Podcasts about South West London

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

This podcast episode featured Verla Fortier interviewing Luke Suddards about his community-building initiative for new dads called The Walking Dad Club. Luke, a 37-year-old carpenter from Essex living in southwest London, created the walking group after experiencing a lack of community connection as a new dad. The club meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:30 AM at District Cafe near Battersea Park, where participating dads receive free coffee before taking a 45-minute walk around the park with their babies. Luke also conducts interviews with dads called "The Talking Dads" to share their experiences and struggles, which include sleep deprivation and balancing work and family life. The club has gained popularity with both regular attendees and new participants joining each session, and Luke envisions expanding the concept globally for dads worldwide to connect in nature.Walking Dads Club  InterviewVerla Fortier interviewed Luke Suddards about his program for new dads that incorporates green spaces, which was recommended to her by her son Max who lives in London with his new family. The interview was part of Verla's Outside Mindset podcast, which focuses on the benefits of spending time in nature. The conversation began with technical setup and introductions, with Verla explaining her podcast's purpose and Luke confirming his background before diving into details about his program for new fathers.New Dad Walking Club InitiativeLuke explained his motivation for creating a walking club for dads, which originated from his desire to find a community after moving to South West London and becoming a new father. He described how the idea formed while he was looking for a simple, low-barrier activity that new dads could easily participate in, given their busy schedules and tiredness. Luke mentioned that his partner Chelsea owns a cafe near Battersea Park, which would serve as a convenient meeting point for the walking club.The Walking Dad Club DiscussionLuke and Verla discussed the creation of "The Walking Dad Club," a community group for new fathers that Luke founded after noticing a lack of support for new dads compared to mothers. Luke explained that the club's name is a reference to the TV series "The Walking Dead" to represent how new fathers often feel exhausted and "walking dead." Verla shared positive feedback about the group's visibility and impact when they were seen in Battersea Park, with other families expressing interest in joining.Dads Meet-up and Interview InitiativeLuke described a regular meet-up for dads that takes place at District Cafe near Battersea Park in London every 1st and 3rd Sunday at half past nine. The group walks around the park for about 45 minutes starting around quarter to ten, with participants using a WhatsApp group to share live locations and coordinate. Luke also mentioned interviewing some dads through "The Talking Dads" initiative to document their experiences and struggles with work-life balance, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to fatherhood in the UK.Dads Podcast Planning DiscussionLuke discussed plans to create a podcast featuring in-depth interviews with individual dads to share experiences and tips. Verla expressed support for the initiative and highlighted research showing the benefits of outdoor activities for new dads. Luke emphasized how the group provides support, builds confidence, and serves as a positive model for father-child relationships and male community connections.The Walking Dad Club InitiativeLuke discussed his experience creating The Walking Dad Club, expressing surprise at how many people attended the first meeting after a previous book club attempt had no participants. He described the vision of a global movement where dads worldwide take walks at the same time on the first Sunday of each month, starting at 9:30 AM. Luke provided contact information for followers to connect with the club through Instagram @The_Walking_Dad_Club, email luke@thewalkingdadclub.com, or a WhatsApp group.Walking Club Instagram DiscussionLuke discussed his Instagram handle for his walking club, which shares general content about walking with children and updates on specific walks. Verla mentioned she would include the links in the show notes and encouraged listeners to follow the account. Verla thanked Luke for his work and encouraged listeners to reach out to friends for regular walks, emphasizing the benefits of connecting with nature and the mind.For peer reviewed research on how your time  spent in green space can change your  mindset,   balance  your nervous system and  your heart  rate please go to verlafortier.substack.com  and check out my books Take Back  Your Outside  Mindset:  Live Longer, Stress Less, and Control  Your Chronic Illness and  Optimize Your Heart Rate: Balance Your Mind and Body With Green Space

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Reading recent research on making connections and creating community made me want to share this story. Last month, I was a regular granny in Clapham Common Park in the UK, pushing her grandson in the infant swing – all I could see was his smiling eyes.  Nothing else in the world mattered. I am 73 and had just arrived in London to celebrate my only grandchild's first birthday and my son's first father's day. I live in Manitoba, Canada. After our lovely time in Clapham Common, my grandson and I both went down for our needed naps in my son and daughter in law's home in the Battersea area of South West London. When I woke up from my nap, my lovely daughter in law said to  me “you left your purse in the park by the swings. The mom who found it is on her way over to drop it off.” When this mom immediately appeared with her sweet daughter  - both all smiles and grace at the door, all I could do was thank her over and over again. This is what I pieced together from what she and my loved ones told me. The mom had seen me in Clapham Common Park pushing my grandson in the swing. When she left the park she noticed a purse on the ground by the swing. She looked inside and asked if anyone named “Verla” was in the park. No one by that name answered her. In my purse was my phone and this mom somehow found and called my first emergency contact, my partner in Canada. He said “thank you so much I will call her!”  The young mom replied “ you won't be able to do that because I am calling you on her phone.” Then this young mom  found my eldest son's number, my second  emergency contact and he has a UK number. She was able to reach him while he was in a corporate meeting. He excused himself and together they figured out the logistics of how to  get my purse with my phone, credit cards, and  government information back to me. This mom offered to drop it off on her way home saying “it is no trouble – we live in the Battersea area.” After this mom talked to my son and they figured everything out, she called my partner in Canada again to tell him that everything was sorted. He was relieved and so grateful that she took the time to call him back to let him know all was fine. Now that I am back to my small hometown, Pine Falls, Manitoba, my friends are amazed and tell me  how lucky I was to  have had this angel find my purse. This mom's good will has spread across the Atlantic and will keep going. She is still making people feel good about other people in the world. Thank you again to this mom's act of  compassion for this granny who only had eyes for her grandson that lovely morning in Clapham Common Park. It could have gone so horribly wrong if not for this angel in the park.  To this wonderful mom: you  make me, my friends, and my family even more in love with this world, it's people, and Clapham Common. To this human angel in Clapham Common: you are my hero. Thank you for all that you do for others. May your kindness circle back to you over and over again.  I will be in contact with you to thank you again for making this world a little brighter.  PS. I have made contact with this mom now. She said she and her daughter found the whole thing a “great adventure” and they were happy to do what they did. So there you go, what a lucky little daughter to have a mom to model such kindness. And I do wonder if the research that shows generosity increases in green space helps to support angels like this mom and daughter. And of course I am sending a little gift to that lovely daughter who is just like her mom.  The green space research I am referring to says that the problem is that modern communities frequently struggle with a lack of social cohesion, loneliness, and, in some cases, high rates of crime. Green spaces act as social catalysts that encourage interaction, strengthening community bonds. Studies show that neighborhoods with more greenery have stronger ties, better "neighboring" behaviors, and lower crime rates. Shared natural areas increase feelings of community, belonging, and safety. All the best to you this summer wherever you may live and may it involve some time in a lovely green park with your purse close at hand while you take back your outside mindset.  For peer reviewed research on how your time  spent in green space can change your  mindset,   balance  your nervous system and  your heart  rate please go to verlafortier.substack.com  and check out my books Take Back  Your Outside  Mindset:  Live Longer, Stress Less, and Control  Your Chronic Illness and  Optimize Your Heart Rate: Balance Your Mind and Body With Green Space

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

John Cull with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The week's local news for Surrey and South West London with Graham Laycock. More in Surrey Live and in the Times South West London series.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Murray Biggs, founder of Woven & Woods, for a proper honest chat about retail, showroom design, customer experience, and what it really takes to build a flooring business that stands out.Murray shares how he went from working in carpet retail at 16 to opening his first showroom in Twickenham with borrowed money, limited budget, and a clear idea of what he didn't want to be. No red sale banners. No showroom packed with every stand going. No bland retail experience that looks like everyone else.Instead, Woven & Woods was built around impact, storytelling, and making the customer feel like they are in the right place before anyone has even started selling to them.The conversation gets into the thinking behind showroom layout, why too much choice can become a problem, how data helped Murray decide where to open his second showroom in Richmond, and why customer experience matters more than ever when footfall is harder to come by.It is also a very real conversation about the less glamorous side of growth: cash flow, overheads, staffing, warehousing, business partners, self-doubt, and learning how to back yourself again when business gets difficult.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Murray started Woven & Woods with £25,000 of seed money and less than £10,000 left to build the first showroomWhy he refused to create a typical flooring shop full of manufacturer stands and sale bannersHow cheap materials, used properly, helped create a high-impact showroom with a clear identityWhy Woven & Woods limits its carpet ranges rather than trying to show everythingThe importance of using data, not just gut feeling, when opening a second showroomHow the river between Twickenham and Richmond affects customer behaviour more than you might expectWhy the first few steps inside a showroom matter, and how customers need space to settle into the environmentHow showroom design can tell a story before the sales conversation even startsWhy a messy showroom is a non-negotiable problem for MurrayHow to make flooring one of the enjoyable parts of a stressful renovation projectWhy customer experience is about much more than being friendlyThe hidden costs of running retail showrooms in London, including rent, rates, warehousing, staff, pensions, and cash flowWhy bigger businesses often come with bigger problemsThe best business advice Murray has read, and why focusing on what you are best at helped the business growThe danger of choosing the wrong business partner, even when the opportunity looks right at the timeHow a difficult year in business led Murray to question his decision-making and join Make or BreakWhy sometimes the thing holding the business back is the person running itMemorable Quote:“I would probably lose interest in the business if the business lost its wow factor to clients.”Speaker Information:Murray Biggs is the founder of Woven & Woods, a flooring and carpet retailer based in South West London, with showrooms in Twickenham and Richmond.Woven & Woods focuses on the mid to high-end residential market, helping customers choose flooring, carpets, wood flooring, and other products for homes and renovation projects. The business is known for its distinctive showroom style, carefully selected product ranges, and customer-first approach.Website: https://www.wovenandwoods.comInstagram: @wovenandwoodshttps://www.instagram.com/wovenandwoods/Facebook: @wovenandwoodshttps://www.facebook.com/wovenandwoods/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zBTR6F44i7E6Tp4k6t8jvApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1668971415YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUKFlooringPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

The Great Pogoda in Kew Gardens has a long and varied history that most people miss when visiting this wonderful site on the Thames in South West London. Let us tell you all about it.....

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Phil, Jim, Pete and Simon Pentol KC talk Dinos, City, the Cup and the history of South West London. ⁠⁠westhampodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@westhampodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Produced by Paul Myers and Mike Leigh  A Playback Media Production  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playbackmedia.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

This week we talk about our amazing performance in the 5-3 win over Ipswich on Saturday, Broadhead celebrating a goal against his previous club and numerous man of the match contenders.We discuss the midweek draw at Ashton Gate as we shared the points with Bristol City, the FA Cup draw as we pull Chelsea out of the hat and an email from the son of an ex Wrexham manager with connections to our South West London opponents.We also preview our double game week as we welcome Portsmouth to the Racecourse on Tuesday and travel to London to face Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Ryan teaches us some more Welsh and Siân has a go at this week's quiz.If you would like to ‘Buy us a coffee' then check out this link to support the show: buymeacoffee.com/methewifeClick to message the show

John Cull with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks compiled by Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

In this episode, we explore approaches to science and plant medicines beyond Western European contexts, where botanic gardens would have played an integral role. We also explore the origins and historical associations of Botanic Gardens, including Gardens of Paradise and Monastic Gardens. This episode features the  pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its many associations, and the Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina (c. 980–1037 AD).Molly Marsh is the Visitor Experience Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden and has expertise in the medical humanities. Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist specialising in plant medicine, as well as a trained chef and market garden grower. Her work centres on finding innovative ways to connect people with their environments through the stories of plants.Wormcasts is a podcast from Chelsea Physic Garden, created by the Young Producers – a group of 16 – 24 year olds working to engage more young people with the garden.  This series explores the global histories of botanic gardens, deceptive plants, working in the garden, and plants in the context of health and wellbeing. Wormcasts are the microbially rich and fertile clumps of soil that worms leave next to their burrows as they forage for food. The Young Producers hope you enjoy the arisings that come from this little patch of green in South West London.  This series was collaboratively produced by the Young Producers at Chelsea Physic Garden (Hwei-Linn Khoo, Amelie Rossati, Zachary Sukonkin, and Tymon Zgorzelski), coordinated by Richard Choksey. The lead producer is Jelena Sofronijevic. Editing and Sound Design by Tymon Zgorzelski. 

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

Graham Laycock introduces Diana Roberts of Destination Toolkit with the essential guide things to see and do in Surrey and South West London over the coming weeks.

At the midway point in the Prem season Harlequins find themselves in a crisis. They're 8th in the table, having only won two of their nine games, including a 66-21 defeat to Northampton at the weekend.So, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are at The Stoop to chat with the Quins CEO Laurie Dalrymple. They discuss the coaching upheaval in the summer and the knock on impact to the clubs current struggles, player retention and why so many academy products have departed South-West London, as well as the importance of keeping Marcus Smith and the clubs financial situation in regards to an aim of breaking even. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wormcasts is a podcast from Chelsea Physic Garden, created by the Young Producers – a group of 16 – 24 year olds working to engage more young people with the garden.  This series explores the global histories of botanic gardens, deceptive plants, working in the garden, and plants in the context of health and wellbeing. Wormcasts are the microbially rich and fertile clumps of soil that worms leave next to their burrows as they forage for food. The Young Producers hope you enjoy the arisings that come from this little patch of green in South West London.  This series was collaboratively produced by the Young Producers at Chelsea Physic Garden (Hwei-Linn Khoo, Amelie Rossati, Zachary Sukonkin, and Tymon Zgorzelski), coordinated by Richard Choksey. The lead producer is Jelena Sofronijevic. Editing and Sound Design by Tymon Zgorzelski.  The Young Producers are funded by generous charitable donations by the Garden's supporters.Unearthing in January 2026 - listen and follow, wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring classical trumpeter and soloist Imogen Whitehead, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Imogen Whitehead trumpet interview"   Find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here: https://bobreeves.com/blog/imogen-whitehead-trumpet-interview-the-other-side-of-the-bell-145/   About Imogen Whitehead: British trumpeter Imogen Whitehead is in demand across the UK and internationally, enjoying an increasingly diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral principal. A passionate advocate for new music, Imogen serves on the International Trumpet Guild's 'New Works' committee and has premiered numerous works by composers such as Sally Beamish and Stephen Dodgson. Many of these are featured on her recently released debut solo album, Connection. As a particular champion of the flugelhorn – an instrument often overlooked in the classical sphere – Imogen is dedicated to raising its solo profile through new commissions and arrangements. Her most recent commission, Ennui by Noah Max (for flugelhorn and piano), was supported by the Vaughan Williams Foundation and premiered in June 2025. Recent and upcoming highlights include concerto performances with Britten Sinfonia of Barry Mills' Trumpet Concerto (world premiere, July 2025) and Hummel's Trumpet Concerto (May 2025), the latter also featuring live on BBC Radio 3's In Tune. Imogen launched her solo album at London's iconic St Martin-in-the-Fields (May 2025), with further recitals at Proms at St Jude's (June 2025) and Wimbledon International Music Festival (November 2025). In addition to her position as Principal Trumpet with Britten Sinfonia, Imogen performs regularly as Guest Principal Trumpet with other leading orchestras internationally. In March 2025, she toured Germany and Belgium with Aurora Orchestra and Abel Selaocoe and next season joins the London Symphony Orchestra for a European tour. In recent years, she has performed in London's West End and played on major film soundtracks including Maestro and Saltburn. Imogen is currently Artist-in-Residence with St Martin's Voices and a member of the acclaimed wind and brass collective, Neoteric Ensemble. She is deeply committed to music education, community engagement, and equal opportunity, serving as an Associate and Mentor for GALSI (Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments), an initiative promoting gender equality in brass and percussion. She is also involved in Britten Sinfonia's pioneering outreach work, has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Resound' education and community programme, and regularly leads masterclasses at conservatoires across the UK. Based in South West London, Imogen also volunteers as a befriender through the Wimbledon Guild. An alumna of the Royal Academy of Music, Imogen studied with professors including Mark David and Gareth Small and subsequently studied privately with Norwegian soloist Tine Thing Helseth. In April 2025, Imogen was awarded Associateship of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM).   Episode Links: imogenwhiteheadtrumpet.com Connection: Imogen's debut solo album GALSI: Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments (www.largeandshiny.com) Imogen on Instagram (@imogen_trumpet) on YouTube (@imogentrumpet) on TikTok (@imogentrumpet) 'To Stay Open' by Charlotte Harding, outdoor performance on YouTube   Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Cover Photo Credit - Matthew Johnson Photographer Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

We review the Charlie Kirk memorial and discuss how Erika Kirk has been receiving the Amber Heard treatment online. Also, why women who refuse to be victims are often hated the most and women as symbols of cultural meaning. Plus, American evangelicalism, 'over performing' during times of grief, the first person industrial complex of confessional writing as the highest form of self-expression, forgiveness, and the "life disabled".Apologies for the noise of parakeets near the end, there are flocks of them in and around South West London, with many competing urban myths as to why!