Podcast appearances and mentions of Paddy Ashdown

Something completely different to the usual fare this time: a little while back I picked my five favourite spy novels for the Spybrary podcast. For a variation from the usual Never Mind The Podcasts fare, take a listen to what I picked, and why those in politics so often like spy stories: Anthony Price features, of course. As does (ssssh! former spy) Paddy Ashdown and US President Lyndon B Johnson, subject of perhaps the best non-fiction book and one with a brilliant narrator too. In coincidental related news, I discovered recently that the author of the standard book on the history of the early years of campaigning for proportional representation was a Communist, and possibly a Russian spy. The author is Jennifer Hart and the book is Proportional Representation: Critics of the British Electoral System 1820-1945. Show notes The Spybrary Podcast. The Spybrary Facebook group. Theme tune by Hugo Lee. Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels.com. New to listening to podcasts? Here are some tips on how to listen to podcasts. Check out some of this show's most popular previous episodes. Links to books above are affiliate links. Enjoy the show? Spread the word Share the show's website, www.NeverMindTheBarCharts.com.

Our introduction to literary Bordeaux begins with the 3 most famous Bordeaux authors, the ‘3 Ms', that is the philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu and the novelist François Mauriac.  There are statues of them all in the city.   There are mini biographies and pointers to their works.  Then we follow up with more books set in and around Bordeaux - historical fiction, two very different detective stories and the true account of the web of spies – French, German, British – operating in Bordeaux during World War II.   Reading Suggestions The Essays A Selection by Michel Montaigne   How to Live A Life of Montaigne in 1 Question and 20 Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell      Persian Letters by Montesquieu   The Knot of Vipers by François Mauriac    Thérèse Desqueyroux by François Mauriac       The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick    Bordeaux Private Eye by Rorie Smith Game of Spies by Paddy Ashdown    Death in Bordeaux by Allan Massie     Link for this post Musee d'Aquitaine   City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website for the blogpost accompanying this episode, to find more episodes from our Bordeaux series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions!  You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode.  That would be very much appreciated! 

Another titan of British politics, another guest who's sadly passed away since they were on the show. Paddy Ashdown was a dominant figure in 80s and 90s politics. In this 2016 interview he was on top form, regaling us all with great memories, searing insight and his massive laugh. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his remarks, Dr Bassuener focuses on the EU's relationship with the Western Balkans in advance of the country reports which will be published in October 2023. Dr Bassuener's contention is that, writ broadly, the political elites of the region have demonstrated that they do not want to do the heavy lifting regarding EU accession. Yet, according to Dr Bassuener, the EU's interest in the region remains its desire to demonstrate its transformative power and geopolitical potency. Overall, in his discussion, Dr Bassuener argues that enlargement should not be abandoned, but rather there should be a reassessment of who the primary EU partners need to be – the citizens of the region. About the Speaker: Kurt Bassuener is a Co-Founder and Senior Associate of the Democratization Policy Council, a Berlin-based think-tank established in 2005. He received his PhD in 2021 from the University of St. Andrews' Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence. Dr Bassuener is co-author and research director for the Diplomat's Handbook for Democracy Development Support. Prior to studying at St. Andrews, he lived for 11 years in Sarajevo, starting in 2005 as a strategist for then-High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. He was a political and campaign analyst for the OSCE-ODIHR election observation mission in Ukraine in 2004–2005, and previously conducted analysis-based advocacy in Washington D.C. for the Balkan Institute, the Balkan Action Council, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the International Rescue Committee.

This podcast is a commentary and does not contain any copyrighted material of the reference source. We strongly recommend accessing/buying the reference source at the same time. ■Reference Source https://www.ted.com/talks/paddy_ashdown_the_global_power_shift ■Post on this topic (You can get FREE learning materials!) https://englist.me/201-academic-words-reference-from-paddy-ashdown-the-global-power-shift-ted-talk/ ■Youtube Video https://youtu.be/-_DOfH4_MkA (All Words) https://youtu.be/GxWIg5-6nGM (Advanced Words) https://youtu.be/WZ__N64ipU0 (Quick Look) ■Top Page for Further Materials https://englist.me/ ■SNS (Please follow!)

Is a combination of a progressive alliance, tactical voting and proportional representation the way to save the UK from Tory rule? Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass, argues that there would have been no Boris Johnson or Liz Truss if left-leaning parties had been able to work together. Neal, who's been a Labour member for 44 years, also explains why he's facing possible expulsion from the Labour Party for tweeting in favour of tactical voting.Have Labour fallen into a Tory trap by following last week's by-elections? Nish and Coco examine why the headlines have been about the costs of green policy, rather than historic Tory defeats. Also with homeless numbers rising, why isn't there more urgency around legislation to ban Section 21 evictions?.Plus the schoolkids who put Robert Jenrick to shame, and why Coco's mum loves Minions. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Twitter: @podsavetheukGuest:Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass

Exclusive YouGov polling for Times Radio shows that plenty of Labour voters - and even more Liberal Democrats - would like to see a coalition between the two parties after the next election.Matt discusses the history of Lib Dem 'equidistance' with former advisers to Paddy Ashdown and party leader Sir Ed Davey.Plus: Columnists Daniel Finkelstein and Henry Zeffman discuss whether the next Tory leadership contest is underway, Keir Starmer's relationship with Labour's council leaders and votes for 16-year-olds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is leaking a way to get ahead in politics? What did Paddy Ashdown do to Rory? Should Joe Biden run for President again? Listen as Alastair and Rory answer these questions and more…Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter:bit.ly/3zhYAIlTRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! Yes! The 'Alphabet of Britishness' is back!!S is for... Sport!I talk about the British codification of football (or 'soccer'), and how this was affected by the development of the railways, recommending Michael Portillo's 'Great British Railway Journeys'. I also talk about cricket, the magnificent beard of W.G. Grace, and 363 day Premiership of former cricketer Alec Douglas-Home. I spend the longest time looking into the origins of snooker in British India. [Minute 12]S is for... Scotland I look at Roman Scotland, which actually surprised me because like many I tend to think of life beyond The Wall(s) as non-Roman. I amuse myself with the historical inaccuracies of Braveheart. I also can't resist talking about the non-historicity of 'clan tartans' which is always a fun topic.  My Recommended Rabbit Hole: Scots of the British Empire [Minute 23]S is for... SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service)Here, I go through an obituary of Paddy Ashdown, a well-known liberal politician in the UK who had a special forces and diplomatic background. I felt his colourful early career would be of particular interest to international listeners. I take much of my information from The Guardian, which would tend to be critical of such exploits.***Since the Alphabet of Britishness is now a monthly project, feel free to message me with more suggestions for 'S'. There certainly is one more coming up. Next week, Episode 104 will be "S" is for... "The Saint" with a very special guest. Stay tuned for that, coming up on January 10th, 2023.Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSeveral subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, randomly drawn from the list, and one has a free mug on the way!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Iain Dale talked to former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown about his autobiography A FORTUNATE LIFE. The interview was recorded in May 2011.

George Parker of the Financial Times is joined by the former chief whip and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith MP and the Labour leader in the Lords, Angela Smith, who also speaks on Northern Ireland to discuss the Queen's Speech and rising tensions over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland. The former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP discusses the housing crisis and planning reform. Should there be a deal between the Liberal Democrats and Labour is debated by Labour MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw and Baroness Olly Grender, who runs the Lib Dem communications operation and has advised successive party leaders, including Paddy Ashdown. And as Chris Mason takes up his new job as BBC political editor, Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby and former ITN political editor John Sergeant look at the shifting demands of such a high profile role.

The German resistance to Hitler is a matter of great historical significance, but also of great contemporary relevance. The importance of and the way to push back against the spirit of the age was well demonstrated during this period, and there may be lessons from this resistance about what might be happening right now in Russia. On this episode I am joined by Dr. Randall Hansen, (Director of the Centre for European, Russian & Eurasian Studies, Munk School, University of Toronto and author of Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance after Operation Valkyrie) and Fr. Daniel Utrecht (priest at the Oratory of St Philip Neri, Toronto and author of The Lion of Muenster: the Bishop who Roared against the Nazis). Some other books I recommend on this topic are Nein!: Standing Up to Hitler 1935–1944 (by Paddy Ashdown) and Church of Spies: The Pope's Secret War Against Hitler (by Mark Riebling). To never miss another episode, follow Resuming Debate on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and don't forget to leave a review.

This was one of Iain Dale's first Book Club interviews from April 2010 with the former LibDem leader Paddy Ashdown, in which they talk about his autobiography and colourful life. He talks about his time working for the security services, why he became a LibDem MP, and the infamous ‘Paddy Pantsdown' scandal.

Parliament may have been in recess this week but the political action hasn't stopped. We discuss our significant story about the next election featuring Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Not since the days of Paddy Ashdown's ultimately unproductive courtship of Tony Blair in the 1990s have relations between the two opposition parties looked so promising.Plus, we look at the Ukraine crisis and the way Boris Johnson's government is handling it, as Germany hosts a very tense Munich Security Conference this weekend. Presented in Sebastian Payne's absence by George Parker with Gideon Rachman, Laura Hughes and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe of the FT and Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a great pleasure to meet award-winning journalist Jo Phillips for my latest Nostalgia Interview. Jo is a political commentator and has worked as a political editor and broadcaster and was press secretary and policy adviser to Paddy Ashdown and has stood for Parliament. She also worked for Bob Geldof for 10 years. Jo is a sailor and gardener and she explains why she sees herself primarily as a journalist. Jo talks about the importance of being curious, and we learn that radio has been her first love. She explains why it sparks the imagination. We also learn about her political interests and leanings, and why politics is not just about Westminster. She has written a book called Why Vote? A guide for those who can't be bothered – which details the work she has done to get people who wouldn't normally vote to do so – and talks about why local engagement matters. Jo then reveals how she got to work with Paddy Ashdown and she talks about the importance of his diaries. This was a time when Labour and the Lib Dems discussed working together, and Jo discusses why he was so good to work for and with during his time as Lib Dem leader and when he was High Representative for Bosnia. We talk about the Lib Dems punching above their weight in the 1990s. She talks about the preparation that Paddy Ashdown made for PMQs and the anguish they went through (she was his spinner) before going into the bear pit. Jo recalls Paddy's reaction when Tony Blair gave his first speech as Labour leader – ‘he's bloody good, isn't he?' She talks about the price the Lib Dems paid in later years for the coalition with the Conservatives and she discusses why one can't talk about right and left any more and why Britain's influence in the world has diminished due to Brexit. Jo is a farmer's daughter and we find out where she got her interest in politics from. We move on to talk about the televising of Parliament and why she thinks the select committee system is so important. Jo talks about how Boris Johnson's motive for going into Parliament is different from that of most MPs, and we learn that Paddy Ashdown and Sir John Major became friends in later years. I ask her what happened behind the scenes between the party leaders, and she talks about how politicians were more human in those days. We talk about those unlikely friendships. Jo studied English and Philosophy at the University of Kent and designed the artwork for the Freshers Handbook in 1973/4. She talks about the bands that came to campus in those days, including Captain Beefheart (there's an hilarious story involving a bottle of Drambuie), Led Zeppelin and 10CC. We find out how she ended up in journalism, and we discover that she was Michael Parkinson's editor on LBC – or ‘Narky Parky' as she called him. She talks about the guests who would come on the programme, including Anthony Burgess and Gore Vidal, and we learn why she calls Michael Parkinson the supreme interviewer. Towards the end of the interview Jo talks about the challenge of being a commentator and we find out about the 11.31 Club. She discusses the importance of using one's brain and why she always says yes when an opportunity arises. Please note: Opinions expressed are solely those of Chris Deacy and Jo Phillips and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the University of Kent.

Sir Ed Davey is a mallet wielding, man on a mission. That mission is to demolish the Conservative 'blue wall' which he's already made a hole in after the surprise Liberal Democrat victory at the Chesham and Amersham by-election in June this year. With a First class degree from Oxford, he could have ended up as a spy, but instead chose the path well trodden for a PPE graduate, politics, taking a job as Economics Researcher to the then leader, Paddy Ashdown. He's committed to renewable energy and brought us wind farms during a stint as Energy Secretary in the Coalition Government in 2012, but can he keep the lights on for the Liberal Democrats? Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Julie Ball Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon

Memories of 007 star Sean Connery being seen in Moate, Co Westmeath with a pair of tights on his head and the beautiful Leslie Anne Down during the filming of the 1978 classic 'The First Great Train Robbery'. Tullamore native Gary Molloy talks about running as a Liberal Democrat in a local Town Council election in the late party leader Paddy Ashdown's home county of Somerset. And, Tullamore artist Vincent Devine talks about his incredible portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, which is priced at 120,000 euro! and is available to view in his local gallery. Liam also admits to supporting England in the Euros!

They may even have helped Adolf Hitler to reach power in 1933, but at the very top of the German hierachy some brave insurgents had begun, by 1936, to recognise the danger he posed. They began to plot against him, first by hindering his war effort, and then by attempting to kill him - up to 10 plots to assassinate Hitler were mounted during his leadership. Paddy Ashdown, who lead the Liberal Democrats for over a decade, was a member of the Special Boat Service and a Royal Marine, wrote a book about the assassination attempts on Hitler. He spoke to Dan about the people behind these plots and their outcomes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the latest episode of Never Mind The Bar Charts, I talk with Duncan Brack, the closest thing the party has to an official historian, about the lessons for the Liberal Democrats from the last time that a Conservative government was defeated. A key part of that was cross-party cooperation so we dive into what then party leader Paddy Ashdown's plans were, what worked, what didn't work and what lessons apply to this Parliament. Feedback very welcome, and do share this podcast with others who you think may enjoy it. Show notes Lessons from the Ashdown-Blair ‘Project’ - Duncan Brack's book chapter on the topic. The Cook-Maclennan talks. Ways for parties to cooperate without making seat deals. Never Mind The Bar Charts on Paddy Ashdown's legacy. Never Mind The Bar Charts on what it's like working with Dominic Cummings. Coalition Diaries by David Laws - Amazon / Waterstones Who Killed Kitchener? The Life and Death of Britain's most famous War Minister by David Laws - Amazon / Waterstones Duncan Brack on Twitter. The Liberal Democrat History Group. Photo credits. Find Never Mind The Bar Charts on social media Like the show? Do follow on Twitter or Facebook. It's a great way to hear more about the podcast - and to let your friends and colleagues know about it too.

Humphrey Hawksley's work as a BBC foreign correspondent has taken him to crises on every continent. He been expelled from Sri Lanka, had death threats from several extreme regimes and traced Graham Greene’s footsteps in Sierra Leone . His passion for borders has influenced his writing with the Cold War and espionage prominent themes in his popular thrillers. On this episode we talk war zones, politics, the EU, Trump, guns, Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan and the pain of accidently tipping a well-known country music star on the streets of Nashville.   On this episode we cover:   Victorian Grandeur at The National Liberal Club, founded by William Gladstone The UKIP leader with his mistress who darkened the Liberal Club’s door Paddy Ashdown, Charles Kennedy, Menzies Campbell The worldwide locations for his books - Man On Ice and Man on Edge His first BBC assignment to Sri Lanka His first exclusion from a country The Tamil population initially being repressed by the government Then turning into ‘the most brutal terrorist group in the world’ The dire situation in Hong Kong Being at a turning point in world politics The rise of the far right As a journalist he likes a good story 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall The cycle has turned – a generation forgetting what has happened before it The EU being incremental in preventing war Japan versus South Korea Brexit not being unique around the world The post 9/11 war on terror If he wasn’t a journalist he would be worried! The current movement not having a Blowin’ in the Wind yet John Simpson thinking the threat of Russia is overestimated The power of online meddling Could the third world war be online? Russia wanting to re-create a significant zone of influence Political changes after the Tiananmen Square massacre and fall of the Berlin wall The Orwellian rise of Russian and Chinese enemies Death threats on answer machines in Sri Lanka Death threats by phone in the Philippines The BBC being wrongly accused of paying insurgents to blow people up The British Embassy versus the American Embassy Whether he’s been afraid in war zones Lisa’s Nan giving birth during an air raid on the Wirral More shootings and bombings in Iraq and Afghanistan Being confused about what people want to achieve The West not planning what would happen next after Saddam and Gaddafi Questioning the West’s reaction Tracing Graham Greene’s steps in Sierra Leone The bleakness of the US/Russian border where two super powers meet Little Diomedes and Big Diomedes Roman Abramovich being governor of Chukotka Writing thrillers based on borders Cold being cold – whether you have the right clothes or not Hair freezing competitions in Canada Trump’s wall in Colorado The plan to build a tunnel or a bridge from Alaska to Russia Greta Thunberg speaking to the whole world and being listened to Should we off-set our travel miles Addis Ababa being special – or are we just off our heads due to altitude Dervla Murphy and how both Lisa and Humphrey are big fans How eco-travel is out of reach for your average family holiday How travel changes with young children Dog sledding to see the Northern Lights Walking the Pacific Crest Trail – Mexico Border to US/Canada border Struggling with ‘walking on the underclass’ in places like India Trump, guns and healthcare in the USA Doing the music trail in Mississippi Johnny Cash songs on Nashville’s famous strip 10,000 people in 10,000 garages writing songs How great art, culture and music springs from times of conflict Hitching hiking through Thailand in 1974 A Whiter Shade of Pale wafting through the night skies over rice paddies  

Paddy Ashdown's former Press Secretary gives Matt a frank analysis of the Lib Dem campaign so far and gives her assessment of the political realities facing the party and the country. If you're in despair about modern politics, you are not alone. WARNING: Also contains Pussy Galore... Follow Miranda on Twitter here: @greenmiranda Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Address given by Sir John Major at A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of the Right Honourable The Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon GCMG, CH, KBE #paddyashdown #liberaldemocrats #libdems #westminsterabbey

Former Lib Dem Leader, Paddy Ashdown, takes on international bestselling author Bernard Cornwell in the Book Off!This episode sees John Donne take on William Shakespeare, but who will win???Hosted by Joe Haddow, the two historians discuss secret spies in the Second World War, the unravelling of English history, how politics of the 1930s are mirroring our society today, and lots of poetry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Making money from something that you love is everyone's dream in life. It can also be one of the most difficult things to do. It involves hard work and taking risks. Rob interviews in this episode, Dom Joly, author and creator of the candid camera series Trigger Happy TV. They talk through how he accidentally fell into the show, his work as an author and what has made him successful. Learn from the ‘poster-child of not knowing what to do in life' on how to best capture those opportunities when they present themselves and build a life doing the things you love. Key Takeaways I have a very active mind. I'm always thinking about something. That mindset allows me to come up with ideas, but sometimes I can get swamped. In India, I went to an Ashram where I nearly died when I was trying to be alone and do nothing. I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I remember my dad saying that if you leave a job once you would never get a job again. I don't know what I'm doing each year. You make that sacrifice of stability and a regular income. It would be quite nice to have something stable but I would get bored. I don't say no. I've had times where I have had no offers but since Trigger Happy I have been offered lots of different things. I was offered a column at the Indy which has been great. Sometimes the thing that you are not good at people will pay you for, but sometimes the things that you like doing don't pay well. I try to do one to fund the other. I think good art comes from hunger. I look at it like this that if I do an ad it will pay me so I can do the things that I like doing. I think that having too much money means that you lose that hunger, you get lazy. I think poverty is a really important thing for creating art. I'm really good at the least respected part of comedy. Trigger Happy was basically a candid camera series. I tried to make the candid camera as an art form. It's ad-libbing, its improv. The great films like Spinal Tap and Curb Your Enthusiasm are all improv. I did everything for the Trigger Happy TV, editing, the music etc. Everyone thinks they can do it but it's difficult, hard work to make it really really good. It was total luck that created Trigger Happy. I was doing some interviews as a political producer for ITN. I was boring so I would ask my friends to do silly things in the background of the interviews with people like Paddy Ashdown. At that point when ITN fired me, I thought that was a great idea. I wanted to get paid for having fun. Half Luck, Half Not. People assume that I could go and do a best man speech however that is something I would hate. However, if I dress in a snail outfit and crawl across the road really slowly, I don't mind that. Often a lot of the things now are faked. There were about 6 rooms in my life where if I hadn't had been there at that time, things would have been very different. 10,000 things are important. If you've dedicated 10,000 hours to something you're going to be really good at it. How can I have fun doing something I love and make a living out of it? The only truth I know is that I'm really good at the things that I love. I'm jealous of those people who know what they like early on but that's not me. How did you get into hidden camera for a living? I was really lucky. The year before I started Trigger Happy I would have had to hire a professional cameraman and sound man to follow me around. Suddenly cameras became cheaper which we then could film the whole of Trigger Happy on. We just filmed and filmed and filmed until we got something funny. Now, I would just make something on my iPhone and put it on YouTube. How do make you good pranks? You can do that if you have a brain. There is a snobbery in comedy that you must to sit-coms and scripts and that the exhibitionists do candid camera. It's an adrenaline rush when you set something up. This whole street is going on, but then we were going to do something that was going to change the whole thing. The real test is watching something with people who weren't there. Self-editing was important. It's all about quantity when you first start. Just focus on what you and the people you're making find funny. The worst thing that could happen is comedy via committee. When people say that creatives are divas or difficult that's essential to create something great. When you're making something, make sure it's your voice coming through not tarnished by anyone else, and not a cover of anyone else. You have to be a monster and have obsessive control over your product but be nice to the people who are helping you create it. I'm much more upset when I've made things that I knew that I have just taken the foot off the pedal in working on. Sometimes you have to be a monster to make some great stuff. Sometimes you have to make stuff that some people hate, for lots of people to love it. I only watch documentaries. Alexander McQueen was someone who knew what he wanted to do when he was young and worked hard for it. But it killed him in the end. I love music but I'm not a snob so I can listen to a Kylie Minogue song and a Nick Cave song. All things that are great come from the feeling that you just have to do it, not just for money. It's more difficult now because it's hard to get the money to do it. When you have a family that's difficult. It's about having the courage to do something that is different. There is something self-destructive of being British and when you get famous that you try and become un-famous. You've been prepared to fail. I didn't know whether it was right or wrong I just knew I loved it. Suddenly, you make it and the feeling of trying to keep that going is difficult. If you go somewhere cold, there is always a lovely bar and always some kind of quality art. It makes you insular. If the outside is hostile then you start to think and write a lot. I never think of myself as an entrepreneur. For me, it means being financially secure, and know what they are doing business-wise. However, for me, I don't know what I'm going to earn from year to year. I wish I had married an accountant or had a twin brother who had really business focused mind. What are you up to next? As I'm fifty there is a level of energy that is required for doing candid camera. I've loved riffing in the past but I have a sitcom script optioned at the minute. There is no other person I can go to and ask for advice. I would like to live another 35 years. TV is dead. My teenage kids are not watching TV, they are on their screens. We still get royalties on Trigger which I own 6% of. I put my life and soul into that show, and I only get 6%. I don't know who the 94% are who own it. Going back now I would have got a loan and do it myself.. I do that now with my own production company. My deal was a good one compared to others though. My books have actually done very well, but the people who liked Trigger Happy don't read the books. All I ever wanted to do was travel as a kid. Reading Tin-Tin, I wanted to go everywhere that he went. I like going to places that are different. My new book is Hezbollah Hiking Club. I walked from the Syrian border to the Lebanon border. The best thing I've ever done is the Dark Tourist. I went to North Korea, for a holiday and other places that are not your usual holiday destinations. I think someone else decides whether something else is art. All I have control over is making sure I have fun doing something. I'd like some kid listening to this to think it's ok to not know what to do in life. There is no mystery to be successful. Just do it. Best advice you have ever received. My dad said that don't be the person who is the interpreter be the person who is being interpreted.The worst advice I ever received is that you should be a team player. Don't be horrible to the people around you. But the worst aspect of this is that you have to take advice about everything from others. Be true to your own voice. What do you think is wrong in the world? I stand for anti-bullying. If you believe in something that why have to force everyone to do the same. Keep it to yourself. What does disruptive mean to you? Mess things up. I'm quite conservative with a small ‘c', but I don't like bullies. Challenge the norm. Best Moments ‘I love writing with distractions.' ‘Always need stuff going on.' ‘Always had the world service on in the background.' ‘I'm a jack of all trades, master of none' ‘Since I'm 30 I have never hated a day of work.' ‘I think good art comes from hunger.' ‘Trigger Happy launched a lot of other hidden camera shows.' ‘Candid camera is an art-form.' ‘I really wanted to have fun.' ‘I wanted to get paid for having fun.' ‘You get moments and then you have to pounce on it.' ‘I'm jealous of the people who know exactly what they want to do.' ‘You have to know when to make your own luck.' ‘Keep looking for those opportunities.' ‘I think you have to go for your gut.' ‘Its harder to take the risk when you have more responsibilities.' ‘You have to get your own filter, on what was good.' ‘More offended of making vanilla stuff.' ‘I either want to love or hate an album.' ‘Failure feeds art.' ‘When you have a family and kids, it's not your choice anymore.' ‘You can always have your what-if's, this is your life. I never said no.' ‘Everything in moderation, everything in extreme.' ‘TV is dead.' ‘I'm the poster child for not knowing what I want to do.' ‘I'm the realistic entrepreneur.' VALUABLE RESOURCES Podcast - Earworm New Book - Hezbollah Hiking Club ABOUT THE HOST Rob Moore is the author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor and property educator. Author of global bestseller “Life Leverage” Host of UK's No.1 business podcast “The Disruptive Entrepreneur” “If you don't risk anything, you risk everything” CONTACT METHOD - ROB MOORE Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rs LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLtKal0qTf3klDUr7JS_L9Q ABOUT THE GUEST Dom Joly is a multi-award winning television comedian, journalist and travel writer. His first television series, Trigger Happy TV, was a prime-time Friday night hit for Channel 4 in 2000-2003 and went on to be sold in over fifty countries worldwide and win several awards including the Silver Rose of Montreux. CONTACT METHOD - DOM JOLY Twitter - @DomJoly Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/officialdomjoly Instagram - @Therealdomjolly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Pack and Stephen Tall discuss Paddy Ashdown, Lib Dem strategy and our obsession with US politics. Brexit nearly doesn't get mentioned.

Paddy Ashdown tells the stories of German opponents of Nazism who plotted to bring down Hitler’s regime. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This Week on the Book Club, Iain chats to two brilliant authors, one from the world of Politics and one from the world of News. First up, Paddy Ashdown. His new book is called Nein!: Standing up to Hitler 1935–1944. Also on the show, John Simpson has written a novel called Moscow, Midnight.

It's been nearly a year since I {William} was in sunny Thailand and posting podcast shows. When I was out there Anna's PA Sean contacted me (thanks to Paddy Ashdown) that Anna would be happy to have a conversation with me, To this day (which isn't saying that much I know)it was probably the most excited I have been to obtain an interview. Anna is one of the very last hopes that The Tories have. Of course we can't discount Dominic Grieve and Ken Clarke but of course she's fabulous. In this interview she calls out Theresa May for leaving behind so many of the Remain voters and the wretched tone she set at her first party conference. It's really worth a listen. I think it's worth noting that Theresa and Co have been dishing out this Brexit Bollocks for a rather substantive amount of time and still they are unable to persuade the likes of Anna, Dominic and Ken who are very much small L Tory members of Parliament that really do love their party. Enjoy and of course if you can share the episode it really does mean a lot to the overall Limehouse Podcast project, I really mean that! @limehousepod thelimehousepodcast@gmail.com

William talks with Paddy Ashdown, simple as that! Hope you enjoy. As always reviews on iTunes REALLY REALLY REALLY helps it so much so please lend us your support! THANKS Steve Little and Tom Turtle you rock.

I travel to somewhere exotic, a far flung corner of London to chat with Paddy about his journey around the political world. Brexit comes up, of course! I then venture back to The Limehouse where Elaine Bagshaw and I have a chat about London issues and the U.K at large!

Matt is joined on stage this month by Paddy Ashdown, politician and former diplomat who served as Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 until August 1999. For future dates please visit www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former politician and diplomat Paddy Ashdown chooses 'The Parting Glass' by The Dubliners and 'Beim Schlafengehen' by Richard Strauss.

At a Guardian Live event in London, Paddy Ashdown discussed his views on the refugee crisis, the 2015 general election and the future of the Liberal Democrats

Paddy Ashdown discusses his new book, The Cruel Victory, which tells the long-neglected D-Day story of the Resistance uprising and subsequent massacre on the Vercors massif - the largest action by the French Resistance during the Second World War.Overlooked by English language histories, Ashdown sets the story in the context of D-Day, the muddle of politics and the many misjudgements of D-Day planners in both London and Algiers. Most importantly it also gives voice to the many fighters who fought to gain a stake in their country's future.Lord Paddy Ashdown served as a Royal Marine and as an intelligence officer for the UK security services before becoming a Member of Parliament for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001, and leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 until 1999. He was the international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2002 to 2006 and was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in 2006.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown talks to Matt Elton about his new book on French resistance fighters who took on the Nazis during the Second World War. Meanwhile, Kathryn Ferry takes a trip to Hastings and St Leonards, in the company of Charlotte Hodgman, to explore Britain's interwar holiday boom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lord Paddy Ashdown tells a little-known story of D-Day and the French Resistance. Paddy Ashdown was born in New Delhi in 1941. At 4 years old, his family returned to Britain, and between 1959 and 1972 he served in the Royal Marines and saw active service as a Commando Officer in Borneo and the Persian Gulf. He was elected to Parliament in the 1983 General Election and was elected Leader of the Liberal Democrats in July 1988. Paddy stood down as the leader of the Liberal Democrats in 1999 and retired from the Commons in 2001. He was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2000 and a Life Peer in 2001. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2006 for his work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He now sits in the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat peer. His most recent book is A Brilliant Little Operation, about World War II’s Cockleshell Heroes. 5x15 brings together five outstanding individuals to tell of their lives, passions and inspirations. There are only two rules - no scripts and only 15 minutes each. Learn more about 5x15 events: 5x15stories.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/5x15stories Facebook: www.facebook.com/5x15stories Instagram: www.instagram.com/5x15stories

To say “The West has failed Syria” tempts us into the dangerous belief that had we only got stuck into this conflict from the off, things would now be better. It’s a belief, as recent history shows, we badly need to resist. So speaks the voice of caution. But are we really saying that the best the big powers can do is just sit on the sidelines and watch Syria destroy itself? In this debate from October 2013, former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown and City University's Professor of Middle East Policy Studies Rosemary Hollis, take on NYT columnist Roger Cohen and former British Ambassador to the US Nigel Sheinwald. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lord Paddy Ashdown - former High Representative in the successful reconstruction of Bosnia and a former leader of the Liberal Democrats - severely criticises the reconstruction of Iraq, calling it a 'catastrophic failure' in which 'daily carnage' is taking place. This lecture was organised by the University of Bath and the Royal Society of the Arts.

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the leader of the Liberal Democrats Paddy Ashdown. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his earliest memories of a childhood in India and a subsequent career which took him through the Royal Marines, into the diplomatic service and finally into the House of Commons just seven and half years ago. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Che Gelida Manina (from La Boheme) by Giacomo Puccini Book: The collected works by John Donne Luxury: Laptop computer