Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works.00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights10:23 Research and Writing Process15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles32:05 The Value of Books and Reading32:54 Highclere Castle Garden PartyYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

 I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors.01:01 Life in North Devon01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket13:47 Self-Publishing Journey14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing15:21 The Editor's Red Pen16:19 Recording the Audiobook17:41 The Book Club Journey22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories25:59 Living with Horses27:38 The Charm of Stately HomesYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Owen O'Kane, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares his journey of transforming anxiety into an ally. He discusses practical strategies from his book, emphasizing that anxiety should be understood, not eradicated. Owen reflects on his upbringing in Northern Ireland and insights from palliative care, illustrating how connecting with animals can enhance therapy. He highlights the importance of self-regulation and the surprisingly low probability of worries materializing. Join Owen for an enlightening discussion on embracing anxiety for personal strength.

In a delightful conversation, Miranda Hart, British actress and comedian known for her sitcom 'Miranda' and roles in 'Call the Midwife' and 'Emma', shares her insights on joy and humor in life. She discusses the challenges of acting, the pressures of live performance, and the personal struggles she's faced with chronic illness. Miranda opens up about the inspiration for her book, exploring 'treasures of darkness' found through adversity. Expect laughter, heartfelt stories, and thoughtful reflections on British comedy.

I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented craftsman, Matthew Edley, known as Ted. Sitting down at Highclere Castle, we delve into Ted's journey from a punk rocker with a distinct red Mohican to a renowned metalwork master. We talk about his meticulous work repairing and conserving the castle’s historical candelabra and lamps, including converting them from candlelight to electric while maintaining their historical integrity. Ted also shares his experiences as a part of the TV series 'The Restorers,' where he showcases the art of craftsmanship and restoration. We discuss the importance of using traditional techniques and materials to preserve history and how these skills are transferred across various trades. Join us as we celebrate the blend of modern restoration with historical preservation at Highclere Castle.00:43 Ted's Craftsmanship and Metalworking01:20 Challenges of Restoring Highclere Castle03:17 Conservation vs. Restoration07:44 Ted's Television Career09:11 The Art of Traditional Techniques11:52 Future Projects and Collaborations14:53 Reflections on Highclere CastleYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Sinclair Mackay, author of 'Meeting Churchill: A Life in 90 Encounters', shares intriguing insights into Winston Churchill's life through significant meetings. The discussion uncovers Churchill's fascinating connections with figures like Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing his military courage and romantic nature. Mackay highlights the complexities of Churchill's relationships, his financial struggles, and his relentless adaptability in changing times. This engaging dialogue captures the nuances of one of history's most influential leaders and reflects on his enduring impact.

In this episode, I sit down with the immensely talented artist and illustrator, Lucy Clare Dunbar, at Highclere Castle. Lucy shares her journey into becoming an illustrator, influenced by her father's artistry, and her love for drawing from a young age. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly losing her sight due to health issues, and how drawing became a form of therapy for her. Her sight eventually returned, giving her a profound appreciation for life. We delve into her book 'The Book of Gifts,' which combines her heartfelt sketches and words that reflect her personal experiences and hopes to uplift others. Lucy also talks about her creative family, her process of combining words with sketches, and how she draws inspiration from everyday moments and her beloved pets. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the importance of living in the present.01:35 Lucy's Artistic Journey02:00 Overcoming Adversity03:43 Family of Artists04:37 The Book of Gifts06:42 The Creative Process13:16 Love for Animals16:18 Living in the MomentYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favorite historians, Alice Loxton, to the castle. We discuss her fascinating book 'Eighteen', which delves into the lives of historical figures when they were 18 years old. Alice shares her passion for medieval history and reveals how @history_alice came into being. We explore her unique approach to writing, imagining historical characters in modern settings to bring them to life. I was particularly intrigued by her diverse selection of characters, from Bede to Vivienne Westwood, and how she makes history accessible and engaging for everyone.00:22 Exploring Historical Layers01:04 The Book 'Eighteen' and Its Unique Approach04:13 Diverse Historical Figures09:49 Social Media and History18:04 Writing and Research Process25:37 Future PlansYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, I sit down with aviation author Rowland White to discuss Geoffrey de Havilland's remarkable contributions to aviation, focusing on the iconic Mosquito plane. We explore de Havilland's early failures and eventual successes, including his innovative use of wood to construct aircraft. We also delve into personal stories connected to Highclere Castle and discussongoing efforts to restore Mosquito planes to flying condition!You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In my first podcast of the year, I am joined by my husband, to discuss reflections on the past year and hopes for the future. We talk about various personal and public topics including the challenges of the past year, changes in the weather, and updates from our lives.We discuss the upcoming release of a third Downton Abbey film and chat about our gardening efforts, plans for hosting events at Highclere Castle, our gin production achievements, and hopes for our horses in training.It is so important to maintain optimism and cherish moments of joy amidst ongoing global and personal challenges.00:19 Reflecting on the Past Year00:45 Weather and Hopes for the New Year00:57 Downton Abbey Updates03:08 Springtime in the Gardens04:40 Memorial Garden06:40 Highclere Castle Projects08:01 Guided Tours and Exhibitions09:10 Farming and Gin Production14:57 Horse Breeding and Training16:11 Life with Nine DogsYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.