Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, a major figure in British politics, who took Scotland to the brink of independence; and Ratan Tata, the Indian industrialist who put his faith in British industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we explore the life of Lord Ouseley of Peckham Rye, who was the first black chair of the Commission for Racial Equality. Plus, Frank Coppa, the New York-born gangster who was the inspiration for the 1997 American crime drama film ‘Donnie Brasco’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dame Maggie Smith, the acclaimed and award-winning actor known for her sharp wit, keen eye, and extraordinary talent; and Kris Kristofferson, the country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Jay, a former Times Economics Editor who went on to become Britain’s youngest Ambassador to the US, before returning to the world of journalism as a TV presenter and BBC Correspondent; and Tito Jackson, the older brother of Michael, the “King of Pop”, and an original member of the Jackson 5, the group which helped to pioneer the Motown sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Earl Jones, the multi-award winning actor best-known as the voice of Darth Vader; Alberto Fujimori, former Peruvian President and one of the most controversial figures in post-war Latin American politics; and pioneering Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes, the master of the bossa nova. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek Boshier, amongst the first artists to propel British pop art, his work supported by the likes of David Bowie and contemporary David Hockney. And the life of Helen Fisher, one of America’s most prominent anthropologists who's studied the science of romantic love, attachment, adultery, divorce, and the evolution and future of family life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three extraordinary lives today: Rowena Jackson, New Zealand’s first prima ballerina; Willi Lemke, the German politician turned football manager; and Michel Siffre, the French geologist who lost track of time after living in a dark cave for 1,500 hours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sven-Göran Eriksson managed England's so-called "Golden Generation". And while his success was limited, he brought perspective, respect and a calmness that was before missing. And the life of Virginia Ogilvy, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special profile of Mike Lynch, one of Britain's most celebrated tech entrepreneurs, who lived for years under investigation by U.S. prosecutors until his acquittal just months ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alain Delon was once dubbed the most beautiful man in the world and modelled himself on being a French James Dean, but his life was full of scandal. He cosied up to criminals in the underworld and the hard right of French politics. Plus, we explore the life of Lieutenant Brian Wilson, who narrowly survived Operation Market Garden - one of the Allied forces worst defeats of WWII. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Italian, Benito Nonino played a key part in elevating what was once seen as an uncouth grappa into a premium beverage. And we look back at Sigmund Freud's life and work through the eyes of one of his greatest critics, Frederick Crews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second Lieutenant William Calley was the sole person convicted for the 1968 My Lai massacre: US forces indiscriminately killed as many as 500 unarmed Vietnamese villagers. And we hear about the career of Lord Robert Fellowes, Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary during a tumultuous period of divorces in the Royal Family and Princess Diana's death. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1960, Ireland’s minister for culture pronounced Edna O'Brien's first novel, The Country Girls, “a smear on Irish womanhood”. Over time she would come to be hailed as one of the country’s most gifted writers. And we celebrate the life and work of Sir Kenneth Grange who, as a designer, created objects that changed the way we live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Reardon was one of Britain’s best-known sportsmen, but when he was honoured at Buckingham Palace in 1985 with an MBE for services to snooker, the Queen enquired: “And what do you do?” What he did, was win, triumphing in the World Snooker Championship six times. And we marvel at the life of aid worker Simon Boas, whose candid reflections on his terminal cancer diagnosis moved millions of people around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Ruth Westheimer's voice was once mocked as “a cross between Henry Kissinger and a canary”. But the sex therapist felt it was one of her biggest assets, because she sounded like “Grandma Freud”. Westheimer escaped Nazi Germany and later found fame by talking honestly in public about once-taboo, bedroom topics. And we celebrate the life of Eddie Spence, known as "The King of Royal Icing". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Dumas wielded such clout in the Élysée that he was called “le vice-president”. But despite being a closely trusted ally of François Mitterrand, his career in politics was blighted by allegations of corruption. While the 1953 Wimbledon champion, Vic Seixas, was perhaps under appreciated, and definitely underpaid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Akira Endo discovered the ‘penicillin for cholesterol’. But when offered the drugs he made possible, for his own high cholesterol, he opted for diet and exercise instead. And we hear the remarkable story of the Cuban revolutionary, Olga Morgan Goodwin, who turned on Fidel Castro and was imprisoned for trying to overthrow him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Offbeat, relaxed, and never overly reverential about his craft". The actor Donald Sutherland was described as one of the finest actors never to win an Oscar. And we recall the life of Leah Levin, who in spite of holding no legal qualifications, dedicated her life to righting the wrongs of the British criminal justice system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Dylan wrote Françoise Hardy a poem before they even met. But the iconic french singer-songwriter was irritated by the public's fascination of her beauty rather than her music. And we explore the work of the psychologist, Sue Johnson, who devoted her life to unravelling the mystery of love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Trust me, I'm a doctor' was an instruction many were happy to follow. The BBC show's host, Michael Mosley, combined infectious enthusiasm and dedication to the scientific method. Today we hear his story, plus that of William Anders, astronaut, engineer and photographer of one of the most famous photos ever taken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we hear two remarkable stories of dogged determination. First, the inspirational life of Rob Burrow, the Rugby League star who campaigned so bravely in the face of his motor neurone disease diagnosis. And second, the Oscar winning producer of The Godfather, Albert Ruddy, and the story of the extraordinary steps it took to bring the iconic mobster movie to our screens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week we explore two fascinating lives. Often they’ll be remarkable people whose achievements are universally celebrated. But sometimes, they’ll be people whose lives have other significance.  Today we hear two life stories: one about the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi who died, along with the Iranian foreign minister, in a helicopter crash. And we look back on the life of Commander ‘Sharkey’ Ward, a decorated British pilot who played a decisive role in the Falklands war.  Hosted on...

Introducing Your History, where each week we detail absorbing, life-affirming accounts of remarkable lives.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.