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

  2. Jun 10

    A Life of Extremes - Adventurer and Founding CEO of World Extreme Medicine, Mark Hannaford

    In this episode we sit down to talk to adventurer, explorer, and founding CEO of World Extreme Medicine (WEM), Mark Hannaford. We discuss Mark’s fascinating life of adventure, prior to founding WEM, including spending his 21st birthday rowing along the coast of Chilean Patagonia, working as a mountain guide in North Africa, riding the Mauritania Iron Ore train through the Sahara Desert, and spending the night exploring the Catacombs of Paris. We then discuss how Mark’s expedition experience led him to start World Extreme Medicine. We delve into the work done by this incredible organisation in places like Syria and Ukraine, as well as its links with Cumbria and Muncaster in particular, before turning to what brings Mark to Muncaster on this occasion, Space Medicine, as Muncaster played host to WEM’s recent Space Medicine Course. Mark is an amazing speaker with incredible insight into such a huge variety of topics so this episode is definitely one not to miss. Find out more about World Extreme Medicine here. WEM will return to Muncaster for their Ukraine Lessons Learned Prolonged Field Care Course, learn more and book your place here. Mark’s LinkedIn.

    37 min

  3. May 27

    The Historical Secrets Hidden in Clothes - Muncaster Talks with Becks Skinner

    This episode is another from our Muncaster Talks series. We sit down in the library of Muncaster Castle for a conversation with freelance heritage practioner, Becks Skinner, surrounding her talk on the ‘New Mrs Davidson’. Inspired by a Wedding Dress from 1911, within The Beacon Museum Collection, Becks Skinner set herself the challenge of making a ‘going away’ outfit from the period, using her 1905 Frister and Rossman Sewing Machine and learning historical hand sewing techniques. We explore the research behind the project, the experience of sewing using a machine that is over a century old, and what the project revealed about life all those years ago. If you enjoyed this episode, or want to find out more about the upcoming talks here at Muncaster, head to: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/muncastertalks for more information and to book tickets. Find more from Becks here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558846200107#

    24 min

  4. May 20

    Luke Woods - Operations Manager and Bringer of Medieval Madness - Muncaster Team Profile

    This week’s episode is an exciting one, as it is our first Muncaster Team Profile. In this series we sit down with different members of the Muncaster Team to get to know them, their role here at Muncaster, and what makes Muncaster so special to them. If you want to know more about what goes on behind the scenes and more about the team the that makes it all happen then look no further! In this episode we sit down with Luke Woods, our Operations Manager. Luke tells the story of how he first came to Muncaster as part of the Medieval Muncaster Festival, which has unsurprisingly gone on to be his favourite event in the calendar. He tells us about some of the day to day challenges of overseeing operations somewhere where no two days are the same, as well as the fantastic opportunity that is having a say in the future trajectory of a place with so much history. The Medieval Muncaster festival takes place every May, for more info click here: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/medievalmuncaster For info about Muncaster click here: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/

    18 min

  5. May 13

    A Fool’s Life - Stories and Storytelling with Ian Douglas at Muncaster

    This episode is from our monthly Muncaster Talks series, but is a little different from usual. Recorded on April Fool’s Day, at the home of Tomfoolery itself, Muncaster Castle, we chat with storyteller and performer Ian Douglas.  Ian is a storyteller with decades of experience. We discuss his fascinating life and path into storytelling as a profession, and how storytelling continues to endure despite the changes and challenges of the modern age. Then Ian shares a story with us so sit back, relax, and enjoy. If you enjoyed this episode, or want to find out more about the upcoming talks here at Muncaster, head to: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/muncastertalks for more information and to book tickets. And if you want to hear more from Ian, head to his website: http://www.iandouglas-storyteller.co.uk/ And if you want to hear more from Ian, head to his website: http://www.iandouglas-storyteller.co.uk/

    18 min

  6. May 6

    The Fascinating Life of George Moore- One of Cumberland's Great Unsung Heroes - Muncaster Talks with Nigel Entwistle

    This episode of the Muncaster Podcast comes from our Talks series. We sat down in the castle’s library with our speaker from January, Nigel Entwistle, to discuss the life, work, and legacy of George Moore. It was fascinating to hear from Nigel about how Moore came from humble beginnings and went on to achieve huge success, all while maintaining a strong moral compass and a commitment to helping others - Moore truly is one of Cumbria’s unsung heroes.  If you enjoy this episode, or want to find out more about upcoming talks which we host every month at Muncaster you can follow this link for more info: Muncaster Talks - Expert Speakers, Captivating Stories

    18 min

  7. Apr 29

    Muncaster 101 with Peter Frost-Pennington

    In this episode we kick off the podcast proper with a conversation with Peter Frost-Pennington, member of the family and current resident of the castle. He takes us on a whistlestop tour through the many twists and turns of the history of Muncaster and the Pennington family, from its prehistoric origins, Roman roots, royal connections and surprising role in WWII, right up to the present day. It's the perfect way to begin to get to know, or to refresh your knowledge of Muncaster ahead of the exciting episodes we have lined up here on the Podcast. Muncaster Castle Gardens & Estate | Lake District Visitor Attraction, Events, Festival and Activities

    22 min

  8. Jan 13

    Pilot Episode - The Muncaster Podcast - Muncaster Talks - Alan Cleaver on a Lake District Christmas

    In this pilot episode of The Muncaster Podcast we chat to local historian Alan Cleaver, who came to deliver a fascinating talk in the castle on the 16th of December 2025. Alan is the author of A Lake District Christmas: Tales and Traditions of Cumbrian Yuletides Past and he shares with us some of his favourite, local traditions and tales. We also delve deeper into the process of researching and compiling the anthology, as well as discussing the importance of preserving fragile, local, historical traditions.  If you enjoy this episode, or want to learn more about the history of Muncaster, its local area, its collections and the people behind the scenes who work to preserve this history for future generations, keep your eyes peeled on our social media and website for more podcast episodes coming soon!

    13 min
  • 8 Episodes

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Muncaster Castle
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Muncaster Castle
  • Show Website
    The Muncaster Podcast