National Museums Liverpool Podcast

In the past decade advancements in technology have enabled us to discover more about the universe we inhabit, but should we be delving deeper into the unknown expanses of space when our own planet has issues of its own? Dr. Jackie Bell tells us how important space exploration is for the generations that follow and how it can help us understand and even solve Earth's Problems. Then our very own Pat...

The Mersey River makes the brilliant city of Liverpool, but who was there when the tide quite literally got too high? A hero by any standard, James Clarke saved many locals from drowning in the Mersey in the early 1900s and taught countless others to swim. And, fast forward to 2022, we meet current day heroes through the LifeBoat Station Project , Jack Lowe's ten year mission to photograph all of...

The Liverbirds were the first all-female rock and roll band- defying expectations and even the industry. This disregard for convention is shared by Nine x Nine records, whose goals are to support their artists instead of trying to control them. Both these stories show that through their resistance against authority and control, they truly are rebels in music.

As we look on across Europe to our Ukrainian allies, how can sharing stories of war help us all?

Art galleries have always been a space for quiet contemplation, but in the midst of our modern lives, can they still provide solace during life's biggest challenges?

How has our attitude to sex changed over the generations?

Provocative, intriguing, and perhaps salacious – it’s hard to resist a story about a scandal. Hear a discussion about the legacy of Liverpool losing its World Heritage status, find out what makes a book scandalous and discover why a portrait of Lord Leverhulme caused international outrage.

With Liverpool being a maritime city, a strong relationship with the sea is inevitable. Hear from an open water swimmer about plunging into freezing water and how this can help to free the mind in difficult times and improve mental health. Dive beneath the waves to find out how to play with an octopus and discover what it feels like to make friends with such an amazing and intelligent creature. Ge...

For centuries we have been cutting, dying, curling, straightening, and braiding our hair. But is hair just for expressing personal style – or is there more we can discover about society, history and even ethics? Look back to the Roman period and hear how hairstyle influencers from elite society spread the latest hair trends amongst the masses. Discover the social and political history surrounding...

All bodies are worthy of love and respect. **Content warning: this episode explores stories relating to eating disorders and abortion** Hear the inspiring journey of one Instagrammer, from difficulties with body image to arriving in a place of body acceptance. Through the etchings in our collections by celebrated artist Paula Rego, discover the personal and political stories behind Rego’s abortion...

Who are you and how do you express yourself? In this episode, explore how some people reach out to connect with their ancestors and hear a discussion about the complex identity of scousers with African and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Delve into the world of tattooing as we learn about the original sailor tattoos and look at why marking our skin can help shape our identities in the present day.

Subscribe to the National Museums Liverpool Podcast. Our podcast weaves together stories from our collections with the experiences of people in Liverpool today, exploring connections between the past and the present.

In episode six of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on protest, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: Black Lives Matter Protesting has been an important factor of the Black Lives Matter movement since it started in 2013 and has helped bring about change and awareness to the cause. We talked to Chantelle Lunt educator, writer, e...

In episode five of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on movement, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: Anthony Walker Foundation The unprovoked racially motivated murder of Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker is one of the most shocking incidents in Merseyside’s history. His family, including mother Gee Walker were determined tha...

In episode four of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on isolation, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: The Importance of Being Social Joe is about to turn 16, lockdown took away his social life and in particular the underage nightclub he attended every Monday night. It's a story we're hearing a lot since March 2020, but the di...

In episode three of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on work, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: Transitioning on the Force Detective Sergeant Christian Owens was the first person to transition on Merseyside police and as such has turned his experiences into lessons for forces across the country. In this story he details how...

In episode two of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on resilience, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: From the Ashes The COVID-19 crisis has impacted pretty much every aspect of our lives. All museums and galleries in the UK were forced to close their doors 12 months ago; it was the first time the World Museum has had to do s...

In this first episode of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces three stories on love each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool. Act One: Hello Sailor!  Michael Rudder and Dominic Brown both started a life in the Merchant Navy at the age of 17 in 1969. At sea they both found an openness that would have perhaps been a little more difficult to come by at ho...

Subscribe to the National Museums Liverpool Podcast. Our podcast series weaves together stories from our collections with the experiences of people in Liverpool today, exploring connections between the past and the present. The first six episodes are hosted by Jane Garvey, focusing on the themes of love, work, resilience, movement, isolation and protest.