A no holds-barred and occasionally raucous conversation around one of the trickiest subjects of all: death and dying. Karl and his Mum have always been able to talk openly about most things. But as Jilly gets older they have had up until now only vague conversations about how to deal with the end of her life. Jilly has always insisted she wants to be in control of her own life - and that includes her death. But not only is she frank and incredibly open about choosing how to die, in this hour long episode to mark the beginning of a new season of podcasts, she talks to her eldest son about the deaths of other people that she has found uplifting, important and sometimes deeply traumatic. WARNING: This conversation includes explicit references to sexual abuse, violence as well as tenderness, love and laughter.

One of the most extraordinary conversations in the series so far. In the early summer of 2014, a man called Colin called Karl out of the blue to say there was someone he felt might be interesting for him to talk to. A date and time were quickly arranged and soon Karl was travelling up to East Anglia to meet both Colin and Celia in person. Within just a few seconds of the conversation beginning, it becomes clear that Celia's story is a truly extraordinary one. It's a story that contains chapters of almost unbelievable emotional and physical cruelty: a child deprived of some of the most basic things in life and a young woman who finds herself in a relationship that is as cruel and as unloving as you can probably imagine. It's a compelling story. And in some ways, it's a horror story. But finally, it's a story of hope, carried and ultimately transformed by the incredible character of someone who will simply not be beaten down and whose belief and faith in life and love triumphs with an audibly glorious smile - and a big hug. Celia passed away in April 2019 but her capacity to inspire courage and resilience in the face of adversity lives on.

A fascinating, moving and sometimes profane conversation between Karl and the hugely talented Isobel Anderson, singer, song-writer and sound artist. The conversation, with Isobel's music as an underscore, is about tinnitus, pain and the effect these two things have had on Isobel's life and work. It features Isobel's song LIttle Sounds of Pain from her new album In My Garden which you can download from her website isobelanderson.com and is released in conjunction with the British Tinnitus Association who do such great work in helping the millions of people who have to integrate tinnitus into their daily lives.

A challenging but inspiring conversation for anyone who is feeling robust enough to listen to it. At the age of 15, Jane was attacked and raped in her own home. In this edit she talks honestly and graphically to Karl about what happened to her that night, how it affected her as a young woman and how she overcame the incredible ordeal she went through and began to come to terms with it. Please note this is not a conversation for children. Do get in touch with us if you want to know more about The Dialogue Project or go to http://understandingdifference.blogspot.com/ A transcription of this conversation is available on http://yousend.it/why_not_me_part1_transcription

A compelling rendition of a story about forgiveness, empathy and the courage to change. A podcast of Karl's first show for BBC Radio 4, A Different Kind of Justice, produced by Russell Finch for Somethin' Else, first broadcast in January 2013. In the show, Karl reveals the inside story of a Restorative Justice meeting between Ian and Margaret a burglar and his victim, tracing the effects on everyone involved. This show received an enormously positive response after its first broadcast in the UK. For more conversations listen to the podcasts on iTunes or go to Karl's blog http://understandingdifference.blogspot.com/ 

The first unedited 12 minutes of Karl talking to Margaret in preparation for their conversation that was to become part of Karl's first programme for BBC Radio 4, A Different Kind of Justice, first broadcast on January 11th 2013. This is an addendum to the show in order to answer some of the many questions that have been asked as part of the overwhelming response to the programme. With thanks to Russell Finch at Somethin' Else who produced the BBC show. For more conversations listen to the podcasts on iTunes or go to Karl's blog http://understandingdifference.blogspot.com/ 

A unique and uplifting conversation. Jess enjoys a life enriched by a particular form of Tourette's Syndrome. She has an alarm bell. And a serious sense of humour. Her day to day is full of challenges but her attitude is no longer one of being afraid. After a recent furore in the British press Jess has been interviewed by radio stations and newspapers. But in this long form conversation, she pulls no punches and talks frankly and wittily about fear, ambition and her extraordinary project Tourette's Hero.

 

Do get in touch with us if you want to know more about The Dialogue Project or for more conversations go to understandingdifference.blogspot.com

 

You can find out more about Jess, her co-founder Matt and their fabulous project at touretteshero.com

A study of tenderness, Karl talks to Adrian a pain doctor about his approach to the most delicate of doctor patient relationships. He considers the value of silence in his work, the dedication to empathy and the challenges that working with people in pain can present for those who care, professionally and personally. If you feel moved to do so, let us know what you think of the conversation by emailing us at info@thedialogueproject.com You can download a transcript of this conversation at http://yousend.it/you_dont_talk_transcription_new

A conversation between Karl and Rebecca Meredith who (in partnership with Marlena Valles) took part in a debating competition in which she was verbally abused with a series of sexist and misogynistic comments from a group of young men from Glasgow University Union. This ugly and unprovoked attack was made even more grotesque by the media coverage that followed in its wake. The Daily Mail headline screeched Cambridge Debating Stars Left In Tears By Barrage. At Karl's invitation, Rebecca gives her version of what at times feels like an almost unbelievable series of events in an unedited, frank and open conversation.