Undercurrent Stories

In this episode we explore the rich cultural and social landscape of the Edwardian era with historian Alwyn Turner , author of Little Englanders: Britain in the Edwardian Era . From the legacy of Edward VII to the early days of tabloids and the impact of emerging technologies, Alwyn shares insights into how the period shaped modern Britain. Key Topics: The Edwardian Age Defined : What years the er...

What is a Black Hole? How many are there in the Universe? How are they formed? What size are they and what would the consequences be if we were able to travel  to a Black Hole? To answer these questions and many more join me in conversation with Marcus Chown, an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he is a Royal Li...

This episode features Ian Hatton, English guitarist and former member of the hard rock band Bonham.  Our conversation starts with the story  about the foundation of the band in 1988 with Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham. We discuss Ian's journey into composing for TV and film scores and we learn what it was like  playing alongside Paul Rodgers, Jeff Back, Brian...

Live from the Edinburgh Fringe I talk to Sam Bates, the award-winning playwright and director of the Working Progress Collective Theatre. In between performances of his latest play, 'Sessions', we delve deep into Sam's personal journey. From his challenging upbringing, troubled youth and to finding his voice in the world of theatre, the episode offers a raw and honest look at a youn...

In this episode we dive into the transformative journey of Steve Hoffman, author of 'A Season for That'. Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything behind and starting fresh in a new country? Steve did just that when he and his family left their life in Minnesota to embrace the rural charm of a small village in southern France. Steve shares the challenges and joys of adapting to a new c...

In this revealing conversation with Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford and currently Shadow Minister for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Alicia shares insights from her journey into politics, discusses her work as an MP and provides an in-depth analysis of several pressing national and international issues.    Alicia discusses the ongoing learning process wit...

In this insightful episode I sit down with with Toby Mildon, an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Architect and founder of Mildon, a consultancy specialising in creating inclusive workplaces. Toby shares his journey from IT consulting and healthcare technology to becoming a full-time EDI professional at the BBC and eventually founding his own consultancy. Drawing from personal experience and profes...

How many times have you forgotten where your car keys are. Have you ever mislaid your phone? What about the person you met yesterday? Can you still remember their name? On the other hand you might well remember some childhood memories such as specific toys you had or the year in which a specific pop song was in the charts.  Here to talk about memory, answer some of those questions and give some ad...

In this episode  we delve into the creative mind of Steve Carroll, an art teacher and science fiction author. Join us as we explore Steve's unique journey from the visual arts to writing compelling sci-fi narratives, including his latest work, 'Diaspora.' Steve shares his insights into the world of science fiction, discussing how his background in teaching and the arts has influence...

In this fascinating episode, we dive into 'The Untold Story of Refrigeration' with Nicola Twilley, acclaimed author of the book Frostbite and co-host of the podcast 'Gastropod'. Join us as we explore the hidden history and profound impact of refrigeration on our lives, from ancient ice harvesting to the sophisticated cold chain logistics that keep our global food supply fresh....

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...