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Somerset Stories

Somerset Stories

By Somerset Stories

Exploring the stories of people who live, work, and create in Somerset. From food and drinks pioneers, and creators of music and arts, to local lifestyle and culture experts; join us as we meet the fascinating individuals and families that call this beautiful county their home.
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S2E2 Lyn Paxman

Somerset StoriesNov 21, 2020

00:00
45:56
S5E14 Lulu Urquhart & Adam Hunt

S5E14 Lulu Urquhart & Adam Hunt

Our guests for the final episode of this season are Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt, landscape designers dedicated to nature and ecological restoration. Having partnered together for many years, their philosophy embraces creating spaces that provide tranquility for people, and homes for wildlife. Long term Somerset residents, they were selected to work with Piet Oudolf to create one of the county's most well-known, and transformative gardens at Hauser & Wirth in Bruton. More recently, their first ever garden at the Chelsea Flower Show - which put the spotlight on beavers in rewilding Britain - won the award for Best Show Garden.

Apr 29, 202301:11:36
S5E13 Colleen Bower

S5E13 Colleen Bower

Somerset Stories gets experimental... our guest this week is Colleen Bower, Director of a new annual science festival launching in May.... Somerscience brings together 65 organisations from around the region to showcase and celebrate the amazing world of science, technology, engineering, and maths. Colleen's extensive experience in the education industry, as well as her natural curiosity, are vital to spearheading this event - which aims to connect local people in an engaging way with some of the innovative, fun, and pioneering developments taking place on our doorstep. What's more, this isn't her first festival of this kind - she developed Malta's first large-scale science festival in the Gozo citadel. We met, with days to go before the event and discussed the critical role of STEM in education, and a range of other great topics.

Apr 22, 202353:06
S5E12 Alex Pole

S5E12 Alex Pole

Our guest this week is at the forefront of a revival in the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Alex Pole has been forging creations from metal for over 30 years, and - for the best part of a decade, his focus has been on developing high end ironware for professional and amateur chefs around the world. Alex's dedication to using traditional methods to create practical but beautiful products has won him many fans and followers. In recent years, he's collaborated with chefs such as Nathan Outlaw and Thomasina Myers to write "The Forge Kitchen Cookbook". His latest book, simply titled "Blacksmith", brings to life the history and folklore of life in the trade throughout the ages.

Apr 15, 202358:19
S5E11 Charlotte Howell-Jones

S5E11 Charlotte Howell-Jones

Our guest this week is Charlotte Howell-Jones, a climate campaigner trying to change the world one story at a time. Charlotte's work primarily focuses on creating change and building the climate movement through storytelling, communications and content. A Somerset resident for over 20 years, she is passionate about helping others make an emotional connection with nature. When not busy collaborating with organisations like DearTomorrow and Parents For Future UK, she will most likely be found foraging or nurturing her veg patch with two muddy children. 

Apr 08, 202343:10
S5E10 Nick Hounsfield

S5E10 Nick Hounsfield

Somerset Stories takes on a blue hue this week as we meet Nick Hounsfield, creator of The Wave - the UK's first inland surfing lake - located just outside Bristol. Driven by a passion to help people live healthier lives, more connected to nature, Nick's vision is more than a decade in the making, opening to the public in 2019. As a well as surfing being a great sport, The Wave aims to bring people into contact with water, nature, and each other, in order to create a community atmosphere which allows people to find their own calm and enjoyment in and around the lake.

Apr 01, 202358:25
S5E9 Rosie Phelps-Goggin

S5E9 Rosie Phelps-Goggin

As a mother of identical triplets, this week's guest is literally one in 200 million! After a history of setback and pregnancy complications, Rosie Phelps-Goggin has truly defied the odds, and conventional thinking. Born and raised in Somerset, you can now find Rosie, documenting and sharing her family's highlights in social media, where the adventures of Ava, Connie, Evie, and their big sister Gabriella have a loyal and supportive following of thousands. We met earlier this month, and shared Rosie's memories and thoughts on some personal and poignant topics. As this is such a deeply personal and emotive topic, I feel the need to say that this episode does contain some discussion of pregnancy loss, but Rosie shares her story in a way which is honest and helpful to others who may be going through similar challenges.

Mar 25, 202301:03:35
S5E8 Nicholas Balfe

S5E8 Nicholas Balfe

Somerset Stories serves up a treat, as we meet the Somerset born chef who has opened critically acclaimed restaurants in London, and has made a remarkable return to his Westcountry roots with the opening of Holm in South Petherton. Nicholas Balfe brings a love for seasonality and local produce to the restaurant, which has charmed locals and visitors alike. Holm is inspired by nature and its surroundings, and the team is driven by provenance, sustainability and warm hospitality.Nicholas is also a firm believer in creating a progressive team environment.  Challenging the legacy that the food and drink industry has had in the past. We met in February 2023 and recorded our conversation on site at Holm.

Mar 18, 202357:05
S5E7 Julie - The Fiftyist

S5E7 Julie - The Fiftyist

Our guest this week is a content creator who is a campaigner for pro-age, healthy living, and all-round positivity. Julie - who goes by the social media title: The Fiftyist uses her platform to speak about the pressures, challenges, and biases against age and aging in society. She's an advocate for natural products in beauty and well-being. And after choosing to stop dying her hair, allowing it to transition to its natural silver colour, she one of a growing number of women who - in a space which has previously attracted negativity - are finding a rich vein of confidence and what Julie likes to call sass
Mar 11, 202357:32
S5E6 Rich Clothier

S5E6 Rich Clothier

It's been a while, but we finally talk about cheddar, with someone whose family have been dairy farmers in Somerset for generations. Rich Clothier is the managing director of Wyke Farms - and has been a key part in taking this family business from local producer, to one of the largest independent cheese makers in the UK producing over 16,000 tonnes of Cheddar per year to the same 160-year-old recipe. What's more, Rich has overseen a long-term strategy to make farming and production more sustainable at Wyke, with a mission to be a net positive business. We met back in January of this year and talked about a really wide range of topics that are at the front of mind in rural and agricultural life.

Mar 04, 202355:08
S5E5 Claire Calvert

S5E5 Claire Calvert

Claire Calvert has forged an amazing career with the Royal Ballet Company, dancing some of the most prestigious roles on one of the world's greatest ballet stages. She was born in Bath and grew up learning to dance in the area. Making the decision as a teenager to join White Lodge, the Royal Ballet's boarding school in London, Claire hasn't looked back, and has since become a First Soloist with the company, dancing major roles in productions of Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and many more. We met earlier this month in London and talked about all aspects of life as a professional dancer, the mental and emotional elements of performing, and the resilience of coming back from injury.

Feb 25, 202348:03
S5E4 Tom Bray and Ana Ortiz

S5E4 Tom Bray and Ana Ortiz

Somerset Stories gets fired up this week, as our guests bring a slice of South America to the Somerset countryside. Tom Bray and Ana Ortiz bring together a love of fresh, locally sourced ingredients with the Latin American tradition of asado - a social and theatrical style of cooking over fire. Born in the Galapagos Islands, Ana is a chef who has cooked at some of the regions most prestigious restaurants, while Tom is the man behind Country Fire Kitchen, creating bespoke barbecue kit for aspiring asadors. Based in Wincanton, their passions and business combine with the area's exceptional food culture to produce truly inspiring cooking that's an event in itself.

Feb 18, 202348:27
S5E3 Zara D'Abo

S5E3 Zara D'Abo

This week's guest grew up visiting grandparents in the shadow of Cadbury Castle, and developed a lifelong connection with the area. Zara D'Abo has a life story which covers TV production, travel in East Africa, and working with local cheesemakers. She has now settled in Frome, which she is the founder of Acre and Holt, a tweed work and gardenwear business which puts its emphasis on sustainability, and british production. Zara and I spoke in June of 2022, so there may be a few references that are a little dated. Even so, with so much to cover, there should be something for everyone in what made for a wide ranging conversation.
Feb 11, 202353:44
S5E2 Brad Burton

S5E2 Brad Burton

This week's guest is the UK's #1 motivational business speaker - Brad Burton. Born in Salford, Manchester, a series of big moments, and even bigger decisions led Brad to leave the North West as a young adult, and start his life again in Somerset. It's safe to say a lot has changed since then, and these days, you'll find him writing books, and speaking to business owners and big conferences, where his fresh, positive message is one that stands out amongst the buttoned-down corporate community.

Feb 04, 202351:41
S5E1 Andy Wrintmore

S5E1 Andy Wrintmore

My guest for our first podcast of the season is the former punk rock mayor of Frome, Andy Wrintmore. Andy's involvement in local politics embodies the town's well-documented independent and rebellious streak. But beyond just making great headlines for the likes of the New York Times, Kerrang, and The Sun, his connection and compassion for Frome mean that for him, it's been much more than a PR win. Andy's also a musician, a collector, and has his own podcast, The Giant Pod - all of which we cover in our chat that took place in December of 2022.
Jan 28, 202301:08:45
S4E15 Christmas Special

S4E15 Christmas Special

This year’s Christmas Special has an amazing selection of five guests from all corners of the county, each with their own unique perspective on the festive season.
We’re covering all elements of the Christmas celebration, from food and drink to music and decoration. So now’s the time to put on the mulled cider, and listen to my yuletide conversation with folk singer Cara Dillon, bake-off legend Val Stones, expert glass blower Will Shakspeare, from Thatcher’s cider – Eleanor Thatcher, and Jemima Marks, from the 100% organic Coombe Farm.
Dec 18, 202101:10:59
S4E14 Somerset Stories Retrospective, with Tom Corneill

S4E14 Somerset Stories Retrospective, with Tom Corneill

Over the last 14 weeks, we've shared the stories of some of the inspiring, creative, and successful individuals and families that make this beautiful county their home.
And, in this season finale, we’re going to do something a little different. I’ll be spending some time with our very first podcast guest – musician Tom Corneill.
We’ll be catching up on what’s keeping him busy, but we’ll also be turning the spotlight on the last 18 months of Somerset Stories, considering some of the highlights, challenges, and ambitions. And, we’ll be revealing the top ten most popular episodes so far, so stick around to find out if your favourite is among the top spots.
And, for the last time, we’ll be playing Somerset Who’s Who, the mystery identity game based on people with a Somerset Connection.
Dec 04, 202101:01:49
S4E13 Dr. Andrew Tressider

S4E13 Dr. Andrew Tressider

This week, Somerset Stories meets Dr Andrew Tressider, from the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, and co-host of the Somerset Emotional Well-being podcast. Growing up in the county, Andrew has spent the vast majority of his professional life both as a GP for the community in Chard, and also as an advocate of the health of healthcare professionals. At the start of the pandemic, he launched the podcast to offer support and discussion to those facing challenging times in their emotional and mental health. He’s also a champion of the role of nature in our well-being – championing the benefits of immersing ourselves in the natural world around us.
Nov 27, 202101:06:20
Somerset Shorts: 3 - Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Somerset Shorts: 3 - Gavin Pretor-Pinney

In this edition of our mini-podcast, we revisit an interview from earlier this season, where Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society successfully campaigned to have a new type of cloud classified by the World Meteorological Organization. It's a little nugget of cloud history!

Nov 20, 202109:51
S4E12 Dionne John

S4E12 Dionne John

Somerset Stories goes glam, with the current Mrs Somerset Galaxy – Dionne John
As an advocate and campaigner for heart health awareness, Dionne has represented Somerset at multiple pageants over the last five years, and has used her position to raise awareness and funds for local causes and cancer charities.
She’s due to compete at the UK final at the end of November, and we chatted earlier this month about her journey, her charity work, and her own family life.
Nov 13, 202140:30
S4E11 Cindi & Chas Barnstable

S4E11 Cindi & Chas Barnstable

This week we meet Cindi and Chas Barnstable, the mother and daughter duo at the head of Somerset leather goods institution, Owen Barry.
Following in the heritage and footsteps of generations of leather specialists in their family Cindi and Chas continue to produce top quality goods for an international market. As a member of Leather UK, The trade association for the UK leather industry – they’ve also been featured in a recent publication – The Art of Leather.
We chatted last month, and talked about keeping things in the family, and the history of tanning and leather goods production in Somerset. We also have a cracking game of Somerset who’s who, right at the end of the podcast, so make sure you stick around for that…
Nov 06, 202146:22
S4E10 Freya Mitton

S4E10 Freya Mitton

Freya Mitton is an independent art dealer, with a specialism in 20th Century British Art. Having spent a decade in charge of the Modern British sales department at Sotheby’s in London, Freya works from her home on the edge of the Mendips. Exhibiting at art fairs around the country, Her aim is to sell great quality paintings by established artists, and she is passionate about helping clients find and acquire art works which they can enjoy in their homes and lives.
Oct 30, 202149:58
S4E9 Mike Dean

S4E9 Mike Dean

Our guest this week has made a career out of turning his own knowledge and passion for history into relatable, human stories – first as a teacher, then as a tour guide, and finally, as an author. Mike Dean has written books about Bath, and Somerset, which give a window into the rich history of the area, but condensed into simple chapters, and explained in layman’s terms. Having spent all his life in the West country, Mike is now sharing his enthusiasm for the area, with visitors and locals alike.
Oct 23, 202151:29
S4E8 Caroline Corr

S4E8 Caroline Corr

A very special guest for the podcast's 50th episode is Caroline Corr, a member of Ireland’s most famous musical family, and one quarter of the band that shares their name - The Corrs. Combining traditional folk music with popular and rock influences, The Corrs have sold over 40 million albums worldwide, including the multi-platinum, Talk on Corners, which ranks in the UK charts as of the most successful albums of all time. They’ve shared concert billing will Bono, Stevie Wonder, Mick Fleetwood, Celine Dion and Ronnie Wood. And on top of all that success, Caroline was awarded an honorary MBE in 2005 in recognition of her charitable for and fundraising. We met on a warm autumn morning and chatted about music, motherhood, and a whole lot more.
Oct 16, 202148:43
S4E7 Victoria Humphries

S4E7 Victoria Humphries

We reach the half way point in Season 4, bringing you an interview with polar adventurer Victoria Humphries. As part of the first ever all-female expedition to the North Pole, Victoria went through staggering physical and mental endurance, as well as a near-death experience. Since that adventure she's been back to the Arctic, ran marathons, climbed Kilimanjaro, and attempted other feats of stamina. We chatted through her life lessons and how she uses these to motivate and inspire the people she speaks to through her work.
Oct 09, 202158:44
S4E6 Jemma Warren

S4E6 Jemma Warren

As we approach the traditional carnival season, my guest this week has been part Vagabonds, of one of the county’s well known clubs from a young age. Jemma Warren has also spent over ten years as one of the minority of Somerset’s female lorry drivers. While we’re in the middle of an HGV driver supply crisis in the UK, we chatted last month about her journey towards being a driver, some of the prejudices we face, and just how difficult it is to drive a carnival cart!

Oct 02, 202152:09
S4E5 Gavin Pretor-Pinney

S4E5 Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Somerset Stories gets our heads in the clouds... as we meet advocate and evangelist for one of nature’s most transient and poetic displays. Gavin Pretor-Pinney founded the Cloud Appreciation Society around 15 years ago after a career in the creative industries. He has united tens of thousands of people around the world with a passion for clouds. Along with this global community, he has also written books on the subject, and spoken to a wide range of audiences, from literary festivals to ted talks. We met earlier this month at Gavin’s home in Somerton, and started the podcast in a slightly unusual way – by doing a bit of cloudspotting ourselves. So why not take a moment while you listen to our conversation to look up and do your own daydreaming…
Sep 25, 202101:03:52
S4E4 Dr. Grace Alexander

S4E4 Dr. Grace Alexander

Somerset Stories meets consultant clinical psychologist, writer, flower grower and seed merchant – Dr. Grace Alexander. Keeping extremely busy through writing several psychology books during lockdown, building a successful community around the slow flower moment, and publishing her first gardening book, Grace brings a thoughtful and profoundly truthful perspective to all of life’s complexities. On a personal note, Grace was one of the first people I discovered when looking to launch the podcast. Our conversation covers off so many areas I find deeply interesting about our minds and approach to life, and as such, it was a delight to interview her for this episode. I hope you enjoy listening.

Sep 18, 202154:31
S4E3 Simon Parkin

S4E3 Simon Parkin

Somerset Stories meets Simon Parkin a professional broadcaster who has been informing and entertaining audiences through radio and TV for over thirty years. With a career that’s seen him in The Children's BBC Broom Cupboard, Top of the Pops, and GMTV, as well as a whole host of radio shows, his voice is well known up and down the county to BBC Radio Somerset listeners. Our chat includes a great trip down memory lane, and discussing about supporting the local community during the pandemic.
Sep 11, 202101:12:21
S4E2 Sarah Ashford

S4E2 Sarah Ashford

Everything you wanted to know about quilting... Somerset Stories meets writer and founder of the Great British Quilter community – Sarah Ashford. From designing and making quilts for over twelve years, to writing for magazines, and creating her own podcast, Sarah is a multi-talented creative, with a knack for bringing people together over a love of sewing. Her own designs have seen her collaborate with well known craft brands around the world, and speak at national and international events. We met at Sarah’s studio in Wellington, surrounded by patterns and colours.

Sep 04, 202150:38
S4E1 Charles Dowding

S4E1 Charles Dowding

Our guest for the first episode of this season is one of Somerset’s living legends in gardening. Possibly the country’s most recognised and celebrated gurus of the no-dig method: Charles Dowding. Based at his market garden farm near Castle Cary, Charles has pioneered organic food production, written bestselling books no-dig, and become an internet sensation with his videos and social media channels. We spoke earlier this month, and chatted about his life, achievements, and philosophies when it comes to the soil and where our food comes from.
Aug 28, 202145:53
S3E14 William Sitwell

S3E14 William Sitwell

For the final episode of this season, Somerset Stories meets one of this country’s go-to people for all things food. A writer, restaurant critic for the telegraph, and you’ve probably seen him as one of the guest critics on Masterchef – William Sitwell. When he’s not writing about food and drink, William is also busy running supper clubs, curating wines, and is even a partner in a cider company – right here in Somerset. We met last month to talk about his life growing up, his journey into the world of food, and his love for local produce and cider!

Jul 03, 202154:19
S3E13 Rebecca Lipkin

S3E13 Rebecca Lipkin

This week, we're talking about the Victorian writer, philosopher, John Ruskin. Author Rebecca Lipkin is an ardent student and follower of his work, and has just published a novel which spans 20 years of Ruskin's life and relationships. Looking beyond just his work and writings, Unto This Last explores the complex nature of Ruskin as a person, in a key period of his later life. As well as her own writing, Rebecca is a keen explorer of Bath's architecture, history, and cultural riches.
Jun 26, 202150:37
S3E12 Zac Greening

S3E12 Zac Greening

This week, Somerset Stories meets an artist whose work is inspired by nature and man's many links with our natural environment. Zac Greening has lived in Somerset for the last 14 years, and during that time he has continued to create works that communicate themes of sustainability and biodiversity. Zac has been commissioned by corporate clients and had solo exhibitions around the world. And this year, he’s bringing his creative vision closer to home, as one of the key organisers of the Wincanton Town Festival Market, taking place on 26th June.
Jun 19, 202140:60
S3E11 Will Hamilton-Davies

S3E11 Will Hamilton-Davies

Inspired by his own local natural surroundings, Will Hamilton-Davies has recently crowdfunded and self-published his debut story – The Shrew with the Flu. Coming from a large family where he looks after his younger siblings, Will has a clear passion and skill for getting kids to connect with the environment around them through amusing, but heart-warming writing. We spoke to this emerging talent as a children’s book author about his journey from story-enthusiast to story-teller.
Jun 12, 202101:03:06
S3E10 Julian & Matilda Temperley

S3E10 Julian & Matilda Temperley

This week's guests have collectively been at the centre of the Somerset drinks industry for 50 years… Julian and Matilda Temperley are two of the country’s most prominent faces in the world of cider and cider brandy. Their passion and expertise for creating the highest quality drinks, through the most natural and traditional methods has seen their products grace the tables of Michelin-star restaurants, and the fields of Glastonbury festival, with their iconic cider-bus.
Jun 05, 202152:27
S3E9 Heidi Greensmith

S3E9 Heidi Greensmith

Combining a love of stories, film, and music, award-winning writer and director Heidi Greensmith began writing scripts at the age of 16. Since then, her career which has spanned creating videos for Paul Weller, writing and directing the award winning feature-film – Winter... and a lockdown TV project with Brian Cox. We met in May 2021 to talk about how her own personal journey influences her writing, the joy of collaborating with her husband Dominic, and what's coming up next in her busy schedule.

May 29, 202158:23
S3E8 Hugo Hall

S3E8 Hugo Hall

The image of a hot air balloon, drifting through the Somerset skies at sunset is an iconic image for the county. This week, we meet third generation balloon pilot Hugo Hall of Fly Away Ballooning to talk about what makes Somerset the perfect place to take flight. Hugo's father and grandmother had both been instrumental in the development of ballooning in the UK, and as Hugo embarks on his own project, we talk about some of his highs, and even highers!
May 22, 202149:28
S3E7 Amanda Forster-Searle

S3E7 Amanda Forster-Searle

Our guest this week spent 25 years working in the corporate and media world, before a build-up of stress brought her to realise her calling in emotional freedom and wellness. Amanda Forster-Searle is a practitioner of integrative health, looking at how nutrition, mental health, negative experiences, and energy levels all affect each other in our mind and body. We chatted over Zoom last month, covering everything from toxic workplaces, to an obscure piece of late 90s nostalgia – the Y2K bug… Plus we've got music from Young Martyrs.

May 15, 202153:50
S3E6 Nigel Muers-Raby

S3E6 Nigel Muers-Raby

This week, to mark the upcoming Somerset Day, on the 11th May, my guest is the founder of Somerset Day itself: Nigel Muers Raby. Growing up in a farming family, Nigel has always been an advocate of the rural way of life, and has seen the tremendous potential in uniting Somerset and its people around a day to celebrate produce, culture, and business around the county. Nigel’s career in the arts and business world also made him an ideal candidate to breathe new life into one of the county’s most historic properties – Cothelstone Manor. This year’s Somerset Day has seen a wide campaign to get people celebrating their county by flying the flag for Somerset.

May 08, 202148:10
S3E5 Jai Bess

S3E5 Jai Bess

Somerset Stories meets artist, block printer, and microfarmer – Jai Bess. Growing up in the county, Jai has always had strong values around how we can be better stewards of the land that surrounds us, and wants to create a movement which gives better access to communities looking to produce their own foods in a sustainable way. To communicate this, she creates signature prints which celebrate the freedom that food production and foraging gives us. Most recently, her family has embarked on a microfarming project, with the aim of bringing the food that we eat a lot closer to home. We've also got music from Bristol-based folk singer-songwriter, Jake Morgan

May 01, 202144:14
S3E4 Marvin Muoneke

S3E4 Marvin Muoneke

The Young Man with The Old Soul - Marvin Muoneke is a jazz singer and composer who has made his home in Weston Super Mare. Influenced by the likes of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett, Marvin's talent has seen him perform on The Voice and make it to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent. More locally, he's graced many stages around Somerset including The Weston Playhouse, produced three albums in the last twelve months, and streamed his music live over social media through lockdown.
Apr 24, 202101:16:18
S3E3 Venetia Dearden

S3E3 Venetia Dearden

Venetia Dearden grew up in Somerset and has retained a strong affinity with its landscape and people. Her photographs of local families living close to the land first brought her work to international attention in 2008, on publication of her first book “Somerset Stories, Fivepenny Dreams”. Since then, she has published four other books and been the recipient of several prestigious awards; Her 2010 project “Glastonbury, Another Stage” was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery as a result of a seven year study of the largest performing Music and Arts Festival in the UK. 

Apr 17, 202151:01
S3E2 Bruce Hodgson

S3E2 Bruce Hodgson

Our guest this week is one of the country’s foremost architectural joiners, the founder and creative director of Artichoke – Bruce Hodgson.  Based in Cheddar, Bruce has – over the last 30 years – designed and created interiors for some of the world’s finest and most historical homes. With an ethos that combines technical craftsmanship, historical preservation, and stunning design, Bruce’s vision has created a business that has placed it’s stamp in properties from Jacobean manor houses, to villas in Tuscany.

Apr 10, 202101:07:32
S3E1 Barbara J. Hunt

S3E1 Barbara J. Hunt

In our first episode of Season Three, we meet author, coach, retreat leader, and forgiveness enthusiast Barbara J Hunt. Her first book – “forgiveness made easy” is designed to chart a path towards living without resentment. In her coaching and retreat work, Barbara helps people transform their relationships and reap mental and emotional benefits of forgiving both others and ourselves. As a new feature for this season, we’re showcasing some of Somerset’s musical talent, with tracks from local acts in each podcast. Taynee Lord and the Crookes, are a country-pop group which gives you music for sunsets and highways from Bristol to Nashville.
Apr 03, 202158:42
Somerset Shorts: 2 - Tom Corneill

Somerset Shorts: 2 - Tom Corneill

In our second mini-podcast, we revisit our very first episode, and talk to musician and podcaster Tom Corneill. We chatted about starting a band and recording an album in the middle of a pandemic, and how his Everyday Problems podcast has helped listeners cope with the mental health and well-being challenges we've all faced in the last twelve months.


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Mar 27, 202128:41
Somerset Shorts: 1 - Jaimie Haselock

Somerset Shorts: 1 - Jaimie Haselock

It's our first ever "Somerset Shorts" mini-podcast. After meeting award winning game chef Jaimie Haselock in Season One, we caught up with him to discuss recent charity work, the non-existent game season of 2020, and future plans with the upcoming Wild Scoundrels' TV show.

Mar 13, 202128:36
S2E14 Ash Sinfield

S2E14 Ash Sinfield

Ash Sinfield, together with her husband Nick, co-founded Teals - a brand new food and sustainability destination that is inspired by their time spent in Africa – where local farmers would share crates of fruit, bread, and juices. With it’s location just off the A303, Ash wants to bring that same sense of wonder and hospitality to those living in Somerset, as well as those just passing through.
Feb 13, 202136:27
S2E13 Georgia Stokes

S2E13 Georgia Stokes

Georgia Stokes is the chief executive officer for the Somerset Wildlife Trust. The Trust is focused on restoring and protecting habitats to support a wide range of wildlife in the county, and restore natural processes that are essential for our environment. Growing up in South Somerset, Georgia has spent her career working for leading charitable organisations, including amnesty international and Oxfam, as well as heading up the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. She returned to her home county a few years ago and is presiding over the trust through its challenging times, and preparing to launch a new strategy for the county in the coming months.
Feb 06, 202153:14
S2E12 Joseff Harris

S2E12 Joseff Harris

Ever wanted to know what Somerset would sound like as a suite of ambient soundscapes? This week's episode features our conversation with sound artist Joseff Harris who creates his art from sampling sounds from the Somerset landscapes and transforming them into ambient music to communicate moods and emotions. He has previously worked on theatre productions with The Corn Exchange and The Old Vic. This year, he is partnering with The University of Bristol to capture the sound of communication between plants in forests, and has recently released his first EP – the aptly named Talking to Trees.

Jan 30, 202101:11:40
S2E11 Suzi Bird

S2E11 Suzi Bird

Suzi Bird is a Bristol-based photographer who specialises in newborn, family, pregnancy, and dance and portrait photography. As a dancer herself, Suzi has grown up surrounded by the beauty and creativity of movement. Her understanding of a dancer’s movements combined with her ability to predict when a dancer reaches the climax of their movement, enables Suzi to capture dancers at the perfect moment. Now, her newborn photography helps new parents capture the magic of the first few weeks with their new family.

Jan 23, 202144:02