The Muncaster Podcast

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster has seen centuries of history. From providing shelter for a medieval king to protecting priceless artworks during WWII, a countless number of fascinating individuals have passed through Muncaster’s doors, all with incredible tales to tell. The Muncaster Podcast captures, preserves, and shares these unique stories. We delve into Muncaster’s fascinating past, present, and future, exploring a wealth of history and meeting the incredible individuals who are writing the next chapter. From archaeologists to astronauts, you never know what you might find on The Muncaster Podcast.

Episodes

  1. 7h ago

    447 Days in Space - Astronaut Dr Michael Barratt

    In this episode we had the immense privilege of sitting down for a conversation with astronaut Dr Michael Barratt, who was here at Muncaster leading World Extreme Medicine’s Space Medicine Course. Mike has spent 447 days in space spanning 3 different missions, and completing 3 space walks. Most recently in 2024 when he piloted the SpaceX Crew-8 mission and spent 8 months aboard the International Space Station serving as a flight engineer for Expeditions 70, 71, and 72. Mike began his career as a medical doctor before specialising in the field of aerospace medicine. This brought him into the world of space flight, although initially he had no intention of participating himself. We discuss his journey into becoming an astronaut, hear first-hand what it is like to be in space looking down at Earth, and delve into his specialism: space medicine. Mike shares some of the unexpected physiological strains micro-gravity can have on the human body as well as the applications that space medicine can have here on Earth. Before finally touching on the fact that he didn’t even begin to train as an astronaut until he was 40, and at 67 he is more excited than ever about what the future, including that of space travel, holds. This was truly a once in a lifetime conversation so I hope you enjoy hearing Mike’s insight, humour and enthusiasm, it really was contagious! Mike joined us at Muncaster as part of World Extreme Medicine’s Space Medicine Course, see more from World Extreme Medicine here. World Extreme Medicine will be returning to Muncaster from 28 September to 2 October for their Prolonged Field Care Course, find out more and even book your place here.

    34 min

About

Muncaster has seen centuries of history. From providing shelter for a medieval king to protecting priceless artworks during WWII, a countless number of fascinating individuals have passed through Muncaster’s doors, all with incredible tales to tell. The Muncaster Podcast captures, preserves, and shares these unique stories. We delve into Muncaster’s fascinating past, present, and future, exploring a wealth of history and meeting the incredible individuals who are writing the next chapter. From archaeologists to astronauts, you never know what you might find on The Muncaster Podcast.