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The era of top-down energy projects is over. Today demands collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement. And in the clean energy movement, Indigenous partnerships often lead the way. James Jenkins, Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, joins thinkenergy to unpack the Regenerative Energy 2026 Report. He explores what a just transition looks like, how Indigenous communities are shaping the future, and what the industry can learn from working together. Related links:  Indigenous Clean Energy: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/ James Jenkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jenkins-27787913b/ Regenerative Energy 2026 Report: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/regenerative-energy-national-survey-2026/ Bringing it Home Program: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/bringing-it-home/  Trevor Freeman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-freeman-p-eng-8b612114  Hydro Ottawa: https://hydroottawa.com/en    To subscribe using Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinkenergy/id1465129405 To subscribe using Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wFz7rdR8Gq3f2WOafjxpl To subscribe on Libsyn: http://thinkenergy.libsyn.com/ --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkenergypod Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkenergypod/  Stay in the know on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkenergypod  Keep up with the posts on X: https://twitter.com/thinkenergypod -- Transcript: [00:00] Trevor Freeman: Welcome to Think Energy, a podcast that dives into the fast-changing world of energy through conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and people on the front lines of the energy transition. Join me, Trevor Freeman, as I explore the traditional, unconventional, and up-and-coming facets of the energy industry. If you have any thoughts, feedback, or ideas for topics we should cover, please reach out to us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com. [00:26] Trevor Freeman: Hi everyone, and welcome back. We often talk on this show about the what of the energy transition. What needs to happen, what is happening, what technologies or initiatives are growing or up-and-coming. But it's also important to consider the how of it all. Energy systems are complex. That is something that should be clear in all the conversations we have around here, but it's not just technical complexity that we need to consider. Our energy systems are also socially, politically, and societally complex. It's not just a matter of picking the right technology and implementing it. If it was that case, we've got, you know, most of the technology we need, and we'd be in a much better position than we currently are. We have to figure out how we move these projects forward. [01:14] Trevor Freeman: Traditionally, energy projects have been these large, top-down infrastructure projects. But increasingly, we're moving into a time when collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement are critical components of project success. One area where this can be seen—and, in fact, it's an area that's really pushing a lot of this change—is Indigenous leadership. [01:38] Trevor Freeman: Over the past decade here in Canada, at least, we've seen a profound evolution where Indigenous communities are not just participants in the clean energy transition or kind of bystanders; they are actively leading it in many cases. That's not to say all the problems or challenges have been solved, but we're seeing a lot of movement here. And that's the topic of my conversation today. [02:02] Trevor Freeman: To help us understand the scale of this movement, I'm joined by James Jenkins. James is the Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, which is a leading organization accelerating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in clean energy projects from coast to coast. I'm really excited to have James on the show today because his expertise comes straight from real, actual experience on these projects. As a proud member and former CEO of the Walpole Island First Nation, James personally drove the equity development for two 100-megawatt wind farms for his community. Today, he leverages that firsthand experience along with a diverse background in consulting, local government, and academia to serve as a national champion for Indigenous clean energy partnerships. [02:54] Trevor Freeman: His organization just released their third national survey, the Regenerative Energy 2026 report, which provides a really eye-opening snapshot of how Indigenous communities are shaping Canada's energy future through innovation, equity ownership, and community-driven solutions. So today, we're going to dive into the findings of this report, talk a little bit about, you know, what a just energy transition looks like, and explore what utility and industry players can learn from these successful partnerships. James Jenkins, welcome to the show. [03:31] James Jenkins: Hi Trevor, thank you for having me. [03:34] Trevor Freeman: So, James, let's start a little bit with some background. Tell us about Indigenous Clean Energy and how your organization works to advance First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in the clean energy sector. [03:47] James Jenkins: Sure. Indigenous Clean Energy is a not-for-profit organization, and we've been operating for about 10 years. So we started 10 years ago with the 2020 Catalyst Program, which was designed to develop a cohort of clean energy leaders coming primarily from Indigenous communities and businesses that could really shape the future of Indigenous participation in the energy transition. So we started with a cohort. It was led by just a few staff and our founding director, Chris Henderson. And this is our 10th year, so we'll be celebrating 10 years of the 2020 Catalyst Program at our national gathering in August. [04:24] Trevor Freeman: Awesome. Congrats. [04:26] James Jenkins: Thank you so much. So the goal of that program was to really expand the opportunities, the capacity, and the number of communities engaged in clean energy. And we have seen that progress tremendously over the last 10 years. We've seen federal grant programs to support that work also emerge as major contributors, and we've seen utilities across the country get on board and try to find ways to expand Indigenous participation. [04:54] James Jenkins: So we've seen quite a bit of success, and with that success, we've grown as well. So we're now a team of about 35, and we're much larger. So we've expanded into a few other areas. One of them is youth, so we have two different youth programs. And we've expanded into energy efficiency as well, mostly under our "Bringing It Home" umbrella. [05:16] James Jenkins: And the idea behind that is we've seen the success of the 2020 Catalyst Program and clean energy leaders really pushing the envelope in terms of what is possible when it comes to Indigenous-led generation projects. So now we're identifying a gap still existing when it comes to energy efficiency. And so, in a way, we're trying to replicate the success of the 2020 Catalyst Program. We'll be running our third year of the Project Accelerator soon. So that's geared towards energy efficiency; it's an intensive training program, and it comes with a grant. [05:47] James Jenkins: And finally, we have a policy arm as well that's also very involved in engaging at the community and regional level. So that's through our Energy and Climate team, and we have a national hub that just completed a series of directional gatherings regionally. We also have a global hub as well that's active in Oceania and Latin America. [06:09] Trevor Freeman: Oh, that's fantastic. Tell me a little bit about the youth programs that you're running. [06:14] James Jenkins: So, we support youth across our programs, but we have two programs in particular that are geared towards youth. One of them is the Imagination Program, which comes with wrap-around supports and training. Right now, we're developing a micro-credential with the University of Saskatchewan for our program participants. It comes with a grant to lead a community-scale project. A good example might be a solar-powered greenhouse. Many of them are linked to schools, and, you know, we see the passion of younger members of communities that want to move these projects forward, but it's entrepreneurial in spirit. [06:49] James Jenkins: The second is called Generation Power, which is a wage subsidy program for Indigenous youth, and we pair them with employers in the clean energy field. So some of them are utilities or renewable businesses; in some cases, they're communities or Indigenous businesses that are moving forward on projects. And it's more than just a wage subsidy; we identify all of the potential barriers for Indigenous youth entering these jobs and provide those kinds of support to increase their chance of success and staying in the workforce after the placement. [07:22] Trevor Freeman: Oh, that's very cool. We've talked a few times on this show about building that next generation of energy champions and people that are focused, you know, on this new form of energy—this new energy transition or this new world of energy that we're moving into. So fantastic to see you guys participating in that. That's really cool. [07:42] Trevor Freeman: So, I want to spend some of our time here talking about the report that your organization recently released titled Regenerative Energy 2026. So before we dive into the specific data and the numbers, let's talk about, you know, just that title itself and what the document sets out to achieve. So first of all, tell us about that term, "regenerative energy." What does that mean? Why did you choose that title? [08:09] James Jenkins: Sure. So just generally, regenerative energy is the idea that these projects are doing more than producing electricity for the market and potentially bringing in revenue. They're also contributing to the broader ecosystem, which could mean the ecology of the landscape or a reduction of carbon into the atmosphere. So it's looking at the wider impacts and planning energy with that in mind. [08:33] James Jenkins: In the Indigenous context, it goes deeper than that. We're incorporating sovereignty, energy sovereignty, and acknowledging that communities are increasingly expecting to be able to move through their energy journey on their own terms. And so that could mean other outcomes in addition to just energy stability and security. It expands to food security, but also ultimately the community being able to plan its future—how does energy fit into that? [09:03] James Jenkins: I think it fits into what we're seeing in Indigenous communities in general, where there is a need to revitalize our cultures, our practices, our governance structures. We're finding that the energy sector—it's a business sector and an opportunity and an expanding sector—but there's also alignment in terms of values in many places, with communities looking to have an impact on their landscape, on the ecology, and this is a way to do that. [09:30] James Jenkins: So regenerative energy is acknowledging that there is this revitalization happening. It's not as though our communities, our governments, our nations were extinguished over the last 300 years. What does it mean in terms of revitalizing those practices, and how do all of these projects and ambitions when it comes to energy fit into that? [09:51] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I like that description. Thanks for that, James. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but is it fair to say that the choice to use "regenerative" instead of "renewable"—which is fairly buzzy as a term, everyone kind of has renewable energy on their mind—was a deliberate choice? You're building more aspects to it; there are more facets of the description you just gave of regenerative energy compared to just renewable energy. Is that fair to say? [10:19] James Jenkins: Well, and that's true as well. And as you've read in the report, we're seeing projects expand beyond just what we would term "renewable" projects. So that was the bulk of the projects up until recently, but now transmission lines and battery storage are becoming more prominent. [10:36] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, absolutely. Great. Okay, I do want to talk to you about that. So my second question kind of at a high level around the report is, you know, one of the goals or one of the things you're doing in this report is really compiling and tracking national data around these projects. Why is that important? Why is that something that you're striving to do—to really track and compile that data? [10:59] James Jenkins: Well, in the context right now, we have a federal government that is trying to identify meaningful projects that can have an impact on the economy, have an impact on spurring economic growth in different regions. And so it's a critical time for us to broadcast information on our dataset because collectively, these projects that have Indigenous ownership and co-ownership are a massive portion of the electricity generating infrastructure of Canada, and they have a meaningful impact on the economy, but also the ability for communities to finance their own programs, to reinvest in economic development. [11:36] James Jenkins: So it's a critical time from that perspective. I think there's a need for us to be even louder because collectively as a nation, we seem to be looking for these wins that can be a shot in the arm. You know, we're worried about economic growth, and here we have many examples of projects that have Indigenous participation and that are having these benefits that are allowing different regions that are not participating in the economy in as active a way—this is a real opportunity for them. [12:05] James Jenkins: And unlike many of the mega-projects that we're thinking about right now, these have shorter timeframes, less challenges, and the risk is much more manageable in comparison. So, you know, we are trying to point out that, A, these kinds of projects—which are renewables, but also battery storage and some of these other projects—these are important for the federal government to continue to invest in because they have been investing in it heavily over the last 10 years, and that's part of the success story. [12:35] James Jenkins: But there is also a set of learnings that can be drawn from when we have so many examples of good partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations moving these projects forward. So I think when we look into the future as to how this should look, what does Indigenous participation look like for these mega-projects, we have a bit of a blueprint that we can draw from. [12:57] James Jenkins: And so we are trying to bring more attention to this. I think it's really step one. The federal government can pat itself on the back that it's been one of the key reasons why Indigenous participation in the energy sector has grown over the last 10 years, but it's not getting the attention it deserves in the current conversation. So I think that's why it's a really critical time, possibly for other non-government actors as well that are asking, "Well, in the current global and national framework, what is the best way to achieve climate outcomes, Indigenous participation in the economy, greater social outcomes?" And so we do want to point to this as a good news story that has a track record, and that's what the data really does—it speaks to that track record. [13:41] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, you often hear it framed, and in fact, just, you know, we're recording this on a Monday—just over the weekend I was listening to the radio, one of those call-in shows that really framed the choice as, "you know, we either invest in climate solutions or we focus on the economy." And I think you can probably say, "we invest in, you know, Indigenous partnership or the economy, or climate solutions." And what I'm hearing from you is it doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. It doesn't have to be either/or. In fact, the data you're showing and the projects that you're highlighting show that all of these outcomes can be achieved with the right focus and with the right investment. Is that fair to say? [14:21] James Jenkins: It is. And generally, the bucket of renewable projects or clean energy projects, the timelines are shorter, the cost is going to be easier to quantify, and the cost is coming down for these technologies—wind, solar, battery—in comparison to some of the other technologies that are being framed as the solution, which I think they will be. But framing it as either/or doesn't make much sense, especially when electricity demand is growing and it's an immediate issue. [14:51] James Jenkins: So we should look at some of these immediate solutions and acknowledge it's still a question mark for some of the other sectors that are going to be involved in building out our electricity capacity. Mining, some of these other sectors, there are some examples of Indigenous participation, but not hundreds of examples of equity participation. And so, absolutely, I've been hearing those kinds of either/or arguments, or "no more federal grants, we should have access to capital instead." That could do a real injustice to the existing capacity that's already there, like the number of people in energy offices at Indigenous communities right now. [15:28] Trevor Freeman: Yeah. So let's dive into some of the data then. You know, you see headlines sometimes about major Indigenous clean energy projects happening in collaboration, and the data in your report really backs this up. I don't want to throw too many stats out there for our listeners, but just quickly, you know, there are over 350 medium-to-large electricity generation projects across Canada with Indigenous participation. We've got 250 of those already operational, the rest in either construction or planning stages. From your perspective, James, you kind of already touched on this—the role of the federal government driving some of this momentum and visibility—just expand on that a little bit. Like, how did we get to these pretty impressive numbers where we're seeing lots of these projects? [16:15] James Jenkins: Sure, definitely. I think the origin goes back at least to around 2000 to 2008 when there was a series of Supreme Court decisions that ruled in favor of Indigenous communities when it comes to the duty to consult and accommodate—that's what the Supreme Court ultimately called it. So that's a framework that was very important when it came to Indigenous engagement in energy projects. [16:43] James Jenkins: As the UN Declaration starts to gain traction in our country, it may become less important, but it was certainly a turning point. So decisions like Mikisew Cree up to Tsilhqot'in created a framework where communities could get involved and had the legal backing to do so. Some jurisdictions—with Ontario probably taking the lead at that time, BC following, and many others following that model—supported Indigenous communities so that they could be involved in what the Supreme Court was framing as consultation. And what that meant was having the capacity to be engaged in project review. And often, the developer bore the cost of that. [17:23] James Jenkins: But there could be positive outcomes because it meant there was a framework and an impetus for communities and developers to sit down at the table when the development was taking place in the territory of an Indigenous community and their rights were potentially going to be impacted. So as that process became the norm in most regions in Canada, what emerged was this mechanism called an Impact Benefit Agreement as a way for the developer and the Indigenous community to sit down and say, "Okay, we've identified these impacts—and these are impacts to the practicing of rights that are enshrined in the Constitution, so there's this channel back to the Supreme Court decisions—so we'll have a confidential agreement called an Impact Benefit Agreement to offset those impacts," which never really fit the spirit of the Supreme Court decisions, but it was adopted all over the country. [18:14] James Jenkins: And when Ontario and BC went to bring more renewables onto the grid more quickly, they were looking at different ways to ensure there was the kind of local participation, and so they experimented with creating incentives for Indigenous equity participation in the projects. Sometimes that included municipal participation as well, but we saw a large uptake in that. And that was something I was involved in; I was a band manager in my community of Walpole Island First Nation in the past, and while this was happening, I had some other roles. [18:47] James Jenkins: But we saw it as an opportunity, and ultimately, there were many renewable projects entering the grid in Southern Ontario at a rapid rate. One of the things we were able to identify was that equity participation brought much more benefit to the community than an Impact Benefit Agreement. In the kind of projects we were looking at, it was usually tenfold if you quantified the net revenue from equity participation versus the takeaway from an Impact Benefit Agreement. [19:17] James Jenkins: So that started to become the norm, and Indigenous communities started to see this as a more meaningful way to address the need for development to happen rapidly in certain regions and especially with renewables. So there was a period where new hydroelectric projects started to include some equity participation, and then we saw, with the expansion of wind and to some extent solar, that happening at a rapid rate starting about 2008. [19:44] James Jenkins: It's expanded since then for a few reasons. So one is that over time, most regions in Canada have—most provinces have directed their utilities to put incentives in their calls to power to try to ensure more examples of Indigenous equity participation. The other possibility that's happened, which was more an Alberta story but it's been experimented with in some other jurisdictions, is a deregulated market where an Indigenous partner and non-Indigenous partner, or a fully Indigenous-owned project, can go to a consumer and negotiate a power purchase agreement, sell power directly. Sometimes having an Indigenous community providing power provides other benefits to the purchaser, whether it's the industrial or commercial partner, and so that led to quite a few projects as well in Alberta for completely different reasons. [20:34] Trevor Freeman: Would those other benefits be like preferred rates? What are the other benefits that you're referring to there? [20:39] James Jenkins: It could be preferred rates. In many cases, it's things like corporate responsibility, just the sustainability measures of having, you know, purchasing from an Indigenous partner. So that was enough of an incentive to really, you know, spur a market in those areas. [20:56] James Jenkins: And then we've seen the federal government invest through grant programs in Indigenous capacity in the energy sector. So that has allowed communities in many regions to engage in these opportunities and just have the staff to do it. Because most communities are generally dealing with many, many issues all at once—it's like three levels of government all in one, and most services are underfunded. So being able to actively participate in these opportunities, ensure there is enough trust to move forward and that the community is coming along with it, usually requires some expertise and people in the community that understand energy enough to keep everybody engaged. And these federal grant programs have contributed to that as well. [21:40] Trevor Freeman: Yeah. So with this change over the last let's call it 20-odd years or so, is there a fairly established model or process now that you see Indigenous communities and partners working through, or is every kind of new project finding its way anew? I guess what I'm asking is, yeah, is there an established process? Is it kind of like you know how these projects are going to go now, given that there's quite a bit of experience over the last 20 years? [22:06] James Jenkins: It's not an established process. And so we—for our Energy and Climate team—we engaged with BC Hydro and Manitoba Hydro to some extent on their recent calls to power and procurement because they're both looking at ways to ensure there's more Indigenous equity in projects, and there are different models to choose from. But there is the ability to look at what happened in different jurisdictions, draw from maybe what worked and what didn't, and so we're seeing utilities start to do that as they develop new procurement procedures. [22:38] James Jenkins: On the partnership side, things continue to evolve, and there's always the risk that some of these partnerships may be less beneficial to the Indigenous partner. So another report we released six months ago with Clean Energy BC is an equity guide, and the target audience of that is Indigenous communities that are looking at these equity participation opportunities to make sure that the process is fair to them and transparent to them. So there is a framework in place, but I think there's always a need to ensure that communities have access to the tools so that they have a meaningful seat at the table. And it's not a given that those will be in place, so it is an area where we place some of our efforts. [23:22] Trevor Freeman: And have you seen a change—like you talked about kind of the initial push for a lot of renewable projects being part of the impetus of seeing a big expansion here in Indigenous partnership—at least here in Ontario, which of course is where I'm sitting and we're having this conversation, there was a bit of a slowdown in that, but as we see demand significantly increasing, we're looking at more and more projects. So are you seeing that ebb and flow of project participation as well, or has it been pretty steady in terms of engagement over the last little while? [23:54] James Jenkins: In most regions, it's been growing. So you look at the Atlantic region, Quebec is really pushing for Indigenous participation in renewables. In most regions, that's happening—Maritimes very much so right now. [24:10] James Jenkins: In Ontario, we saw with the results of the most recent call to power quite a few northern projects, which is a bit surprising, but I know that's what they wanted to see happen, and it opens up some opportunity for communities in Northern Ontario. In Ontario, I think there are more regions where renewables are less socially accepted right now. And I talk to some people in Southern Ontario that are surprised how accepted it is in most of the country, with a few exceptions. So, you know, I think we might see ways that Ontario tries to draw projects in, whether it's within regions or partners where there is that social acceptance. But that's to be seen. [24:50] James Jenkins: But Ontario, like other places, knows they need to meet this growing demand, and renewables are relatively quick to deploy, relatively low risk, and will likely be part of that solution, just like everywhere. [25:05] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, absolutely. Great. Okay, I do want to talk to you about that. So my next question, you mentioned this a few times, that we're not just talking about solar panels and wind turbines, which I think is what most people think of when they think of clean energy projects, but you have mentioned a significant growth in transmission projects as well as battery storage. And there's a number of projects that are now kind of in operation with Indigenous co-ownership that fall into that transmission and battery storage category. So tell us about the economic opportunity for Indigenous communities of these types of projects, not just generation projects. [25:44] James Jenkins: Right. So battery storage is growing more along the same trajectory as those generation projects have been in the past, and as the cost for battery storage has come down, it's become a very viable way for utilities and provinces to deal with the intermittency of electricity and increase stability while meeting targets for carbon emissions. So we're seeing more Indigenous leadership in that area. [26:10] James Jenkins: And there's a premier project in Ontario, the Oneida Energy Storage Project, where Six Nations of the Grand River approached NRStor, their partner, to develop the project and then went to the Ontario government and said, "This is what we'd like to do, this is how we see it will meet some of the needs." So there was some real ingenuity in there, and I think in some way, that's an example of what could be the next stage in terms of Indigenous energy planning as that kind of capacity builds because Six Nations of the Grand River had quite a bit of experience under their belt in terms of participating in energy projects. [26:45] James Jenkins: And then Ontario has also been the leader in procuring battery storage projects, and for the most part, most of them have Indigenous equity participation in those projects. A lot of them benefit from existing relationships between construction companies and communities that can look at these opportunities and co-design them together. And I think we'll start to see that in other parts of the country as that builds. But it is a major opportunity as the technology allows us to meet some of the need to stabilize the grid, and, you know, it could reduce our reliance on solutions like natural gas, so it's a real opportunity. [27:21] James Jenkins: When it comes to transmission lines, it's a slightly different trajectory, but I think it goes back to the duty to consult and accommodate and parties sitting at the table understanding where do we go from here when there's a project that is going to have this enormous landscape impact and we can no longer do what we did in the past, which was ignore any Indigenous rights on the landscape. [27:46] James Jenkins: And I was in Ontario for the last 20 or so years and witnessed the demand from Indigenous communities to participate in transmission projects. It wasn't passive in any way. So now we hear from utilities that are saying the right thing to do is to provide these opportunities, which is fantastic. But back then, it really was Indigenous people with the foresight and the stubbornness to for years say, "No, we need a solution that's going to meet all of our needs." And as we started to see some examples—Saugeen and Nawash being one of the first, and then others in Ontario where there would be this kind of Indigenous co-ownership—it gradually started to become more accepted. [28:25] James Jenkins: And now it's part of the plan in many regions of Ontario, and this is a way to move the project forward, have Indigenous communities on board, and when they're sitting there as partners, there are a number of advantages that they bring to the table because in many cases there is knowledge of the landscape itself. And looking at preferred routes and other major decisions can really benefit from having these communities at the table providing their knowledge as opposed to sitting sort of on the other side of an adjudication table, which is only going to add risk to a project. [29:00] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we see all parts of the electricity sector growing, and transmission is one of those areas for sure that in order to support electrification across the province, we're going to see more transmission. So it's great to hear that this is an area that is growing, or getting more buy-in, or there's more partnership happening in all parts of the electricity sector. [29:21] Trevor Freeman: So, James, you talked about regenerative energy earlier, we touched on that a little bit, and how that term is focused on being built on fairer and more equitable relationships. In your report, you kind of take this a step further by explicitly stating that this work seeks to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—notably, Call to Action number 92. And so for our listeners who are not familiar—and please, definitely step in here if you want to explain it differently than I'm going to—but Call to Action 92 specifically calls on corporate Canada to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to commit to meaningful consultation and consent, and ensure Indigenous communities gain equitable access to jobs, training, and long-term economic benefits. [30:13] Trevor Freeman: So we often hear reconciliation discussed in a social or a political context, but your report really points to the actual act of Indigenous-led clean energy infrastructure and how that can embody this reconciliation in a material and meaningful way. And I apologize that I'm rambling a lot, this is a long question. How does building out physical infrastructure—like generation programs, transmission lines that we've been talking about, battery storage—how does that advance these goals that are kind of laid out and described in this particular Call to Action? [30:52] James Jenkins: Mm-hmm. And you're right, the benefits of these projects isn't just the net revenue, but it's also apprenticeships, jobs, the business capacity that comes with participating in the project, and sometimes the ability to open up opportunities for practicing harvesting rights where, when Indigenous communities don't have a seat at the table, often the gate or the door is shut to opportunities and access. So it's a way to open those up. [31:19] James Jenkins: And in my experience with projects in my community, when we were reviewing projects through the IBA or Impact Benefit Agreement process, the goal was always a number of apprenticeships, contribution to education, capacity, and it was always a good news story getting some jobs, employment readiness out of the project. And it was a remarkable shift to be sitting at the table as a partner and be discussing those same outcomes and really led to more of a spirit of cooperation. And we had some really great successes come out of that. [31:51] James Jenkins: As well as community members feeling like, "This is an industry that I can go work in, and I'm not a stranger in a strange land. My community has a stake in this," and feel that sense of ownership but also home, which can be this indirect challenge when it comes to people entering the workforce and sticking with it. So that kind of ownership—it's part of the solution, how do we grow the Indigenous workforce? When the Indigenous communities have a financial interest in it, it really changes the picture quite a bit, and it really helps with the foreignness that can exist. And so we've seen the opposite in renewable industries and clean energy where many communities and youth are starting to see this as a viable career path and one that makes sense for them. [32:38] James Jenkins: So, you know, and like I said before, when Indigenous communities are sitting at the table—and in my experience we had gone through project review on many, many projects because of the Impact Benefit Agreement process—we were able to bring that knowledge we had of project review to the table, which can help the project. So it was a real meaningful exchange of, "How can we meet these milestones on time? What can we bring to the table?" So there's that aspect of it, but then there's also the multi-generational knowledge that comes with living on the land. [33:10] James Jenkins: And, you know, in some ways sitting down with elders, that does take a long time and commitment and is often different than how we would typically view going through the early stages of a project. But at the end of the day, it can lead to better outcomes and actually not take as long because the pathway to gain the knowledge for the least impact through a traditional process is also incredibly time-consuming. And so having an Indigenous party at the table that can bring the correct knowledge keeps things forward, making a meaningful decision from their perspective can really add value in that way as well. [33:48] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, it's great to hear that you're seeing the impact of these programs on both the projects themselves and better outcomes in the projects, as well as building capacity and partnership in Indigenous communities. And I'm glad you kind of brought those youth programs back up; it's great to hear about those programs. [34:07] Trevor Freeman: So, you have a report or you have a section sorry in your report called "Opportunities Unrealized," which really highlights major gaps or a gap for community-focused projects right now as different federal funding programs sunset, and you specifically call out three particular pillars that need renewed policy and funding commitment. So first off, you talk about 78 healthy energy housing projects that are mostly just small pilot initiatives. And that's looking at energy efficiency in homes, which you did touch on earlier, and how that's tied to Indigenous health and energy sovereignty. So how do we move beyond those pilots to fund these at scale? What are your thoughts on how we do that? [34:53] James Jenkins: Right. So our approach is really, A, to support these pilots as much as we can so that we have that cohort of Indigenous leadership that has that experience in community, and so it can have that ripple effect where, when we started to see successful generation projects, some of them coming out of the 2020 Catalyst Program, other communities said, "Well, I want to do that too. How do I make that possible?" And then there's some leadership to grow from. So it's really catalyzing that momentum. And where do we start? So that's the piece in terms of making sure that there is a core group of energy leaders in communities that are almost at the stage where they can have a very impactful, community-scale project when it comes to efficiency that can be replicated and that there are individuals with this knowledge that are in the community. [35:41] James Jenkins: So that's the first piece, but then the second piece and the other side of the coin that we're very active in is identifying what would the solution look like to make that kind of change repeatable on a national scale. And what we're generally pointing towards is some aspect of federal support, but also private investment as well. So what kind of mechanism can be put in place that will allow private finance to make sustainability programs for Indigenous healthy homes and buildings and infrastructure feasible? [36:15] James Jenkins: And we think it is going to have to be some kind of partnership between the federal government to secure some kind of financing tool and then to bring that private capital in. And so we have a number of partners that's expanding in the finance sector, in government, to really look at what a solution like that looks like. [36:35] James Jenkins: Indigenous housing, being a federal responsibility with the federal government having a large role in it, is certainly unusual and comes with some very unique challenges that make change at that scale difficult, but it's also an opportunity. And it does put the federal government in a position where it could lead a process like that and have some very large impact. So we want to make sure there is the existing community capacity for community members to know what meaningful change looks like at the local level, what the challenges and opportunities are that can contribute to that process. So that's the idea behind the Project Accelerator, but also design at the national level of a program that can lead to new builds, new sustainable builds, and retrofits on a major scale. [37:21] James Jenkins: And there are interesting examples. I was in the US earlier this year at a clean energy conference and was surprised to learn that there were very large subsidies for energy efficiency that were available to Indigenous communities up until recently—I would say at a scale tenfold of what we've ever seen in Canada. So those kinds of programs are possible, and I think we need to think outside the box and think about how do we put this into action. [37:51] James Jenkins: But ultimately, what we point out in those reports is that energy efficiency also leads to other very critical outcomes, including health and social outcomes at the community level. And speaking with communities, politicians from communities, housing tends to be a near number one or number one issue, with housing in need of repair being the core issue. And so ensuring that new housing is built with these sustainability measures in place will lead to houses that stay healthy for longer. And so, you know, it really goes much farther than just energy outcomes and that's why it's so critical. [38:34] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, it's another example of it it's not an either or question here, it's, you know, do it right in the right way and have a focus on both healthy and affordable housing at the same time as making sure it's energy efficient and you're kind of achieving both of those goals. So that's great. [38:58] Trevor Freeman: So, the second item you've identified in this section is, you know, a lot of northern and remote communities who rely on diesel for their energy focus, and our listeners may remember about a year ago we had a conversation with Quest Canada on this topic as well. And so, a lot of those communities are among the most affected by climate change and natural disasters, and you address what needs to happen from an early-stage planning and funding perspective to ensure that those communities that are not necessarily connected to a grid aren't left behind in this transition. Can you speak to us a little bit about that? [39:41] James Jenkins: Absolute. So already the cost of diesel in these remote communities is very high. So it's already an economic and social challenge in the territories and remote areas in the northern provinces. And so it's an area where communities tend to be very engaged and have been since the beginning. So we've been engaged with northern communities since the beginning with 2020 Catalyst. [40:15] James Jenkins: And I think it has a really—for them, clean energy has this impact on them like on a visceral level. For communities that have been able to implement clean technology and turn off the diesel generator for a while, they've talked about the impact of that silence that they haven't heard in so long, you know, the smell of clean air and that sort of thing. So there's this real passion, but also acknowledgment that, you know, they want to be part of a larger climate solution, they're feeling the impacts. And so there are many initiatives in the north, a number of which we've supported. [40:53] James Jenkins: But there are many challenges as well in terms of logistics, the value chain. Transportation is a real challenge compared to infrastructure in the south. So because there have been so many projects and we partnered with the federal government through two phases of a program called the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative—and that was supported by a number of federal programs and we're just finishing off the second cohort—there is so much that we've learned through a couple dozen communities that have been heavily invested in reducing their diesel reduction. [41:35] James Jenkins: And we're really at a stage now where we can learn—we can take stock of what we've learned through this process and identify how do we get this to the stage of successful projects. And we've learned a number of things. It's also bringing technology to these places that's robust enough to withstand the challenges and just be at a utility scale, ensuring different technologies can work well with each other. [42:04] James Jenkins: But there's a real need to continue that growth, especially when there's been so much investment and so many communities are so close, with a few success stories and so much pride that comes with this. But ultimately, if they are left behind, the cost for them to power their communities with diesel is not going to become less of a challenge over time. It's only going to become more problematic. And so it's a real priority, and something that, you know, we need to keep staying loud about as well because these are where some of our real energy leaders are living and coming from when it comes to clean energy and ensuring that their priorities have a seat at the table. [42:52] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, you mention success stories, James, and as we kind of wrap up our conversation here, I want to touch on that a little bit. So you talk about looking at this in perspective of the global stage, and one of your policy recommendations discusses Canada Global Indigenous Cooperation. And you outline that there are more examples of successful Indigenous-led energy projects in Canada than anywhere else in the world. How is your organization, Indigenous Clean Energy, sharing this expertise internationally, and what can the rest of the world learn about what's happening here in Canada? [43:32] James Jenkins: So we started to learn just how far ahead Canada is in this area through participation in forums like the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and we participated in a pre-conference with 88 global Indigenous delegates. And many of them were surprised to learn of these equity projects and opportunities that exist in Canada. For us, it can still be very frustrating, so it is good to put that in perspective in terms of—from many other jurisdictions, they're still at the beginning stages. [44:06] James Jenkins: But we do have some programs in place, and for several years we've been supporting a sister organization in Australia called First Nations Clean Energy Network using a train-the-trainer model. So we've been active in Australia every year. We've been active in New Zealand as well. And we have some programming in South America in Ecuador and Colombia. And over the last year, we finished a program where we engaged with all of the provinces within Colombia with delegates from communities to assist in developing clean energy plans for their communities that they could bring to the government and and discuss a partnership framework so that they could start to reduce their reliance on diesel and other other carbon fuels. [44:59] James Jenkins: And we supported those meetings with the government as well and supported delegates from these countries to also visit communities and see success stories in Canada. And the US is another area where there have been some really positive success stories over the last few years, and there were a number of energy programs that particularly rural and remote communities benefited from, Alaska having probably a slight majority and then others in the northern part of the Lower 48. I think they're going to start to struggle because those programs are sunsetting now, I think most of them have recently sunsetted. And so I think it should be a wake-up call to our federal government that there has been this investment in the form of grants from the federal government. If we don't have some kind of programming in place, we will start to see that progress recede. [45:57] James Jenkins: But just in general, there's a lot that we can share with other jurisdictions globally, everything from what a good partnership looks like, you know, what are the learnings for meaningful participation. But we do have some examples that are very unique, I think, in almost every jurisdiction—Indigenous equity in transmission lines is is really unheard of, so so we should, you know, acknowledge that there are some things that we're doing well and um sharing that and learning what other communities are going through in other jurisdictions. It also really helps us in our strategy. [46:40] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we started this conversation with you describing what your organization does, and something that struck me is it's a combination of supporting projects and project models and helping things get up and running off the ground, providing education, and focusing on advocacy. And I imagine that, you know, even within Canada but also looking at some of the partners you've just mentioned around the world, the focus on, you know, each one of those individual aspects will vary depending on what the biggest need is in that jurisdiction at that time as things change, as funding programs change. So I imagine, you know, advocacy becomes more and more important as you see funding programs change or even just project structure change. Is that kind of fair to say? [47:28] James Jenkins: Definitely. And our model is very community-driven with with community-tailored solutions and with education and capacity building at the community level being our our primary focus, which does set us apart from other organizations to some extent, but does reflect that that um every every solution is going to be different, and really bringing up that capacity at the community level is the most effective way to do it. And for these kinds of projects, there isn't one solution that fits everybody. [48:02] Trevor Freeman: Is there, to kind of wrap it up here, is there, you know, one piece of advice that you'd give to—I know this is a bit of a big loaded question, it's hard to boil it all down to one piece of advice—but is there something that you would kind of leave with let's say a utility or a developer who wants to build a successful and mutually beneficial partnership with Indigenous communities? What's that kind of one piece of advice you'd leave with them? [48:30] James Jenkins: Um, the one piece of advice, and sometimes I am asked that question, and I know there are developers outside of Canada that are starting to look at our market as things change globally. And what I would share, first of all, meeting with the communities is incredibly important. Community leadership, finding out what their process is for engagement and then establishing that relationship is hugely important. And um I think the advice usually stops there. I think many utilities and developers have heard that. [49:07] James Jenkins: But what I would suggest based on my own experience is that engagement occurs from the very top of the organization, from the utility and the developer. And that if the C-suite isn't meeting with the Indigenous partner themselves, they should be fully aware and engaged in what's happening. And that's usually the recipe for success. And you know, for these opportunities, many communities have a history where trust is something that does need to be cultivated, and that would be my main suggestion. I think it's where really successful partnerships have their strength, is there's that level of engagement from the entire vertical organization of the non-Indigenous partner. And so when there is an issue, political leadership from the community, they know who to call and vice versa, and it doesn't lead to larger misunderstandings. And it can lead to some of the more innovative projects we've seen like Oneida Storage, and there are many other examples of that where the developer and the community, after a successful project, they sit down together and they say, "What's next?" And they want to build on what they've developed together. [50:37] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I guess that's an indication of there actually being a relationship, trust built, rather than just kind of boxes checked and a process being followed. But if there's that actual trust built, it is more of a conversation that what next question can come up and there's sort of that mutual learning. So that's great. Thank you for that. So James, we always end our interviews with the same series of questions to our guests. So I'm going to dive right in here. What's a book that you've read that you think everybody should read? [51:11] James Jenkins: These are the top uh these are probably going to be the tougher questions for me, but um so I recently read a book by Cal Flyn, a UK author from Scotland, and it's called Islands of Abandonment. And the subtitle is Nature Rebounding in the Post-Human Landscape. And what she does is, in an investigative journalist style, goes to places where there hasn't been human presence for 50 or more years. Some of them are no man's land in war zones, some of them are cities facing urban decay, some of them are environmental catastrophe sites like Chernobyl, but then finding that nature has rebounded and that there is remarkable biodiversity in some of these places. [51:59] James Jenkins: So the message I don't want to take away from that is that if you get rid of humans everything will be perfect, because humans have had an impact on the landscape everywhere for much longer than we can comprehend. And in some cases, negative impacts to the landscape are because humans aren't doing what they were doing for a long time. So human intervention has a role and always will, but I think it's important to tell more stories that aren't a story of loss when we get to that point. [52:36] James Jenkins: And for Indigenous communities, many of us have been going through a process of healing, and many of us are still in that process. But as we start to heal and and ask ourselves what's next, that's when we start to think about regeneration, so regenerative energy, revitalization of our culture and and that's what's next and acknowledging that practices that have been lost are near lost can be revitalized in a way that that is uh is incredibly meaningful. And so I was happy to see that story in a widely publicized book because the major story in conservation, but also climate and other areas, has been one of loss. And so, with all of this loss, and and in some cases, you know, a bedrock of tragedy and historical tragedy, where is the, you know, where is the good news story? And I think having these stories about how nature can regenerate is important. It's important to tell that story. [53:50] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, that's fantastic. I appreciate that explanation, and these aren't supposed to be my questions to answer, but I do want to quickly mention a book called What If We Get It Right?—and I can't remember the author off the top of my head, but it really is a series of essays and poems and an exploration of like, what if we do the right things and we can address climate change? And I found it very helpful to kind of be able to imagine, yeah, this is what happens if we do the right thing, if we can address some of these challenges. So, along the same vein as what you mentioned. So, the next question is kind of the same, but what's a movie or a show that you've watched that you think everyone should take a look at? [54:36] James Jenkins: Uh, that that's a really tough one. I do like movies and shows. Um, I recently started watching two British series, um and uh they seem to be very into murder mysteries in the UK, which uh isn't something, you know, normally my favorite, but they do it really well. So I I really liked um Shetland, which is a series that takes place in remote islands in Northern Scotland. [55:06] James Jenkins: In some ways, I think even the setting that it's trying to tell, it resonates with our work in some ways and even the experience of living in an Indigenous community in a less remote location. So I enjoyed that, and then that led to um Sherlock, the the newer one starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which I thought was a very intelligent um show with a, you know, a compelling uh character with sort of superhero, but but somewhat comic book style realistic attributes, but also failings. Um, so I find I enjoy shows that are drawing from literature and putting them into today's terms and not worrying too much about um, you know, what's realistic and what's not, but really trying to—what would we how would this be written today? So I enjoyed that as well. [55:58] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I like that. Um, if somebody offered you a free round trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? [56:05] James Jenkins: So, Air Canada used to have contests for that, and we used to say Nunavut because it would get the most bang for your buck. You know, these are $4,000–$5,000 tickets, which speaks to the challenges that those communities face when it comes to decarbonizing the north. Um, for me, I mentioned I spent much of my childhood in Northern Arizona. I think at this time I'd probably use it for that, you know, I hope to visit again soon. [56:39] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, fantastic. Um, James, who is someone that you admire? [56:44] James Jenkins: Um, I've been grateful for wonderful mentors in the course of my career. Um, I'm really grateful that the founder of ICE, Chris Henderson, has dedicated himself to be a mentor for me and has has really he's committed to that um and I've learned a great deal from him. [57:04] James Jenkins: Working at Walpole Island, there were a number of chiefs that I worked closely with and have been thinking about one, um Charles Samson, who's passed away, and he really came into his own once he was chief. He had run for a long time, over 10 years, and um really learned a lot from him and his perspective. But then, uh other chiefs, Burton Kewayosh and Dan Miskokomon really really supported me and helped um helped develop my uh the breath of experience that I draw from. And today, um the current chief, Leela Thomas, is really showing some really great leadership, and I think it's a real breakthrough in our region that most of the chiefs in Southwestern Ontario are female, which was um really more rare in the past. So that's a breakthrough as well. [57:59] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, that's great. Uh, and final question, what is something about the energy sector or its future that you're particularly excited about? [58:08] James Jenkins: Um, I think what I'm excited about is that the door is open for Indigenous communities to really change the way that they're engaged with the economy, um for there to be some real opportunities for business development. Um, you know, for many years because I lived in the United States for a while, it felt like the overall economic development capacity of US tribes was far beyond what exists in Canada for a number of reasons. And and one of them is there were a few key industries in the US that the federal government, um it cultivated at different times, gaming being one, uh but it did lead to the infrastructure for US tribes to engage in business all across the country in a way that's still the exception rather than the rule in Canada. [59:02] James Jenkins: So it is exciting for me to think about there being that shift and that um truly Indigenous-led projects stop becoming one-offs, um but they start to be that real uh, you know, Indigenous leadership becomes embedded in the framework of energy decision-making. Um, the idea of it becoming a career path becomes more solidified. So I think it was a dream at one point that some ambitious leaders had, like thinking of Saugeen and Nawash equity participation in that transmission line, there was no blueprint for that. [59:39] James Jenkins: Um, but now that there's been a dream and we've seen it come into practice, so um it's exciting to think that we may continue to see that progress, and then in 10 years there there will be some foundational pillars for communities to really meet their own communities' needs on their own terms. Right now it continues to be a challenge in most places. It's uh, you know, what do we prioritize with limited resources? And um yeah, exciting that this could be a pathway to to start thinking more in terms of abundance. [1:00:19] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we started this conversation with you describing what your organization does, and something that struck me is it's a it's a combination of supporting projects and project models and helping things get up and running off the ground, providing education, and focusing on advocacy. And I imagine that, you know, even within Canada but also looking at some of the partners you've just mentioned around the world, the focus on, you know, each one of those individual aspects will vary depending on what the biggest need is in that jurisdiction at that time as things change, as funding programs change. So I imagine, you know, advocacy becomes more and more important as you see funding programs change or even just project structure change. Is that kind of fair to say? [1:01:03] Trevor Freeman: James, thanks so much for your time. I really appreciate you coming on the show and helping us understand the work that Indigenous Clean Energy is doing, some of the great success stories, but also a little bit of the path that's still to be walked in order to get to success. So thanks very much, I appreciate your time. [1:01:21] James Jenkins: Thank you, Trevor, really enjoyed it. Thanks so much. [1:01:23] Trevor Freeman: Great. Take care. [1:01:25] Trevor Freeman: Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Think Energy podcast. Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and it would be great if you could leave us a review. It really helps us to spread the word. As always, we would love to hear from you, whether it's feedback, comments, or an idea for a show or a guest. You can always reach us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com.

In this episode we have a sneak peak at our May Survey on keeping pattern notes. Dont forget to participate in the survey linked below. Also, we both have been busy with travel, projects, fixing mistakes, and we have lots to catch up on.  May Survey Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Subscribe on Android. Marsha's Projects Trillium Lake by Kay Hopkins: Using Queensland Collection Coastal Cotton Fine. Knit to about 3" under armholes Wabi Sabi Tee by Katia: Using Concept by Katia Wabi Sabi. Knit to about 8" on the body. Socks: Using Madeline Tosh sock in the colorway Plum Tree. Oaxaca Journey Bag: by Araceli Gonzalez. Using Prado de Lana. Compass Moon Creations: Spinning 10 ounces of merino in a blue/green. Brought the project to the beach and plied the first skein. About 200 yards of sport to DK weight. Sheridan Flats Spinning: Purchased 24 oz of 80/15/6 wool/mohair/silk roving in the colorway Kaleidoscope. The owner said to spin at a worsted weight for best results. Mill is Olympic Yarn & Fiber located in Cosmopolis, WA. Plied three singles but somehow I over plied it.  Silver Bags: Sewing bags with pacific cloth to protect silver. Sounds posh.

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Siobhan Macdonald, and this is the Farm Advisory Service series where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. For this episode, we're heading north to the wild and windswept Shetland isles to explore the unique world of island crofting and the remarkable resilience of Shetland's crofters. Join Siobhan Macdonald and Osla Jamwal Fraser as they dive into the opportunities and challenges of farming on the archipelago — from the advantages of geographic isolation for maintaining high-health livestock schemes, to the realities of costly transport links and long ferry crossings. With Osla at the helm of the series for 2026, we will uncover some of Shetland's most fascinating agricultural stories and industries, including its iconic Shetland sheep, world-famous wool, native ponies, and even the surprising rise of spaceports among the islands' rugged landscapes. This is a journey into innovation, tradition, and life at the edge of the North Sea. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Crofting Matters. If you'd like to find out more about you can find the link in the show notes. This episode was presented by Siobhan Macdonald produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources: Scottish Land Matching Service Shetland Livestock Marketing Group Crofting Commission For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Siobhan Macdonald, and this is the Farm Advisory Service series where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. For this episode, we're heading north to the wild and windswept Shetland isles to explore the unique world of island crofting and the remarkable resilience of Shetland's crofters. Join Siobhan Macdonald and Osla Jamwal Fraser as they dive into the opportunities and challenges of farming on the archipelago — from the advantages of geographic isolation for maintaining high-health livestock schemes, to the realities of costly transport links and long ferry crossings. With Osla at the helm of the series for 2026, we will uncover some of Shetland's most fascinating agricultural stories and industries, including its iconic Shetland sheep, world-famous wool, native ponies, and even the surprising rise of spaceports among the islands' rugged landscapes. This is a journey into innovation, tradition, and life at the edge of the North Sea. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Crofting Matters. If you'd like to find out more about you can find the link in the show notes. This episode was presented by Siobhan Macdonald produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources: Scottish Land Matching Service Shetland Livestock Marketing Group Crofting Commission For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this week's episode, we spotlight a very rare and critically endangered breed - the Shetland Duck. Marc and Katy Metzer join us to talk about what's new at the hatchery and to share their top 5 favorite duck breeds for beginners. We share our recipe for delicious Herbed Tea Cookies and find some retail therapy with duck swimsuits. (For you, not your ducks.)Pre-order our book! The Chicken Ladies' Guide to Life with ChickensGrubbly Farms - click here for our affiliate link.https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100963304-15546963Pre and Probiotic and Vitamin and Electrolyte Powders!Omlet Coops- Use Our Affiliate Link and COFFEE10 code for 10% off!https://tidd.ly/3Uwt8BfBreed Spotlight is sponsored by Murray McMurray Hatcheryhttps://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/Metzer Farms Waterfowlhttps://www.metzerfarms.com/Eaton Pet and Pasture - Use code COFFEE for a discount on first-time purchases.Nestera UShttps://nestera.us/cwtclUse our affiliate link above for 5% off your purchaseHerbed Tea Cookies - https://coffeewiththechickenladies.com/farm-fresh-egg-recipes/herbed-tea-cookies/CWTCL Websitehttps://coffeewiththechickenladies.com/CWTCL Etsy Shophttps://www.etsy.com/shop/CoffeeWChickenLadiesAs Amazon Influencers, we may receive a small commission from the sale of some items at no additional cost to consumers.CWTCL Amazon Recommendationshttps://www.amazon.com/shop/coffeewiththechickenladiesSupport the show

In this episode, we chat to Greig McBride, creator of 'Scotland Uncovered', who makes the case that rain and mist aren't obstacles to enjoying Scotland — they're part of what makes it extraordinary.Greig shares a practical one-week itinerary taking in Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the west coast, and the Cairngorms, alongside an honest conversation about the pressures of overtourism on places like Skye and the NC500 — and why quieter islands like Mull, Lewis and Harris, Orkney, and Shetland deserve far more love.He also explores small but meaningful ways to care for Scotland's nature, whether at home or travelling further afield, and encourages everyone to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, treating the land — and the communities who depend on it — with the respect they deserve.Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this episode is a reminder that Scotland rewards those who take the time to explore it thoughtfully.

We are thrilled to welcome Mark Bonnar to All About The Archers to talk about his arrival in Ambridge as Scottish crofter Finlay.Mark chats about joining The Archers for its 75th anniversary, whether Finlay could ever return, what he really thinks of Helen, and why Finlay's croft is absolutely non-negotiable.We also discuss Celebrity Traitors, returning to Line of Duty as Mike Dryden, his upcoming drama The Siege, radio acting, Big Finish, Shetland, cheese, swooning listeners and the vital question: what biscuit would Finlay eat while hiding from Helen?Watch, follow & support All About The Archers▶️ Watch on YouTube: All About The Archers☕ Support the podcast: Buy us a coffee

It was one of those winter nights that chills you to the bone - cold temperatures, a brisk north wind, a freezing rain, some snow. Our friends were inside their house, and their horses were inside their barn. Well, actually, three out of four of their horses were inside the barn. Cassie, their Shetland, was standing outside for some strange reason. So as our friends looked out their window, they saw this pitiful scene: one lone horse under a barn light, standing there with the freezing rain and snow pounding down on her, forming ice on her mane. Now, her horse friends were all smart enough to be in their nice warm stalls, but, oh no, not Cassie. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "In the Cold When You Could Be Warm." That horse chose to stand out in the cold - when all the time she could have been in the warm place that had been provided for her. You know in some ways, a lot of people are making that same mistake - maybe you. In a way, maybe you feel as if you've been standing out in the cold for a long time. There's this loneliness that no relationship has satisfied, this confusion, this gnawing sense of uncertainty and insecurity, this emptiness that never seems to go away no matter what you've filled yourself up with. Emotionally, spiritually, it's as if you're out in the chilling wind and the freezing rain. But you don't have to be. There's a warm place that's been provided for you, but you have got to step inside. In fact, this very day, I believe Jesus Christ himself may be beckoning you to come in where it's warm. Listen to His invitation. It's our word for today from the Word of God in Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." If we're "weary and burdened" it may be because we haven't come to Him. It could be that Jesus has been asking you to come to Him for a long time but you've never responded. He's been waiting to answer your loneliness with His unloseable love, to turn your confusion into a sense of knowing why you're here and where you're going. He wants to replace that uncertainty with this unshakeable peace, to fill that emptiness in your heart with the relationship with Him that you were made for. But you're still in the cold because you've never really come inside where Jesus is. There are actually five things you can do with the man who died to pay for your sins. You can just outright reject Jesus. You can ignore Jesus, pushing Him to the margins for other pursuits. You can postpone Jesus - you'll get around to Him someday. You can agree with Jesus - believing everything you've ever been told about Him. Or you can commit yourself completely to Jesus. Four of those five responses end the same place - out in the cold, now and forever. Only one leads to heaven: giving yourself to Jesus. Yes, it's possible to agree with everything about Jesus and yet never have given yourself to Him. It's about commitment, not agreement. Today, though, He's close to you. He's where you are, and He's whispering, "Come to me...I will give you rest." Today you can begin your relationship with Him by saying, "Jesus, you died for me and I'm giving myself to you for now and forever." That's when you receive what He's been waiting to give you all these years. If that's what you want, we would love to help you begin your love relationship with Jesus. That's why our website is there. That's why I encourage you to go there today. It's ANewStory.com. You've been out in the cold long enough. There's no need for you to be out there any longer. You're so close to the warmth and the safety of belonging to Jesus Christ. Today, won't you come inside?

This week, you Hawkheads get a nice preview of the BONUS material available on the 108.9 The Hawk Patreon! Yep, that's right. Bonus episodes of 108.9 The Hawk called "More From The Hawk." And this week we present a Patreon favorite! "The Truck & Greg Show!" A taste of HAWK afternooooons!Want more HAWK and want to support the station in the process? Head on over to the Hawk Patreon and subscribe today at https://patreon.com/1089thehawk!The afternoon shift is HERE and Big Truck and Greg Lemonsour take over 108.9 The Hawk's airwaves to get you through the final hours of your slob job.In This Episode:Monster Trouble at Greg Lake: Truck recounts the time a beast yanked him out of his rig while hauling tiles.Dirty Stinky Grooves: Greg sings the praises of Val Verde's only record store that specializes in moldy, unlistenable vinyl.Farmer Dan Returns! After selling Shetland's Creameries to Monsanto, he's flush with $742 billion, hosting endless parties, and buying up the catalogs of some of your 80's favorites for pennies.Greg's Album Pick: Randy Holden's Population 2 gets the full Lemonsour sermon! Proto-metal, massive amps, and maybe he's wrong on the song title…Truck's “Where Am I Pulling Over?” Game!Cher: Time Traveler? Forget Quantum Leap, we all know that Cher invented time-slorping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 319 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu- Check out all of Jessalu's bags and accessories at NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH & at the Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA, Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. I bordered one square with a worsted weight Cascade 220 black yarn which I didn't like. Tune in to hear my tale of woe after I decided to machine wash squares before weaving in all of the ends. 23 squares (I think)   Jelly Roll Blanket    Pattern: Crocheted Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay F Jones Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Mini Skeins + other minis from stash Ravelry Project Page I was inspired by KnitwithNat's blanket- check it out on Instagram. Progress: I finished 2 columns and nearly done with the third   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page Progress, I am finally onto the decrease section.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Finished spinning the first 4 oz of Shetland and started spinning another. I wound off 2 bobbins of the Pucker Brush onto storage bobbins and then wound off the Shetland onto storage bobbins.   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles.   Sunday Brunch Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club colorway; club colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: mini skein in a medium denim blue. Self striping- tan, navy, mustard, pink, coffee w/ milk brown. Progress: several inches into the first sock's foot   Merry Christmas Kevin Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz, Steel Toes in the Merry Christmas, Kevin colorway Ravelry Project Page Progress: a few inches to the first leg. Knit on these in Saturday in NYC, during Book of Mormon.   Brainstorming   I knit a swatch out of DK cream yarn I had in stash with colorwork in handspun. I haven't taken the time to check gauge after washing it, but that may be my next colorwork yoke sweater. I love using the Ravelry advanced search to search by gauge.   DK Tank & similar fingering weight version (DK) Top Sol by Mochi Knits $9.77 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry or the designer's website. (Fingering weight yarn) the Claire vest- available on Ravelry or the designer's website.   Summer Raffia Clutch Bag by Anna Ushakova -$4 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or $7.50 on Etsy   From the Armchair   Books Good People by Patmeena Sabit. Amazon Affiliate Link. Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. Amazon Affiliate Link. River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Musicals Beauty and the Beast- this show is touring through next November. Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York- check out our video set to the opening song. Book of Mormon  (this show is also touring if you want to see it in a city near you)   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing I had a nice chat with a little boy and his grandmother on the train during MA school vacation week. He was absolutely mesmerized.   In My Travels   NYC for Riley & Aila's birthdays! Friday: Thrifting, shopping, coffee, FAO Schwartz (for JellyCat Cafe but they didn't have any openings). We met Laura for dinner at Serendipity in Times Square. Saturday: we scored Rush tickets for Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, did a little more shopping and eating (got in some NYC pizza of course) then to see the show at 2p which Laura joined us for. Then we all had dinner at Dos Caminos before our 7p Book of Mormon Show. At home, we heated up a cinnamon roll Laura went all the way downtown to get us from Losers. Sunday: we got bagels and then coffee, finished the TikTok video to the Two Strangers opening song and then hit the road. Stay tuned for a YouTube video of our adventures.   KAL News   Splash Pad Party '26 Details Event runs 5/22-7/31 Splash Pad Party Registration is open as of 5/1 View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad '26 Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Find official SPP'26 images you can use on social media in this Google folder.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Events NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   Life in Focus   26 in 2026 List   E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events (17 as of 4/25!) L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (24 as of 4/27) N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once (scheduled for April) Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it! March done S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 6 done so far. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me) Jan, Feb, March, April done     On a Happy Note During a short spell of what actually felt like Spring weather, Dan and I went to our friend's daughter's high school lacrosse game and then out for dinner after. I joined Dan for his weekly card game. We played Five Crowns, which I really enjoy. We had dinner with Dan's cousins who we don't see often and then with an old high school friend of Dan's who he hasn't seen in over 25 years! He and his wife were lovely. Fun chat. We brought Hattie to Beauty and the Beast, looking all beautiful in her Belle dress. She had an absolute blast. My work friends were reminiscing about this funny old cell phone commercial video we used to love watching it. Check out show notes for link to the video    Quote of the Week   " I think one of the things that makes theater special is first of all, it's one of the last places you put your phone away." - Lin-Manuel Miranda   " I know the world is filled with troubles and many injustices. But reality is as beautiful as it is ugly. I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn't write anything without hope in it." - Oscar Hammerstein   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

He grew up on a council housing estate in the Shetland Islands. His family were coal miners and civil servants. He had no connections, no privilege, and no clear path. Today, he runs one of the UAE's largest education groups — 36 schools, 36 nurseries, 50,000 students, and a publicly listed company worth over a billion dirhams.  In this episode, Spencer sits down with Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations about education, leadership, and the cost of ambition. Alan doesn't sugarcoat anything. He'll tell you that technology is not the future of education. That exam should be deleted overnight. That his biggest leadership flaw is not listening. And that for all his professional success, the person he feels he's let down most is his whole family.  From navigating a regional geopolitical crisis to making bold billion-dirham acquisitions, from the rugby field that gave him confidence to the boardroom decisions that kept him up at night, this is a conversation about what it really takes to lead at the highest level and what it quietly costs you.  Whether you're a parent choosing a school, a leader questioning your own values, or someone who built everything from nothing and wonders if it was worth it, this episode will make you think.    Timestamps:  00:00 – Introducing Alan and what makes him different from most CEOs  01:15 – What is Taaleem? 36 schools, 50,000 students, and a 21-year story  03:42 – How Dubai's inspection system turbocharges school quality like nowhere else in the world  07:53 – The international teacher recruitment crisis and why Dubai still wins  11:52 – How to actually choose the right school for your child in Dubai  17:48 – Are UAE school fees good value? The honest comparison with UK independent schools  22:22 – Leading through geopolitical crisis: sleepless nights, a billion-dirham bet, and staying calm  28:00 – Growth anxiety, M&A opportunities, and being the knight in shining armor  33:02 – Should schools be doing more to help struggling parents and entrepreneurs?  41:52 – Growing up on a council estate in Shetland: where his drive really came from  50:47 – Feeling like an outsider at university and how rugby changed everything  54:30 – The biggest sacrifice he made to be successful: missing family to referee international rugby  58:32 – Would he do it all the same way again? His most honest answer  01:01:13 – When his working-class values clashed with running a profit-driven company  01:05:21 – His most unpopular opinion: technology is NOT the future of education  01:09:06 – What great teachers actually do that most people forget  01:13:19 – How to prepare children for jobs that don't exist yet  01:16:49 – University vs. apprenticeships: why one path is not better than the other  01:18:39 – Quickfire: are exams outdated, what skill matters more than grades, and who should Spencer interview next?    Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/madeindubaipodcast/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586194260076  https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en  https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/  https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV  https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/    Follow Alan Williamson on Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/alanwilliamsonceo/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandwilliamson/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/taaleem/ 

FULL SHOW : Glenn and Mick's Celebrity Intervention was on the television last night and the reviews are in. A Melbourne boy was trapped in the school bus doors and we relive our times on the bus, Max Gawn stops by the studio and What The F#@k gets a run. Catch Mick in the Morning, with Roo, Titus & Rosie LIVE from 6-9am weekdays on 105.1 Triple M Melbourne or via the LiSTNR app. Mick In The Morning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molloy Triple M Melbourne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplemmelb Drop us a voice memo: https://www.mickinthemorning.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

-Doug the Neighbor- & -TK/Irish- chat about ..-SHETLAND PONIES-

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 318 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Northern Lights Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Started November 2024, but I don't think I've ever mentioned them on the podcast. About the yarn- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple.   October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. Progress- 23 squares   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page Progress: Nearly done with the increase section!   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles.   Pollen Party Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it's Legacy Fiber Artz mini) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I am nearly done with sock 1   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I'm still working on the first 4 oz bump.   From the Armchair   Books So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder. Amazon Affiliate Link. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. Amazon Affiliate Link. There's a great review of Intermezzo by Alexandra Harris (with some potential spoilers) on the Guardian's website. Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Musical: The Outsiders   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures Making a flower arrangement to put under the headstone/bench at the cemetery for Mom.   KAL News Splash Pad Party will start Friday May 22nd and run through July 31st. Sponsor call has gone out to email subscribers. Will share on social soon. Click here to learn more about sponsor options for Splash Pad '26.   Events Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA Connecticut Sheep & Wool- April 25 in North Haven, CT NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   On a Happy Note Connecting with our nephew Oisin over a re-watch of West Wing. Seeing Rent- but especially how much Riley enjoys it. The show fell on Eme's 22nd birthday so that was fun too! Riley turned 18! So proud of that kid! Katie's Randomness (Pigskin sponsor) was having a winter sale. I splurged on two winter bags- one Gilmore Girls themed and the other Christmas chickens! I checked out a new to our area secondhand shop- Uptown Cheapskate. Despite cooler temps and rain, we had a lovely Easter dinner at my Dad's. A text from my SIL after Easter dinner saying that Zach (who turns 4 in May) went to bed Easter night asking if my dad was coming to his birthday party. I inadvertently made a ridiculously large batch of Superhero muffins because I added too much salt. Turns out I can make 94 muffins in about 3 hours. Not too shabby! Good thing they freeze well. Warming temps and quieter weekends after a stressful work week. My Monday morning workout turned into a country music jam! Such a fun way to start the week.   Quote of the Week Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. -William Arthur Ward ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Dave is joined by Darryl for Geektown Radio Episode 493, and this week's show is led by chat about Swedish thriller Vaka, oddball sci-fi comedy The Miniature Wife, the return of The Boys, and why Daredevil: Born Again finally feels like it has found its footing.Darryl kicks things off with Vaka, a Swedish mini-series on Prime Video built around an insomnia epidemic that spirals into chaos in Stockholm. He also finishes Furies Season 1 on Netflix, with Season 2 already out now, and checks in on Daredevil: Born Again, which now seems to be in a much stronger place creatively than it was at the start.There is also discussion around Netflix's Italian period legal drama The Law According to Lidia Poët, plus more superhero trauma and blood-soaked chaos from Invincible.On Dave's side, he wraps up The Pitt Season 1, moves straight into Season 2, and remains completely sold on it as one of the standout dramas of the year. He also starts The Miniature Wife, starring Matthew Macfadyen and Elizabeth Banks, and dives back into The Boys for its fifth and final season. There is also a quick check-in on Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, plus a reminder that voting for the Geekstorians Webby closes on Thursday, 16th April.In the news section, they cover renewals for Welcome to Wrexham, Would I Lie To You?, Shetland, Rooster, Memory of a Killer, Emily in Paris, The Rookie and Will Trent. There is also confirmation of Extraction 3, a premiere date for Dark Matter Season 2, and news on Netflix's new undercover drama Legends.They also chat about Uma Thurman returning for Dexter: Resurrection Season 2, new cast joining Wednesday Season 3, and the BBC bringing back Philomena Cunk for Cunk on Cinema.Plus, they round up what is coming to TV next week, including Doc, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Beef Season 2, Bergerac, Big Mood, Hacks, The Murder Line, Kevin and Tracker.Listen now for TV reviews, film news, superhero chaos and the usual Geektown mix of enthusiasm, side tangents and geeky nonsense.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/geektown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 317 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu & shop with them at the Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA   Thank you to this episode's sponsor The Yarn Sellar & check out details for their Fiber Marketplace (April 11, 2026) here       Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Spectrum Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Back to the Future Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025.   Treysta Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Laine publishing website Yarn: MC- Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Oatmeal. CC1: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) dark blue.  CC2: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #34 High Aster (pink). CC3: Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK in Rain Cloud (gray) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green. Progress: finished sock 1 and cast on sock 2. I'm a few inches into the leg.   Pollen Party Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it's Legacy Fiber Artz mini) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I've knit most of the leg of the first sock.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Progress: I started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I'm about half way through the first 4 oz bump.   Brainstorming Cream DK weight yarn from Aunt Florence will pair well with mustard handspun for another colorwork yoke sweater! I received the latest subscription yarn from Woolens & Nosh in the mail this weekend and I'm itching to cast it on. The colorway is called Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club   From the Armchair   Books Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune. Amazon Affiliate Link. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.  Amazon Affiliate Link. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Movie: Project Hail Mary Musical: Suffs Check out this Time Magazine article.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing I got a lot of great compliments on the new flower granny square ski balaclava (Ravelry Project Page) I crocheted last month. I wore it skiing at Sunday River.   In My Travels I shared about our recent ski trip to Sunday River in Maine. We enjoyed dinner at the Brick & Stone Tavern in Rumford on Friday night, Dance party at VRBO house Friday night, Steam Mill Brewing in Bethel (right near the mountain) on Saturday night and breakfast at Terry & Maxine's in Turner, ME Riley and I visited the Boston Public Market's 2026 Fiberfest on March 22. I think they had about 20 vendors there, some free demos, and a great atmosphere. Parking is only $3 for 3 hours. It was my first real outing wearing my Traveler Sweater!   Events Fiber Marketplace- April 11 from 10a-3p in York Beach, ME. Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA Connecticut Sheep & Wool- April 25 in North Haven, CT NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   Life in Focus   A few updates   26 in 2026 Updates B- Blood- donate at least 4 times (1/20, 3/17) D- Declutter 26+ items- delivered a trunk full in February E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events 9 as of now) F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out! 1) Live music at The Cottage J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast) K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun (Treysta sweater, Inclinations Cowl in progress) L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (18 as of March) N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once (scheduled for April) R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant (Blu in Theater District 3/26) S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 6 done so far. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month ---Jan, Feb, March done     On a Happy Note Ski weekend at Sunday River. At the igloo we ordered a chocolate chip cookie from the gluten free food truck and it was HUGE (and delicious). There was a very low ceiling in our rental house- and I just looked back at photos to get ready for to record and there's a funny one of Riley and me touching the ceiling- I knew Hattie jumped in for the last one but I didn't realize she was holding a kids sized pool cue to touch the ceiling too! Hilarious. Jeff, Megg, Riley and I all did a word search on the breakfast menu after skiing- we all took it so seriously which was just so fun! Lost power after a big wind storm, but it came back on earlier than expected- Dan and I still went out to dinner at fav local Italian restaurants (pro tip- it was a great choice on St. Patrick's Day) Broadway soundtrack for Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York came out on the SAME day as the Project Hail Mary movie released in theater (yes, we went opening day). Megg and I renewed our Broadway in Boston subscription for 2027! It's a great line up- Hell's Kitchen, Phantom of the Opera, A Beautiful Noise, Tommy, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat & The Notebook. There are a few other shows available that we may add on. My friend Marta booked her plane tickets to come visit from Barcelona this summer! Going out for Live Irish music at a local pub My friend Nancy Kelley's second book just came out! The Courage of Two: Anne Hutchinson, Mary Dyer and the Fight for Freedom of Conscience in Early America.   Quote of the Week "The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." -Harriet Jacobs   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Was on the mainland (or "the big island" as we say here on Arran) last week and picked up yet another book of Scottish folk tales. This one featured a really creepy tale from Shetland - and, as my sister happens to be there this week, I thought I'd do my own distinct, improvised take on it. Huddle close and shiver, folks....

Send us Fan MailThis week's music of the bagpipe takes you to Ireland, New England, Washington, New Zealand, Brittany - and Scotland. PlaylistArise and Go with The Beekeeper, The Pipers of Roguery and the Floating Crowbar from Moments of LightAngus MacColl with Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Capt Colin Campbell and Fiona MacLeod from A Tradition of Excellence Iain MacInnes with The Ewe wi the Crookit Horn, Sweet Molly, MacPhee's Reel, Malcolm Currie, Inver Lasses, Buntata ‘s Sgadan and Cabar Feidh from The Pipers' Gathering: Live from North Hero  New Zealand Police Pipe Band with The Smiler, The Braes of Mellenish, Miss Mathers of Wyvis, Jennifer Finlayson, AA Cameron, Cecily Ross, John MacKenzie's Fancy and The Seedling from World Pipe Band Championships 1998 Vol 2. Gwir with MacDonald Brothers, The Skye Dance and MacKerron's Reel from Liamm Keltiek Alasdair Gillies and Alasdair Fraser with Hi Ho Hirum, The Wee Man from South Uist, Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, the Hen's March, Donald Willie and his Dog, The Foxhunter, The South Georgia Whaling Song, The Gravel Walk and the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Welcome to Shetland from Masters of Scottish Arts Live at Benaroya Hall Cillian Vallely with Cnocan an Teampaill, Star Above the Garter, Stormy Hill from The Raven's RockSupport the show

What does it take to bring wild nature back to a country that has forgotten what it looks like? Can rewilding truly benefit local communities and rural economies or does it come at their expense? And is Scotland really thirty years behind the rest of Europe when it comes to restoring its landscapes? This is a Podcasthon episode and this year I've chosen SCOTLAND: The Big Picture as my featured charity. Founded by nature photographers and filmmakers it has grown from a single employee to a team of twenty-four in just a few years. Today I'm joined by Lisa Chilton, CEO, and Stef Lauer, Rewilding Training Lead.Lisa and Stef walk us through the extraordinary scope of what SCOTLAND: The Big Picture has built. At the heart of it all is the Northwoods Rewilding Network, a string of over a hundred land partners spanning the country from the Solway Firth to Shetland. The research backing this work is striking. Rewilded sites within the network have recorded more than 250% more bird species and a tenfold increase in pollinator abundance compared to control sites that weren't rewilded. Beyond the network, the Loch Abar Mòrr poject brings together fourteen landowners across 120,000 acres, working to a fifty-year vision that stretches from the summit of Ben Nevis right down to seagrass beds and native oysters on the seafloor.Our conversation also covers the long and careful effort to bring lynx back to Scotland. Lisa explains how Lynx to Scotland, a partnership involving SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life, and the Lifescape Project, has spent years engaging over fifty national stakeholder organisations and is now conducting one-to-one consultations in the communities most likely to be affected by any future release. The process is slow and deliberate. But as Stef puts it, the question is really about what kind of ecosystem we want to leave for the next generation. On that front, the ambition and the optimism coming from Lisa and Stef are genuinely infectious.Further reading:Working to return lynx to northern Scotland | Lynx to ScotlandRewilding training | SCOTLAND: The Big PictureThe Big Picture Conference | SCOTLAND: The Big PictureDonate | SCOTLAND: The Big PictureOur Big Picture Community | SCOTLAND: The Big PictureSubscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Instagram or YouTube

The River Tamar that forms the Devon-Cornwall border comes within four miles of making Cornwall an island. In and around the Scottish Borders, many people define themselves as Bordermen first, and Scottish or English second. And the the great medieval border created in the years of Danelaw both split Britain, and lives on today as one of the biggest roads in the country. These are just a few of the fascinating tales woven together by Richard Collett as he talks to James Fisher in this utterly fascinating episode of the Country Life Podcast. Yes, a border is a line on a map — but it's also a state of mind, with many of the lines that divide us, define us and even unite us taking on very different meanings depending on where you live. Richard Collett has spent years travelling Britain and talking to people throughout the land about our borders, where they come from, and what they mean — and the result is a fascinating book, Along the Borders: In search of what divides and unites the British Isles. Subscribe to the Country Life podcast on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the Country Life podcast on SpotifySubscribe to the Country Life podcast on AudibleThe book is published in April 2026 by Penguin — you can pre-order a copy here — and we can't recommend it enough, if only to read the tale of the English sailor who got shipwrecked on Shetland, and has now spent decades fighting for its recognition as an independent country.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Richard CollettEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gudrun Johnston has a deep legacy in Shetland knitting: her father's family comes from the islands, and her mother founded a knitwear company that blended contemporary silhouettes with Fair Isle motifs, a business she called the Shetland Trader. But although Gudrun grew up wearing her mother's designs, she didn't learn to knit from her. Growing up largely elsewhere in Scotland, she learned the craft as a child, but it didn't become central to her life for decades. She eventually fell in love with knitting, thousands of miles from Shetland. In 2007, she published her first design, a skirt in a hemp-blend yarn for her daughter. From that point, knitting and Shetland drew her back more and more. Developing her own design style, she incorporated stitches and motifs from traditional knitting and found a deep affinity with yarn milled locally from the traditional dual-coated sheep. As generations of local knitters did before her, she draws on elements from elsewhere but gives them a distinctly Shetland flair. Although knitters worldwide know about haps and Fair Isle knitting today, the island's knitting tradition has faced economic threats over the years. Many knitters practiced the craft to make a bit of income, and a better-paying option (an oil terminal that opened in the mid-1970s) led to the dwindling of the cottage knitting industry. However, in tandem with the active local guild, Shetland Wool Week, and the new Shetland Organisation of Knitters, local knitters have preserved their traditions and are happy to share their knowledge. Gudrun unites her own style with her Shetland roots in her designs, most recently the book Grand Shetland Adventure Knits, which she co-authored with her friend Mary Jane Mucklestone. She is at work on a new book exploring colorwork in a collection of knitted vests. Links Grand Shetland Adventure Knits by Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone See Gudrun's tutorials and podcast episodes at her YouTube channel Find the Identity Cowl in the Farm & Fiber Knits library [Shetland Wool Week](*https://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/videos/how-to-wool-week/) Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers Shetland Organisation of Knitters This episode is brought to you by: Treenway Silks is where weavers, spinners, knitters and stitchers find the silk they love. Select from the largest variety of silk spinning fibers, silk yarn, and silk threads & ribbons at TreenwaySilks.com. You'll discover a rainbow of colors, thoughtfully hand-dyed in Colorado. Love natural? Treenway's array of wild silks provide choices beyond white. If you love silk, you'll love Treenway Silks, where superior quality and customer service are guaranteed. If you love knitting, quilting, and all things fiber, you have to check out the new Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival. It's brought to you by the team behind h+h Americas, premier craft trade shows across the U.S. They have something for everyone—from consumers to retailers to manufacturers. Come shop, learn, and get inspired. Learn more at FiberFabricCraft.com.

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Our guest is Professor Guri Hjeltnes, an author and World War Two historian. We start with Nazi Germany's occupation of Norway during World War Two by hearing about a secret resistance operation known as “The Shetland Bus”. Then, we learn about a playboy spy who, during the 1940s, became one of wartime's most successful double agents and the reported inspiration behind James Bond.We hear how a black and white photograph taken in 1982, of a mother and her young daughter raising their arms in protest, became a symbol of Argentina's resistance. Plus, the public health crisis in America in 1980 that led to the setting up of the Tampon Task Force.In sport, we speak to the BMX rider known as "The Canadian Beast" who took part in the first Extreme Games in 1995.Finally, we hear from an Austrian mountaineer who spent seven years in Tibet and, in 1948, became friends with the country's spriritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Contributors: Leif Larsen – Norwegian sailor and a skipper on “The Shetland Bus”.Dusko Popov – British double agent during World War Two.Adriana Lestido - Argentinian newspaper photographer.Nancy King Reame – Professor Emerita Columbia University and researcher with the Tampon Task Force.Jay Miron - Canadian BMX rider.Heinrich Harrer – Austrian mountaineer who became a tutor to the Dalai Lama.(Photo: Leif Larsen (middle) and other member of The Shetland Bus. Credit: Scalloway Museum)

In this episode of #ScotsinUs, Camilla G Hellman is in conversation with Jen Stout, Scottish journalist and author. Jen has been documenting the war in Ukraine on the grouund since 2022. She speaks with us today about her incredible journey growing up in Fair Isle, a remote island in Shetland with a population of 60, to her time spent in Russia, Ukraine and beyond.Jen's most recent book, "Night Train to Odesa" has received numerous awards, including BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK, WINNER OF THE SALTIRE SOCIETY FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD and more. To learn more baout Jen Stout and her incredible work, visit https://www.jenstout.net/#ukraine #russia #scotland #shetland #fairisle #journalism

During World War Two, whilst Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, a group of Norwegian sailors set up a base on the Shetland Islands and began aiding their country's resistance. Named “The Shetland Bus” they made perilous journeys across the North Sea in fishing boats - smuggling agents, equipment and ammunition into Norway. Their most famous skipper was Leif Larsen. He made more than 50 journeys to and from occupied Norway during the war and became one of the highest decorated naval officers of World War Two. Tim O'Callaghan tells his story using archive interviews Leif gave to the BBC in 1981 and 1985. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: The Shetland Bus crew, Leif Larsen second from left next to agent in white coat. Credit: David Howarth)

The history of whaling is complicated. At its height in the 18th and 19th centuries, whaling was a global enterprise built on perilous voyages, long seasons at sea, and a fierce chase for oil and baleen that illuminated streets and homes and lubricated the industrial revolution. In doing so, obsessed nations like Britain, Norway and America hounded whale populations to the brink, decimating populations and altering marine ecosystems forever. But it's important to remember that this industry also has a rich social history. Whaling sustained communities across the globe, providing work, culture and a crucial way of life for working people in coastal regions and on remote islands like Shetland off the coast of Scotland. In this episode, Dan heads to Dundee, once a hub of the whaling industry, to explore both the devastating ecological impact and the rich human story to give us a fuller understanding of the history of whaling. He speaks to the curators at the South Georgia Museum, Jayne Pierce and Helen Balfour, as well as Richard Sabin from the Natural History Museum and also one of Shetland's last remaining whalers, Gibby Fraser. You can explore more at https://whalersmemorybank.sgmuseum.gs/ to read through testimonies from other whalers, see incredible archive images and learn more about whales in the Arctic and Antarctic. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal PatmoreDan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Hilder was born to a life in the country. Born in rural Scotland but raised in Hampshire, he went through school always thinking – and being told — that he needed to find a life, and a career, out in the countryside, working with his hands.A chance meeting with a lecturer at Sparsholt College changed his life for good, and put him on a pathway to become (deep breath) the 'Senior Nature-Based Solutions Officer — Practical Delivery' at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. It's comfortably the longest job title of anyone who's yet joined James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast, but the aim is clear: to make the world around us a better, greener place.Tom talks to James about his life, how he ended up working in the field (literally), and the challenges he's faced — from Shetland ponies and landowners suspicious of his tender years to the 'charismatic adders' found on Hook Common, in north Hampshire.You can find out more about the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust here, and to nominate someone for the 2026 edition of the award Tom won, visit the Schoffel Countryside Awards website. Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Tom HilderEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, Mark and Jenny tackle the challenges of training reactive and shut-down horses. From a Shetland pony struggling with freezing behaviour to a standardbred mare overcoming hyper-focus, Mark shares insightful strategies to engage a horse's mind and foster a more responsive partnership. Tune in for practical advice on creating a balanced and open mindset in your equine companions, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable training journey. Watch Mark's training videos and improve your horse yourself! 7 day free trial. Suitable for everyone.

Old ruins up on a hill in the windy island of Yell, Shetland. But is it really haunted by a number of ghosts? Or does the cold weather, and draughty conditions give visitors the chills? Athena and Tiernan investigate so that you can decide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vi träffade Erika Guselius, aka Dödergök, på Dalarnas museum mitt i utställningen "Stickade svenska skatter". Det blev ett både nördigt och roligt samtal om svensk sticktradition, stickhistoria, livtröjor, tvåändsstickning och den eviga frågan: varför stickar vi så gärna Shetland och Norge men inte våra egna svenska mönster? 

Carys Davies a grandi au Pays de Galles avant de partir aux États-Unis. Elle est l'auteure de trois romans dont le premier, «West» (Seuil, 2021), a obtenu le Prix du livre de l'année au Pays de Galles. Son deuxième roman, «Le Voyage de Hilary Byrd» (Seuil, 2022), a été élu roman de l'année 2020 par le Sunday Times. «Éclaircie» a, quant à lui, été élu meilleur livre 2024 par de nombreux journaux, il sera traduit en huit langues. Carys Davies vit aujourd'hui à Édimbourg. 1843. Ivar, le dernier habitant d'une île perdue au large de l'Écosse, mène une vie solitaire et paisible, jusqu'au jour où il trouve sur la plage, au pied d'une falaise, un homme inconscient. Le nouveau venu se nomme John Ferguson, pasteur sans le sou envoyé pour chasser Ivar de ces terres et libérer ainsi des hectares de pâturage pour des troupeaux de moutons. Ne se doutant pas des intentions de l'inconnu, Ivar lui fait une place dans sa maison et, bien que les deux hommes ne parlent pas la même langue, un lien fragile se tisse peu à peu entre eux. Pendant ce temps, sur le continent, Mary, la femme de John, attend impatiemment des nouvelles de la mission de son époux. Dans la rudesse de ce décor lointain, au-delà de l'archipel des Shetland, se déploie le drame intime qu'imagine Carys Davies, avec autant de tension que de tendresse : le portrait touchant et cristallin de gens ordinaires ballottés par l'Histoire, et l'exploration de ce qui sépare les hommes comme de ce qui les rapproche. Aussi maîtrisé que surprenant, ce court roman est une merveille narrative au style concis et puissant. (Présentation des éditions de La Table Ronde)

Ann Cleeves - crime novelist, library advocate and creator of best-loved characters Vera Stanhope, Matthew Venn and Jimmy Perez - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her latest novel, 'The Killing Stones'.This new Jimmy Perez mystery is perfect for this time of year - and we can highly recommend you get a copy and curl up under a blanket over Christmas and enjoy it. Ann chats about getting bored with Jimmy (and then liking him again), her love of Orkney and Shetland, the Kirkwall Ba and why she won't ever kill off one of her main characters.

In this episode, Anne finally gets around to sharing what she's been working on behind the scenes, though it's so late in coming that most of you probably already know by now...  Support SOK: Shetland's Organisation for Knitters at the Crowdfunder.  Follow SOK on Instagram and Facebook.  Visit the SOK website to join the mailing list.  Episode 17 of the Woolly Winter Countdown (will go live at 3 am eastern time on December 17). 

Join me for a conversation with Shetland-based archaeologist and crofter Chris Dyer from Garths Croft in Bressay.Chris Dyer is a professional archaeologist, military historian, crofter, drystone mason and retained firefighter who lives in Shetland. He lives at Garths Croft on the island of Bressay, one of the Shetland Islands, and offers bespoke croft and island heritage tours throughout Shetland. We chat about Shetland's fascinating history, Chris' experience with breeding native sheep breeds in the islands, his work as an archaeologist and our shared passion for wool.** This conversation was recorded at a Wild for Scotland Social Club Session. They're exclusive sessions for my Patreon members, which take place 4x a year. Love the idea of joining conversations like this live? Join the Social Club now! **Resources:Plan your trip to Shetland with my Shetland Travel GuideHelp us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you! Let me help you plan your DREAM TRIP to Scotland! Book a free enquiry call to find out more. Coming to Scotland? Start planning your trip to Scotland with my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Get it here! Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Connect with me on Instagram @wildforscotland!Join our email list to never miss an episode.Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

Mark Steel's In Town has just completed it's 14th series, and listeners from Shetland to Rutland and beyond have been tuning in. But what do they make of it? And what goes into putting each episode together? Mark joins presenter Andrea Catherwood on Feedback to answer your questions and unravel how the programme works.Some listeners also had questions about Radio 4's Materials of State, which is being broadcast this week. The first programme in the series covered the story of the UK's national flag - listeners claimed calling it the Union Jack was wrong. Malcolm Farrow, President of The Flag Institute, weighs in to clear up any confusion.And there's one final nomination for Feedback's Interview of the Year before nominations close. It comes from a listener who tuned in to Test Match Special Podcast to hear the BBC's Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt interviewing veteran cricketer David Larter. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

My guest this episode is Suzanne Barratt, who writes as S. J. Barratt. She blends her background in agriculture and environmental communications with her love of Scotland and Shetland to create eco-adventure stories for middle-grade readers. We talked about her childhood surrounded by books and nature, how she shaped her writing through research and collaboration with an illustrator and editors, and why the indie path gives her the creative freedom she values. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest S. J. Barratt is a self-published children's author whose eco-themed stories explore the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in her English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture and environmental communications, she brings a practical understanding of rural life to her work. Now based in Lyon, France, she writes middle-grade adventures that encourage young readers to step away from screens and rediscover the outdoors. Her Living at the Edge of the World series reflects this mission. Learn more at S. J. Barratt.

Des and the teams break up the week's big news. Including: the resignation of the BBC's Director General amid the Trump Panorama controversy, the early release of prisoners from Scottish jails, anger from knitters in Shetland about a new TV show, a potential challenge to the Prime Minister and more.Lead Writer: Jennifer WalkerAdditional material: Ian Searle, Alex Buchanan, Mark Granger, Chris Stanners, Simon Paul Miller, Nathan Cowley, Gregor Paton, Conor O'Loughlin, Marina Smith, Lucy Rycroft-Smith, Claire Cox, Carl JonesProducer: Chris Quilietti Senior Producer: Lauren Mackay Series Producer: David Flynn Researcher: Jodie White Script Editor: Keiron NicholsonAn Eco-Audio certified Production

                                Copperplate Podcast 311                                         NOVEMBER 25                                presented by Alan O'Leary                             www.copperplatemailorder.com 1. Gerry Diver: Diversions.  Diversions 2. Danu: The Poor Man's Fortune/The Long Strand/Gan Ainm.                     10,000 Miles 3. Karen Ryan: Galway Reel/The Musical Priest/Sailor on the Rock.                        The Coast Road   4. Eamonn Cotter: Galway Bay/The Acrobat HP. Trad Music from Clare 5. Andy Martyn:  The Blackthorn Set.  Will We Give It A Go? 6. Paul Brennan:  London Town.  Airs & Graces7. Michael Sheehy: The Cats Rambles/The Boys of Bunnratty/The Templeglantine         The Cats Rambles 8. Brendan McAuley: Rattle the Keys/Pennyburn's Gates,                         The McCartneys of Pennyburn9.  John Joe Gordon: The Primrose Polka/The Bluebell Polka.                Within A Mile of Kilty 2 10. Gerry Hanley:  Old Road to Garry/Carmel O'Mahoney Mulhaire.                In The Middle of It 11. Michael Banahan:  Winter in the City.  Broken Heart12. Gatehouse:  As I Roved Out/ The Harvest Knot/The Healing Stone.                Heather Down the Moor 13. Mick & Aoife O'Brien & Emer Mayock             Miss Monaghan's Reel/Neil Gow's 2nd Wife/Lucy Campbell.                  Tunes From Goodman Manuscript 14. Dezi Donnelly:   The Spey in Spate/Cape Breton's Welcome to Shetland.                                     Familiar Footsteps15. John & Jacinta McEvoy:        The Journey Home/Paddy Healy's/The Controversial Reel.  The Boyne Mist

First stop of the new series is Oakham, nestled in the UK's smallest county – Rutland.Rutland has a village that's proudly twinned with Paris (even if the Parisians don't know), has Europe's largest man-made lake (which required flooding a local village) and hangs its horseshoes the other way round (so the devil falls out, obviously).Joining Mark is Clare Balding, who's also in town to take him on a ramble around Rutland, which you can hear in Ramblings, this Thursday on Radio 4.This is the 14th series of Mark's award winning show where he travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for a local audience. As well as Oakham, in this series, Mark be will also be popping to Wrexham, Cambridge, Lewisham and, Lerwick and Unst in Shetland.To hear more episodes from this series, search "Mark Steel's In Town" on BBC Sounds.Written and performed by Mark SteelAdditional material by Pete Sinclair Production co-ordinator Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum Sound Manager Jerry Peal Producer Carl CooperA BBC Studios production for Radio 4

A multimedia installation which explores the role of beavers on an estate in Perthshire is part of this year's soundfestival in the north east. Rachel joins composer and musician Dave Maric to learn more about Silent Architects.Mark takes a stroll in Falkirk with writer Rebecca Smith to appreciate the beauty of larch trees and new techniques to protect them.One of Shetland's small outer Isles recently saw the first working tractor in over thirty years tend to the land. Eva Runciman meets Ethan Arthur, who grew up in Skerries, to find out how an old Massey Ferguson left its shed and was put to work on wildlife crop.Mark meets conservationist Roy Dennis at an innovative project in Moray, where the introduction of highland cows could be helping to restore Scotland's capercaillie population.Rachel meets gardeners Mark Armour and Euan Shelley to find out about the unusual pumpkin varieties at The National Trust for Scotland's Hill of Tarvit in Fife.Mark is in Glasgow to explore Hamiltonhill Claypits, an inner-city Local Nature Reserve. The Reserve's Julieanne Levett, Bob Alston and Scott Milligan explain the benefits to local communities.A new book reveals results of a major archaeological project at Finlaggan, the site of a medieval kingdom's centre of power. Mark and Rachel are joined by author of The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay, Dr David Caldwell.Rachel is off to Tamala Farm in Aberdeenshire to try her hand at tattie howking and to catch a glimpse of harvest life before machinery took over.Mark checks out the ‘The Air We Breathe' exhibition in Glasgow. Ingrid Shearer, Heritage Engagement Manager at Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, shares the history of Glasgow's air quality and just how far the city has come.

Priscilla Presley met Elvis in Germany aged 14, moving with him to Graceland at 17 before their marriage, but despite the glamour surrounding their lives, Priscilla's experience was marked by emotional complexity. In her new memoir, 'Softly as I Leave You', she reveals how she felt she was “living his life”. Ann Cleeves has written 37 novels, garnering huge critical acclaim. Her work's been translated into more than 20 languages, including television, with adaptations of her work yielding ITV's Vera and the BBC's Shetland. Her latest 'The Killing Stones' sees the return of DCI Jimmy Perez.Vincent Thurkettle gave up a secure job with the Forestry Commission to pursue a life of gold prospecting at age 40 after he calculated his life expectancy was much less than he hoped. He is now best known for discovering Britain's largest gold nugget, 97g, about the size of a small chicken egg in a shipwreck off the coast of Anglesey. Also, Ursula Martin, the woman who decided to walk her way past cancer. 10 years and 10,000 miles on, she's still walking.Plus the inheritance tracks of Davina McCall. Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

Girls want painted lips, blankets and soft pillows, mornings should be great, should we try oura ring? What is vegan leather ? Uggs or crocs.   Lynley, return to paradise, Dublin murders, Ludwig, code of silence, happy valley, Shetland. Death Valley, blue lights, until I kill you , passenger.   The unwhich, lemon and ricotta pasta, chicken curry meat pies, crispy cheesy mashed potatoes, Hawaiian bbq chicken and Mac salad.   Happy hump day stars

If you can go to a Yarn Fest or a Wool Week or Shetland. Go. Patterns - Stretchy Baby Knits by Pink Zombie Opal Bunny hat by Susan B Anderson Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly Van Niekerk Bousta Beanie by Gudrun Johnson Harriets Headband by Harriet Middleton Jakobs Gansey by Viveka Velipullai Shima by Beatrice Mace Ama Sweater by Maddie Harvey Perspectives book edited by Julie Rutter and Emily Williams Wild Wood Stitches Bags

Wilde's just had his second birthday! Mum & Dad had the party at their place - Hannah made none of the party food herself and felt absolutely zero guilt about it. Love that for you queen. The main event was definitely the small herd of Shetland ponies Hannah and Joel hired to walk the kids round their garden. Jealous.Email: Hello@NeverEverPod.comInstagram: @NeverEverPodTikTok: @nevereverpodThis episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Thanks for listening. Please subscribe and leave a five star review!

1116. This week, we clarify the origins of the word "Schnauzer" and why it may mean "snout," "growler," or "mustache." Then, in honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we look at the true origins of the word "scallywag," which, believe it or not, isn't from pirates but may be related to Shetland ponies. Then, we look at why we use both "used to" and "use to" and how they differ in questions and negatives.The "used to" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.

John Wilson onJoe Bugner, the heavyweight boxer who fought the titans of the sport from Henry Cooper, Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier. Ann McManus, the writer for Coronation Street who went on to be one of the founders of Shed Productions that created hit drama series such as Bad Girls, Footballer Wives and Waterloo Road.Angela Mortimer Barrett, the multiply Grand Slam winning tennis player – winner of the 1961 Wimbledon women's singles championship. And Frank Strang, the entrepreneur who bought a RAF radar station in Shetland and turned it into a space port.Interviewee: Gareth A Davies Interviewee: Eileen Gallagher Interviewee: Debbie Jevans Interviewee: Chris Jones Interviewee: Scott HammondProducer: Gareth Nelson-DaviesArchive used: Joe Bugner, Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, 11/06/1973; Battle of Britain Heavyweights, Cooper v Bugner, BBC, 16/03/1971; Ali v Bugner, World Championship Fight, BBC, 01/07/1975; Ann McManus interview, BBC Radio 4, Front Row, 08/03/2006; Coronation Street, Hayley tells Roy scene, Coronation Street YouTube channel, uploaded 07/02/2015; Bad Girls, Season 1 Episode 1 - Trailer, Bad Girls YouTube Channel, uploaded 18/06/2019; Bad Girls, ITV Promo, 1999; Angela Mortimer interview, 1961, BBC; Wimbledon Women's Singles Championship, BBC Radio, 1961; Frank Strang interview, BBC Radio Shetland, 17/07/2025; Frank Strang interview; Frank Strang obituary, BBC Radio Shetland, 13/08/2025;

People living and working around Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland say pollution in the lake has become worse over the hot summer this year. The Lough supplies about forty per cent of Northern Ireland's drinking water and for the past couple of years it's been covered with a toxic blue green algae, which has grown due to pollution from agriculture, broken water treatment facilities and industrial waste. The algae's also had a big impact on the fishing industry.All this week we're looking at animal feed. There's a drive to source and grow more of it in the UK, especially as new regulations come in to tackle deforestation linked with growing soy for animal feed. We visit a traditional feed mill in Gloucestershire which makes a feed mix from local wheat, oats, peas and beans.The island of Unst in Shetland is the most northerly inhabited island in Britain. It's also considered to be the true home of the Shetland pony and is the venue of the most northerly agricultural show in the UK. The Unst Show has been going for more than 150 years and draws crowds from across Shetland and beyond to see cows, sheep, poultry and ponies being exhibited. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

There is still time to finish projects before our Summer Spin In ends on September 1st. We have a few finished projects and lots of fiber prep to discuss. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Subscribe on Android. Marsha's Projects Simple Shawl by Jane Hunter. Finished! Used my Into the Whirled handspun. Socks: Using Patons Kroy sock in the colorway Blue Striped Ragg. Turned heel and finished gusset of second sock. Spacetime 18: Heidi Kirrmaier. Using my handspun Flowers From My Garden. On hold. Rag Rugs: Finished threading the reed plan to start weaving today. I'm making two 24”x36” rugs. Deer Scarf: Ben and his roommates rescued a concrete deer lawn ornaments. I am making a red scarf for the deer to wear this holiday.  Weaving Studio: It's a work in progress. I brought two prints to the framer yesterday that will go in the studio. Kelly's Projects Almost finished with Lace and Fade Boxy by Joji Locatelli. I'm using a merino silk handspun along with a skein of Sincere Sheep Vernal (silk/linen). I had a mistake in the lace pattern somehow because my stitch counts got off so I ripped back about 4 inches and am back on track. Fireweed Sock sock two is on the second foot. A definite candidate for finishing during the two PD days at school before students start.  Continued Combing the remaining CVM. I have two-pitch wool combs from Red Barn Farm from long ago. I had about 1.5 lbs left of the fleece that I plan to comb. So far I have about 150 g of combed top. With about 50% waste I figure this is about half done. The remainder of the fleece is very sticky and needs another wash.  Washing and Processing Ernest (2017 fleece) I've rewashed two more batches of about a pound each. These batches are less matted and will be easier to pick. I also started carding the first batch. All have been through the carder once. I decided to add silk to the second round of carding in this batch. My plan is to prep this so that I have a fall/winter spinning project.  Natural Dyeing Pelargonium leaves–orange leaning beige on CA Red fleece and barely beige on BL cross fleece. Purpleleaf plum leaves–pink leaning beige on Tunis yarn and Shetland from suint bath experiment. On both I mordanted the yarn with alum. Future plans from my yard—fig leaves, toyon leaves/twigs, ceanothus leaves/twigs. Also plan to try some dried tan oak leaves from a long ago camping trip. Summer Spin In  Now until September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. We're close to the end! Monterey County Fair Wool Show See page 31 of the exhibitor handbook for these details. Wool Auction: Labor Day, Monday, September 1. At the Community Stage rather than the Livestock pole barn. Auction goers get into the fairgrounds before the fair opens to the public. Enter at Gate 3, auction starts about 11:30 but there is open viewing time for at least an hour or so prior. I think I arrived about 9 am last year.  Lambtown Festival Lambtown is October 4-5 (workshops start Oct 2) in Dixon, CA.  2KnitLitChicks Podcast Get Together  Lake Tahoe, CA September 18-21  

Our heroes visit a house atop a pony in hopes of reclaiming their wishes...   Gain access to an exclusive campaign, Shroud Over Saltmarsh, over on Patreon: https://legendsofavantris.com/patreon The Crooked Moon, a folk horror supplement for 5e, is available for preorder! Get the Crooked Moon at: https://thecrookedmoon.com/ Watch more D&D adventures in the world of Avantris live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/legendsofavantris Check out our merch store: https://shop.legendsofavantris.com  Join our community on Discord: https://legendsofavantris.com/discord Watch our many campaigns on YouTube: https://legendsofavantris.com/youtube  All other links: https://linktr.ee/legendsofavantris   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/cSm9UcS6DRA?si=eONti4k7TPsBkv-y

Today we welcome Ruth Vichos onto the R2Kast!

Marjolein Robertson is an award-winning stand-up, improviser, and storyteller originally from Shetland. Nominated for the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award and the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Comedy Award, her Fringe shows Marj and O both sold out and earned rave reviews!We discuss how she accidentally started with hour-long comedy shows, being influenced by Shetland folklore, why she won't do the “small island” material anymore, the themes within her trilogy of shows, death, the pressure to turn trauma into material, choosing between art or algorithms and is Marjolein Robertson happy…Join the Insiders Club at patreon.com/comcompod where you can WATCH the full episode and get access to 25 minutes of exclusive extras including how a mysterious mind-reader told her to do stand-up, seasonal rhythms, cultural influences and the two-star review which led her to commit full-time.Support the Podcast from only £3/month at Patreon.com/ComComPod✅ Exclusive access to full video and ad-free audio episodes✅ 15 minutes of exclusive extra content with Marjolein✅ Early access to new episodes (where possible!)✅ Exclusive membership offerings including a monthly “Stu&A”PLUS you'll get access to the full back catalogue of extras you can find nowhere else!Catch Up with Marjolein:Marjolein Robertson is at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer with Lein, taking place at the Pleasance Dome from the 30th July to the 24th August.Find all the dates and more at marjoleinrobertson.com.Everything Stu's up to:Come and help me figure out some NEW STUFF at the Edinburgh Fringe: 11th-17th August, 2025. Find all the dates and more at stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy.Discover Stu's comedy about the climate crisis, for everyone from activists to CEOs, at stuartgoldsmith.com/climate. Find everything else at stuartgoldsmith.com.See Stuart live on tour - www.stuartgoldsmith.com/comedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.