Richard Bacon Asks ‘Why Are You More Successful Than Me?’

EXCLUSIVE: Richard Bacon wants to know the secret of success.

The British presenter and producer will front an ongoing video podcast series titled Why Are You More Successful Than Me? in which he probes cultural powerhouses, broadcasters, writers, athletes, CEOs and creative who have achieved extraordinary things.

Launching today, the first episode series will feature ex-footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker, followed by actor and director Dexter Fletcher and novelist Elizabeth Day in eps 2 and 3. Journalist and broadcaster Emma Barnett, author Lynda La Plante, screenwriter Chris Chibnall, skincare expert Caroline Hirons, comedian and presenter Chris McCausland, comedy TV producer Ash Atalla and rockstar Miles Kane will appear later in the run.

The series sees former Blue Peter, Big Breakfast and Good Morning Britain presenter Bacon returning to his broadcasting roots as interviewer. He has spent much of his recent career developing TV formats through his Yes Yes Media imprint, which will produce Why Are You More Successful Than Me?.

The candid conversations will see Bacon explore the habits, psychology, advantages, failures and turning points that shape major achievement of those he believes are more successful than him. He will attempt to unlock what has led to his guest’s success, be that money, freedom, recognition, impact, security or something harder to define.

“I’ve missed interviewing,” said Bacon. “I’ve missed sitting down with people I’m genuinely interested in, people who are driven, who’ve built things, who’ve taken risks, and really finding out what makes them tick. Success fascinates us all. I want to understand what it actually is, and how it really happens.”

Bacon has certainly been busy chasing his own success, and last year we revealed news of two formats from Yes Yes Media. Firstly, there was a BBC pilot for The Easiest Quiz Show in the World fronted by podcast guest McCausland and secondly Who’s in the Band, a music talent search in development for ABC that counts Simon Cowell among its judges.

Yes Yes Media is represented by CAA.