Inheritance Tracks

Latest Episodes:

Philippa Gregory Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

Philippa Gregory is the bestselling historical fiction who, amongst other things, has been bringing the Tudor period back to life; through the eyes of the women oft forgotten by the textbooks.

In her latest book, The Boleyn Traitor, Philippa tells the story of how Jane Boleyn survived watching from the shadows of the Tudor court, using the only weapon she has; her voice.

If you’re listening to this in a half-snooze state...you won’t be for much longer, because Philippa's first choices are stirring stuff indeed.

Inherited: Coppélia, Act I, Mazurka performed by the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Passing on: Swing Low Sweet Chariot performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo ft. China Black

Producer: Ben Mitchell

Joanna Lumley Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

You may know her best as the icons — Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Purdey in The New Avengers, or Hester Frump in Wednesday...but away from the stage and screen, Joanna Lumley's life is surrounded by music.

Inherited: In the Mood by Glenn Miller Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam Makeba

Producer: Ben Mitchell

Davina McCall Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

Davina McCall is a hugely successful TV presenter who’s hosted some of the biggest shows with the biggest stars.

She’s also made her mark, as a broadcaster and writer, in the field of women’s health - all whilst battling a brain tumour.

Rarely has anyone talked about their Inheritance Tracks with such passion, eloquence, and sheer raw emotion.

Inherited: State of Independence by Donna Summer Passed on: You Can Do It by Caribou

Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Joanna Page Sep 27, 2025

Show notes

From Swansea to Barry Island Joanna Page has been a friendly face in millions of houses for almost two decades.

But by her own admission, despite her Welsh roots, music is not her forte...although it clear plays an important part in her life.

Inherited: Northern Sky by Nick Drake Passed on: Chic Mystique by Chic

Producer: Ben Mitchell

Mark Kermode Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

Mark Kermode is a brilliant Film critic, writer, broadcaster and co-host of podcasts Kermode and Mayo's Take - and Screenshot.

In his book, Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music, Mark and fellow author Jenny Nelson, discuss the power that music has on screen.

With that in mind, what music will he choose as the soundtrack to his life?

Inherited: 2002 Zarathustrevisited by Stan Kenton & His Orchestra Passed on: Top of the World by Shonen Knife

Producer: Ben Mitchell

Dan Brown Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

The chances of writing a novel which sells more than 80 million copies are about as remote as a lad from Stockport making it to the NBA, but Dan Brown pulled it off with The Da Vinci Code.

That book, like his new novel, delves into literature, symbology, secret societies and so on. None of which were his first passion.

Dan Brown’s first passion was music - as he reveals in his Inheritance Tracks.

Inherited: Todo a Pulmón by Miguel Ríos Passed on: Morning Mood by Edvard Grieg

Producer: Ben Mitchell

Oti Mabuse Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

Oti Mabuse was the first professional dancer to win the Strictly Glitterball two years in a row with her partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.

But prior to her success on the Stricktly ballroom Oti had already become South African Latin American Champion no fewer than eight times.

Music remains massively important to her, both professionally and personally, as she tells us in her Inheritance Tracks.

Inherited: Modimo by Sowetto Gospel Choir Pass on: I was here by Beyoncé

Producers: Ben Mitchell and Catherine Powell

Janet Street-Porter Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

Broadcaster Janet Street-Porter with the ‘Mad Scene’ from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and ‘Enjoy Yourself’ by Prince Buster.

Ade Adepitan Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

TV presenter, and Paralympian, Ade Adepitan chooses ‘One Drop’ by Bob Marley and ‘Optimistic’ by Sounds of Blackness.

Rick Edwards Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

Presenter Rick Edwards chooses 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses and 'Witness (1 Hope)' by Roots Manuva.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected