with Tony Kearney

Available for 26 days

Tony’s Spiritual Life guest this week is the acclaimed American singer-songwriter John Grant. Having collaborated with artists including Elton John, Sinéad O’Connor and Kylie Minogue, he speaks candidly about accepting his sexuality, overcoming addiction, and finding strength through some of the most challenging periods of his life. Author Alice Oseman reflects on the global success of her series Heartstopper as the beloved coming-of-age story reaches its conclusion in new Netflix movie Heartstopper Forever. Tony is joined by cultural critic and classics teacher Dr Gareth K Vile to discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, its mythological themes, and why it has attracted criticism even before its release. On our Faith Forum panel this week is Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Religion and Society at King’s College London, Luke Devlin, a member of the Catholic Worker Movement, and Sydney Switzer, a freelance Jewish educator. They consider the challenges facing anyone stepping into a high-profile leadership role as Andy Burnham prepares to become the next PM. From managing expectations to building trust and setting a new vision, they reflect on what leadership demands of both those in charge and those they lead. In the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death, they will also explore the rise of online speculation following the deaths of public figures, asking where curiosity ends and responsible discussion begins. And Tony and his panel have been watching Diane Morgan’s new BBC comedy Ann Droid, in which a grieving widow is gifted an outdated care robot by her son when she returns home from hospital. They discuss what the series has to say about loneliness, independence and whether technology can ever truly replace human connection.