All Episodes

April 19, 2025 53 mins

Emma Jane Kirby has worked as a Foreign Correspondent for the BBC, written documentaries, audio drama, a novel, and so much more.

The main reason for their interview is the recent audio series A Most Audacious Heist, that looks in to real life theft of the Sisi Star, which looks into the lives of Empress Sisi herself, and the likable rogue Daniel Blanchard, who sole the star in a way that gives Ethan Hunt from the Mission Impossible films a run for their money. Or did he?

The conversation looks at how EJ's history as a foreign correspondent for the BBC has inspired her writing these great stories based on true stories.

They also discuss the audio series The Butterfly King, which is about a former European king, who died after meeting Adolf Hitler, and after denying Hitler's request to hand over Jews that were being protected in their country.

They also discuss EJ's novel, The Optician of Lampedusa, based on the true story of an optician who whilst vacationing on the Meditteranean Sea, saved a few hundred people trying to escape oppression in their own country, who were floating after their boat sank.

Also mentioned during the show is the superb work that production company Blanchard House, under the creative directorship of previous show guest Rosie Pye. We also discuss EJ's history as a former writer for the iconic British radio drama The Archers, which up to now has been around for 74 years, and is still going strong.

https://www.blanchard-house.com/

https://linktr.ee/podslikeus/ 

 

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Cardiac Cowboys

Cardiac Cowboys

The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.