He was the local press journalist who went on to be one of BBC radio sport’s most familiar voices – and whose style was to define BBC Radio 5 live at launch.

In this hour of ‘Radio Moments Conversations’, John Inverdale tells of his early days in local press before a chance pub meeting led to an opportunity at the new BBC Radio Lincolnshire. An attachment to London saw him reporting and sports bulletin-reading on the Radio 4 Today programme and then across to BBC Radio 2 to host Sport on 2. As BBC Radio 5 launched, he was to host the evening Drive-In, a programme he regards fondly, before helping to define the sound of the new Radio 5 live.

John tells of life reporting at the Olympics around the World; bumping into Margaret Thatcher; and shares his thoughts on the importance of words, voice and listening around.

In his own words, this is the John Inverdale story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant.