Influential with Katty Kay

Brooke Shields sits down with Katty Kay to discuss her journey from child star to resilient adult. She reflects on her early fame, the influence of her mother, and the challenges she faced growing up in the spotlight. Shields shares insights on what it’s like to age as an actress, the pressures of maintaining a public persona, and the freedom and confidence she has found in her later years.

Actor Derek Jacobi sits down with Katty Kay to discuss his storied career, spanning over 60 years. He reflects on his most iconic roles, including in Gladiator and I, Claudius. Jacobi shares his insights into the importance of luck in his career, the support of his parents, and the challenges of being a gay actor at a time when homosexuality was criminalized.

Vera Wang sits down with Katty Kay to discuss her journey from aspiring Olympic figure skater to iconic fashion designer. She reflects on her early career at Vogue, her transition to Ralph Lauren, and the creation of her own bridal line. Wang discusses the influence of her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and her philosophy on fashion and design.

Wynton Marsalis chats to Katty Kay about being one of the most celebrated figures in both jazz and classical music. Marsalis reveals how early fame and the challenges that came with it, including skepticism from older musicians, the difficulty of mastering jazz, and the influence of his father, Ellis Marsalis, shaped his career.

Bestselling author Ann Patchett sits down with Katty Kay to discuss her journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author. Patchett reflects on her early career, the resilience needed to succeed, and the unexpected joy of owning a bookstore in Nashville. She also shares insights into her writing process, her philosophy on optimism, and how she tries to avoid letting technology impact her life.

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi sits down with Katty Kay to discuss his journey from an aspiring academic to becoming a world-renowned chef. He reflects on his upbringing in Jerusalem, the influence of his parents, and his early career in journalism. The pair discuss the communal power of food, its role in bringing people together, and the importance of simplicity and comfort in cooking.

Ken Burns, the celebrated documentarian behind some of the most iconic historical films, chats to Katty Kay about his life and work. From a quiet life in rural New Hampshire to the unexpected impact of fame, Burns explains how perspective shapes his storytelling, shares his meticulous documentary process, and his latest project marking 250 years since the American Revolution.