Francis Spufford

Prize-winning author and Hollywood screenwriter share their journeys back to faith, discussing their conversion stories and the emotional sense Christianity can make, exploring unexpected paths to belief in God.

Joy Whitby, pioneering children’s TV producer behind PlaySchool and Jackanory. Francis Spufford, novelist who fictionalises pre-war BBC life. John Wyver, historian of early British television and archivist. They trace Baird’s first demonstrations, cramped Alexandra Palace studios, early programming choices from puppetry to live drama, and how TV’s intimate, classed beginnings shaped formats that endure.

Francis Spufford, novelist and essayist best known for inventive literary fantasies, chats about his new wartime fantasy Nonesuch. He discusses C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams influences. He explains building a vivid 1940s London, writing a female protagonist to push back on the Inklings, and mixing angels, occult Nazis and Technicolor romance.

Francis Spufford, author of the acclaimed non-fiction work Red Plenty, dives deep into the ambitions of the Soviet Union during the Kruschev era. He examines the blend of ideology and economy, contrasting the aspirations of communism with capitalist realities. The discussion reveals the intricacies of the Soviet economy, from innovative mathematical approaches to consumer needs to the unexpected creativity emerging from bureaucratic constraints. Spufford also shares insights into the optimism felt by citizens post-Stalin, reflecting on their hopes amid systemic challenges.

Francis Spufford, a British writer and historian, dives into the complexities of the Soviet dream in the 1950s with his book, Red Plenty. He discusses the stark contrast between idealistic aspirations and harsh realities in Soviet life. Spufford highlights the dynamics of power, showing how familial ties influenced societal hierarchies. He also explores the decline of Soviet economics, reflecting on disillusionment and systemic inefficiencies. The blend of historical fiction and personal narrative offers a unique lens on this fascinating period.