Jeremy Vine explores what makes us human in this landmark BBC Radio 2 series.Guests deliver their thoughts on the essence of human existence, reflecting on their own lives.
The author and 500 Words judge joins us to answer the question. BBC Radio 2’s ‘500 Words’ competition is now open, and will close on Friday 8th March at 7pm. If you’re looking to send us a story, or to sign-up as a public judge – head to bbc.co.uk/500Words!
Historian David Starkey reveals the man behind the media persona in a moving interview. For him, what makes us human is our unique facility as pattern-making animals.
Leading actress and writer Sheila Hancock talks to Vanessa Feltz live at the Hay Festival. She talks about growing old, life with John Thaw and that being human is breaking the rules.
Best-selling crime writer Val McDermid talks to Jeremy Vine about experimental education in Fife, Raityh Rovers, and how, even in the most appalling circumstances, what makes us human is that we are essentially humane.
The former Watford FC and England Manager, Graham Taylor talks to Jeremy about his undiminished love for football, his Scunthorpe beginnings and how kindness is key to what makes us human
The theatre designer Tom Piper, who worked with artist Paul Cummins to create the Tower of London poppy memorial, talks to Jeremy Vine about the creative value of human collaboration
David Owen has had a full life: foreign minister aged just 38 and founder of the SDP. He talks to Jeremy Vine about his original profession - a doctor - politics and saving the NHS...
The Apprentice's Nick Hewer talks to Jeremy Vine about the battle between human selfishness and altruism. Ever the optimist, Alan Sugar's right-hand man believes giving is its own reward.
From Tehran to Peckham: the founder of the pioneering charity for abused and neglected children, Kids Company, recounts her extraordinary life to Jeremy Vine
London taxi driver and star of A Cabbie Abroad, Mason McQueen, talks to Jeremy Vine about the compassion and empathy of the humans he met on his travels all over the world
American political scientist Francis Fukuyama - the man who predicted the End of History - talks to Jeremy Vine about the triumph of democracy, his family and his imaginary pet mouse...
Computer pioneer and expert in Welsh hill-walking, Peter Hermon in his first ever radio interview. He talks to Paddy O'Connell about his extraordinary life
Life is not a dress rehearsal: the acclaimed writer of Restless, Any Human Heart and a Good Man in Africa talks to Jeremy Vine about the peculiarly human will to live
John Lloyd, responsible for some of the funniest, most intelligent comedy on British TV, believes laughter is what make us human. He tells Jeremy Vine his story
Business secretary and Liberal Democrat MP Vince Cable says dancing is what makes him human. He talks to Jeremy Vine about love, life overseas and rebelling against his dad.
The irrepressible children's writer Michael Rosen says history - the sum total of our individual and shared experiences - are what make us human. A moving interview with Jeremy Vine.
Chairman of the BBC Trust and former cabinet minister, Chris Patten discusses his own life, politics and how art is something animals simply cannot do.
Britain's leading soldier, General Lord Richard Dannatt locates our humanity in our ability to serve others. The former Army chief talks to Jeremy Vine about faith, sacrifice and whether christian soldiers should be allowed to kill.
Leading economist Lord Robert Skidelsky says it's the opposite of economics that makes us human: following our hearts and intuitions, rather than our heads.
The Labour MP and former Home Secretary Alan Johnson discusses how sometimes the best things that make us human emerge from the worst things that humans have to endure.
Former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson talks to Jeremy about her remarkable career, and why she thinks ‘self-awareness’ is part of our humanity.
Journalist Matthew Parris reflects on why playfulness helps to define our humanity, on his time in politics, the difficulties of coming out and the adventures he's had travelling.
Eminent philosopher, writer and huntsman, Roger Scruton talks to Jeremy Vine about Paris '68, Thatcher and how asking questions are what make us human.
World renowned solo percussionist, Evelyn Glennie, discusses music, her hearing loss and listening with her whole body. Features an impromptu performance on her mbira thumb piano.
Celebrated crime writer PD James talks to Jeremy Vine about her own extraordinary story. Having chronicled Britain's changing society in her murder mysteries since the 1960s, she says our ability to rein in our aggressive impulses is what make us human.
Alexei Sayle, the godfather of alternative comedy, talks to Paddy O'Connell about serenity, consumerism and the 1000 year human experiment. And being named after Maxim Gorky.
Caitlin Moran - columnist, feminist icon and best-selling author – talks to Jeremy Vine about her extraordinary life, the gospel according to Sgt Pepper and how humans have a unique ability to create joy.
Mary Robinson, Ireland's first female president, tells Jeremy Vine how it is empathy that binds humans from all walks of life together. A former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she is currently president of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice.
David Puttnam - Oscar-winning filmmaker, UNICEF ambassador and Labour peer - sees the Olympic spirit as the embodiment of humanity. In conversation with Jeremy Vine