generation - and winner of 18 Grammy Awards in a remarkable career which spanned six decades.  Documentary film producer Tyrrell Whitley and newscaster & journalist Evrod Cassimy shine a light on the life of the musical icon.  We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Third Love...

George Romero isn't affectionately known as the Father of the Zombie film for nothing. Join Stephanie Okupniak and enter the mind of the horror movie legend - who started with a love for comics and gore & went on to become one of the genre's most iconic directors. Filmmaker John Harrison takes us through the life of his pioneering mentor, friend and collaborator. We couldn't make this show without the support of our sponsors Quip (https://www.getquip.com)  and The Economist...

Bill Paxton was one of Hollywood's most beloved actors - a true southern gentlemen; adored by friends and peers.  Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover how Bill Paxton went from painting sets with James Cameron to starring in the legendary Director's biggest movies.  So stop your grinning and drop your linen to spend to time with co-stars Paul Reiser, Mark Rolston and Jenette Goldstein as they share their wonderful stories of Bill, from the bus ride he took to meet his wife to the camaraderie...

The origin story to end them all. Stan Lee's influence on modern culture is unquestionable, but how did a boy who lived in an apartment with one window develop an imagination that would wow the world? Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover how Stan Lee and his comic book creations conquered the world of cinema, one cameo at a time. Sandy Fries explains how it felt to have Stan as a boss and Lee's former colleague Allen Bellman speaks of his early years and the development of his craft. We...

Tupac Shakur is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Born Lesane Parish Crooks, his mother would rename him Tupac at the age of one - he died at just 25, but during his short life he became the voice of a generation. Join Stephanie Okupniak and find out how Tupac Shakur went from hustling on street corners to conquering the world of rap. In this episode documentary maker and Tupac's friend Gobi Rahimi talks of Shakur's political ambitions, his prolific writing and...

Joan Rivers was a conquistador of comedy. She spoke her mind and spoke from the heart and it took this blonde bombshell from housewife to household name. Her life saw as much tragedy as it did comedy, but at every turn Joan Rivers found a way to keep laughing.  Join Stephanie Okupniak to discover the tale of how this daughter of Russian immigrants conquered the world of comedy.  In this episode you’ll hear from family friend Ricky Stein on how nobody could keep up with Joan's relentless work...

One of the biggest selling and most influential music stars of the last 50 years, David Bowie left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. His androgynous looks, shifting alter-egos and his outstanding catalogue of groundbreaking music, cemented him as a true artist, right to his deathbed. Join Stephanie Okupniak and Bowie's friend and fellow singer Dana Gillespie to discover the amazing journey that took a south London boy called David Robert Jones to a Starman called David Bowie. 

Anthony Bourdain's breakthrough as a world-renowned chef first came from his writing about cooking, not his cooking itself. If you've ever read one of his bestselling books, you'll know why. His humour, his depth of knowledge and his incredible honesty not only helped Bourdain sell millions of books, it also brought him to the attention of TV executives, looking for a different way to talk about cooking on television; it turned Anthony Bourdain into a huge star. Join Stephanie Okupniak and...

The name's Bond. James Bond...the role as the world's most famous spy was made for Sir Roger Moore - the very epitome of suave sophistication. But how did a policeman's son from London, England grow to play one of the most iconic roles in cinema?  Join Stephanie Okupniak and discover the man behind the golden gun. In this episode you'll hear from Sir Roger's daughter Deborah on why there is so much more to him than just being 007; the director Alvin Rakoff on Moore's charm but mischievous...