Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Highclere Media
  • 4.9 (153)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do. 

  1. DEC 1

    Tutankhamun's trumpet: Lady Carnarvon talks to Toby Wilkinson about all things archaeology and Egypt

    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 Egypt02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt07:46 – Lessons for Today13:10 – Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin 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.

    28 min

  2. NOV 1

    Exploring the Spirit of Writing: Lady Carnarvon discusses writing inspiration with Santa Montefiore at Highclere Castle- The real Downton Abbey

    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.

    31 min

  3. SEP 30

    How to get published: Lady Carnarvon talks to Harriet Evans about her journey from publisher to author.

    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.

    34 min

  4. AUG 31

    A pony in the kitchen: Lady Carnarvon talks to Callie Coles

    I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors. 01:01 Life in North Devon 01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony 03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival 08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos 08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket 13:47 Self-Publishing Journey 14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing 15:21 The Editor's Red Pen 16:19 Recording the Audiobook 17:41 The Book Club Journey 22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences 23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories 25:59 Living with Horses 27:38 The Charm of Stately Homes 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.

    29 min

  5. JUL 31

    Embracing Anxiety: An overactive ally with Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane

    Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland. We also discuss the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and simple moments of contentment in life. Join us as we explore transforming anxiety into a source of strength and clarity. 01:20 Discussing the Book and Anxiety 02:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety 04:15 Therapeutic Approaches to Anxiety 06:41 Analogies and Real-Life Examples 07:46 The Role of Animals in Therapy 13:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections 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.

    28 min

  6. JUN 30

    What I call "Joyful Galloping" Miranda Hart talks to Lady Carnarvon

    I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Miranda Hart to our podcast. We cover many topics, from the importance of joyfulness and humor in life to her iconic character Ms. Bates in Jane Austen's 'Emma'.  Miranda opens up about the challenges she faced during her career and the inspiration behind her book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You'.  We chat about the intricacies of British humor, the pressures of performing in front of a studio audience, and the technical aspects of comedy.  Miranda also shares personal stories about her health struggles, finding strength in vulnerability, and her unique approach to writing, which includes 'treasures of darkness' she discovered through her own experiences. Join us for this heartfelt and humorous conversation, complete with aspirations for future gallops around the garden and cherished moments of British comedic history. 00:56 Discussing British Humor and Sitcoms 01:45 Miranda's Memorable Roles and Experiences 03:00 The Art of Comedy and Scriptwriting 07:51 Challenges and Vulnerability in Acting 09:24 Miranda's Book and Personal Treasures 13:08 Living with Chronic Illness 19:39 Finding Joy and 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.

    23 min

  7. MAY 31

    An Artisan's Journey: From Punk to Preservation with Ted Edley

    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.

    18 min

  8. APR 30

    90 Encounters with Churchill: Unique insights with Sinclair Mackay

    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.

    31 min
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4.9
out of 5
153 Ratings

About

My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do. 

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