Helen Skelton on Challenges, Confidence and Comebacks

Helen Skelton on Challenges, Confidence and Comebacks

Author: Kate Thornton February 5, 2026 Duration: 41:24

Welcome to White Wine Question Time - we're not far away from our 500th episode - and as ever we do want to say thank you for listening whether you're new to our show or whether you're one of the OG listeners.


As we prepare for the NEXT 500 shows we'd love to know who your favourite guests have been - drop us an email (about that or anything else!) to hello@whitewinepod.com.


Now this week we have a phenomenal woman on the podcast. Helen Skelton done it all - cycled to the South Pole, kayaked along the Amazon and run marathons through the desert. She continues to redefine her life and career - bending the traditions and so-called rules to fit her ambitions and her family.


Those who have worked with her (including our producer Geoff who worked with Helen at BBC Radio 5 Live) are quick to say she's one of the nicest people in the industry and deserves every opportunity she's fought for. In the past few years we've watched her grow in confidence after some setbacks - and we're all ready for her triumphant era.


As Helen would have said on Blue Peter... here's one we made earlier.


Cheers xx


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens after a glass or two of wine, where guards come down and real stories emerge. That’s the atmosphere White Wine Question Time captures so perfectly. Hosted by Kate Thornton, each episode gathers well-known friends for a relaxed yet revealing chat, structured around three thoughtful questions and, of course, a shared bottle. What unfolds is less a formal interview and more a glimpse into the genuine friendships behind the public personas. You’ll hear laughter, unexpected confessions, and perspectives on culture, society, and current events that rarely make the headlines. This podcast thrives in the space between entertainment and intimate disclosure, often veering into comedy as these candid discussions unfold. With a vast back catalogue of over 450 episodes, each one feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating table. Whether you start with the latest release or browse the extensive archive, you’re guaranteed a listen that’s as engaging and relevant as it is genuinely enjoyable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

White Wine Question Time
Podcast Episodes
Something from the Cellar: Lynda La Plante [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:03
Over the next five Tuesdays we're holding our own mini literature festival. We've delved deep in the archive to find some of the very best authors we've spoken to over the past seven years, and what an icon we have to ki…
Why is Jon Richardson sleeping in a stranger's boxer shorts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
Jon Richardson will not like this podcast description - as you'll hear! Whether you know Jon from 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, his stand-up specials, playing 'himself' in Meet The Richardsons or from his Saturday mor…
Something from the Cellar: Stephen Fry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
A National Treasure. That's what Stephen Fry is. Whether you know him as General Melchett, Jeeves, half of Fry & Laurie, the sound of Harry Potter, the genius of QI or the modern Homer retelling Greek mythology to a new…
Penny Lancaster on menopause, blending families, and role-model Rod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:32
Welcome to a brand new episode of White Wine Question Time. Penny Lancaster takes a break from her Special Constable policing duties to join us for three glasses of wine and answer three thought provoking questions.Some…
Something from the Cellar: Grace Dent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
Grace Dent joined us for White Wine Question Time back in 2021 - it was such a lovely episode, full of food, formative moments and fond memories. Grace talked about losing her mum only months before we spoke, finding her…
Something from the Cellar: Dannii Minogue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:25
Time for another trip to the cellar for something vintage. This episode of White Wine Question Time was originally recorded in 2021 - when the world was in lockdown. Dannii was in Melbourne having moved back from London…
Something from the Cellar: Kelly Cates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:36
Two women are about to make broadcasting history when they become the first female full time hosts of Match of the Day, the storied football highlights program on the BBC. And we just happened to speak to them at the sta…