Undercurrent Stories

Wall Street, Writing and Rural Renaissance with Jeanne Blasberg. Episode Live!
Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Jeanne Blasberg, a former Wall Street professional who has transformed her life into that of an acclaimed author and regenerative farming advocate. Jeanne shares her fascinating story of leaving the high-stakes world of finance to pursue her true passions in writing and sustainable agriculture.

Discover how Jeanne’s experiences on Wall Street influenced her literary work, including her latest novel, "Daughter of a Promise." She also opens up about her dedication to regenerative farming, and how it parallels her creative process. This episode is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the remarkable paths it can lead to. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the synergy between storytelling and farming! 🌿📚

Tune in now and be inspired! 🎧 Spotify: http://tiny.cc/nor9zz
✨

Wall Street, Writing and Rural Renaissance with Jeanne Blasberg Listen to this episode from Undercurrent Stories on Spotify. 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 rege...

Latest episode with Tamsin Mather out now!
Everything you want to know about Volcanoes and More. Listen at https://undercurrentstories.com
WARNING: Highly explosive content!

CONFESSIONS OF A VOLCANOLOGIST with TAMSIN MATHER.

This week we dive into the explosive world of volcanoes with the incredible Tamsin Mather! 🌍🔥 As a leading volcanologist and professor at the University of Oxford, Tamsin shares fascinating insights into the science behind volcanic eruptions, her thrilling expeditions, and her newly published book, *Adventures in Volcanoland*.

From the fiery eruptions of Mount Etna to the unique carbonate volcanoes of Tanzania, discover what these natural wonders reveal about our planet and ourselves. 🌋✨

🎧 Don't miss this captivating episode! Tap the link below to listen now! 🔗https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6a068734-7f9f-4085-80af-f38af507c248

The Art of Randomness: Prof. Jeffrey Rosenthal on Probability & Statistics. Episode Live!

Listen at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/ or search 'undercurrent stories' on any podcast app.

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 something. Could be the odds of winning the jackpot on a lottery or even the chance of being struck by lightning? We may regard ourselves as lucky or unlucky. So the big question is on one hand we have the science and all the data to give us considered answers and on the other our society’s belief and superstition with such things as bad luck happens in 3s, touching a piece of wood, 4 leaf clovers and black cats. What is the answer?

Well here to help us make sense of it all I am delighted to be joined by Professor Jeffrey Rosenthal. Jeffrey is Professor of Statistics at the University of Toronto and author of several books with his most recent book being Knock on Wood: Luck, Chance and the Meaning of Everything. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knock-Wood-Chance-Meaning-Everything/dp/1443453072

Professor Jeffrey's links;
http://probability.ca/jeff/
https://x.com/ProbabilityProf

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: Zen and Now with Mark Richardson. Episode Live! 🏍️
Listen at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

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'm not sure if any of us at school actually read the book in full, as we weren't sure what to make of it. Was it about motorcycle maintenance? Was it about Zen and Eastern mysticism and philosophy? Or was it just the story of an American road trip? Well, here to discuss the book and to celebrate it's 50 year anniversary , I'm delighted to welcome Mark Richardson to the show.

Mark is a journalist and author and former automotive editor of the Toronto Star. Among his books is a book entitled Zen and Now, which retraces Robert Pirsig's original road trip. Mark's book has been critically acclaimed as a good primer for would be readers of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Mark's links;
https://markrichardson.ca/

Mark's Book: Zen and Now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Now-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Departures/dp/0307390691

Mark Richardson Author

New Episode Alert! 🎙️THE RISE OF SKYSCRAPERS WITH JASON BARR.
Listen at: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

Did you know that 84% of the world's skyscrapers have been built since 2001?
The latest episode of Undercurrent Stories features Jason Barr, a leading expert on the economics of skyscrapers, professor of economics at Rutgers University and author of the book, Cities in the Sky. https://www.citiesintheskybook.com/
In this episode, we delve deep into the fascinating world of tall buildings and the ever-growing quest for super tall structures around the world. Here are three key takeaways from our enlightening conversation with Jason:

EVOLUTION OF SKYSCRAPERS: Did you know that the term "skyscraper" was first used in the early 1880s to describe tall buildings in New York City and Chicago? The definition of a skyscraper has evolved over time, with the current standard being around 150 meters in height. The history of skyscrapers is intertwined with the economic growth of cities and the constant quest for taller and more innovative structures.

ENGINEERNG MARVELS: The technology behind skyscrapers has advanced significantly, allowing for the construction of taller and thinner buildings. From maglev elevators to wind tunnel testing, engineers have developed innovative strategies to ensure the safety and stability of these towering structures. The future of skyscrapers looks promising with ongoing advancements in structural design and construction techniques.

GLOBAL GROWTH OF SKYSCRAPERS: While the U.S. continues to be a hub for tall buildings, countries like Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula are witnessing a surge in skyscraper construction. Mega projects like Neom in Saudi Arabia are reshaping skylines and urban landscapes, reflecting a global trend towards vertical urbanization. The iconic status of skyscrapers as symbols of economic progress and architectural innovation is driving their proliferation worldwide.

If you're intrigued by the world of skyscrapers and want to learn more about the economic, engineering, and cultural aspects of these towering structures, be sure to tune in to the latest episode with Jason Barr. You'll gain a new found appreciation for the art and science of building cities in the sky. 🌆✨

Listen to the full episode on Undercurrent Stories and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Jason's links:
https://www.citiesintheskybook.com/

Enhancing Life with a Daily Practice!: Mary Jo Hoffman.
Episode Live!
Listen at Spotify: http://tiny.cc/kmvqyz
Apple: http://tiny.cc/tmvqyz

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 story and how anyone can take up a daily creative practice and experience something quite extraordinary!

Mary Jo's links:
https://stillblog.net/
https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Meditation Revelations with Claire Billings. Episode Live!

Do you ever 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 talked about and mainstream.

I was keen to invite a guest on the show who could explain about the practice of meditation and I am delighted to be joined by Claire Billings. Claire is a well being-centred leadership coach and consultant with an emphasis on helping women develop their skills and attributes into their first time leadership roles.

In the episode we discuss;

* The history of meditation
* Different types
* Mindfulness
* The benefits of meditation
* Meditation for beginners

Claire also gives a live 2 minute mini meditation which you are invited to join in!



Claire's links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-billings-2217846/
https://www.instagram.com/maketheleap222/
https://www.instagram.com/clairebillings7/

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

The Vicar of Bray: Revd Ainsley Swift.
Episode Live!
(Episode Description and Link in comments)

The Vicar of Bray with Reverend Ainsley Swift. Episode out Thursday 4th June.

How to Start a Podcast. Episode Live! 🎤🎧😄

Listen at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

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 very helpful.

So if you are thinking about starting a show or are just curious I hope you enjoy this episode.

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Reflect, Learn, Do Something Different! Success at Work and in Life: Steve Snow. Episode out now! 😀

Apple http://tiny.cc/qxj7yz
Spotify http://tiny.cc/ixj7yz

Delighted to welcome back Steve Snow a former senior manager for British Airways and who now runs his own training and coaching company.

Steve talks about his 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 conversation is much more than a biography. Steve shares his thoughts and insights on what to expect to face as a successful leader not just in the aviation industry but in all businesses and in all walks of life where there are people.

There really is something for everybody to take away from this I believe.

I hope you enjoy the show.

Steve's Links;
Training and Coaching Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snow-aa212812/

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

POP IDLE: 30 years on the Road as a Professional Singer: Dave Dawson Episode Live!

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 the bottom rung of the showbiz ladder.’ His name is Dave Dawson and today he is a full time care home musician, author and has just brought out his latest book entitled ‘Pop Idle: 30 years on the Road as a Professional Singer. Dave has banked a wealth of experience on the live music circuit. and he reveals how along the way, he’s had brushes with fame and fandom, st*****rs, stalkers, crooks,, inebriated punters, prima donnas and various other colourful characters!

The real moving part of this interview however, is how Dave has found a truly wonderful vocation playing his music to the residents of care homes. His wide repertoire of songs, stagecraft and music skills are bringing joy and pleasure to residents and he's loving it too!
Episode links: Spotify http://tiny.cc/xz64yz
Apple http://tiny.cc/a674yz

Dave's links:
https://www.facebook.com/davedawsonentertainer/
https://twitter.com/DerekPhilpott
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-Idle-years-professional-singer/dp/B0CYT4S142

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Pop Idle! Dave Dawson reveals what 30 years on the road as a professional singer is really like! Episode out Thurs 16th May.

The 45 MINUTE GUIDE TO NATURAL REMEDIES FOR A HAPPY & HEALTHY MIND: BRIGITTE MARS. EPISODE LIVE!

Hear the episode. Spotify: http://tiny.cc/1mv0yz
Apple: http://tiny.cc/cmv0yz

Humans have come a long way. From our origins as hunter gatherers, agrarian societies, industrial revolutions through to the modern global information society.

We've become very 'smart' and yet in today's modern interconnected world so many people suffer from stress, depression, anxiety and other psychological and emotional issues.

We don't seem to have fixed that and the normal answer is to seek medications from our health care systems. But is that the answer? Medications can take their toll too with physical side effects. Is there an alternative?

My guest today would argue that there is. We live in a time where we can combine lots of alternative methods of healing.

So it gives me great pleasure to welcome Brigitte Mars to the show.
Brigitte is an herbalist, Naropa University professor and author. Her latest book is 'Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Health, Holistic Methods and Techniques for a Happy and Healthy Mind.' The book presents a wealth of holistic self-care therapies that are designed to heal the mind and nurture the soul, two essential keys to a happy, joyful life.

In this episode, you will be able to:
· Discover natural remedies for mental health to improve your well-being.
· Uncover the benefits of herbal medicine for mental and emotional wellness.
· Learn how to grow medicinal herbs at home for your mental health toolkit.
· Explore the impact of diet on emotional well-being and how it can enhance mental health.
· Delve into the historical use of plants in medicine and its relevance to mental health today. Links:

Brigitte's links:
https://www.brigittemars.com/
https://www.instagram.com/Brigitte.Mars
https://www.facebook.com/brigittemarsherbal
https://www.tiktok.com/
https://www.youtube.com/BrigitteMars1919

Book Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-Remedies-Mental-Emotional-Health/dp/164411786X
Brigitte Mars Inner Traditions/Bear & Co.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grit-nuneatons-creative-revolution-with-alisha-miller/id1508727524?i=1000654312125

‎Undercurrent Stories: GRIT: Nuneaton's Creative Revolution with Alisha Miller and Nathan Parker on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Undercurrent Stories, Ep GRIT: Nuneaton's Creative Revolution with Alisha Miller and Nathan Parker - 1 May 2024

GRIT: Nuneaton's Creative Revolution with Alisha Miller and Nathan Parker. Episode Live!

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.

Come Fly With Me: Inside British Airways with Steve Snow. Episode Live! 😃✈️
Spotify: http://tiny.cc/cuwuxz
Apple: http://tiny.cc/guwuxz

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 I'm joined by Steve Snow. Steve has spent his career in the airline industry with British Airways right through from trainee to senior management.

You'll hear how chance conversations and serendipity led to Steve’s first roles, you will understand what it takes to make cabin crew and through some of Steve’s many stories, sometimes very humorous, you will get a unique behind the scenes look at how things work within a major international airline.

Steve's Links;
Training and Coaching Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snow-aa212812/

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Right Said Fred: Richard and Fred Fairbrass. Episode Live! 😃🎙🎛

Listen to the episode. Spotify: http://tiny.cc/bfysxz
Apple: http://tiny.cc/ffysxz

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, 'Everything I do I do for You' by Bryan Adams? It stayed at no. 1 in the UK charts for 4 months!

Nestling right behind the chart topper at no 2 for 6 weeks in the UK chart was the hit, 'I'm too Sexy' by the band Right Said Fred. It went on to be a major hit worldwide and charted at no. 1 all over the world.

Fast forward to 2024 and I'm delighted to be joined by Richard and Fred Fairbrass the duo that is Right Said Fred.

In this insightful and gently humorous conversation you will learn;

*The amusing story behind the lyrics to 'I'm too Sexy'
*The Jimi Hendrix guitar riff that largely went unnoticed in 'I'm too Sexy'
*How it felt being thrust into the limelight with a worldwide smash hit
*What it was like working with David Bowie and Bob Dylan, (The human side of celebrity, 'They are just blokes.')
*Cancel culture. Being 'cancelled' by book publishers and radio for speaking out
*What it is to be truly 'indie'
*The joy of the creative process over success
*Perseverance in the face of scepticism
*Advice for aspiring musicians in today's music industry
*Their continued success with new releases, upcoming festival dates and 'Still Too Sexy' their new biography

This conversation is a look at the determination and self-belief that fuel a musician's journey to the top however, above all the interview reveals the strong bond between two brothers bound by their love of music and how this special relationship gave them their grit and relentless spirit needed to break through.

Links:
https://rightsaidfred.com/
https://twitter.com/TheFreds
https://www.instagram.com/rightsaidfredofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/RIGHTSAIDFREDUK
https://www.tiktok.com/

Book: 'Still Too Sexy'
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Still-Too-Sexy-Surviving-Right/dp/1913172503

Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Richard and Fred Fairbrass from Right Said Fred
Episode out Thurs 18th April!

Evolution Gone Wrong: Why Our Bodies Work or Don't: Alex Bezzerides.
Spotify: http://tiny.cc/5zhqxz

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 first book called, (Evolution Gone Wrong The Curious Reasons Why Our Bodies Work or Don’t).

Expect to learn the surprising ways in which our bodies have evolved.

Links:
http://alexbezzerides.com/
https://twitter.com/alexbezzerides

Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Gone-Wrong-Curious-Reasons/dp/1335690050

The Truth About the War in Ukraine with Matt Gallagher.
Hear the episode at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

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 Ukrainian people see an end to the war?

To help answer these questions and many more, I am joined by Matt Gallagher. Matt is a US Army veteran who volunteered and helped civilians at the start of the war in 2022 and then returned again in 2023 as a journalist. His experiences led him to publish his fourth novel, Daybreak which takes place in present day Ukraine and features a disillusioned American volunteering for the war and to reconnect with a woman from his past.

I found the novel very powerful as it is set in the present with a war still going on. It certainly helped me understand it from a human level.

I hope you enjoy the episode, that it helps further your own understanding and answers some of those unanswered questions.

Links:

http://mattgallagherwriter.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/mattgallagher0/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Gallagher_(author)
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Daybreak/Matt-Gallagher/9781501177859

Have a great weekend everyone!

How to Cook Your Best Curry Ever! with Al's Kitchen.😀🕌

Listen at: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/
or Spotify http://tiny.cc/ri3kxz / Apple http://tiny.cc/zi3kxz

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 cooking channels on YouTube. With over 200 videos to choose from, Al teaches how to make all your favourite curries at home.

Expect to learn the secrets behind base gravies, the importance of using the correct equipment and how the correct use of heat with garlic and spices is so important.
Let Al teach you in his unique and affable style and manner and you will see how he has become so popular.
Then let the results speak for themselves. This is a game changer!

Al's links;
https://www.youtube.com/
https://alskitchen.uk/
Al's KitchenSpotify

365 ways to Live a More Relaxed, Happy and Successful Life: Penny Mallory. Episode Live.
Listen at www.undercurrentstories.com
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.

Expect to learn how to improve your confidence, increase motivation and discover your winning mindset. Listen to Penny’s story from teenage runaway, homelessness in London and how this developed her resilience. Drawing on these extraordinary experiences Penny now shares her techniques and formula to develop mental toughness giving talks and coaching groups including F1, Coca-Cola, Microsoft and TEDX.

Links:
https://pennymallory.co.uk/