Our session on masculinity is now over - thanks to our panel for a great discussion.

Joining Ace to talk about the challenges of 21st century masculinity:Alex Wheatle is the author of several acclaimed novels, many of them inspired by experiences from his childhood. He was born in Brixton to Jamaican parents, and spent most of his childhood in a Surrey children’s home. Following a short stint in prison after the Brixton uprising of 1981, he wrote poems and lyrics and became known as the Brixtonbard. Alex has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and was awarded an MBE for services to literature in 2008.

Russell Kane is a multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter. He is best known for the BBC Sounds podcast, Evil Genius, which has become a flagship show and was the best performing original podcast on the platform. Russell’s other podcast, Boys Don’t Cry, also features regularly on the iTunes podcast chart. Recent TV appearances include The Apprentice You’re Fired, Antiques Roadtrip, Stupid Man, Smart Phone and the host of three series of Live At The Electric. Winner of Best Show in 2010 at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Russell went on to make history as the first comedian to win both the Edinburgh Award and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year.

Guvna B is a multi-award winning, record-breaking Urban rap artist from London. Since winning his first prestigious MOBO Award at just 20 years old, Guvna's journey has been one of breathless success and cutting-edge creativity. He has carved a unique place for himself in the music world, which is reflected in his books. Guvna's artistic endeavours draw on his personal experiences, bringing together themes of identity, faith and masculinity. He aims to inspire his audience and share the insights he has gained throughout his life. In a world often plagued by negativity, Guvna B wants to be a beacon of hope for his generation. No matter the medium, his work demonstrates what hope and inspiration can bring.

Our next session features novelist Alex Wheatle.

Alex's story was the focus of Small Axe, Steve McQueen's recent BBC series featuring stories of West Indian immigrants in London. In this behind-the-scenes clip, Alex and the drama's cast tell his real-life story.

Having spent his childhood in a mostly white care home, Alex found a sense of community in Brixton where he developed a passion for music and DJing, until he was arrested during the 1981 Brixton Uprising. Alex ended up serving time in prison. He started reading books by the likes of Chester Himes, Richard Wright, C.L.R. James and John Steinbeck, and found his passion for writing. He would later become an award-winning writer of books for children and young adults.

(The following video contains strong language and scenes of drug use).

Don't worry if you miss a session - we'll be posting highlights here throughout the weekend.

You can hear Ian Rankin talking about what makes a good whodunnit from our first session of the day - and keep an eye on the clips at the top of the page.

With gender roles collapsing, gender identities exploding and toxic masculinity being called out on social media daily, what does it mean nowadays to ‘be a man’?

Best-selling author Alex Wheatle discusses the challenges of modern masculinity with comedian Russell Kane and rapper Guvna B. Together they discuss the men who have shaped their lives, the values they live by, and the fictional and real role models they believe should inspire a new generation of boys.

Ace will start the conversation at 3pm.

Image source, Image: Nathon Oski / Unsplash

Irenosen Okojie was commissioned by the BBC to write a short story to celebrate the 2018 National Short Story Award. In her contribution, a mysterious tailor makes fantastic frocks for his clients.

You can hear more specially commissioned short stories here.

You can hear more of Irenosen Okojie and Shahidha Bari - this time with author Nadifa Mohammed - in this episide of BBC Radio 3's Free Thinking.

Our session on heroism is over, but there's more from our panellists on the BBC website.

Sixteen years ago, Frank Gardner was shot by al-Qaeda gunmen. Last year, he reflected on what it was like to suddenly become disabled, for BBC documentary Being Frank.

You can watch the full programme here.

Joining Shahidha Bari to talk about heroism we have:

Irenosen Okojie, a Nigerian British writer. Her debut novel Butterfly Fish won a Betty Trask award and was shortlisted for an Edinburgh International First Book Award. Her short story collection Speak Gigantular was shortlisted for the Edgehill Short Story Prize, the Jhalak Prize and the Saboteur Awards, and nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. Nudibranch, her new collection of stories, was longlisted for the Jhalak Prize. She is the winner of the 2020 AKO Caine Prize For Fiction for her story, Grace Jones. She is a fellow and Vice Chair of The Royal Society of Literature.

Frank Gardner, who has been the BBC's Security Correspondent since 2002. He holds a degree in Arabic & Islamic Studies. In 2004, while filming in Saudi Arabia, he was ambushed by terrorists, shot multiple times and left for dead. He survived and returned to active news reporting within a year, and still travels extensively. Awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to journalism, Frank published his bestselling memoir, Blood and Sand, in 2006. His first novel, Crisis, which introduced readers to SIS operative Luke Carlton, was a No.1 bestseller. The second Luke Carlton thriller, Ultimatum, was also a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller. He lives in London.