Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

A new Series of programmes discussing the history, culture, folklore, superstitions and music of the emigres to the New World - the United States of America - and in particular, the Appalachian Mountains. In the this first episode, David speaks with Dr Chloe Woolley at Culture Vannin.

As the new academic year gets underway we find out why some parents are delaying giving their children smartphones, and hear from the education minister about how a no-phone policy has been received in the classroom. With a warning this episode features conversations around self-harm and suicide that some may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics featured in this edition o...

In this special programme, we reflect on 80 years since the end of WW2, with a chance to hear an in depth conversation with 103 yr old veteran of the Forgotten Army, James Fenton and a selection of interviews with residents of the Island who celebrated Victory in Europe.

Manx Radio's occasional series looking back at some of the best of our recent output - yes there is some you non-believers! As selected by H . . .

Isle of Play Director Chris Gregory speaks with Christy DeHaven about the current state and future of play on the Isle of Man, as we enjoy the final weeks of the Summer holidays. We look at growing up here, the facilities available for children, how parenting could help encourage play and much more.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Manx Radio gives you another chance to hear the now 103-year-old Burma Star veteran James Fenton talking about his time with the 14th Army, AKA the ‘Forgotten Army’ in the jungles of Borneo in the 1940’s The programme was first broadcast in 2023.

During the 1960s three-quarters of the Island’s economy relied on tourism with over a fifth of the working population employed in the industry. In "The Comeovers", Dave Moore looks back on that time courtesy of the memories of those who came here to holiday, those who came to work and those who came to entertain.

Sir Barry Gibb chats to Manx Radio's Chris Pearson and Christy DeHaven about his life, the BeeGees and growing up on the Isle of Man!

John Moss takes a look at the history of the ancient Tynwald Ceremony at St John's.

She's back - Siobhán Fletcher marks Pride month 2025 with a special documentary episode of Island Life. Back in 2023, we heard from the likes of Alan Shea and Hazel Hannan in our series 'A Brief History of Pride'. Now, a short verbatim documentary exploring the history of the Isle of Man leading up to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1992 has been released online. Directed by&nb...

H explores the fascinating "Hear Us" project, its links with author Malcolm Lowry, and the sounds under the sea . .

Explores the legacy of Beryl Swain, the first woman to race in the TT, and a local band’s musical tribute raising funds for the Island’s hyperbaric chamber.

H looks back at some of Manx Radio's recent output which you may have missed - from memories of VE Day to Dodgeball via Wetherspoons!

As we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe on 8 May 1945 - we hear from children at Laxey and The Dhoon Schools, and students from Castle Rushen High School and Ramsey Grammar School who have all been researching past generations of their families who were involved in the 2nd World War. What's their reaction to the stories they've discovered? There's also some wonderful archive mate...

The Drumhead Service held in the Villa Marina Royal Hall as part of the Island's commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe. Before the Drumhead Service there was a Commemorative Concert, which is available as a podcast in this Island Life Series.

The complete concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day - held in the Villa Marina on 8 May 2025. The concert was followed by a Drumhead Service which is available as a separate podcast.

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Christy Dehaven takes a trip into the Manx Radio archives to bring you extracts from a programme first broadcast in 1995, presented by the late Roger Watterson, to mark the 50th anniversary in 1995. There's also another chance to hear some Ramsey residents sharing their memorable and very poignant memories of the Second World War.

This week marks Deaf Awareness Week. According to the Manx Deaf Society, one in six people are experiencing signs of hearing loss. Earlier this year the organisation held a Hearing Off Awareness On event to show hearing people what’s it like for those with difficulties to get around to the high street. Channelle Sukhoo was there.

Join H as he looks back at a selection of Manx Radio's vast and varied output over the last couple of weeks! There's more than you think!

Chris Pearson dons his PPE and jumps onboard to experience the RNLI's winter helicopter winching operation with the Air Force, the first for some years.

Christian Jones sits down with the Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson for an extended interview about the Isle of Man Budget 2025

It’s been four years since the last round of local authority elections were held on the Island and seven constituencies elected new members to these boards. But what does it take to be a commissioner or councillor and why should we care about our local authorities? Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper finds out more, chatting to the current Leader of Douglas Council Claire Wells, Garff Commissione...

Scottish author, screenwriter and former Isle of Man resident George Macdonald Fraser is best known for a series of works that featured the character 'Flashman', but he also wrote the 'Octopussy' screenplay and numerous other books. Manx Radio's Terry Cringle - who also read the eulogy at Fraser's funeral in 2008 - took the opportunity to sit down with him and ask about his life and career.

This Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), January 27th, marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex. The theme this year is 'For a Better Future', with organisers saying it's an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all. In this special Island L...

In the week that started with 'Blue Monday', we take a deep dive into the increasingly popular obsession of plunging into the Big Blue. Often referred to as “cold water therapy”, just how therapeutic is it, really? Christy DeHaven speaks to regular dippers, experts and members of the Island’s medical community to find out more.