Podcasts about Peak District

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Chris Baines who is recognised as one of the UK's leading independent environmentalists and greatest pioneers in wildlife gardening. His best-selling book, How To Make A Wildlife Garden was published back in 1985 and has been in print continually ever since. Chris's ethos is simply to encourage us all to think more about wildlife and give it a helping hand in our gardens!People and places: Key Inspiration from Christopher Lloyd (Great Dixter Garden) and Dame Miriam Rothschild (passionate about getting wildflowers on motorway verges and attracting butterflies). War hero General Oliver Leese (a bonsai and cacti grower, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 1984, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Kent apple Orchards, Wind in the Willows Books (Mr Toad reference). Wye College Agricultural and Horticulture Facility, Garden Organic, Sheffield Parks Department. Wildlife and Wetlands Trust created London Wetlands Centre, one of the most successful stories in Europe. English Nature, The Wildlife Trust and Wild Ken Hill, Norfolk featured on BBC SpringwatchPlant mentions: Cowslip, Crocus, Bolted Kale with flower buds, Daisies, Foxgloves, Grape hyacinths, Horse chestnut, Ivy, Michaelmas daisies, Runner beans, Silver Birch, and Saxifraga.Animal mentions: Blue Tits, Skylarks, Lapwings, Curlews, Robins, Swallows, Starlings, Swifts, Slugs, Caterpillars, Bats, Sparrow Hawks, Red Kites, Peregrine Falcons, Magpies, Foxes, Toads, Hedgehogs, Moths, Butterflies, Cabbage White Butterflies, Newts, Damsel flies, Wasps, Leatherjackets, and Woodcock.Product mentions: Bee hotels, Clay pots, Compost bins, Flexible Pond liners, and Nest boxes.Chris's garden with a large pond: Leyland Cypress, Holly, Yew, Crab Apple, Native Honeysuckle, Bird Cherry (Prunus padus), Rosa banksia, Pink Campion, Lily of the Valley, Meadow Cranesbill / non-native Geraniums, Pulmonaria (lungwort) and Wayfaring tree.Desert island must-haves: Hand lens / Macro lens binoculars and Secateurs.Media highlights: Pebble Mill at One (1989 - 92), Rich Habitat Garden created for Gardeners' World with Peter Seabrook. Blue Tits and Bumblebees (1985) one 40-minute programme, The Wildside of Town, and Countryfile one of the original presenters from 1989 - 92.The Thames Estuary Partnership: The Living Thames film won the 2019 UK Charity Film Award and has won prizes and awards on four continents. It has an introduction by Sir David Attenborough and is available worldwide through Amazon. Chris is currently working on the sequel, The Historic Thames, which is scheduled for autumn release.Chris's books: The Wild Side of Town, The RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening (originally titled How to Make a Wildlife Garden), and A Guide to Habitat Creation.Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supplying the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Dukess's first book, The Last Book Party, was wildly successful by any measure—sold at auction, Indie Next pick, Discover New Writers pick… you probably read it. The second…Didn't sell. Not as in, not very many people bought it but as in, no publisher published it. She spent the requisite couple years or so, her agent signed on but… no takers. She felt like she was the only person in the whole entire world that that happened to… until she started asking around. Turns out, you know how people say writing books is hard? And publishing is tough? They're right!Never fear, Karen lived to tell the tail. Her next novel (do we call it second or third?), Welcome to Murder Week, is wonderful and available in a bookstore near you (and as you'll hear, I loved it and it's the perfect page-turner but not-anxiety-producing read for a swimming pool, beach, airplane ride or couch). But the real joy is that Karen is willing to dish. You'll hear:What happens when you want to be a bullet journal sticker getting writer with your butt in the chair but you're just … not.How to have fun writing a book that maybe no one will want (and why you'd better).How Karen found the right mindset to keep going.Karen's one rule as a beginning writer who couldn't quite get the hang of 1000 words a day. Links from the Pod:LauraPaloozaKaren Dukess, The Last Book PartyZibby EventsThe Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray#AmReadingKaren: The Original, Nell Stevens KJ: Welcome to Murder WeekKaren's Substack Keep Calm and Carry On, a Substack from Karen Dukess or find her on Instagram @karendukess, or her website www.karendukess.comDid you know Sarina's latest thriller is out NOW? Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she's a mess. She knows that stalking her ex's avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she's out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms. Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car. Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder—and the primary suspect.Digital books at: Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Audible Physical books at: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | More paperback links here!New! Transcript below!EPISODE 452 - TRANSCRIPTJess LaheyHey, it's Jess here. A few years ago, I got to go to Laura Palooza. Laura Palooza is the conference that is run by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association. I was invited because I wrote about Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House on the Prairie books, and at the very beginning of The Gift of Failure, there's a mention in the opening chapter. And I was invited to go, and it was fantastic. And I got to meet Dean Butler, who had played Almanzo, which was quite a moment for me, because I had been quite in love. Anyway, this year's Laura Palooza 2025 is going to be taking place July 8 through 11th, 2025. Laura Palooza 2025's theme is prairies, pioneers and pages. If you want more information on attending Laura Palooza 2025, you can go to L-I-W-L-R-A — L-I-W-L-R-A dot org slash laurapalooza. I will be putting it in the show notes for whatever episode this ends up on, and it's going to be really, really great. I'm jealous that I can't go again because it's not going to be near me. It's going to be in De Smet South, I hope that's how you pronounce it, South Dakota. But they're going to even have, like, a feature on the fashion at the time. They're going to have a section on planes, claims and all those land deals, a beginner's guide to mapping homestead claims. It's going to be cool, challenging gender norms. Laura Ingalls in fiction, and Rose Wilder Lane in reality. Folklore, fiction or forecasts, separating and linking science, storytelling and mythology in weather, lore, that's going to be by Dr. Barb Boustead, who has been on this very podcast. She's fantastic. Laura Palooza 2025... July, you should go, you should sign up. It's really fun. They're going to be doing a field trip also to the Ingalls Homestead, I believe. Check it out. It's pretty cool.Multiple Speakers:Is it recording? Now it's recording, yay. Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. I don't remember what I'm supposed to be doing. All right, let's start over. Awkward pause. I'm going to rustle some papers. Okay, now one, two, three.KJ Dell'AntoniaHey, I'm KJ Dell'Antonia, and this is Hashtag AmWriting, the weekly podcast about writing all the things, short things, long things, pitches, proposals, fiction, nonfiction, in short or really actually, usually long. We are the podcast about sitting down and getting your work done. And I am KJ Dell'Antonia. I am the author of a bunch of novels, the most popular of which is The Chicken Sisters, and the most recent is Playing the Witch Card, and you should read them all. And I have with me today a guest that I'm really excited about for a topic that you all are going to love. So, with me today, I have Karen Dukess, and she is the author of The Last Book Party, which you might have read in 2019 because it was unmissable. It was everywhere. It was an Indie Next. It was a Discover New Writers pick, it was...it was all over the place. And that is partly what we're here to talk about today. And we're also here to talk about her new novel, Welcome to Murder Week, which I have just read and enjoyed, but mostly we're here to talk about the six years in between. So, welcome. I am so glad to have you here. So, Karen and I have met in person. We met at a Zibby book event and at an event for the amazing Annabel Monaghan, who also has a book out this summer. The lovely thing about the universe is that nobody reads just one book.Karen DukessThat is true. Thank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo, you can be like, yes, read Annabel's book, read my book. Read. I mean, anybody who reads? I mean, yeah, there are people who read just one book, it's probably not going to be ours. Oh, well, people seem to like the Bible. I don't know that's a popular one. See that? A lot around a lot of Crawdads, also see that. Okay, so anyway, tell us what the story of the long six-year journey between your very, very successful debut novel, and what is about to be your very different sophomore novel.Karen DukessSo, I feel like I have an upside-down writing career in that most people write a lot of novels that don't get published before they write a novel that gets published, and mine went backwards. So, The Last Book Party was my first novel, and I wrote it...Didn't... I wrote it, finished it when I was in my early 50's, around 54 -55, spent about four years writing it, and I had done a lot of writing before, then stopping and starting and thinking that. I must not have what it takes, because this is too hard. I didn't realize that novel writing just is hard, and that is the way it is for all but a few unicorn people. So that novel, I was so happy when I finally finished it. I was so satisfied to just finally have written a novel, and I was truly thrilled, and I I felt like, if it doesn't get published, I'll publish it myself. I'm just so happy to have achieved this goal. And then it sold incredibly quickly. It was unbelievable. I mean, it was like beyond my wildest dreams. It went to auction. It sold very quickly for a good advance, and the publishing experience was great, including the fact that they were originally going to publish it in 2020, but they decided to bump it up to 2019 I don't know why. But I was like, sure, I've waited to my 50's to get this book out, like the sooner the better. And then I dodged the bullet of waiting all these years to publish a novel and have it come out during the pandemic. So, the paperback came out in the pandemic, which wasn't great, but I still felt so grateful that I had gotten this book out before then. So, then I started working on my second novel, which later someone had given me some someone, a friend...it might have even been Annabel. Someone gave her the advice that your second novel, don't make it very, very personal. And I kind of wish I had gotten that advice, even though I'm not sure I would have listened to it. But the thing about a second novel, and I don't know if you experienced this, KJ, but if you have success with your first novel, the second novel is scary because you're like, was I a one hit wonder? You know, was it a fluke? Can I do this again? And people would say, well, you know how to write novels now. And I'd be like, no, I know how to write THAT novel. I have no idea how to write another novel. And the novel I wanted to write at that time was drawing on the many years I spent studying and living in Russia and working as a journalist in Russia. I was in Russia in the 90's, and I wrote a novel that was about an American woman's journey in Russia and some American journalists in Russia. But it was set in Russia in 2017 and with flashbacks to the 90's, and it was hard to write. It was not fun. I think I had, like, sitting on my shoulder this sort of like, oh, can she do it again? You know that kind of thing. And I knew that the luck I had the first one, like, you know, I knew it was unlike, unluck, unlikely to be like that again. Plus, I had this sense of like, this is my Russia novel. And even though it wasn't a novel like, directly about Russia, it still was my chance to sort of give my take on things there. So, I think I also had sitting on my shoulder, like all the journalists I know knew in Russia, and people that studied Russia and the real Russia experts, and what were they going to think of my take?KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, yeah.Karen DukessSo it was, it was not writing, sort of like joyfully, it was a tough novel to write. And then it was also, it was fiction, but it was sort of personal, midlife kind of novel. So, there was just a lot of baggage with that novel. And the writing of it was tough, you know, it was just, it took longer than I thought it it just, I just remember a lot of sort of hair pulling, kind of, you know, those writing days. I had a lot of them. I finished it. My agent said he loved it. I don't think he loved it as much as the other two novels I've written, but, you know, he was ready to send it out on submission. But as I was finishing it, I was getting more and more concerned, because I finished it right around when Russia invaded Ukraine. And my novel, which was set in 2017 Russia, now things were so different, and they had been increasingly becoming different. Suddenly it felt very anachronistic, because I wasn't writing with these big current events in mind. Plus, there was this whole kind of like, oh, Russia, yuck, nobody, you know. And I felt that too. So, I was nervous about it, and my agent was like, just finish it. You've spent this much time on it. Let's finish it and see what happens. And so, we sent it out, and the response I got was kind of... Uh not great, you know, it went to my publisher first. They'd write a first refusal, and we're like, this novel. It about American woman in Russia right now, it's just not the right time. And, you know, there may have been other things about the novel as well, but it was kind of a, like, not a good sell. So, we sent it out to maybe five or six more editors, you know, I got lovely rejection letters, you know. Well, I really enjoyed it. This part was so interesting. But, yeah, I don't know, I don't know how to market this novel right now. And it was, you know, it was crushing, of course, but it also kind of echoed my feelings about the novel. The whole thing gave me a knot in my stomach, yeah, so my agent said, well, we haven't really exhausted the possibilities yet. We can send it out another round, or you can revise it, or you can set it aside. And I felt really sure at that point that I just wanted to, I didn't want to keep submitting it. I just felt like not the right time. And it was disappointing, but it was also kind of a relief, because if someone had decided to publish that novel, I think I would have been really nervous for the whole time before it came out.KJ Dell'AntoniaI think the only thing worse than having your second novel not published is having it published to like, you know, universal hatred.Karen DukessYeah exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr just, or just to your own disappointment, you know?Karen DukessYeah. And then there's a long lead time between the time and novel gets accepted and the time it gets published. And to just feel like, nervous that whole time, I just...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessSo, I was relieved and disappointed. And I remember very well thinking like, oh, well, this is what people talk about. When they talk about, you have to be able to deal with rejection as a writer, because I hadn't dealt with it yet. I had been so lucky, and I really had this sense of like, all right, well, now I get to find out if I'm really a writer, like, can I deal with this and or can I not? And so, I was like, I'm going to write something else. But I was determined to write something very, very different. Like, I needed the whole experience to be different, yeah, and it ended up being kind of liberating, because I went on a trip with my sister to England. We went to the Peak District in England for a week. We rented a little cottage, and this was right before the novel went on submission, I think, or maybe right after, maybe it was on submission, I don't know. So, it was around the time when I wasn't feeling good about the novel, but I wasn't sure it was like a dead deal yet. And we had this absolutely fantastic week in the Peak District, where I was my first time traveling in the English countryside. I'd been to London, but I'd never been in the English countryside, and I felt like I was just stepping into the pages of all my favorite English novels, like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. And also, like I was stepping into scenes of every BritBox masterpiece, mystery thing, I had written, you know, think, oh my god, there's a vicar. And just really, I was in a... my sister, we have similar reading tastes, and we were just both in this mood, like everything was just kind of entertaining us, and we were laughing at ourselves for seeing England through all these fictional characters. So, when I came back, I think I came back, and that's when I kind of realized this Russian novel was dead or shortly thereafter. And I thought, okay, I'm going to, I'm going to write something about Americans going to England. I want to continue that mood. And I really felt like, if I'm going to do now that I knew you could spend years writing a novel and have it not get published, which I knew intellectually before, but I didn't, hadn't experienced it. I I just felt like, if I'm going to spend another couple years writing a novel like fun has to be the number one thing. It just has to be fun. I'm like, not going to be miserable again. I can't do something like the Russian novel again. I have to just entertain myself and make myself happy, and hopefully it will entertain other people and make them happy too. And that's how I landed on the idea of sending these writing about Americans that go to England to solve a fake murder mystery, which is what Welcome to Murder Week is about. And I just had such a good time writing it. And I wrote it quicker than I've ever written. I wrote it in a little over a year, and it was honestly delightful. Like, I couldn't believe it. Like, writing could actually be really fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaWho knew? The result is also delightful. It just, it's, it's kind of like every warm and lovely book setting on to you you've ever read. It is it Is that I really enjoyed it, So...Karen DukessI'm so glad.KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't know what the Russian novel was like. That doesn't sound fun.Karen DukessI mean it wasn't really heavy, because I'm not like a heavy writer... like it still had...KJ Dell'AntoniaRight.Karen DukessIn it, and it had emotion, etc., but I'm not sad that it's not out.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessLet's put it that way, yeah. So, yeah, this one was just fun. And I, you know, my initial idea was to send a group of Americans to England. Initially it was going to be a writing group. I like the idea of putting characters together who would not ordinarily know each other, but to have them together in a space and then a friend of mine said, Okay, so that's an idea. You're going to send some writers on a writing retreat to England, and what are they going to do there? Like, write? Like, that's not very interesting. And that's how I, kind of, you know, ended up moving to this thing where I could have them participate in this weeklong, solve a fake English village murder mystery. And I could have, you know, the villagers, some of them participating in this, and some eagerly participating, some cynical and send a bunch of Americans, you know, Britbox crazed Americans, to compete in this thing. And, yeah, that's, that's how it ended up. And it was fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaI, yeah. I mean, it reads like you had fun. I, as someone who has... so Playing the Witch Card has like a big game sort of Halloween event at the center of it. That would be really hard to do in reality. This is kind of like that.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaLike, this is like the dream murder week, both from some of the point of view of someone who might want to put one on and from someone the point of view of someone who might want to go and do one. It's not, it's um, you know, it's not. Sometimes you read these and they're like, they're like, silly and hokey. It's like, very sincere, super fun murder week that anyone would wish that they could do that likes that kind of thing. Anyway, I yeah, I totally enjoyed it. All the characters were really fun. I could see that you must have had fun writing it.Karen DukessI did. And I also, you know, people often say, like, write the novel you want to read. And I really did that with this because I wanted it to have so it has a fake mystery, but then it has a real mystery as well.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessLike the main character, thirty-four-year-old Cath, little do you know, she goes on this trip because her estranged mother, before she died, booked them on it, and she's sort of reluctant to go, but can't get a refund. And then I sort of developed this whole story about she teams up with her house, shares a cottage with people to solve the fake mystery, but that she also solves the real mystery of why her mother wanted her to go, her late mother, and that was sort of like the writing the story you want to read. Because I like light and funny, but I also like something that has, like, some emotional heart to it, like I wanted to try to story that was fun, but that has something going on. And the more I wrote, the more Cath's serious story became part of the story, I think, in the first deeply satisfying, yeah, and the first version, the first draft that my agent read, and I had never shared a draft before with him, and, you know, I think I was just hoping he would be like, it's almost perfect. And he was like, well, I think Cath is the hardest story. I think you need to develop that more. And then I went back and did and sort of... blended the two. So, the whole experience was just, yeah, of course. Now I'm like, can I have fun again?KJ Dell'AntoniaYes, yes, you can. Nobody ever tells me my first draft is perfect, and I really hate that.Karen DukessYeah, I know. I think it's, I don't even know if I should have shared it with him, like, I just wanted him to say, like, it's amazing. And he was like, yeah, it could be really good.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, but you just want them to know that you're doing, yeah, I'm a I'm going to share the first draft of the thing I'm doing with my agent, and it might be a terrible idea, but I'm going to do it anyway, because I want her to know I'm doing a thing. And yeah, I'm excited. And yeah um...Karen Dukess I also think that, like, you know, when I said that, it was liberating, in a way, to sort of have the experience that I had with the Russian novel. I think it was also maybe by the time, you know, getting to the third novel, or maybe it's getting to my age. I felt sort of like, I think I gave my permission, myself, permission to write a novel that, yeah, it has a serious story at the heart of it, but it's not like a deeply serious book, you know? And I think there's a tendency to think like, you know, I would look at the world around me sometimes, when I was drafting it, and feel like there's so many serious things to write about, and I'm writing this funny story, like, is that super fluffy? And, you know, it was like, this is what I wanted to write? That's okay, you know? I don't have to prove anything. Like, here is my serious tome. You know, I really just wanted to give people like, an emotional, amusing, heartwarming experience. And that is okay.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt is funny how locked we get into that, both as writers and as readers, this idea that if it's not serious or experimental or deep or dark, it's, I don't know, somehow not worthy. There was somebody was reading somebody's Substack the other day, and they were sort of deeply apologizing for the book they had recommended, which sounded really amazing. And I was like, why you, you know, you clearly enjoyed this, and it sounded great. And I don't. I mean, as a reader, I don't want to read things that are dark and deep and serious A. all the time...Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd B. sometimes not at all.Karen DukessYeah, I do like to read dark and serious, but I've learned that I don't like to write that like writing a novel is, it's always so much more time than you think. I mean, even this one was quicker than usual. It's a lot of time, like you're living it. And I was just like, I can't live in a dark place, like I can read a dark book in a couple days, you know? And...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessWipe my eyes and move on. But...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessYou know...KJ Dell'AntoniaA light one.Karen DukessYou could assume... but you know. When I'm writing a novel, I'm going to bed thinking about their the characters, and I'm thinking about it when I'm exercising, and it's just like churning in there, and I just don't want to be in a dark place for two years.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, and most of the time people, I mean, I guess it just depends on, on who you are. But a heart, it's hardly ever dark all the time. I mean, even people that I have known that we're going through some really horrible things have found, you know, levity and joy and pleasure in in some parts of it. And I think we all hesitate to say, well, that's everyone. Or you got to, you know, we don't want to impose that on every, on anyone, because that's kind of also where we are is, is this delicate dance of not wanting to expect anybody else to be the way you think they're going to be. But I it just seems like people find levity, even in even the worst, even in the worst moments. And people want, um, solace, you know?Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'Antonia Something... something pleasant... something.Karen DukessYeah, I work with an editor, kind of a more like a writing coach, like she doesn't actually edit, but she sort of helps me figure out the story and stuff. And there was one point when she was reading a draft, and there's a scene in the book. I don't know if it's a minor thing, but when my main character Cath, who there's a little romance in it. And when she's first together with this guy, and they're sort of rolling around in bed, the first draft that, the first version of it, she accidentally hit her head on the headboard, and then she's like, “Oh my god, are you okay?” And she was like, “no”. My coach was like, no, no. I don't want to be anxious that maybe this guy is a little violent. Like, no, no, you've got to take that out. I don't want to be anxious in the reading of this book. And it was such a minor thing that I think she was like...KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd you had him hit his head instead, right? Yeah.Karen DukessBecause I don't think anyone was going to worry that she's violent. But it was funny. It was like, she was very much like this book is, there are books where you want the reader to feel anxious, but she's like, this book is not that I don't want anxiety in this book you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah.Karen DukessLike she's still concerned about Cath and her story. You can feel sad about what she learns, but not anxiety.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know I think you've really put your finger on something, because that is exactly right. This book is a page turner, like you want to find out what happens. You want to be with the characters you want to it's a hang and it's like, like, I read something recently where, um, in the middle, you, I found myself sort of, I was still reading it because it was a good hang, but in the middle I was just kind of, like, I forget why we're here. I forget what I'm wondering. You're not really wondering anything, but I like it, so I'll keep this. Your book was not like that at all. This is a fantastic hang but you're right. It never, it's not... that's exactly right. It's not, it's not anxiety producing. And I think that's its own vibe. Like you can have romances that are fun and they're good, but they actually, you do have anxiety around, you know, like, how the characters are going to pull themselves out of this, or how they're going to feel or, yeah, and you can have them or you don't. I like that as, like, a sort of a line in the sand.Karen DukessYeah, yeah. And then I kind of thought about it as I continued, like, yeah, okay, that's right. We're not going to go to like, the really unsettling places.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. I mean, even if you really want to know what would what will happen, and you really want, like, the things that happen to turn out in satisfying ways, but it doesn't feel like, if they turn out in some like, there were a variety of available options, none of which felt horrible.Karen DukessYeah, exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaThank you for that. Thank you for a lovely reading experience. So, what else did you take away? Like, what else did you change between the drafting of the book that does not end up being published, which you know, for all we know, is actually great, but the timing was really bad. What should you change?Karen DukessWhat changed for me... in writing?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, what are you changing? Did you change anything in your process?Karen DukessUm, I think I, I don't know if it was completely because of the experience with this book, but definitely it fed into it. Um, I worked with the same writing coach on the Russia book, and she keeps saying that book will be published someday. I'm like, yeah, maybe, maybe not. I don't really care, honestly at this point, but one thing that she really pushed on me, which I discovered in the writing of murder week, was really true, is that to be open and playful and just really to be creative, I needed that. I needed to be in the right mindset, like, I know your thing is always butt in chair, butt in chair. And it is true, you have to, you know, you have to push yourself to finish a novel. It's not easy. And there are times when you just have to push forward. But for me, in the drafting of it, like the butt in chair thing, for me, is more important in the revising and the final draft, when it's like, you've got to get through it, and you've just got to keep sitting there and doing it. But when I'm in this sort of creating stage, when I'm not sure what the story is, when I'm in those moods where I'm just like, sit down and work at this like, I don't write good stuff. I just don't. And she would sometimes say to me, like, if I would talk to her, and I was really angsty and I was really self-critical, or I don't like what I've written, or I don't know where I'm going with this, or whatever , she was really she would very much say, like, when you're in that kind of mood, just walk away. Don't sit at your computer. Like, that is not the time for butt in chair. That is the time for just go do something else and like, lighten up on yourself. And that was really true for this. And I'm trying to remind myself that as I work on the next novel that you know for me, being kind to myself and feeling playful and open is when I'm going to write the best stuff and surprise myself. And that applies whether I'm writing like a serious scene or a funny scene. And the tricky thing about it is, you know, it's always a little scary to write, so it's like, Am I walking away because I need to lighten up my mind, or am I just plain procrastinating?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, or am I walking away because I just don't know how to...Karen DukessSo, I think that is something though, that I do feel like I write better from a free place than from a sort of, like, grim, determined place.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, that makes sense.Karen DukessI think I was learning that and trying to learn that when I was writing the Russia novel, but it really came true with this one, which is why I think I was able to write it quicker, because it's actually, you know, the weaving together of the fake murder mystery and the real mystery and the arcs of all the different characters. Like, it wasn't simple putting all together, but yet it was simpler for me to write, because I was just looser about it.KJ Dell'AntoniaRight. I think you learned to trust that you would finish this, even if you didn't finish it today.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaDoes that make sense?Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaI, yeah.Karen DukessAnd I just think, like, trusting the process is so important, you know. And I talk about this with friends in my writing group, you know, sometimes when you're like, working so hard to figure it out, because it feels good to figure the novel out before you write it, because then you don't have the anxiety of, what if I don't figure it out? But it doesn't always work best that way. I don't think, like, I think there are times for that, and there are times to just, like, just keep going and like, let it go a little and let some interesting things happen, and then you'll figure out how to put it all together for me anyway. But obviously I'm not a plotter kind of person, so...KJ Dell'AntoniaI think, yeah, I think that varies. But what's what I'm really hearing here is that, like, even you knew, okay, if I don't, maybe I don't sit down today. That doesn't mean I'm never sitting again, down again. And I think that is, that's part of what I struggle with in my like 1000 words a day. Just, just keep doing it time. And I, and I think I, too, have come around to the idea that I'm going to finish it like...Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaI'm not. I'm not suddenly, you know, just because I only got to 700 words today, that doesn't mean tomorrow I'm going to be like, yeah, I'm not a writer anymore. Oops!Karen Dukess Yeah, exactly. Well, I think, and I think I've learned that, like, I can't tell you how many times, I mean, I've listened to your podcast forever, and, like, years ago, I would listen to it, and I would be like, Yes, I'm going to do the stickers, or, Yes, I'm going to do 500 words a day, or, Yes, I'm going to text a friend or you know, none of that stuff. I could never sustain it.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt doesn't work for you.Karen DukessI have no routine; I have no methods. But what I've learned now is like, but I get books done, so it's okay, like, yeah, I will sometimes go a couple days where I don't write, or I will, you know, think I'm on a routine of 500 or 1000 words a day for a while, and then I'm not, and that's okay, because it's just like, I know that I can still get them done in my crazy way.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat is what we have tried to start saying more often, is, listen, this doesn't work for everybody. If you're doing something different and you're getting the work done, then you're great, yeah, if you're doing something different and you're not finishing things, then maybe try this.Karen DukessYeah, well I remember, like, when I was working on The Last Book Party, right before I got kind of serious on it, I was in a writing group, and I was starting, then I was like, I was learning in the writing group through, finally being in a community with other writers. So, like everybody struggles. Published writers struggle. Really great writers struggle like and that, and I loved reading interviews with writers like I couldn't get enough of interviews and essays about writer's struggles, because I had to, like, keep convincing myself that like, my struggles didn't mean I wasn't a writer. But then there was one point where I remember making a rule for myself. And I was like; I am not allowed to read about writing if I haven't written that day. You know, spend a lot of time...KJ Dell'AntoniaYes.Karen DukessWorking on your novel, but what you're actually doing is like, reading about writing and reading interviews and listening to podcasts. So, it's like, I cannot listen to KJ's podcast until I've done some writing. So, I've had to, I have had to make some rules.KJ Dell'Antonia Yeah, well, that's, I mean, that's how you turned yourself into somebody who gets the work done, and now into somebody who has her own like now you have a way people ask you, so what's your process? How did you get this done?Karen DukessI don't think anyone has tried my process, but yeah. And it can be different for every book, I guess, you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaHorrifyingly, I think that it can when you see pointed out, yeah, you that you knew how to write that book, that is so true, and that has been a huge thing for me, is to realize that even after writing a bunch of books, people still struggle, it's still hard, every book is hard. Every book has, I mean, we have a joke among the podcasts, you know, because you get to a point where you're like, okay, I hate this now, and we'll all be right, right-on target,Karen DukessExactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaBaby's developing nicely. Here's our 18-month checklist. Aww and you're crawling, and you hate your book. Yay!Karen DukessYeah, yeah. I don't think the process gets easier, but I think knowing that you can get through it makes it a little easier. Maybe it diminishes the panic a little bit like, you know, you'll figure it out. You'll figure it out.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, this, I mean, this has been great. I'm sure it's going to be inspirational for everyone. It is inspirational for me, because I also... so I have a book that I worked on for the last year and a half, and I, we didn't, we didn't try to sell it because, because it's not very good.Karen DukessAre you still working on it? Or...KJ Dell'AntoniaIt's leaving, it's living. I make these gestures as though, like, there's like, a blobby object over here that is my, but is my finished, but also not revised and not good uh...Karen DukessI had this theory about books, like, it's the same theory I had with au pairs.KJ Dell'AntoniaOkay.Karen DukessWe had a lot of au pairs when my kids were growing up and I was working out of the home, you know, not writing. And I felt like every time I selected, you know, they would come for a year. One or two of them stayed for two years. But every time I selected a new au pair, it was in reaction to the problems of the other... the previous au pair. So, like, when I had an au pair that was like a horrible driver, so much so that we had to, like, get rid of her. Then I was like, okay, where is it hardest to get a driver's license? Germany. Okay, I'm having a German au pair, you know. Then I had, like, a German au pair who was great, but it was like, she was too, I don't know, whatever if I had an au pair, that was like, two lax, then the next one was like, oh, this person has, like, you know, worked in a boys school. I want that.KJ Dell'AntoniaRight? yeah.Karen DukessAnd I feel like, you know, I wrote Welcome to Murder Week because I had had this tough experience with this Russia novel. Then it was like, I'm going to do something really fun. So, and I don't know that I would have written that if I hadn't needed so badly to have fun. I don't know that I would have said, no, yeah, forget doing something, you know, serious or with some geopolitical things in it. I'm going to write a, you know, a murder week story. I don't know that I would have written it if I could have gone on that vacation and just had a great time and come back and not felt the need.KJ Dell'AntoniaWritten something else.Karen DukessSo, you know, maybe the one that's not working is going to lead you to write the next fabulous thing.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, I hope I'm already well into... I'm well into something else, but, yeah, it's, you know, you spend a lot of time on something, not everything works. It's one of the reasons this is a terrible job, and you absolutely shouldn't do it unless you know, you can't do anything else,Karen DukessExactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr unless you really want to.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaThere. That's that. That's really good advice. That's going to make a great bumper sticker. All right. So have you read anything good lately besides Welcome to Murder Week, which, in fact, is what I will be raving about in just a second.Karen DukessUm, yes, I read a book called The Original by Nell Stevens. It out in June. She's a British writer, and it's really good. It's sort of an also kind of genre, blending the way my book is, but it's very different. It's like a gothic novel. It's set in an old house in England in the 1800's and it involves an orphan who's being raised by relatives, and she has an incredible talent for painting forgeries, and she sort of has this secret business in selling forgeries, but it also involves an imposter who returns from abroad in the family, and there's a queer romance in it, and it's totally unlike anything I've read, and very compelling.KJ Dell'AntoniaOof, I love that.Karen DukessIn a really compelling way.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd by the time people hear that, that this, this will either be out, or like, buy your next week self a present. That sounds great.Karen DukessYeah, it was very... it's very good. It's kind of like a rainy day book. You know?KJ Dell'AntoniaI love that. Well, I already raved about Welcome to Murder Week, but I'm telling you all, it's a real it's a real joy. I want to compare it to things. But there's almost like it's, I'll think of things that I that I want to...Karen DukessIt's hard to compare because it's not a traditional mystery,KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, no, um, I feel like Clare Pooley's books are, and I can't even think of the titles of them, but that, yeah, that is kind of ringing the right bell for me. I don't know who else a little bit of the like the murder, like, if you really thought The Murder of Mr. Wickham was super fun, which I absolutely adored, that is completely different, and yet also it's the same, like, it's the same... I think the vibe we're looking for here is page turner, no anxiety. And I love that. I love that for all of us...in England.Karen Dukess Yes, yeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo go grab this one. You're going to enjoy it, all right. Well, thanks so much. This was really fun. Thank you for being so open, and not just, you know, wandering around saying, well, I just it took me six years to write this because it's very good.Karen DukessYeah, I have to say, you know, I think that writers should talk more often about their failures. And by that...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessI mean, like novels that they wrote and abandoned, or novels that they wrote and tried to get published and couldn't, because it was only until I wrote this Russian novel and didn't sell it, and I would mention it to people. Then all these writers I knew, and people I knew, you know, would suddenly tell me about their own published novels. And I was like, why did I know about this beforehand? There's no shame in it... you know? It's a tough business. It's a tough business. The writing is tough; the publishing is tough. And now I'm like, oh my god, like so many writers I know have novels that did not get published, and for whatever reason. And I'm sure many of those novels are great novels, and but knowing that you know the journey of being a writer, just like I don't know a single author who hasn't like lost their editor at some point, you know, their editor leaves. Then they find a new, you know, be assigned to a new editor. That happens everybody, and I realize how many people have novels that did not see the light of day, and it was comforting to know it. So, I think people should be more open about it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI think we just are afraid that, you know, a reader will hear, well, I don't know if she's capable of writing something... that doesn't work, maybe it's not very good, which readers aren't listening to anything. They can barely remember our names. They just know if the book sounded good and someone pressed it into their hands.Karen DukessYeah, had a great cover.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, had a great cover. Yeah, all, all of the things, and it's just, it's, it's just a little scary to admit, because I guess one of the scary things about it, of course, admitting that that has happened means it could happen again. And hey It could! Oh well.Karen DukessYeah, but I've survived it. So...KJ Dell'AntoniaYou've survived it, you would survive it again. And also, it didn't happen this time. Welcome to Murder Week is great, and everyone is going to be sitting with it by the pool looking very happy. This is my wish for you. All right?Karen DukessThank you. Thanks so much KJ.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, thank you. Hey, anywhere people should follow you? Oh, you have a Substack. What is it? I love it!Karen DukessI have a Substack. I mean, I think on Substack you can find it by my name Karen Dukess, it's, I don't know... it's called, “Keep Calm and Carry On”, but I think you can just look me up by name on Substack, and I am on Instagram more often at Karen Dukess, as I post about books that I'm reading all the time. Obviously, there'll be a lot of quarter week stuff, but I try to, you know, I'm reading eclectically and all the time. So, I'm always posting about books. Those are probably the best places to find me. And I have my website with all my events on it.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt'll be linked. It'll be linked.Karen DukessGreat.KJ Dell'AntoniaHopefully I can get to something... all right. Well, thank you so much. And all you listeners out there, I mean, you know you do you, but in some way, keep your butt in the chair, hey and or your head in the game.Jess LaheyThe Hashtag AmWriting podcast is produced by Andrew perilla. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output, because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 39 of Undercurrents of Romance, Tracey Devlyn sits down with author Karen Dukess to discuss her new romantic cozy mystery, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK. A mother's secret. A fake murder. A real-life reckoning.
 In WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK, Karen Dukess serves up wit, warmth, and intrigue in a romantic cozy mystery set in the English countryside—where grief meets reinvention, and love blooms between artisanal gin maker and an amateur sleuth. A clever, comforting, slow-burn gem. Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

In Episode 39 of Undercurrents of Romance, Tracey Devlyn sits down with author Karen Dukess to discuss her new romantic cozy mystery, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK. A mother's secret. A fake murder. A real-life reckoning.
 In WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK, Karen Dukess serves up wit, warmth, and intrigue in a romantic cozy mystery set in the English countryside—where grief meets reinvention, and love blooms between artisanal gin maker and an amateur sleuth. A clever, comforting, slow-burn gem. Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

We pitch some swashbuckling fantasy in this weeks episode! Come with us on a ride across to Australia with British TV presenting duo Ant and Dec! Other films we pitch include: Captain Crabs of the Sideways Seas Pirates of the Peak District

Climbing a Peak District moor, you fall into step with a small stream tumbling down the hillside. As you walk, the song of the stream changes – from roaring chorus to trickling solo. Meanwhile, meadow pipits call from heather and willow warblers add their own liquid song to the morning. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Andrew Griffiths, introduced by Hannah Tribe. Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: theplodcast@countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs, cooks and food writers are at the Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, answering questions on bilberries and treacle. Joining Jay are Sarah Rankin, Angela Gray, Rob Owen Brown and food historian Dr Annie Gray.The panellists discuss their favourite ways to use up miso paste, the best savoury recipes involving treacle, and what to do with vegetables that have seen better days. They also share their true feelings about fried bread on a full English and what to do with a glut of homegrown berries.Situated on the cusp of the Peak District, Jay chats to local forager Richard McManus about the upcoming bilberry picking season, and the unique flavour profile of the bilberry.Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4

So-called ‘chlorinated chicken' has been a major sticking point in US-UK trade talks, one of the red lines British farmers say the Government cannot cross. But US Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, says we've got the wrong end of the stick about how their chicken is produced nowadays. So is chlorine washed chicken merely a “myth to dispel”? We look for some clarity.It's been obligatory to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors in some parts of England under the Government's mandatory housing restriction order to help prevent the spread of bird flu. That order has been lifted this morning because the risk of avian flu has reduced.As part of our week looking at grass, today we visit a turf farm. There's a big market for turf from gardeners, golf courses and for sports pitches and parks, and it's not just for the pristine tightly-mown grass, you can even buy specialist turfs for green roofs, and species-rich and wild-flower turfs too. The Government's Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has funded river re-wiggling, school visits to farms and even the creation of Lake District tweed since it began in 2021, and now it's making life easier for rock climbers with disabilities in the Peak District. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Discover the UK's most profitable holiday let locations!Host Planet has teamed up with Sykes Holiday Cottages to launch Holiday Let Insider – a brand new podcast series for savvy hosts and property managers.In our first episode, Harriet Kerr, Portfolio Director at Sykes, reveals the top-performing UK regions for holiday lets and shares practical tips on pricing, flexibility, quality, and guest experience to help you maximise your returns.Thinking about partnering with Sykes to boost your bookings and income? Learn more here: sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottageKey takeaways:• Discover the best places to buy a holiday let in the UK, including the Cotswolds, Lake District, and Peak District.• Find out why Suffolk is an up-and-coming holiday let destination.• Learn how Sykes Holiday Cottages helps owners during every stage of their investment and management journey.0:00 Episode starts2:07 How Sykes helps new holiday let hosts3:51 Do your research!5:09 As much support as you need6:12 The best places to buy in the UK9:31 The different types of holiday let investor11:04 What you need to get right on day one12:15 Quality is key (plus being flexible and accepting shorter breaks)14:19 Getting your rates right15:57 The evolving holiday let landscape17:38 Keeping owners updated about the industry18:48 Holiday Letting Outlook Report 2025: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/holiday-letting-outlook-report-202519:44 Work with Sykes: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Harriet Kerr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-k-77b60725/Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Episode to check next: Learn How To Take Great Photos For Your Airbnb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9XiAQ1H-0Holiday Let Insider is brought to you by Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages. The series is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HolidayLetInsider #Sykes #SykesCottages #SykesHolidayCottages #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo

Why does Kinder Scout appeal to Matt Oliver when his usual subject of photography is woodlands? He says that although they are very different environments, they carry a similar sensation. Find out more by tuning in.In this interview Matt tells us about how he got into photography, the challenges of capturing the Kinder Scout landscape, the companionship his dog Ralph brings to his life, and why he revisits the Kinder plateau. I asked him for a few tips on how to take good landscape photos too. Find out why Matt thinks you can show more by capturing less. We recorded this interview below the rocky outcrop of Ringing Roger, sheltered as much as possible from the wind. Listen out for the curlew and grouse in the background.Matt lives in Sheffield which gives him good access to the Peak District and combines his enjoyment for walking with his love of photography. He's been a commercial photographer for over 28 years and whenever he can he visits the Derbyshire countryside to experience its beauty and finds it a great balance to his day to day work.Matt has been runner up in the Professional Photographer magazine Portrait of the year awards, and received highly commended images in both the Pink Lady food photographer of the year and The Best Shots photographic awards. He has also had images commended and printed in the Landscape photographer of the Year awards books and shortlisted for Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2018 & 2019.LinksMatt's website: Derbyshire and Peak District landscape and woodland photography‘Forgotten Souls' book by Matt OliverMatt's substack: Among TreesFollow Matt on InstagramFollow Matt on BlueskyMatt's commercial work: websiteReferencesAfter the rains - Matt's post about Kinder Scout‘Forgotten Souls' book by Matt OliverRecording dateThis interview was recorded on Kinder Scout, 3rd May 2025.Host & ProductionBy Sarah Lister, About The AdventureContact the hostYou can email sarah@sarahventurer.com to send in your comments and suggestions.Get involved with the conversationSend in your own Kinder Scout stories on the Wild About Kinder website and contact the show host to send in...

Left  of scene, a steep uninhabited valley, shrouded under dense woodland. Right of scene, rough pastures and grass meadows sloping gradually up, towards a distant horizon. Centre, a silvery glimpse of the moorland stream that's flowed down into this valley for as long as rain began to fall.  Spring has arrived. The valley is verdant green, and alive with song birds, sheep and lambs. The air is so still, and soft. The scents of hawthorn and cow parsley rise on sun warmed eddies. Bees, from plant to plant, appear. Then disappear. Then appear again. Hovering. Manoeuvring. Speeding away. A lone goose in the mid-distance, is flying gracefully up the valley. Is following the stream. Its calls echo, across the vast empty space.  How over time the sounds of this valley form naturally into a portrait. A spatial depiction, of life on an upland pasture. Clean. Fresh. Uncluttered. Unconcerned. And it is there. And with headphones, and a bit of time sat still, we can be there too.     * This segment is from a long-form recording we made of this valley several years ago in the Peak District. We visited again only a few weeks ago, we can say things sound very much the same on the ground. What is changing though is an increased intensity of air travel. The skies are noisier now, preventing us from being able to share more recent recordings. 

Wildly, it's becoming a bit of tradition to see out the end of the season with a podcast episode dedicated to speaking to an author and Season 10 saw us speak to the wonderfully lovely and very smart Kat Dunn, the author of ‘Hungerstone', ‘Bitterthorn' and the ‘Battalion of the Dead' trilogy.It was ‘Hungerstone' that captured us and we had so many things to discuss about the Gothic, dark academia, women and the wonderful ‘Hungerstone' which you can learn about right here:FOR WHAT DO YOU HUNGER . . . ?Lenore is the wife of steel magnate Henry, but ten years into their marriage the relationship has soured, and no child has arrived to fill the distance growing between them. Henry's ambitions take them from London to the Peak District, to the remote, imposing Nethershaw estate, where he plans to host a hunting party. Lenore must work to restore the crumbling house and ready it for Henry's guests - their future depends on it.But as the couple travel through the bleak countryside, a shocking carriage accident brings the mysterious Carmilla into Lenore's life. Carmilla, who is weak and pale during the day but vibrant at night, Carmilla who stirs up something deep within Lenore. And before long, girls from the local villages fall sick, consumed by a terrible hunger . . .As the day of the hunt draws closer, Lenore begins to unravel, questioning the role she has been playing all these years. Torn between regaining her husband's affection and the cravings Carmilla has awakened, soon Lenore will uncover a darkness in her household that will place her at terrible risk . . .Set against the violent wilderness of the Peaks and the uncontrolled appetite of the Industrial Revolution, HUNGERSTONE is a compulsive sapphic reworking of CARMILLA, the book that inspired DRACULA: a captivating story of appetite and desire.With influences of the Gothic and inspiration from a classic vampire tale, ‘Hungerstone' was something we absolutely had to read for the podcast (you can listen to the episode here) and we were so excited to get to speak to Kat herself.

Discover why finishing last might be the greatest victory in ultrarunning. The Golden Hour—that final stretch before race cutoff—represents a magical convergence of determination, community support, and raw emotion that captures the true essence of our sport.What does it really mean to be a DFL (Dead Freaking Last) finisher? Far from failure, crossing the line in the final moments before cutoff demonstrates extraordinary resilience and heart. While front-runners showcase incredible athletic talent, back-of-pack runners reveal something equally powerful: the unwavering commitment to continue when every reason exists to quit.My own experience finishing a Peak District 100-miler with just 14 minutes to spare stands as one of my most treasured ultrarunning memories. Running through the town of Buxton after 33+ hours on trail created a profound contrast—ordinary citizens going about their day had no idea of the extraordinary journey I was completing as the last - and only - person still on the course. That sensation of quiet accomplishment embodies why many of us are drawn to this sport.The finish line during Golden Hour often witnesses the most emotional scenes in ultrarunning. Crowds gather, volunteers cheer, and fellow runners return to welcome the final finishers. Watch the last hour of Western States or any major ultra, and you'll witness the hairs-standing-up-on-your-neck magic as runners cross with seconds remaining on the clock.For back-of-pack runners, embrace your journey. Chat with volunteers, appreciate the scenery, and when you approach that finish line—no matter how exhausted—find that last burst of energy for a strong finish. Your DFL achievement may inspire someone else to believe they can accomplish something extraordinary too.What's your Golden Hour story? Share it with our community and help celebrate those who embody what ultrarunning is truly about: perseverance, heart, and crossing that finish line on your own terms. Follow Choose to Endure and join our growing community of back-of-the-pack heroes.Choose to Endure:Email:info@choosetoendure.comWebsite:https://www.choosetoendure.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndureInstagram:https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

The Kinder Mass Trespass involved approximately 400 people walking to the Kinder Scout plateau in deliberate defiance of the landowners, in a protest in favour of the right to ...

This week's episode is a banger - I sat down and had an amazing chat with Phil Saunders and I'm buzzing with all the insights he shared about the service accommodation world.  Phil's journey started with a super creative rent-to-SA glamping setup in the Peak District - basically turning farm land into a profitable venture. Now he's built an impressive portfolio across the UK and helps others break into the industry

In Alina's Fit Pic Breakdown, we sit down to dissect three of her most iconic looks.From climbing a mountain in all-terrain Crocs to rocking Casablanca in the Peak District, Alina shares the stories behind her outfits and how fashion, culture, and heritage shape her personal style.

Lucy Martin from Hand and Lock grew up in the Peak District, where her love for stitching began as she helped her mother make wedding dresses from age three. Her talent led her to work with renowned brands like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Catherine Walker. A classically trained embroiderer with a first-class honours degree, Lucy joined Hand & Lock in 2022 as Head of Education. Since then, she has transformed the school into an internationally recognized centre for contemporary embroidery, building a supportive community for students of all levels.Lucy's role involves designing and implementing a dynamic educational program, organizing diverse classes with guest tutors, and collaborating with venues like The National Portrait Gallery and Kew Gardens for private courses. Her responsibilities also include hosting embroidery retreats worldwide, sharing her passion and dedication to preserving this craft.Currently, Lucy is teaching the Hand & Lock Diploma in Contemporary Embroidery, a rigorous program combining traditional and modern techniques. Her goal is to guide students in mastering technical skills while encouraging them to find their artistic voices, fostering the evolution of contemporary embroidery. Lucy's commitment ensures that each student's learning experience is challenging and couture-focused, leaving a lasting impact on the craft's future. Links: @handandlocklondon https://www.handembroideryshop.com/ @lucymartinembroidery https://lucymartinembroidery.com/ School of Stitched Textiles https://www.sofst.org/

Get in touch with Ultrarunning Sam here ⬅️In this episode I speak to returning guest Stu Westfield from Ranger Ultras.Ranger Ultras hold a special place for me and my racing career, with the PB57 being my first race win back in 2019.So this conversation is a catch up with Stu and a chat about what we've both been up to over the years since we last sat down for chat. Stu's races really are representative of what local grassroots ultramarathon's are all about. Low prices, maximum fun and a loyal community of racers. If you haven't done one of Stu's races before then I suggest you look them up!Stu spent many years as part of the Spine safety team, before setting up his own race company rangerultras.co.uk.Ranger Ultras delivers financially accessible events in and around the Peak District and Yorkshire Moors.In line with his ethos of low key, high quality events. Stu felt that trail runners should be able to enjoy the views of the Pennines that the big corporate sponsored multi-day races offer (mentioning no names) but without the huge price tag. This led to the conception of his PB270 and PB137 races in April.Both fully supported start the clock ultras up the Pennine Bridleway, from Middleton Top near Matlock, to Kirkby Stephen for the 270.The 137 goes from Hebden Bridge to Kirkby Stephen, starting a day later.All of the wow factor of a multi-day race along the Pennines, but without the traveling circus and high costs.Ranger Ultras currently offer the below races throughout the year for you to get stuck into!PB270 - Pennine Bridleway ChallengePB137 - Pennine Bridleway ChallengeYorkshire 3 Peaks Peak District South and North (1 day or full weekend options)PB55km UltraPB18km UltraHigh Peak 70/100 UltraHigh Peak 18km TrailAs well as the grand slam over the race season.....Follow the below link to find out more rangerultras.co.ukURS

Dr. Sarah Lonsdale is an accomplished journalist, author, and lecturer at City University of London. With a career spanning over three decades, Sarah has written for major newspapers, including The Observer, and has dedicated her work to uncovering untold stories—particularly those of trailblazing women in history. Her latest book, Wildly Different: How Five Women Reclaimed Nature in a Man's World, explores the lives of remarkable women who defied societal expectations to forge their own paths in the great outdoors.   In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from working as a journalist since 1988 to becoming a passionate educator and historian of women's stories. She discusses the challenges women have faced in both journalism and exploration, the importance of rewriting history to include the female perspective, and the incredible women who inspired Wildly Different.    From mountaineers and adventurers to environmental pioneers, Sarah's research sheds light on the resilience, courage, and passion of these extraordinary figures.   What to Expect in This Episode:

Both Sarah and I have big buzzwords outside of dark academia, and several of them are vampires and ‘Carmilla' retelling and we added ‘Hungerstone' to our line up so fast when we learned that this novel is inspired by ‘Carmilla' b Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a sapphic vampire novella that predated ‘Dracula'.Even with my slight aversion to historical fiction, reading this and talking about it on Season 10 was a no-brainer.FOR WHAT DO YOU HUNGER . . . ?Lenore is the wife of steel magnate Henry, but ten years into their marriage the relationship has soured, and no child has arrived to fill the distance growing between them. Henry's ambitions take them from London to the Peak District, to the remote, imposing Nethershaw estate, where he plans to host a hunting party. Lenore must work to restore the crumbling house and ready it for Henry's guests - their future depends on it.But as the couple travel through the bleak countryside, a shocking carriage accident brings the mysterious Carmilla into Lenore's life. Carmilla, who is weak and pale during the day but vibrant at night, Carmilla who stirs up something deep within Lenore. And before long, girls from the local villages fall sick, consumed by a terrible hunger . . .As the day of the hunt draws closer, Lenore begins to unravel, questioning the role she has been playing all these years. Torn between regaining her husband's affection and the cravings Carmilla has awakened, soon Lenore will uncover a darkness in her household that will place her at terrible risk . . .But does the Gothic lead in dark academia with ‘Hungerstone'?In this episode we discuss:- The motifs of blood- The crumbling estate of Nethshaw and the way it interacts with Lenore's crumbling marriage and mental state- Carmilla's presence in the novel, and her lack of presence on page

Ever found yourself lost in the darkness during an ultra run, questioning why you ever started this crazy journey? Let me take you on a personal adventure through the moonlit trails where perspectives shift, and challenges morph into serene experiences. Discover how the tranquility of running under a starlit sky can transform a daunting obstacle into one of the most beautiful parts of your ultra running journey. In this episode, I share how breaking the long nights into manageable segments helps in maintaining focus and positivity, along with personal stories from races like the Peak District 100 that turned the night into a canvas of cherished memories.We get into:• Shifting focus from darkness as an obstacle to an adventure • Breaking the night into smaller, manageable goals • Utilizing music and treats to keep spirits high • Connecting with fellow runners and volunteers for support Don't forget to subscribe to the show here, and that way you'll get notified each time a new episode drops.Choose to Endure:Email:info@choosetoendure.comWebsite:https://www.choosetoendure.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndureInstagram:https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. As there are now more than 60 episodes of The Outdoors Fix, and while I'm working on a new series, I thought I'd help you pick out some of my favourite conversations from over the years with these throwback episodes. In this episode, I'm revisiting my conversation with Emma Holland. Emma's a qualified mountain leader who runs her own mountain leader business, Emma Holland Mountain Training. Having worked for Nottingham City Council since she was 18, it wasn't until her 40s that Emma took the big leap to shift the direction of her career and life towards the outdoors. Now you'll often find her in the Peak District leading groups on hikes, teaching navigation or wild camping in the hills. Emma's story proves that it's never too late to pursue your passion. The post The Outdoors Fix throwback: Mountain leader Emma Holland appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.

Jen Scotney, author of Running Through The Dark joins us to talk through some challenging topics which she shared in her recent book.  This is TW for topics including grief, chronic illnesses and childlessness.  Jen was born in the Peak District and set her sights on running the whole of the Penine Way, but through some various circumstances including chronic illness and injuries, the story doesn't pan out as she expected.  In this week's episode Jen and I explored wha ultra marathons feel like and the motivation behind them, running through grief and how powerful connection truly is.  This isn't a podcast that is all rainbows and sunshines but is about a resilient woman who's learning to live with the experiences she's had and what normal now looks like.  Jen also has her own podcast - Resilience Rising Podcast.  And you can buy her book here - https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/running-through-the-dark-jen-scotney?_pos=1&_sid=65ed503f9&_ss=r   Register for the TRY TRI course HERE. Join The Running Hub Community Apply for 121 Coaching   Social Media LinksFollow us on instagram - @therunninghubcommunity @run_with_coachkatie @coach_james_trh Follow us on Facebook   Follow us on YouTube  Speak to the coaches!katie@therunninghub.co.uk james@therunninghub.co.uk hayley@therunninghub.co.uk   Purchase our new Strength Guide Here.  Shop our website & new limited edition range - www.therunninghub.co.uk/shop

The Book Review podcast is off for the holidays, but please enjoy this episode of the The New York Times's Culture Desk show from earlier this fall.In 2004, Susanna Clarke published her debut novel, the sprawling 800-page historical fantasy “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.” It was a sensation. Clarke sold millions of copies, won literary awards and landed on best-seller lists.After just one book, Clarke was regarded as one of Britain's greatest fantasy novelists. It would be 16 years before she resurfaced with her second novel, “Piranesi.”So, where did she go? And what is she doing now?On the 20th anniversary of her masterpiece, the Times reporter Alexandra Alter visited Clarke at her limestone cottage in England's Peak District to discuss her winding path to literary stardom and, above all else, her complex relationship with magic. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Enjoy this classic episode from December 2019In search of the festive spirit of Christmas – and bearing gifts - we travel to the Peak District and Sheffield to hear the area's unique local carols. Along the way we collect music from Jon Boden, Bella Hardy, The Melrose Quartet and the singers of the villages of Dungworth and Hathersage. We hear how the traditional carols written and sung by working people were thrown out of the church – and had to find a new home in the village pubs. Put on your Santa hat, reindeer antlers or Christmas jumper, get yourself a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and join us. ---We rely on support from our listeners to keep this show on the road. If you like what we do please either...Become a member and get great rewards: patreon.com/folkonfootOr just buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/folkonfootSign up for our newsletter at www.folkonfoot.comFollow us on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @folkonfoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dancer, actor, father of four and farmer. There are very few things that Kelvin Fletcher cannot do. ‘Hold on', you might say. ‘What do you mean farmer? I thought that was just acting?' Well, it was, until about three years ago when Kelvin and his wife Liz decided that they needed a change of scenery. Plans to move to Los Angeles were touted, but a far more sensible decision (we think) was made: a move to a small family farm in the Peak District.Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to Country Life podcast on SpotifyListen to Country Life podcast on AudibleNot your typical move for an actor and he'll be the first to admit it. But since the move, he and his family haven't looked back. Even better for us, they decided to bring some TV cameras with them to document the experience, leading to the creation of Fletchers' Family Farm, the second season of which began yesterday.Did playing a farmer on Emmerdale provide any experience for the real thing? What are some of his favourite animals? What did he wish he'd known before he started? And is he still dancing? All these questions, and more.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Kelvin FletcherProducer and editor: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textUltrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK's toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way. In Running Through the Dark, Jen talks about her ambitions, not just to run the 268-mile Pennine Way but to take the record as the fastest woman to do so. But that didn't happen. Nothing went according to plan. The Jen the world knew was a successful lawyer and running coach – all photoshoots and finish-line smiles – but the truth was much darker. The real Jen Scotney, the one she hid from everybody, suffered with chronic fatigue, debilitating injuries, tragedy, grief and at times had a will so beaten down by setbacks that there just didn't seem any point in going on. Here is a little bit about Jen. Jen Scotney boasts an impressive record as an ultrarunner with podium finishes in the 108-mile Montane Winter Spine Challenger South and the 190-mile Northern Traverse. She is host of the Resilience Rising Podcast, a running coach, writer, Mountain Leader and yoga teacher, which have followed her career as a human rights lawyer. She has appeared in magazine features for Runner's World, Trail Running and Women's Running. She has been a guest host on the Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel, and a guest on the Tough Girl Podcast. She crewed for John Kelly's successful Pennine Way fastest known time as well as for his Wainwrights Round in the Lake District. She grew up in the Peak District and now lives in the Scottish mountains with her husband Marcus and Sherlock the beagle. Running Through The Dark is her first book.If you would like to get a copy of the book, you can find it on the publisher's website here: https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/running-through-the-dark-jen-scotneyIf you would like to know more about Jen, you can find her at: www.jenscotney.com or on Instagram as @jenscotneyLink for 20% discount on Caffeine Bullet https://caffeinebullet.com/RUNNINGBOOKDiscount automatically applied and visible on checkoutSupport the showAny feedback or suggestions on this review or any of our other podcast episodes would be greatly welcomed. Leave us a review using your favorite podcast player or contact us on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runningbookreviews/Twitter: https://twitter.com/reviews_runningInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningbookreviews/ Podcast webpage: https://runningbookreviews.buzzsprout.com If you have been enjoying the podcast and want more, you can find some extras on our By Me a Coffee site! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/runningbookreviews

I have wanted to share this story, literally all year! At the end of 2023, 2 weeks before Christmas I joined a mastermind, this was not what I had planned.  But when Lucy Sheridan showed me the sales page for her New Era mastermind something deep inside me told me very strongly that I had to say yes to this. I said yes to a £10,000, investment.  I have never invested in myself and my business at this price before. I had the first monthly instalment, but the rest of the money was unknown. And it was by far the BEST decision I have ever made. I joined because I knew I was ready for a big shift in my business, and I needed the guidance of someone like Lucy to make it.  I also needed to get out of Cornwall, without my kids in tow, and this Mastermind had in-person meet-ups in Birmingham, London, Peak District and Edinburgh. But this mastermind has changed me on so many levels, and I have made new friends that are quite frankly priceless. This mastermind taught me to trust my higher self, even if on paper it seems crazy, to believe in the impossible and that magic is all around us. I have had so many incredible experiences it is impossible to put into words. All I can ask of you is to take a huge leap of faith whatever that may look like for you. d if working with me 1:1 in a mastermind-type model might be your leap of faith, then pop your name on the waitlist here - https://www.amyjonesmentor.com/your-purpose-waitlist Doors open mid-November for a small cohort of 8. And if you are missing my weekly voice, remember you can join my Substack.  For access to weekly videos, extra business masterclasses and yoga classes, plus an archive of all previous posts, this will cost £4.40 a month or £44 a year.   JOIN HERE – https://energymindsetmoneyandmore.substack.com/ Ways we can work together: Soul-led Female Entrepreneurs Visit – https://www.amyjonesmentor.com/ Hear more from me each week, join me over on Substack at https://energymindsetmoneyandmore.substack.com/ Yoga Teacher Training Visit – www.amy-yoga.com 

Jen Scotney boasts an impressive record as an ultrarunner with podium finishes in the 108-mile Montane Winter Spine Challenger South and the 190-mile Northern Traverse. She is host of the Resilience Rising Podcast, a running coach, writer, Mountain Leader and yoga teacher, which have followed her career as a human rights lawyer.  Jen has appeared in magazine features for Runner's World, Trail Running and Women's Running. She has been a guest host on the Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel, and a previous guest on the Tough Girl Podcast. Jen crewed for John Kelly's successful Pennine Way fastest known time as well as for his Wainwrights Round in the Lake District. She grew up in the Peak District and now lives in the Scottish mountains with her husband Marcus and Sherlock the beagle. Running Through the Dark is her first book. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.  Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Jen Scotney  Intro from 2018 TGP episode  So much has changed in 6 years A new introduction for now Being based in the Scottish Highlands Not running anymore and what happened Chatting with Mimi Anderson  No longer clinging onto the identity of being a runner Self worth in relation to challenges and big runs Using writing as a tool to help process Her dream of wanting to run the Pennine Way Getting a book deal and starting to write stories of runners Going through a period of chronic illness Wanting to share her story and get it out of her head 500 words a day Relief and fear of finishing the book Grief and loss Handing over control  Recovering from chronic illness Resilience  Starting the Resilience Rising Podcasts Why messiness is part of resilience.  Taking the time to process and accept what's happened Not signing up for the suffering  Having a good time while running Why low points in a race are not comparable to real life challenges External validation What bring joy and happiness today Teaching yoga and growing fruit and veg Making changes in her life and doing a pivot Getting ok with uncertainty and change Choosing the uncertainty and being open to what comes up Advice for letting go of control  Joining the local mountain rescue team in Scotland  Working through a skill list and having monthly training  Managing negative thoughts  Dealing with 2 knee replacements Looking for her limit and finding out what she can do Start where you are Plans for 2025 - goal setting or going with the flow Practicing yoga for 15+ years Being a qualified Yin Yoga teacher Yoga Nidra and permission to rest Pushing back again busyness and perfection  Relax and do more yoga  Stop trying to be productive What needs to be let go off Being in the moment Keep connected to Jen  Final words of advice    Social Media Website: www.jenscotney.com  Instagram: @jenscotney  X/Twitter: @jenscotney Vertebrate Publishing  Books to inspire your next adventure.  Based in Sheffield, the Outdoor City.  Instagram @vertebrate_publishing X/Twitter: @VertebratePub  Book: Running Through the Dark: The rise and fall of an ultrarunner.  Ultrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK's toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way. In Running Through the Dark, Jen talks about her ambitions, not just to run the 268-mile Pennine Way but to take the record as the fastest woman to do so. But that didn't happen. Nothing went according to plan.   The Jen the world knew was a successful lawyer and running coach – all photoshoots and finish-line smiles – but the truth was much darker. The real Jen Scotney, the one she hid from everybody, suffered with chronic fatigue, debilitating injuries, tragedy, grief and at times had a will so beaten down by setbacks that there just didn't seem any point in going on. But she did go on. Running Through the Dark is Jen's account of her ultra-journey. Playing out on the moors of the Pennines, the fells of the Lake District and the mountains of Wales and Scotland, this is much more than a running book, it is a story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.  

The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. It's hosted by Liv Bolton. In this episode, Liv Bolton goes for a walk in the Peak District with Marie Cheng. Marie's life has been transformed by the outdoors in the last few years. Before the pandemic, Marie used to work as a consultant in London. She loved hiking and skiing, but felt like they were just fleeting moments in her busy, urban life. Just before lockdown she decided to make some big, brave changes. She quit her job, moved to Sheffield and based her life in the Peak District. Her dog Millie and a new interest in trail running soon followed. A few years later, Marie now has a career working for outdoors brands and trail running dominates her free time - she's run the Snowdonia ultramarathon as well as races in the Alps. Marie's message is about encouraging us all to take small steps towards our dreams to see where the journey takes us.  If you enjoy this episode, it would fantastic if you could subscribe. And do tell your family and friends about it - thank you! The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk Episodes in each series are released fortnightly. The next episode will be released on Sunday 10 November. You can find photos of the guests on Instagram @TheOutdoorsFix The Outdoors Fix book is out now: http://bit.ly/3GJDLJc This episode of The Outdoors Fix is kindly supported by outdoor footwear brand Merrell. The post Marie Cheng: Leaving London life for the outdoors and trail running appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.

Every once in a while you meet a person you've read about in a book.  It might not be the actual person, but is the personification of a character that is so accurate, it might as well have jumped out straight from the pages.  Today, our podcast guest is one of those.  James Metcalfe lives on Hardenclough Farm, “in the heart of the beautiful Peak District [with a] flock of pedigree Cheviots & Luing cattle grazing under the shadow of Mam Tor.”  You would never guess that the man is a poet, because his strong, steady farming character could have come straight out of James Herriot's Yorkshire hills.  He came to be a judge at the North American Hill Sheep Show, and though he would not be one to jump the line or show a bit of flash, he's one that we at Backyard Green Films will picture frequently in the future, every time we hear the word “Farmer” – in the best possible way -- quiet strength and always willing to lend a hand. Links:https://www.instagram.com/hardenclough_farm/https://www.visitengland.com/experience/discover-all-creatures-great-and-small-yorkshire Support the show

In this captivating episode, Paul Harvey sits down with Gavin Fernie-Jones, a man whose life journey from the urban streets of Essex to the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps is nothing short of transformative. Join us as we delve into Gavin's story, exploring his evolution from a reluctant child in the Peak District to a passionate advocate for sustainable living and community connection. Gavin's early life took an unexpected turn when his family moved to an isolated outdoor activity center in the Peak District. Initially resistant, Gavin soon found himself immersed in the beauty of nature, a shift that laid the foundation for his lifelong love of the outdoors. This connection to nature was further deepened during his college years, where he pursued art, and later, through his travels and experiences in the French Alps. Now settled in the French Alps, Gavin has spent over two decades integrating his passion for outdoor activities with a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism. His journey took a pivotal turn when he launched an outdoor clothing business, revealing the staggering levels of waste in the industry. This realization sparked a personal journey, and he started a community project that emphasizes repair, reuse, and conscious consumption. Discover how Gavin's initiative, One Tree at a Time, has led to a community-driven revolution where 75% of outdoor clothing in his village is repaired and reused. Learn about the Reaction Collective, an international movement empowering local communities to make a difference while having fun. Gavin shares his insights on living a life in harmony with nature, free from the constraints of consumer culture and societal pressures. Towards the end of the episode, Gavin introduces us to Citizen Friday, a campaign encouraging individuals to share, repair, and get some fresh air as an alternative to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday. Listen in to find out how you can participate in this movement and make a meaningful impact in your own life. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action. Join Paul and Gavin as they explore the profound shifts we can make in our lives and communities by embracing simplicity, sustainability, and the true essence of being a citizen of the world.       Further details about this podcast along with my Guest's website and social links are all available at: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/gavin-fernie-jones-nature-and-community/     Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living. There is a lot to gain from listening to other people's stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life. For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit: www.lifepassionandbusiness.com     Support For Podcasters: Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests. Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion    

This week we share the mics with Kate Parker! Kate is the founder of Harrier Trail Running, a UK-based company that specializes in trail running gear. She started Harrier in 2020 to provide high-quality, affordable, thoughtfully designed trail running equipment for runners of all levels. Inspired by her own experiences and the trails in the Peak District, Kate has created a range of products that cater to the needs of both beginners and seasoned ultra runners.https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/https://teaandtrails.com/https://www.patreon.com/teaandtrailsPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised race nutrition plan for your next event.XMILES UK focuses on providing you with the kit and nutrition needed to be at your best. https://xmiles.co.uk/Fenixlight Limited - The Fenix name means “a living bird, a perfect thing” and since producing their first product on the 3rd of September 2001, Fenix has always strived to achieve perfection. https://www.fenixlight.co.uk/Protein Rebel - Whether you're trying to get a PB, are training for your first marathon or completing your 10th IRONMAN, our products are easy to digest with no artificial additives, providing both performance and overall health benefits. https://proteinrebel.com/Beta Outdoor Sports - With three distinct sectors - Climb, Run and Setting - we pride ourselves on distributing some of the most exciting, reliable and interesting outdoor brands on the market today.https://www.betaoutdoorsports.com/Brew with the coaches - Thanks, Trish, Rebecca and Russell!The information in our content is provided as an information resource and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician/doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decision.Support the showYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@teaandtrailsAmazon links are affiliate links.Keeping Dry & Staying Warm - https://amzn.to/42JCexqCeleste Yvonne's - https://amzn.to/40FYLK9Fix Your Feet - https://amzn.to/3FE4nf0Running Challenges by Keri Wallace - https://amzn.to/3KGdU7eROAR - https://amzn.to/3WU7xB2NEXT LEVEL - https://amzn.to/3Hu15LrThe Daily Stoic - https://amzn.to/44qDm9jUltra Trails - https://www.ultratrails.co.uk/Greener Miles - https://greenermilesrunning.co.uk/Hannah Walsh - https://www.hannahwalsh.co.uk/Punk Panther - https://www.punkpanther.co.uk/

The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. It's hosted by Liv Bolton. In this episode, cyclist, mum and NHS paediatric consultant Phoebe Sneddon chats to Liv Bolton on a walk in the Peak District. Phoebe's big passion is cycling, and she loves bike packing, cyclocross and gravel biking with a trailer carrying her children. Through her adventures and medical expertise, she hopes to encourage as many women and girls as possible to get outside to boost their confidence. Phoebe is also keen to showcase that you can get outdoors and have brilliant adventures even when you have small children. The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk You can find photos of the guests on Instagram @TheOutdoorsFix The Outdoors Fix book is out now: http://bit.ly/3GJDLJc This episode of The Outdoors Fix is kindly supported by outdoor footwear brand Merrell. The post Phoebe Sneddon: Gravel biker, mum and NHS paediatric consultant appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.

In this episode, Mark dives into his latest tech adventures, including a hands-on with the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Surface Laptop 7. Rob shares the mishaps of a blown TV and his holiday in the Peak District, where he tested some new Insta360 gear. Plus, they discuss the latest Google controversy and Apple rumours, including the potential of an Apple TV-sized Mac mini and what's next for the iPhone 16…     Links ➡️ Mark's Surface Laptop 7 review: https://geni.us/sBLF ➡️ Mark's comedically big TCL 98” C805K Mini LED TV video: https://geni.us/WqQz 55” LG B4 OLED TV with Dolby Vision at Costco (sadly the price has gone up to £849 since this show was recorded): https://geni.us/FP24a43 ➡️ SnapGrip MagSafe battery pack/physical shutter button: https://geni.us/CEaAHY ➡️ MagBak MagSafe cases and accessories: https://geni.us/DRvrOn ➡️ WALLFID MagSafe wallet with elasticated sides that accommodates a Samsung portable SSD: https://geni.us/5RkS ➡️ Short USB-C cable with 90-degree end: https://geni.us/t2wA2Ab ➡️ Native Union Stow sleeve for iPad/Magic Keyboard: https://geni.us/gJxSPi ➡️ SODI MagSafe Continuity Camera monitor mount/stand: https://geni.us/vy9p1 ➡️ Belkin Auto-Tracking 360 degree pan, 90 degree tilt DockKit stand: https://geni.us/ZDMirQC ➡️ Insta360 Flow Pro DockKit compatible gimbal: https://geni.us/RHTBgTw ➡️ Halide camera app with true RAW mode: https://geni.us/2x4viUq ➡️ First HomeKey compatible Smart Lock that works with eurocylinder - Aqara U200: https://geni.us/B7OGt ➡️ Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor: https://geni.us/4G0PR ➡️ SwitchBot Universal Remote: https://geni.us/gYXtZdE ➡️ Nest thermostat 4th gen: https://geni.us/x2w4erf ➡️ CMF by Nothing Phone 1: https://geni.us/KHeK ➡️ Playdate pizza box case: https://geni.us/OfVa If you'd like to get in touch with Rob and Mark, you can email them at contact@eightorsixteen.com Eight or Sixteen is a Mark Ellis Media Limited production: https://markellisreviews.com

In Part One of this week's podcast, Justin catches up with Jacko, Barca Jim, and Izzy (with her dodgy mic – we know). We discuss the Euros, the Brat Girl Summer, and we hear all about Izzy's holiday. This week's bonus episode ‘Justin's Adventures of the Peak District' will be out on Thursday.    Get in touch, #AskIzzy, or Dear Jon here: WhatsApp – 07495 717 860 Twitter – @3045podcast Email – podcast@justinmoorhouse.com   THIS WEEK'S GUESTS:   Barca Jim: https://www.instagram.com/barcajim3/   EPISODE LINKS:   Northern Sole Café: https://www.northernsolecafe.com/   Watch my YouTube Special: https://www.youtube.com/@justinmoorhousecomedian   The Greatest Performance of My Life: https://www.justinmoorhouse.com/   Ed Fringe: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/justin-moorhouse-the-greatest-performance-of-my-life   Join the Mailing List: https://justinmoorhouse.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c600f8287b9c2e121f43c3a1&id=bbd0010665   Music by Liam Frost. Produced by Rachel Fitzgerald and Justin Moorhouse

Daniel Kirby is a serial entrepreneur, podcast host, and coach who has founded and exited a number of companies. In addition to being named as one of the most innovative people in Europe in 2018, he is also the creator of the Getahead Festival and has raised more than 14,000 for a children's charity by completing 6 marathons in 7 days in the Sahara Desert. Recently, Dan has pressed the “reset” button on his life, choosing to focus on helping founders master the inner game of entrepreneurship. In this conversation, we explore: — How the practice of active journaling can transform your life — How to distinguish between deep creative callings and shallow passing wants — Thinking tools to for creating mental clarity And more. You can keep up to date with Dan's work on Linkedin by going to: bit.ly/dan-kirby — Dan Kirby is an award winning entrepreneur who lives in the UK's Peak District with his wife, 3 teenage daughters, 4 cats and 2 dogs. He is a partner in the New York based coaching program CounterpartOS and a top 2.5% global podcaster with Honey I Blew Up The Business. You can connect and know more about Dan by following him at bit.ly/dan-kirby. — Interview Links: — Dan's Linkedin - bit.ly/dan-kirby

Like beer, whisky has always fascinated me. Maybe it's because, like beer, it's brewed, and before distillation the resulting wash (the distilling term for wort) undergoes a period of open fermentation, not unlike a wild or mixed fermentation beer. Or maybe it's because it's simply delicious. Enough so to pique my curiosity and to discover more about how it's made, and the people who make it.At White Peak Distillery in Ambergate, Derbyshire I found another beer hook from which I could hang my hat—that it uses brewers yeast sourced from the nearby Thornbridge Brewery. Not just any yeast either, as every Tuesday they collect several tubs of the same yeast that's used to produce the brewery's flagship IPA, Jaipur. The hope is that using this yeast will produce lots of interesting esters during fermentation, adding fruit notes to the wash, which is then further amplified by whatever else gets in there during the open fermentation. The goal, as I learned when chatting to Max Vaughan, who founded White Peak with wife Claire in 2016, is to pack as much flavour into its distillate as possible, so that when it begins a long maturation in oak, it's already packed with character that will slowly, steadily evolve for several years until it's ready to be called whisky. Tasting the results of what White Peak has released so far under its Wire Works range of whiskies, I genuinely think that this English whisky maker—one of about 50 in the country—could potentially be one of the most exciting drinks producers in the country at this moment.Recorded in the tasting room at White Peak Distillery, in this episode I chat to White Peak founder Max Vaughan about why he decided to open a distillery to the edge of the Peak District, at the water's edge of the River Derwent. In it I learn about how the brewery is constantly pushing for more interesting flavours through the use of heritage grains and through the use of many different types of barrel. We chat about sustainability, about the state of English whisky in general, and I learn how White Peak sources potentially the freshest bourbon barrels in the UK, direct from Kentucky, thanks to its partnership with US bourbon brand Never Say Die.It's a fascinating conversation, and if, like me, you're more of a beer person than a whisky one, I promise there's plenty of interesting stuff in here that may well pique your curiosity, just like it did mine.We're able to produce The Pellicle Podcast directly thanks to our Patreon subscribers, and our sponsors Loughran Brewers Select. If you're enjoying this podcast, or the weekly articles we publish, please consider taking out a monthly subscription for less than the price of a pint a month.

2 mates, Niall & Miki, discussing the day to day struggles in life, from a Man's point of view. This week the boys discuss Niall's camping trip to the Peak District, the highs and lows of what happened while under the stars.Hope you enjoy...Support the Show.

If you manage to guess the nature of this episode's cryptid then please write in and claim your prize! Inspired by Steve Cliffe's Moor Mysteries, James and Alasdair return to Derbyshire's Peak District. The Loremen are on the hunt for stones adorned with strange carvings. We're on the hunt for the truth about Parma Violets. And we are on the hunt for the most surprising beast in the podcast's history. You are going to be stunned. Don't look at the episode graphic. This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. Come see us LIVE Again! https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-18th-aug-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202408181730/ LoreBoys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen Check the sweet, sweet merch here... https://www.teepublic.com/stores/loremen-podcast?ref_id=24631 @loremenpod youtube.com/loremenpodcast www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod

If you manage to guess the nature of this episode's cryptid then please write in and claim your prize! Inspired by Steve Cliffe's Moor Mysteries, James and Alasdair return to Derbyshire's Peak District. The Loremen are on the hunt for stones adorned with strange carvings. We're on the hunt for the truth about Parma Violets. And we are on the hunt for the most surprising beast in the podcast's history. You are going to be stunned. Don't look at the episode graphic. This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. Come see us LIVE Again! https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-18th-aug-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202408181730/ LoreBoys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen Check the sweet, sweet merch here... https://www.teepublic.com/stores/loremen-podcast?ref_id=24631 @loremenpod youtube.com/loremenpodcast www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Story One – The Mysterious Pentyrch IncidentDuring a cold February evening in 2016, a bewildering incident would transpire on the outskirts of Cardiff, which would in time go on to become known as the ‘Welsh Roswell Incident.' Did the British military genuinely ambush a UFO in the Welsh valleys, or was this instead a misunderstanding of more earthly events? Join us, as we delve into the mysterious Pentyrch incident.Story Two – The Howden Moors IncidentIn March 1997, the authorities responsible for policing the UK's Peak District, were forced to initiate a high-profile search and rescue operation. Local residents reported seeing an unidentified aircraft hurtle from the skies and impact a remote area of moorland. No survivors or wreckage pertaining to this incident have ever been officially recovered, despite numerous witnesses having observed it taking place. What was the true cause of the Howden Moors incident?MUSIC Tracks used by kind permission of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0Tracks used by kind permission of CO.AGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In winter gales amongst moorland trees at night. Dark sky. Empty of everything, except for the invisible moving wind.    A moor slopes steep up to the right. And half a mile of grassland slopes gently away down the valley, to the left. At the bottom, is a reservoir, hidden behind more trees. This grassy spot along a high gritstone wall, near an old iron gate, looks from the lane like any overgrown corner of a Peak District field. But it isn't. It isn't just any spot. It is a seat in an amphitheatre of specially arranged wind catching trees.  Of course nobody actually set out to specially arrange these outcrops of trees like this so they'd create such a perfectly balanced and spatially panoramic scene in winter gales. They only catch the wind and turn its energy into deep and richly undulating sound because that's what trees do. But having left the Lento box in this spot to capture this long passage of time, it feels wonderful to have discovered that this exists. Here it is. And the performance? An hour of fresh moorland air. 

James lures Alasdair back down to the water's edge for an Important Mermaid Update! The Hayfield Mermaid first appeared in Series 2 (get up to speed here). Somehow, the Loreboys managed to overlook yet another freshwater mermaid in a nearby bottomless pool. And the grasping creature that dwells in the waters of Blakemere has a heck of a backstory. It's Hayfield Mermaids 2: Mere-lectric Mere-galoo! Disclaimer: some of this episode's "breaking news" is at least 40 years old. Join us for another Loremen Live in Oxford on 25th May: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/loremen-podccast/ This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. LoreBoys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen Check the sweet, sweet merch here... https://www.teepublic.com/stores/loremen-podcast?ref_id=24631 @loremenpod youtube.com/loremenpodcast www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod

Today we are joined by a name synonymous with adventure, exploration, and a deep passion for the great outdoors. Julia Bradbury's love affair with nature began at a young age, nurtured by family hikes and camping trips in the rugged landscapes of the Peak District.She started her career as a show business reporter for breakfast TV in Los Angeles, becoming a household name as the presenter of BBC's Countryfile alongside co-host Matt Baker - her boundless enthusiasm for the countryside endeared her to audiences across the UK. She is perhaps best known for turning her lifelong passion for walking into prime-time TV, with shows including Britain's Best Walks, Cornwall and Devon Walks with Julia Bradbury and Wainwright's Walks in the Lake District. But Julia's thirst for adventure extends far beyond the borders of Britain, and over the years, she's embarked on countless adventures to some of the world's most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Her travel diaries today take us from Greece to South Africa, Iceland to Costa Rica. I also really enjoyed talking to Julia about health and wellbeing, she has a huge wealth of knowledge that she accumulated while writing her Sunday Times Bestseller Walk Yourself Happy, and also because of the lifestyle shift she herself adopted after being diagnosed with breast cancer for which she underwent a mastectomy in 2021. I think that you'll find this an inspiring, energising and wanderlust-inducing conversation. Destination Recap:Agia Marina, Athens, GreeceChios, Greece Skiathos, Greece Skopelos, Greece South AfricaPeak District, England - Stanage Edge, Buxton, Mam TorLandmannalaugar trail, Iceland Costa Rica Lake District, EnglandSouth America Walk Yourself Happy is available from all good bookshops and online, and you can book her Lake District retreat, which is called Walk Yourself Happy Wellbeing Retreat on theOutdoorGuide.co.uk here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I am joined by Gavin Fernie-Jones - a remarkable individual whose life story is a testament to embracing change, resilience, and the power of community. Discovering his love of the outdoors in Peak District in the UK, he moved to the French Alps to manage chalets, before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a ski boot fitting business, But as he witnessed the creeping realities of climate change he began to take action through his One Tree At A Time initiative. This led to further initiatives like Citizen Friday and his growing Re-Action Collective.As a self described reluctant leader Gavin is a proactive change-maker. Through initiatives like Citizens Fridays and the engaging community space that champions sustainability, Gavin and his team are not just talking about change – they are living it. This is a conversation about transformation, and is proof that we can all take action, make choices, have impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. I hope you are inspired. Timestamps00:00 Introduction 02:21 Who is Gavin Fernie-Jones? 03:30 Gavin's Childhood and Influence of Parents03:50 Gavin's Life-Changing Move to the Peak District08:34 Gavin's Career Path in the Outdoors12:48 Gavin's Entrepreneurial Journey in Ski Boot Fitting18:53 Gavin's Awakening to Climate Change22:04 Gavin's Efforts Towards Sustainability28:33 Gavin's Repair Day Initiative29:32 The Birth of a Repair Day30:15 The Impact of Unused Clothing30:55 Setting Up One Tree at a Time31:42 The Power of Reusing Ski Instructor Uniforms35:08 The Unexpected Success of Rental Ski Gear37:27 Building a Vibrant Local Community38:52 The Challenges of Dealing with Clothing Waste42:03 The Potential of Repurposing Unusable Fabric53:58 The Creation of the Reaction Collective58:21 The Future of Sustainable Fashion01:03:03 The Value of Membership and Community01:03:19 The Power of Free Participation01:03:50 The Impact of Fees and Hierarchies01:04:20 Exploring Anarchism and Distributed Power01:04:38 The Role of Money and Obligation01:05:10 Creating Something Different and New01:05:21 The Future of Funding and the Collective01:06:01 The Power of Serendipitous Connections01:06:36 The Impact of Positive Action and Community01:07:19 The Need for Funding and the Role of the Citizen01:08:17 The Power of Distributed Organizations01:09:01 The Citizen Story and the Role of Brands01:11:50 The Role of the Citizen in the Reaction Collective01:15:28 The Power of Disruptive Community01:18:43 The Role of Brands in the Collective01:26:43 The Emergence of a New Business Structure01:32:36 The Power of Nature and Community01:35:56 The Role of Film in Community Building01:37:59 The Need for a Platform for Citizen Stories Social Links Linkedin GavinInstagram Links in ShowRe-Action Collective One Tree At A TimeCitizens Book99p Films Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The drug war in the UK and worldwide has been going on for a long time. It's not new to see news coverage on buy busts and undercover operations. It makes us more aware of the drug problem, but also lulls us into a false sense of security that things are improving. In reality, these drug busts pose more threats to our community safety. In this episode, Neil Woods gives a sneak peek into the life of an undercover cop. He shares talks about the futility of the drug war and how it empowers organised crime. So many vulnerable individuals get caught in the crossfire between criminal organisations and the police. Fortunately, Neil shares that there is some change happening. He also details the concrete steps we must take to win this fight against drugs.  Tune in to this episode to find out the truth about the drug war and what you can do to help end it!  Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: Discover the ugly truth behind drug policy and why it needs to change. Learn about Neil's experiences and realisations from working as an undercover cop. Find out what you can do to aid the social movement against the drug war.  Resources ⁠Noise App⁠ Connect with Neil:⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ Grab a copy of Neil's⁠ Drug Wars⁠ and⁠ Good Cop, Bad War⁠ now! ⁠Why major drug busts don't work: an undercover cop explains⁠ Episode Highlights About the Young Neil Woods Neil grew up in the middle-class town of Buxton in the Peak District. He admits that he had a sheltered upbringing. He went to university by mistake, thinking he would be interested in Business Studies. He dropped out shortly after. While backpacking around Europe, he saw an advertisement for the police in the local newspaper and flipped a coin. The result eventually set him on his career path. Wanting to do something different and adventurous every day brought him to policing. His Early Years in the Police At the start, Neil found policing to be a shock. Being a 19-year-old, he was naive and had no experience with handling conflict.  He almost got kicked out during his probation and hated the first two years. But he wanted to prove to himself that he could get past two years, so he hung on by the skin of his teeth. How Neil Started Working Undercover If you struggle in the police, your colleagues will perceive you as useless and unreliable. Neil experienced this as well. To get a fresh start, he moved to another station in Glossop.  During that time, in the early to mid-90s, the government pushed police forces to prioritise the drug war.

Annie Kelly is back in the Peak District to delve further into an ongoing struggle between the peaceful residents of Cressbrook Dale and a rogue band of doomsday farmers led by former “Dragon's Den” host, Rachel Elnaugh. This time, Annie will be speaking to residents and hapless hikers who have been accosted by Rachel's followers and their recon drones. She'll also unpack a mysterious “anti-Rachel” website that popped up after being advertised on flyers distributed in the area, in the hopes of discovering just who might be behind it. Here's a hint… it's not the residents. Subscribe for $5 a month to get an extra episode of QAA every week + access to our archive of premium episodes and ongoing series like PERVERTS, Manclan, Trickle Down and The Spectral Voyager: https://www.patreon.com/QAA Music by Pontus Berghe and NAP. Editing by Corey Klotz. https://qanonanonymous.com

Annie Kelly takes us on a road trip to Cressbrook, Derbyshire, where a pilled community of wannabe farmers have somehow purchased land within the Peak District National Park. The group is led by former reality television star Rachel Elnaugh, an entrepreneur who appeared on the BBC television show “Dragon's Den.” How will the residents of Cressbrook take to a group of strangers who fully intend to turn their cherished landscapes into an ‘apocalypse-ready' farm? Find out in part one of this two part saga brought to you by our beloved UK host. Subscribe for $5 a month to get an extra episode of QAA every week + access to our archive of premium episodes and ongoing series like PERVERTS, Manclan, Trickle Down and The Spectral Voyager: https://www.patreon.com/QAA Music by Pontus Berghe and NAP. Editing by Corey Klotz. https://qanonanonymous.com