Country Life

Norman Foster is unarguably one of the greatest architects of the last half century. We're delighted that he joins Country Life magazine for a very special episode of the podcast. Speaking to Country Life's Carla Passino, Lord Foster describes how he left school in Manchester at 16 before eventually working his way through university in order to forge a career as an architect, a role in which he has reshaped countless cities — not least London. He shares his view on what makes London the city that it is, how it is a city that 'is essentially organic', and how its informality, copious green spaces and thriving neighbourhoods model can help popularise the concept of the 15-minute city across the world, and what he has to say to those who criticise how he, and his imitators, have reshaped the skyline of the British capital.The architect also talks about his other key passion in life: flying. The 89-year-old has flown 75 different types of aircraft, including helicopters and jets. Lord Foster also talks about the work of the Norman Foster Foundation, and how he is trying to help tomorrow's architects to plan and create cities which are as sustainable as they are vibrant and liveable. Episode CreditsHost: James FisherInterviewer: Carla Passino:Guest: Lord FosterEditor/Producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Country Life magazine's Rosie Paterson has the enviable task of travelling the world in order to report on where to go, when and why. She's also — and she probably won't mind us saying this — developed something of a reputation for being incident prone.Rosie speaks to Country Life podcast host James Fisher to share her tips on everything from the world's greatest hotels and destinations to the reason it's almost always worth trying to get an upgrade — along with a few hints on how you can manage to do so. She also explains how she's managed to fall foul of everything from natural disasters to armed insurrections in her efforts to trot the globe.Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to Country Life podcast on SpotifyListen to Country Life podcast on Google PodcastsListen to Country Life podcast on AudibleEpisode credits:Host: James FisherGuest: Rosie PatersonProducer and editor: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay / Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Kerridge is one of Britain's best-loved chefs. In 2005, after years spent working at some of finest restaurants in London and the Cotswolds under the likes of Gary Rhodes, he took over The Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. He quickly earned a Michelin star, a glowing reputation and a high profile which opened up opportunities in television, where he's been a familiar sight for many years. His latest show, Tom Kerridge's More Sunday Lunch, which appears on The Food Network from January 15, 2024.Tom speaks to Country Life's James Fisher about his life as a chef and restauranteur, but also shares his passionate views on farming, the countryside, and the restaurant industry as a whole.Episode credits:Host: James FisherGuest: Tom KerridgeProducer and editor: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via PixabaySpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The ability to go in and specify everything for an interior might be within the powers of an interior designer,' says Giles Kime, Country Life's long-standing interiors guru. 'ButI think when we're doing on our own homes, it's really important to take your time and put a lot of thought and effort into it.'Giles has spent 35 years writing about interiors, the last seven of which have been with Country Life magazine. During that time he has bought, refurbished and moved on from a string of characterful homes, leading to his current project: a 1630 cottage in rural Hampshire. He joined our podcast host James Fisher to share some of the tips he's picked up over the year — and to tell some of the stories behind his hugely popular article on the Country Life website, '10 things I wish I’d known about doing up old houses before I started.'You can see more of Giles Kime's articles at the Country Life website, or can follow him on Instagram @giles.kime where you'll be able to see details of his upcoming talks and publications. Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Giles KimeProducer & Editor: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via PixabaySpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journalist and author Patrick Galbraith spent a week on the uninhabited island of Scarba, a speck on the map in the Inner Hebrides. In the course of his adventure, Patrick fished and foraged, walked and wondered, and went from moments of joy and beauty to pure misery. He came to the Country Life Podcast to tell us all about it, share some of the highs and lows, and explain what motivated him to give it a go in the first place. You can read Patrick's article about his time on Scarba on the Country Life website. You can find Patrick's book, In Search of One Last Song: Britain's Disappearing Birds and the People Trying to Save Them, from all good bookshops. Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Patrick GalbraithProducer and editor: Toby Keel Music: JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosamund Young, the best-selling author of The Secret Life of Cows, has been a farmer for almost half a century. She joined us at the Country Life podcast to talk about her animals, the farms she's known, how the Cotswolds has changed in the years she's called it home, and her beautiful new book, The Wisdom of Sheep. You can read an exclusive extract from The Wisdom of Sheep on the Country Life website, you can read the full series of articles she wrote for Country Life here. The Wisdom of Sheep & Other Animals: Observations from a Family Farm by Rosamund Young is published by Faber (£14.99 hardback).Episode creditsHost: James FisherInterviewer: Toby KeelProduced and edited by: Toby KeelMusic by: JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast features Country Life's long-standing property correspondent Penny Churchill, who looks back on three decades of writing about Britain's finest houses. From the ups and of the market in the past three decades to the quirkiest agents and owners, Penny speaks to host James Fisher to share her insights on the country houses that have been at the heart of her career.Episode creditsHost: James FisherProducer and Editor: Toby KeelGuest: John GoodallMusic: ‘Summertime’ by JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Goodall, Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine and a leading expert on British castles, joins to share his top five favorites. He discusses the stunning architecture and rich history behind Headingham, Knaresborough, Lancaster, and Belvoir castles. Listeners will learn about Knaresborough's intriguing ties to Edward II and the transformation of Lancaster Castle from a prison to a public landmark. John also highlights Castle Drogo and reveals a bonus castle that has been closely linked to the Royal Family for centuries!

Mark Hedges, the Editor-in-Chief of Country Life magazine for 17 years, shares insights from his fascinating career. He recounts his memorable first day at the magazine and humorous reflections on countryside traditions. Hedges reveals the special connection with the British royal family, including a notable guest-editing by King Charles. He also discusses the therapeutic nature of fishing as a perfect remedy for modern stress and emphasizes the mental health benefits of mixed farming, showcasing the countryside's profound impact on well-being.