The Courage to Speak

British-Colombian dancer and artist Fernando Montaño is Leonie Mellinger’s guest in the final episode of the series. In Christmas week, Fernando talks about what it is like to perform in The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House. Born and brought up in very difficult financial circumstances in Colombia, Fernando began his ballet journey in Cali before earning scholarships to the Cuban National Balle...

David Byrne, the Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre in London is Leonie Mellinger’s guest in this episode. In a fascinating conversation, that must surely be essential listening for anyone writing plays in the UK today, David details the process of getting new work commissioned at the theatre. He tells Leonie about his cultural philosophy and why it is important for challenging pieces to...

Journalist, broadcaster and ITV news anchor Julie Etchingham is Leonie Mellinger’s guest in this episode. They discuss the shocking issue of modern slavery, especially the devastating impact it has on victims around the UK. Julie’s reports and documentaries have highlighted modern slavery at home and around the world, in places like Nigeria, Italy and the Philippines. She made a documentary on wom...

Dyslexia has been a serious issue for actress Amanda Barrie throughout her 75-year career, especially when she had to learn scripts for theatre, film and TV. In this hugely entertaining conversation, Amanda tells Leonie Mellinger about how the condition became a “nightmare” and about the techniques she then developed to cope with it. Her new autobiography I’m Still Here was recently published to c...

This episode is about the national disgrace known as the infected blood scandal. Caroline Wheeler is the political editor of the Sunday Times and for almost a quarter of a century she has been investigating what she describes as “the deadliest man-made disaster in British post-war history.” She joins Leonie Mellinger to discuss her acclaimed book Death in The Blood which exposed the full horror of...

Campaigner and businesswoman Gina Miller is Leonie Mellinger’s guest in this episode, discussing how she took the governments of Theresa May and Boris Johnson to court, winning on both occasions. Gina explains why she believed they were trying to illegally prevent Parliament from scrutinising proposed Brexit legislation. She is also remarkably candid about the terrifying abuse and death threats th...

Leonie Mellinger’s guest is Sir Michael Palin, one of the most loved and respected figures in British TV and film. From the Frost Report, Monty Python and Ripping Yarns, through The Missionary, A Fish Called Wanda and The Death of Stalin, to Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole and now Venezuela, Sir Michael has been a fixture on our big and small screens for more than 60 years. He joins Leon...

Leonie Mellinger’s guest is the multi-award-winning journalist, writer and documentary maker, Ramita Navai.  She speaks passionately about impartiality and ethics in journalism and describes the chain of events surrounding the BBC’s decision not to broadcast her documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack which was instead shown on Channel 4. Ramita has strong views about the way she and her team were...

EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe chats about MoonWalk, the annual fundraising event for breast cancer charity Walk The Walk. Next year she’ll be joined in her team by host Leonie Mellinger, for whom the issue recently became personal. Having been friends for more than 40 years, since drama school, Harriet was one of the few people with whom Leonie had already discussed her diagnosis. But as this...

"I've stood on the cliff tops and considered death. I've been there. But they're not worth it.” In Lee Castleton’s first in-depth interview since announcing his new legal action, the former Bridlington sub-postmaster talks to Leonie Mellinger about becoming the first victim of the Post Office scandal to sue both the Post Office and Fujitsu. Lee believes that the Post Office's...

Singer and broadcaster Tom Robinson talks to Leonie Mellinger about having the courage to speak out for gay rights in the 1970s, and performs his best-known protest songs live on the podcast. Tom Robinson was Britain’s first openly gay rock musician, writing Good to be Gay in 1975, then three years later the iconic Glad to be Gay reached number 18 in the UK charts as part of the Tom Robinson Band’...

Paul Sinha joins Leonie Mellinger to discuss his decision to publicly reveal his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and to chat about life with the disease, his comedy career and being part of ITV’s hugely popular quiz show The Chase . As well as being Chaser ‘The Sinnerman’, Paul is one of the UK’s best known stand-up comics and a qualified GP. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, at the age of 49,...

Leonie speaks to award-winning actor Roger Allam about his career on stage and screen, discussing his experiences in shows ranging from Les Miserables to Endeavour and The Thick of It. He also reveals some of the formative experiences that led to him speaking out, including his education at boarding school and early breakthrough with feminist theatre company Monstrous Regiment.

Leonie speaks to the pioneering broadcaster and journalist, best known for becoming Britain's first transgender newsreader and Loose Women presenter. India speaks movingly about her journey, from learning about her identity, to living a double life, and finally embracing who she is and standing up for others.

Leonie speaks to one of Britain's most distinguished lawyers about her pioneering career, from her humble beginnings in Glasgow to her recent appointment to The Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland. As a barrister with over 50 years experience, she has dedicated her life to speaking out for others.

Leonie speaks to campaigner Peter Tatchell about his extraordinary life and career, which has seen him become one of the greatest living examples of 'the courage to speak'. He discusses his difficult childhood in Australia, his experience of coming out, and how standing up for LGBTQ+ rights across the world has left an indelible mark. For more on Peter's foundation, visit: https://www....

Leonie speaks to the award-winning actress, whose many acclaimed performances range from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Succession and Ted Lasso. She reveals how she dealt with difficulties at school and learnt to find her voice through acting and activism, as well as what prompted her to write her new book 'She Speaks'.

For the first episode of series two, Leonie speaks to footballer turned presenter Gary Lineker, who is known for speaking out on a range of humanitarian, climate and other issues. He discusses how he overcame his early shyness, how fame has impacted him, his ability to stay calm under pressure, and the recent furore over his suspension from Match of the Day. For more on The Courage to Speak, visit...

Leonie speaks to bestselling novelist Kathy Lette, the self-described 'mouth from the south', about her landmark books and record of speaking out on a range of issues.

Leonie speaks to acclaimed actor Hugh Quarshie about his fascinating early life and how he found his voice on stage and screen.

Leonie speaks to a revered figure in the world of public health, who reflects on her outstanding medical career, as both clinician and scientist, and long record of speaking up.

Leonie speaks to the legendary cricketer who continues to inspire others with his eloquence, making him a true icon in the world of sport.

Leonie speaks to actress Juliet Stevenson about her early life, acclaimed career and fearless dedication to speaking out on a number of issues.

Leonie speaks to award-winning broadcaster Jon Snow about his childhood, illustrious career in journalism, and encounters with Prime Ministers including Margaret Thatcher.