Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things

The Simple Things

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.  Our podcast will help you savour these short weeks and prepare your mind, body and pantry for the colder and darker season to come. It’s also a chance to reflect on the year so far and make plans for the one ahead. This is your companion guide from the last days of summer to the first days of autumn. Six episodes released weekly from 31 August. To subscribe or order a copy of The Simple Things visit thesimplethings.com   Back-to-school time has a feeling of new year about it. A chance for a fresh start and a time to take on new projects or travel to new places. But summer is not quite done, there’s still time for mellow weekends, laid-back camping, and to swim in the warmer seas before the season ends. This push and pull goes on through the autumn equinox into October before we finally embrace the shift into autumn and change our attitudes along with our clothes. But not without a bit of feasting along the way. Orchard fruits and nuts, blackberries in the hedgerows and mushrooms in the woods, not to mention ripe tomatoes and the full bounty of the veg patch make this a harvest festival in the kitchen. We’re living life outdoors while the sun shines but also embracing the pleasures of home and finding the new in what we have and what’s on our doorstep.  Co-hosted by the Editor, Lisa Sykes, wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley. In Season7: Golden Days, they’ll be embracing end-of-summer vibes then watching the season turn

  1. 5 OCT

    Golden Days - Episode 6 - RAMBLE

    Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley as they take an early evening walk together and ponder over the joy and comfort of a familiar ramble, consider why being outdoors helps us to talk more freely, and finish with a stroll in the footsteps of Jane Austen in Bath’s very own pleasure gardens.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things get 30% off and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett.  In The Simple Things In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now Magical creatures – an appreciation of the tawny owl   In the November SPICE issue (161) An Autumnal roast – it’s the season for roast dinners and this one is a winner Buy the November issue at picsandink.com from 16 October and on the newsstand from 22 October.   From Flourish, our wellbeing bookazine (Volume 3) How to do autumn well – foraging, feasting and conker fighting Outdoor therapy – how it works and techniques to try as your walk Flourish Volume 4 is coming soon and is available to pre-order with 10% off until 29 October   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Which Jane Austen character are you? Fun quiz and events to suit your character. (Issue 154, April 2025) Moodscapes and walking routes – how different landscapes make us feel. (Issue 154, April 2025). Read more on our blog. Taken from The Walking Cure by Annabel Streets (Bloomsbury Tonic)  Buy current and back issues here   LEARN MORE Jane Austen 250 year anniversary events in Bath https://visitbath.co.uk/inspire-me/literary-bath/jane-austen-bath and beyond www.janeausten.co.uk The joy of a familiar walk by Alice Tatham (Issue 129) Follow Alice on Instagram @thewildwoodmoth

    25 min
  2. Golden Days - Episode 5 - HARVEST

    28 SEPT

    Golden Days - Episode 5 - HARVEST

    Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank for our own mini harvest festival as they relish this time of abundance for cooking, gathering and squirreling away before the first frosts arrive.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.  On the blog Hedgrow fizz – foraged berries diluted with sparkling wine or water  Crab apple whisky  Crab apple and fennel seed leather In defence of the pear  How to stock a store cupboard  Lessons from Nigella Baked pear pies    In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now  Kitchen therapy – baked pear pies and a mindful drawing exercise Wine and cheese gathering – good wine and cheese pairings make for happy guests    In previous issues In the September TREASURE issue (159)  Plates to plot – share the harvest with friends by holding your own allotment feast with a tipple of warm apple cider and other seasonal dishes   Coming up in the November issue (161)  Smart ways to eat well. An extract from Shrewd Food: 60 Ways to Eat Yourself Healthy by Noonie Zand Goodarzi (Badger Books). Illustrations by Mudd Bexley November issue 161 will be available to pre-order at picsandink.com  from 16 October, on sale from 22 October.     Don’t give up your garden for winter: The natural world may be winding down but autumn is actually the start of the agricultural year, a time to plant and plan for the months ahead In Flourish Volume 3  Today, tomorrow to keep: pears  Chocolate pear cake and preserved pears in red wine  Pre-order the new Flourish Volume 4 with 10% off at www.picsandink.com until 29 October   How to subscribe to The Simple Things – for an immediate start subscription with 30%  go to off cover price go to  http://www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe

    41 min
  3. Golden Days - Episode 4 - ROAM

    21 SEPT

    Golden Days - Episode 4 - ROAM

    As the autumn equinox tips summer into autumn, Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frankand regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley lace up their hiking boots and go exploring. From the joy of early autumn city breaks and solo travel to a walking meditation and games you can play with your dog. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.   ON THE BLOG  How to be a fearless traveller  Songs about dogs  Days out for You and Your Dog   How to trespass with good manners   TO READ The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines that Divide Us, by Nick Hayes The Slow Traveller by Jo Tinsley School for Dogs (And Their Humans) by Sophie Collins   IN THE SIMPLE THINGS  In October issue:  My Living: The dog walker   Wellbeing: Lessons in chemistry – how hormones help  Miscellany: Give the dog a game  Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September.   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES  Action stations: Hiking between stations or heading to the end of the line (159, Sep 2025) Dog days out: Around the UK are people and places going the extra mile for dogs (147, Sep 2024) Natural connection: A rope swing, a cairn and a den, these humble handmade features our landscape may just hold the key to improving our relationship with nature (147, Sep 2024) Good well hunting: Places for refreshment, healing and worship, wells and springs are magical places (158, Aug 2025) Buy current and back issues here   LEARN MORE  The Outdoor Swimming Society | Is it legal? The Outdoor Swimming Society | Right to Swim

    36 min
  4. Golden Days - Episode 3 - NEST

    14 SEPT

    Golden Days - Episode 3 - NEST

    In this third episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank turn their attention to what they have and where they live, enjoying treasures, finding fresh ideas at home and sampling a bit of Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of evening breakfast. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here  Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.    On the blog Greek Panzanella  Journalling ideas  Search ‘What I treasure’ on the blog for some of our published pieces from readers on a belonging that means a lot to them.   To browse Treasure tins – #concentratesofplace @tanyashadrickwriter Window swap In The Simple Things From the September issue – 159 Home Economics: Tomatoes – how to make the most of a seasonal glut of tomatoes  Wisdom: Emma Bridgewater on 40 years of preparing pottery and the special ritual of coffee and cake How to Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of a late night snack My plot: Andrew Fusek Peters shares wildlife photography taken from his Shropshire garden. Fusekphotos.com @andrewfusekpeters and book Garden Safari (Graffeg)   In the October (160) issue  My Place: The corners of our home that mean the most – Kitchen tables  Keeping a commonplace book by Miranda Mills, author of The Country Commonplace Book (Batsford) Sunday best – the comfort and delight of Sundays by Daniel Gray author of Sunday Best: Travels through the day of restby Daniel Gray  (Harper North) Bramble basket project  Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September.   From earlier issues Letting go – just like nature, we need to shed in order to grow and flourish  (136) How to great a weekend retreat at home (142) Back garden campout – enjoy an end of summer camping trip without going away (110)

    37 min
  5. Golden Days - Episode 2 - BEGIN

    7 SEPT

    Golden Days - Episode 2 - BEGIN

    In this second episode at the start of the new school year The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and regular contributor Jo Tinsley indulge in a bit of schooldays nostalgia but also discuss why it’s a good time to take on new projects, find new habits, make something new and learn a few skills.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.    On the blog Things to do with Weird Veg Box Vegetables  Parsnip panpipes (yes, really)   To read Forecast: A diary of the Lost Seasons, by Joe Shute (Bloomsbury)   In The Simple Things From the September TREASURE issue (159)  The Slapdash Manifesto: General principles for good enough Wearing Well: Wristwatches Buy the September issue here   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Revisiting team sports (Issue 147, September 2024) Veg box suppers: golden marrow marmalade, Moroccalili (Issue 111, September 2011) Wearing Well Backpacks (Issue 111, September 2021) Miscellany: How to win at conkers (Issue 136, October 2023) Clapping game lyrics A sailor went to sea, sea, sea To see what he could see, see, see But all that he could see, see, see Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea A sailor went to knee, knee, knee To see what he could knee, knee, knee But all that he could knee, knee, knee Was the bottom of the deep blue knee, knee, knee A sailor went to chop, chop, chop To see what he could chop, chop, chop,  But all that he could chop, chop, chop Was the bottom of the deep blue chop, chop, chop

    46 min
  6. 20 JUN

    Magical Midsummer - Epsiode 6 MAGICAL

    It’s the final episode of our magical midsummer season and today all three of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast hosts have come together to talk about the most magical moments of this special time of year. Join Lisa Sykes (editor, The Simple Things), Becs Frank (Wellbeing editor) and Jo Tinsley (regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller) as we discuss midsummer feasts and rituals, wonderful places to enjoy the solstice, the art of storytelling, and how dreams help us process emotions (and how to decode them).   If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog: Midsommartårta (midsummer strawberry cake) recipe Lemon basil spritzer recipe Wild midsummer cocktails    To read: Decode Your Dreams: Unlock your unconscious and transform your waking life by Ian Wallace (White Lion Publishing) Lucid dreaming – find out more about directing your dreams in our wellbeing bookazine, Flourish (Volume 3) buy it here The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley    In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Midsummer short story writing competition To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to thesimplethings@icebergpress.co.ukwith the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue What happens at Stonehenge? Read about this and other seasonal ideas including making a fairy-lit garden room in our monthly Almanac Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June   In the July FRUIT issue (157)  Tomato leaf martini – a fabulously fragrant summer tipple Sleepless in summer – how to get the rest you need in the warmest months Magical creatures: Purple emperor butterflies Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. Find out how to subscribe here Check out The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations for any excuse to celebrate with the food, flowers and decorations for every occasion

    51 min
  7. 15 JUN

    Magical Midsummer - Epsiode 5 SLOW

    Welcome to Episode 5 of our Magical Midsummer season in the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Editor Lisa Sykes and and Jo Tinsley, a regular contributor to the magazine and also, very appropriately, author of The Slow Traveller, as we discuss all things SLOW from taking our time to savour summer fruits and learning how to enjoy the fruits of our labours to working out the best ways to while away a summer afternoon. Plus, we’ll be sharing some wise advice on travelling slowly.  If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog Recipe: Ploughman's scones Ice cube herbs Ice cube aftersun     To read The Slow Traveller: An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley  Ernest journal   Things to do Black Girls Do Run   In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Looking Back: Radio Times. Whether the Top 40 or Desert Island Discs, we tune into the programmes that have ruled the airwaves – and our hearts – over the last 100 years  Kitchen Therapy: Take it outside. Lottie Stories shows us how to make Blossom Ice Cubes Wisdom: A question of sport. Long, light days encourage us to get outside and get moving, just like these women, who you’ll find doing what they love across the UK’s paths and roads, bridleways and waters.  Competition: Put pen to paper. To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to thesimplethings@icebergpress.co.ukwith the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June.

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.  Our podcast will help you savour these short weeks and prepare your mind, body and pantry for the colder and darker season to come. It’s also a chance to reflect on the year so far and make plans for the one ahead. This is your companion guide from the last days of summer to the first days of autumn. Six episodes released weekly from 31 August. To subscribe or order a copy of The Simple Things visit thesimplethings.com   Back-to-school time has a feeling of new year about it. A chance for a fresh start and a time to take on new projects or travel to new places. But summer is not quite done, there’s still time for mellow weekends, laid-back camping, and to swim in the warmer seas before the season ends. This push and pull goes on through the autumn equinox into October before we finally embrace the shift into autumn and change our attitudes along with our clothes. But not without a bit of feasting along the way. Orchard fruits and nuts, blackberries in the hedgerows and mushrooms in the woods, not to mention ripe tomatoes and the full bounty of the veg patch make this a harvest festival in the kitchen. We’re living life outdoors while the sun shines but also embracing the pleasures of home and finding the new in what we have and what’s on our doorstep.  Co-hosted by the Editor, Lisa Sykes, wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley. In Season7: Golden Days, they’ll be embracing end-of-summer vibes then watching the season turn

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