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Are you watching a social experiment, or a system of orchestrated human exploitation? Today on Eyes Wide Open, we're joined by Professor Tim Wilson, winner of The Circle (UK), and reality TV rights activist and host Nick Thompson to pull back the curtain on the troubling Married at First Sight scandal. Tim and Nick discuss the MAFS UK scandal and the troubling ethical failures of the reality TV industry. We dive into how massive productions like Married at First Sight UK (or MAFS UK) prioritize drama over participant safety. We expose the systemic negligence, lack of regulation, and manufacture of dangerous, risky situations for ratings that are embedded in the reality TV landscape. We explore the serious psychological risks for cast members, including exploitation and trauma, and why current industry standards like the self-proclaimed "gold standard" for safety are failing spectacularly. Nick and Professor Wilson contrast these systemic failures with the mission of the UCAN Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by Thompson to provide ethical treatment, support, and advocacy for reality TV cast members. Whether you're a viewer, a participant, or an industry professional, this conversation provides a roadmap for returning to a culture of advocacy, transparency, and human-centric media. In this episode, you will learn: ✅MAFS UK scandal exposed with an in-depth look into the serious allegations and repeated pattern of neglect in the recent Married at First Sight UK ✅ How psychological profiling and evaluations are misused to profile and manipulate contestants for specific storylines. ✅ Professor Tim Wilson shares his research on institutional betrayal, explaining how ethical standards are often "performative" in high-profit environments. ✅The "Gold Standard" lies in an investigation into how current reality TV safety protocols fail to protect vulnerable cast members from exploitation and trauma ✅ How the UCAN Foundation, a mental health advocacy nonprofit, is stepping in to offer ethical support and a new framework for the industry. About Our Guest Professor Tim Wilson is a British investigative integrity expert with a background that spans high-level public service, including significant roles within Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, and unique insights from his time as a contestant on the reality competition series The Circle, Professor Wilson possesses a one-of-a-kind perspective on media dynamics and systemic failure. Through his YouTube channel, academic research, and public commentary, he pushes for transparency, human-centric standards, and unwavering ethical practice in media and investigative processes. Our Mission Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to the topic of reality TV and its impact. 0:42 - Discussion about the allegations on "Married at First Sight UK." 3:14 - Explanation of the "MacGuffin" concept in reality TV. 4:05 - Light-hearted moment about a dog named Grayson. 5:25 - Discussion on the emotional impact of reality TV. 8:47 - The "voice of God" in reality TV production. 14:48 - Discussion on the psychological impact and loss of agency. 16:10 - Allegations of assault and the lack of autonomy. 18:02 - The importance of agency and autonomy in the arts. 19:20 - Tim's personal struggles post-show. 22:15 - Mental health support issues in reality TV. 29:11 - Forced relationships in reality TV. 31:08 - Serious allegations and their implications. 33:13 - Lack of care and safety in reality TV production. 34:33 - Suggestions for improving reality TV conditions. 43:37 - The need for labor rights and mental health support. 45:10 - The importance of representation for reality TV participants. Find Professor Tim Wilson here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialprofessor_tim_wilson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorTimWilson Find Nick Thompson here: Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com Keywords: Married at First Sight, Married at First Sight UK, MAFS UK, MAFS UK Scandal, Why Was MAFS UK Removed, UCAN Foundation, Nick Thompson, Eyes Wide Open, Professor Tim Wilson, Dark Side of Reality TV, Media Exploitation, Psychological Manipulation, Trauma in Entertainment, Mental Health Advocacy Nonprofit, Free Speech, Systemic Negligence, Media Reform, Producer Malpractice, Celebrity Therapist Ethics, Information Sovereignty, Institutional Betrayal.
London Bridge is underway, whatever that is. While rows of troops block their path, the Misfits try to get Mal across a bridge. However, we all know that nothing in Wonderland is that easy. With several tricks up her sleeve, the White Queen stacks the deck in her favor. Will they be enough to stop the Misfits from getting to Her Majesty? CAST:Game Master...Celine TrellaMalcolm Glass...Jake DiBlasiQuip Buttfore…Sean DoughertyStevie Harrington…Monica GalarzaKorvis…Ted SikoraCREDITS:Theme Song...Ryan LoganScore...Jake Diblasi, Rafael Miranda, Justyn Trella, Kevin O'Leary, and Monument StudiosEditor...Sean DoughertyAudio Producer…Celine TrellaCover Art...Matt MacriCharacter Art...Steph Catalioto Sound Effects…Monument Studios
In ep 173 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Rachel Capell joins Sam and Mark to talk about how past tense as present tense can throw you, working out where your script sits within the final narration and the fine line which means you can't leave a documentary on a sad note. We ask when is a script set in the future NOT futuristic and work out how to be wistful and informative at the same time.Our fun facts this week are about avoiding claustrophobia, being naked, tiles that fall off the wall, and kids at weddings!Our VO question this week is all about whether having a niche style is good for your career.Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.ukScript 1After one last look around the yacht, Her Majesty disembarked for the very last time. All the clocks on board were stopped at 3:01, the exact time she left the yacht.It is one of the few times Queen Elizabeth has broken her composure. Shedding a tear at the ceremony, she said goodbye to her floating palace, to her sanctuary.The Royal Yacht Britannia made its final journey. In Leith, Edinburgh, the Britannia opened its doors to the public.Script 2There's a pulse near the sea, like the waves breathing on the shore.When I was little, the beach looked very different.T'was wider and tides went out much further.I'd grab the old snorkeling gear, dive in and just lie on the surface, looking down on the fields of grass, watching billowing seaweeds, shoals of mackerel and kelp …I'd be there what felt like hours.There were cuttlefish, rays, kevelings and spider havilers.And the colours, all these pinks, golds and blues…We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"About our guest: Rachel Capell is a multi-award nominated voiceover artist with a rich performance background and a serious love for storytelling. Rachel started out singing in pubs at 16, studied Theatre at both undergraduate and masters level, and performed across small-scale theatre before stepping behind the mic. There was a 15-year “interlude” producing large-scale cultural events, but the call of the voice booth proved too strong. Her voice is warm, clear, and full of character – trusted by clients such as LEGO Group, Vodafone, Booking.com, NHS, Breast Cancer Now, PDSA, Tearfund and Wizarding World. Whether it's commercial, corporate, healthcare, or characters for gaming and animation, Rachel's delivery is authentic, compelling, and utterly human. When she's not in the booth, she's likely on the sofa with her daughter, binge watching Stranger Things or trying, and failing miserably, to play Donkey Kong.Rachel's WebsiteRachel's Facebook page@capell.rachel on InstagramResources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don't forget to think of an action your character can be doing!About your hosts:With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world's biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark's British voice. As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator - Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!Mark's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermarkElegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha Boffin helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience. BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she's created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.Samantha's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin
In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association in conversation with Robert Macaire, who came up to the Hall in 1984 to read Modern History. Rob rowed in the first eight and was one of the founding members of the much loved Syndicate! After Teddy Hall, he joined the Ministry of Defence and then the Foreign Office where his first posting was to Romania. Following postings to Washington DC and to Nairobi as British High Commissioner, Rob was appointed as Her Majesty's Ambassador to Iran. He then spent time in the private sector before turning his hand to the third sector with his recent appointment as CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy meaning a return to Kenya. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.
It is not a stretch to say that the defeat by the British at Majuba was also the political birth of the Afrikaner people. While the Great Trek provided the origin story, Majuba provided the validation—the sense that their culture was not only distinct but divinely protected and militarily capable of standing against the greatest empire of the age. Before the main event, there was the small matter of Schuinshoogte. It was February 1881, and General Sir George Pomeroy Colley was in a bind. Boer patrols under Commander J. D. Weilbach were constantly harassing his communications with Newcastle. Colley was determined to act. The recent defeat at Laing's Nek had energized the Boers, and he needed to clear the road between Newcastle and Mount Prospect. His reinforcements were finally on the way, but first, he had to keep those vital British supply lines open. Deputy President Paul Kruger sent a letter to George Pomeroy Colley on the 12th February 1881, requesting negotiations. “We desire to seek no conflict with the Imperial Government but cannot do otherwise than give the last drop of blood for our lawful right, for which also each Englishmen would give his blood..” Colley wrote back on the 21st February. “Sir I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter…” “…I must inform you that as soon as the Boers, now in arms against her Majesty's authority, discontinue their armed resistance, Her Majesty's Government is prepared to appoint a Commission…” Both sides had agreed that some kind of Royal Commission would be responsible for investigating the causes of this war. That placated the Boer Triumpherate leadership. Kruger sent another letter on the 28th February 1881, “to this excellency, Sir G Pomeroy Colley… I have the satisfaction … to inform you that we are very thankful for the declaration…” He meant of a commission — Kruger and the Boers were sure they would be exonerated by a proper investigation “It appears to us…” he continued “…that now for the first time since the unhappy day of the annexation, an opportunity occurs of coming to a friendly settlement…” Kruger was calling for a speedy resolution. Colley never read the letter. He was already dead. His end was to come at Majuba on the 27th February. On Saturday night, February 26th, General Colley left his camp again on a secret expedition. With him was a compact force of 405 men, two companies of the 58th Regiment, two of the 3-60th, two of the 92nd highlands, the Naval Brigade, some Hussars, the cavalry. Two other companies of the 3-60th were to leave a little later with reserve ammunition and form a defensive position behind Colley's advancing expedition. The troops had no idea where they were going, only after the march began did word spread they were on their way to a high hill called Majuba to the left of the British camp. From their they would have a commanding view of the Boer camps, and their line of defences on the escarpment flats beyond Laing's Nek. The 3-60th were on the left, facing a difficult pass. They all stopped at a ridge below this imposing mountain, the horses, the Hussars, and the guns were sent back to the camp, there was no way they'd make it up this steep side. That alone should have been a warning to Colley. He knew he was outnumbered by the Boers, but decided to go ahead and climb to the summit of Majuba anyway despite leaving his vital artillery behind. It was a very difficult climb, and they reached the top just before daybreak on the 27th February. Sunday morning. Six hours of toil, but they'd made it, despite the dangerous climb. To his credit, General Colley was the second man to reach the top, behind his two IC Major Fraser. As the sun rose, subaltern's pitched a tent for Colley, the soldiers ate their breakfast, while some began to dig wells for water. Crucially, they were not digging in for battle, presuming that no-one would be able to reach their position — they held the high ground after all.
It is not a stretch to say that the defeat by the British at Majuba was also the political birth of the Afrikaner people. While the Great Trek provided the origin story, Majuba provided the validation—the sense that their culture was not only distinct but divinely protected and militarily capable of standing against the greatest empire of the age. Before the main event, there was the small matter of Schuinshoogte. It was February 1881, and General Sir George Pomeroy Colley was in a bind. Boer patrols under Commander J. D. Weilbach were constantly harassing his communications with Newcastle. Colley was determined to act. The recent defeat at Laing's Nek had energized the Boers, and he needed to clear the road between Newcastle and Mount Prospect. His reinforcements were finally on the way, but first, he had to keep those vital British supply lines open. Deputy President Paul Kruger sent a letter to George Pomeroy Colley on the 12th February 1881, requesting negotiations. “We desire to seek no conflict with the Imperial Government but cannot do otherwise than give the last drop of blood for our lawful right, for which also each Englishmen would give his blood..” Colley wrote back on the 21st February. “Sir I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter…” “…I must inform you that as soon as the Boers, now in arms against her Majesty's authority, discontinue their armed resistance, Her Majesty's Government is prepared to appoint a Commission…” Both sides had agreed that some kind of Royal Commission would be responsible for investigating the causes of this war. That placated the Boer Triumpherate leadership. Kruger sent another letter on the 28th February 1881, “to this excellency, Sir G Pomeroy Colley… I have the satisfaction … to inform you that we are very thankful for the declaration…” He meant of a commission — Kruger and the Boers were sure they would be exonerated by a proper investigation “It appears to us…” he continued “…that now for the first time since the unhappy day of the annexation, an opportunity occurs of coming to a friendly settlement…” Kruger was calling for a speedy resolution. Colley never read the letter. He was already dead. His end was to come at Majuba on the 27th February. On Saturday night, February 26th, General Colley left his camp again on a secret expedition. With him was a compact force of 405 men, two companies of the 58th Regiment, two of the 3-60th, two of the 92nd highlands, the Naval Brigade, some Hussars, the cavalry. Two other companies of the 3-60th were to leave a little later with reserve ammunition and form a defensive position behind Colley's advancing expedition. The troops had no idea where they were going, only after the march began did word spread they were on their way to a high hill called Majuba to the left of the British camp. From their they would have a commanding view of the Boer camps, and their line of defences on the escarpment flats beyond Laing's Nek. The 3-60th were on the left, facing a difficult pass. They all stopped at a ridge below this imposing mountain, the horses, the Hussars, and the guns were sent back to the camp, there was no way they'd make it up this steep side. That alone should have been a warning to Colley. He knew he was outnumbered by the Boers, but decided to go ahead and climb to the summit of Majuba anyway despite leaving his vital artillery behind. It was a very difficult climb, and they reached the top just before daybreak on the 27th February. Sunday morning. Six hours of toil, but they'd made it, despite the dangerous climb. To his credit, General Colley was the second man to reach the top, behind his two IC Major Fraser. As the sun rose, subaltern's pitched a tent for Colley, the soldiers ate their breakfast, while some began to dig wells for water. Crucially, they were not digging in for battle, presuming that no-one would be able to reach their position — they held the high ground after all.
In this episode, the Misfits continue to the final square in the Boardlands. Before meeting up with the Red Queen's army, they are diverted to an adjacent white square by Stevie's spirit bunny. There, they find a forest of trees hiding the Jackolyte Grand Matriarch's artifacts. Continuing to a nearby farm, they find more than they expected. Korvis gets a dream about Her Majesty and does more cocaine. Normal Korvis stuff. CAST:Game Master...Celine TrellaMalcolm Glass...Jake DiBlasiQuip Buttfore…Sean DoughertyStevie Harrington…Monica GalarzaKorvis…Ted SikoraCREDITS:Theme Song...Ryan LoganScore...Jake Diblasi, Rafael Miranda, Justyn Trella, Kevin O'Leary, and Monument StudiosEditor...Sean DoughertyAudio Producer…Celine TrellaCover Art...Matt MacriCharacter Art...Steph Catalioto Sound Effects…Monument Studios
Send us Fan MailTim is joined by award-winning 'I Am the EggPod' producer and host Chris Shaw to explore Her Majesty. They examine the song's strange place in Abbey Road, its accidental journey to becoming the Beatles' hidden closing track, and what its humour, brevity and missing final note say about the Beatles' love of happy accidents and undercutting grand endings.Guest linksChris Shaw's Patreon: https://patreon.com/eggpodI Am The Egg Pod website: https://www.iamtheeggpod.comFollow My Favourite Beatles SongBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSongInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessongOriginal music by Joe KaneLogo design by Mark Cunningham
The Italian Island of Sicily is one of the most magical places on earth. Embraced by the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas, kissed by warm sunshine nearly year-round, home to three active volcanoes – the largest of which, "Her Majesty," Mt. Etna, looms over the island like a sleeping giant – and a multi-colored landscape that includes forests, farmland, and arid fields, Sicily, it seems, was truly favored by the gods, both past and present.
durée : 00:21:54 - par : Laurent Valière - The Phantom of the Opera est une comédie musicale d'Andrew Lloyd Webber, sur un livret de Charles Hart, créée au Her Majesty's Theatre en septembre 1986. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
It's Waterloo Road versus Her Majesty's Government as we return to the episode we called the strongest of series three's second half. Elsewhere, Tom and Davina haven't moved on at all and Eddie is trying (and failing) to be intimidating. Tom Beasley and Luke Stevenson are your hosts.Watch SERIES 3, EPISODE 18 of Waterloo Road here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0091xk6/waterloo-road-series-3-episode-18/*** If you want to subscribe to the PATREON page, visit http://www.patreon.com/waterlooroadpod/ for full details. A new fanfic chapter is live right now. ***Many thanks to our current Patrons: Erin, Eve, Laura, Anna, Kerry, Natalie (@nataliethebookreader on Instagram), Lucy Fields, Hazel, Lottie Smith, Jade, Ollie C, Helen, Kat, Joe Buckle, Catval, Mel, Hannah Louise (NHS Mental Health Services), Lou Parsons, Bryn, Jess, Ricky, Charlotte, Louise (@dramallamas2 on Twitter and theofficialdramallama on Tumblr), Beckett, Han, Nathalie, Pearl, Alex, Emily, Rebecca Grimshaw, Mark, Emma, Megan, Natalie, Helen (@red.head.read on Instagram), Megan, Kerry, Laura A, and Matthew.Please do follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, clips and probably terrible jokes also. And, of course, hit that subscribe button and leave a rating/review on your podcast service of choice!
A strange team is assembled at the behest of Her Majesty's war-beset government and they are assigned to a strange mission. A late career intelligence officer, a Senti escaped from German camps, a semi-reformed art thief, and a soldier and engineer from Poland are being tasked on a mission far behind enemy lines. London is calling... Theme song for London Calling is "Dark Ritual" by Adrian von Ziegler. More from this amazing composer at https://adrianvonziegler.bandcamp.com/ All other scores are used with permission from Adrian von Zielger and Antti Martikainen https://anttimartikainen.com/ Intro song is "Walkin' with Michael Douglas" by A Wilhelm Scream; more here https://www.awilhelmscream.com/ Special thanks to David of the 2W12 - Die besten Spielleiter der Welt podcast! Check them out here 2w12.podigee.io and on youtube here https://www.youtube.com/@2w12podcast Please consider supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/nastygram - it would mean the world to us! (And you get some pretty cool stuff including bi-weekly bonus episodes! Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nastygram and our group is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/865467380821766; we are @nastygramrpg on both Instagram and Twitter and on Tik Tok at @nastygram.rpg
Mitch and Isi give you advice on things you shouldn't do, things you should do when making conversations with strangers in English in different, everyday scenarios. Interactive Transcript Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership Transcript Intro Mitch: [0:22] Welcome aboard the HMS Easy English. Isi: [0:27] Her Majesty's sail. Mitch: [0:29] Her Majesty's ship. Isi: [0:30] Why are we on a ship? Mitch: [0:32] I don't know, because people are on a journey with us when they listen to the Easy English Podcast. And if we had to pick any mode of transport, we'd pick a boat. Isi: [0:40] I just realised that I didn't have this peach tea. Little fun fact for that. Mitch: [0:45] Fun fact. Isi: [0:46] For months and months. Mitch: [0:48] Fun fact. Isi: [0:49] I think I got a bit sick of it. I love a certain peach tea from Germany that we always bring to England. Mitch: [0:54] Oh yeah, you do. That has nothing to do with today's episode. Today's episode, we're going to be talking about introductions, specifically, how to start conversations in English and when in England or in the UK, because starting conversations is always quite difficult, in these in different scenarios, right? Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership
The misfits enter the next square to find familiar enemies once again blocking their path. They must courageously ride their Jibber Jabbers onward if they hope to face Her Majesty. We discover some more of the wildlife Wonderland has to offer and Celine learns that marriage has come with an unexpected side effect. For the record, this is not Sean's fault. CAST:Game Master...Celine TrellaMalcolm Glass...Jake DiBlasiQuip Buttfore…Sean DoughertyStevie Harrington…Monica GalarzaKorvis…Ted SikoraCREDITS:Theme Song...Ryan LoganScore...Jake Diblasi, Rafael Miranda, Justyn Trella, Kevin O'Leary, and Monument StudiosEditor...Sean DoughertyAudio Producer…Celine TrellaCover Art...Matt MacriCharacter Art...Steph Catalioto Sound Effects…Monument Studios
If you're a fellow Anglophile who watched The Crown, you MUST check out S.J. Bennett's series Her Majesty the Queen Investigates. The Queen of England as amateur sleuth? YES PLEASE! Bennett gives readers an inside look at royal life while serving up a puzzler of a crime for HRH to solve. Sophia discusses the inspiration behind her series, which includes her father's service to the Crown and her own attempt to land a job in the Queen's inner circle, how she researches her characters and stays faithful to true events, and the feminist vibe underlying this series. The line between fact and fiction is thinner than you'd think in each of Bennett's books! Learn more about Guest S.J. Bennett: https://www.sjbennettbooks.com/ Learn more about Host Melissa Westemeier: https://www.melwestemeier.com/
If you're a fellow Anglophile who watched The Crown, you MUST check out S.J. Bennett's series Her Majesty the Queen Investigates. The Queen of England as amateur sleuth? YES PLEASE! Bennett gives readers an inside look at royal life while serving up a puzzler of a crime for HRH to solve. Sophia discusses the inspiration behind her series, which includes her father's service to the Crown and her own attempt to land a job in the Queen's inner circle, how she researches her characters and stays faithful to true events, and the feminist vibe underlying this series. The line between fact and fiction is thinner than you'd think in each of Bennett's books! Learn more about Guest S.J. Bennett: https://www.sjbennettbooks.com/ Learn more about Host Melissa Westemeier: https://www.melwestemeier.com/
Drama and Westerns on a FridayFirst, a look at this day in History.Then, The Lux Radio Theater, originally broadcast April 10, 1939, 87 years ago, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer starring Errol Flynn, Brian Aherne, and Jackie Cooper.. The adaptation of the 1935 movie that starred Gary Cooper, about Her Majesty's Lancers in Northwest India, battling rebellious tribesmen. A story about the traditions of the regiment and its sense of honor!Followed by Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast April 10, 1954, 72 years ago, Greater Love. Two gunmen are wounded while holding up the stage. Howard Brand is one of the robbers, and he's been fatally wounded. Doc is kidnapped by the other members of the gang. Then, Have Gun Will Travel starring John Dehner, originally broadcast April 10, 1960, 66 years ago, So True, Mr. Barnum. Hey Boy and the Celestial Dragon Society have spent $2000 on a phony Mexican treasure map...or is it a phony?Finally, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast April 10, 1955, 71 years ago, The Mystery Movie. Fibber and Molly go to the movies to see, "Murder Me Gently, My Love."Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order!
Episode Overview In the third instalment of our series on famine and revolution, we pull away the veil of headline numbers to investigate the visceral, human reality of the Great Hunger in Ireland. This is an exploration of a land filling with desperation, where the brutal biological mechanics of what happens when the human body begins to consume itself take centre stage. We examine the fate of a terrified people, facing ruin triggered by a disease that wreaked havoc on already weak economies. From the folklore of the Fear Gorta to the harrowing clinical reports of the era, this episode explores how a society is transformed when it is blindsided by biological disaster and administrative indifference. Key Topics Covered: The Information Vacuum: Comparing our modern “Ocean of Information” to the terrifying silence of the 1840s, where the sickly sweet smell of rot was a mystery without an immediate answer. The Folklore of Famine: Why stories like Hansel and Gretel and the Navajo Dine Bahane carry the genetic memory of starvation, and the specific Irish harbinger of death: the Fear Gorta. The Structural Cage: A deep dive into the Rundale system and Gavelkind inheritance. We look at why the West was trapped in a cycle of subdivision while Ulster was shielded by the “Linen Shield” and Tenant Right. The Biology of Starvation: Using modern metabolic science and contemporary medical records to explain the “Blue Nose,” the “Sunken Orbit,” and the terrifying reality of Autophagy—the body cannibalising its own architecture. The Refeeding Trap: The physiological reason why a crust of bread could become a death sentence for a heart shrunken by atrophy. Conspicuous Consumption: The stark contrast between the “Workhouse Swineries” and the elite social calendar, including the dinner menus of the Cork Harbour Regatta. The Gregory Clause: How a single piece of legislation—the Quarter-Acre Clause—was used to engineer the clearances and force the starving into homelessness. The Ledger of the Dead: Analysis of the 1851 Census and the 20–25% demographic erasure that redefined Ireland forever. SOURCES Historical Research & Modern Analysis Delaney, Enda. (2020, December). “‘There But For The Grace of God Go I': Middle-Class Catholic Responses to Ireland's Great Famine.” The English Historical Review, Vol. 135, No. 577, pp. 1433–1460. Donnelly, James S., Jr. (2002). The Great Irish Potato Famine. Stroud: Sutton Publishing. Guinnane, Timothy W. (1994). “The Great Irish Famine and Population: The Long View.” The American Economic Review, Vol. 84, no. 2, pp. 303–08. Ó Gráda, Cormac. (2013, March). “Eating people is wrong: Famine’s darkest secret?” UCD Centre for Economic Research, Working Paper No. WP13/02. O'Riordan, Edmund. (2018, May/June). “‘Every Delicacy of the Season'—Conspicuous Consumption During the Great Hunger.” History Ireland, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 26–29. Poirteir, Cathal (Ed.). (1999). The Great Irish Famine. Dublin: Mercier Press. Woodham-Smith, Cecil. (1962). The Great Hunger: Ireland 1845–1849. London: Hamish Hamilton. Guinnane, Timothy W. “The Great Irish Famine and Population: The Long View.” The American Economic Review, vol. 84, no. 2, 1994, pp. 303–08. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2117848. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026 Scientific & Medical Analysis of Starvation Anabtawi, O., & Valente, B. (2025, August 12). “The science of starvation: This is what happens to your body when it's deprived of food.” The Conversation. Donovan, Daniel. (1848). “Observations on the Peculiar Diseases to Which the Famine of Last Year Gave Origin.” Dublin Medical Press. Keys, Ancel, et al. (1950). The Biology of Human Starvation. University of Minnesota Press. (References derived from the Minnesota Starvation Experiment). Primary Documents & Government Records Devon Commission. (1845). Report from Her Majesty’s Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of the Law and Practice in respect to the Occupation of Land in Ireland. Hansard Parliamentary Debates. (1849). HL Deb 15 June 1849 vol 106 cc285-300. (Correspondence of the Earl of Clancarty regarding Ballinasloe). O’Rourke, Canon John. (1875). The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847. Ridgway, James. (1847). The Irish Relief Measures, Past and Future. Regional Studies & Files Best, Barbara. (2025). “Local Female Orphans and The Earl Grey Scheme 1848-1850.” Tobin, J. “The Famine in Ballyduff and the evictions of Arthur Usher Kiely.” Ballyduff Archive. University College Dublin. (2024). “Hansel and Gretel's famine folklore origins.” The Cambridge Group for the History of Population and Social Structure. Folklore & Cultural Context Dine Bahane. Navajo creation mythology regarding resource scarcity and survival. Fear Gorta (The Hungry Man). Traditional Irish folklore regarding the personification of hunger. Yoruba Mythology. Oral traditions regarding the “Leopards Famine.” The post EP068 WHEN HUNGER WALKS THE LAND appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.
Everyone is back in London, and what happened at the cottage has to stay at the cottage. Sophie takes a position below stairs at Bridgerton House, placing her firmly within the family orbit but very much outside its privileges. Benedict struggles with the distance that uniform creates, and when he makes what he believes is a generous offer, it lands as something else entirely. Meanwhile, Lady Danbury nudges Alice into a public role she never asked for, Francesca says the quiet part out loud, and Violet redefines ‘the tea'. Featuring: - Capital-p Plot - Snack wars - The rules of society - Visual metaphors - The importance of good sex education - Lack of Stakes - Buttons…and buttons - Alternative History - The importance of good communication - Sapphic panic - Tea as a sex drink - The Bridgerton Brother (Finger) Bang Here are is the media we talk about in this episode: - Bridgerton, a television series - An Offer from a Gentleman, a book by Julia Quinn - Cinderella, a fairytale - Downton Abbey, a television series - Queen Charlotte, a mini-series - It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn - RuPaul's Drag Race, a television series - To Sir Phillip, With Love, a book by Julia Quinn - Lady Chatterley's Lover, a book by DH Lawrence - Pretty Little Liars, a television series - Younger, a television series - North and South, a television mini-series - Les Misérables, a film by Tom Hooper - Notting Hill, a film by Roger Michell - Romancing Mr Bridgerton, a book by Julia Quinn - ‘bad idea right?', a song by Olivia Rodrigo - Heartbreak High, a television show - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a television show Some extra notes: - Benedict's lover in season 3 is named Tilly - Sutton Foster's character in Younger is named Liza Our guest host this episode is friend of the podcast Patrick Lenton. You can hear more from Patrick on instagram, his fantastic newsletter Nonsense or read his fabulous debut novel, In Spite of You. For your TBR, Patrick brought Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson. Don't forget you can find us on facebook @bridgertonpod and instagram and bluesky @wwddpod and join the conversation using the hashtag #WWDDpod. Please follow us on your favourite podcast provider! Leaving a 5-star rating and a review will not only help us find more listeners, but also help you achieve real pinnacles. This episode was recorded on the traditional and unceded land of the Kaurna, Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people. Our editor is Ben McKenzie of Splendid Chaps Productions. If you need production work completed, you can find them here: splendidchaps.com
Now on the famed chessboard in the Boardlands, the Misfits face their biggest challenge yet. They start to cross the board when Her Majesty's nasty minions ambush the party. How will this affect the games ahead? CAST:Game Master...Celine TrellaMalcolm Glass...Jake DiBlasiQuip Buttfore…Sean DoughertyStevie Harrington…Monica GalarzaKorvis…Ted SikoraCREDITS:Theme Song...Ryan LoganScore...Jake Diblasi, Rafael Miranda, Justyn Trella, Kevin O'Leary, and Monument StudiosEditor...Sean DoughertyAudio Producer…Celine TrellaCover Art...Matt MacriCharacter Art...Steph Catalioto Sound Effects…Monument Studios
We've got another feed swap for you all! While we're still hard at work on UNEND Season 3, we wanted to help you fill the time by sharing another podcast: WINDFALL, a dystopian sci-fi/fantasy from Rogue Dialogue Productions.. SHOW DESCRIPTION Windfall is a dystopian sci-fi/fantasy epic from the team that brought you Forgive Me! Ever since the tyrannical Wanda's castle appeared in the clouds above Windfall City, its residents have built upwards to meet her. But not everyone is convinced of Her Majesty's Grace. Our series follows three brothers living on the surface alongside their family (chosen and otherwise), wary of the Queen's motives, and showcases what they must do to survive in a world that would rather leave them for dead. CREDITS: Produced by Rogue Dialogue Productions Written and directed by Bob Raymonda and Christie Donato Sound design and score by Adam Raymonda Logo by Sam Twardy (www.samtwardy.com) LEARN MORE: Website: https://roguedialogue.com/Windfall iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/windfall/id1451671935 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pxY61KvG5XgpL1ngmIucY?si=6243593ff3854436 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RogueDialogue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindfallPodcast Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/windfallpodcast/ Instagram: https://x.com/windfallpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
El pasado romano y medieval de Tarragona y la naturaleza espectacular de las islas Galápagos son los dos destinos de esta semana en nuestro podcast. Carmelo Jordá y Kelu Robles nos invitan en este episodio del podcast El Placer de Viajar a un recorrido fascinante que conecta la historia antigua de España con la biodiversidad más pura del Pacífico. El programa comienza con una curiosa efeméride histórica: la llegada de Charles Darwin a las Islas Galápagos el 15 de septiembre de 1835 a bordo del HMS Beagle. Los presentadores aprovechan para explicar las siglas Her Majesty's Service (o His Majesty's Service) y bromean sobre la icónica etiqueta de Anís del Mono, donde el rostro del famoso científico aparece caricaturizado en el cuerpo de un simio, uniendo así la cultura popular con el legado de la evolución. La primera parada del viaje es Tarragona, ciudad que Carmelo Jordá describe con entusiasmo rescatando su nombre romano, Tarraco. La ciudad es presentada como un destino que combina un aire provinciano y pausado con una riqueza arqueológica incomparable en la Península Ibérica. Según el resumen, Tarraco fue una de las ciudades más relevantes del Imperio, visitada incluso por Octavio Augusto. Su patrimonio incluye una muralla del siglo III a.C. y un impresionante anfiteatro situado junto al mar, donde fueron martirizados varios santos cristianos. El relato destaca la interconexión de capas históricas, donde los restos romanos se mezclan con estructuras medievales de forma natural. Entre los hitos arquitectónicos mencionados en Tarragona, destaca la Torre del Pretorio, también conocida como la Torre de Pilatos, debido a una tradición que sitúa el nacimiento de Poncio Pilato en esta ciudad. Otro tesoro es el circo romano, considerado uno de los mejor conservados del mundo, cuyas estructuras originales pueden verse integradas hoy en día en comercios y viviendas particulares del casco antiguo. Esta continuidad histórica dota a la ciudad de una atmósfera única para el visitante que busca algo más que el típico turismo de sol y playa. El programa también explora la faceta medieval y modernista de la capital tarraconense. Su catedral es definida como una joya infravalorada que marca la transición entre el románico y el gótico, mientras que el modernismo catalán deja su impronta en edificios como la Casa Salas o el Mercado Central. Carmelo Jordá subraya la importancia de pasear por la Rambla Nova hasta el Balcón del Mediterráneo para cumplir con el rito de tocar hierro, una tradición local que permite conectar con el horizonte marino. En el ámbito gastronómico, Tarragona brilla con luz propia gracias a la salsa romesco, base de muchos de sus platos de pescado, y otras especialidades como el suquet de peix, la ensalada xató o los dulces carquinyolis. El programa resalta que la ciudad ofrece una experiencia sensorial completa, donde la dieta mediterránea se manifiesta en su forma más auténtica y tradicional, lejos de las estridencias de otros destinos más masificados.En Galápagos Posteriormente, la periodista Lucía Prieto toma la palabra para relatar su expedición a las Islas Galápagos. Lucía advierte sobre el alto coste económico que supone entrar en este paraíso natural, con tasas gubernamentales que pueden ascender a los 220 dólares por persona sólo al aterrizar, exigiendo el pago en efectivo. Santa Cruz se presenta como la isla central de operaciones, desde donde se puede apreciar la magnitud de los esfuerzos de conservación necesarios para proteger un ecosistema tan frágil ante el turismo masivo. La fauna es, sin duda, la protagonista en Galápagos. Lucía describe la emoción de observar a las tortugas gigantes, seres que pueden vivir más de 130 años, y la convivencia cotidiana con iguanas marinas, leones marinos y pelícanos en los propios puertos de las islas. El respeto a los animales es absoluto, con normativas estrictas que prohíben el contacto físico, subrayando la importancia de mantener la integridad ambiental de un archipiélago que inspiró las teorías más importantes de la ciencia moderna. Finalmente, se aborda la preocupación por las amenazas externas, como la presencia de barcos de pesca industrial de origen chino que rodean las aguas protegidas, poniendo en riesgo la biodiversidad. Lucía recomienda visitar islas menos explotadas como San Cristóbal para vivir una experiencia más auténtica y concluye destacando la calidad del atún fresco local como el culmen gastronómico del viaje. El episodio cierra reforzando la idea de que viajar es un privilegio que requiere responsabilidad y curiosidad histórica. Escríbenos, explícanos qué te gusta más y si hay algo que no te gusta tanto de El Placer de Viajar, dinos de qué destinos quieres que hablemos y si quieres que tratemos algún tema y, por supuesto, pregúntanos lo que quieras en el correo del programa: elplacerdeviajar@libertaddigital.com.
Tahra Zafar is a costume and creature effects designer. She designed the Paddington Bear puppet featured in the hit West End production Paddington: The Musical.Born into a theatre family, she grew up with an Armenian American father who worked as a choreographer in the first West End production of West Side Story, and a mother who moved from a career as a ballerina to theatre work around the world. Her interest in making began early, helping her father with practical projects such as restoring their house, even learning to build walls and spending her spare time model making, with Airfix creations suspended from her bedroom ceiling.After studying theatre design at Central Saint Martins, she began her career making theatre costumes. She spent some time at the Jim Henson creature workshop where she made some of the creatures for the first Harry Potter film including Hedwig the owl and Scabbers the rat.After her daughter was born, Tahra worked on some of the characters for In the Night Garden with her daughter, a willing judge of what worked for toddlers. In 2012, Tahra was in charge of 23,000 costumes for the London 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. This role included an audience with the late Queen to ensure the wig and dress were correct for Her Majesty's stunt double when that iconic skydive was performed at the Olympic opening ceremony. Tahra lives in London with her daughter.DISC ONE: Thunderbirds (Main Theme) - The Barry Gray Orchestra DISC TWO: Gee, Officer Krupke. Composed by Leonard Bernstein and performed by Leo Kharibian, Norman Furber and Vince Logan DISC THREE: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 In D Minor (movement six) Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and performed by Berlin Philharmoniker, Wiener Singverein and conducted by Herbert von Karajan DISC FOUR: Brazil – Geoff Muldaur DISC FIVE: Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder DISC SIX: Groove Is in the Heart - Deee-Lite DISC SEVEN: Eclipse - Pink Floyd DISC EIGHT: Take Five - Dave Brubeck BOOK CHOICE: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Complete Books by Douglas Adams LUXURY ITEM: A set of art materials and a storage box CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Eclipse - Pink Floyd Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah TaylorDesert Island Discs has cast other costume designers away to the island over the years including Oscar winners Jenny Beavan and Sandy Powell. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.
Episode 405: On the 17th of May 1984, 48‑year‑old Beverley Anne Dyke was found brutally murdered in a wooded area near Moray Street and Saskatchewan Avenue on the edge of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her killing, a frenzied sexual assault and stabbing, left her family and the wider community fearing a predator was on the loose. For years, detectives chased dead ends and even a dramatic prison confession, but the real killer remained a mystery. It would take more than two decades, and a cold‑case DNA match, to finally reveal who murdered Beverley and why. Sources: May 25, 1970, page 1 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Mar 25, 1971, page 3 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Mar 25, 1971, page 10 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Aug 19, 1974, page 8 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Aug 19, 1974, page 11 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™May 13, 1975, page 11 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Dec 30, 1984, page 10 - The Winnipeg Sun at Newspapers.com™Dec 27, 1988, page 19 - Waterloo Region Record at Newspapers.com™Dec 27, 1988, page 7 - Edmonton Journal at Newspapers.com™May 07, 2001, page 5 - The Winnipeg Sun at Newspapers.com™Feb 28, 2005, page 5 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.com™Nov 19, 2005, page 4 - The Winnipeg Sun at Newspapers.com™Nov 30, 2005, page 9 - The Winnipeg Sun at Newspapers.com™Sep 14, 2007, page 5 - Edmonton Journal at Newspapers.com™Feb 26, 2010, page 2 - Fort McMurray Today at Newspapers.com™Mar 06, 2010, page 6 - Edmonton Journal at Newspapers.com™Mar 07, 2010, page 8 - Times Colonist at Newspapers.com™Nov 30, 2011, page 2 - Fort McMurray Today at Newspapers.com™"Evidence of Evil" The Murder of Beverley Ann Dyke (TV Episode 2019) - Reference view - IMDb"It was a vicious assault" | The Murder of Beverley Ann Dyke | Trace of EvilR. v. Kociuk, 2009 MBQB 154 (CanLII)R. v. Kociuk, 2009 MBQB 162 (CanLII)R. v. Kociuk (R.J.), 2011 MBCA 85 (CanLII)R. v. Kociuk, 2012 SCC 15 (CanLII), [2012] 1 SCR 529FM010_Appellant_Robert-Joseph-Kociuk | PDFSupreme Court of Canada | 34517Robert Joseph Kociuk v. Her Majesty the Queen (April 12, 2012) Case # 34517DNA Test Results In Charges | CastanetWinnipeg Homicide | Beverly Ann DykeJury finds Robert Kociuk guilty of first-degree murder in 1984 killing | Crime and Justice CanadaMar 2010: Murder verdict returned quickly | Winnipeg Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We delve into the stark realities of learning inequality, the crucial role of the science of teaching, and the transformative power of education, even in the face of conflict. Dr. Asyia Kazmi, CEO of WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education), an organization that is part of the Qatar Foundation, helps us explore the challenges and solutions in global education. As a former math teacher, Dr. Kazmi offers specific, evidence-based strategies for improving learning outcomes — including the concept of structured pedagogy — and discusses the nuances of AI and education, urging caution and the need for region-specific, full-stack solutions. Dr. Kazmi emphasizes that improving learning (not just access to schooling) must be the primary goal for policy. She confronts the notion that poverty is an insurmountable barrier to educational success, asserting that educators have a deep responsibility to provide a pathway out of poverty for low-income students. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of the Arab world, highlighting the 60% learning poverty rate in our region. This episode was produced in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.Find out more about WISE
Send us a text and let us know what you think of our podcast!It's the space year 1984 and the DALEKS are back in London! This time it's all very secret, until a gun battle erupts in the heart of the city's rundown Docklands area between some dudes in future space-wear and a bunch of very SINISTER London Police.Meanwhile, the TARDIS is being pulled through a time corridor and the Doctor, Turlough and TEGAN hang onto every piece of furniture they can as the time machine spins out of control!Why are Daleks appearing now?Who are the space dudes and why does one of them look like a very Likely Lad?Why does everyone start acting weirdly whenever they get shot by a Dalek?Who is the prisoner on the space station the Daleks seem eager to get hold of?What is the body count by the end of the episode?Why is Turlough lurking and when will Tegan get out of bed?Was Dirty Den really serving time at Her Majesty's pleasure..?And, basically, what the Davros is going on in this classic tale from Peter Davison's final season as the Fifth Doctor?Join us and watch along in real time as we try to make sense of RESURRECTION OF THE DALEKS- a fast-paced, action-packed story which sees the departure of Tegan and the Daleks returning to Doctor Who in their own adventure, the first since 1979, in explosive style!Support the show Subscribe to Who Corner to Corner on your podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode! Now available to watch on YouTube! Join the Doctor Who chat with us and other fans on Twitter and Facebook! Visit the Who Corner to Corner website and see our back catalogue of episodes! Visit the WHOC2C merch store! Enjoying what we do? Consider joining our Explorers Subscription plan for more content! Who Corner to Corner: Great guests and 100% positive Doctor Who chat!
How do you begin to describe 1992?Well, Her Majesty called it her Annus horribilis, for a number of reasons. Quite possibly including the three weeks Boyz II Men spent at number one, possibly not. But whatever the reason, we can safely say that the twelve months of glittering pop culture that we call '92 were definitely diverse and, quite frankly, bonkers.As we've ascertained in this pop parish before, that post-Baggy, pre-Britpop (to throw in some 'labels') landscape was a bit of a hinterland. Genres blurred, one hit wonders came and went, Wet, Wet Wet spent a third of a year at No1 and Right Said Fred even existed. But do not be fooled, listeners! There is plenty to rediscover amongst the decade's shrapnel and 1992 is the place to be in this episode's 90s scene! And our special guest here is comedian, author and podcast host Josh Widdicombe.Josh co-hosts the hugely popular podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett, which has somehow become so successful that they undertook a live arena tour in 2023 and released a book which topped the Sunday Times Bestseller Charts. He also presents the football podcast, QUICKLY KEVIN: WILL HE SCORE? And on TV, amongst others, Josh co-hosts in the multi-award-winning Channel 4 series The Last Leg, and, lest we forget, triumphed on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2024. And now in 2026, Josh sees the launch of a new podcast - MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE - where he takes us through the wildest and most entertaining stories of unhinged genius, world dominating success and shaming failure.Join us we re-explore 1992 and the 3rd NOW album of that very year - it's only NOW23 everyone! In 45 minutes more hit-filled than Noel's House Party (possibly), we celebrate Tasmin Archer, Dr. Spin, Bjorn Again and others! We wonder why '92 was so full of old songs, remixed songs, Satellite football channel related songs (well, one actually) and explore important cultural questions such as what is an indent nobble, what was the KLF's greatest track, does Mick Jagger remember the 90s, who would win in a fight between Longpigs & All saints and how many songs in the history of recorded music really feature the word BOOM?And, AND, once again do nothing for international relations with Jon Secada.Buckle up, this is 1992 baby! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maria Taglioni changed ballet forever. In the early nineteenth century she reinvented the art form, dancing en pointe not as a trick but as poetry, creating the illusion of weightlessness and giving birth to Romantic ballet. This lively, story-rich piece traces her extraordinary rise, her London triumphs at Her Majesty's Theatre, and her surprisingly proper London life in Connaught Square, just off Marble Arch. From Parisian hysteria to West End adoration, this is the story of the woman who taught audiences across Europe how to believe in flight.
Welcome to Part Two! If you thought decades-long affairs were wild, wait until you hear what Palmerston did with actual power. In this episode of History's Greatest Idiots, we explore his most spectacular diplomatic overreactions: sending 14 warships to collect £150, fighting two wars over opium trafficking, allegedly assaulting Queen Victoria's lady-in-waiting in her own palace, becoming Prime Minister at 70, and literally dying in office at 80.This is the story of gunboat diplomacy, imperial arrogance, and refusing to retire.What You'll Discover:The Don Pacifico Affair (Most Spectacular Overreaction Ever): Portuguese Jewish merchant in Athens had his house ransacked in 1847. Claimed £26,000 damages (£30 million in relative purchasing power). Palmerston sent 14 warships, 731 guns, 8,000 sailors to blockade Greece for two months. Actual damages awarded: £150 (£13,500 today). His famous five-hour speech: "Civis Romanus sum" (I am a British citizen). Commons voted 310-264 in his favour, became "most popular man in the country."The Opium Wars (Britain's Least Defensible Policy): British merchants illegally smuggling opium into China for decades. China banned it (catastrophic health crisis). Britain's solution: get Chinese addicted, use drug money to buy tea. 1839: China destroyed 20,000 chests of British opium. Palmerston insisted war was about "free trade." Gladstone called it "a war more unjust in its origins, more calculated to cover this country with permanent disgrace." Vote: 271-262 for war (nine votes!). First Opium War (1839-1842): Britain destroyed Chinese forces, Treaty of Nanking forced China to pay indemnity, open treaty ports, cede Hong Kong. Second Opium War (1856-1860) fully legalised opium trade. China's "century of humiliation" began. All because Victorians really liked tea.The Windsor Castle Scandal: Late 1830s/early 1840s: Palmerston, staying at Windsor Castle, entered Lady Dacre's bedroom late at night (drunk and "enterprising"). She screamed, threw him out. Entire castle learned immediately. Claimed he mistakenly entered wrong room, but locked door behind him. Victoria furious, wanted him sacked. Only Lord Melbourne's intervention saved his career. Victoria wrote years later about "old offences which sunk deep into her mind." She explicitly said in 1853: "Nothing will induce Her Majesty to have Palmerston as Prime Minister." Had to accept him twice anyway. 1863: 78-year-old Palmerston accused of adultery with Mrs O'Kane. Public reaction: "Good for him!"Becoming Prime Minister (Finally): Crimean War going badly, Aberdeen's government fell. 1855: Palmerston became PM at 70 (oldest person ever to take job for first time). Brought Crimean War to reasonable conclusion. 1857: Called election campaigning on being "tough on China," won considerable majority ("Vote for me, I'll send more gunboats!"). 1858: Government fell over restricting refugees. 1859: Returned as PM at 75 with Russell and Gladstone. Final ministry until death in 1865.The Final Years: Navigated American Civil War carefully. Presented Italian Unification as British victory (Britain barely involved). Schleswig-Holstein Question: "Only three people understood it: Prince Consort (dead), German professor (mad), and I (forgotten)." Blocked electoral reform for working class. 1865 election slogan: "Leave it to Pam," won convincing majority at 80. Died 18 October 1865, two days before 81st birthday. Alleged last words: "Die, my dear doctor? That's the last thing I shall do."https://www.patreon.com/HistorysGreatestIdiotshttps://www.instagram.com/historysgreatestidiotshttps://buymeacoffee.com/historysgreatestidiotsArtist: Sarah Cheyhttps://www.fiverr.com/sarahchey
On this week's special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part one: James Heale wonders if Keir Starmer will really have a happy new year; Gyles Brandreth discusses Her Majesty The Queen's love of reading, and reveals which books Her Majesty has personally recommended to give this Christmas; Avi Loeb explains why a comet could be a spaceship; Melanie McDonagh compares Protestant and Catholic ghosts; Mary Wakefield explains what England's old folk songs can teach us; Richard Bratby says there is joy to be found in composers' graves; and, Rupert Hawksley provides his notes on washing up. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part one: James Heale wonders if Keir Starmer will really have a happy new year; Gyles Brandreth discusses Her Majesty The Queen's love of reading, and reveals which books Her Majesty has personally recommended to give this Christmas; Avi Loeb explains why a comet could be a spaceship; Melanie McDonagh compares Protestant and Catholic ghosts; Mary Wakefield explains what England's old folk songs can teach us; Richard Bratby says there is joy to be found in composers' graves; and, Rupert Hawksley provides his notes on washing up. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Quantum of Menace by Vaseem Kahn Q is out of MI6 . . . . . . and in over his head After Major Boothroyd (aka Q) is unexpectedly ousted from his role with British Intelligence developing technologies for MI6's 00 agents, he finds himself back in his sleepy hometown of Wickstone-on-Water. His childhood friend, renowned quantum computer scientist Peter Napier, has died in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a cryptic note. The police seem uninterested, but Q feels compelled to investigate and soon discovers that Napier's ground-breaking work may have attracted sinister forces... Can Q decode the truth behind Napier's death, even as danger closes in? The Hawk is Dead by Peter James Roy Grace never dreamed a murder investigation would take him deep into Buckingham Palace . . . Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, is aboard the Royal Train heading to a charity event in Sussex when disaster strikes - the train is derailed. A tragic accident or a planned attack? When, minutes later, a trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper, the police have their answer. Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced The Queen was the intended target. But he finds himself alone in his suspicions. Fighting against the scepticism of his colleagues and the Palace itself, Grace pursues his own investigation. But when there is a second murder, the stakes rise even higher, and Grace is at risk of being embroiled in a very public catastrophe - and in mortal danger. Failure at this level is not an option. But time is running out before a killer in the Palace will strike again . . . LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amateur detectives come in many forms. Owning a bookstore or a bakery, running a charming country inn, working in a library—even owning a cat or a dog—puts a character into the category of potential sleuth. But few creators of amateur detectives can top S.J. Bennett, whose Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series turns Queen Elizabeth II herself into a solver of crimes. Today we are discussing The Queen Who Came in from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025) The first three books take place in 2016, when the queen is ninety years old. Even these days, those don't qualify as historical fiction. But they set the tone of the series, which is at once respectful and warm, even charming. The mysteries are challenging, the queen's role believable, and the family relationships well portrayed. Certain constraints on the queen also appear here. For example, she can solve mysteries, but she can't be seen to solve them, because she is the queen. Similarly, she relies for help on other women, who serve as her private secretaries (a job that goes far beyond typing), because the men spend far too much time worrying about upsetting their monarch and far too little time trusting her to know what she needs and wants. Obviously, even if one is the queen of England, only so many mysterious deaths can take place nearby without raising eyebrows. So book 4, A Death in Diamonds, moves back in time to 1957 and a scandal possibly involving Prince Philip. The latest novel, The Queen Who Came In from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025), as the title suggests, takes place during the Cold War, specifically 1961, and involves Soviet spies and double agents, including the infamous Kim Philby. To say more would be to give too much away, but it's yet another engrossing tale with a twist at the end that turns the entire story on its head. And yes, there are Corgis—racehorses, too! S.J. Bennett, the author of the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, has written over a dozen novels for both adults and children. She also teaches creative writing and, with her brother, hosted Prepublished, a podcast for aspiring writers. The Queen Who Came in from the Cold is her latest novel. C. P. Lesley is the author of two historical fiction series set during the childhood of Ivan the Terrible and four other novels. Her latest book, Song of the Steadfast, appeared in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Amateur detectives come in many forms. Owning a bookstore or a bakery, running a charming country inn, working in a library—even owning a cat or a dog—puts a character into the category of potential sleuth. But few creators of amateur detectives can top S.J. Bennett, whose Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series turns Queen Elizabeth II herself into a solver of crimes. Today we are discussing The Queen Who Came in from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025) The first three books take place in 2016, when the queen is ninety years old. Even these days, those don't qualify as historical fiction. But they set the tone of the series, which is at once respectful and warm, even charming. The mysteries are challenging, the queen's role believable, and the family relationships well portrayed. Certain constraints on the queen also appear here. For example, she can solve mysteries, but she can't be seen to solve them, because she is the queen. Similarly, she relies for help on other women, who serve as her private secretaries (a job that goes far beyond typing), because the men spend far too much time worrying about upsetting their monarch and far too little time trusting her to know what she needs and wants. Obviously, even if one is the queen of England, only so many mysterious deaths can take place nearby without raising eyebrows. So book 4, A Death in Diamonds, moves back in time to 1957 and a scandal possibly involving Prince Philip. The latest novel, The Queen Who Came In from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025), as the title suggests, takes place during the Cold War, specifically 1961, and involves Soviet spies and double agents, including the infamous Kim Philby. To say more would be to give too much away, but it's yet another engrossing tale with a twist at the end that turns the entire story on its head. And yes, there are Corgis—racehorses, too! S.J. Bennett, the author of the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, has written over a dozen novels for both adults and children. She also teaches creative writing and, with her brother, hosted Prepublished, a podcast for aspiring writers. The Queen Who Came in from the Cold is her latest novel. C. P. Lesley is the author of two historical fiction series set during the childhood of Ivan the Terrible and four other novels. Her latest book, Song of the Steadfast, appeared in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/historical-fiction
Queen Elizabeth II made Britain's first long-distance automated phone call on 5th November, 1958 - when, from Bristol, she spoke directly to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, 300 miles away, without the need for an Operator. Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) transformed the telephone network, but was not without its challenges: automation brought efficiency but also led to job losses, sparking some labour disputes, and the roll-out was not completed for twenty years. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider why women were selected over men as telephone operators; track the evolution of phone technology through international calls and push-button phones; and propose a future role for the monarchy in testing out social media DMs… Further Reading: • ‘Caller, putting you through!' (Daily Express, 2012): https://www.express.co.uk/comment/expresscomment/334666/Caller-putting-you-through • 'Queen's first video call echoes Her Majesty's historic trunk call to Edinburgh in 1950s' (The Scotsman, 2020): https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/queens-first-video-call-echoes-her-majestys-historic-trunk-call-to-edinburgh-in-1950s-2881983 ‘Queen Dials Edinburgh' (British Pathé, 1958): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfH0Xr1rIcY This episode first aired in 2023 Love the show? Support us! Join
Hawaiian Concert Guide – Episode 693 Release Date: November 28, 2025 Hosts: Piko & Terry Title: Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi (Happy Thanksgiving) Episode Summary In this Thanksgiving edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide, Piko and Terry open Season 20 with a heartfelt celebration of gratitude, ʻohana, and the spirit of aloha. Filled with contemporary Hawaiian music, slack-key warmth, acoustic duets, and even a touch of vintage Exotica, Episode 693 “Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi” offers listeners a musical table of offerings for the holiday season. This episode is proudly sponsored by Dreamy Voyages Travel — Adventure Awaits! Dreamy Voyages helps travelers explore Hawaiʻi, the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and destinations around the world through expertly planned cruise and land adventures. From songs rooted in the land to mele celebrating love, heritage, and Hawaiian identity, this episode reflects how gratitude flows through Hawaiian music and culture. Track List & Song Notes “Puʻuanahulu” – Kahiau Lam Ho – 3:34 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian “Puʻuanahulu” pays tribute to the storied region of Puʻuanahulu on Hawaiʻi Island. Kahiau Lam Ho's gentle, contemporary style shines through in a piece that blends gratitude, reflection, and community pride. Clear vocals and clean guitar lines give the song an uplifting softness, like a sunrise over the lava fields. “Waiulu” – Kahiau Lam Ho – 4:25 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian “Waiulu” is a tender love song that expresses devotion, loyalty, and emotional closeness. Lam Ho's smooth, heartfelt voice carries the poetic imagery of Hawaiian lyricism, turning the track into an intimate musical conversation. It's a modern ballad with timeless cultural roots. “Huakaʻi Hele” – Kawika Kahiapo – 4:19 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian “Huakaʻi Hele” evokes the idea of traveling through life guided by purpose, memory, and connection to the ʻāina. Kawika Kahiapo's warm slack-key guitar and soulful baritone create a meditative soundscape, inviting listeners into a quiet journey across mountains, shorelines, and the inner landscape of reflection. “ʻĀina Momona” – Kawika Kahiapo – 4:07 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian Meaning “the fertile land,” “ʻĀina Momona” honors the abundance and generosity of Hawaiʻi. Kahiapo explores themes of stewardship, responsibility, and gratitude for the natural world. His soothing vocals and thoughtful phrasing turn the song into a gentle reminder of our kuleana to care for the land that sustains us. “Beautiful Kahana” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 3:58 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian A nostalgic tribute to the beloved windward community of Kahana, this track blends Jerome Koko's classic Makaha Sons vocal warmth with Daniel Ho's clean acoustic arrangements. The song feels like a quiet breeze off the Koʻolau mountains—peaceful, familiar, and full of longing for a cherished place. “Kaleleonālani” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 2:21 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian “Kaleleonālani” is a graceful instrumental paying homage to Princess Victoria Kamāmalu. Elegant fingerstyle guitar and soft harmonics create a reverent, contemplative mood. The composition carries the unmistakable hallmark of Daniel Ho's artistry—clean, precise, and emotionally resonant. “Left Arm of Buddha” – The Waitiki 7 – 4:43 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica Steeped in the traditions of mid-century Exotica, “Left Arm of Buddha” brings playful rhythms, tropical percussion, and shimmering vibraphone textures. The Waitiki 7 revive a genre rooted in imagination and atmosphere, capturing the fantasy and adventure of old Hawaiʻi tiki lounges with modern musicianship. “Her Majesty's Pearl” – The Waitiki 7 – 3:03 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica A bright and cinematic follow-up to their earlier track, “Her Majesty's Pearl” sparkles with melodic charm and rhythmic storytelling. The piece feels like the soundtrack to a vintage island-adventure film—whimsical, colorful, and filled with character. “Mālama Mau Hawaiʻi” – Waipuna – 4:56 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian Powerful, proud, and deeply rooted in cultural identity, “Mālama Mau Hawaiʻi” is a call to protect and cherish the heritage of Hawaiʻi. Waipuna's signature harmonies carry strength and conviction, blending traditional themes with modern arrangements to create an anthem of unity and responsibility. “Papa Sia” – Waipuna – 2:43 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian “Papa Sia” brings joyful energy with rhythmic guitar lines and spirited performance. The track celebrates movement, dance, and the cheerful side of Hawaiian music, offering a lively closing to this Thanksgiving playlist.
How do universities ensure their programmes and curricula meet the demands from industry, government – and students themselves – for career-ready graduates equipped with vital transferable skills? Skills – whether you call them soft, transferable, power, productivity, work-based or human skills – have come to dominate the conversation about employability. The rapid advance of artificial intelligence, coupled with a shrinking number of entry-level roles, means that graduates are looking for the capabilities that will give them an edge. Industry and governments, meanwhile, have their eye on the economic and innovation advantages that come with an agile, digitally literate and productive workforce. Alongside academic skills, universities have long provided students with opportunities to develop communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills, but external demands mean they need to be more intentional about embedding transferable skills in curricula – and give graduates means to evidence this learning. To find out how institutions in the UK and Australia are responding to the call for work-ready graduates with a skill set adapted to the modern economy, we talked to: Sir David Bell is vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Sunderland. He is also vice-chair of Skills England. Sir David has served as Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, and his public sector roles include permanent secretary at the UK Department for Education, director of education and libraries for Newcastle City Council and chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council. Dawn Bennett is a higher education consultant, with a focus on graduate outcomes and student success. She is also founder of the Developing Employ-ability Initiative, which gives students and educators a framework for managing career development and mapping employability skills, and a senior associate with consultancy Outside Opinion. She spent 14 years as the John Curtin distinguished professor of higher education and director of the Developing Employability and Creative Workforce Initiatives at Curtin University, Australia, and continues to engage in research. She is a former professional violist. Derek Harding is manager of the VET Educator Academy at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. In this role, he works on professional development for staff to promote academic quality. A former high school teacher, he has experience in foundation education and instructional design. For more advice and insight on developing transferable skills from academics and experts from universities around the world, read our spotlight Soft skills for hard times.
Have you ever thought about the science and history of … wind? In this episode, Simon Winchester explains why eastbound flights are usually faster than flying west, and how the discovery of the jet stream was almost missed because the original research was published in Esperanto. He also talks about the debate over the Great Terrestrial Stilling—the idea that global wind speeds may be decreasing—and why newer measurements suggest the trend may be reversing. Winchester describes how and where the highest wind speed ever recorded was measured, the increasing frequency of clear-air turbulence (the kind that causes sudden drops during flights), why only one flag placed on the Moon fell, the techniques used by Polynesian navigators to cross vast stretches of ocean without instruments, and the challenges faced by early wartime pilots who unintentionally flew into the jet stream. Simon Winchester is the acclaimed author of many books, including The Professor and the Madman, which was adapted into a film starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, as well as The Men Who United the United States, The Map That Changed the World, The Man Who Loved China, A Crack in the Edge of the World, and Krakatoa. His books have been New York Times bestsellers and have appeared on numerous best-of-the-year lists. In 2006 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.
In this episode, our investigators are forced to answer some difficult questions and face some difficult truths by Her Majesty's Commission for Preternatural Affairs… also known as, The Witch Hunters…Topics & Themes:Interviews by Law EnforcementManipulation/GaslightingPrejudices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Hidden Truth About Peter James' Latest Royal Thriller In THE HAWK IS DEAD (Pan Macmillan, On sale: October 21, 2025), Peter James challenges Roy Grace with the biggest, and most daunting, case of his career—solving what at first appears to be an assassination attempt on The Queen. The story begins on November 20, 2023, with Queen Camilla traveling on the Royal Train to the resort city of Brighton for a scheduled visit to the first of two hospices. What should have been a proud moment for the locals spirals into disaster when the train is derailed just north of the city inside a railway tunnel. Moments after The Queen and her entourage make it out to daylight, cell service, and the promise of safety, they are startled by a sharp cracking sound and a grisly shock—a head exploding, literally, spattering blood, bone, and brain all over The Queen's clothing. The victim is Sir Peregrine Greaves, Her Majesty's trusted Private Secretary. Was poor Perry the intended target? Or was, as everyone else believes, the sniper's bullet really meant for Queen Camilla? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this week's episode: Author, screenwriter and sci-fi fantasy aficionado Juno Dawson joins Rowan on the podcast this week to discuss representation in soap operas, the morality of reality tv, and beautiful redheaded women. The final instalment of Juno's bestselling series Her Majesty's Royal Coven, Human Rites is out now! You can grab your copy here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/human-rites/juno-dawson/9780008775841 apologies to anyone who could not initially access this episode, this has been fixed now!!
Excerpts from her 1917 diary from the section on marriage, family, and children. The wife of Tsar St. Nicholas II, Tsarina St. Alexandra's simple and beautiful words come from her small diary bound in light blue fabric sewn by the Tsarina herself with a small cross embroidered in the corner. On the inside of the cover, written by the hand of Her Majesty, is a simple “Alix, 1917.”
We've got more faves to chat to, one being the new Mr 'Is Don. Is Good', Matt Preston shares what it was like to tap into the iconic role for Don Smallgoods. MJ The Musical's very own, Ilario Grant, Mr MJ himself keeps his lips locked on what we can expect from his performance at Her Majesty's Theatre. Plus, Trinny Woodall shares some tips and tricks I think we could all benefit from. (00:00) Were you wondering where Matt Preston has been? (04:30) Jack gave Matt & Chrissie a hard task...make him lunch! (11:20) MJ is in the building (17:55) Chrissie put in extra effort for Trinny Woodall See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australian country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley. Troy is at the Adelaide Guitar Festival with Nancy Bates on September 12 (2025) at Her Majesty’s Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Queen Elizabeth II and her family went on vacation, they didn't fly coach or take a carnival cruise. They traveled in style aboard Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia. The Queen designed the ship herself the year of her coronation. This was her favorite place to be, where she could truly unwind. I recently had the opportunity to tour this historic yacht in Edinburgh, Scotland. And to talk with the Yotties who served the Queen while she traveled the world. Let's explore this floating time capsule, learn how it functioned, find out where the royals visited, what they ate, how they slept and relaxed. I'll dish on the four honeymoons which took place on board, and we'll be treated to an intimate glimpse of the British royal family at their most relaxed, while on vacation! Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100303 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Singer Lisa Simone is the only person in the world who can call Nina Simone 'mommy'. Lisa was the beneficiary of Nina's incredible talent and her affection, but she was also at the mercy of her mother's erratic moods. Lisa is the only child of the legendary singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist Nina Simone.As a little girl, Lisa loved trying on her mum's stage costumes and singing with her at the piano at home.But after her parents divorced, Nina's moods became erratic, and Lisa was often the target of her mother's violent outbursts.Lisa escaped back to New York, then into the United States Air Force, and then onto Broadway, finally launching her own musical career.It was only after she had her own daughter that Lisa found a way to reconnect with her mother on her own terms.Further informationLisa is on tour in Australia at the moment with her show, A Daughter's Tribute to Nina SimoneShe is performing at the QPAC in Brisbane on Wednesday 23 July and at Adelaide's Her Majesty's Theatre on Saturday 26 July.Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores family dynamics, jazz music, motherhood, therapy, songwriting, mental health, mental illness, bipolar, performance, Dublin Jazz Festival, mother daughter relationships, epic origin stories, the military, the US military, veterans, musical theatre.
Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features making his debut, Richard Sparks (and yes, that is Jack Black in the picture who is talked about in the Podcast).Richard's bio advises "One morning in 1979 I got a call from an understandably excited Rowan Atkinson.“John Cleese just called. He's asked me to be in his new charity show – and can I do The Schoolmaster?”Er, yes.I'd written The Schoolmaster for Rowan the previous year, for a revue at the Hampstead Theatre (Rowan with Elspeth Walker and Peter Wilson). John and his co-producer, Martin Lewis, had seen it; and a year later, Rowan and I were backstage at Her Majesty's Theatre, meeting John and other members of the cast of The Secret Policeman's Ball.Rowan went on stage an unknown, with his gown and clipboard and pen, and came off a star. The Schoolmaster became his signature piece, the encore of his live shows. Eventually, he got tired of doing the same old routine and wrote another (ruder) version, generously giving me half the royalties.By that time, I'd cut my teeth on various TV shows, from HTV (Wales) to ITV (Southern and Central) to the BBC. I'd also written some stage shows (reviews, original plays, and adaptations of Goldoni comedies), and done a lot of freelance script editing. In 1992, I was hired by Columbia Picture Television to work with Blake Hunter and Marty Cohan, the creators of Who's the Boss?. My wife and I moved with our young daughter to her parents (converted) garage and we've lived in Los Angeles since.I've written a number of libretti for operas, almost all for the LA Opera – some original pieces, some translations from German or Italian. My writing partner, the composer, Lee Holdridge, was – in a way – once G.R.R. Martin's ‘writing partner' in that he composed the scores for the TV series Beauty and the Beast, for which Martin was a script writer.I'd been a hard-core RPG gamer for years when the idea for these books just fell out of the sky one morning, and I started writing. I have hardly had a moment to log on to any game — I'm too busy exploring the New Rock stories as they unfold.My publisher, Caezik SF & Fantasy, is a company of enthusiasts who love these genres. I am delighted to join their family of authors, and to be working with their executive editor, Lezli, Robyn.Three sequels – New Rock New Realm, New Rock New Rules, and New Rock New Roads, have been completed and will be published in due course. I'm currently working on the fifth book."More details including where to buy Richard's books can be found at: https://richardsparks.com/
Brea and Mallory go through their most anticipated books for July and August. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsor -GreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinBooks Mentioned -It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei and Harmony BeckerThe Lilac People by Milo ToddJulyFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildLiterary fiction, family drama, dual timelines, moral dilemmaThe Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth WareSequel to The Woman in Cabin 10Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly JacksonThriller, mystery, woman trying to solve her own murder before she diesA Resistance of Witches by Morgan RyanHistorical fantasy, WWII, British witches, magic book, magical espionage, FranceVolatile Memory by Seth HaddonSci fi, queer love story, adventure, novella, tech, AIThe Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-GarciaHorror, witches, 19th century Mexico, 1990s Massachusetts, dual timelinesAngel Down by Daniel KrausHistorical horror/fantasy, WWI, angels, soldiersTotally and Completely Fine by Elissa SussmanRomance, dual timelines, widowed single mom, normal person/celebrity, small town MontanaRose in Chains by Julie SotoRomantasy, first in trilogy, princess imprisoned in castle auctioned off to rivalsThe Irresistible Urge to Fall in Love with Your Enemy by Brigette KnightleyRomantasy, Dramoine, sick assassin falling in love with enemy healer, first in duology, slow burn enemies to lovers, rival magician ordersA Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu MandannaRomantasy, cozy, witch and magical historian at an enchanted inn, talking foxTenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall ClipstoneYA, gothic, horromance, queer, folklore, love triangle, rituals, godsGlorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn BarnesYA, Inheritance Games saga, competition, puzzles, secretsImmortal Consequences by I.V. MarieYA, romantasy, dark academia, boarding school, competitionNo Sense in Wishing by Lawrence BurneyEssay collection, critical moments with art that transformed the author, Black diasporaA Marriage at Sea by Sophie ElmhirstNonfiction, married couple who sells everything to live on a sailboatI Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris KreizmanEssay collection, funny, living in AmericaKilling Stella by Marlen Haushofer, translated by Shaun WhitesideNovella, literary fiction, confession from housewife of crimeThe Age of Video Games: A Graphic History of Gaming from Pong to VR and Beyond by Jean Zeid, illustrated by Émilie Rouge, translated by Jen VaughnNonfiction, graphic historyThe Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris SweeneyNonfiction, forensic ornithologyNecessary Fiction by Eloghosa OsundeQueer literary fiction, multiple POV, Lagos, navigating identitiesBeasts of Carnaval: A Caribbean Historical Fantasy Tale of Mystery and Magic at El Carnaval De Bestias by Rosália RodrigoYA historical fantasy, Caribbean islands, Black diaspora, decadent carnivalHot Girls With Balls by Benedict NguyễnLiterary fiction, satire, queer, competitive volleyball, social media, trans volleyball players, romanceThe Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida translated by Bruno NavaskyMagical realism, Japanese convenience store, three interconnected storiesSimplicity by Mattie LubchanskySurreal graphic novel, near future sci fi, trans protagonist, isolated communityThe Dance and the Fire by Daniel Saldaña París, translated by Christina MacSweeneyCli fi, love triangle, dancing, three friends returning to hometown, Mexico, surrealArchive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr.Literary fiction, dual timelines, Salvadoran civil war, loveThe Payback by Kashana CauleyLiterary fiction, three co-workers turned friends launch a heist to wipe out student debtPan by Michael CluneLiterary fiction, teen having panic attacks and thinks the god Pan is trapped inside of himLonely Crowds by Stephanie WambuguLiterary fiction, 1990s New England college campus, coming of age, Catholic guilt, art worldThe Original by Nell StevensQueer historical fiction, 1899 English country house, aspiring art forger must figure out if her long-lost cousin is an impostorHuman Rites by Juno DawsonBook 3 in Her Majesty's Royal CovenCall Your Boyfriend by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley WoodfolkYA sapphic rom com, two teen girls want revenge on the popular girl they're in love withMoon Rising by Claire BarnerQueer near future romantisci, lunar colony, battling eco terroristsThe Gryphon King by Sara OmerQueer Southwest Asian inspired epic fantasy, monsters, dynastic politics, slow burn romanceTaste the love by Karelia and Fay Stetz-WatersSapphic romance with rival chefsNo Body No Crime by Tess SharpeQueer thriller, romance, secrets, two girls killing a shitty guyHouse of Beth by Kerry CullenQueer literary fiction, unhinged women, OCD, family secretsWayward Girls by Susan WiggsQueer historical fiction, 1960s Buffalo, six girls in a Catholic reform schoolThe Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. DawsonQueer fantasy, waystation for the dead, ghostsThe Elysium Heist by Y. M. ResnikQueer sci fi, heist in a space casino with six women, intergalactic card tournamentThe Haunting of Bellington Cottage by Laura ParnumMiddle grade horror, two girls trying to see if they're still friends in a haunted vacation houseAnother by Paul TremblayPaul's middle grade horror debut!!!!!The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra KhawHorror, wicked dark academia, dark magic academy for the dangerously powerfulGirl in the Creek by Wendy M. WagnerHorror, Pacific Northwest, missing hiker, body horror, eco-horror, sporrorOddbody by Rose KeatingHorror short stories, “weird girl fiction”Never the Roses by Jennifer K. LambertRomantasy, epic fantasy, Circle meets The Witch's HeartThe Frozen People by Elly GriffithsSci fi thriller, time traveling cold case teamHow to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory ArnoldFantasy thriller, famous horror author dies & invites writers to his manor to play a game, locked room mysteryThe Secret Market of the Dead by Giovanni De FeoFantasy, Italian inspired, historical, gothic, magic competition, “young woman who finds her power in the nocturnal realm that lurks beneath her town.”The Art of Vanishing by Morgan PagerSci fi, love story between a museum employee and a man in a paintingThe Alchemy of Flowers by Laura ResauModern fantasy take on The Secret GardenArcana Academy by Elise KovaRomantasy, woman who wield magic tarot cards in a fake relationship with the headmaster of a mysterious academy, first in seriesHit Me with Your Best Charm by Lillie ValeYA fantasy, small magic town, autumn festival, secrets, magic forest, missing kidSoulgazer by Maggie RapierPirate romantasy, lost mystical isleAugustThe Hounding by Xenobe PurvisHistorical horror, mystery, small town, girls transforming into houndsThe Locked Ward by Sarah PekkanenPsychological thriller, psychiatric institution, solving a murder, shady rich familyToo Old for This by Samantha DowningFunny thriller, elderly female serial killer, small town OregonForget Me Not by Stacy WillinghamMystery, new series, journalist solving case, old diary, vineyard, SouthernHouse of the Beast by Michelle WongDark fantasy, fairy tales, pact with a magical entity, revenge on rich familyThe Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis SacharAdult cozy fantasy, princess escaping arranged marriage with quirky found familyThe Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth BrownFantasy, secret society protecting world from powerful magical objects, LondonHemlock and Silver by T. KingfisherFantasy, Snow White retelling, herbal healing, potions, magic mirrorsKatabasis by R.F. KuangFantasy, two PhD students go to hell to rescue their crappy advisorThese Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming MaSci fi, memory, thriller, memory-monitoring tech, memory capitalismBlack Flame by Gretchen Felker-MartinHorror, queer, sexual repression, film archives, exploitation films, lost filmLucky Day by Chuck TingleHorror, cosmic horror, Vegas casino, statistics, mysterious federal agentWhat Hunger by Catherine DangHorror, coming of age, teen angst, generational trauma, female rageThe End of the World as We Know It edited by Christopher Golden and Brian KeeneHorror anthology inspired by The StandThe Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel CañasHorror, historical, 1700s northern Mexico, demon, gothicWell, Actually by Mazey EddingsRomance, second chances with publicly documented datesLove Arranged by Lauren AsherRomance, Lakefront Billionaires series, fake relationshipMistress of Bones by Maria Z. MedinaYA debut fantasy, multiple POV, necromancer who wants to bring her sister back from the dead, romance, floating continents, rapier fightsBaldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas BoggsBiography of James Baldwin, queer history Vulture by Phoebe Greenwood Literary fiction, Gaza war correspondent protagonist, dark comedy A New New Me by Helen Oyeyemi Surreal literary sci fi, protagonist with multiple personalities Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg Short stories, cli fi, Hawaii, love and regret The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn Romance, rom-com, lovers to enemies to lovers, her ex goes on a reality dating show while she's hired to ghost write his memoir Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders Cozy fantasy in autumn in New England!!!, witch trying to reconnect with her mother, spellsThe Midnight Shift by Seon-Ran Cheon, translated by Gene PngQueer vampire murder mystery in KoreaToni and Addie Go Viral by Melissa MarrSapphic romance, fake relationship, Victorian historian and actress
GDP Script/ Top Stories for June 5th Publish Date: June 5th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, June 5th and Happy birthday to Mark Wahlberg I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett's new sculptures create attractions for downtown Lawrenceville Georgia Gwinnett College Has Record Summer Enrollment Blind Melon To Headline Suwanee's August Concert Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on controlling your sweet tooth All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Gwinnett's new sculptures create attractions for downtown Lawrenceville Atlanta artist David Landis unveiled two new sculptures in Lawrenceville’s Bicentennial Plaza: “Make A Wish,” featuring towering stainless steel clovers with a hidden four-leaf clover, and “Vibrantly Connected,” showcasing ginkgo leaves forming Gwinnett County’s logo. Funded by the county for $323,500, the sculptures aim to enhance community spaces and attract visitors. Landis, inspired by botanical themes, designed the interactive pieces to foster family and community engagement. Officials, including Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, emphasized the role of public art in creating a sense of place, with plans for more installations across Gwinnett County. STORY 2: Georgia Gwinnett College Has Record Summer Enrollment Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is seeing a significant enrollment surge this summer, with 5,300 students enrolled—over 600 more than last summer’s 4,698. Officials expect numbers to grow further with Summer B classes starting June 18. Kimberly Jordan, interim VP for Enrollment Management, credits the increase to GGC’s flexible, fast-paced summer courses, which are condensed into five-week sessions, helping students stay on track or graduate sooner. Summer classes began May 19 and run through July 22, continuing GGC’s trend of consistent growth for the eighth straight semester. STORY 3: Blind Melon To Headline Suwanee's August Concert Blind Melon will headline Suwanee’s free August Concert on Aug. 9 at Town Center Park. Known for their hit "No Rain," the band will take the amphitheater stage at 7 p.m., following an opening performance by Atlanta-based band Honeyknife. Activities begin at 6 p.m. Blind Melon, formed in 1990, re-formed in 2006 with vocalist Travis Warren and is playing 20 summer dates. Suwanee officials promise an unforgettable night of live music with these two energetic acts. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: STORY 4: City of Lilburn to host Rock the Park June 7 Lilburn’s beloved *Rock the Park* event returns on Saturday, June 7, at Lilburn City Park from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This free event features food trucks and live music, starting with Wesley & The Ridge Riders, followed by headliner Her Majesty’s Request, bringing 1960s British pop and rock vibes. Attendees can bring coolers with snacks, chairs, and blankets, but outside alcohol is prohibited, with drinks available for purchase. Public and accessible parking options are provided near the park. STORY 5: Christy Jarrard of Braselton Earns Nursing Scholarship from Georgia State Christy Jarrard of Braselton was awarded the JoAnne R. Nurss Endowed Scholarship in Life-Long Literacy by Georgia State University's College of Education & Human Development during its Scholars Recognition Luncheon. The scholarship honors Joanne R. Nurss, a former GSU educator who advanced programs in early childhood, adult literacy, and English language learning. It supports graduate students dedicated to promoting life-long literacy, reflecting Nurss’s impactful legacy in education. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on controlling your sweet tooth We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 6 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. 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When Queen Elizabeth II and her family went on vacation, they didn't fly coach or take a carnival cruise. They traveled in style aboard Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia. The Queen designed the ship herself the year of her coronation. This was her favorite place to be, where she could truly unwind. I recently had the opportunity to tour this historic yacht in Edinburgh, Scotland. And to talk with the Yotties who served the Queen while she traveled the world. Let's explore this floating time capsule, learn how it functioned, find out where the royals visited, what they ate, how they slept and relaxed. I'll dish on the four honeymoons which took place on board, and we'll be treated to an intimate glimpse of the British royal family at their most relaxed, while on vacation! Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100303 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices