The Newt Podcast

The Newt in Somerset
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts

Join The Newt in Somerset's Head of Programmes, Arthur Cole, as he pulls on his walking boots and warmly welcomes a smorgasbord of experts in their field to walk through the remarkable Somerset estate and share their passions.From gardeners to chefs, conservationists to business leaders, sports personalities to scientists, celebrities to local heroes and everyone in between, this is a series that promises to inspire and delight the listener.

  1. 6d ago

    S2: E15 A walk through the Bristol Fungarium

    In this episode, we step inside the Bristol Fungarium for a behind-the-scenes journey into the art and science of growing functional mushrooms. Founder Tom Baxter leads us through the laboratory, introducing the team of mycologists working at the frontier between nature, cultivation and science. We follow the extraordinary life cycle of fungi—from wild specimens and cultures in the lab, through mycelium, incubation and fruiting, to harvesting, drying and the final extraction of their remarkable compounds. The Fungarium works with a number of mushrooms cloned from carefully foraged UK-native specimens, including Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake and Oyster. Once cultivated, the team uses analytical chemistry to examine compounds including beta-glucans, ergothioneine and ganoderic acids, before the mushrooms are harvested, dehydrated, ground and extracted under one roof. Along the way, we discover just how precise mushroom cultivation can be—how temperature, humidity, sterility, substrate and time all play their part—and meet the people who have learned to create the perfect conditions for these strange and beautiful organisms to thrive. Some varieties can spend more than six months developing before they are finally ready to harvest. From petri dish to fruiting chamber, and from mushroom to tincture, this is a glimpse inside a fascinating world where ancient organisms meet modern science. Join us for a walk through the Fungarium. The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  2. Jul 31

    S2:E14 Tom Baxter of the Bristol Fungarium

    The Bristol Fungarium's founder, Tom Baxter, leads us through the genesis tale of the UK's most recognised functional mushroom company, the weird and wonderful kingdom of fungi, the story of fungi and human evolution, the association between the compounds in mushrooms and our bodies. We dig deep into functional mushrooms, what they may provide for us as a species. We learn about cordyceps, the 'zombie fungi' species and how they takeover their host insect species. We travel back millions of years to origins of life of this planet. And we look into the future and what opportunities this remarkable kingdom may have in store for the next generation of humans overcoming the challenges of modern life. Join us for a trip into the fantastic world of fungi. The next episode will be a walk through the fungi laboratory where we meet Tom's team of mycologists and learn the art behind breeding, growing, harvesting and extracting the compounds from a host of exceptional mushrooms, tune in in two weeks... The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  3. Jul 14

    S2:E13 A Walk Through the Four Seasons Garden

    Our host, Arthur Cole, takes us on an early morning tour of the Newt's most recent garden, The Four Seasons Garden. We delve into the design, planting and midsummer blooms bursting from the beds. We get closer to the early 20th Century Peter Pan statue, and move through all four seasons in one morning. We learn how Queen Anne's Lace got it's name, philosophise over the liminal nature of the seasons, tumble down the rabbit hole into a wonderland, and sneak a peak at the new feature in the Secret Garden.  Join us for this early morning, enlightening and calming walk through the Four Seasons Garden. The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  4. Jun 30

    S2:E12 Milli Proust @ The Great Garden Show

    In this episode, we welcome flower farmer, florist, seed grower and author Milli Proust for a beautiful conversation about growing with the seasons and finding creativity in the garden. Recorded as part of The Great Garden Show 2026, Milli shares her thoughtful approach to flowers, seed saving, naturalistic planting and the rhythms that shape life on a flower farm. From the joy of cultivating beauty by hand to the lessons learned through patience, imperfection and close observation, this gentle and uplifting episode is full of inspiration for gardeners, growers and anyone drawn to the quiet magic of flowers. The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  5. Jun 18

    S2:E11 Merlin Hanbury-Tenison @ The Great Garden Show

    n this episode, we welcome conservationist, writer and campaigner Merlin Hanbury-Tenison for a moving and wide-ranging conversation about Britain’s forgotten temperate rainforests. Recorded as part of The Great Garden Show 2026, Merlin reflects on his work at Cabilla on Bodmin Moor, the healing power of ancient woodland, and the urgent need to restore and protect one of the UK’s rarest habitats. From rainforest restoration and regenerative land stewardship to the deep connection between nature, wellbeing and belonging, this inspiring episode invites us to look again at the landscapes around us — and to imagine a wilder, richer and more hopeful future. The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  6. Jun 2

    S2:E10 The Art of Fermentation with Sandor Katz

    In this episode, we take a walk with the world-renowned fermentation revivalist Sandor Katz to explore the world of fermented foods. From Miso Soup, to Blackberry wine, asparagus and beyond, Sandor shares the stories, traditions and microbial magic behind fermentation practices that have nourished communities for thousands of years.  Whether you're an experienced fermenter or simply curious about the foods that shape our lives, this episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking journey into one of humanity's oldest culinary arts. The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

  7. May 19

    S2:E9 The Great Garden Show Question Time

    On Saturday 16 May, we welcomed renowned gardening experts Alan Titchmarsh, Marian Boswall, Charles Dowding, Tony Kirkham and Matthew Pottage to field questions from visitors inside the Story of Gardening. Recorded in front of a live audience at The Great Garden Show 2026, this special episode is hosted by our very own head gardener, Harry Baldwin, who leads a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation with five of the UK’s most respected horticultural voices. From practical gardening advice and planting philosophies to reflections on nature, design, and the gardens they nurture themselves, this lively discussion is packed with insight, humour, and personal stories for gardeners of every level.   The Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

    S2:E9 The Great Garden Show Question Time

  8. May 5

    S2:E8 Voices of the Garden

    Ahead of The Newt's inaugural Great Garden Show 9th-17th May 2026, we take you into the gardens to meet the team members getting their areas ready to show off their splendour.  Voices featured:  Head Gardener, Harry BaldwinEspalier fruit trainer, Henry ThurgoodColour gardens lead, Joe DransfieldVictorian terrace lead, Deanne LewisHead of Ornamental Gardens, Andy ApplesThe Newt Podcast is created by the team at The Newt in Somerset and produced by Harry Coade at Sound Matters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Newt Podcast to enjoy more walks and talks across the estate, or better still become a Newt Member to visit our estate yourself, stay the night, or shop The Newt online.  Your 12-month membership also gives you free entry to The Newt's 17 national and international Partner Gardens and inspirational Sister Estates. Follow us on Instagram @thenewtinsomerset

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join The Newt in Somerset's Head of Programmes, Arthur Cole, as he pulls on his walking boots and warmly welcomes a smorgasbord of experts in their field to walk through the remarkable Somerset estate and share their passions.From gardeners to chefs, conservationists to business leaders, sports personalities to scientists, celebrities to local heroes and everyone in between, this is a series that promises to inspire and delight the listener.

Information

  • Creator
    The Newt in Somerset
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Newt Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Newt Podcast

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