Hannah MacInnes

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Hannah is a Broadcaster, Journalist and Podcast Host who has interviewed hundreds of cultural and political figures. She presents frequently on Times Radio and currently hosts the How To Academy’s live programme and podcast. She has written articles and conducted interview pieces for Radio Times, the Evening Standard and the TLS, you can also find her work on Substack as The Conversationist.

With a skill for tackling contemporary global issues, Hannah is particularly experienced exploring the intersection of Politics and Culture. Her brilliantly engaged voice on issues ranging from climate change to literary heroines is underpinned by a doggedly diligent work ethic in her research, facilitating an always-curious, fresh, exciting and above all relatable approach to topics on air, on the page and on screen.

Eight years as a Planning Editor at BBC Newsnight, where she was also a Producer and Filmmaker, have given her an extensive knowledge and fantastic perspective on the best way to engage an audience from any demographic.

These skills have taken her across the country to host at major literary events, conferences and debates on pressing world issues such as the environment & farming, Brexit, the economy, gender equality, comedy, literature & culture. Engaging in ‘fireside chat style’ interviews, Hannah has had in-depth conversations with the likes of Bill Clinton, Melinda Gates, Madeleine Albright, Jeremy Hunt, Ed Miliband, Rory Stewart, Dame Jane Goodhall, Louis Theroux, Richard Dawkins, Philip Pullman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sean Penn, David Mitchell, Ian Hislop, Davina McCall, Nadiya Hussein, Dolly Alderton and Mike Leigh.

Hannah is also the host of The Klosters Forum Podcast which focuses on environmental issues. The podcast’s three series have covered plastic pollution, the impact of food systems on Biodiversity and the built environment.

When she’s not buried in research, Hannah is a keen sportswoman with a love of cold water swimming (which she was doing long before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon, and made a film about for Newsnight back in 2O15) and of running. She has competed in a number of marathons and the odd Ultra – reflecting the endurance and commitment to her body of work.