Dr Sian Williams: BBC News, Hillsborough, the breakfast sofa years, and becoming a psychologist

Legends of News

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Friday, 1 August 2025 - 59 minutes

In this episode, Dermot Murnaghan welcomes broadcaster and psychologist Dr. Sian Williams for a conversation about journalism, resilience, and the deeply human side of news. From her early days in Liverpool newsrooms to becoming one of the youngest editors on Radio 4 and eventually a trauma psychologist, Sian shares stories of imposter syndrome, newsroom sexism, learning to run in flat shoes, and why being a good journalist starts with listening. She also discusses her shift into psychology, driven by witnessing the mental toll of trauma — both on those in front of the camera and those behind it.Sian also reveals:The night she realised journalism isn’t about scoops — it’s about holding fragile stories with careHow being mistaken for a guest at a screen test led to a job as a BBC News presenterWhat it meant to be embedded in Liverpool during the Hillsborough disaster — and why it changed herFor more information email LegendsofNews@Sassyplus.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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