Profile on Radio 4

Who's at the top of the news agenda? Why are they causing a stir? What's their background? How do their nearest and dearest describe them?

These are just a smattering of the questions explored in BBC Radio 4's brilliant 15-minute programme, Profile. If you're short on time and desperate for a detailed but lighthearted run down of who you should know about and why, this is the show for you. Presented by Mark Coles, Profile aims to provide "an insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines" and I can't count the number of times it's brought me up to speed with a politician, scientist, global leader, athlete or musician who's somehow passed me by.

If you're expecting a dreary character summary that reminds you about why you're so ill-informed, then you couldn't be further from the truth. Mark Coles is a witty, engaging, and entertaining presenter who masterfully orchestrates a lighthearted deep-dive into the life and times of an individual making waves. His skillful one liners are matched by probing questions as he speaks with the friends, family and acquaintances of those who are closest to them. Out of the woodwork emerge long forgotten school teachers, childhood chums and gushing grandparents keen to share their stories - all of whom subtly shed light on a tight-lipped Foreign Secretary or stern-faced CEO. The programme is also highly polished and produced. Brilliant edits of music and news clips top and tail amusing anecdotes and ensure Profile is an enjoyable, as well as an informative, listen.

In recent weeks, I've tuned into episodes while out on a walk, clearing my desk and getting ready for bed. Everyone from Priti Patel and Dominic Raab to Dame Vera Lynn and Megan Rapinoe. At the beginning of May when the Supreme Leader of North Korea hadn't been seen in public for weeks and speculation as to his whereabouts was rife, Profile delved into Kim Yo-jong, politician and sister and confidante to Kim Jong-un. Fascinating insights into the politics of North Korea are mixed with dramatic clips from state media - oh and President Donald Trump. Becky Milligan works her way through "clues" about the mysterious figure, speaking with academic experts, diplomats and analysts from BBC Monitoring. If that doesn't whet your appetite, it's worth tuning in just to hear the haunting sound of piped music played, apparently, every morning to wake up the nation...

It was Matt Hancock's turn to be in the Profile hot seat at the end of April. With the global pandemic raging and critical questions swirling about testing promises and personal protective equipment, Mark takes a close look at the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care for England. Profile traces Matt's life from school days to the top of government and even reveals he tried his hand at sports broadcasting at Oxford University's student radio station. A stint in which he apparently missed the rugby at Twickenham due to oversleeping and instead reported from a phone box after watching in a Reading pub. While pretending to be live at the stadium, obviously. The line, "not sure Ofcom would have approved", gives you a sense of Mark Coles' presenting style. Audio clips from Winnie the Pooh add glorious flourishes to claims of "tiggerish" behaviour and to stories of a post-university expedition to the North Pole to achieve the most northerly game of cricket ever played. As you can tell, it's stuffed full of surprises.

Usually broadcast on Radio 4 on Saturdays at 7pm, BBC Sounds means you can discover a back catalogue of 583 editions - at the time of writing! Profile has turned its attention to everyone from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Serena Williams to Theresa May and David Lammy. If Washington politics is your thing, you can dive into all the key players, including Donald and Melania Trump, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, John Bolton, Stormy Daniels, Stephen Bannon, Mike Pence, Paul Manafort, Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Nancy Pelosi. You can hear about the founder of Netflix, the CEO of Greggs and private secretary to the Queen. Not to mention the famous couture couple, Dolce & Gabbana, world-renowned talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, and brain behind Amazon, Jeff Bezos.

Profile may only be short in length but it's a programme packed with stunning insights and glittering anecdotes. Once you start listening, you won't look back.

Radio 4's Profile: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qjz5/episodes/guide

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