Radio Oldie

John Humphrys, the former Today programme presenter, and Oldie columnist Matthew Norman mourn John's brother, Graham Humphrys, who has just died at 87. Matthew recalls the death of his parents in their late 80s - and how vital it was that they should die at home.

Sebastian Faulks speaking about his new book, Fires Which Burned Brightly, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 14th 2026.

Anna Mathias speaking about her new book, The Greyhound Diary, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 14th 2026.

John Humphrys is back!Radio Oldie is delighted to host a new podcast, The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford, starring the great broadcaster and Matthew Norman, Oldie columnist, formerly the Guardian diarist and Telegraph columnist.For over 30 years, from 1987 until 2019, John Humphrys was the chief presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme. Now he and Matthew, great friends - often with severe differences of opinion - lock horns for the Oldie.In the first episode, John recalls how the back-breaking poverty of his childhood in Splott, Cardiff, galvanised him to embark on his extraordinary career. And he movingly remembers being the first journalist on the horrifying scene in Aberfan 60 years ago, when a colliery spoil tip engulfed a school, killing 116 children and 28 adults.John says of his new presenting companion, ‘Matthew is one of the most gifted hacks I’ve ever met: clever, funny, staggeringly articulate and with a total conviction that he’s right about everything. Always. But is he?’Matthew says of the new venture, ‘At this point of the calendar, it behoves us to remember that we all have a cross to bear. Working with John Humphrys is mine.’Recording provided by Yamaha Music

Simon Jenkins, former Times editor and author of A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump, talks to Harry Mount.Next month’s state visit to America by the King should be delayed while the Iran war continues, says Simon. He talks about the 250th anniversary of American independence and how confident he is that the mighty US constitution will ultimately keep Trump at bay.

Simon Jenkins speaking about his new book, A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on March 17th 2026.

The actor Derek Jacobi talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his long career and his various roles ranging from Hamlet to acting in Gladiator, Dr Who and Last Tango in Halifax. His career stretches back to Cambridge University and then Birmingham Rep where he was spotted by Laurence Olivier and chosen to play Laertes opposite Peter O’Toole’s Hamlet in the National Theatre’s inaugural production at The Old Vic. Putting his success entirely down to luck, Jacobi celebrates his good fortune and is currently on tour in conversation with his partner of 47 years and now husband, Richard Clifford. Tickets for Derek's upcoming tour: https://www.cliveconwayproductions.com/shows/sir-derek-jacobi-in-conversation-with-richard-clifford

Comedian, actor and author Nigel Planer, stuck with being known as the lugubrious hippy Neil in the 1980’s sitcom The Young Ones, talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his memoir Young Once. He tells her how he’s finally escaped being Neil and how, alongside his career as a well-known comedian, he’s forged a successful career as an actor, musician, playwright, poet, audiobook narrator and more.

Nigel Planer speaking about his new book, Young Once: A Life Less Heavy, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on February 17th 2026.

Pru Leith speaking about her new book, Being Old and Learning to Love It!, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on February 17th 2026.

Lady Antonia Fraser, 93 – Oldie of the YearLady Antonia Fraser wrote The House That Spoke: The History of a Home last year – 71 years after her first book, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.

Michael Heath, 90 – Oldie King of the ToonsAt 90, Michael Heath remains our finest observational cartoonist. Since he first placed a cartoon in Melody Maker in 1955 – more than 70 years ago – he has drawn people with the clothes, hair and mannerisms of the moment.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.