Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

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.

My guest this month is Liz Earle, renowned for her iconic beauty products. Liz discusses her transition from running a beauty brand to writing about health and wellness. We talk about her latest book, which offers personal insights and practical advice for living a healthier and longer life, especially for midlife women. We explore topics like nutrition, gut health, the importance of social connections, and self-care. Liz also shares her personal journey, her passion for community, and her humanitarian work in Africa. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining brain health, physical fitness, and the critical role of nourishment.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Liz Earle's Journey in Beauty and Wellness01:06 Writing and Living Well Longer02:49 Challenges and Health Tips for Midlife Women06:52 The Importance of Social Connections11:30 Grounding and Connecting with Nature14:42 Nutrition, Cooking, and Sustainable Living19:18 Future Projects and Longevity Goals21:01 Balancing Personal Life and Public Image27:39 Conclusion and FarewellYou 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.

My guest this month is a trusted and familiar broadcaster on all things medical. Best known for his regular TV appearances he's also no stranger to writing. But until recently his books have been strictly non-fiction. Now he's branched out into story-telling with his WWI novel, Frontline, published in September 2021. I hope you'll enjoy my conversation with him. 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.

I'll let you listen to this edition of my podcast to find out exactly how I first met Tom, but suffice to say it has been a great joy to get to know him. Tom is a writer, actor, TV presenter but is perhaps best known as a stand-up comedian. These days he's rarely off the TV so it was fabulous that he found time to join me for a chat at the real Downton Abbey!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.