Series of profiles of people who are currently making headlines. Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 7pm.
Episodes available:
Indefinitely 
Sat, 11 May 13
Duration:
14 mins
This week the football world ascended dizzying heights of breathlessness over the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. But as one footballing titan steps down, another - a man who is, in some ways, the antithesis of Sir Alex - is about to step up to take on one of the highest-profile jobs in world football. Tim Franks profiles Pep Guardiola, and asks whether he could be Sir Alex's successor as perhaps the most successful manager in the game.
Sat, 4 May 13
Duration:
15 mins
As she wages war against tax avoidance, Margaret Hodge, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee is becoming one of the most high-profile women in British politics. Her latest role comes towards the end of a controversial career in which she has won admirers and detractors. And as Edward Stourton discovers, her political journey is set against the background of a turbulent personal life that began as the daughter of Jewish refugees in Egypt.
Sat, 27 Apr 13
Duration:
14 mins
Alisher Usmanov has just been named the richest man in Britain. Making his fortune in the collapsing Soviet Union his business interests have stretched from plastic bags to minerals, telecoms, Facebook and Arsenal Football Club. As Mark Coles discovers, Usmanov's rise has not been straightforward, nor free of controversy.
Sat, 20 Apr 13
Duration:
14 mins
Robert Mueller took on the job one week before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks. Now, as he approaches retirement, the FBI is again dealing with the aftermath of an attack on American soil. Mark Coles profiles the long-serving and influential head of the FBI.
Sat, 13 Apr 13
Duration:
14 mins
Opera star Elizabeth Llewellyn had an obvious singing talent from and early age. Her school-teachers in south London encouraged her to take lessons and go to concerts, and she won a place at the Royal Northern College of Music.However ill-health forced her to drop out, her talent lying dormant. Years later, she joined an amateur choir, her new colleagues urged her to take her voice more seriously. She auditioned for the Glyndebourne chorus and from that point on her rise has been meteoric. Mary Ann Sieghart presents.
Sat, 6 Apr 13
Duration:
14 mins
The online retailer Amazon.com has revolutionised shopping as we know it. What began as a small start-up in a Seattle suburb has rapidly grown into arguably the most significant technology company on the planet, making its founder, Jeff Bezos, a billionaire many times over. Using his vast fortune to pursue a childhood dream of space exploration, he has built a secretive research programme in a remote part of Texas. But who exactly is Jeffrey Preston Bezos? Producer: Ian Muir-Cochrane
Sat, 30 Mar 13
Duration:
14 mins
Lucy Winkett is a former Canon of St Paul's and a favourite to become the first female Bishop in the Church of England. Profile looks at her life and speaks to those close to her.
Fri, 22 Mar 13
Duration:
15 mins
Magnus Carlsen is the world’s highest rated chess player at only 22 years old. He played chess legend Gary Kasparov when he was 13, and achieved a draw. Profile speaks to those closest to him and asks if this wunderkind will be the next world champion?
Sat, 16 Mar 13
Duration:
15 mins
Powerful Chinese businesswoman Zhang Xin is the billionaire CEO of a property development business but she's also a philanthropist and is vocal about issues ranging from democracy to smog. So what’s behind the rise of one of the key figures in the new China?
Sat, 9 Mar 13
Duration:
15 mins
Justin Bieber is an international pop phenomenon and internet sensation. He has 21 million followers on twitter and his first hit song was the most watched video on You Tube. Mark Coles profiles this multi-millionaire teenager who has upset his UK fans recently. Are the pressures of such huge fame beginning to show?
The BBC Podcasts are for your personal non-commercial use only.
All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the BBC Podcasts shall remain the property of the BBC or third parties. You may not edit, alter, adapt or add to the BBC Podcast in any way. The BBC Podcasts are made available by the BBC on an "as is" and "as available" basis and the BBC gives no warranty of any kind in relation to the BBC Podcast. To the maximum extent permitted by law the BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of, or connected to, the download or use of the BBC Podcasts.
You need Javascript enabled and Flash version 10 installed to access this audio. Please view our BBC Webwise guide.
Which women have the biggest impact on Britain’s economy, society, politics and culture today? Interviews, discussions and features related to the Power List – Woman’s Hour’s list of the 100…
Tue, 7 May 13
8 minutes
Biography series exploring the greatest people who ever lived. Matthew Parris interviews an eminent guest and an expert to reveal the truth behind their history heroes.
Tue, 14 May 13
27 minutes
BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
