Adventures in Journalism

Martin Hesp
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This podcast follows award-winning British journalist Martin Hesp as he travels the world enjoying the sights, tasting the food and booze, and meeting people from all walks of life.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    75 Years of Hospitality with Kit Chapman

    Step inside the historic walls of Taunton's Castle Hotel in this episode of Adventures in Journalism. Host Martin Hesp sits down with legendary proprietor Kit Chapman to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his family's stewardship of this Somerset landmark. Kit shares candid stories from the hotel's "black and white movie" past, including his father's 1950s restoration, the hotel's transformation into a Michelin-starred culinary destination, and humorous encounters with the likes of Henry Blofeld and Keith Floyd. We explore how the Castle has remained a permanent fixture in a changing world, serving as a gateway to the Quantocks, Exmoor, and the Somerset Levels. Whether you are a fan of English heritage, fine dining, or the art of hospitality, this interview offers a fascinating look at one of Britain's most prestigious establishments.

    24 min

  2. 30 JAN

    The Sinking of the Napoli

    In this episode of Adventures in Journalism, veteran journalist Martin Hesp reflects on one of the most remarkable scenes of his career—the wreck of the MSC Napoli off the coast of Branscombe. Exactly 18 years after the ill-fated container ship came to grief on the Jurassic Coast, Martin pulls from his personal audio archives to revisit the chaos and curiosity that followed. Join Martin as he shares original field recordings from the shingle beach, where hundreds of people gathered to witness (and sometimes scavenge) an extraordinary array of cargo—from BMW motorcycles and wine barrels to car mirrors and dog food. The episode also features an insightful and humorous conversation with award-winning press photographer Richard Austin, as the two old friends recount the "modern-day Poldark" scenes and the changing face of regional newspaper journalism.

    17 min

  3. 17 JAN

    Kingsbury Episcopi: A Deep Dive into Somerset Heritage

    In this feature-length episode of Adventures in Journalism, Martin Hesp visits the historic village of Kingsbury Episcopi. To coincide with this week's "Hesp Out West" column in the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press, we go behind the scenes to meet the people who define this unique corner of the Somerset Levels. In this episode: [00:00] Intro: The view from One Tree Hill and the "Adventures Out West" sting. [05:15] The Cider Heritage: A visit with Julian Temperley among the oak barrels of the Somerset Cider Brandy Company. [18:40] Village Life: Conversations with the local history group on the traditions of the River Parrett. [32:10] The Local: Reflections on rural community and the future of village life. About the Podcast: Adventures in Journalism is hosted by Martin Hesp, a veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience covering the West Country. This podcast brings the "Hesp Out West" newspaper features to life through on-location interviews and rural storytelling.

    44 min
  4. The Return of Adventures in Journalism

    12 JAN

    The Return of Adventures in Journalism

    A quick explanation about why I am bringing Adventures in Journalism back to life. It's bascially because I am busy belting about the place seeing interesting things, visiting beautiful places, and meeting fascinating people.

    1 min

  5. 10 JAN

    New Year's Thinking While Pondering Warm and Sunny Places

    Now 2026 has arrived, I've decided to restart my podcast series - firstly with some thoughts on warm and sunny places, seeing the weather has been so bad here in the UK. This first episode visits some out of the way places in the Algarve and talks to a guide who will take visitors to some pretty magical locations down there in Southern Portugal. We also visit Puglia, where we talk to a farmer who has been nurturing some of the oldest olive trees in the world. Some of them were ancient when Jesus Christ was born!

    17 min

  6. 18/06/2022

    Celebrating English Wine Week

    We set out to celebrate English Wine Week by visiting the Huxbear Vineyard in South Devon in the company of Wickhams Wine and the wine writer Stephen Barrett

    23 min

  7. 23/05/2022

    Mary Quicke, farmer and cheesemaker

    We spend a morning touring the amazing Quicke estate in central Devon with Mary Quicke, the forward -thinking woman who makes some of the best cheddar cheese in the world

    35 min

  8. 19/07/2021

    Launching Taste East Devon with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Others

    Recorded at the launch of Taste East Devon, Martin Hesp talks to the movers and shakers behind a new group set up to promote the food and drink of one of the most beautiful and fertile areas of the UK - interviewees include Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, chef Michael Caines and many others

    36 min
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About

This podcast follows award-winning British journalist Martin Hesp as he travels the world enjoying the sights, tasting the food and booze, and meeting people from all walks of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Hesp
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @martinhesp
  • Show Website
    Adventures in Journalism