Undercurrent Stories

Undercurrent Stories
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Discovering the hidden depths of the people and world around us.Documentary interview show with an eclectic mix of people and subjects including:  history, music, philosophy, the outdoors, wildlife, food and drink, sport, personal achievements, spirituality and many more.   IG:https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/ FB:https://www.facebook.com/undercurrentstories/ TW:https://mobile.twitter.com/undercurrentst1

  1. A Little History of The Earth in 45 Minutes: Jamie Woodward

    5D AGO

    A Little History of The Earth in 45 Minutes: Jamie Woodward

    How do you tell the story of 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand? In this episode, I talk with Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Manchester about his book A Little History of the Earth. Jamie explains how scientists piece together the planet’s deep past—from the formation of the universe to the shifting of continents, the age of dinosaurs, and the powerful forces that have shaped our landscapes. We discuss why Earth has always been a dynamic planet, how short “bite-sized” chapters can make big history accessible, and what studying deep time can teach us about today’s environmental challenges. If you’re curious about geology, natural history, and the story of our planet, this episode offers a fascinating introduction to Earth’s epic past. 🌍 Highlights From Our Conversation Why Jamie chose to tell the story of Earth through short, bite-sized chaptersHow scientists reconstruct events that happened billions of years agoThe dramatic forces that shaped Earth: plate tectonics, volcanoes, ice ages, and asteroid impactsThe rise and fall of the dinosaursHow rivers, glaciers, and oceans sculpt the landscape we live inWhy Earth’s climate has changed dramatically throughout historyThe concept of the Anthropocene — and why humans are now a geological forceHow learning Earth’s story can make us more curious and more responsible about the planet’s future Link to Jamie's Book 'A Little History of The Earth.' Audiobook link Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    41 min
  2. Serendipity: Creating the Conditions for "Happy Accidents" - Paul Sloane

    MAR 5

    Serendipity: Creating the Conditions for "Happy Accidents" - Paul Sloane

    Why do so many breakthroughs happen by accident—and can we create the conditions for them? In this episode of the Undercurrent Stories Podcast, Bob Wells speaks with innovation expert and author Paul Sloane about his book The Art of Unexpected Solutions. They explore creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, and problem solving, and how mistakes and unexpected events have led to some of the world’s most important discoveries. Whether you're interested in business ideas, personal development, or creative thinking, this conversation offers practical ways to challenge assumptions and spot opportunities others miss.  Topics: Creativity • Innovation • Lateral Thinking • Problem Solving • Personal Development  Links: Book 'The Art of Unexpected Solutions' Paul's website: https://www.destination-innovation.com/ Sign up HERE for the latest episodes  Instagram: @undercurrentstories  Linkedin  Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    37 min
  3. The Secret Beneath the Rutland Fields: Jim Irvine

    FEB 26

    The Secret Beneath the Rutland Fields: Jim Irvine

    It started with a walk… and a few unusual stones in a field. In the smallest county in England, a chance discovery during lockdown led to one of the most remarkable Roman finds in recent years—a mosaic hidden beneath the soil for nearly 2,000 years. In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Irvine, the man who found it, as we walk the very ground where the discovery was made. From oyster shells and satellite images to uncovering a Roman villa, this is the story of how curiosity uncovered history. If you’d like to explore the story further, Jim’s book Finding Troy is available now. Book link - Finding Troy  👣 Explore Your Own Local History Jim’s advice:  "Start with maps, aerial images, and local records—you might be surprised what’s beneath your feet." If you enjoyed this episode: Follow the podcastLeave a reviewShare it with someone curious about historyQuestion or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    43 min
  4. Ned Guinness, Head of the Guinness Family on Legacy and Guinness History

    FEB 11

    Ned Guinness, Head of the Guinness Family on Legacy and Guinness History

    What does it mean to inherit one of the most famous family legacies in the world? In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, Bob speaks with Ned Guinness, the current head of the Guinness family, 4th Earl of Iveagh, and author of Guinness: The Family Succession. Drawing on private family archives, Ned reflects on legacy, responsibility, Irish history, philanthropy, and the small decisions that shape generations — revealing the human story behind the Guinness name beyond the brand. Quote “It’s the little things that matter in life… the small decisions become big things.” Featured Book 📖 Guinness: The Family Succession In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: The real human story behind the Guinness nameGrowing up inside an historic family legacyThe Guinness family’s role in Irish history and philanthropyHow small decisions can shape generationsNavigating politics, religion, and social inequalityLessons on responsibility, resilience, and stewardshipReflections on Netflix’s The House of GuinnessWhy preserving family history — honestly — matters Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    38 min
  5. Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Empires, Power & the Future of Belief (Part 3)

    FEB 4

    Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Empires, Power & the Future of Belief (Part 3)

    How has religion shaped civilizations — and where is belief heading next? In the final episode, Professor Robin Dunbar examines how religion helped build societies, fueled conflict, responded to crisis, and continues to influence the modern world. From ancient empires to modern secular life, we explore whether religion is declining, transforming, or preparing for a resurgence — and what that means for humanity’s future. A thought-provoking conclusion to the mini-series. Guest Professor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s Number Book - How Religion Evolved (more info) Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    23 min
  6. Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Evolution, Language & the Human Mind (Part 1)

    FEB 4

    Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Evolution, Language & the Human Mind (Part 1)

    Where did religion come from — and why did humans start believing? In Part One of this three-part mini-series, evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar explores how religion may have emerged from early human cognition, language, imagination, and our awareness of death. We look at early spirituality, trance, symbolic thinking, and the evolutionary foundations of belief — long before organised religion or sacred texts. A science-led journey into the origins of faith and what it reveals about the human mind. Guest Professor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s Number Book - How Religion Evolved (more info) Next Episode Part 2 — Religion as Social Glue: Ritual, Bonding & Community Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    31 min
  7. Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Ritual, Bonding & Community (Part 2)

    FEB 4

    Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved: Ritual, Bonding & Community (Part 2)

    Why does religion bring people together? In Part Two of this three part mini-series on the history of religion, Professor Robin Dunbar explores how rituals like singing, prayer, music, and shared worship strengthen social bonds and create deep feelings of belonging. We examine the science of endorphins, Dunbar’s Number, friendship layers, and why humans seem wired for community — revealing religion as a powerful social technology. A fascinating look at belief as connection, not just faith. Guest Professor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s Number Book - How Religion Evolved (more info) Next Episode  Part 3 — Empires, Power & the Future of Belief  Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    24 min
  8. Growing Up Jewish and Arab in Colombia: Sonia Daccarett

    JAN 29

    Growing Up Jewish and Arab in Colombia: Sonia Daccarett

    In this episode , we speak with author Sonia Daccarret about her memoir The Roots of a Guava Tree — a deeply personal exploration of childhood, identity, memory, and belonging . Growing up in Colombia in the 1980s, Sonia reflects on a life shaped by cultural hybridity, political change, and family history — with a Jewish mother and a Christian Palestinian father, and no single religious label to claim . She shares what it meant to come of age during a time of violence and transformation, and how revisiting her past through writing brought clarity, empathy, and peace . We explore the symbolism of the guava tree, the ethics of writing memoir, the power of inherited stories, and why preserving personal history matters — not just for writers, but for anyone seeking to better understand where they come from . This is a conversation about roots, memory, migration, and the quiet forces that shape our lives beneath the surface. In This Episode Growing up in Cali during Colombia’s era of changeNavigating identity across cultures and faithsWriting memoir with honesty and ethical careThe meaning behind The Roots of a Guava TreeWhy telling family stories preserves legacy and connectionGuest Sonia Daccarret — Author of The Roots of a Guava Tree Website: https://www.soniadaccarett.com/ Listen If You Enjoy Literary memoirIdentity, migration, and belongingFamily stories and cultural historyReflective, story-driven conversationsCall to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review Undercurrent Stories, and share it with someone who loves meaningful conversations. Question or comment? Send us a text message. www.undercurrentstories.com

    20 min
See All (188)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

Discovering the hidden depths of the people and world around us.Documentary interview show with an eclectic mix of people and subjects including:  history, music, philosophy, the outdoors, wildlife, food and drink, sport, personal achievements, spirituality and many more.   IG:https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/ FB:https://www.facebook.com/undercurrentstories/ TW:https://mobile.twitter.com/undercurrentst1

Information

  • Creator
    Undercurrent Stories
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Undercurrent Stories
  • Show Website
    Undercurrent Stories

You Might Also Like