Sandi Toksvig's bright side

Sandi Toksvig's bright side

From Conversations by ABC Australia

April 23, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

Sandi Toksvig shares her unique life experiences and the influence of her father on her curiosity about the world.

The Danish-British author, broadcaster and comedian recalls her unusual early life with glee, including how she came to be holding the hand of Neil Armstrong’s assistant at NASA’s headquarters on July 20, 1969. (R) Sandi’s interest in the world was stoked from a young age by her father, Claus, who was Denmark’s first Foreign Correspondent, and who was incredibly famous in his homeland. It was her dad who believed experiences were more important than day-to-day schooling, which is how Sandi came to be holding the hand of Neil Armstrong’s assistant at NASA’s mission control on the day of the Apollo moon landing. Sandi's irrepressible curiosity in the world and its people has been a source of renewal for her, from moments of crippling loneliness and homophobia to joyful occasions and performances. Further information Originally broadcast November 2022. This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. This episode references LGBTQIA+, Cambridge, Footlights, QI, The Great British Bake Off, Danish news, NASA, astronaut, moon, space, ovarian cyst, two mums, To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah…

People in this episode

Hosts: Richard Fidler, Sarah Kanowski

Guest: Sandi Toksvig

Topics covered

  • biography
  • space exploration
  • LGBTQIA+
  • comedy
  • curiosity
  • family influence

Keywords

  • Sandi Toksvig
  • NASA
  • Apollo moon landing
  • LGBTQIA+
  • comedy
  • biography
  • space

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NASA, Cambridge, Footlights, QI

Books & works: The Great British Bake Off

Places: Denmark, Australia

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