Shows
Always Take Notes#219: Jacqueline Wilson, novelistIn this episode, recorded in conjunction with Hay Festival, Rachel and Simon speak with the novelist Jacqueline Wilson. Born in 1945, Jacqueline wrote her first (unpublished) novel, "Meet the Maggots", when she was nine and has since gone on to write more than 100 books; her novels have been translated into 34 languages and have sold more than 40m copies in Britain alone. Jacqueline started her career as a journalist for DC Thomson in Dundee—the bestselling teen magazine Jackie was reportedly named after her—and she published her first story for children, "Ricky's Birthday", in 1973. She is the author of several bestsel...
2025-08-191h 08
The Joint Radio ShowThe Joint - 18 January 2025And on with the show... Notebooks out completists, here's the playlist in full... redveil - f2g (garage mix) (featuring Mekdelawit) HOUSE OF KENZO - Nasty (Akasha & Ledef Remix) ELA MINUS - QQQQ TONY QUATTRO - Roadhog (Gaszia Remix) MIKE + NIONTAY - 2K24 Tour (Gum's Speed Edit) PATAKA BOYS - Roses PATAKA BOYS - Bappi Lahiri (featuring M.O.N.G.O) * COCTEAU TWINS & HAROLD BUDD - Sea, Swallow Me bdrmm - Infinity Peaking THE BROWNING - Blue (Da Ba Dee) SQUID - Building 650 MACONDO - Cayuco PHIL GERALDI - Chase Your Love HOMEBOY SANDMAN - 43...
2025-01-191h 57
Motivational StoriesProphet Muhammad and The Night of SorrowsProphet Muhammad (PBUH) faces a lot of challenges during the early years of Islam. He faces persecution in Mecca and has to migrate to Yathrib (later Medina) to establish the Muslim community. He faces a lot of struggles to establish the Ummah and has many early conflicts with the Quraysh, but ultimately succeeds.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my X(Twitter) profile: X(Twitter) Profile
2024-05-2608 minMotivational StoriesTenzing Norgay The Tiger of the SnowTenzing Norgay's multiple attempts to conquer Mount Everest, culminated in his successful ascent in 1953 alongside Edmund Hillary. The story highlights the perseverance, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa who became a symbol of courage and human achievement. Despite the fame that followed his triumph, Tenzing remained grounded and continued to guide expeditions on Everest, advocating for the recognition of Sherpas, the unsung heroes of Everest expeditions.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my X(Twitter) profile: X(Twitter) Profile
2024-05-1907 minMotivational StoriesMartina Navratilova and the DefectionMartina Navratilova, a talented Czech tennis player, defected from Czechoslovakia in 1975 to pursue her dreams of freedom and independence. She faced challenges and criticism but went on to become a dominant force in women's tennis, winning numerous Grand Slam titles. Martina also became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. Despite the difficulties, her journey remains a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a symbol of resilience.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my X...
2024-05-1807 minMotivational StoriesMarilyn Monroe and The Misfit and The MethodYoung Norma Jeane Mortenson, in 1948, is striving to become an actress. She attends a session led by the renowned Lee Strasberg, where she is urged to delve into vulnerability and expose raw emotions. Initially hesitant, she eventually opens up about her fear of being forgotten, which resonates with the others in the room. This experience leads her to realize the power of vulnerability and how it can connect people. With Strasberg's guidance, Norma Jeane undergoes a transformative journey, embracing her past and using her vulnerabilities to enhance her acting. She becomes determined to be remembered for her stories and emotions...
2024-05-1709 minMotivational StoriesMarcus Aurelius and a Plague in PannoniaRoman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, faces a crisis when a plague strikes his army in 172 AD. Despite his Stoic beliefs, he struggles with reconciling duty and compassion as he witnesses the suffering of his men. Through empathy and leadership, he implements measures to combat the plague, leading to a transformation in his men and eventual success in overcoming the crisis. This experience teaches him the compatibility of duty and compassion and the power of human resilience.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my...
2024-05-1609 minMotivational StoriesWinston Churchill and We Shall Sail OnIn 1940, during the height of World War II, a secret mission is undertaken to stop the development of a weapon known as the "Feuerhammer" by the Germans. The mission involves a small team of elite Special Air Service (SAS) operatives led by Captain Michael Turner. The mission is personally overseen by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain, who takes a keen interest in the operation, poring over maps and offering strategic advice. Despite the mission being considered a suicide mission, Churchill understands the gravity of the situation and supports the endeavor to prevent the weapon from falling into the...
2024-05-1412 minMotivational StoriesArthur Ashe and a Game Beyond the BaselineArthur, a young Black boy in Richmond, Virginia, dreams of playing tennis despite being excluded from white-only country clubs. He discovers a love for the sport at a public park, where he is determined to train despite the racism and segregation that permeates society. With the help of Mr. Randolph, the park's unofficial custodian, and Dr. Ronald Charity, a Black physician who recognizes his potential, Arthur becomes an exceptional tennis player and earns a place on the prestigious UCLA tennis program. Despite facing racism and challenges to his legitimacy, Arthur becomes the first Black member of the U.S. Davis...
2024-05-1409 minMotivational StoriesDiego Maradona and The Night the Rain Could Not Stop HimIn a football match between Napoli and Juventus in 1984, Diego Maradona, Napoli's talisman, leads his team to victory against the giants of the north. The match takes place amidst a torrential downpour, with Maradona's brilliance shining through to score two crucial goals that lead Napoli to victory. The story highlights the unyielding spirit of the Neapolitans and Diego Maradona and their defiance against the odds.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my X(Twitter) profile: X(Twitter) Profile
2024-05-1307 minMotivational StoriesNelson Mandela and The MakgonathaNelson Mandela was a political prisoner on Robben Island in Apartheid South Africa. In prison, he lived in harsh conditions and he and other prisoners were forced to work at a quarry nearby. At prison, he as well as other prisoners displayed solidarity and resistance in the face of oppression. Through small acts of defiance, the prisoners kept hope alive and eventually heard news of growing international pressure against apartheid. Despite years of hardship, the spirit of resistance burned bright on Robben Island, with Mandela serving as a teacher, confidante, and symbol of hope for his fellow prisoners....
2024-05-1209 minMotivational StoriesMohandas Gandhi and The Salt MarchThe Salt March was a non-violent resistance movement led by Mohandas Gandhi in 1930 against the British colonial law that monopolised the production and sale of salt in India. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, defying the law by producing salt from seawater. The march drew international attention, putting pressure on the British government and became a powerful symbol of India's growing discontent.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my X(Twitter) profile: X(Twitter) Profile
2024-05-1107 minMotivational StoriesGeorge Washington and The Delaware Crossing: A Night of DoubtGeorge Washington and the Continental Army attempt a risky crossing of the Delaware River in December of 1776. Washington is burdened by doubt and uncertainty as his army is ill-prepared, low on morale, and facing a formidable enemy. However, he manages to inspire his men with words of encouragement and the promise of a better future. The crossing is treacherous, but they manage to reach their destination and achieve a decisive victory against the Hessian army.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases, availability, and much more. Here's a link to my...
2024-05-1008 minMotivational StoriesNapoleon Bonaparte and The Forty Inches of RainGeneral Napoleon Bonaparte and the French army overcome the challenges of a forty-day-long heavy rain in northern Italy during an offensive against the Austrian army. Despite the weather's negative impact on morale and supplies, Napoleon comes up with a daring plan to use the swollen Adda River to their advantage and attack the Austrians under the cover of darkness. With a divided army and a makeshift bridge built by dedicated engineers, Napoleon leads his soldiers across the river and defeats the Austrians in a whirlwind of fury. The story shows how unfavourable circumstances can be used to one's advantage.
2024-05-0907 minMotivational StoriesGautama Buddha and The Broken StringThe story is about Prince Siddhartha who renounced his princely life and became an ascetic in search of enlightenment. After enduring various self-mortification practices, he realised that the path of self-denial wasn't leading him closer to enlightenment but rather to extinction. He then settled beneath the sprawling branches of a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya and vowed not to rise until he had achieved enlightenment. Finally, he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the Awakened One. He then shared his wisdom with the world, and people from all walks of life found solace and direction in his teachings....
2024-05-0808 minMotivational StoriesJesus Christ and The Lost CoinIn the dusty streets of Capernaum, a desperate Martha approaches Jesus, seeking help in finding a lost silver coin that holds sentimental value. Jesus, understanding the depth of her loss, offers to help and enters Martha's humble home with his disciples. Despite their initial doubts, they meticulously search for the coin, and after hours of perseverance, they find it. Martha is overcome with tears of joy and gratitude. The story highlights the power of faith and perseverance in finding treasures beyond material possessions.You can follow me on X(Twitter) for the latest updates on episode releases...
2024-05-0707 min
Interrupting RacismAll Things Bridgerton: A Series ReviewIn this episode I've invited two of my fellow performing arts friends, Alexa and Ricky to chat with me about All Things Bridgerton! Have you watched the new Netflix series? If you haven't I wouldn't dare listen to this episode until you've finished HUGE spoiler alert! We're talking about the plot, the set, actors, characters---All Things Bridgerton.We're also talking about what its like to be actors, how the industry needs to start making bigger strides towards true diversity and equity and so many things in between. This was a very fruitful conversation, I hope you enjoy...
2021-03-012h 10