Shows
Rubbish TalkEpisode 84: Waste Reprocessing Capacity in ScotlandNews RoundupResident books nearly 250 recycling centre visits in one yearA BBC story revealed that one enthusiastic recycler made 249 bookings at their local HWRC in a year. Jane and Alasdair found it both amusing and revealing — highlighting how booking systems give councils better data but can also expose overuse, potential trade waste, or simply that some residents just love a good chat at the tip.Provisional pEPR charges for 2026 publishedDEFRA has released provisional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) charges for 2026, and the pair reflect on the implications. Alasdair warns that be...
2025-11-1343 minRubbish TalkEpisode 82: Fighting Fly-Tipping with Amanda YoungThis week, Alasdair is joined by Amanda Young, an engineering PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland, who’s taking the fight to fly-tipping, quite literally — she’s a two-time ISKA world kickboxing champion! Amanda’s research focuses on the relationship between kerbside bulky-waste collections and fly-tipping across Scotland, digging into why so many people still resort to dumping items illegally. Through interviews, surveys, and council data, she’s uncovered some striking patterns — including how charging for bulky uplifts, inconsistent services, and long waiting times can unintentionally push people toward illegal disposal. For many, it’...
2025-10-3050 minRubbish TalkEpisode 81: Fridge Recycling Waste JourneyThis week, Alasdair and Jane start with a listener shout-out! A big thanks to Deborah Saxton from Saxton Consultancy, who got in touch after our AD episode to share news of a Spanish company developing food waste pre-treatment tech — sounds like a future guest in the making! And our favourite confession of the week? Someone fell asleep listening to Rubbish Talk and woke up to Jane Googling the scientific name for mad cow disease. It still counts as a listen! News Roundup Tu...
2025-10-2334 minRubbish TalkEpisode 80: What Happens To Your Food Waste?News RoundupRenewables Overtake Coal as the World’s Top Power SourceAccording to BBC News, renewable energy — mainly solar and wind — has overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity for the first half of this year. While China and India lead the charge, richer nations like the US and EU are lagging behind. Jane shares her sunny holiday observations of solar panels in Greece, while Alasdair notes Scotland’s growing wind power and the massive investment needed to reconfigure the national grid.London’s Air Quality Hits Legal T...
2025-10-1646 minRubbish TalkEpisode 77: Waste Collection MethodsNews RoundupWet Wipe Island on the ThamesA 180-tonne “island” of congealed wet wipes has formed near Hammersmith Bridge — the size of two tennis courts and a metre high. Thames Water is using an 8-ton excavator to remove it, but the bigger issues are people flushing wipes containing plastic and storm overflows bypassing treatment. Police are even trialling “spike-trap” devices to trace repeat sewer blockers back to households — with fines a possibility.Waste Crime Crackdown in LincolnshireThe Environment Agency has confiscated £75,000 from illegal operators, but what’s new is fining...
2025-09-2539 minRubbish TalkEpisode 76: Landfill – The Last Resort?News Roundup Fire at S Norton’s Glasgow East FacilityAnother week, another fire — this time at S Norton’s Glasgow East site. Six appliances attended, and thankfully no one was hurt. Alasdair notes around four refuse vehicles catch fire daily in the UK, often from lithium-ion batteries. Without stronger producer responsibility, these fires will keep happening.£500m Skelton Grange EfW Facility Opens in LeedsEnfinium has opened its £500m energy-from-waste plant in Leeds, designed to process 410,000 tonnes a year and generate 49 MW. It highlights the UK’s continued...
2025-09-1847 minRubbish TalkEpisode 73: Recover the Energy of Waste ProducedNews RoundupKKR Set to Sell Viridor for £7bnPrivate equity giant KKR is preparing to sell UK recycling firm Viridor, five years after buying it for £4.2bn. With a potential £7bn price tag, it shows how lucrative waste infrastructure has become — even as Viridor’s Kent plastics plant closure highlights ongoing market challenges. Alasdair notes that many UK energy-from-waste sites are up for sale, reflecting both volatility and profitability.Global Plastics Treaty Talks CollapseTwo weeks of negotiations ended without agreement on reducing plastic production or tackling plastic...
2025-08-2838 min
Making Tracks Railway PodcastRailway 200; 'Greatest Gathering', Sharon's Railway Rideouts to the Glyn Valley Tramway and TV Newsreader Nicholas Owen's Railway Enthusiasm.Send us a textIn this episode of Making Tracks we’ll take you behind the scenes of the 'Greatest Gathering' in Derby, England for a prestigious piece of the UK's Railway 200 celebrations. Engineer Alasdair Stewart meets some of those who made it happen, and speaks with a variety of people representing a fraction of the variety and scope of the UK railway family as the movement looks forward to the future.All aboard for the Greatest Gathering!Sharon Gregory goes on another 'Railway Rideout' to visit a rural tramway museum in the Gl...
2025-08-241h 05Rubbish TalkEpisode 70: Deep Dive Into PlasterboardThis week we dig into one of construction’s most misunderstood materials: plasterboard. Why is it banned from landfill? What risks does it pose? And why is so much still being tossed into skips?News RoundupPlastic & Public HealthA report in The Lancet warns plastic pollution is damaging human health at every stage of life and costing $1.5 trillion annually. Alasdair and Jane discuss how even "sustainable" packaging choices like plastic wine bottles raise questions, and highlight growing concerns about microplastics in food and drink.Re...
2025-08-0735 minRubbish TalkEpisode 69: Reuse The Waste You ProduceThis week, we're moving to the second stage of the waste hierarchy — reuse! Alasdair and Jane unpack the importance of giving things a second life, whether it's takeaway tubs turned into lunchboxes, refilling your water bottle, or buying a jacket second hand.News RoundupUK Recycling: Up overall, but Scotland’s slippingNew stats show UK recycling rose to 44.6% in 2023, but Scotland fell behind at just 42.1%. Despite having food waste segregation for over a decade, public engagement still lags. Wales led the way again with 57%.Zero...
2025-07-3144 minRubbish TalkEpisode 68: Reduce The Waste You ProduceWelcome to the new format of Rubbish Talk!Rubbish RantWhy can’t we just take our litter home?In our first-ever official Rubbish Rant under the new podcast format, Alasdair kicks things off with a very relatable frustration: litter left behind on Scottish beaches after a sunny weekend. Despite bins being placed every 20 yards, people still leave glass bottles, overflowing bags, and general waste scattered around — creating hazards for wildlife and kids alike.Jane jumps in to highlight the absurdity: if you managed to carry your full bottles and picnic gear...
2025-07-2437 minRubbish TalkEpisode 50: Rubbish Talk Milestone – A Conversation with Alasdair MeldrumCelebrate 50 episodes of Rubbish Talk! For this special episode, we’ve shaken things up, co-host Jane Bond will be interviewing host Alasdair Meldrum about the podcast’s journey, standout guests, and future goals. With a special intro from listener and past guest Jim Brown (Ep. 9), this milestone episode dives into surprising lessons, memorable moments, and Alasdair’s vision for waste management’s future—with plenty of laughs and insights along the way!
2024-11-2149 minMaking Tracks Railway PodcastOut of Africa: 'Kalahari' NG15- 134 Back in Steam & Memories of Uganda , Sharon's Railway Ride-outs in WalesSend us a textThis episode focusses on engines from Africa. The first returned to steam after 20 years of restoration work and fundraising from dedicated volunteers – the NG 15 134. Alasdair talks to volunteer project leader Adrian Strachan and some of the volunteers and staffNow you know many a gem is found browsing a Railway Second hand book stall – a pastime Sharon from our Railway Ride Outs and Alasdair have in common.Well our second story from Africa this episode came to light when Alasdair was looking through books with a colleague John Gard...
2024-10-2949 min
If Glasgow’s Walls Could TalkGlasgow’s Gaelic Place-names with Dr Alasdair WhyteIn episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names.Alasdair's research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a shadowy glimpse of the farmer's daughter who owned Shettleston. Yes, Shettleston! When you know where and how to look, place-names are full of human history. In this conversation Alasdair draws on the evidence in his recently published b...
2024-07-0459 min
ULTRA TALK by Arnaud Manzanini#291 Alasdair McKenzie “ les 14 plus hauts sommets du monde à 20 ans!”Bienvenue dans un nouvel épisode d'Ultra Talk, le podcast dédié à la préparation mentale dans le monde du sport. Aujourd'hui, nous avons le plaisir de recevoir Alasdair McKenzie. Dans le monde de l'alpinisme, il y a des rêveurs audacieux, des chercheurs de défis extrêmes, et puis il y a Alasdair McKenzie, un jeune Franco-Écossais âgé de seulement 18 ans, qui se prépare à écrire une page d'histoire dans le domaine de l'alpinisme. Alasdair est actuellement en route pour devenir le plus jeune alpiniste à gravir les 14 plus hauts sommets du monde, tous situés...
2024-02-071h 18Making Tracks Railway PodcastMaking Heritage Railway Tracks With Volunteer Civil Engineering Professionals on the Ffestiniog RailwaySend us a textIn this first episode Alasdair talks to two experienced volunteers and looks at the challenges and positives that come with having volunteers involved in a large scale high value Heritage Rail infrastructure project. Alasdair heads to the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway to reminisce with former volunteer colleagues Stuart McNair and John Sreeves.Here are the links to the Railways mentioned in Episode 1.Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway: https://www.festrail.co.ukLynton & Barnstable Railway: https://www.lynton-rail.co.ukRother Valley Railway: https...
2023-07-1821 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #205 ~ Alasdair Goes on a Vision QuestSummary: Alasdair shares the mysterious events that have led him to journey to the Sonoran Desert to participate in a vision quest.Mentioned on this episode:Animas Valley InstituteFAR OUT #74 ~ Exploring Ayahuasca: Drinking it for the First Time Support this podcast:Discount link to purchase organic, raw ceremonial-grade cacao ethically sourced in Guatemala (a portion of proceeds support this podcast)Become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/thefaroutcoupleMake one-time donation with PayPal (our account is aplambeck22@gmail.com)Leave a review on iTunes!Share this episode with a friend! :DConnect with u...
2023-03-0851 min
Rubbish TalkEp 1: Introduction to your host Alasdair MeldrumOn the first episode of Rubbish Talk, Albion Environmental director and Rubbish Talk Podcast creator Alasdair Meldrum is interviewed by one of his co-hosts Heather Beattie. We discuss Alasdair’s career journey in the waste and resource management industry, how he started his own waste management consultancy, and how his running helps him to switch off from work as a business owner.
You can find Alasdair on LinkedIn for all things business here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alasdair-meldrum-133a6520/
If you’re interested in Alasdair’s running adventures, you can follow his blog here: http...
2023-01-051h 03
Alasdair Gray rereads1982, Janine: Chapter 11Alasdair Gray rereads an excerpt from Chapter 11 of his second novel 1982, Janine. This is Alasdair’s own choice of excerpt from what he felt was his best novel. And he continues reading until Jock’s breakdown and the multiple sections of typeface defeat even his ability to read aloud.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about book...
2022-11-1512 minFAR OUT: Adventures in Returning Home[Repost] FAR OUT #117 ~ This is Not the FAR OUT CoupleListen and explore:The "why" behind this podcast and how it has evolved over the last two yearsTraumatic stories from Alasdair and Julie-Roxane's childhoodOur peeing habits and that one time Alasdair peed himselfAlasdair's most despised nickname in high schoolWho is plant medicine NOT for?When to lean into resistance and when to take the path of least resistanceWhat adjustments have been toughest for us about living in a truck camper?Our biggest challenges currentlyMentioned on this episode:Eighth Grade by Bo BurnhamJordan B. PetersonCrossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity by David...
2022-08-311h 36FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning Home[Repost] FAR OUT #4 ~ The Art of WorkAlasdair and Julie-Roxane discuss Jeff Goin's book, The Art of Work, and how they think about work these days.Listen to this week's episode and explore:The difference between your purpose and your calling - 9.43 Exercises for hearing your calling - 17.15 The importance of apprenticeship - 20.32 The myth that it should be easy - 24.04 The art of painful practice - 30.44 Julie-Roxane singing in French - 39.01The importance of rest - 44.21 The "you'll just know" myth - 46.50 Leading a "portfolio life" - 54.37 Mentioned in the episode:The Art of Work by Jeff Goins Mindset: The...
2022-08-101h 04FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning Home[Repost] FAR OUT #16 ~ The Story of How we MetListen to this episode and explore:Update: icicles in the caravan?! (3:35)Update: cacti party (4:18)Trekking in the Himalayas (5:40)The story doesn’t start in India (7:05)Alasdair’s backstory (9:10)Alasdair goes on an impromptu road trip through Romania and ends up at an all-night party at a Bavarian lodge (10:15)Alasdair gets rejected (15:00)Tips for Americans trying to hit on Europeans (19:30)Julie-Roxane’s backstory (23:50)How Alasdair got to India (29:40)The difference between Nepal and India (34:15)The Holi festival (42:58)Raj and the Elephant Stables (44:15)It’s the morning of Holi (48:40)Alasdair’s wild motorcycle ride (52:28)The chai shop (55:50)Questions from the universe...
2022-07-061h 16
Alasdair Gray rereadsPoetry: Old NegativesIn 1993 Alasdair sent his sister Mora (my mother) a cassette tape in reply to one of her letters. On it he reads some of her favourites poems - along with his own personal selection - from his collection Old Negatives (published the same year).
I started recording Alasdair in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books. Mum mentioned the existence...
2021-11-0104 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #140 ~ Yosemite 2021 Recap: Consciousness Expanding Journeys into Wilderness MedicineListen and explore:What it feels like to be back at work after a two-year hiatusWilderness medicine: the universal healing quality of natureThe necessity of faith as a facilitator in group workBeing in a business partnership: the second most intimate relationship in our livesWhy Kelly and Alasdair lead these trips despite the long hours, low pay, risks and challenges"Oh my God, this is my job!"Wilderness medicine as one, long psychedelic journeyWhat people experienced on these trips that's missing in most people's everyday livesWhat's the most effective way to market a small business with integrity?Alasdair responds...
2021-09-081h 49
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning Home[Repost] FAR OUT #10 ~ Making Space for DepressionJulie-Roxane and Alasdair sit down to talk about 2019 and end up having an impromptu conversation about depression and how they make space for it in their lives and in their relationship.Listen to this episode and explore:How 2019 began for Alasdair (6:38)How pain helps us change (8:00)Giving space in a relationship when we're in different places (10:44)The value of depression (11:48)How depression is similar to an acid trip (12:40)The problem with numbing (13:14)Loving by letting be (14:01)Alasdair ends up comparing depression to an acid trip again (16:40)Our engagement and moving to a new phase of life (18:45...
2021-08-1140 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #135 ~ What is Your Restorative Niche?Photo taken by Alasdair in the Caucasus mountains in Georgia (the country). Listen and explore:A brief summary of extraversion and introversionYou are not an ambivertThe extravert bias in our Western culture and what this means for introvertsHiding in the restroom as an introvert during a business conferenceSelf-awareness and approaching situations based on your personality preferencesWhat is a restorative niche? Why can we all benefit from them?Alasdair's and Julie-Roxane's restorative niches at work and homeSelf-care means being a friend to yourselfJulie-Roxane flashes Alasdair on the podcastMentioned on this episode:Quiet: The Power of...
2021-06-2355 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #134 ~ Faith, Vision and Business: Building Wild WithinListen and explore:Spiritual growth & the business pathHow the pandemic affected Alasdair's business, or, is it doomed?Wild Within's revenue for 2020 and projected revenue for 2021Growing pains, "good problems to have" and transcending your current limitationsStraddling the line between what's actual and what's possible"Chewing glass and looking into the void"Trust in business partnershipsIs this foolishness or is this faith?The grand adventure: living your one, wild lifeMentioned on this episode:Finding a Better Life (part 1) - Alasdair & Julie-Roxane are interviewed on Simon Ratcliffe's podcast Turning the TablesA True Story of Being a Woman...
2021-06-161h 06
Alasdair Gray rereadsUnlikely Stories: Time TravelIn 1993 Alasdair sent his sister Mora (my mother) a cassette tape in reply to one of her letters. On it he reads the whole of this bitter-sweet short story Time Travel – which was published the same year with some revisions in Ten Tales Tall And True and later in Every Short Story.
I started recording Alasdair in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read an...
2021-05-2827 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #125 ~ What We Do Instead of Health InsuranceListen and explore:What originally led Alasdair to seek alternatives to health insuranceAlasdair's recent, glowing health care experience from the desert in New MexicoDon't be afraid to fire your doctorThe four elements of Alasdair's health care strategyAn affordable option to traditional health insurance plansThe value of tela-medicine for full-time travelersA free way to save money on prescriptions (whether you have insurance or not)Covering major downside while maximizing your freedom to choose who you work withJulie-Roxane's experience of French health care and how it compares to the U.S.The only company we use these days for international...
2021-04-1459 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #121 ~ What's the Strangest Place You've Ever Been? (And Other FAR OUT Banter)Listen and explore:Join us in July on our upcoming Yosemite retreatUpdate from Joshua TreeThe places we've never been and most want to goWhere we most want to go back to before we dieJulie-Roxane's ideal day in the cityJulie-Roxane's first ThanksgivingOur favorite movies, books, mealsThe one super power we'd pickMentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #81 ~ Derek Sivers on Identity, Freedom & Singing the Counter Melodywww.thewildwithin.org (Alasdair's company)Yosemite video & backpacking adventure FAR OUT #55 ~ What it Means to be Highly SensitiveMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. FranklFoundation by Isaac AsimovRedwall: A Tale from Redwall b...
2021-03-171h 04
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #120 ~ What is Your Medicine?Listen and explore:Life update from Ruidoso, New MexicoHow does one become a healer?The power in asking what is your medicine?Medicine as an ongoing dialogue with yourself, others and the worldMedicine is deeply personal and also not youAnswering the question: the medicine pathJulie-Roxane's medicineAlasdair's medicineMentioned on this episode:DISCOUNT LINK TO PURCHASE KEITH'S CACAOFAR OUT #69 ~ Chocolate Shaman Keith Wilson on Cacao: The Food for the ShiftFAR OUT #97 ~ Your Body is not the Obstacle, It's the Way: Will Johnson on the Posture of MeditationCrossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity by D...
2021-03-101h 18
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #119 ~ Are We Having Kids?Listen and explore:Where we each stand currently on the kid conversationWhere we started when we met back in IndiaThe evolution of the kid conversation: challenges and breakthroughsAlasdair's fears around having kidsJulie-Roxane's spirit babiesComparing the masculine and the feminine in relationshipMentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #16 ~ The Story of How We MetEnemy (movie Alasdair mentioned w/ Jake Gyllenhaal)FAR OUT #63 ~ The Shadow Work of MarriageSpirit Babies: How to Communicate with the Child You're Meant to Have by Walter MakichenConnect with us:Website: www.thefarout.lifeEmail us at info@thefarout.lifeOn Instagram: @thefaroutcoupleJulie-Roxane...
2021-03-0359 min
Alasdair Gray rereadsLanark: Chapter 40. ProvanIn 1993 Alasdair sent his sister Mora (my mum) a cassette tape in reply to one of her letters. He ends it with this excerpt from Lanark and an explanation of why he only included the miserable aspects of his childhood in the novel.
I started recording Alasdair in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books. Mum mentioned the existence of...
2021-02-2411 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #118 ~ Integrating Spiritual ExperiencesListen and explore:Surviving the "snowpocalypse" in our camper in San AntonioAlasdair pees in the truck and it goes badThe challenges we're experiencing after returning from a recent week-long retreatHow profound experiences of connection can lead to heightened sense of disconnection and lonelinessThe importance of taking time for yourself after a retreat or journeyIntegration and compartmentalization: the two choices we have after a spiritual experience How do you describe China to someone who's never been?The work you do for yourself is also for othersReturning to the present as the bridge for true connectionMentioned on this e...
2021-02-2456 minAlasdair Gray rereadsLanark: Chapter 41. ClimaxIn 1993 Alasdair sent his sister Mora (my mother) a cassette tape in reply to one of her letters. On it he reads bits of his work he thinks she'll enjoy - including this excerpt from the Climax of Lanark that’s clearly based on memories of spending time with his own son, Andrew.
I started recording Alasdair in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him re...
2021-02-1914 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #117 ~ This is Not the FAR OUT CoupleListen and explore:The "why" behind this podcast and how it has evolved over the last two yearsTraumatic stories from Alasdair and Julie-Roxane's childhoodOur peeing habits and that one time Alasdair peed himselfAlasdair's most despised nickname in high schoolWho is plant medicine NOT for?When to lean into resistance and when to take the path of least resistanceWhat adjustments have been toughest for us about living in a truck camper?Our biggest challenges currentlyMentioned on this episode:Eighth Grade by Bo BurnhamJordan B. PetersonCrossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity by David...
2021-02-171h 34Alasdair Gray rereadsPoetry: The UnitIn 1993 Alasdair sent his sister Mora (my mother) a cassette tape in reply to one of her letters. On it he reads bits of his work he thinks she'll enjoy including this poem from 'In a Cold Room 1952 - 57' - the first of four verse sequences in Old Negatives.
I started recording Alasdair in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk...
2021-02-1502 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #115 ~ Thinking, Feeling & Bridging the Gap in the Age of COVIDFeatured photo taken by Alasdair on the ghats of the Ganges river in Varanasi, India. Listen and explore:Alasdair gets drunk and rides a horse for the first time in Costa RicaThe different ways thinking and feeling types approach COVIDWhy the mainstream COVID conversation is often an obstacle in actually talking about COVIDThe importance of mindfulness in approaching difficult conversationsThe anatomy of a difficult conversation we had around our differing views on COVIDThe reward of leaning into difficult conversations with those we care aboutDiscerning who is worth having a tough conversation withThe danger of believing we al...
2021-02-031h 21
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #114 ~ Letting Yourself DissolveWe're beginning to schedule Kambo ceremonies for 2021 across the US. If you are interested in participating, hosting a ceremony or just want to learn more, reach out to us at info@thefarout.lifeListen and explore:What is currently in the process of dissolving for AlasdairWhy dissolution can be so disorientingTimes in Alasdair's and Julie-Roxane's lives where they've faced major dissolutionThe tricky relationship between dissolution and identityThe stages of dissolution and their importanceHow do we let ourselves dissolve? Should we?Dissolution as a stage of world-formationDissolution as a process of purifying and reorganizationThe role dissolution plays...
2021-01-271h 05
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #113 ~ Meeting Your Edge: Anti-Fragility and the Hero ArchetypeFeatured image is of our friend Mike enjoying the view from Cloud's Rest in Yosemite during our 2019 Yosemite Retreat. We're currently accepting applications for our 2021 retreat. Listen and explore:Alasdair gets shingles in the truck camperWhat 2020 ended up looking like for Alasdair and Julie-RoxaneBeing robust vs. being antifragileThe Hero's stance toward the unknown and why it's worth studyingThe two faces of the unknown and how our attitude toward what we don't influences how we experience itWhat's your training ground? Finding arenas where you can meet your edge and practice with the unknownThe role of elders in h...
2021-01-201h 12
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #111 ~ Early Days on the Road: Adjusting to a New LifeListen and explore:A progress report on Dorothy's first big road trip (her mpg almost made Alasdair cry)How a tree ripped off our solar panel a week after it was installedEarly surprises and realities of road lifeWhat you shouldn't do when you are in freezing temperatures in a truck camperDriving off the deep end - why moving into our truck camper during the onset of winter and heading to Colorado was not the easiest moveComfort and security vs. meaning and fulfillment -the trade offs we've experienced in living the way we doThe differences between Alasdair's and Julie-Roxane's...
2021-01-0656 min
Debating Doctor WhoEpisode 154: RTD and David Tennant’s “Casanova” with Kev KoeserReminder: We have a live show this Saturday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern! Go to https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ddw-live to sign up or just join us on the day. As for today, here's the first installment of a new occasional series in which Alasdair and a rotating team of cohosts look at works that Doctor Who luminaries (Whominaries?) worked on before the new series. Kev Koeser of the great podcast Talking Who To You joins Alasdair to discuss the Russell T. Davies-written, David Tennant-starring 2005 miniseries "Casanova", which very much feels like a dress rehearsal for what they would...
2020-12-1100 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #101 ~ Kambito Kambocito: Surrender to the FrogListen and explore:What is Kambo and how does one work with it?The physical, emotional, energetical and spiritual benefits of working with KamboAlasdair's and Julie-Roxane's intense first experience with KamboThe powerfully intelligent spirit of Kambo: why Alasdair calls Kambo the master surgeonTraining as a Kambo practitionerKambo's message to us (AKA why we're back in the US)Liminal space, initiation and walking into the unknownDeveloping faith and learning to surrenderShould you work with Kambo?Mentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #98 ~ Your Don't Change, You're ChangedFAR OUT #85 ~ Exploring Ayahuasca: Shaman Jess Poitra on Kambo, the Warrior Frog...
2020-10-281h 25Alasdair Gray rereadsUnlikely Stories: The Trendelenburg PositionAlasdair rereads his own choice of short story, the slyly sinister The Trendelenburg Position. It was originally published in 1993 and although Alasdair never owned a television - and only engaged with digital technology via his assistants - the story is surprisingly prescient and still seems relevant today.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
2020-10-1314 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #96 ~ [Life Update] Taking Yet Another Leap Into the UnknownListen and explore:What's going on in Alasdair and Julie-Roxane's businessesThe curve ball that led Alasdair and Julie-Roxane to leave paradise after thinking they'd live in Guatemala for yearsWhere Alasdair and Julie-Roxane are now and where they plan to be later this yearThe biggest purchase we've EVER made!!! We're excited about this one...The particular spirit that's been very vocal in guiding us through this moveHow money can focus our attention but also limit our possibilitiesLiving life vs. being lived by lifeMentioned on this episode:Alasdair's Mindful Money Coaching ProgramFAR OUT #58 ~ Five Money Mantras for...
2020-09-2356 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #89 ~ How to Reach the MoonListen and explore:What is a moonshot?Stage 1: Finding the audacity to look upStage 2: Getting off the groundStage 3: Reaching escape velocityStage 4: Settling in for the long journeyWhat stage Alasdair and Julie-Roxane feel they are in right nowMentioned on this episode:Taking Moonshots piece on Alasdair's BlogTom KenyonConor & BrittanyThe War of Art by Steven PressfieldConnect with us:Email us at host@thefaroutpodcast.comOn Instagram: @thefaroutcoupleJulie-Roxane on Instagram: @julieroxaneAlasdair @ www.alasdairplambeck.comSupport this podcast:Become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/thefaroutcoupleLeave a review on iTunes!Share this episode with...
2020-08-0545 min
Alasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Treasure Island continuedAlasdair continues rereading Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Sadly there wasn’t time for him to finish the whole book! But I found it so gripping I had to borrow his copy and read to the end.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behi...
2020-06-2214 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #77 ~ Off the map and lost in a conflict zone [Travel Story]Listen and explore:What led Alasdair to such an obscure corner of the worldWhat Alasdair and Julie-Roxane love the most about traveling with no plansHow Alasdair got the idea to hike the Janapar TrailLand mines, snipers, & tanks: when Alasdair began to doubt his decision Is camping next to a sacrificial shrine with dead animals hanging in the trees a good idea?Alasdair's multiple failed attempts at not drinking the local villager's home-brewed and lethally strong Oghi Alasdair's wild night with a local family in Nagorno-Karabakh Mentioned on this episode:FAR OUT#62 ~ Culture ShockThe West Highland Way in S...
2020-05-131h 17
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAR OUT #74 ~ Exploring Ayahuasca: Drinking it for the first time (Episode 1)Listen and explore:How Alasdair found Ayahuasca (or how Ayahuasca found him)"The eye of the storm" Alasdair was in when he went on his first ayahuasca retreat in PeruThe grueling cleansing process Alasdair underwent in preparation for ayahuascaWhat it was like to drink AyahuascaWhy it's been one of the most significant experiences of Alasdair's lifeHow he feels about taking ayahuasca again after almost six yearsMentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #33: Going through life's thresholds with Danny van LeeuwenVipassanaEtnikas Ayahuasca Retreats - where Alasdair took his ayahuasca retreat in PeruSacred Travel Peru w/ Joey Greenstone...
2020-04-221h 29Alasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Treasure IslandAlasdair rereads the opening chapter of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure story, Treasure Island. Alasdair particularly admired the way Stevenson opened his novels and credited him with providing the model for the opening paragraph of his own novel, Poor Things.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more ab...
2020-04-1314 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Edward Lear & othersAlasdair and his sister Mora (my mother) recite and reread Edward Lear’s limericks and nonsense rhymes – which leads them on to childhood quarrels, other favourite books and poems and the huge influence of author-illustrators on Alasdair’s own art.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the st...
2020-03-1116 minDebating Doctor WhoStandalone Minisode: Some Thoughts on Gender IdentityThe final 20 or so minutes of today's episode are devoted to an introspective, still somehow Doctor Who-related commentary on gender identity from Alasdair, who recently updated their pronouns to publicly acknowledge that either "he" or "they" are correct. While this segment is also available on the full episode, if anyone wants to hear Alasdair's thoughts in a more standalone sort of way, we wanted to share this part separately. So here's one person offering their perspective on gender, how it exists in society, and how Doctor Who helped them think about it more personally. (Sidebar: I, Alasdair, write all these sh...
2020-02-1200 minAlasdair Gray rereadsLanark: Glasgow is a magnificent city…Alasdair rereads the passage from Chapter 22 of Lanark that includes his most quoted excerpt - where Thaw explains to his friend McAlpin why nobody notices the magnificence of the city they live in.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in...
2020-02-0305 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFAROUT #62: Culture shockListen and explore:Alasdair's experience of culture shock in KathmanduStories from Alasdair and JR's travels around the worldWhat it means to be culture shocked What culture shock does to our sense of selfReverse culture shock: what Alasdair and JR noticed when they returned to the West after a year in AsiaAsia's and the West's different attitudes toward deathAlasdair and JR's feeling of being a stranger in their own landMentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #9: Welcome to L-townConnect with us:Email us at host@thefaroutpodcast.comFollow FAR OUT on InstagramFollow JR on Instagram
2020-01-291h 13
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe spirituality of podcastingListen and explore:3 bullshit reasons not to start a podcast4 reasons why Alasdair and Julie-Roxane believe in the power of podcastingThe revolutionary power of telling our storyWhy our society needs podcasting more now than everWhy podcasting can be spiritualMentioned on this episode:Ishita Gupta The Story Skills Workshop with Bernadette Jiwa and Seth GodinRebecca SolnitAlasdair on Zach's podcast GuidedAlasdair's blog: https://alasdairplambeck.com/Jordan B. Peterson lecture series on personalityCarl JungBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. PutnamLet Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker J. P...
2020-01-151h 14Alasdair Gray rereadsLanark: Chapter 44. EndAlasdair rereads his own favourite excerpt from Lanark – Chapter 44. End. I first shared this podcast in memory of my beloved Uncle who left us on the 29th of December 2019. When I asked him why he had chosen this chapter he said "because it's the end and, I think, a rather good one". I'm so pleased to be able to say that Alasdair's own death - like his life - was a good one.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time wi...
2019-12-3132 minAlasdair Gray rereadsLanark: EpilogueAlasdair rereads an excerpt from the Epilogue of his novel Lanark - where the hero meets his author and argues against his forthcoming death.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair...
2019-12-2307 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeWhat it means to be highly sensitiveListen and explore:DOES: The four parts of being a highly sensitive person (HSP)Why Alasdair no longer drinks coffee and how understanding, recognizing and managing overstimulation can change your life and workJulie-Roxane's journey with trauma and how the role it plays in the being a highly sensitive personWhat happens when HSPs realize they are not innately flawedThe strengths of HSPS and why HSPs are adept at creating and holding sacred spaceHSP's unique relationship with their vocationWhy we sorely need more highly sensitive leadersMentioned on this episode:FAR OUT #52: Exploring intuition with Karina AntonopoulosFAR OUT #51...
2019-12-1156 min
Alasdair Gray rereadsOther Worlds: The First Men On The MoonAlasdair explains how H G Wells’s description of interplanetary conflict in The War Of The Worlds - informed by socialism and the brutality of the British Empire - quickly became a dominant narrative and rereads excerpts from the Wells novel that particularly impressed him - The First Men On The Moon.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and...
2019-12-0218 minAlasdair Gray rereadsOther Worlds: Of Me And Others – New KelvingroveAlasdair rereads the first part of his essay New Kelvingrove from Of Me And Others - in which he describes how childhood visits to Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum fuelled his imagination and aided his obsession with creating and escaping to other worlds.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can...
2019-11-1308 minAlasdair Gray rereadsOther Worlds: The Imp Of The PerverseAlasdair rereads another excerpt from the stories that so terrified him as a child and explains how Edgar Allen Poe’s The Imp Of The Perverse relates to Freud’s death wish.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray...
2019-10-1411 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe art of creative waitingListen and explore:What the myth of Sleeping Beauy can teach us about embracing changeWhat's hard about creative waitingHow Disney's recreaton of Sleeping Beauty demonstrates the West's misunderstanding of this mythWhat creative waiting is notWhat creative waiting feels like for Alasdair & Julie-RoxaneHow Alasdair and Julie-Roxane embrace creative waiting in their own livesMentioned on this episode:Alasdair's blog post: The art of creative waitingBrother's Grimm version of Sleeping Beauty (Little Briar Rose)The Cry for Myth by Rollo MayConnect with us:Email us at host@thefaroutpodcast.comFollow FAR OUT on InstagramFollow JR on...
2019-10-0243 minAlasdair Gray rereadsOther Worlds: The Fall Of The House Of UsherAlasdair describes the terror he experienced as a child on first reading the stories of Edgar Allan Poe and rereads the start of one of his most famous works – The Fall Of The House Of Usher.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gr...
2019-09-3014 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeWhy we're failing to retire earlyListen and explore:
Why Alasdair has not retired early
What the FIRE philosophy is in a nutshell
The potential (hidden) costs of FIRE
Unhealthy reasons to adopt a FIRE philosophy
The role of work and insecurity on the spiritual path
Mentioned on this episode:
Alasdair's Mindful Money Manager Program
Ellen Fisher's video how to become financially free
Maslow's heiarchy of needs
Mr. Money Mustache
Reddit FIRE thread
The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
Alasdair's blog post: Alan Watts on Security, Illusion and Becoming Aware
Connect with us:
Email us at host@thefaroutpodcast.com
...
2019-09-2549 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeGrappling with social mediaListen and explore:
The 3 questions Alasdair asked himself that led to leaving social media last year
The different ways Alasdair and Julie-Roxane thing about social media
What happened when Julie-Roxane decided to join instagram earlier this year and why she's taking a break from it now.
How social media has affected Alasdair and Julie-Roxane's relationship
How leaving social media has effected their relationship
Social media addiction as a symptom and what it suggests about the deeper questions our culture is grappling with
Mentioned on this episode:
Making Sense Podcast #136 - Digital Humanism w/ Sam Harris & Jarod...
2019-09-1845 minAlasdair Gray rereadsOther Worlds: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The SeaAlasdair rereads excerpts from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea – the first science fiction he ever read and a book that improved his geography as he followed the path of the Nautilus on a globe of the world.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more abou...
2019-09-1615 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Just So StoriesAlasdair rereads excerpts from Just So Stories to his sister Mora (my mother) and they revisit Rudyard Kipling’s illustrations and rhymes – with one particular passage triggering thoughts of Jean Rhys and Eliot’s The Wasteland.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray r...
2019-08-1916 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: The Box of DelightsAlasdair rereads the beginning of John Masefield’s The Box of Delights – a book he mentions with great fondness in a number of podcasts and that he enjoyed as much at the end of his life as he did when he was a child. With many thanks to the copyright holders who very kindly gave us permission to reread this excerpt.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quie...
2019-07-3117 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeEmbarking on the Hero's JourneyListen and explore:
Alasdair rants about the struggles of running an eco-friendly business
Enrollment is now open for our Yosemite Wilderness Retreat 2020 (www.rippleoutretreats.com)
Introduction to the architect of the Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell (16:19)
Introduction to the Hero’s Journey (26:30)
The Hero’s journey begins with the call to adventure
The consequences of refusing the call
When magical allies will and won’t appear on your journey
The role of faith in the Hero’s Journey
Crossing the threshold into the special world
Mentioned on this episode:
Join us on our next Yosemite Wilderness Retreat in...
2019-07-311h 04
Alasdair Gray rereadsGothic Novels: Influences & inspirationAlasdair talks about some of the work that influenced his Gothic novel Poor Things - from Thomas Love Peacock's Nightmare Abbey to Mel Brook’s film Young Frankenstein - and explains why he feels the opening of this book may be his best.
You'll hear that I incorrectly credit Gene Wilder as the director of Young Frankenstein in the podcast and Alasdair rightly sounds rather dubious!
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you...
2019-07-1618 min
Alasdair Gray rereadsPoor Things: Wedderburn’s LetterAlasdair rereads the beginning of Duncan Wedderburn’s hysterical (and hysterically funny) letter to Godwin Baxter from his Gothic novel Poor Things.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gray.
2019-07-1605 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe introvert's dilemmaListen and explore:
What does it mean to be introverted or extraverted?
Alasdair’s and JR's challenges growing up as introverts in an extraverted society.
Alasdair and Julie-Roxane’s MBTI types.
The two top priorities for an introvert.
The existential pain many introverts face transitioning into adulthood.
How success differs for extraverts and introverts.
The introvert's hidden power.
Mentioned on this episode:
Back2Basics podcast w/ Leticia Latino
Carl Jung
Sigmund Freud
Alfred Adler
Symbols of Transformation by Carl Jung
Quiet: The Power of INtroverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Myers-Briggs Type...
2019-07-031h 03Alasdair Gray rereadsGothic Novels: Northanger AbbeyAlasdair rereads excerpts from Jane Austen's first novel Northanger Abbey - where Austen pokes gentle fun at the attributes and experiences of the typical romantic heroine together with the craze for everything ghastly and Gothic.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray...
2019-07-0123 minAlasdair Gray rereadsUnlikely Stories: The Crank That Made The RevolutionAlasdair rereads his short story The Crank That Made The Revolution from Unlikely Stories Mostly. Very clever, very poignant and very funny!
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gray.
2019-06-1611 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeGarbage in, garbage out (Alasdair's food story)Listen and explore:
Why what we eat can be such a divisive issue.
How managing a business caused Alasdair to begin experimenting with diet.
The moment that drastically changed Alasdair’s diet (and life).
The difficulties of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
The challenges Alasdair faced on his quest to regain his energy.
How changing his diet also changed his life.
Three simple principles for healthy eating.
How Alasdair used travel as a laboratory for his experiments with food.
Mentioned in this episode:
[Lotus Rain Clinic] in San Diego (http://lotusrainclinic.com/)
[Songlines by Bruce Chatwin] (Book Alasdair coul...
2019-06-121h 13Alasdair Gray rereadsGothic Novels: Nightmare AbbeyAlasdair describes the concept of the Gothic novel and rereads the first chapter of Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock. This satirical novella was originally published in 1818 and was among the many influences on Alasdair's own Gothic novel Poor Things.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about...
2019-05-3124 minAlasdair Gray rereadsPoor Things: Chapters 4 & 5Alasdair introduces his Gothic novel Poor Things and rereads chapters four and five - A Fascinating Stranger and Making Bella Baxter.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gray.
I...
2019-05-1328 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: More Alice in WonderlandAlasdair rereads chapter two of Alice in Wonderland – for those of us who enjoyed chapter one and want to hear a little bit more.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gr...
2019-05-1313 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeA day in our livesListen to this episode and explore:
The day begins (7:16)
Alasdair hires someone to draw a pelidragon (17:55)
Julie-Roxane accuses Alasdair of stealing her bread (25:02)
Alasdair gives a tour of the tea collection (34:30)
Alasdair and Julie-Roxane discuss their meditation practice (41:52)
Julie-Roxane speaks French (49:33)
The food gods deliver (53:40)
Mentioned in this episode:
FAR OUT episode 21: 100 Hours of meditation in 10 days: our experiences and what we've learned
France retreat on the Camino de Santiago w/ RippleOut Retreats
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast
S.N. Goenka
FAR OUT episode 6: What we love and hate about living in a caravan in the...
2019-05-0859 minAlasdair Gray rereadsUnlikely Stories: The StarAlasdair rereads The Star to his sister Mora, my mother. It's one of his best loved short stories and her own personal favourite.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gray.
2019-04-2806 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Alice in WonderlandAlasdair explains to his sister Mora (my mother) why Tenniel refused to work for Charles Dodgson again after illustrating the Alice books and rereads the beginning of this children’s classic.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Sp...
2019-04-2815 minAlasdair Gray rereadsChildhood Favourites: Shared memoriesAlasdair describes his early appearance on BBC Scotland's Children's Hour and he and his sister Mora (my mother) reminisce about favourite childhood books, comics and radio programmes.
I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.
You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space i...
2019-04-2221 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning Home100 Hours of meditation in 10 days: our experiences and what we've learnedListen to this episode and explore:
(4:36) Updates: we were interviewed on other podcasts!
(6:37) What have we been up to?
(7:41) Vipassana courses and their structure
(20:57) The 3 meditation techniques taught
(29:36) How Alasdair got into Vipassana
(32:21) How JR got into Vipassana
(36:40) JR’s first Vipassana experience and what it brought up
(50:22) Alasdair’s experience on his third retreat and what it brought up
(1:09:11) The value of practicing within a tradition
Mentioned in this episode:
Alasdair's interview on the Project Mindfulness podcast
Back2Basics interview with JR
Pandemic Legacy season 2 board game
Vipassana centers worldwide
Dhamma Neru in Barcelona
Joseph Gold...
2019-04-171h 15
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe story of how we metListen to this episode and explore:
Update: icicles in the caravan?! (3:35)
Update: cacti party (4:18)
Trekking in the Himalayas (5:40)
The story doesn’t start in India (7:05)
Alasdair’s backstory (9:10)
Alasdair goes on an impromptu road trip through Romania and ends up at an all-night party at a Bavarian lodge (10:15)
Alasdair gets rejected (15:00)
Tips for Americans trying to hit on Europeans (19:30)
Julie-Roxane’s backstory (23:50)
How Alasdair got to India (29:40)
The difference between Nepal and India (34:15)
The Holi festival (42:58)
Raj and the Elephant Stables (44:15)
It’s the morning of Holi (48:40)
Alasdair’s wild motorcycle ride (52:28)
The chai shop (55:50)
Questions from the universe...
2019-03-131h 14
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe life-changing magic of buying other people's junkAlasdair and Julie-Roxane share their LOVE for buying second-hand and 6 reasons why not to buy new.
Listen to this episode and explore:
Life update #1: New box of incense (3:00)
Life update #2: Alasdair shaved his beard (3:30)
Life update #3: wedding planning (4:39)
The life-changing magic of buying other people’s junk (9:00)
It’s not as risky as you think (12:30)
Your junk is valuable to other people (18:30)
It’s an investment in yourself (25:25)
Learning to buy, sell and negotiate (31:25)
Haggling in India (38:20)
Everybody wins (41:57)
Buying as a political act (47:40)
It’s an adventure (57:28)
Where Julie-Roxane found her wedding dress and how much she...
2019-03-061h 09
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeFrom $0 to $1,000+: How JR built a location independent business in 3 weeksListen to this episode and explore:
Update: It's Julie-Roxane's birthday (5:55)
Julie-Roxane's podcast producing business (7:37)
Where it all started (10:00)
Seth Godin's The Podcast Fellowship (17:20)
Helping the community (20:30)
Julie-Roxane's's first client (23:35)
Feeling like an imposter (25:15)
Something big happens (30:05)
Things get stressful (32:40)
Putting a price on your work (38:27)
Going from chef to podcast producer (42:58)
Two ways to build a lifestyle business (48:00)
The moment when Julie-Roxane became a podcast producer (51:55)
Doing work that reflects your values (54:30)
Mentioned in this episode:
Seth Godin
Enrollment for the third season of the Podcast Fellowship is happening now.
Seth’s podcast Akimbo
Debbie Weil's po...
2019-02-2759 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe "self-indulgence" mythIn this episode, Alasdair and Julie-Roxane discuss the label "self-indulgent" which has been applied to Alasdair many times. They explore the pain of being an introvert in an extroverted world, the myth of objectivity and unpack some of America's cultural baggage (and how it differs from France). Along the way they share personal insights from their own spiritual journeys.
Listen to this week's episode and explore:
Update: we’ve got a moldy mattress (2:45)
What does it mean to be triggered? (6:40)
Defining self-indulgence (10:20)
Being introverted in an extraverted society (14:35)
The basic difference between extraversion and introversion (15:20)
The We...
2019-02-2053 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeYosemite 2019 (or how we founded a travel company)In this episode, Alasdair and JR share how they founded a travel retreat company. They discuss the value of retreats, the healing power of walking as well as their excitement around their upcoming backpacking retreat in Yosemite. They talk about how they met their business partners Lou and Kelly and give a behind the scenes look at some of the ups and downs they've experienced while starting the business.
Listen to this episode and explore:
Update: We moved (3:04)
Update: Alasdair's coaching business (5:05)
The trip to Yosemite that started it all (7:55)
The rewards of backpacking for Alasdair...
2019-02-131h 12
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe uncertainty of 2019Julie-Roxane and Alasdair shares their fears, desires and plans in 2019.
Listen to this episode and explore:
The value of an annual review (5:30)
How getting engaged is changing how we think about the future (6:34)
The perks of living in France (9:35)
The challenges in changing our model of life (15:00)
The sailboat and the cruise liner (20:15)
Ah! Brexit (27:40)
Buying land in Portugal? (29:52)
Our experience living on someone else’s land (31:43)
The weight of owning things (40:28)
Our grand vision for buying land (45:58)
How living in the forest has influenced us (49:58)
Doing due diligence before leaping (52:05)
Using Workaway to get inside in...
2019-02-061h 08
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeMaking space for depressionJulie-Roxane and Alasdair sit down to talk about 2019 and end up having an impromptu conversation about depression and how they make space for it in their lives and in their relationship.
Listen to this episode and explore:
How 2019 began for Alasdair (6:38)
How pain helps us change (8:00)
Giving space in a relationship when we're in different places (10:44)
The value of depression (11:48)
How depression is similar to an acid trip (12:40)
The problem with numbing (13:14)
Loving by letting be (14:01)
Alasdair ends up comparing depression to an acid trip again (16:40)
Our engagement and moving to a new phase of life (18:45)
...
2019-01-3038 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeDoing a yearly reviewListen to this week's episode and explore:
Alasdair and Julie-Roxane recap 2018 (2:12)
An annual review starts with stopping (15:17)
Conscious effort versus unconscious process (21:40)
Pain as an ally (27:05)
Free writing (28:16)
The dream day exercise (30:42)
Goals vs. intentions (35:14)
The power of writing messages to ourselves (40:07)
The most important part of doing a review (43:48)
Two questions to reflect on (45:00)
Three reasons to do an annual review (45:52)
Mentioned in this episode:
FAR OUT episode 2: How did we get here? (part 1)
FAR OUT episode 3: How did we get here? (part2)
Alasdair's blog post about the vendange: Picking Grapes in France
FAR OUT...
2019-01-1654 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeTaking a psychedelic retreatAlasdair and Julie-Roxane talk about the value of taking retreats in general and psychedelic retreats in particular. They discuss their recent psychedelic experience, how they approached it and the importance of preparation. Alasdair shares how spending time with shamans in Peru has changed the way he thinks about psychedelics.
Listen to this week's episode and explore:
Why take a retreat? (8:12)
The "wrong" way to take psychedelics (15:31)
How we prepared our bodies for the retreat (17:38)
The importance of space (20:35)
How we prepared our psychically and the value of ritual (21:51)
Rituals we performed (28:10)
A shaman's tips for dealing...
2018-12-1946 min
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeThe Art of WorkAlasdair and Julie-Roxane discuss Jeff Goin's book, The Art of Work, and how they think about work these days.
Listen to this week's episode and explore:
The difference between your purpose and your calling - 9.43
Exercises for hearing your calling - 17.15
The importance of apprenticeship - 20.32
The myth that it should be easy - 24.04
The art of painful practice - 30.44
Julie-Roxane singing in French - 39.01
The importance of rest - 44.21
The "you'll just know" myth - 46.50
Leading a "portfolio life" - 54.37
Mentioned in the episode:
The Art of Work by Jeff Goins
Mindset: The...
2018-12-121h 01
FAR OUT: Adventures in Returning HomeHow did we get here? (part 1)Julie-Roxane and Alasdair live in a caravan they've renovated in the forest in France. But how did they get there ?
They reflect on some painful realizations and connect the dots on their not-so-clear journey to caravan ownership which starts in India, takes them to Portugal and brings them back to France.
Mentioned in this episode:
Alasdair's blog post: Calling Bullshit
Alasdair's blog post: Culture Shock
Workaway.info
Tynan's blog
Ways you can support this podcast:
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2018-11-2849 min
What We Do In The Winter06 Alasdair MacLeanIn this episode I’m delighted to say that I get the chance to talk with Alasdair MacLean.
Alasdair was born in Dervaig, and spent his childhood around and about the village.
He can trace his family in the area back to the early 1700’s.
Alasdair is well known for his work as a fisherman, and his vast knowledge of local lore and tales. He’s a true tradition bearer.
Our conversation covers a lot of ground, and we move from topic to topic fairly swiftly.
Some of the things we talk about include: Quinish, Treshnish and the Whisky Cave, salmon n...
2018-11-011h 09Debating Doctor WhoBonus Episode: Talking Torchwood with Kevin KoeserAlasdair has had a hankering to talk about the two Russell T. Davies-era spinoffs, so here's the first of a pair of bonus episodes looking at two very different shows. First up, "Talking Who to You" cohost and friend of the show Kevin Koeser joins Alasdair to talk about Torchwood, which can only be described as the horniest show ever made. But what do you expect when you build a show around Captain Jack Harkness, even if he does occasionally try to be all moody and angst-ridden? Alasdair and Kevin have both plenty of praise and plenty of condemnation for...
2017-12-0500 minDebating Doctor WhoBonus Episode: Series 11 Cast Announced!The BBC just revealed the cast members joining Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor for series 11, so Alasdair and Allison did a late-night emergency podcast to talk all about it. Are we really headed for a four-person TARDIS team? Alasdair engages his "absurd encyclopedic facts and figures" mode to talk about past instances of this, though he totally blanks on the name of the companion who replaced Susan. (Vicki, Alasdair! It's Vicki!) Anyway, we look at the actors' filmographies, what this will mean for a presumably very busy series 11 premiere, and much more!
2017-10-2300 min