Shows
Financial Planner Life PodcastBuild trust and you’re good, no matter your age – Nick AdamthwaiteThis week Sam is joined by Nick Adamthwaite, Director of Masterplan Lending Advisers. This is an interesting conversation because Nick is under 30 years old and running his own business. With his youth comes ideas on how to do things differently within the profession and today he tells us what that means for his staff and clients. Nick thinks that age doesn’t matter as long as you can build trust, great advice for any young financial planners out there. We also discuss Nick’s career progression and how in the beginning, he was thinking about giving up the profession duri...
2022-07-271h 13
The Family TreeAnnouncement - Down to a sunless seaLater this year I will be launching a Getting Better Acquainted mini series titled 'Down to a Sunless Sea: Memories of my Dad' about the my relationship with my dad, my dad's life story and his descent into dementia.The show will be be mixing clips from over 15 hours of interviews that I've done with my dad over the last 10 years with narrations based on these medium pieces: https://medium.com/@goosefat101 Additionally to the main thread of the show I've received The Pulse Award from the Wellcome Trust and British Podcast Awards to make some episodes...
2020-01-3004 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 30: The Christmas OakThis Christmas special functions as an epilogue, a coda, an outro and a final thought, for The Family Tree. Dave spends Christmas with Philip Beech and the Sullivans, and Jen reads a special Christmas story written by Mia. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron
2019-12-2638 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 29: Ending 5: The Great Unknown OtherIn the final episode of the show, Dave and his brother go to visit their dad to say hello, and also to say goodbye: endings are more complex than a simple full stop. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron
2019-10-0837 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 28: Ending 4: Cuttings 6: The Final CutIn the last Cutting of Season 3, Dave reflects on accountability and forgiveness, and considers the best ways to end things by asking some big questions. We hear from past guests, new guests and listeners to the show, who talk about how they approach these issues. We also hear from Dave's partner, Jen, about how she has experienced the making of The Family Tree, and are introduced to a song written for the end of show by Martin Zaltz Austwick. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism...
2019-10-011h 23
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 27: Ending 3: The End of the MysteryDave talks to Mark about his role in the trauma his family has experienced, and reflects on the importance of accountability and justice. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron
2019-09-1743 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 26: Ending 2: The Family Never EndsFamily is about more than blood. Dave continues rounding up the end of Season 3 by catching up with the extended family. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron
2019-09-1052 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 25: Ending 1: The Beginning of the EndAs Season 3 starts to come to a close, Dave catches up with the Sullivan family to find out how they're all doing and what the future holds for them. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron
2019-09-031h 05
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 24: Cuttings 5: IdentityIn the fifth Cutting of Season 3, Dave considers different elements of identity. He talks to Scout Pup about furries and puppies, and speaks to Alex Iantaffi about genograms, intergenerational trauma and mind plasticity. The episode features more clips from the Meg-John and Justin podcast, which consider hierarchies of love and relationships. CONTENT NOTE: trauma, holocaust, genocide and intimate partner violence. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. Find our Guests! Alex Iantaffi: http://www.alexiantaffi.com/
2019-08-201h 00
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 23: The Ultimate PounceWith no need to hide anymore and a firm plan for her future, Violita is finally ready to tell Dave exactly what happened when she became a liminal person. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-08-131h 03
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 22: A Tinder for ChangelingsSam is back from Australia, and eager to update listeners on their new life. They introduce their friend, Tee, and Dave witnesses a new kind of liminal lifestyle. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-08-0658 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 21: A Change of HeartDave catches up with Ben and Kora, who discuss how things are working out for them in their new life as Ben, Kora, Nathan and jaguar. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-07-301h 00
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 20: Cuttings 4: TherapyIn the fourth Cutting of Season 3, Dave considers different forms of and approaches to therapy; talks to poet, playwright and performer, Tanaka Mhishi about consent, masculinity and recovering from trauma; and plays some clips from the Meg-John and Justin podcast, which consider social and personal scripts, staying with our feelings, and power. CONTENT NOTE: rape, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, mental health issues, racism, violence, trauma The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. Find our Guests! Tanaka...
2019-07-161h 28
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 19: Phillip and Melanie: Conversations 8Dear Listeners, The conversation I'm sharing with you today is the first conversation I recorded with Melanie after her escapades with Ellie. I don't mind telling you that I found the whole experience extremely distressing, and it was important to me that I communicated this to her. I was a little more confrontational than I generally like to be, but I think Melanie and I both feel that our friendship has benefitted from frank and open discussion. Please don't judge her too harshly. We are all navigating this situation the best we can, and while, in many...
2019-07-0918 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 18: Phillip and Mark: Conversations 7Dear Listeners, Mark was a very dear friend of mine a long time ago, and his friendship with the tree is also rooted deep in my consciousness. I do find it very difficult to reconcile this with my feelings about his actions, particularly now I have come to get to know Melanie better. In the conversation I'm sharing with you today, I had the opportunity to talk to him about his decision to change into her, and about his feelings about having multiple conciousnesses within him. I found the conversation quite difficult at times, but ultimately, I...
2019-07-0224 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 17: Mark Returns 3: How long does it last for you?After Jane's conversation with Mark, the recorder is left on, and accidentally captures Nathan meeting his father for the first time since his return. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-06-2524 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 16: Mark Returns 2: Shutting the doorMark visits Jane, who finally gets to confront him about the effect his decision has had on their family. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-06-1831 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 15: Mark Returns 1: Let's go look at the skyAfter meeting Ellie, Melanie is open to the idea of allowing Mark to the surface. Along with Ben, Kora, Melissa and Shajahan, she and Dave return to Goldsmith's to attempt to bring Mark back. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-06-111h 12
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 14: Cuttings 3: PersecutionIn the third Cutting of Season 3, Dave talks to Philosophy Tube's Oliver Thorn, witchcraft scholar Dr. Alice Tarbuck, and historian Dr Robert Poole about the history, philosophy and ideology of persecution. Dave also considers how the legacy of Lancaster Castle, his own family tree, and an excellent twitter thread by Dr Clare Askew fit within idea that 'we are the heirs of the witch hunters.' This episode follows on from the last Cutting, which looked at Magic – http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/cuttings/the-family-tree-season-3-cuttings-2-magic/ – and is a companion piece to this Cuttings episode from Season 2: http...
2019-05-281h 05
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 13: Philip and Melanie: Conversations 6Dear Listeners, I hardly know how to present this episode to you. I thought about telling you all about it, but I think you may find some value in experiencing the surprise the way that Melanie and I did in this conversation. I would like to reassure you all, though, that I am very much alive and well, so please don't be concerned about anything like that. Goodness me, what a strange world we find ourselves in. Best wishes, Phillip -------------------------------------- The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic...
2019-05-2127 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 12: An Oak Tree to Willowbridge Part 2In the second part of a very personal part of the story for Dave, he visits his dad for the first time since he began his changing journey. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-05-1241 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 11: An Oak Tree to Willowbridge Part 1In the first part of a very personal part of the story for Dave, he talks to his dad, who plans to become a changeling. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-05-0740 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 10: Cuttings 2: MagicIn the second Cutting of Season 3, Dave talks to Dr. Alexander Cummins and Dr. Alice Tarbuck about magic and its role in society from the past to the present. And the creators of The Boy Who Hasn't Lived, CJ Bruce and Arlie Adlington, discuss their families' perceptions of magic as they were growing up, as Arlie prepares to introduce CJ to the Harry Potter series. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. Find our Guests! Dr. Alexander Cummins...
2019-04-231h 06
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 9: The Opposite Of A Dead EndFollowing an enigmatic voice message, Dave facilitates a meeting between Nathan and Nigel. It's the first time they've seen each other since Nathan's change, and they have a lot of catching up to do. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-04-1647 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 8: Philip and Melanie: Conversations 5Dear Listeners, I hope my last recording was of some help to some of you. I find myself frequently revisiting Azariah's thoughtful advice. Every good answer leads to a new question in my experience, but I trust in God to guide us towards a path that is right. I may have believed that They had only one path for us at one time, but I feel that things may be very much more complicated than that. Melanie and I have taken the decision to begin recording our conversations again, and this is what I have...
2019-04-0927 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 7: Bad things happen on nice daysFollowing a message from Skarbek, Dave meets up with her on Gallions Hill. What she has to tell him is the information that encouraged the Sullivan family to continue recording The Family Tree. In this conversation, Dave learns both encouraging developments and some tragic news. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-04-021h 00
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 6: Beech and Azariah: Conversations 4Dear Listeners, I hope this finds you well. It truly is a pleasure to be writing to you again, and I'm delighted to be able to connect with you through The Family Tree. It perhaps won't surprise you to learn that I have faced many challenges since David and I had our little excursion to St James's Park to visit the oak tree. I find I am quite changed, and I don't mind telling you, I've found it rather difficult to process some of the thoughts and feelings I've had since I became a changeling...
2019-03-2620 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 5: Cuttings 1: PhilosophyIn the first Cutting of Season 3, Dave talks to Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad and Philosophy Tube's Oliver Thorn, discussing philosophical questions around transition, change and belief. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. Find our Guests! Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad – publications - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Chakravarthi+Ram-Prasad Papers - http://lancaster.academia.edu/ChakravarthiRamPrasad Lancaster University - http://www.research.lancs.ac.uk/portal/en/pe...
2019-03-121h 05
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 4: Nathan Returns 3: The AftermathIn the aftermath of Nathan's return, Dave catches up with Kora, Melissa, Nathan, Ben and Melanie as they all process their feelings about the change, and reflect on Ben and Nathan sharing a body. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-03-0542 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 3: Nathan Returns 2: ReunionLeaving the others to process what just happened, Dave accompanies Nathan back to visit Jane and sets up his recording equipment. Jane and Nathan catch up and discuss their feelings about Nathan's circumstances. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-02-2642 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 2: Nathan ReturnsDave catches up with Melanie and Kora, and with Melissa and Ben after their journey to the rainforest. In a controlled experiment at Goldsmith's, University of London, and with the help of Shajahan, they attempt to bring Nathan back. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-02-1955 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: Episode 1: Don't think about the white polar bearNew information about changelings has surfaced. Dave speaks to previous Cuttings guest, Jackie Hagan and her partner, Klara, and learns information that will have a huge impact on the Sullivan family and other changelings he's met while documenting The Family Tree. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Spotify Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2019-02-1254 min
The Family TreeSeason 3: An AnnouncementSeason 3 is on its way, and Dave has an announcement. In this special mini episode, he gives an update and shares some clips showing the developments since Nathan's disappearance. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-12-1018 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 13: A Wild Jaguar ChaseIn the final episode of Season 2, Melissa calls Dave and asks him to meet her and Ben at Paddington Station. They share a worrying plan with him, and when he gets home and listens to his voicemail, things get even worse. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-04-221h 24
The Family TreeSeason 2: Cuttings 5: Saying GoodbyeIn the fifth Cutting of season 2, Dave tries to process recent developments on The Family Tree and get perspectives that will help with issues in his personal life by asking questions about how we deal with loss and with death. Content Note: Death, bereavement, dementia, illness, suicide, euthanasia, violence, murder The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron. Find our Guests! Ima...
2018-04-1352 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 12: The WakeIn the aftermath of Nathan's death, Reverend Beech comes to talk to Dave. Together, they share their grief and talk about an important change to Melissa's understanding of herself as a changeling. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-03-2740 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 11: Message in a BottleAn anonymous caller leaves a series of panicked messages for Dave. Is The Family Tree putting the Sullivan family in danger? Content Note: This episode touches on issues around homophobia, rape and child sexual abuse The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-03-2245 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 10: The Last AdventureAfter receiving some tragic news, Dave talks to Thought Adventures co-host, Nigel, about what has happened to Nathan. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-03-111h 04
Flixwatcher: A Netflix Film Review PodcastEp #048 The Babadook with Dave Pickering and Jen Adamthwaite from from Getting Better Acquainted and The Family Tree"It’s Episode 48! We welcome back guests Dave and Jen from Getting Better Acquainted and The Family Tree to discuss The Babadook, Dave’s choice. The Babadook is a 2014 Australian psychological horror mother and son film, directed by Jennifer Kent, and a firm favourite of Mark Kermode. Part nightmarish fairytale, part exploration of grief, part creaky house horror The Babadook is a terrifying beautiful journey into madness making one of the most intriguing horror films of recent times. What it lacks in gore and blood it makes up for in tension and...
2018-03-0745 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 9: Nine LivesDave meets Violita, who views it as a blessing to have become a changeling. She clearly has a lot more story to tell than she shares in this conversation, but nonetheless, her very particular lineage has a lot to tell us about what happens to someone when they take on the memories of other creatures. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. Tunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-02-251h 11
The Family TreeBeech and Melanie - Conversations 3Dear Listeners, David tells me that you like me writing to you, so it has come to feel very right that I accompany these recordings with a short note. I'm afraid I don't know much about podcasting, so I've been leaving all the music to David, who has much more experience and has made the last two sound jolly good. Melanie and I should probably work on introducing ourselves properly; I'm afraid we just jump straight in again. However, I think regular listeners to The Family Tree might be very happy to hear the recording this time – Me...
2018-02-0828 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 8: Mia and the SaplingDave talks to Reverend Beech and Kora at Jane's house before a special party for Mia to say goodbye to the oak tree: they're going to plant a sapling grown from one of its acorns. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-02-041h 09
The Family TreeBeech and Melanie - Conversations 2Dear David (or should I say, Dear Listeners?), I'm delighted that people enjoyed reading my email on your website last time. How funny! I'm not sure I can write anything that will live up to their expectations this time, I'm afraid. But anyway, I attach the latest recording of myself and Melanie talking about our experiences as changelings. Well, I say 'our'; really it seems to be mostly mine again. Teenagers are very good at steering conversations, I find. As you will hear, we still haven't come up with the right name for our podcast. Melanie doesn't...
2018-01-2621 min
The Family TreeBeech and Melanie - Conversations 1Dear David, Further to our chat about the possibility of you sharing my research with your listeners, I am sending you the first of my recordings with Melanie. She thinks we should be calling them a podcast, but I think that perhaps that's more your domain. As you can see, we haven't yet decided on a name for it… I was thinking maybe we should call it simply, 'Conversations'. Until we settle on something more permanent, at least. I think to properly be a podcast, we'd really need some music, but I'm afraid we don't have anything li...
2018-01-2122 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 7: Did my mother become my dog?In this episode, Dave talks to Shajahan, a friend of a friend, who is considering the hypothesis that her late mother was a changeling. If what her mother told her is true, Shajahan may still have her mother with her after all. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2018-01-131h 16
The Family TreeThought Adventures: Episode 04As a favour to Nathan, Dave is still putting out episodes of Nathan's podcast, Thought Adventures, on The Family Tree podcast feed. * We think it's important not to believe everything we're told without thinking about it from all angles, even the ones that might not work the way we think angles work. That's why we've created the new podcast, Thought Adventures. In Episode Four, we exchange seasonal gifts, discuss the interesting new developments that came out last week on The Family Tree, and compare the our attempts to be abducted by aliens. We also announce...
2017-12-2132 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Cuttings 4: Life and Death: An Imam, a Priest and a Rabbi walk into a podcast...In the fourth Cutting of season 2, Dave tries to make sense of recent developments on The Family Tree by talking to an Imam, a Priest and a Rabbi about death, change, transition, faith and belief. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron. Find our Guests! Imam Monawar Hussain: https://www.theoxfordfoundation.com Reverend Azariah France-Williams: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podca...
2017-12-191h 18
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 6: Beech Tree Part IIDave and Reverend Beech have returned after their trip to St James's Park. There's a lot of processing to do as they drink cocoa and go over the events of a very long night. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-12-1435 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 6: Beech Tree Part IReverend Beech has a plan so drastic that Dave has decided to split this episode into two parts. In Part I, they discuss what they plan to do and why that will involve a drill, a sleeping bag and a freezer. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-12-1135 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 5: "I will not be the Judas goat for changelings"Ben is eager to come on the show to talk about his new organisation, 'Change of Heart', dedicated to researching and protecting changelings. Accompanied again by Kora, Dave begins to see tensions within their relationship. Meanwhile, the threat posed by information disappearing online looms ever-larger. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-11-301h 12
The Family TreeSeason 2: Cuttings 3: Systems and Structures***CONTENT NOTE: This episode generally deals with interpersonal, systemic and state violence but the section from 9.29 min to 26.10 min involves the experience of living in prison and includes graphic descriptions of violence.*** In the third Cutting of season 2, Dave looks at the ways that systems and structures hurt people considered different, other or lesser, in order to contextualise the ways that society might treat Changelings. We hear from Schools ABC about their work fighting to keep immigration checks out of UK schools (1.55-9.29); from writer, activist and ex-prisoner Shaun Attwood about his experience in the...
2017-11-231h 00
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 4: The Lost TapeMany years ago, Mark recorded stories for Ben and Nathan to listen to on a car journey. The cassette has turned up in Jane's loft. But perhaps there's more to these stories than the family ever realised: from what Melanie has revealed about her pre-Mark history, it would seem that in one of them, Mark may have been subtly telling his family what had happened to him. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by bec...
2017-11-1926 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Cuttings 2: Other LivesIn the second Cutting of season 2, Dave talks to his dad about living with dementia, his brother about making art about diagnosis, and with true storyteller Radcliffe Royds about addiction, past lives and what it's like to come back from the dead. These conversations explore the kinds of human experiences that might help us to understand the experiences of Changelings. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism, religion and the arts. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Pat...
2017-10-301h 20
The Family TreeThought Adventures: Episode 03Dave is currently gathering new material for Season 2 of The Family Tree. But as a favour to Nathan, he's also putting out episodes of Nathan's new podcast, Thought Adventures, on The Family Tree podcast feed. * We think it's important not to believe everything we're told without thinking about it from all angles, even the ones that might not work the way we think angles work. That's why we've created the new podcast, Thought Adventures. In Episode Three, we discuss how Mum and Jocelyn are WRONG, reflect on the hypothesis that a humming bird is a...
2017-10-2636 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 3: "I'm just angry with what we all had to go through"Melissa co-hosts her second episode with Dave, this time talking to her mum, Jane, about what she thinks and how she feels about the changelings and potential changelings in her family. Jane agreed to come on the show after a family argument; this episode is at times tense, but ultimately it contains more love than anger. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-10-2148 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 2: "I'm a better driver but not more special"Dave finds himself back in the Sullivan family home, talking to twins Melissa and Melanie. This episode is co-hosted by Melissa, whose idea it was talk to her sister on mic about what it's like to be a changeling. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-10-121h 05
The Family TreeSeason 2: Cuttings 1: Flesh and Blood, Bark and SeedIn the first Cutting of season 2, Dave talks to Marlo Mack about her podcast How to Be a Girl and to Peter Wohlleben about his book The Hidden Life of Trees. From Marlo, he looks for guidance on balancing telling important true stories with protecting the lives of the people whose stories you're telling. And from Peter, he finds out how trees feel and communicate, and considers whether there is precedent for humans and trees communicating with each other. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism...
2017-09-2443 min
The Family TreeSeason 2: Episode 1: The Raccoon and the HummingbirdWith information going missing online, some of it now completely untraceable, Dave has decided to release episodes as they happen. As well as filling us in on the Sullivan family news, in this episode, he talks to Jocelyn, who has a remarkable story to tell. As it turns out, Melanie isn't the only human changeling. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-09-121h 12
The Family TreeThought Adventures: Episode 02Dave is currently gathering new material for Season 2 of The Family Tree. But as a favour to Nathan, he's also putting out episodes of Nathan's new podcast, Thought Adventures, on The Family Tree podcast feed. * We think it's important not to believe everything we're told without thinking about it from all angles, even the ones that might not work the way we think angles work. That's why we've created the new podcast, Thought Adventures. In Episode Two, we discuss time travel (and plan how we intend to do it ourselves), reflect on 'dark maths', lay...
2017-08-2440 min
The Family TreeThought Adventures: Episode 01Dave is currently gathering new material for Season 2 of The Family Tree. But as a favour to Nathan, he's also putting out episodes of Nathan's new podcast, Thought Adventures, on The Family Tree podcast feed. *** We think it's important not to believe everything we're told without thinking about it from all angles, even the ones that might not work the way we think angles work. That's why we've created the new podcast, Thought Adventures. In Episode One, we introduce ourselves, challenge the Changeling Hypothesis, consider the possibilities of brainwashing, introduce Alternative Maths and have a lovel...
2017-08-1545 min
Page One138 - Jenny AdamthwaiteJoining Charles Adrian for the 112th Second-Hand Book Factory is writer and teaching assistant Jenny Adamthwaite. They talk about the possibilities afforded by magical realism, the joy and pain of nostalgia and the creeping horror of forced inactivity. The Family Tree, which is mentioned a few times during the episode, is a podcast written and produced by Jenny and her partner Dave Pickering in which Charles Adrian plays the Reverend Philip Beech. More information about it can be found here: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Episode image is a detail from the cover of The Yellow...
2017-08-0819 min
The Family TreeAn AnnouncementIn this special mini episode, Dave talks about how he now feels about Season 1 of The Family Tree, gives an update on some of the things that have been happening since then, considers the ethics of his previous editorial decisions and announces a new approach for The Family Tree Season 2. The Family Tree is a magical realist dramatic fiction about family, belonging, change and identity. iTunes RSS Help The Family Tree to grow by becoming a Patron.
2017-07-2014 min
SciFiPulse RadioSFP-NOW goes Ape with Michael Adamthwaite Welcome to an exciting, chest pounding edition of SFP-Now. In this very special episode we talk with Michael Adamthwaite who you'll be seeing in the theatre's in 'War for the Planet of the Ape's' in which he plays the role of Luca. During our chat. The actor talks about his acting career and how he got involved with the Planet Of The Ape's franchise via CG work that he'd done in big movies such as The BFG and Warcraft: The Beginning. Michael also talks about the positive impact that working with An...
2017-07-1940 min
The Family TreeSeason 2 TrailerThe Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity. Season 2 is coming in August 2017.
2017-06-2201 min
The Family TreeCutting 12: A Slice of Cake and the Final TakeThe final Cutting of Season 1 gives you an extra slice of the drama: Dave takes the Sullivans aside as the cheesecake is served and asks them about their experiences since the podcast has aired.
2016-12-1536 min
The Family TreeEpisode 12: The SullivansIn the season finale, Dave catches up with the Sullivan family. He's eager to know how they're all coping with the new information in their lives. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* iTunes RSS * We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the mystery.
2016-12-111h 22
The Family TreeCutting 11: Binaries and BordersIn Monday's episode, Dave talked to Sam. When they finished recording, they asked him to turn the mic back on so they could explain what being non-binary means. This week's Cutting takes that as its starting point, and Dave talks to CN Lester and Sez Thomasin about being non-binary. Featuring poetry by Sez Thomasin. Find our Guests! Sez Thomasin: Twitter CN Lester: Twitter, Trans Like Me: A Journey for All of Us, music
2016-12-0828 min
The Family TreeEpisode 11: SamDave talks to the twins' cousin Sam about their views on the mystery and finds out how Melanie's been coping in the month since his last recording. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* iTunes RSS * We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the mystery.
2016-12-0456 min
The Family TreeCutting 10: Discussions and RepercussionsIn this week's Cutting, Dave plays clips from the series so far to members of his family and is as surprised and concerned about their reactions as they are about what they hear. Find our Guests! Peter Pickering Tony Pickering: Twitter
2016-12-0142 min
The Family TreeEpisode 10: MelanieUntil this episode, every conversation on this show has been arranged in advance. But this one begins with an unexpected ring on the doorbell: Melanie wants to tell her side of the story… The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* iTunes RSS * We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the mystery.
2016-11-2753 min
The Family TreeCutting 9: Life OnlineAs the podcast audience widens and the Sullivans reveal more and more personal information, Dave's concern about protecting their privacy grows. In this week's Cutting, he talks to Alix Fox and Girl on the Net, both of whom regularly share personal information online, about maintaining privacy in a public forum. Find our Guests! Alix Fox: Close Encounters podcast, The Modern Mann podcast Girl on the Net: Twitter, books Also mentioned: Brook
2016-11-2422 min
The Family TreeEpisode 9: MelissaStill in shock from Jane's revelation, Dave arranges a conversation with the twins. He's never conducted an interview like this before, and he's nervous about how it will turn out. But only one of the girls turns up… The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* * We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the mystery.
2016-11-2043 min
The Family TreeCutting 8: Stories and more Stories!Since Jane's shocking revelation, Dave has been thinking about the impact of sharing true stories in public spaces. In this week's Cutting, he talks to Joanna Yates, Kevin Allison, Andre Radmall and Azariah France-Williams about the importance and ethics of true storytelling. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to platform listener information. If you know anything about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show.
2016-11-1722 min
The Family TreeEpisode 8: A ConfessionDave begins his second conversation with Jane planning to tell her about the oak tree and what he has learned about her late husband. He's prepared for it to be a difficult conversation, but he's not prepared for what she will reveal to him. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* iTunes RSS * We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the mystery.
2016-11-131h 10
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Cuttings 7 - Playgrounds and PicturesDave talks to his mum, June Hoy, about her experiences running an adventure playground in the seventies and about how she remembers Mark Sullivan. He also asks both his parents The Big Questions. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to platform listener information. If you know anything about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show. Find our Guests! June Hoy: Quiet...
2016-11-1028 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Mid-Season TeaserIf you've been listening to the first half of Season 1 of The Family Tree, you'll have heard podcast producer Dave Pickering investigating Mark Sullivan's mysterious disappearance by having conversations with his family. In Episode 6 everything changed. If you haven't heard the story so far, you might want to listen to the past episodes of the show before clicking play on this teaser, as it contains spoilers and suggests where this revelation might take Dave and what kind of answers he has uncovered so far. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His b...
2016-11-0902 min
The Family TreeEpisode 7: Mark's LettersThis week, we take a breath to process last week's revelations and try to get to know Mark. This conversation continues on from the one in Episode 1, in which Dave talks to his dad and Tony, and they read through Mark's letters and talk about his relationship with Peter. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.* iTunes RSS *Last week, Dave finally got some answers, and this episode contains spoilers. We recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enjoy the full experience of the sh...
2016-11-0633 min
The Family TreeCutting 6: The Big QuestionsSince Beech's revelation, questions about humanity have been playing heavily on Dave's mind. In this week's Cutting, he asks his guests the big questions: 'What does it mean to be human?' and 'What is Consciousness?' In this episode, you'll hear voices from both past and future Cuttings. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to platform listener information. If you know anything about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message...
2016-11-0340 min
The Family TreeEpisode 6: Reverend BeechBefore their scheduled meeting, Reverend Beech leaves a message for Dave asking him to meet him at St James' Park. There are "one or two things it might be useful for you to see," he says. In this episode, Dave finally gets some answers.* *If you're new to The Family Tree, we suggest going back to Episode 1 before you listen to this. From here on, there'll be spoilers you can't unknow! The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
2016-10-3046 min
The Family TreeCutting 5: Fantasies and ConspiraciesToday's Cutting comes in two parts. After hearing Nathan's concerns about the conflict between live action role play and table top gaming, Dave investigates this issue with the table top role-playing gamers from The Rusty Quill Gaming Podcast and LARPers, Zoe Prosser and Gary Blake. In the second half of the show, Dave focuses on some of Nathan's other interests and speaks to the makers of the documentary, The Truth Is Out There, Dean Haglund (from The X-Files) and Phil Leirness, about conspiracy theories and other-worldly views. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in...
2016-10-2839 min
The Family TreeEpisode 5: NathanAfter his previous two conversations, Dave's pleased to find that Mark's second son, Nathan, is much more willing to talk about his father's disappearance than his other children. Back in the Sullivan family home, Dave discovers that Nathan has some interesting theories about what might have happened to Mark. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
2016-10-231h 01
The Family TreeCutting 4: The Social WebHaving personal conversations in public is always a risky business, but Dave is particularly aware that his guests this week were under sixteen. With Melissa and Melanie's well-being at the front of his mind, he reaches out for guidance and advice. In this week's Cutting, Dave explores issues of privacy, sharing your private life publically, navigating the internet as a young person, and sex and education. He talks to journalist, broadcaster and sex educator, Alix Fox; writer and sex blogger, Girl on the Net, and podcasters Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn from One Bad Mother. The Family...
2016-10-2029 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Episode 4 - Melissa & MelanieDave thought it was awkward speaking to Ben, but it turns out that was nothing compared with speaking to Mark's teenage daughters, Melissa and Melanie. Nervously sitting down with the twins in the family home, Dave didn't expect it to be easy, but he was surprised to find they were less happy about giving an interview than he'd been led to believe. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
2016-10-1656 min
The Family TreeCutting 3: "Scrambling for representation when we should be at equity"Picking up on some of the themes of this week's episode of The Family Tree, Dave speaks to founder of Media Diversified, Samantha Asamadu; Nikesh Shukla, editor of the brilliant state-of-the-nation essay collection, The Good Immigrant and poet and journalist, Musa Okwonga about issues around representation and lived experience in fiction, drama and the media. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to showcase listener theories about the mystery. If you have a theory about what happened to M...
2016-10-1317 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Episode 3 - Ben & KoraDave talks to Mark's eldest son, Ben, and his partner, Kora. With their daughter Mia playing in the room next door, the couple host Dave in their busy kitchen. He said he was happy to talk, but Ben is more defensive than Dave – or Kora – anticipated. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
2016-10-0955 min
The Family TreeCutting 2 : Giving Up Eggs and Losing LegsIn Mark Sullivan's absence, Dave is aware of the dangers of discussing issues without involving those affected by them. Mark's decision to become a vegan was one that shaped the life of both himself and his family, so Dave talks to Sonja Todd and Charlie Philips about their experiences living in the world as vegans. Another issue that affected Mark deeply was the loss of his arm in a car accident. Dave speaks to poet, theatre maker, comedian and community arts worker Jackie Hagan about her experiences as an amputee. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real i...
2016-10-0626 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Episode 2 - JaneHaving spoken to Reverend Beech, Dave contacts Mark Sullivan's family. His widow, Jane, agrees to come on the show to discuss their relationship and her feelings about the mystery. Dave talks to her in the family home surrounded by pictures of her family. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
2016-10-021h 03
The Family TreeCutting 1: Podcasts and PriestsThe Family Tree is a very different podcast from the one Dave normally produces, so he talks to podcasters Helen Zaltzman and Martin Zaltz Austwick about what it's like to change the kind of show you make, and asks for some advice on the craft and ethics of podcasting. And to give more context to the life of Reverend Philip Beech, we hear from Andre Radmall and Azariah France-Williams about their experiences as priests in the community. The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the...
2016-09-2928 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Episode 1 - The MysteryA body discovered years after its death with more arms than it should have had: this is the story Peter and Tony come back from a funeral with. In Episode 1, they introduce Dave to the mystery and suggest he talks to the vicar who officiated the funeral. Reverend Philip Beech is happy to oblige, and Dave talks to him about Mark Sullivan and his family and begins to explore the mystery surrounding Mark's death. So begins a journey that will change Dave's understanding of reality forever. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging...
2016-09-251h 10
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Cuttings Teaser 4: IdeasThe Family Tree, a new audio drama from Adamthwaite and Pickering, launches on Monday 26 th September 2016. The show will air for 12 weeks, releasing an episode of the drama every Monday and an accompanying commentary episode each Friday. The show is a spin-off from in-conversation podcast, Getting Better Acquainted, featured on BBC Radio 4's In Pod We Trust and BBC Radio 5 Live's Required Listening. Focussed on openness, honesty and truth, the same conversational style is used to explore the story in The Family Tree. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and i...
2016-09-2102 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Cuttings Teaser 3: PeopleThe Family Tree, a new audio drama from Adamthwaite and Pickering, launches on Monday 26 th September 2016. The show will air for 12 weeks, releasing an episode of the drama every Monday and an accompanying commentary episode each Friday. The show is a spin-off from in-conversation podcast, Getting Better Acquainted, featured on BBC Radio 4's In Pod We Trust and BBC Radio 5 Live's Required Listening. Focussed on openness, honesty and truth, the same conversational style is used to explore the story in The Family Tree. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and i...
2016-09-1802 min
The Family TreePreview: Episode 1 The Family TreeWhen podcast producer Dave Pickering is approached by his dad with a mystery from the life of a long-forgotten friend, he decides to investigate it in the only way he knows how: by having conversations. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His body still has the arm he should have lost in a car accident and seems to have died eight years before he disappeared. In a series of 12 episodes, Dave tries to uncover this mystery through conversations with Mark's family and friends. As he gets to know them, his...
2016-09-1810 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Cuttings Teaser 2: RepresentationThe Family Tree, a new audio drama from Adamthwaite and Pickering, launches on Monday 26 th September 2016. The show will air for 12 weeks, releasing an episode of the drama every Monday and an accompanying commentary episode each Friday. The show is a spin-off from in-conversation podcast, Getting Better Acquainted, featured on BBC Radio 4's In Pod We Trust and BBC Radio 5 Live's Required Listening. Focussed on openness, honesty and truth, the same conversational style is used to explore the story in The Family Tree. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and i...
2016-09-1102 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Cuttings Teaser 1: A New PodcastThe Family Tree, a new audio drama from Adamthwaite and Pickering, launches on Monday 26 th September 2016. The show will air for 12 weeks, releasing an episode of the drama every Monday and an accompanying commentary episode each Friday. The show is a spin-off from in-conversation podcast, Getting Better Acquainted, featured on BBC Radio 4's In Pod We Trust and BBC Radio 5 Live's Required Listening. Focussed on openness, honesty and truth, the same conversational style is used to explore the story in The Family Tree. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and i...
2016-09-0402 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Teaser 3When podcast producer Dave Pickering is approached by his dad with a mystery from the life of a long-forgotten friend, he decides to investigate it in the only way he knows how: by having conversations. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His body still has the arm he should have lost in a car accident and seems to have died eight years before he disappeared. In a series of 12 episodes, Dave tries to uncover this mystery through conversations with Mark's family and friends. As he gets to know them, his...
2016-09-0403 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Teaser 2When podcast producer Dave Pickering is approached by his dad with a mystery from the life of a long-forgotten friend, he decides to investigate it in the only way he knows how: by having conversations. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His body still has the arm he should have lost in a car accident and seems to have died eight years before he disappeared. In a series of 12 episodes, Dave tries to uncover this mystery through conversations with Mark's family and friends. As he gets to know them, his...
2016-05-1202 min
The Family TreeThe Family Tree Teaser 1When podcast producer Dave Pickering is approached by his dad with a mystery from the life of a long-forgotten friend, he decides to investigate it in the only way he knows how: by having conversations. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His body still has the arm he should have lost in a car accident and seems to have died eight years before he disappeared. In a series of 12 episodes, Dave tries to uncover this mystery through conversations with Mark's family and friends. As he gets to know them, his...
2016-05-1201 min
Getting Better AcquaintedGBA 200 Pt 4 with Jen AdamthwaiteThis is GBA 200 pt 4 with guest host Jen Adamthwaite.
The #GBA200 season will celebrate 200 episodes of Getting Better Acquainted with a week of daily episodes where the script is switched and the people I know interview me. It's taking place from the 16th-20th of March. The guest hosts are Helen Zaltzman, Chella Quint, Sophia Walker and James McKay, Jen Adamthwaite and Charley Harrison. During this week we'll learn what Getting Better Acquainted might be like if it was made by someone else, and whether I'm a consistent character or not; we'll explore and celebrate how combinations of people and...
2015-03-191h 05Getting Better AcquaintedGBA 200 Pt 4 with Jen AdamthwaiteThis is GBA 200 pt 4 with guest host Jen Adamthwaite.
The #GBA200 season will celebrate 200 episodes of Getting Better Acquainted with a week of daily episodes where the script is switched and the people I know interview me. It's taking place from the 16th-20th of March. The guest hosts are Helen Zaltzman, Chella Quint, Sophia Walker and James McKay, Jen Adamthwaite and Charley Harrison. During this week we'll learn what Getting Better Acquainted might be like if it was made by someone else, and whether I'm a consistent character or not; we'll explore and celebrate how combinations of people and...
2015-03-191h 05
GateWorld InterviewsUnder the Armor (Michael Adamthwaite - Herak)Michael Adamthwaite talks with GateWorld about playing the Jaffa Herak, First Prime of Anubis.
2004-05-0525 min