Podcasts about Channel Islands

Archipelago in the English Channel

  • 585PODCASTS
  • 2,057EPISODES
  • 19mAVG DURATION
  • 5WEEKLY NEW EPISODES
  • Aug 8, 2025LATEST
Channel Islands

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024

Categories



Best podcasts about Channel Islands

Latest podcast episodes about Channel Islands

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1281: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Mary Poppins, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 6:40


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical ‘Mary Poppins' as the UK and Ireland tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Mary Poppins' Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World's favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘Mary Poppins' including dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://marypoppins.co.uk (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Rev David
Rev David - S5 E13 - Good Manners

Rev David

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 4:15


Support the showI'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands. Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney in 2022.Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com during 2023-24.Season 4 - more 'Thoughts for Friday' - but not every week! Season 5 - Back from a three-month sabbatical - some more thoughts to make you think.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1270: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - War Horse, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 6:37


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France for young Albert's beloved horse Joey as the current tour of the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Theo Hornsby-Walsh. About ‘War Horse' The National Theatre's acclaimed production is now on a major UK & Ireland Tour.  War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man's Land. Albert, who remained on his parents' Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘War Horse' including details of dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://www.warhorseonstage.com (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1258: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Marriage Material, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 6:20


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 A retelling on stage this week of Arnold Bennett's 1908 novel ‘The Old Wives' Tale' set among the Punjabi Sikh community of Wolverhampton in ‘Marriage Material' at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Marriage Material': Marriage Material By Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, based on the novel by Sathnam Sanghera. Three Generations. Two Love Stories. One Family Secret. “In our shops we will be Kings of England. And we will make this place our place. The Bains' corner shop in Wolverhampton has been at the centre of the family for three generations. Against the backdrop of a changing 20th century, Mrs Bains is balancing running the business, caring for her ailing husband and the demands of her two headstrong daughters, who each have their eye on a different kind of future. Fast forward to the present day, a family tragedy pulls Arjan Bains back from a life in London. The shop represents everything he was trying to escape, but with his mother insisting it remain open, how long can he stay away? Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) adapts the critically acclaimed novel from Sathnam Sanghera (Empireland). Directed by Rep Associate Director and 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Director, Iqbal Khan (East Is East, Of Mice and Men, Tartuffe, SILENCE). For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Rev David
Rev David - S5 E12 - Coffee Shop Musings

Rev David

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 3:50


Support the showI'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands. Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney in 2022.Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com during 2023-24.Season 4 - more 'Thoughts for Friday' - but not every week! Season 5 - Back from a three-month sabbatical - some more thoughts to make you think.

Friedman Adventures's Podcast
Epic Bluefin Tuna Battles in Windy Weather, Ensenada & White Seabass Action at Channel Islands!

Friedman Adventures's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 24:00


Join us for an exhilarating adventure on the high seas as we tackle monster Bluefin Tuna in the gusty waters of Ensenada, showcasing their fierce fights and the thrill of long-range fishing! Then, head to the stunning Channel Islands for heart-pounding White Seabass action. Experience the ultimate fishing showdown, packed with expert tips, breathtaking scenery, and non-stop excitement in this unforgettable angling journey!Support the show

Makes Milk with Emma Pickett
A Q&A on tandem feeding with Nicola de Sousa

Makes Milk with Emma Pickett

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 73:24 Transcription Available


 My guest this week has personal and professional experience of tandem feeding to share with us. Nicola De Sousa is an infant feeding coach from Jersey, in the Channel Islands. She fed her toddler Mikayla, all through her pregnancy and alongside her infant Diogo.We talk about Nicola's experience of feeding both her children, but also from 28:30 we answer your questions about tandem feeding. For details of the questions covered, please refer to the transcript of this episode.You can follow Nicola on Instagram @infantfeedingcoach.jerseyMy new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie's Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Friedman Adventures's Podcast
Daylight Bluefin Tuna Frenzy, Epic White Seabass & Halibut Fishing at Channel Islands, Mexico !

Friedman Adventures's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 24:58


Join us for an exhilarating episode of Morning Briefing as we dive into the thrilling world of sportfishing at the Channel Islands, Mexico! Witness the explosive daylight action as bluefin tuna start biting with ferocity, alongside epic battles with great white seabass and halibut. Our expert anglers share insider tips, showcase stunning catches, and explore the pristine waters of this premier fishing destination. Tune in for jaw-dropping footage, pro techniques, and the ultimate sportfishing adventure that will leave you hooked!”Support the show

Friedman Adventures's Podcast
Epic Channel Islands Fishing: Big Bluefin Tuna, Local Bass, Halibut & White Seabass

Friedman Adventures's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 22:16


Join us for an action-packed morning briefing as we dive into the hottest fishing reports from the Channel Islands and beyond! This episode is brimming with updates on the outstanding big bluefin tuna bite, alongside fantastic local bass, halibut, and white seabass dominating the waters. We'll also take you south of the border to cover the latest fishing action in Mexico's prime spots: La Paz, San Quintin, Ensenada, and Cedros. Plus, don't miss our deep dive into the latest and greatest in California swordfish fishing, showcasing tips, trends, and epic catches. Tune in for expert insights, real-time updates, and everything you need to plan your next fishing adventure!Support the show

Friedman Adventures's Podcast
Yellowfin Tuna Surge Near San Diego! Epic Bluefin Bite, Massive Halibut, White Seabass & Local Bass

Friedman Adventures's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 27:39


Morning Briefing: Yellowfin Tuna Surge Near San Diego! Epic Bluefin Bite, Massive Halibut, White Seabass & Local Bass FishingJoin us for an action-packed morning briefing as we dive into the hottest fishing reports from Southern California and beyond! Yellowfin tuna are moving closer to San Diego, with explosive bluefin tuna action lighting up the coast last night. We're talking huge halibut hauls, impressive white seabass catches, and stellar local bass fishing. Get the latest updates from La Paz, Mexico, plus exclusive reports from long-range boats Excel, Independence and Royal Polaris. We'll also cover big white seabass action on the Redondo Special, fresh news from Catalina Island, and exceptional fishing reports from the Channel Islands and San Francisco. Don't miss the scoop on where the fish are biting and how to reel in your next big catch!Support the show

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1240: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Constant Wife, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 6:31


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have a reimagining of Somerset Maugham's ‘the Constant Wife' at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Carolyn Smith. About ‘The Constant Wife' ‘I can't help it if you were careless with your cigarette case. I was extremely careful with your heart' Constance has everything. A loving family, a beautiful home, a fulfilling career, and a husband as devoted to her as he is to his mistress. When her perfect set up is threatened, Constance fights back but refuses to play by the rules. Can she withstand society's expectations? And can society withstand the force of a woman determined to do things her own way? RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey (Pericles) and playwright Laura Wade (Posh, Rivals) reunite after their Olivier Award-winning collaboration, Home, I'm Darling, to reimagine Somerset Maugham's subversive comedy, The Constant Wife, in a sparkling new version featuring original music by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum. Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Vigil) plays Constance, a 1920s heroine with a decidedly modern spirit. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Rev David
Rev David - S5 E11 - Tribal Elders

Rev David

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 4:15


Support the showI'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands. Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney in 2022.Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com during 2023-24.Season 4 - more 'Thoughts for Friday' - but not every week! Season 5 - Back from a three-month sabbatical - some more thoughts to make you think.

The Unending TBR
Favorite reads of 2025 part one

The Unending TBR

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 54:16


Alissa, Kelly and Nicole share their favorite reads so far this year. And we discuss the upcoming books we are looking forward to reading and rereading!Show notesBooks that are mentioned and discussedPurest Joys Restored - Jennifer Q. HuntMeet Me At the Starlight - Rachel HauckCrimson Sands - JJ Samie MylesThe Valkyrie - Carrie CottenForget Me Knot - B.R. GoodwinNightshade and Digitalis - Ronie KendigMontana Marshalls - Susan May Warren The Sands of Sea Blue Beach - Rachel HauckElla Enters the Group Chat - Emma St. ClairHappy In Honey Hill Book #2 (no title yet) - B.R. GoodwinScions - Ronie KendigSowing Hope - Heather WoodThe Dreams We Knew by Rachel Scott McDanielThe Indigo Heiress by Laura FrantzCrimson Sands by JJ Sammie MylesRules of Ruin by Mimi Matthews The Summons by MaryLu TyndallOf Silver and Secrets by Michelle GriepTo Love a Beast by Karen WitemeyerSome Like it Scot by Pepper BashamThe Highland Heist by Pepper BashamSense and Suitability by Pepper BashamA Fierce Devotion and The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz Anything Rachel Scott McDaniel has up her sleeveKaren Witemeyer — The Secret Society of Spinsters series Next installment of the The Legend of the Kings Ring series by MaryLu TyndallNext series by Michelle Griep coming out in FebruaryWhispers at Painswick Court by Julie KlassenThe Marriage Method by Mimi MathewsWill of the Many Inglorious by Tamara LeighA Tartan Love by Nichole VanMists over Channel Islands by Sarah SundinSpies Lies and Alibis by Natalie WaltersSence and Suitability by Pepper BashamFlame Theory by C.F.E. Black

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1235: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Ghost Stories, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 5:45


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have ‘Ghost Stories' as the UK Tour visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Sue Reading. About ‘Ghost Stories' ‘An immaculately crafted evening of entertainment' - Time Out A truly terrifying theatrical experience created by The League of Gentlemen's Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown's television and stage shows. GHOST STORIES mixes the very best of theatre with the buzz of a thrill-ride, delivering something truly unique. When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations. After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, GHOST STORIES is “Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever. “I had to sleep with the lights on” (Metro). Are you brave enough to book? For more about the UK tour of ‘Ghost Stories' with details of dates and times of performances around the country do visit the production website - https://ghoststoriesplay.com To find out more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1202: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Spitfire Girls, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 5:59


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have ‘Spitfire Girls' at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Spitfire Girls' New Year's Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub. As we hear their story, we're transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies. Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope. Written by Katherine Senior, Directed by Seán Aydon, Designed by Sarah Beaton. To find out more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Surf Splendor
562 - Davey Smith

Surf Splendor

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 92:56


In today's show, aerial and floater pioneer Davey Smith reflects on Greenough's early influence, how selling ice cream help fund his pro surf career, Russell Short's hypnotic tube prowess, introducing Channel Islands to the North Shore, how shaping informed his surfing, and the value of taking time away from surfing. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev David
Rev David - S5 E10 - Neighbours

Rev David

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 4:29


Support the showI'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands. Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney in 2022.Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com during 2023-24.Season 4 - more 'Thoughts for Friday' - but not every week! Season 5 - Back from a three-month sabbatical - some more thoughts to make you think.

Transit Unplugged
Global Lessons, Local Gains: What Can Public US Transit Systems Learn From Private Operators in UK And Asia?

Transit Unplugged

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 34:08


In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit in the UK, part of global transport powerhouse Kelsian Group. With operations spanning Liverpool and the Channel Islands, Samuel shares how lessons from bus systems across four continents—from Australia to Singapore, Brazil to London—are helping Tower Transit improve public transport service in the UK.They dive into:The nuances of operating in franchised models like in the UK's London and Jersey systemsHow global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operationsSamuel's unusual path from international banking into public transportThe strategic role Tower Transit plays in regions like Liverpool, ahead of major franchising shiftsAnd yes—there's a delightful Jersey potato tangent too.Whether you're a transit operator, policy maker, or just enjoy hearing how buses are quietly running the world, this is one to tune into. Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1173: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Croft, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 5:52


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week Vidar was reviewing ‘The Croft' as the UK tour visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘The Croft' In the remote Scottish Highlands two women arrive at a former Crofters Hut in the deserted village of Coille Ghillie. When suddenly the weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn.  Cut off from the modern world, Laura and Suzanne find themselves drawn into the dark history of the Croft and the lives that passed before them. In this bold and haunting play the present interweaves with the past as ancient tales surface and the terrifying truth lurking in the Croft is revealed. The Croft stars Liza Goddard (Noises Off, Doctor Who, Bergerac), Caroline Harker (A Touch of Frost, Steel Magnolias, The Railway Children) and Gray O'Brien (Coronation Street, Casualty, Rebus: A Game Called Malice) with Gracie Follows (Birdsong) , Russell Layton (ART), Simon Roberts (Witness for the Prosecution) and Judith Rae (The Mousetrap). Written by Ali Milles, Original Direction by Philip Franks, Directed by Alastair Whatley.  For more about the UK tour of ‘The Croft' do visit the production website - https://www.thecrofttour.co.uk And for more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Rev David
Rev David - S5 E9 - How Much!!

Rev David

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 5:03


Support the showI'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands. Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney in 2022.Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com during 2023-24.Season 4 - more 'Thoughts for Friday' - but not every week! Season 5 - Back from a three-month sabbatical - some more thoughts to make you think.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1148: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Marie & Rosetta, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 6:08


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week Vidar was reviewing the musical ‘Marie & Rosetta' at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre which tells the story of the pairing of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history with description by professional Audio Describer Sue Reading. About ‘Marie & Rosetta'   Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n' roll', influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Mississippi, 1946. Sister Rosetta has changed the face of gospel music with her exuberant, electric guitar-playing style. Shunned by strait-laced church folk for performing in nightclubs and glorying in rhythm and blues, she's persuaded the saintly young singer Marie to join her on a tour of the segregated southern States. But first she has to convert Marie's pure Sunday sound into something that has just a little more swing… Written by George Brant & Directed by Monique Touko Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n' roll', influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Featuring a wealth of joyous rock and gospel hits including Didn't It Rain and Peace in the Valley, the show will feature live musicians accompanying Olivier Award-winning West End star Beverley Knight (Memphis, The Drifters Girl, Sylvia, Sister Act) as Rosetta Tharpe. Joining Beverley Knight is Ntombizodwa Ndlovu (Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Space Between Us, Mixtape, Nothing, and The Mountain Top – Royal Exchange Theatre), an up-and-coming talent making her London stage debut as Marie Knight, Rosetta's protege and musical partner. ‘Marie & Rosetta' will be at Chichester Festival Theatre from mid June to mid July and more details can be found by visiting - https://www.cft.org.uk For more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1142: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 5:04


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 We have the smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' this week as the current touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' The smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'  is currently touring the UK. The multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world's most beloved family musicals. Featuring much loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There's One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph. For more about the current tour of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' do visit - https://uk.josephthemusical.com And for more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast
EP 234: Mitchell Salazar – Jordy & Gabby take the lead, CI wipeout at The Cut, Power surfing's rise, Rookie standouts, Shaper Rankings shake-up, and Fantasy leaderboard

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 86:50


Dave is joined once again by part-time co-host and WSL commentator Mitch Salazar to break down all the drama, triumph, and heartbreak from Stop No. 7 of the 2025 Championship Tour—the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. With Jordy Smith and Gabriela Bryan each securing their second wins of the season, both now sit atop the rankings and inch closer to their first World Titles. Dave and Mitch go deep on the event's biggest winners and most surprising losers—from Lakey Peterson's clutch performance to save her season, to the top 5 men faltering at a crucial stretch of the calendar, to a sobering mid-season cut for Channel Islands' stacked roster. The duo also takes stock of the updated Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, highlighting which board builders are leading the charge and which brands are left regrouping post-Margarets. They answer burning fan questions (Is power surfing the key to a world title?) and give updates on the wildly competitive Lineup Fantasy League. Follow Mitch here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Relive all the action from the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Catch the first Challenger Series of 2025 the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy, June 2 - 8th. Stay tuned for the Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, June 9 - 17th. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you've been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with  you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1136: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Shark is Broken, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 4:17


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we celebrate movie history and the choppy waters behind the filming of Jaws as ‘The Shark is Broken' visited the Birmingham repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Julia Grundy. About ‘The Shark is Broken' Dive into the drama behind the scenes of Hollywood's first blockbuster… Fade in: The open ocean, 1974. Filming is delayed…again. The lead actors – theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider – are crammed into a too-small boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic…if it doesn't sink them all. Ian Shaw gives one  of the most exhilarating theatrical performances of the year” - Evening Standard A smash hit in the West End and on Broadway, THE SHARK IS BROKEN celebrates movie history and peeks at the choppy waters behind Hollywood's first blockbuster. For more about ‘The Shark is Broken' along with details of dates and times of performances - https://thesharkisbroken.com And for more about access at the Birmingham REP do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

KQED’s Forum
Yosemite and Other CA National Parks Underfunded, Understaffed this Summer

KQED’s Forum

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 57:45


The Trump administration's budget and staffing cuts to national parks could mean longer lines, closed visitor centers and fewer search and rescue workers this summer, according to former parks staff and advocates. The cuts are also compromising scientific research and environmental protection, creating what the National Parks Conservation Association calls “a façade of a national park experience.” In California, Yosemite scientists have had to pick up bathroom cleaning shifts; decades-long endangered species studies in the Channel Islands are at risk. Are you planning a visit? We'll share what you should know before you go. Guests: Russell Galipeau, executive council member, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks; former superintendent, Channel Islands National Park Ashley Harrell, National Parks Bureau Chief, SFGATE Neal Desai, Pacific Region director, National Parks Conservation Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Conway Jr. on Demand
Memorial Day Travels

Tim Conway Jr. on Demand

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 42:36 Transcription Available


Alex Stone, It's crunch-day for Memorial Day getaway travel.  United Airlines expects about 3.8 million people to fly with the airline from Thursday through next Wednesday.  That's around 300,000 more passengers than last year.  The TSA plans to screen about 18 million passengers and crew during that extended time. AAA expects 45.1 million travelers to head at least 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day #MemorialDay2025 // Solutions! Conway has solutions! Ex. Turn the Channel Islands into California's“Martha's Vineyard” We'll make billions! USAA is the best! #USAA  // Angel Martinez w Memorial Weekend traffic, investigation on the 71 at Butterfield Ranch Rd. Coyotes in Claremont.  Crozier Coyote doo doo! Dootie-Whisperer! Duke the Lab mix fends off 6 coyotes.// Michael Monks, fallout of Metro budget – L.A.'s homeless problem 

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1128: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - & Juliet, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 5:56


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi award-winning ‘& Juliet' as the touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘& Juliet' Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt's Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? After a phenomenal run in London's West End, & Juliet is heading on a national tour. Picking up three Olivier Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards, & Juliet will have the audience up on its feet and ROARING for more. Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spear's …Baby One More Time, Katy Perry's Roar and chart toppers Since U Been Gone, It's My Life, I Want It That Way, and Can't Stop the Feeling! — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century, and his collaborators. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there's life after Romeo.   For more about ‘& Juliet' along with details of dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Heroes Behind Headlines
WW2 Radioman And Veteran Of D-Day!

Heroes Behind Headlines

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 102:12


Robert F McLean was just 19 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to do his part in WWII. Invited to join the Navy Seals, he declined and enrolled in the U.S.N. Patrol Torpedo Boat School in Melville, R.I. Upon graduation Bob was assigned to Squadron 30, destined for the European Theatre of Operations. Shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944, his squadron became the outermost fighter convoy of the Normandy Invasion. The largest force ever assembled included his Patrol Torpedo Boat 461, a fighter escort. Bob valiantly participated in the fall of Le Havre, France and received a Bronze Star. He also was awarded a Presidential Citation for his squadron's heroic rescue work in the English Channel during the Battle of the Bulge. He also took part in the liberation of the Channel Islands off the coast of France.Heroes Behind HeadlinesExecutive Producer Ralph PezzulloProduced & Engineered by Mike DawsonMusic provided by ExtremeMusic.com

Dan Snow's History Hit
The Nazi Occupation of Jersey

Dan Snow's History Hit

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 50:38


The only British territory ever occupied by the Nazis was the Channel Islands. From 1940 to the end of the war, the Germans turned Jersey, and some of the islands around it, into an impenetrable fortress. It became a key strategic part of Hitler's defensive Atlantic Wall and a base from which he hoped to invade Britain. Under German occupation, islanders suffered under a repressive regime… Some were even sent to internment camps in Germany. In return, thousands of prisoners of war were brought over to work as slave labourers, building the Nazi's extensive defence network across the island. On the 80th anniversary of its liberation, Dan explores the island and tells the story of Jersey's suffering and resilience under enemy control. This episode was made in collaboration with Visit Jersey. You can find more information on all the places Dan visits in this episode here:Visit Jersey: https://www.jersey.com/Jersey Heritage: https://www.jerseyheritage.org/Jersey War Tours: https://www.jerseybunkertours.com/Jersey War Tunnels: https://www.jerseywartunnels.com/ArtHouse Jersey 'Structures & Memory' Exhibition: https://www.arthousejersey.je/our-work/structures-memory-a-place-called-wurzachWIth thanks to Lucy Layton, Lola Garvin & ArtHouse Jersey, Michael Billings, Chris Addy, Phil Marett, Jersey Heritage and BBC Jersey for the archive, Fishing Jersey and Aaron from Lakey Bikes. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. The production manager was Beth Donaldson and production support from Annie Woodman and Peta Stamper. 

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1118: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - A Thousand Splendid Suns, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 6:21


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the return of the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns' to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About A Thousand Splendid Suns The Rep presents a powerful new production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini's spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner. In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife. Rasheed's first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies. Former Rep and Hampstead Theatre Artistic Director Roxana Silbert returns to Birmingham to direct this unflinching, life affirming drama, in which love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times. Musical inspiration drawn from Afghanistan's 1970s musical heritage, including works by Ahmad Zahir and Abdul Rahim Sarban There are further audio described performances of A Thousand Splendid Suns - Nottingham Theatre Royal - Thursday 22 May, 6.30pm and Saturday 24 May, 2.30pm.  Leeds Playhouse - Friday 13 June, 7.30pm and Saturday 14 June, 2pm. For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Kids in The Past
Channel Islands Under Occupation (Blitz Kids)

Kids in The Past

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 7:06


The Blitz Kids are wondering how Alice is faring on Jersey in the Channel Islands, which has been occupied by the German Forces since June 1940Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1115: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Chicago,AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 4:58


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi-award winning musical ‘Chicago' as the current UK tour visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Anne Hornsby. About ‘Chicago' ‘CHICAGO', the "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is currently on it's UK tour starring Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer and TV Star Janette Manrara (It Takes Two, Burn The Floor, Glee) as Roxie Hart, West End and TV star Brenda Edwards (Loose Women, Chicago, The X Factor) as Matron ‘Mama' Morton and West End leading man Dan Burton (Gypsy, The Mousetrap, White Christmas) as Billy Flynn. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, ‘it's sexy, sassy score with one show-stopping song after another includes “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). For more about the UK tour of ‘Chicago' along with dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1102: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Pig Heart Boy, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 6:29


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the brand new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman OBE's novel 'Pig Heart Boy' as the touring production visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Faith Florence Agaba. About Pig Heart Boy: Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman. Adapted by Winsome Pinnock Is it better to have a pig's heart that works … than a human heart that doesn't? Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he's finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he'll go to get his life back. From the multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. Pig Heart Boy was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and adapted by the BBC into a Bafta award-winning TV series. For Ages 9 – 13yrs. For more about the tour of ‘Pig Heart Boy' including details of Venus, dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://www.pigheartboyplay.co.uk To find out more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Friedman Adventures's Podcast
Wide open white seabass in the Channel Islands, big bluefin tuna biting, nasty weather coming, Baja updates

Friedman Adventures's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 30:46


Great fishing going on now in Baja and SoCal. White seabass fishing is off the hook, bluefin tuna gone crazy, barracuda show in SoCal and lots moreSupport the show

Spectator Radio
Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews, Matthew Parris, Marcus Nevitt, Angus Colwell and Sean Thomas

Spectator Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 30:46


On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews reads his letter from Rome (1:21); Matthew Parris travels the Channel Islands (7:53); Reviewing Minoo Dinshaw, Marcus Nevitt looks at Bulstrode Whitelocke and Edward Hyde, once close colleagues who fell out during the English civil war (15:19); Angus Colwell discusses his Marco Pierre White obsession, aided by the chef himself (21:26); and, Sean Thomas provides his notes on boredom (26:28).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

That's Life
Owen Matthews, Matthew Parris, Marcus Nevitt, Angus Colwell and Sean Thomas

That's Life

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 30:46


On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews reads his letter from Rome (1:21); Matthew Parris travels the Channel Islands (7:53); Reviewing Minoo Dinshaw, Marcus Nevitt looks at Bulstrode Whitelocke and Edward Hyde, once close colleagues who fell out during the English civil war (15:19); Angus Colwell discusses his Marco Pierre White obsession, aided by the chef himself (21:26); and, Sean Thomas provides his notes on boredom (26:28).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1094: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Boys from the Blackstuff, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 6:22


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we are taken back to Liverpool in the 1980s with James Graham's powerful new stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's BAFTA award-winning TV series Boys from the Blackstuff direct from the National Theatre and London's West End as the touring production visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About Boys from the Blackstuff Gizza job. Go on, gizzit. 80s Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance. Life is tough but the lads can play the game. Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers' and see if you can have a laugh along the way.  James Graham's powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's BAFTA award-winning TV series is directed by Kate Wasserberg and comes to The Rep direct from the National Theatre and the West End. Boys from the Blackstuff continues on it's tour of the UK and more details about the show including venues, dates and times of performances can be found by visiting - https://boysfromtheblackstuff.com For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1086: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Only Fools and Horses The Musical, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 4:51


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the smash-hit musical that is ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' as the current tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Ellie Packer.  About ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' The smash hit show ‘Only Fools and Horses the Musical- is on a UK tour direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London's West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce. Starring comedy legend Paul Whitehouse reprising his role as Grandad and based on John Sullivan's legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain's best loved TV series.  With a script and original score written by John's son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain's most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs. So take a trip back in time, where it's all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepares to say ‘I do', and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted. With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you have never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you're guaranteed to have a right ol' knees-up!   For more about ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' along with details of venues, dates and times of performances do visit - https://onlyfoolsonstage.com (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1083: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Edward II, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 6:14


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have murder and fight scenes with blood a plenty too on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Christopher Marlow's Edward II with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Ellie Packer.  About ‘Edward II' When the new King Edward II insists on ruling with the man he loves by his side, conspiracy and civil war threaten the very existence of the monarchy in Marlowe's violent and tender play. I see your love to Gaveston will be the ruin of the realm and you.' The King is dead, long live the King. And his boyfriend. When Edward II insists on ruling with the man he loves by his side, the Palace refuses. The establishment conspires to restore the natural order, plunging the country into a civil war and threatening the very existence of the monarchy. Better a dead king than a gay king. Double Olivier Award-winner and RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans returns to the stage with a cast including Eloka Ivo as Gaveston and Ruta Gedmintas as Queen Isabella in Daniel Raggett's production of Marlowe's violent and tender play. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details of audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1068: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Calamity Jane, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 4:48


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was off to see ‘Calamity Jane' for the first time as the Watermill Theatre's production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio describer Jonathan Nash.  About ‘Calamity Jane'. Gosh almighty! Grab a posse because the whip crackin' musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin' on over the plains to a theatre near you. Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables). Meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane – biggest mouth in Dakota territory and always up for a fight. She'll charm you hog-eyed though, especially when trying to win the heart of the dashing Lieutenant Gilmartin, or shooting insults at the notorious Wild Bill Hickok. But when the men of Deadwood fall hard for Chicago stage star Adelaid Adams, Calamity struggles to keep her jealousy holstered. Her heart's a thumpin'... but who for? With the sure-fire classic songs The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love, The Watermill Theatre's Production of Calamity Jane, is directed by Nikolai Foster, co directed and choreographed by Nick Winston and features musical supervision by Olivier, Grammy and Tony Award winner Catherine Jayes. What are you waiting for, you wild coyotes?  Whip-crack-away and book now! For more about the tour of ‘Calamity Jane' along with details of dates and times of performances do visit - https://calamityjanemusical.com You will also find details about access at the Birmingham hippodrome Theatre including dates and times of audio described performances by visiting - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Riff n Chips
Podcast Crossover Ep 3 - Jazmin L'Amy (I'm Your Biggest Fan)

Riff n Chips

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 47:00


Join us as we discuss the difficulties of getting to gigs when you live on the Channel Islands, who her favourite bands are and the battered delight that is a Jersey Wonder.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1058: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Death of a Salesman, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 6:44


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have a fresh new production of Arthur Miller's ‘Death of a Salesman' as the Trafalgar Theatre's touring production visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Death of A Salesman' One of the greatest plays of the twentieth century, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman explodes onto the stage in this fresh new production led by acclaimed actor David Hayman (Sid and Nancy, Dad's Army). This timeless, powerful story takes you on a thrilling journey through the final 24 hours of Willy Loman's life, filled with his memories, dreams, struggles and pitting a Father's expectations against his sons realities. "Powerful and poignant.”   For more about the Trafalgar Theatre's touring production of ‘Death of A Salesman' do visit the production's website - https://www.deathofasalesmantour.co.uk And for more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1058: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Death of a Salesman, AD Theatre Review

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 6:44


RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have a fresh new production of Arthur Miller's ‘Death of a Salesman' as the Trafalgar Theatre's touring production visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Death of A Salesman' One of the greatest plays of the twentieth century, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman explodes onto the stage in this fresh new production led by acclaimed actor David Hayman (Sid and Nancy, Dad's Army). This timeless, powerful story takes you on a thrilling journey through the final 24 hours of Willy Loman's life, filled with his memories, dreams, struggles and pitting a Father's expectations against his sons realities. "Powerful and poignant.”   For more about the Trafalgar Theatre's touring production of ‘Death of A Salesman' do visit the production's website - https://www.deathofasalesmantour.co.uk And for more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

¡UY QUE HORROR! A Latinx Horror Movie Podcast
The Others (Spain/France/USA)

¡UY QUE HORROR! A Latinx Horror Movie Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 107:48


*whispers* Time for a classic. Jonny and Aileen discuss The Others. In 1945, immediately following the end of Second World War, a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children on her darkened old family estate in the Channel Islands becomes convinced that the home is haunted. Jonny and Aileen also talk about Chilean-Spanish director Alejandro Amenábar, The Jersey Channel Islands and memento mori photo albums. Remember to subscribe, rate and review! Follow our redes sociales: BlueSky: @uyquehorror.bsky.social TikTok: @uyquehorror Insta: @uyquehorror Twitter: @Uy_Que_Horror Find all the películas we cover on our LinkTree. Join our Patreon!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KCSB
Local Marine Ecologist Included in Federal Layoffs

KCSB

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 9:23


Extreme federal spending cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency could mean that fewer people will be able to visit the Channel Islands and other National Parks. Kenan Chan, a marine ecologist who has worked at the Channel Islands for a decade said he was surprised when he learned that he'd been laid off. KCSB's Robert Stark spoke with Chan to learn more about his work and what happened to him. Photo credit: Courtesy

Battleground: The Falklands War
263. British Isles, Nazi Rule - The Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands

Battleground: The Falklands War

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 33:28


In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick look at the Nazi Occupation of The Channel Islands, the only part of British territory occupied by the Germans in World War Two. Together they examine the complexities of this occupation, the treatment of the locals, the collaboration and resistance that arose, and the lasting questions it raises about wartime choices. They also look at few instances the war came ashore on the otherwise peaceful islands, with commando raids and the remarkable story of double agent Eddie Chapman. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast
EP 225: Lakey Peterson – Her latest film Making Waves with 805 Beer, What winning does for your mindset, Working with Grilo, Missing the cut, Being pushed by young talent, and Her pre-heat playlist

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 57:37


805 Beer Authentico and powerhouse surfer Lakey Peterson joins us on the pod from Brazil. We catch up with Lakey and discuss her working with Leandro Dora, who has given her fresh eyes on her surfing. Lakey also opens up about Making Waves, her new film with 805 Beer and fellow Santa Barbaran Morgan Maassen, reflecting on the thrill of competitive surfing, the heartbreaks, and the motivation she is still feeling today. Being awarded the 2025 Season wildcard, Lakey is back on tour after just barely missing the cut in 2024 and shares her mindset shift. She discusses working with her long-time shaper Britt Merrick, the evolution of her equipment with Channel Islands, and what it really takes to win in today's ultra-competitive field. She answers your Instagram questions, reveals her go-to pre-heat songs, and tackles the Lightning Round. Learn more about Lakey here and follow here here Watch her latest film Making Waves with 805 Beer here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Stay tuned for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero, Mar 15 - 25. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you've been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with  you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just Trek Podcast
#80 | Revitalizing Tribal Culture, Chumash Powered Canoe Crossings to Channel Islands, Presiding Over Mountain Lion P-22's Burial, Indigenous Insights, The Importance Of Storytelling with Alan Salazar

Just Trek Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 138:20


On this episode I have Ventura based native storyteller & educator, tribal spiritual adviser, Native American activist, Chumash canoe paddler, and tribal elder in the Fernandeno Tataviam & Ventureno Chumash tribes, Alan Salazar, join me on the show. He is an absolute living legend for his contributions to Native American heritage and education. We chat about his first meaningful memories out in nature, how his father played a major role in him embracing his indigenous roots at a young age,, top mountains &  trails in SoCal, the importance of revitalizing tribal culture along with wildlife and native plants, what the Chumash and Tataviam tribes were most known for, the importance of storytelling in tribal culture, presiding over the burial of celebrity mountain lion P22, tribal wisdom & tips when exploring out in nature, the history of building Chumash canoes and being featured in a Patagonia film, his once in a lifetime experience of being apart of the first canoe crossing to Channel Islands in over 150 years, how tribal people built California, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Shout out to the Museum of Ventura County for graciously allowing us to record this episode in their beautiful outdoor patio courtyard! This museum is a true gem, preserving and celebrating the rich history, art, and culture of Ventura County. Make sure to give their museum a visit in downtown Ventura. Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTXEVB-Y4YShop Alan's tribal story books on https://www.sunspritehandwork.com/Watch Patagonia Film feat. Alan Salazar on https://tinyurl.com/mrxzedh6Visit and check out the Museum of Ventura County on https://venturamuseum.org/ and follow on https://www.instagram.com/museumofventuracounty/Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast
EP 222: Mitchell Salazar - Is Barron Mamiya the best out at Pipeline going back-to-back?!?, 2x World Champ Tyler Wright taking 2x Pipe Pro Titles, Post-Pipe Recap, Vissla CT Shaper Rankings Update, & Your Pipe Lineup League Fantasy winners

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 88:11


WSL Commentator and part-time co-host Mitchell Salazar returns to rundown the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented By YETI. We're back, and the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro did not disappoint! After navigating through tricky forecasts and running until the last day of the event window, the waves turned up, and so did the performances. Mitch and Dave discuss their Winners & Losers, breaking down everything from the major upsets, Kelly Slater proving age is just a number, the dominance of the Channel Islands team, and how rookies like Joel Vaughan, Bella Kenworthy, Ian Gouveia, Alan Cleland Jr., and George Pittar made major statements. They talk about two-time World Champ Tyler Wright taking her second win at Pipeline, making history as the first woman to have to two Pipe Pro Titles, and revel over Barron Mamiya's performance, becoming the first male since Andy Irons in ‘05 and ‘06 to go back-to-back titles at Pipe, putting himself in elite company. We dive into the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings with Channel Islands leading the charge, and …Lost's lackluster performance in the rankings. Finally, we reveal your Pipe Fantasy winners through The Lineup Podcast Mega League and hit your Instagram Fan Questions, answering if Barron Mamiya is the best out at Pipe today.  Follow Mitch here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Relive the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI through the 805 Post Show Stay tuned for the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Feb 14 - 16. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you've been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing Older with Gusto
Reinventing Yourself, French Style: Susan Hays' Inspiring Journey

Growing Older with Gusto

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 31:52


  Reinvention isn't just a change—it's an art, and Susan Hays has mastered it, French style. In this episode, Susan Hays shares her journey of reinventing herself after settling in southwestern France. From managing a guest cottage to curating a boutique vintage shop and assisting clients with property searches, Susan has built a fulfilling life centered on passion and purpose. She reveals how she combines her love for France with entrepreneurial spirit, creating a life that embraces change and thrives on connection. Tune in for Susan's insights on adaptability, building a business, and living with gusto, all inspired by the charm of French living. — Watch the episode here   Listen to the podcast here   Reinventing Yourself, French Style: Susan Hays' Inspiring Journey How To Please Yourself By Helping Others Welcome to the show, a show dedicated to providing a platform for people who are growing older in a positive and productive way to dispense their wisdom. You can find out more about our show by going to our website at www.GrowingOlderWithGusto.com. Our guest is a woman by the name of Susan Hays who has shown by example how to reinvent herself as she is growing older. She is coming to us from Southwestern France and talking to Susan about her life makes it clear she's like a controlled tornado. She grew up on a farm in Southern England loving outdoor adventures and a passion for horseback riding. She moved to London to work as an adult where she met her husband, Roddy, and they moved around a bit, floating among three different continents. Craving warm weather brought them back to France with their five kids where they tested the waters in Provence and Pyrenees. The past twelve years, they have settled into an area in Southwestern France. I think I'm pronouncing this right, Charente-Maritime, where Susan is happily engaged in a property search and relocation business, a guest cottage endeavor, and an online boutique business. I think I need a nap already.     Welcome to the show, Susan. Great to have you. It's an absolute honor to be here. Thank you for having me. In talking to your childhood experiences seem magical in themselves. I know that horses and physical activity seem to be the predominant theme. I was wondering, looking back on your formative years, how did they create a platform for you to continue Growing Older with Gusto? Get Up And Go: Embracing An Active Life I think I'm a great believer in just getting on and doing something. I think being a farmer's daughter, even though we had help on the farm, you learn just to get on and do things. If I want something done, just go for it. Always believe in yourself, and do your best. Also just to be outside as much as possible. I'm a great believer in outside doing physical activity as much as possible. Somebody once gave me some advice, actually quite recently, and it's when you get up in the morning, no matter what the weather, stand outside and just feel fresh air for five minutes. I now do that, whether it's rain or shine, and somehow it just sets you up for the day. When you get up in the morning, no matter what the weather is, stand out and just feel the fresh air for five minutes. That's a great idea. I'll try that. Now that I'm living in a warmer climate will help. That's true. Sometimes when it's cold, it's quite tough. I haven't gone the cold bath that route. I was just going to say, I don't think I'm going to be a candidate for a cold climate. Nonetheless, me neither. I just cannot, no. You moved from southern England to London where you received a pilot's license. How did that come about? I started working in London and I was actually terrified of flying and it was I would go on holiday and whenever I was on holiday, I would worry the whole time that I had to come back and get on that airplane again. I was sharing an apartment with a lady who was older than me but she also was a private pilot instructor. She said, “Just come and do a trial flight and a little plane and see if you enjoy it.” Funny enough, I really did enjoy it. I joined the flying club and went on to take my private pilot's license which sadly is no longer current, but it was a magical time. I remember when I was quite younger, I used to always love the takeoffs and the landings. It was always thrilling, but having a fear of heights, I don't think I could ever do what you did. It was fine if they were little planes. Now I love it. Cured my fear of flying for little planes. Little planes I absolutely love. Big planes, I still hate them. I count down the seconds, literally hate it. Little planes this, we went with the flying club, we went all the way down through France. We circled Mont Blanc in the Aerobatic plane, I did acrobatics. We did just so much over, it was magical. Love, Life, And Big Game Fishing: A World Record Adventure Tell us how you met your husband, Roddy, how did, and how it changed your life. We met because I went on holiday with some work friends from London, we were with Lloyd's insurance. We met actually when he was fishing on the island of Madeira, and he had his own sports fishing business. I met because we hired one of his boats and went fishing. Speaking of fishing, you mentioned to me that you won the world record for big-game fishing. Like where were you living? How did you get involved? Was that through Roddy? That again was through Roddy. This was after we had just thought of number one at the time. He was contracted to go and work for somebody on the island of Midway, which is a long way south of Hawaii. I went out there, but only for a short time. He was out there for several months. I went out there for a couple of weeks. Whilst I was there, we decided to go for a couple of wild records and succeeded. Still standing to this day. I was quite proud of that. I did a lot of fishing with him. Amazing. Did that require you to really not talk a lot? Why you make me catch the fish? It's serious, but we work as a good team. He's always been a boat captain. When we don't have paying clients, then I will be his angler for the day. Basically ever since we met, so for 30 years or so now, we've been a team and always worked together, always. It's just worked for us. I know your family expanded rapidly and you ended up having five children. I'm curious, how did you manage to juggle parenting and all your other activities? I don't know. I absolutely love children and they come before everything always. The youngest is now eighteen so technically they're all adults, but they will always still come before anything. For me, the children are my life. They just joined in. They were really easy children, I guess, if they had been really difficult children, maybe we would only have had one. In fact, the only one that was a bad sleeper and really difficult was the very last one. Maybe that's why we only had five. Aside from her, all the others slept absolutely beautifully. She was just a bad sleeper till she was about ten. That's funny. Maybe she had a lot of excess energy knowing who her parents were. Yes, she was always the one in charge in charge of all of her siblings and always has been. Returning To France: Creating A Life In The Countryside Now I know that you and Roddy found France to be your favorite place. You ended up moving back there after living on several different continents before you landed in this area which you're calling your favorite spot. Could you pronounce that again for me? Charente-Maritime. Very nice. Tell us a little bit about how you got back there and why you're there and why it's such a special spot of yours. My great-grandmother was French, so I always had a love of France and Normandy. I still actually do love Normandy. What is from the Channel Islands, which are little islands, actually part of the United Kingdom, but they are off the coast of Normandy, so they're much closer to France than England. He always used to come across to France a lot. For both of us, we had this love of France, Normandy in particular but the weather is not. I hate cold winters and I hate long gray winters, much though I love Normandy. We decided to settle further south. We were in Provence, did not go too well for us. We were burgled and it's a long story, but eventually, we had to go abroad for work and we came back and we went abroad and we came back. When we came back the third time, having made two costly and rookie errors when you buy something in the summer and you think everything's wonderful and you don't check things out. There was nobody to speak to or to give us advice except for locals that we might meet. When we came back the last time nearly twelve years ago, we had a checklist and we really stuck to it and we knew our eldest daughter was at university in the UK. We wanted to have good transport links to her. We wanted to be relatively close to the coast. We wanted a good-sized city town within twenty minutes, a good community spirit. We knew exactly what we wanted and we knew this area. We came here, we looked around and just completely fell in love with it. We have a great microclimate. We have guaranteed long summers. We have the second sunniest driest area in France after the Mediterranean. We do get those wonderful warm summers but we also get very short, mild winters. I never think winter doesn't really start till December. Now we're January, the mimosa's out, and daffodils will be out next month. February, we get days in the 20s, which is low 70s Fahrenheit, and spring is here. It's life just great. I should mention to our readers that you have a wonderful newsletter that you sent out almost weekly, I think, with some actually exquisite photography that really illustrates exactly what you're talking about, about this part of France. I'm a Francophile, so I like France too. It's intriguing. It's an interesting pocket of France that I'm certain that a lot of people aren't aware of. No, it's we call it a really well-kept secret. It's absolutely loved by Parisians. Many have second homes here. That's a really good thing because actually it's kept it quite cosmopolitan. There are things open. A lot of places in France tend to that especially places that are touristy tend to die a little bit in the winter and become a bit like ghost towns. This is because it is so cosmopolitan. It's open all year round. You can always get a good cup of coffee. You can get a good restaurant. It just keeps it quite buzzing. It's rural, it's quiet, but it's not backward. It's just got a great feel to it. It sounds like it has everything you could ask where all rolled up into one, which is unusual and really special. It's not super touristy because as you're saying, it's not known by outsiders in the way that a lot of other areas of France, a lot of people when they think of France, think of Paris, Provence, and maybe Normandy. That is France, but there is so much more. The Enchanting Cottage: A Retreat In Southwestern France Great. Now that you said your youngest is eighteen and your kids have left the nest, let's talk a little bit about what you've been up to. I know from your newsletter, you have this enchanting-looking cottage. Can you tell us more about it? When we came back here nearly twelve years ago, we didn't actually live where we're living now. We were twenty minutes down the road, twenty minutes close to the coast. We always wanted to have a guest cottage. We really liked the hospitality business. We've done a lot in the hospitality business together. That was a dream to be able to bring people to France and not just the cottage that we rented out for money. That's really stayed the same now that we've moved here. We also have a guest cottage. It's purely for two people. It's very small. It's very exclusive. We want to be able to bring people here and welcome them so that they feel that they can come and escape and we can chat with them and offer them a glass of wine. Very often we have a meal with them and we invite them over to our courtyard for dinner. We want it to feel like a wonderful experience for them, not like they've just rented somewhere like an Airbnb and that's it they come and they go and write a review or whatever. We want this to be something really special, which is another reason we don't do a booking calendar or anything because it's emails before people come so that you get to know people and I want people to really experience France when they're here. Tell us a little bit about what a typical day might be for somebody coming to stay in your cottage. Here we're really lucky, because it's a little village of about 650 people, probably near a thousand in summer, but not very big. It's on the river, and it's only two designated swimming areas on this river, on the river Charente. It has been a designated swimming area for 80 years. We also have three restaurants in the village and a riverside cafe, which is open from April until October, because that's only outdoors. We have a boulangerie, we have a couple of little shops, a little grocery store. People can really come. There is no parking on site. There's only public car parking in the car park because the access to the cottage is down through the garden. They have their own access. They're totally private from us. They don't have to see us at all if they don't want to, but they do have the pool which we use as well. If guests are there swimming, we won't go and intrude on them anyway. They walk through our garden. They can have breakfast sitting on the south-facing terrace. They can go for swims. They can walk down to the river. They can walk to two different chateaux with fascinating stone carvings because our local Charinters stone is very famous. You can go swimming in the river, you can rent boats, you can rent a kayak, and then if you want to go in your car you can go off and explore the Roman city of Sant, which is fantastic, modern but really old at the same time. There is just so much to do. Also, you can throw away your car keys and just say, “I'm just going to walk.” There is also high-speed Wi-Fi because some sadly that's the world we live in. We all like to be connected at the same time. That's the world we live in—we all like to be connected at the same time.   From Property Search To Online Boutique: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur That sounds great. Let's talk a little bit about your property relocation service like describing the type of person and properties you're matching up and how you want to. That's like saying how long is a piece of string because we have clients who are in their 30s who want a second home that is $110,000, or we have clients who are in their 70s. We have people looking for properties that are $800,000, we have people looking for tiny places that are $100,000. It literally is what people want. People want a town, other people want something in the country and don't want any neighbors. It's literally what people want, some people want to move here permanently, some people want an apartment, and some people want something they can come to once a year. It's really all sorts of things. It sounds like a potpourri of a lot of different people. I think when you're going to buy a property, you spend the biggest investment you make in your life pretty much and I think often. I know I spend longer thinking, “Am I going to buy a dress or a skirt or something than I do a house. I'll go and look at something and I'll go away and I'll think if I like it in a couple of days time.” A house, very often you look at for an hour and a half, and then you spend hundreds of thousands and you think, “Why would I not spend just a few thousand and really a very tiny percentage more and get a lot of expert advice and second opinions and everything else at the same time.” We made two very costly mistakes and then we helped somebody find a property here and they said, “You should really do this to help other people.” This was seven years ago now. We did and it's just wonderful to help people find out exactly what they want and then find places that probably aren't on the open market. A lot of agents we work with left us to know about properties long before they even hit the open market. We get first dibs on things. We help people say, “Look, this is a really great place, but this maybe is not for you because it's going to need so much work and we can get costs and things for everybody too.” It's wonderful to help people find out exactly what they want. I guess that involves you having to have a big resource list of people, if people are willing to renovate or whatever, as opposed to turnkey. You would be aware of that. We have a list of artisans and electricians, plumbers, and roofing people that we really trust. Some people, we have some clients at the moment who their property is going through, but they absolutely wanted no renovation whatsoever. They've bought a house that needs full renovation because they just fell in love with the location of the house, the village it's in, everything about it, the history, the views and they just said, “We'll do the renovation, but can you get us some quotes first and an idea? It's even got asbestos in the property that needs removing.” We got all of those quotes first. The agent we worked with was really good. She said I will take it off the market and hold it, but you're not committed to anything until we've got these quotes back. They're abroad, they're on a different continent. They could not possibly have done this on their own. If they did, it would have cost them a fortune way more than we charge just to come back and forth and stay places and try and find artisans to give them quotes when you don't know anybody. I mean, some things like this are just so hard to do. We know we've been there and it is so hard. I wish we'd had somebody that could advise us back then. We'd have saved so much money. It's so nice that you've taken your expertise and been able to help other people. I think that's wonderful. I'm curious, like are the people that are coming to you to relocate, are they mainly from France? Are they from other countries or far away?     Everywhere. We have, just to name a few, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, America, of course, the UK, French, Germans, Italian everywhere. Even a couple who live in Paris, because it's just too much for them to keep coming back and down. The problem with French estate agents or real estate agents is their details are quite often quite far removed from what you actually get in reality. They show you what they want to show you. When you sell a house for example, in the States, they tend to be staged and you can see almost a blank canvas. Here you will see a photo with somebody's washing up all over the sink and laundry all over everywhere. You've got to be able to think outside the box to even imagine what half of these places look like. Very rarely any floor plans. Some of the better agents do, but a lot of the really good properties are not necessarily the better agents. They're with more of the local French agents and then the details are really useless. You come and look at something and then you find out that there's a great big electricity pile. Next door there's an old rusty old factory next door or a pig farm next door or something but nobody's going to tell you that. If you've come from another country and then you look at all these properties and I've seen so many people go away and feel so dejected because it's just like, “How can we do this?” We do the shortlist. We go and view properties for people and take videos. We do virtual tours. We do live virtual tours with them. We just get them up on WhatsApp and say, “We're going to walk around so you can ask questions.” People come here and they normally have a short list that we've drawn up of maybe 5, or 6 properties with them. They know what they're looking at. We can show them where the nearest cafes are, where they're going to be able to do this, where there would be a doctor, how far it is to the hospital, and just all those things that we all need to know in. Often if it's in another language as well, it's pretty hard. It is. My husband and I were in Tokyo a few months back. We were trying to catch the bullet train at the Tokyo train station. Nobody spoke English. It's very scary. It is. If you don't know and it's something I don't think you realize until you go to another country and suddenly you're like, “How can I express myself?” It's quite scary. It is. Let's chat a little bit now about your online business. What is it called? What kinds of items are you having on your online business? It's purely Faucon, vintage, and antique French items that I find. Mostly, it started off when we first came here, so I would go around Faucon and buy things. I don't really do that anymore because Faucon's have actually changed a lot and you get far fewer bargains and there's an awful lot of clothing and plastic things that have come in. Now because I've got no and I get invited to private sales when people are selling manure and chateau and I tend to go around and then just pick very few. I don't have a great big inventory, maybe 30 pieces sometimes only 20, not a huge amount at all. I just pick things that I would want. Things that I think I would like that in my home. It's a very small thing. It's not a mainline part of the business at all. It's something that I find very interesting, and fascinating. It is, it's great. I love that why go and buy a pot that is made in China to look old when you could buy the real thing for maybe less money or certainly no more? I think it's lovely looking at things and thinking like a confit pot was used for preserving duck 150 years ago and they would put it in the ground. Now everybody loves them. The pots are part yellow or part green around the top and about a foot high. They were actually used in the kitchen, say, before refrigeration, they would fill them with fat, duck fat, then put the meat in and then put them in the ground up to the mark where it is painted. That's why it is only half-glazed. The inside is completely glazed. That's how they would preserve their meat all winter. Luxury Experiences And Chateau Stays: Unique Offerings For Travelers This is interesting. I never knew that's really interesting. I also know that you've talked to me a little bit about some very special offerings that you have coming up. I know our readers will find them most appealing. I'd like to talk first about your first offering, which is a four-night luxury experience. It's geared basically for a couple or maybe two friends. How would you describe this experience? This came about quite by chance because last year or the year before, we had quite a few people staying in the Gite and who asked if I would accompany them places, would I take them to the Il Doré? Would I go and do things with them? We thought a lot of people, sometimes solo travelers, sometimes groups, sometimes a couple of friends. They want to see more, but they're a little bit nervous about how to see more because this isn't your mainline tourist area where everybody knows you should go here, here, here. We thought there were so many people offering huge retreats for a lot of people. Why not offer something really just for a couple at far more basic prices in our own jeet? People can come and tailor-make for what they wish rather. It became so popular that we did first of all, started with just one date that we said, “We could do this.” Not a huge amount because I don't want to do back-to-back ones my husband doesn't either. We're both very adamant about that because it's got to stay a passion for us. It's more about people loving it than making money, which is probably why we'll never be rich because even our property business is all about helping people more than a business making money.     Your life sounds very rich to me. Exactly, it's rich in the fact that we love helping people. People can tailor-make what they want, not everybody wants workshops. Some people would rather just do antique hunting, some people would like to tour chateau, some people would like to just tour domains and see how wine and cognac are made, and other people want to do just workshops. We said, “If it's just two people, why not tailor make this to what they want precisely?” Let's say rather than just the set four days which sold out instantly, and therefore I had a lot of people saying, “What can we do? Why not say we can do this anytime from the 1st of May until the 30th of September?” A four-night thing, you let us know. We have very limited dates because A, the G is booked, and the guest cottage is booked for people on general vacation anyway. B, we only want to do it once a month. I don't want to do this all the time because as I say, “It won't be special.” Why not let people choose their dates and we will see if we can work with them and then let people choose? “I want to do a mixture of this, this, this.” It's totally everything is all-inclusive. Their breakfast, their lunch, their dinner. Some people want to meet other local expats, which we've found have a cocktail party and let them meet other people who have made this their home. It's a tailor-made holiday. That's great. There's another offering you mentioned that's geared to a much larger group and super special because the guests are going to stay for six nights at a special chateau. Can you tell us more about that? That is something that I am doing with a really dear friend of mine, Wendy, who is based at the Phineas Wright House in Massachusetts. We do this together. It's a joint venture. She's been doing retreats for several years now, notably to Paris, hugely successful. She's a lovely lady and a dear friend. She knows somebody here, which is how we were first introduced, that we do this together. This is the thing, I found a chateau quite locally, went to meet the people, and toured it. It was absolutely perfect. We rent the Chateau. This is very different, as you say because it's a larger group. There's a minivan to take everybody around. We have a Parisian chef who cooks at the Chateau. It's a very different experience. There's a set itinerary, obviously, because with a larger number of people, you have to do that. Again, it's fabulous for solo travelers. You still get your own ensuite bedroom in the Chateau. Chateau Live swimming pool. Where exactly is this church located, Susan? Where is it located? It's located in the Chardente-Maritime near the village of Saint-Savinien. It's about ten minutes from where we live and about fifteen minutes from the historical city of Saint and beautifully located. It's in many acres of its own parkland. It's absolutely beautiful, built in the late 1700s, and has been in the same family ever since it was built. Sounds beautiful. It is, and so totally different experience. For people that want to come and meet other people, some people like doing things on their own. Other people like larger groups and going around in a more knowing exactly what they're doing months in advance. What's the timing on this one? That one this year is the last week of August. Last year we did it in September. This year we've moved it forward to the last week of August. We do have a couple of spaces still available. It is absolutely superb. I'm fully on board. I join every single activity, there at night, eating the whole thing in the Chateau. We have a Parisian chef who does all the catering in the Chateau. There are dinners out there are incredible workshops. I think one of the favorites last year was a jeweler who makes sterling silver jewelry and that was fascinating. Again, in a chateau and lunch was served in the chateau. You are cooking classes? We do, our Parisian-trained chef, rather than accept cooking class, he will cook dinner and then explain and teach people exactly what they want to learn while he's cooking dinner. Last year, the last night, we had everybody eating in the kitchen rather than in the more formal dining room. Everybody sat around and first, we started with the basic knife skills, which even that is quite mind-blowing. Showed how to make what he was serving for dinner that night, which was actually fish. Just everybody is welcome to come and ask. Any night when he's cooking, people are welcome to go into the kitchen and join him and ask questions, and watch. You can have a cooking class the whole time if you want to. Reach Out To Susan For More! That's incredible. That sounds like so much fun. Susan, this has been such an interesting and fascinating conversation and you definitely are a fabulous example of somebody Growing Older with Gusto. I want you to tell our readers how they can reach you, whether it's for wanting to buy property near you or come to one of your special events that you're holding, or trying to buy something from your wonderful online business. Let our readers know. There were two, the best way is either on Instagram or if anybody's on Instagram, my Instagram handle is @OurFrenchOasis and always send me a direct message on Instagram and I do answer every single one. There are quite a lot, so sometimes I don't get back within the hour or even five hours, but I do always answer every single one. The other way is through our website, which is www.OurFrenchLifestyle.com. Join the website you can also sign up totally for free. I've never charged for anything to our newsletter which has several thousand subscribers and emails go out. It's most weeks. It is a great newsletter I will add. I can tell you put your heart and soul into it. I do and sometimes I think that's why sometimes it doesn't go out every week because sometimes I don't have time but it's nearly always every week. It is. It's sometimes Saturday, sometimes Sunday, occasionally it's a Monday instead. I mean this weekend we were taking our daughter back to university in Normandy so it went out on Monday because I wanted to write about where we'd been. Because I don't charge, it's a totally free thing and it's something I love doing, I'm not setting it to a clockwork time. It doesn't matter when it arrives, whether it's Saturday, Sunday or Monday, I always love it. On our website, there is also a contact form so you can email me. I love getting emails from people. On our website, you will also find under the heading experiences, everything about stays here. How you can join the retreats. There are also details on our guest cottage and the online shop. Our property business just loves chatting with people. People love France because that's what we have all in common. We love France, so I'm really happy to talk about that. From one Francophile to another, I thank you so much for this conversation. For my readers, please share this podcast and listen to it on any podcast platform where you get your podcast or our YouTube channel at Growing Older with Gusto or go to our website at www.GrowingOlderwithGusto.com and subscribe and please share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for reading and remember, stay curious and stay connected. Thank you, Susan. Thank you. It's been an absolute pleasure.   Important Links Growing Older with Gusto's YouTube Channel Our French Lifestyle's Istagram's Page Our French Lifestyle Our French Lifestyle's Facebook Page