Desperately Seeking Wisdom hosted by former Number 10’s Director of Politics and Communications, Craig Oliver, is a new 12-part podcast talking to high-profile and unexpected guests.
Many have faced extremely difficult and often, traumatic experiences. Craig finds out what they learned and what they believe will help others gain peace of mind and heart. He also shares what challenged and worked for him.
Episode one, which is released today, features BBC journalist and presenter, George Alagiah. George and Craig worked together at BBC News at Six and Ten. He’d had an extraordinary life and career, and then he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The prognosis wasn’t good. He was told to get his affairs in order.
During the interview, George talks candidly about his diagnosis in 2014, how it affected him and how he’s doing today. He also opens up about telling is wife Fran about his diagnosis and why life is now richer than ever.
On vulnerability and feeling diminished, George says: “I remember that period very, very well. Feeling very vulnerable, feeling very diminished.
“I remember going back to work and actually telling my editor at the time, Paul Royall, ‘You’re gonna have to hold my hand on this one.’ Because I’d been off for 18 months, and I didn’t feel very strong. That was an occasion where I had to say to someone, ‘I’m feeling vulnerable’, someone professionally.”
There’s also one piece of wisdom George would give to people, and it involves what he’s learned over the past seven years since his diagnosis – you can hear what it is in episode one of Desperately Seeking Wisdom with Craig Oliver, out today and available on all major podcast providers.
New episodes are released every Monday, with future guests including Richard Curtis, Ruth Davidson, George Alagiah, Isabel Hardman, Lord Michael Hastings, Tom Bradby and Justin Webb.
