Undercurrent Stories

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Jeanne Blasberg, author of bestselling & award-winning novels EDEN and THE NINE  and former Wall Street professional who found her true calling in the worlds of literature and regenerative farming. Jeanne shares her remarkable transition from the fast-paced life of finance to the serene and fulfilling pursuit of writing novels and cul...

Join us as we delve into the explosive world of volcanoes with one of the world's leading volcanologists, Prof. Tamsin Mather. As a professor of earth sciences at the University of Oxford and an atmospheric chemist, Tamsin's work has significantly advanced our understanding of volcanic activity. She shares fascinating insights into what volcanoes are, how they form, and the complex proce...

Do you use a fitness tracker? Do you ever read or leave reviews on Trip Advisor or Amazon? Have you read the weather forecast for today? And what about polls for elections? All these are just a few examples of the use of statistics. It seems that  statistics, data and algorithms are increasingly used  to inform, educate and persuade us. Then on another  level how can we make sense of the odds of s...

When I was at school in the 1970s, I remember a book lying around in the sixth form common room. It had a curious cover with a flower and a spanner merged together on a blue background.  The book, entitled Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, had become a popular classic since its publication in 1974, was an instant bestseller, and has since become an American epic. Now, I&a...

Did you know that since 2001, eighty four percent of the world's skyscrapers have been built? Do you know why the Empire State Building was built with a  mooring mast? Why are skyscrapers getting taller and thinner? Here to answer those questions and many more I'm joined by Jason Barr, a professor of economics at Rutgers University, who shares his expertise on the economics and evolution...

Every day (every single day) for 12 years, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Mary Jo, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life. In this uplifting and inspirational conversation Mary Jo tells her fascinating life...

Do you currently meditate? Is it something that you are curious about? Well for me as a child of the 1960s and 1970s my original incorrect perception of meditation was a mixture of Eastern religions, psychedelic music, joss sticks, sitting cross legged, people going to India and ‘finding themselves,’ clearly a lot of misconceptions however, more recently the subject of meditation has become more t...

In this  episode I'm delighted to welcome the Reverend Ainsley Swift , Vicar of St Michael’s Church, Bray, England, to the show. Growing up in Penny Lane Liverpool, (Made famous by The Beatles!),  Ainsley started his work as teacher and took a keen interest in community development work working in and around the docklands area of Liverpool. More recently Ainsley was nominated an honorary Cano...

Ever thought about starting your own podcast? This is an excerpt from the April edition of the U3A Podcast when I was interviewed by Lee Wellbrook. In the conversation we discuss the resources available and basic technological requirements for  starting your own show. There is a lot of information available both online and in book form to help you get started and the podcast community itself is ve...

Delighted to welcome back and continue my conversation with Steve Snow a former senior manager for British Airways and who now runs his own training and coaching company. We hear about Steve's first management role, his work overseas for the airline, his move to Scotland and how he faced and overcame challenges in the face of redundancies and a terrorist attack. However, this inspirational co...

You have probably been  to various functions and nights out where the music was provided by a solo artist. If they performed well you may have considered them to be as good or if not better than a well known artist. You might ask why they haven’t  had their lucky break and reached the dizzy heights of stardom? To answer that question I am joined by a man who in his own words has spent ‘30 years on...

Do you want to achieve improved mental and emotional well-being through natural remedies? Discover the solution to boost your mental health naturally and find your path to emotional wellness. My special guest is Brigitte Mars, a herbalist and Naropa University professor who has dedicated her life to exploring natural remedies for mental and emotional well-being. With a passion for holistic healing...

Discover how the people of Nuneaton are using the power of creativity to revitalise their community, improve their well being and embrace the challenges and opportunities  of the modern world. GRIT is an artist led programme of creativity culminating in  'Art On The Streets' in August 2024 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. Grit are Alisha Miller, Nathan Parker and Simon Winterman. In t...

You've dropped the car off at the airport car park, been processed  through security, boarded the plane and you can now relax  and look forward to your flight. You observe the cabin crew helping passengers , closing the overhead compartments and preparing for the pre-flight safety demonstration.  Have you ever wondered what it must be like working for an airline?  Here to answer that question...

The inspiring story of how two music loving brothers from the English medieval market town of East Grinstead, defied music industry sceptics and created a worldwide smash hit! Cast your mind back to 1991, (If you were around!) Do you remember the collapse of the Soviet Union? The start of the first Gulf War? What about the hit film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and the accompanying hit record, &apo...

Most of us suffer at some point from a body condition that causes an issue. You may have to wear glasses or contacts, you may have a bad back or you may have had work done on your teeth to straighten them. Have you ever wondered why? Here to answer those questions  I am joined by Alex Bezzerides. Alex is a professor of biology at Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho and he recently brought out his f...

How much do you know about what’s going in Ukraine? Obviously we get daily news bulletins from the mainstream media which give  a view on major events but what about the stuff we don't hear about? What everyday life is like for civilians?  Why people from other countries volunteer either on a humanitarian basis or as a soldier? What are their backgrounds? How are they received? How do the Ukr...

Do you enjoy curries particularly those available in Indian restaurants or takeaways? Have you tried making them at home? If like me you have and they are ok,  but never quite taste as authentic as the chef made ones in restaurants, then this episode is for you... Al Constantinou is host of Al's Kitchen which is one of the most popular and successful BIR, (British Indian Restaurant), style co...

Penny Mallory was the first woman in the world to compete in a Ford Focus World Rally Car and remains the only woman to have achieved this. She is an author, highly sought after Keynote Speaker and recognised as one of the world leading authorities on mental toughness. Successful people are mentally tough. No one can avoid the minefield of setbacks, crisis, tragedy and challenge that is part of be...

When you were a child did you ever have a particular passion or interest? Did it fade away as life and making a living took over? Or is it something that you have put off and you have been meaning to get back to?  If you would like some renewed inspiration this episode is for you!  Welcome to a captivating exploration of the harmonious marriage of art and industry, where the rhythmic hum of machin...

In this repeat from one of the show's most popular episodes  you are invited  to join us on a stroll down the historic lanes of Stamford, where the tales of Saxon settlers and Georgian grandeur intertwine, brought to vivid life by my guest, local historian and raconteur, Bill Cunningham. As Bill peels back the layers of time, we wander from the River Welland's influence on the town'...

Have you ever looked up at the moon in the night sky and wondered why it’s there, how it was formed and  what effect it has had on us humans and animals down on Earth? Here to answer those questions and many more I’m joined by Rebecca Boyle. Rebecca is an award winning science journalist contributing to Scientific American, The New York Times and many other publications. She is author of the book,...

Embark on a captivating journey through the depths of our oceans as we uncover the hidden wonders of seaweed with Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor to the United Nations Global Compact and Director of the Food Programme  for the Lloyd's Register Foundation. Prepare to have your perceptions of this oceanic flora reshaped as Vincent guides us from its role in battling global hunger to its remar...

Join us as we sit down with John McGlothlin, a former US Army paratrooper turned author, to discuss the invaluable lessons from his military experience that translate into everyday life. John shares his compelling personal journey from his youth, living with his grandmother, to his post-9/11 military service as an Arabic linguist, JAG officer, and eventually an adjunct professor. Listen in as we u...

Feel the rhythm of a bygone era as I sit down with the charismatic Danielz of T.Rextasy, the acclaimed and world's only officially endorsed T.Rex tribute band. In our heart-to-heart, we peel back the layers of nostalgia, tracing the influence of the legendary Marc Bolan on a generation of music enthusiasts. Danielz recounts his own transformation from a sports-loving teenager to a dedicated m...