Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

I’m delighted to welcome historical novelist Caroline Montague to the castle, where we talk about how writing offers a refuge from everyday life and how she protects her creative time in her office with her dogs. Caroline shares the remarkable history of Burnt Norton, its links to T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” and the dramatic tale of Sir William Kite, whose scandal, bankruptcy, and death by fire helped give the house its name, alongside stories of the “white lady” said to haunt the top floor. We discuss her path from law and interior design to writing, her planning process shaped by a firm agent, shifting titles and covers, and her current rewrite of a book about a famous royal swap. We also chat about spaniels, horses and the comfort animals bring. 00:49 Writing Routine and Space 01:35 Career Path to Author 02:41 Burnt Norton and TS Eliot 04:42 William Kite House Tragedy 07:02 Ghost Stories White Lady 09:51 House History and Hauntings 11:25 Plotting Process and Ideas 13:16 Deadlines Output and Titles 15:18 Rewriting The Hook 16:08 Jigsaw Writing Method 17:17 Past Healing Present 18:17 Woods And Creativity 18:35 Spaniel Life And Social Media 19:59 Dressage Highs And Loss 21:09 New Horse Gio 22:33 Italy And Spanish Stallions 25:08 Books Animals And Imagination You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I’m delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter’s Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough’s portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood. Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton’s biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little survives from the daughters’ own voices. We discuss Molly’s documented illness and Emily’s discovery of a possible porphyria link to the Prince of Wales, as well as Gainsborough’s finances, his wife’s hidden savings, and the sisters’ relationship, which Emily likens to Downton Abbey’s sister dynamics. Emily also previews her next novel, Mrs Dickens, exploring Catherine Dickens’s erasure after Dickens left her for Ellen Turner and the fate of their children. 00:46 Why the Daughters 03:20 Bath After Covid 05:57 Money and Marriage 08:18 Research and Sources 09:27 Molly Illness Mystery 12:21 Sisters and Downton 16:05 Blue Boy and Imagination 17:25 Gainsborough at Highclere 22:23 Next Book Mrs Dickens 24:35 Dickens Family Fallout 27:53 Catherine After Separation You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend’s suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region’s food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town’s mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon’s sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante’s Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante’s poetry and its lifelong influence. 00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia’ (restoring a house in Italy) 00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’: writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID 01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more) 04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar) 05:17 Falling for Tuscany’s Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story 07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic 08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo’ the operator 11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent 12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor’s welcome 13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished? 14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project 14:27 What’s Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus 14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes) 16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere’s Colorful Guests 17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination 18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca 20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015) 23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization 24:21 Highclere’s Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy 25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita Nova You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his military service and his newfound fame with captivating stories of bravery, love, and resilience. 00:49 Colin's MBE Award Journey 05:49 Life at the Royal Hospital 09:32 Britain's Got Talent Experience 15:44 Reflecting on Joan's Legacy 16:12 Early Marriage and Military Life 17:22 Family and Cultural Heritage 18:51 Royal Artillery and Highclere Event 22:24 Musical Journey and Britain's Got Talent 25:09 Post-Army Career and Civilian Life 29:05 Meeting Jo and New Beginnings You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone! 00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections 00:26 Challenges of 2025 01:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember 03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere 04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans 06:20 Business and Farming Challenges 08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events 11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition 12:57 New Additions and Future Projects 16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year Wishes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom. Key moments: Join us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories. 00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey 01:38 The Time Slide Series 03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing 06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings 09:34 First Publishing Success 16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges 23:44 Personal Spiritual Experiences You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works. 00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey 02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation 02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer 04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing 07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights 10:23 Research and Writing Process 15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories 18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories 19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures 21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey 23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing 24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry 30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles 32:05 The Value of Books and Reading 32:54 Highclere Castle Garden Party You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors. 01:01 Life in North Devon 01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony 03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival 08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos 08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket 13:47 Self-Publishing Journey 14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing 15:21 The Editor's Red Pen 16:19 Recording the Audiobook 17:41 The Book Club Journey 22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences 23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories 25:59 Living with Horses 27:38 The Charm of Stately Homes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland. We also discuss the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and simple moments of contentment in life. Join us as we explore transforming anxiety into a source of strength and clarity. 01:20 Discussing the Book and Anxiety 02:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety 04:15 Therapeutic Approaches to Anxiety 06:41 Analogies and Real-Life Examples 07:46 The Role of Animals in Therapy 13:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Miranda Hart to our podcast. We cover many topics, from the importance of joyfulness and humor in life to her iconic character Ms. Bates in Jane Austen's 'Emma'. Miranda opens up about the challenges she faced during her career and the inspiration behind her book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You'. We chat about the intricacies of British humor, the pressures of performing in front of a studio audience, and the technical aspects of comedy. Miranda also shares personal stories about her health struggles, finding strength in vulnerability, and her unique approach to writing, which includes 'treasures of darkness' she discovered through her own experiences. Join us for this heartfelt and humorous conversation, complete with aspirations for future gallops around the garden and cherished moments of British comedic history. 00:56 Discussing British Humor and Sitcoms 01:45 Miranda's Memorable Roles and Experiences 03:00 The Art of Comedy and Scriptwriting 07:51 Challenges and Vulnerability in Acting 09:24 Miranda's Book and Personal Treasures 13:08 Living with Chronic Illness 19:39 Finding Joy and Future Plans You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented craftsman, Matthew Edley, known as Ted. Sitting down at Highclere Castle, we delve into Ted's journey from a punk rocker with a distinct red Mohican to a renowned metalwork master. We talk about his meticulous work repairing and conserving the castle’s historical candelabra and lamps, including converting them from candlelight to electric while maintaining their historical integrity. Ted also shares his experiences as a part of the TV series 'The Restorers,' where he showcases the art of craftsmanship and restoration. We discuss the importance of using traditional techniques and materials to preserve history and how these skills are transferred across various trades. Join us as we celebrate the blend of modern restoration with historical preservation at Highclere Castle. 00:43 Ted's Craftsmanship and Metalworking 01:20 Challenges of Restoring Highclere Castle 03:17 Conservation vs. Restoration 07:44 Ted's Television Career 09:11 The Art of Traditional Techniques 11:52 Future Projects and Collaborations 14:53 Reflections on Highclere Castle You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this podcast episode, I am delighted to welcome author Sinclair Mackay to discuss his captivating book on Winston Churchill, which delves into 90 meetings over Churchill's 90-year life. Our conversation covers Churchill's diverse roles and personal attributes, from his military valour to his romanticism, and even his encounters with notable figures like Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. Sinclair shares how Churchill's fearless and multifaceted nature made him an extraordinary figure, one who continually adapted to monumental changes in society. We also touch on Churchill's lasting impact on today's world and the different generations' perceptions of him. It's a thoroughly engaging discussion filled with fun anecdotes and thought-provoking insights about one of history's most complex characters. 00:36 Churchill's Fascinating Encounters 01:07 Writing Style and Approach 02:14 Churchill's Relationships and Personal Life 04:42 Churchill's Military and Political Career 06:25 Churchill's Emotional Depth and Romanticism 10:52 Churchill's Social and Financial Challenges 14:42 Churchill's Diverse Friendships and Interests 15:32 Highclere Castle and Social Changes 16:09 Churchill's Lifespan and Historical Impact 18:26 Churchill's Fearlessness and Adventures 21:10 Churchill's Post-War Vision and Legacy 24:45 Churchill's Relationships and Influence 27:40 Reflections on Churchill's Complex Legacy You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, I sit down with the immensely talented artist and illustrator, Lucy Clare Dunbar, at Highclere Castle. Lucy shares her journey into becoming an illustrator, influenced by her father's artistry, and her love for drawing from a young age. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly losing her sight due to health issues, and how drawing became a form of therapy for her. Her sight eventually returned, giving her a profound appreciation for life. We delve into her book 'The Book of Gifts,' which combines her heartfelt sketches and words that reflect her personal experiences and hopes to uplift others. Lucy also talks about her creative family, her process of combining words with sketches, and how she draws inspiration from everyday moments and her beloved pets. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the importance of living in the present. 01:35 Lucy's Artistic Journey 02:00 Overcoming Adversity 03:43 Family of Artists 04:37 The Book of Gifts 06:42 The Creative Process 13:16 Love for Animals 16:18 Living in the Moment You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favorite historians, Alice Loxton, to the castle. We discuss her fascinating book 'Eighteen', which delves into the lives of historical figures when they were 18 years old. Alice shares her passion for medieval history and reveals how @history_alice came into being. We explore her unique approach to writing, imagining historical characters in modern settings to bring them to life. I was particularly intrigued by her diverse selection of characters, from Bede to Vivienne Westwood, and how she makes history accessible and engaging for everyone. 00:22 Exploring Historical Layers 01:04 The Book 'Eighteen' and Its Unique Approach 04:13 Diverse Historical Figures 09:49 Social Media and History 18:04 Writing and Research Process 25:37 Future Plans You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, I sit down with aviation author Rowland White to discuss Geoffrey de Havilland's remarkable contributions to aviation, focusing on the iconic Mosquito plane. We explore de Havilland's early failures and eventual successes, including his innovative use of wood to construct aircraft. We also delve into personal stories connected to Highclere Castle and discuss ongoing efforts to restore Mosquito planes to flying condition! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In my first podcast of the year, I am joined by my husband, to discuss reflections on the past year and hopes for the future. We talk about various personal and public topics including the challenges of the past year, changes in the weather, and updates from our lives. We discuss the upcoming release of a third Downton Abbey film and chat about our gardening efforts, plans for hosting events at Highclere Castle, our gin production achievements, and hopes for our horses in training. It is so important to maintain optimism and cherish moments of joy amidst ongoing global and personal challenges. 00:19 Reflecting on the Past Year 00:45 Weather and Hopes for the New Year 00:57 Downton Abbey Updates 03:08 Springtime in the Gardens 04:40 Memorial Garden 06:40 Highclere Castle Projects 08:01 Guided Tours and Exhibitions 09:10 Farming and Gin Production 14:57 Horse Breeding and Training 16:11 Life with Nine Dogs You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

My guest this month is Liz Earle, renowned for her iconic beauty products. Liz discusses her transition from running a beauty brand to writing about health and wellness. We talk about her latest book, which offers personal insights and practical advice for living a healthier and longer life, especially for midlife women. We explore topics like nutrition, gut health, the importance of social connections, and self-care. Liz also shares her personal journey, her passion for community, and her humanitarian work in Africa. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining brain health, physical fitness, and the critical role of nourishment. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Liz Earle's Journey in Beauty and Wellness 01:06 Writing and Living Well Longer 02:49 Challenges and Health Tips for Midlife Women 06:52 The Importance of Social Connections 11:30 Grounding and Connecting with Nature 14:42 Nutrition, Cooking, and Sustainable Living 19:18 Future Projects and Longevity Goals 21:01 Balancing Personal Life and Public Image 27:39 Conclusion and Farewell You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

My guest this month is a trusted and familiar broadcaster on all things medical. Best known for his regular TV appearances he's also no stranger to writing. But until recently his books have been strictly non-fiction. Now he's branched out into story-telling with his WWI novel, Frontline, published in September 2021. I hope you'll enjoy my conversation with him. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk

I'll let you listen to this edition of my podcast to find out exactly how I first met Tom, but suffice to say it has been a great joy to get to know him. Tom is a writer, actor, TV presenter but is perhaps best known as a stand-up comedian. These days he's rarely off the TV so it was fabulous that he found time to join me for a chat at the real Downton Abbey! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month. Lady Carnarvon's official podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media for details contact jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk