Shows
Rob talks RunningEp 40. Rob Talks Cycling w/ Pete Watson: This week Rob and his brother Pete breakdown their experience at the Vermont X-Fondo, a 150mile bike race through the Green Mountains of VermontMy brother Pete and I headed to Vermont this past weekend to take on the Vermont GranFondo-X. 240km w/ 4300m of elevation, including the steepest paved Mile in North America - The Lincoln Gap...it was gnarly, but we lived to tell the tale. Take a listen as we break down the highlights (Pacelines, big climbs and peanut butter sandwiches) and lowlights (crashes, travel shenanigans, terrifying gravel descents)...all in all it was a super fun weekend and we'll certainly be looking to do more events like this in the future. Sponsored by Blonyx: 10% off w/ code: R...
2025-07-041h 08Rob talks Running39. Triathlon Recap x 2: Shan and Rob both competed in two triathlons over the past two weeks, we break it all down.We went to Oliver BC for Shan's first ever Triathlon, and then we ran it back the next week in Vancouver for the T100 where Rob did the full, and Shan did the sprint. Tune in as our hero's chat all about the triathlon and why we might both be a little obsessed with them now...despite swimming being the worst!Presented by @ Blonyx - 15% code: ROBTALKS | Po Athetics - 15% code: Rob_po15
2025-06-181h 04
Decentered Media PodcastBuilding Participatory Media with Evan Henshaw-Plath (aka Rabble)In this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob speaks with Evan Henshaw-Plath, widely known as Rabble, a technologist, activist, and early contributor to what would become Twitter. Their conversation offers a deep and reflective exploration of how digital communication platforms have evolved, and what can be done to reclaim them for civic participation and community empowerment.
Drawing on his early experiences with Indymedia, Rabble recounts how technology was once used to support activist-led media during pivotal global protests, most notably the 1999 WTO demonstrations in Seattle. He describes how these early experiments in collaborative, decentralised media laid...
2025-06-101h 27
Rob talks RunningMiles To Go, Dylan Wykes & Grandma's Marathon: Ep 2. Dylan's early days in the sport, training updates, thoughts on Super shoes and the battle between art and science in runningThis week Dylan and Rob discuss various aspects of training, recovery, and the mental challenges faced by athletes. They explore the importance of perceived effort versus data metrics in running, the impact of nutrition and recovery strategies, and the joy of running itself. Dylan shares his journey from a young runner to a professional athlete, discussing the importance of competition, training partners, and the balance between family life and rigorous training. He reflects on his college experience, the transition to professional running, and the mental aspects of training. The discussion emphasizes the value of community in running a...
2025-05-1551 minRob talks Running33. Rob's BMO 1/2 Marathon & Shan's 29 for 29 run recapsLast week Shan ran 29km on her 29th Birthday, and Rob raced the BMO Vancouver 1/2 Marathon. We sat down and broke it all down- We chat Naps, Mindset Shifts, Summer goals and Shans love for her M2M buds. It was a pleasant little chat, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening.
2025-05-0552 minDecentered Media PodcastDecentered Media Podcast – Ciarán Murray Reimagining Journalism Blockchain, Tokens, and the Future of Decentralised MediaIn this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson is joined by Ciarán Murray, CEO and founder of the Olas Foundation, to explore how decentralised technologies are being used to challenge the structural weaknesses of traditional journalism. It’s a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that asks what happens when we reframe journalism not as a commodity shaped by advertising and algorithmic logic, but as a public good rooted in transparency, trust, and shared ownership.
Ciarán brings to the conversation a deep understanding of both blockchain systems and media economics, drawing on his background in poli...
2025-04-081h 12Decentered Media PodcastDecentered Media Podcast 005 – Russell Todd and Foundational MediaIn this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson is joined by Russell Todd to explore how foundational economics intersects with community media and local development. Their conversation unfolds as a thoughtful and searching exchange that raises important questions about how communities sustain themselves in a time of economic and institutional flux. What emerges is not a neat summary of policy prescriptions or market interventions, but a reflective dialogue about the deeper social and cultural infrastructures that hold local life together—and the role media plays in either reinforcing or eroding those bonds.
At the heart of...
2025-04-011h 18Decentered Media PodcastCommunity Radio in Ireland with Brian GreeneFor the latest episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson spoke with Brian Greene about the history, challenges, and future of community radio in Ireland. Brian is a board member of Craol, the representative body for community radio in Ireland. Their discussion explored how Irish community broadcasting developed alongside commercial and state-run radio, how it has been shaped by regulatory and funding decisions, and what lessons might be relevant for those working in community media in the UK. The conversation highlighted the role of community radio as a public resource, the importance of sustainable funding, and the ways...
2025-02-2000 minDecentered Media PodcastDecentered Media Podcast 003 – Public Purpose Media with Tom ChiversIn this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson is joined by Tom Chivers, Campaign Coordinator at the Media Reform Coalition (MRC), to discuss the role and future of public service media in the UK, particularly in the run-up to the BBC Charter Renewal.
Tom outlines the MRC’s work in advocating for a more democratic, independent, and accountable media landscape. He discusses how the MRC was originally formed in response to the phone hacking scandal and has since expanded its focus to tackle media concentration, digital regulation, and public service broadcasting reform.
At the...
2025-02-0100 minDecentered Media PodcastDecentered Media Podcast - Exploring the Differences in Public Service Media Between the UK and USA with Josh ShepperdIn this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson engages in discussion with Josh Shepperd, Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Colorado and author of Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting. Josh’s work explores the historical development of public service media in the United States, tracing its origins, challenges, and evolution into systems like NPR and PBS.
The conversation explores the distinctions between the UK’s centralised, BBC-led model and the USA’s decentralised, fragmented approach to public service media. They explore questions that are critical to the future...
2025-01-241h 13Rob talks Running22. Post CIM Discussion: What happened out there?! Shan and Rob try to figure it out.Rob and Shan drove down to Sacramento for the California International Marathon and Rob dropped and absolute stinker, but it was still pretty fun. Listen as we breakdown the trip and our theories on what might have gone wrong.
2024-12-1144 minRob talks Running21. Rob Talks Marathons: Reflections on 15 past marathons and how we got to here. From Houston to Vancouver and everything in between, the highs and lows of elite level marathoning.It's race week, and before we get in a car and head on south to CIM Rob and Shanimal take a trip down memory lane to discuss the highs, lows and everything in between of Rob's marathon Career up till now. We touch upon Houston, Boston, Moscow, Vancouver and other highlights of his Marathoning Journey. It's kinda interesting- give it a listen!
2024-12-051h 05Rob talks Running13. Chicago marathon past & future, rob's new side hustle, Iron, running as a dating app and Shannon's lovely little taper week.This week on the podcast I start by reflecting on my go at Chicago back in 2015, then we bring in Shanimal to chat about our training weeks- and her taper. We touch upon my new side hustle, the importance or Iron supplementation, running clubs as dating apps and the general shenanigans of tapering. Enjoy!
2024-10-0850 minRob talks Running11. Berlin marathon, 70.3 race recap, long run struggles and haters.This week we start with a little Berlin preview and then we recap Rob's 70.3 experience down in Richland WA. Shannon takes us through her training as she keeps working away towards Chicago and her struggles with that annoying hip. We also have a hater:( Enjoy!
2024-09-251h 09Rob talks Running9. Rob and Shan chat training and bike races: Mile reps, long runs, bike races and an overly dramatic cat.This week Rob and Shan sit down and chat running. We touch upon Mile Repeats, Long runs and the general grind as she gets ever closer to the Chicago Marathon. We also recap Rob's Whistler Granfondo bike race as he thrashed himself to keep up with the younger guys in a literal and metaphoric sense.
2024-09-101h 11Rob talks Running7. Rob and Shan chat Marathons, 5000m race recaps, Women's run gear and Training updates.Rob and Shan sat down for their weekly training recap and basically ended up talking about all sorts of running things for an hour or so and thus it became the entire show for this week. We chat Rob's marathon plan, our 5000m race experience, Shan talks about her shoes and training gear and we also cover our training weeks. I hope you enjoy it, thanks!
2024-08-271h 10Rob talks Running5. Final weekend of Olympic competition, Training chat w/ Shan & Bike race recap.Today Rob covers the last couple days of Olympic track and field (and roads), it was a tremendous competition and now he's quite sad that the games are over. Then Shan stops by for another training chat as they go over what they both got up to last week including Rob's bike race up Seymour mountain where he performed decently well but kinda acted like a dick along the way.
2024-08-131h 07
The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie CichettiFounding Father of LEED - Rob Watson Rob Watson is an international leader in market transformation, circular economy, sustainable materials management, and green buildings. Watson is known as the “Founding Father of LEED.” Under Rob’s direction, LEED became the largest and fastest-growing international green building standard. Author Thomas Friedman called Rob "one of the best environmental minds in America." In 2019, Dartmouth Alumni Magazine recognized Mr. Watson as one of the "25 Most Influential Alumni" in the College's 250 year history. Watson is a Principal with Upland Road, LLC, which develops eco-industrial campuses around a disruptive technology and business model that will revolutionize the global materials management industry by separatin...
2023-07-2649 min
Podcast - Rob Watson MediaDistraction Therapy 081 - Driving Around or Living a Meangful LifeRyan and I got together at the recently extended Phoenix Cinema and Digital Arts Centre in Leicester, for a chat about what makes for a meaningful life. Ryan shared his experience of getting a car and being stuck in endless traffic trying to get to work. This was the first time we’ve met in the evening and had a beer as well!
A rather jazzy glass…The post Distraction Therapy 081 – Driving Around or Living a Meaningful Life first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2023-03-031h 04Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 081 - Driving Around or Living a Meangful LifeRyan and I got together at the recently extended Phoenix Cinema and Digital Arts Centre in Leicester, for a chat about what makes for a meaningful life. Ryan shared his experience of getting a car and being stuck in endless traffic trying to get to work. This was the first time we’ve met in the evening and had a beer as well!
A rather jazzy glass…The post Distraction Therapy 081 – Driving Around or Living a Meaningful Life first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2023-03-031h 04Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 080 - 2022 ReviewIn our final podcast of 2022, Ryan and I met for a coffee and chatted about how we are coping during the festive season, what films and books we’ve been watching and reading, and how to show sincerity when attempting to get the Christmas Feeling when buying tat in an out-of-town shopping centre!
The post Distraction Therapy 080 – 2022 Review first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2022-12-301h 03
The Truth In This Art: Stories That MatterCreating Art with Eyeball Fortress: Devin Watson's Baltimore Journey - Art, Community, CreativityIt's time to explore creativity on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee takes the lead on this meaningful conversation with Devin Watson, the creative force behind Eyeball Fortress, who is a skilled Baltimore-based illustrator and designer with a career spanning over 15 years. His diverse portfolio includes captivating artwork for book covers, beer labels, t-shirts, comics, and posters. With an insatiable creative drive, Devin's artistic pursuits are matched only by his passions for music, yoga, running, and feline companionship. Notable clients such as Ottobar, Baltimore Magazine, and Tröegs Independent Brewing have benefited from his distinct blend of...
2022-12-2630 minPodcast - Rob Watson MediaDistraction Therapy 079 - Literary LeicesterIt was really nice to have a coffee this morning with Jonathan Taylor and Paul Whitehead, who are based at the University of Leicester’s Centre for New Writing. We chatted about the way that literature has faced the challenge of the consumer society, and what role literature plays in a progressive and democratic society.
As well as sharing their professional insights, Jonathan and Harry shared who and what they have been inspired by, and how they hope to promote and support the uptake of all forms of literature in Leicester.
Jonathan’s website has link...
2022-12-1652 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 079 - Literary LeicesterIt was really nice to have a coffee this morning with Jonathan Taylor and Paul Whitehead, who are based at the University of Leicester’s Centre for New Writing. We chatted about the way that literature has faced the challenge of the consumer society, and what role literature plays in a progressive and democratic society.
As well as sharing their professional insights, Jonathan and Harry shared who and what they have been inspired by, and how they hope to promote and support the uptake of all forms of literature in Leicester.
Jonathan’s website has link...
2022-12-1652 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 078 - Dafydd Roberts Listen to the Voice of FireToday I chatted with Dafydd Roberts, about Listen to the Voice of Fire, Dafydd’s music project that encompasses sound art and experimental music performances. Since relocating to West Wales, to pursue a PhD in the alchemical writings of Thomas Vaughan (fl.1650), Dafydd has been active in DIY underground music networks since the early 90s. His projects synthesise his academic interest in hermeticism and sound. Dafydd’s music has been released on labels in the USA, Germany and Australia, played by John Peel, BBC Wales on Resonance FM.
We chatted about the process of developing an aesthetic appr...
2022-12-011h 23Podcast - Rob Watson MediaDistraction Therapy 078 - Dafydd Roberts Listen to the Voice of FireToday I chatted with Dafydd Roberts, about Listen to the Voice of Fire, Dafydd’s music project that encompasses sound art and experimental music performances. Since relocating to West Wales, to pursue a PhD in the alchemical writings of Thomas Vaughan (fl.1650), Dafydd has been active in DIY underground music networks since the early 90s. His projects synthesise his academic interest in hermeticism and sound. Dafydd’s music has been released on labels in the USA, Germany and Australia, played by John Peel, BBC Wales on Resonance FM.
We chatted about the process of developing an aesthetic appr...
2022-12-011h 23Podcast - Rob Watson MediaDistraction Therapy 077 - Inspiration Beyond the MerchFor the first time in ages, Ryan and I met up to chat and discuss what we’ve been up to for the Distraction Therapy podcast. This was the first time we’d met on a Sunday morning, though the coffee was on hand as ever. We spent some time discussing Ryan’s visit to the Thought Bubble comic book convention in Harrogate, which he found inspiring and thought-provoking, both as a fan and as a writer.
This gave us the chance to think about what it is like to explore an aesthetic form with the merchandise stripp...
2022-11-201h 00Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 077 - Inspiration Beyond the MerchFor the first time in ages, Ryan and I met up to chat and discuss what we’ve been up to for the Distraction Therapy podcast. This was the first time we’d met on a Sunday morning, though the coffee was on hand as ever. We spent some time discussing Ryan’s visit to the Thought Bubble comic book convention in Harrogate, which he found inspiring and thought-provoking, both as a fan and as a writer.
This gave us the chance to think about what it is like to explore an aesthetic form with the merchandise stripp...
2022-11-201h 00Podcast - Rob Watson MediaDistraction Therapy 076 - Bikram Yoga and Symbolic ResonanceRyan and I met up on Saturday morning for our regular coffee and chat. Ryan came hot-footed from a bikram yoga session, and was super energised. We chatted about the after-effects of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and how narrow many of our cultural options have become. It turns out I was a few hours away from [...]
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2022-10-0359 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 076 - Bikram Yoga and Symbolic ResonanceRyan and I met up on Saturday morning for our regular coffee and chat. Ryan came hot-footed from a bikram yoga session, and was super energised. We chatted about the after-effects of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and how narrow many of our cultural options have become. It turns out I was a few hours away from [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 076 – Bikram Yoga and Symbolic Resonance first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2022-10-0359 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 075 - Emergent Arts and MediaRyan and I caught up for a coffee again this morning, to find out what films and books we’ve been reading. We chatted about how forms of media can be thought of as emergent, and considered what a metamodern radio station might feel like. Ryan mentioned Arrow Cult Films, the films of Anton Tarkovsky and Gaspar Noe.The post Distraction Therapy 075 – Emergent Arts and Media first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2022-08-201h 06Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 074 - Surviving the HeatwaveWhat was the heatwave like for you? That was our starting topic in this latest episode of Distraction Therapy. Ryan and I chatted about what insight we gained about climate crisis, and what manifestations of anxiety we might see emerging in films, songs and creative media, that compensate for the need for urgent action? We’ll see responses of one form or another coming through in our popular culture, beyond the antagonism of the news cycle, so what should we be looking out for?The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 074 – Surviving the Heatwave first appeared on Rob Watson Medi...
2022-07-241h 06Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 073 - Distracting Ourselves To DeathThe degree to which we need suitable distractions in our lives, is in direct proportion to the level of anxiety that we experience as a result of modern culture, working practices and social expectations. The more media and stuff that we try to cram into our heads, the less we are open to the experience of contemporary living. Ryan Clayton and I sat and chatted over a coffee about what we’ve been distracting ourselves with, and to what extent we can ironically distance ourselves from a culture that is seemingly dissolving and de-socialising around us. We chatted about th...
2022-07-041h 05Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 072 - Transcendental CoffeeRyan Clayton and I met for a coffee, neither of us knowing what we wanted to discuss. It was an experiment in seeing what might emerge! In the end we tried to discuss Kant’s transcendental philosophy, and what it’s implications might be for engaging with metamodern culture? What does a symbolic experience help us to understand that goes beyond our rational and sensory type of thinking, and how can the aesthetic provide numinous experience?The post Distraction Therapy 072 – Transcendental Coffee first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2022-06-1659 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 071 - RecollectionsHi, in this episode of Distraction Therapy I’ve put some music together, and added some thoughts on what a listening-focussed approach to social deliberation might feel like. Music Played: The Bottom Line (Sunrise Session II) Ólafur Arnalds, Josin & Reykjavík Recording Orchestra Sunrise Session II Leyohmi (Luminescence) – Carolina Eyck & American Contemporary Music Ensemble [...]
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2022-06-0957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 070 - Caffeinated ConversationsHow can we use popular media to bridge the gaps in our knowledge of the world? Over a coffee, Ryan Clayton and Rob Watson discuss how we can make sense of popular media, and what a metamodern outlook might encompass as we wander about the cultural wasteland…
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2022-05-2958 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 069 - Ryan and Rob in the Metaverse of MadnessIs the new Marvel movie, Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, a metamodern film? What would a metamodern radio station sound like, and what topics would it cover? Ryan and I chatted over a coffee and tried to figure out what to make of these things.
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2022-05-1458 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy - 068 May ThoughtsNow that spring is here, it was lovely to be able to sit in Castle Gardens and record some observations and thoughts, and to play some music. Also included in this episode is a feature I recorded with Lucy Stevens about here work Colour Coded Birds, which is in collaboration with Leicester Museum service. Music [...]
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2022-05-1057 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 067 - Meaning and Archetypes in Popular CultureIt was a pleasure, as always, to chat with Ryan Clayton about popular culture, metamodernism and archetypal symbols that have currency in our times. This week we chatted about Fantastic Beats: The Secrets of Dumbledore, James Bond, and a load of other stuff that we hand’t prepared beforehand, but were happy to follow our intuition [...]
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2022-05-0158 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 066 - Learning to ReflectOnce again, coffee propelled our conversation this morning, as Ryan and I turned our thoughts to the process of reflection and getting to grips with the challenges of modern life. Our conclusion was to take and share more pictures of cats and dogs, and to lighten up! It’s easier said than done, but at least [...]
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2022-04-0959 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 065 - Making Meaning Over CoffeeThere are worse ways to spend Saturday morning than drinking coffee and chatting with Ryan Clayton about the meaning crisis and metamodernism for a podcast. It gave us the chance to explore some ideas about what we are reading and watching, and how we are integrating the living mythologies into daily life.
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2022-03-1357 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 064 - Making Sense of UkraineWhat was intended to be a general conversation about metamodernist sense-making, turned into discussion of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and how it has unfolded across our media in recent days. Rather than taking a position or a stance, Ryan and I considered the challenge of finding sure ground when faced with the exercise [...]
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2022-02-2758 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 063 - Metamodern Coffee ChatIf postmodernity is about playful signifiers and pastiche, then how is metamoderninity different? Ryan Clayton and I met up for a coffee, and we chatted about how we think the ‘new sincerity’ that metamodern cultural practice works? Is this sensibility to be found in the artwork itself, in the creative practice, or in the relationship [...]
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2022-02-2057 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 062 - Travels in MetamodernityContinuing a set of vague and unspecific wanderings, where I try to form a sense of what metamodernism is in practice, this week’s episode is a mash-up of collected of extracts taken from videos discussing metamodernism on YouTube. Various people talk about metamodernism, and discuss where the concept has come from as a concept, and [...]
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2022-02-1657 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistracton Therapy 061 - Metamodern AmbleThis week, Ryan Clayton and I had a stroll around Leicester, and mulled over some terms and reference points for what we think metamodernism could be about based on the environment and the culture that we inhabit. The question of what metamodernism is can’t be answered from a seminar room or in discussions between policy [...]
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2022-02-0557 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 060 - Metamodern DualismMetamodernism is perhaps the most influential and wide-ranging way of thinking about post-postmodernism. The proponents of metamodernism include cultural theorists Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker. The dualism of “ironic sincerity,” “informed naivete” and “pragmatic idealism” have come into view as the metamodern presents us with an oscillation between paradigmatically modern and postmodern attitudes. [...]
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2022-01-3057 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 059 - Metamodern MusingsWhat is metamodernism? This is the ongoing topic that Ryan Clayton and I are mulling over in our conversations. Is metamodernism simply an extension of postmodernism, or does it offer something new, and point towards an emerging ‘structure of feeling’ that is only now being brought into focus. Raymond Williams uses the “feeling rather than [...]
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2022-01-2457 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 058 - Lucy Stevens Sound and Visual ArtistIt was lovely to have an early morning walk in the frost with sound and visual artists Lucy Stevens. We walked through Leicester’s Aylestone Meadows and Lucy told me about how she approaches here work, how she finds inspiration in nature, and her future project working with Leicester Museum to curate an exhibition that depicts [...]
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2022-01-1857 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 057 - Rob and Ryan Discuss MetamodernismIn this episode I chat with Ryan Clayton about our expectations for the coming year, and how we make sense of our experiences in relation to the creative work that we read, watch, listen to and view in our cultural lives. We are exploring what a metamodern approach to social life means, and how we [...]
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2022-01-1257 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 056 – Christmas MashupThis is the Distraction Therapy Christmas Mashup! A selection of songs celebrating the festive season from around the world. Relax, put your slippers on, have a hot chocolate, and sing along… The Christmas Song (feat. DA PUMP & Lead) – w-inds – The Christmas Song 3:56 Christmas Thanks for Nothing – Slow Club – Christmas, [...]
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2021-12-1657 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 055 - Christmas Markets Around the WorldHere’s the track listing of this festive episode, with sounds from Christmas Markets from around the world. YouTube Edinburgh Christmas Market 2021 || Evening Walkthrough 4K https://youtu.be/EXgzc-4YXMU Edinburgh Christmas Market – Christmas Ambience https://youtu.be/GIxNS4UdxWw Frankfurt Germany City Walk 4K 🌃 4K Christmas Market Walking Tour https://youtu.be/Z3AXpaK0RkM Japan Christmas Market 2021 – Yokohama https://youtu.be/fTKo_0kNuT4 African Christmas [...]
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2021-12-1557 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 054 - Leicester Lo-Fi Ten Year Photography ExhibitionLeicester Lo-Fi is a community darkroom and photography collective that promotes fine art and traditional photographic processes, by supporting specialist knowledge and facilities, education and exhibitions. Leicester Lo-Fi started in 2011 with no place to call a home, but managed to put on workshops and events at any place that would have them, converting toilets [...]
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2021-12-0557 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 053 - Evington Walk with Helen PettmanThe Evington Echo has been around for over forty years, and manages to keep readers informed and up to date on what’s happening in the village of Evington in Leicester. Helen Pettman is the editor of the Evington Echo, and we spent time walking and chatting about what makes a good community newspaper, and the [...]
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2021-12-0257 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 051 - Metamodern TurnI want to use the Distraction Therapy podcast to explore what metamodernism means, and how our culture is shifting towards something that goes beyond postmodernity. We’ve established that we live in a world of signs and media, but we’ve not taken full account of how meaning is found in the depths of our shared consciousness. [...]
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2021-11-1757 minDecentered Media PodcastLeicester Builds Back Better Stories Episode SixThe Corona Virus lockdown has got many people who volunteer and work for community and civic society groups thinking about what it means to build back better in Leicester. What are the challenges of the future that we must anticipate, and how can we support a new generation of community leaders with fresh and innovative ideas, to engage with everyone as we try to learn and improve? I’m Rob Watson, and over the summer I’ve been spending time chatting with people who work for charities and civic society organisations in Leicester, about what they think Building Back Bett...
2021-11-0127 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 050 - Coventry and Community RadioI went to Coventry for the first time at the weekend, to attend the Community Radio Conference, and to check out the Coventry Capital of Culture. I’d never been to Coventry before, despite living nearby in Leicester. So, I had a wander about the city centre, and explored the old and the new buildings, before [...]
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2021-10-2657 minDecentered Media PodcastLeicester Builds Back Better Stories Episode FiveRecovery from the Corona Virus lockdown has got many people who volunteer and work for community and civic society groups thinking about what it means to Build Back Better in Leicester. Coupled with the climate crisis, there will be no returning to what was the old normal. What the new normal needs to be, however, isn’t quite clear yet. I’m Rob Watson, and over the summer I’ve spent time chatting with people who work for charities and civic society organisations in Leicester, about what they think building back better means in practise and what we need to do...
2021-10-2527 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 049 - Visit to TotnesAt the weekend I went to Totnes to undertake some work with Stelaria Media and Soundart Radio, about how community radio and university-based researchers can better support public engagement. I recorded some sounds from my journey, and had a chance to note some thoughts about the benefit of the community media approach to public engagement, [...]
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2021-10-1857 minDecentered Media PodcastLeicester Builds Back Better Stories Episode FourRecovering from the coronavirus pandemic is going to take some effort and determination, which means we need to rethink what and how we approach the support that is available to people across Leicester. There’ll be no returning to the old normal, though we don’t yet know what the new normal needs to be. I’m Rob Watson, and over the summer I’ve been chatting with people who work for charities and civic society organisations in Leicester, about how they are planning to Build Back Better, and what we need to do to be ready for the next set...
2021-10-1827 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 048 - Leicester Heritage Walk With Hayley RogersLast week I went for a stroll with Hayley Rogers, and we talked about her work with the Y-Heritage project, and what she has learnt about the changing nature of Leicester. We also listened to some French Synth pop.
The post Distraction Therapy 048 – Leicester Heritage Walk With Hayley Rogers first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-10-1157 minDecentered Media PodcastLeicester Builds Back Better Stories Episode ThreeReturning to normal after the pandemic means looking at the big things that enable communities to thrive, but also the small things, such as the relationships that we have with one another. I’m Rob Watson and I’ve been chatting over the summer with people who work for charities and civil society organisations in Leicester, about what they think Building Back Better means, and what we need to do to be ready to face the next set of social and personal dilemmas. Over six programmes, we’re hearing from people across Leicester, who’ve been telling us what they thi...
2021-10-1127 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 047 - Walking on The WildsideI’m obsessed with walking tour videos on YouTube at the moment. I’ve been watching them as a virtual alternative to travelling during the lockdown. I’m also looking at them to learn how they are produced and presented, and the variations in form that they demonstrate. I’m hoping to build-up a picture of how they work, [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 047 – Walking on The Wildside first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-10-0657 minDecentered Media PodcastLeicester Builds Back Better Stories Episode TwoAs Leicester gets used to life after the lockdowns associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are thinking about what happens next, and what changes we need to put in place to ensure we’re better able to respond to future crises. I’m Rob Watson and I’ve been chatting with people in Leicester over the summer about what they think building back better means and what we need to do if we’re to be ready for the next set of crises. We’ll hear from people across Leicester who’ve been telling us what they think about the ci...
2021-10-0427 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 046 - Liverpool VisitLast weekend I went to Liverpool to visit family for the first time in eighteen months. We stayed in the city centre and met up for a visit to New Brighton, where we enjoyed playing in the arcade, walking along the sea front and eating fish and chips. I captured some sounds and chit-chat along [...]
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2021-09-2957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 045 - YouTube Walking Tours ReviewsI’ve been watching walking tours on YouTube, which are videos posted to show what different towns and cities are like around the world. There’s a continual flow of new videos being posted all the time, some taken from live-stream events, and others shot as a specific tour. I started by visiting places that I have [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 045 – YouTube Walking Tours Reviews first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-09-1557 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 044 - Knit and Natter and Virtual Sound WalksThis week I went to an event celebrating the work of a women’s group who have been meeting over Zoom over the lockdown in Leicester. They learnt how to knit and crochet, as well as using Zoom and YouTube to share skills in fostering a network of friends. It was lovely to be able to [...]
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2021-09-0957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 043 - Leicester the Home of King LearI went for a walk through Leicester to test a new gimble that I’ve bought, and I captured some audio in the process. It’s interesting taking the audio from the video, because its less obvious what’s being referred to.
The post Distraction Therapy 043 – Leicester the Home of King Lear first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-08-2357 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 042 - Total Systems ChangeThis morning I went for a walk into Leicester City Centre, and recorded some thoughts reflecting on the need for total systems change that has been identified in the IPCC report about climate change. What does this mean for our towns, neighbourhoods and communities? How are we going to facilitate change positively? How can we [...]
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2021-08-1657 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 041 - Leicester Builds Back BetterAs part of the Leicester Stories project, we went out into Leicester City Centre to ask people what they know of the Build Back Better slogan. Roy and Ryan were able to record some fascinating comments that help to show the wide variety of opinions and experiences that people have of the whole idea of [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 041 – Leicester Builds Back Better first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-07-2757 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 040 - Beth Piggott and LibertyUK FestivalBeth Piggott is a producer with ArtReach, who has been working on the Liberty UK festival that is taking place in Leicester. Taking place across July and August, Liberty UK Leicester offers three art trails in the city centre. As a collaboration with members of the local community, the festival tells local residents stories and [...]
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2021-07-1957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 039 - Parallel Lives with John CosterHow we connect and build relationships with one another is an essential question for the future sustainability of both our local and our global communities. John Coster, of Leicester’s Documentary Media Centre, discusses and explains why he has established the Parallel Lives project, based here in Leicester, but with the aim of connecting people through [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 039 – Parallel Lives with John Coster first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-07-1257 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 038 - Moira Furnace Heritage DayThe weather was perfect on Sunday for our visit to the Moira Furnace heritage and craft day. We chatted about the importance of valuing our heritage and making it accessible now that we are opening up from the pandemic. This was an opportunity to develop our media capture skills as part of the Y-Leicester Heritage [...]
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2021-07-0553 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 037 - Evington Community GardeningThe work of the volunteers at Evington House, has brought the gardens to life as a place of increasing biodiversity. It was lovely chatting with Helen and Geoff, and hearing about how they plan the garden so that it supports a wider-range of wildlife and looks after itself because they are increasingly recognising that not [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 037 – Evington Community Gardening first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-06-2557 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 036 - Mens Support Drop-InToday I had three conversations at the Hope CIC Men’s Support Drop-In Café, that takes place every other Saturday, 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Bishop Street Chapel Café in Leicester. I chatted with Tina Barton about her experience running support and development groups for women, and how the need for similar support networks for men [...]
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2021-06-1957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 035 - Hope Mens Drop-InThe need for public support as we come out of the lockdown is readily apparent all around us. Men often don’t come forward to ask for help because they are unfamiliar with expressing their emotions and asking for help. Mahesh Hettiarachchi has set up Hope Against Poverty, as a community interest company in Leicester, with [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 035 – Hope Mens Drop-In first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-06-0557 minDecentered Media PodcastA Germ's Journey Newsdesk - Lessons LearntIn this final session of the A Germ’s Journey Newsdesk, Charlie, Sapphire, Sarah, Indiani and Rob discussed the newsdesk day and what threads we think can be brought together to help with future work around collaborative approaches to healthcare communications. We chatted about the themes of the previous conversations, and asked what we can do to improve public health and hygiene engagement in the future by supporting and enhancing the role that is played by community media and community-focussed health communications? What are the next steps, and how can be better share the insight and experience of community hea...
2021-05-2620 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 034 - Braunstone Gate Community GardenToday I went to visit the Braunstone Gate Community Garden, which is a volunteer-run pocket garden in the West End of Leicester. I spoke with John and Jeff about the origins of the garden, and about how they have managed during the lockdown. They told me how people can get involved, and what they feel [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 034 – Braunstone Gate Community Garden first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-05-2257 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 033 - Ways to WellbeingToday I met with Kajal Nisha Patel, who runs Lightseekers, which aims to equipping each of us with tools and knowledge to better manage periods of stress. The aim is to cultivate healthier communities, which are centred around the concept of care. Kajal told me about how she has developed the idea of Lightseekers, and [...]
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2021-05-1457 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 032 - May Meadows WalkEarlier I went for a walk to Aylestone Meadows in Leicester and captured the sound of the birds and wind rustling through the trees. I find these walks are a good way to capture my half-developed thoughts. Today I wanted to try to articulate more of my understanding of the importance of Carl Jung, and [...]
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2021-05-0957 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 031 - Leicester May DayWandering around Leicester city centre yesterday, and seeing people return to the cafés and bars left me with mixed emotions. On the one hand I’m dealing with the anxiety of going out to public places after being at home for so long. Then there’s the pleasure that comes with seeing people enjoying one another’s company. [...]
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2021-05-0257 minDecentered Media PodcastA Germ’s Journey Discussion - Telling Our Own StoriesOver a series of three conversations, A Germ’s Journey brings together a group of practitioners and advocates of community-focussed health and community media are coming together to talk about the challenge of public health messages and information in Leicester. These discussions will explore how Leicester-based community health and communication practitioners have been making use of different media platforms, so that they can assist our often overlooked and under-represented communities.
Our question is:
How can we give the best care, guidance and information to all the residents of our city?
Our third conversation explores the ro...
2021-04-281h 15Decentered Media PodcastA Germ’s Journey Discussion – Never Overlooking PeopleOver a series of three conversations, A Germ’s Journey brings together a group of practitioners and advocates of community-focussed health and community media are coming together to talk about the challenge of public health messages and information in Leicester. These discussions will explore how Leicester-based community health and communication practitioners have been making use of different media platforms, so that they can assist our often overlooked and under-represented communities.
Our question is:
How can we give the best care, guidance and information to all the residents of our city?
Our second conversation explores the ca...
2021-04-271h 01Rob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy 030 - Leicester BackstreetsI was late in getting out to put this soundwalk together, so there’s not as much recorded content as usual, and I didn’t really focus on getting good recordings. I only went for a stroll around my neighbourhood, and because I was worrying about another project I’m working on, I didn’t pay a lot of [...]
The post Distraction Therapy 030 – Leicester Backstreets first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-04-2657 minDecentered Media PodcastA Germ's Journey Discussion - Health Communication Beyond NudgesOver a series of three conversations, A Germ’s Journey brings together a group of practitioners and advocates of community-focussed health and community media are coming together to talk about the challenge of public health messages and information in Leicester. These discussions will explore how Leicester-based community health and communication practitioners have been making use of different media platforms, so that they can assist our often overlooked and under-represented communities.
Our question is:
How can we give the best care, guidance and information to all the residents of our city?
Our conversations consider what alternative fo...
2021-04-2659 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 029 - Leicester SoundwalkToday I went for a stroll in Leicester city centre and visited a couple of shops, bars and cafés to get a sense of how people are responding to the easing of the lockdown. Seeing people back in the shops got me thinking about what our culture is and how our sense of identity is [...]
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2021-04-1857 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 028 - Leicester Starts to OpenI had a quick walk through the city centre today, and captured some sounds as the cafés and the bars opened up. I’ve not missed the sound of drunks making lots of noise, and as the bars are only doing table service outside, it might take some getting used to. The weather was cold today, [...]
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 028 – Leicester Starts to Open first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-04-1357 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 027 - Aylestone Meadows Spring SoundwalkI went for a walk earlier through Aylestone Meadows in Leicester and recorded a soundwalk. It was a beautiful day, with bright sunshine, which really illuminated the spring flowers and the new growth that was coming through on the floor of the wooded areas. It was great to see the wall of blossom on the [...]
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 027 – Aylestone Meadows Spring Soundwalk first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-04-0458 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 026 - Leicester Community ReportersFor today’s soundwalk I met up with Kulsum, Dhra, Zoe and Munira to record some vox-pops about the census for the Leicester Stories project. We spent time in the city centre chatting with people about why they had completed the census, and I got a chance to chat about what being a community reporter is [...]
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 026 – Leicester Community Reporters first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-03-2756 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 025 – Leicester Census SoundwalkI had a relaxed walk around Leicester city centre today, and captured some sounds as people we out and about. It really feels like people are starting to emerge from the lockdown. I shared some observations about the census as well.
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 025 – Leicester Census Soundwalk first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-03-2057 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 024 - Leicester TrafficI was set a challenge to record the traffic in Leicester. Which isn’t that difficult given that the whole city is surrounded by busy roads. I had a wander about with my microphone on one of my usual routes into the city centre, and captured something. Who knows, on a different day it would be [...]
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 024 – Leicester Traffic Soundwalk first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-03-1357 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 023 – Sunday SoundwalkI managed to get out this afternoon for a short soundwalk. I had a mooch around Leicester city centre, and sat and listened to people walking past. It’s fascinating that when you get tuned in to the sounds that are being generated, it’s amazing how rich it is, with things happening in the foreground, in [...]
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 023 – Sunday Soundwalk first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-03-0730 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 022 - Åsa MalmstenIt was lovely to catch up with Asa Malmsten today, to chat about how we’ve been coping with lockdown. Asa has been dreaming of beaches, Homes Under the Hammer and Imagined Commutes to work.
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 022 – Åsa Malmsten first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-03-0559 minRob Watson's Media StuffDistraction Therapy Podcast 021 - Leicester Spring SoundwalkI had a lovely time wandering around Leicester city centre earlier, listening out to the sound of families out playing in the park, the birds, and the people passing through on a lovely spring day.
The post Distraction Therapy Podcast 021 – Leicester Spring Soundwalk first appeared on Rob Watson Media.
2021-02-2842 min
The Truth In This Art: Stories That MatterCelebrating African American Joy: The Artistic Journey of Will Watson in BaltimoreGreetings, art lovers and podcast listeners! This is Rob Lee, and you're tuned in to 'The Truth in This Art.' Join us on a mesmerizing journey through the world of painting artistry as we chat with the gifted artist, Will Watson. He is an American artist from Indianapolis, Indiana, and based in Baltimore, Maryland. Watson received his MFA in Painting at The Maryland Institute College of Art in the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting class of 2018.In this episode, we uncover:The captivating world of Will Watson's art, as he skillfully focuses on the...
2021-02-2436 minPodcast - Rob Watson MediaRob Watson Media Podcast 024 - Mid-February Music MixI thought I’d share another music mix. These are tracks I’ve been listening to as I work at home. There’s not a lot of time to wander about at the moment, but I’m sure this will be handy to keep me company on a walk one day soon, as spring starts to push in to Leicester.
Catamount Concerto, Pt. 3 (From ‘The Catamount Killing’) – The Studio Orchestra & Jiří Hudec – Sound Tracks
I Think You’re Really Cool – James Black – Music Is Not Always Participatory
Lord Anthony – Belle and Sebastian Dear Catastrophe Waitress ...
2021-02-191h 11Podcast - Rob Watson MediaRob Watson Media Podcast 023 - Another Lockdown Music MixI though’t I’d do a music mix I can listen to while I’m doing my supermarket shopping later. Another day in lockdown, and an endless succession of days that merge into one. This kept me entertained putting it together earlier though.
Tracklisting (not in order):
Osamu’s Theme: Kyoko’s House, Kronos Quartet & Philip Glass: Mishima Soundtrack
Pastoral, Christian Löffler, Parallels: Shellac Reworks (Beethoven) by Christian Löffler
The Seal Lullaby (360° / 8D Binaural Version). Lavinia Meijer & World Choir for Peace, Peaceful Choir – New Sound of Choral Music (360° / 8D Binaural Versi...
2021-02-161h 10Podcast - Rob Watson MediaRob Watson Media Podcast 022 - Lockdown ContinuesThe lockdown continues here in Leicester. It’s cold and not a lot is happening, so here’s a music mix I’ve put together as a way of interrupting the boredom.
The Good Morrow – John Donne Read by Richard Burton
Plans for the Future – Paul Leonard-Morgan – Last Breath OST
Dropping Off the Bell – Paul Leonard-Morgan Last Breath OST
Thieves like Us (Instrumental) – New Order – Murder
Isolation – John Lennon – GIMME SOME TRUTH
The Lost Chord (feat. Leee John) – Gorillaz – Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez
Like Organza – Brian Eno...
2021-01-311h 00Podcast - Rob Watson MediaRob Watson Media Podcast 021 - Leicester SoundwalkI went for a walk into Leicester on Saturday and recorded some sounds and some thoughts. I’ve mixed them together with a couple of tracks. It was a gloomy day. It was raining, and the city felt calm and lacking in festive spirit. I’m convinced that this is a good thing as long as we learn to do things in a different way. Calm things down. Less focus on spending money we don’t have. More time valuing the company of the people that we share our lives with in the city. It’s very easy to allow an...
2020-11-2900 minDecentered Media PodcastDecentered Media Podcast 049 – Supporting Media Innovation and Forward Looking Approaches?This week Johns Coster and Rob Watson met with Roy Weller and Tina Barton at the Documentary Media Centre to discuss what future ideas and values we’ll need to prepare future media users, not for the 2020s, but for the 2030s.
2020-01-0700 minDecentered Media PodcastDecentered Podcast 043 – Community Media and Social ValueWhat can we do for the contribution of community media to be more widely recognised and valued? Are we using the right language? What can we learn from other places and people? Are we addressing the right topics? These were some of the question that Dimple Patel, John Coster and Rob Watson discuss in this podcast over a coffee and some biscuits.
Source
2019-12-0356 min