Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

With Connie McLaughlin

Crime writer Denise Mina, equine therapy, whether we are a touch-deprived culture and Tony MacAulay on a new film about his life during The Troubles in N.Ireland.

Crime writing is big business and one of the most successful is Scottish author Denise Mina. She’s also a prolific broadcaster, a graphic novelist and playwright. Not bad for someone who didn’t learn to write until she was nine.

The value of equine therapy is increasingly being recognised, but what is it about horses that can trigger such strong healing connections with people? Connie talks to Sue Brewlis, a trauma therapist who works with horses, and Erin Walsh who has tried Equine Facilitated Human Development.

The links between kindness and empathy and touch are being explored in a new initiative between the ±«Óãtv and Goldsmiths University. The Touch Test explores attitudes towards touch, and to what extent our culture, biology and personality traits impact on those attitudes. Nancy Nodds is a cuddle therapist and Dr Suzanne Zeedyk is a developmental psychologist.

In our occasional Inspirations series art critic Heath Sheridan reveals the song that never fails to make his heart skip a beat.

Tony MacAulay has spent his adult life at the coalface of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, campaigning and working towards peace. In a rather unusual twist, Hollywood is now showing an interest in his story. Connie chats to Tony about his life and the unexpected prospect of fame.

1 hour, 25 minutes

Last on

Sun 23 Feb 2020 10:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 23 Feb 2020 10:00