Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom. Key moments: 01:20 – Introduction to Ancient Egypt 02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist 04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights 06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt 07:46 – Lessons for Today 13:10 – Final Thoughts and Reflections Join us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt. 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'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories. 00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey 01:38 The Time Slide Series 03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing 06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings 09:34 First Publishing Success 16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges 23:44 Personal Spiritual Experiences 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.

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 Journey 02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation 02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer 04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing 07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights 10:23 Research and Writing Process 15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories 18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories 19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures 21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey 23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing 24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry 30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles 32:05 The Value of Books and Reading 32:54 Highclere Castle Garden Party 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'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 Metalworking 01:20 Challenges of Restoring Highclere Castle 03:17 Conservation vs. Restoration 07:44 Ted's Television Career 09:11 The Art of Traditional Techniques 11:52 Future Projects and Collaborations 14:53 Reflections on Highclere Castle 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 this podcast episode, I am delighted to welcome author Sinclair Mackay to discuss his captivating book on Winston Churchill, which delves into 90 meetings over Churchill's 90-year life. Our conversation covers Churchill's diverse roles and personal attributes, from his military valour to his romanticism, and even his encounters with notable figures like Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. Sinclair shares how Churchill's fearless and multifaceted nature made him an extraordinary figure, one who continually adapted to monumental changes in society. We also touch on Churchill's lasting impact on today's world and the different generations' perceptions of him. It's a thoroughly engaging discussion filled with fun anecdotes and thought-provoking insights about one of history's most complex characters. 00:36 Churchill's Fascinating Encounters 01:07 Writing Style and Approach 02:14 Churchill's Relationships and Personal Life 04:42 Churchill's Military and Political Career 06:25 Churchill's Emotional Depth and Romanticism 10:52 Churchill's Social and Financial Challenges 14:42 Churchill's Diverse Friendships and Interests 15:32 Highclere Castle and Social Changes 16:09 Churchill's Lifespan and Historical Impact 18:26 Churchill's Fearlessness and Adventures 21:10 Churchill's Post-War Vision and Legacy 24:45 Churchill's Relationships and Influence 27:40 Reflections on Churchill's Complex Legacy 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 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 Journey 02:00 Overcoming Adversity 03:43 Family of Artists 04:37 The Book of Gifts 06:42 The Creative Process 13:16 Love for Animals 16:18 Living in the Moment 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.

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 Layers 01:04 The Book 'Eighteen' and Its Unique Approach 04:13 Diverse Historical Figures 09:49 Social Media and History 18:04 Writing and Research Process 25:37 Future Plans 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 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 discuss ongoing 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 Year 00:45 Weather and Hopes for the New Year 00:57 Downton Abbey Updates 03:08 Springtime in the Gardens 04:40 Memorial Garden 06:40 Highclere Castle Projects 08:01 Guided Tours and Exhibitions 09:10 Farming and Gin Production 14:57 Horse Breeding and Training 16:11 Life with Nine Dogs 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. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

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 Welcome 00:30 Liz Earle's Journey in Beauty and Wellness 01:06 Writing and Living Well Longer 02:49 Challenges and Health Tips for Midlife Women 06:52 The Importance of Social Connections 11:30 Grounding and Connecting with Nature 14:42 Nutrition, Cooking, and Sustainable Living 19:18 Future Projects and Longevity Goals 21:01 Balancing Personal Life and Public Image 27:39 Conclusion and Farewell 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. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

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. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

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.

Joining me at the real Downton Abbey for this month's podcast is the author Veronica Henry. Veronica has written more than twenty bestselling novels having started her career as a script writer in TV and Radio. Her latest book is called 'The Secret Beach' - a perfect read as we bid farewell to summer.  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.

For this month's podcast I had planned to take a walk through a few rooms at the real Downton Abbey with our castle manager John. Whether it was the heat of the day or the lively conversation we only made it to one room! John has been at Highclere Castle for almost twenty years and this was a chance to look back on the many achievements we've celebrated during that time. The title of this podcast was our first major project.  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.

Summer in Britain has been slow to arrive this year, but on a lovely sunny afternoon Geordie and I took a walk through the gardens to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents that make up our beautiful surroundings. I should say that although sunny it was a little windy but don't be put off by the background noise we do find shelter from the wind at plenty of points along the way. So whatever you're doing come along with us on our summer walk.  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 the midst of filming for the third Downton Abbey movie I was pleased to welcome John Tye to Highclere. John is an inspirational character who flew the record-breaking supersonic airliner Concorde. Starting life in an orphanage he made it to the edge of space in one of the world's most advanced flying machines. He's just published his story in a new book called 'Life of a Concorde Pilot'. This is John's second appearance on my podcast! You can also hear him in episode 23 when he was one of the three Concorde pilots I had the pleasure of talking to.  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 this episode of my podcast I get to talk about two of my great loves - words and language. My guest Susie Dent is an English lexicographer, etymologist, and the word referee in "Dictionary Corner" on the TV game show Countdown since 1992.  Susie is also a bestselling author having written many books on the English language including her latest which is aimed at children, "Roots of Happiness: 100 Words for Joy and Hope".  I was delighted she agreed to join me as a guest on my podcast here 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.

My guest this month is local nature writer Nicola Chester.  As Spring arrives at the real Downton Abbey it was lovely to sit down and talk about the beautiful countryside that surrounds us.  Nicola's Award Winning Memoir is called 'On Gallows Down: Place, Protest and Belonging'. 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.

Behind the scenes at the real Downton Abbey this month I'm talking to raecehorse trainer Richard Hannon who is not only a good friend to my husband and myself but looks after some of the racehorses we've bred.  Racing is very close to our hearts here at Highclere Castle especially as my father in law was the late Queen's racing manager and Richard's father trained some of Her Majesty's horses. Richard took over from his father in 2014 and clocked up his 1000th winner on Derby Day in 2019 and is now well on his way towards winner number 2000. 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.

This month I'm joined by my friend and respected interior designer Sarah Morris.  Sarah has been by my side as I've worked to restore and re-decorate the very many rooms here at Highclere Castle over the past 20 years. From wallpaper, Royal house guests and even ghosts, join me and Sarah on an interior design tour of 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.