Libby Purves meets journalist and writer Dan Hurley; cellist Steven Isserlis; broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson and registrar Tommy Hanover.

Dan Hurley is a science journalist who writes regularly for the New York Times and Neurology Today. In his new book Smarter: The New Science of Building Brain Power, he tests various cognitive exercises which aim to boost intelligence. The exercises range from learning the Renaissance lute; trying out commercial brain-training programmes and physical training. Smarter: The New Science of Building Brain Power is published by Viking.

Steven Isserlis is the renowned cellist, writer and teacher who performs with orchestras around the world. Steven and his sisters have released Julius Isserlis: Piano Music featuring newly discovered work by their Russian Jewish grandfather - pianist and composer Julius Isserlis. Julius, who was a contemporary of Rachmaninov and Scriabin, fled Communist Russia in 1922 and in 1938 escaped from Vienna which was in the grip of the Nazis. Julius Isserlis: Piano Music is on Hyperion Records.

Sally Magnusson is a journalist, broadcaster and writer. She has presented a range of programmes including Panorama and BBC Breakfast and currently presents Reporting Scotland and Songs Of Praise. In 1996 she won a Scottish BAFTA for her commentary on the documentary Dunblane: A Community Remembers. In her new book she writes about her mother Mamie's battle with dementia. Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything is published by Two Roads.

Tommy Hanover is a registrar at Westminster Register Office. He features in a two-part documentary series about day-to-day life at the registry office. The office holds the births, deaths and marriage records of a range of names including Winston Churchill, Joan Collins and Margaret Thatcher as well as members of the Royal Family. Births, Deaths and Marriages is Broadcast on ITV. Show less