Oxford Lives
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Oxford is a wonderful city in which to live, and If you have the good fortune to call yourself a resident you are probably here because you value its incredible mix of people and cultures. However, whether local or visitor, your own personal network of friends and colleagues can only touch a small proportion of the fascinating people who call this place home. We set up this podcast to seek out some of the individuals that we find interesting and explore their lives and stories. They are not all celebrated or well-known, but what they do and what they think add another dimension to the familiar narrative of town, gown and tourism. Hopefully you will find it an insight and an introduction to interesting and unfamiliar parts of our community. So, relax and select someone from the cast below and get to know a bit more about a particular Oxford life. With Jeremy Allen Produced by Graeme Fry As a compliment to our podcast we have produced a self-guided tour where we look at Oxford’s links to fantasy literature and the many writers who have lived and worked here. So if you find yourself in Oxford prepare to be whisked away to other worlds full of Hobbits, Orcs and parallel universes! https://voicemap.me/tour/oxford/literary-legends-and-landmarks-a-fantasy-fiction-tour-of-oxford
Location:
United States
Description:
Oxford is a wonderful city in which to live, and If you have the good fortune to call yourself a resident you are probably here because you value its incredible mix of people and cultures. However, whether local or visitor, your own personal network of friends and colleagues can only touch a small proportion of the fascinating people who call this place home. We set up this podcast to seek out some of the individuals that we find interesting and explore their lives and stories. They are not all celebrated or well-known, but what they do and what they think add another dimension to the familiar narrative of town, gown and tourism. Hopefully you will find it an insight and an introduction to interesting and unfamiliar parts of our community. So, relax and select someone from the cast below and get to know a bit more about a particular Oxford life. With Jeremy Allen Produced by Graeme Fry As a compliment to our podcast we have produced a self-guided tour where we look at Oxford’s links to fantasy literature and the many writers who have lived and worked here. So if you find yourself in Oxford prepare to be whisked away to other worlds full of Hobbits, Orcs and parallel universes! https://voicemap.me/tour/oxford/literary-legends-and-landmarks-a-fantasy-fiction-tour-of-oxford
Language:
English
Episodes
Oxford Lives - Episode 52 with Anna Eavis
3/21/2024
In today's episode of Oxford Lives we talk to Anna Eavis, who has just taken over the role of CEO for Oxford Preservation Trust. We ask Anna about the role of the trust in maintaining historically significant buildings and green spaces throughout the city, the importance of volunteers and the forthcoming Open Doors Weekend. We also look at Anna's previous role as Ciritorial Director of English Heritage, where she played an integral part in allocating London's blue plaques and setting up the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. A fascinating listen.
Duration:01:03:26
Oxford Lives - Episode 51 Anniversary Special
12/20/2023
50th Anniversary Special. To celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast, we recently held a live recording at the Bullingdon on Cowley Rd. The event was a panel discussion on 'Parallel Oxfords' with three previous guests taking part: multi-media and spoken word artist, Rawz; local historian, Liz Woolley; and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. It turned out to be a fascinating evening with a free-flowing discussion that uncovered the real Oxford in all its complexities. Let us know what you think.https://www.patrickmcguinness.org/https://linktr.ee/forgottenstoriesoxfordhttp://lizwoolley.co.uk/
Duration:01:12:55
Oxford Lives - Episode 50 with Rawz
10/20/2023
This episode of Oxford Lives features an interview with musician, rapper, poet, and community artist, Rawz. Rawz has seen Oxford from both sides, having grown up in the Town (Greater Leys) and worked in the Gown (St John’s College). Along the way, he has participated in a number of local projects from Digging Crates (Pitt Rivers Museum) to My Two Oxfords (Old Fire Station). His latest venture is an ‘off the beaten track’ walking tour, Forgotten Stories of Oxford. For further info: https://linktr.ee/rawz_official and https://www.torch.ox.ac.uk/oxfords-forgotten-stories
Duration:01:01:26
Oxford Lives - Episode 49 with Jonathan Self
9/27/2023
Tolkien-Lewis Special. In this edition of Oxford Lives we examine the lives of two of Oxford’s most esteemed residents: JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. They first met at a Merton College English Faculty meeting in 1926. In his diary, Lewis recorded some apprehension, writing of the “smooth, pale, fluent little chap” with “no harm in him: only needs a smack or so.” From such unpromising beginnings, their relationship flourished. Here to pick up the story is Tour Guide and Inklings aficionado, Jonathan Self
Duration:00:52:11
Oxford Lives - Episode 48 with Karen Ford
9/15/2023
Karen Ford is a prolific actor with a vast range of experience in stage and screen to her name. Perhaps her best-known role is that of Miss Booth in the BBC children’s drama, Grange Hill, playing a major role in two of the series’ most iconic storylines – Zammo’s drug addiction and her relationship with troubled student, Danny Kendall. Karen’s new play, Serpent’s Tooth, is coming to Oxford’s Burton Taylor theatre on Saturday 23 September, after rave reviews in Edinburgh. You can book tickets for this powerful, darkly humorous performance on https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-serpents-tooth
Duration:00:46:34
Oxford Lives - Episode 47 with Ronak Sahni
5/20/2023
On this episode of Oxford Lives we interview Ronak Sahni from SWAT (Sikh Welfare & Awareness). SWAT are a charitable organisation committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged members of the community. You can see the SWAT team every Thursday night on Broad Street distributing free food to the homeless. Here SWAT volunteer Ronak Sahni outlines SWAT's ethos and outlines the logistics of the project he is involved in. You can find out about SWAT's remarkable story at https://www.nishkamswat.com/
Duration:00:46:03
Oxford Lives - Episode 46 with Charlie and Chico
4/14/2023
Today’s guests are from the Oxford Artisan Distillery and are both leading experts in their field. Master Distiller Francisco Rosa (AKA Chico), and Head of Whisky, Charlie Echlin, talk us through the process of distillation and explain what makes their brand so unique, from locally sourced farming to traditional biodiversity techniques. If you would like to go on one of their intoxicating tours (#1 on Trip Advisor), then please visit the following link: https://www.theoxfordartisandistillery.com/shop/tours
Duration:00:55:34
Oxford Lives - Episode 45 with Jeremy Smith
12/4/2022
We enjoyed his company so much the first time, we asked him back! This time Jeremy Smith is here to talk about the Oxford music scene, of which he has a vast knowledge, stretching back four decades. In a fascinating interview, Jeremy takes us on a journey through Oxford’s musical history, taking in the bands, the venues, the shifts in attitudes and tastes, not to mention some hair-raising nights out. You will not be disappointed. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886
Duration:00:54:22
Oxford Lives - Episode 44 with Tinashe Mushakavanhu
10/30/2022
Today on Oxford Lives we interview academic and writer Tinashe Mushakavanhu. Tinashe is a Junior Research Fellow in African & Comparative Literature at St Anne's College, here in Oxford. In a fascinating interview, he talks about deconstructing the myth of Africa, re- reading the continent, and making archival source material more widely available. We also discuss two Oxford-educated rebel poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Dambudzo Marechera.
Duration:01:00:43
Oxford Lives - Episode 43 with Jeremy Smith
10/6/2022
Oxford Pub Special – The Bear, Turf Tavern, Kings Arms. Oxford is blessed with an array of historical pubs, blending tradition, atmosphere, sumptuous ales, and some fantastic stories. Here, real ale connoisseur and official pub tour guide, Jeremy Smith, takes us on a virtual tour through some of the city’s finest, combining his unique knowledge of the brewing trade with some fascinating personal insights. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 – he will be happy to serve.
Duration:01:01:18
Oxford Lives - Episode 42 with Melanie Clarke-Jacques.
8/25/2022
INSPECTOR MORSE SPECIAL – In this latest episode of Oxford Lives, we discuss all things Inspector Morse with Oxford’s resident Morse expert, Melanie Clarke-Jacques. Intrinsic to the novels and TV show is Morse’s relationship with Oxford. Here we explore Oxford’s role both as atmospheric backdrop and crime scene, and how the city itself has shaped Morse’s personality. Expect revelations galore - a must for all fans of the show. For enquiries about Melanie’s tours please contact: melanieceej@gmail.com
Duration:00:50:35
Oxford Lives - Episode 41 with Patrick McGuinness
11/25/2021
Our latest guest is academic, critic, novelist, poet and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. The book is a tour de force of travel writing which sheds light on the Oxford behind the picture postcard image. In this riveting interview, McGuinness reveals his fascination with aspects of the city seldom depicted in cinema and TV drama: its polarities and peculiarities, quirks and contrasts, and the visible remnants of a past constantly nudging at the present.
Duration:00:59:01
Oxford Lives - Episode 40 with Julia Cameron
10/11/2021
Today's edition of Oxford Lives is an interview with writer and publisher, Julia Cameron. Julia has produced a remarkable guide to Oxford, from the viewpoint of a cat. Specifically, Julia's cat - Simeon, for whom she works diligently as editor and typist. Julia also talks about her publishing company Dictum Press, her years as an obituarist and another fascinating title she has written entitled, Oxford and Cambridge Reformation Walking Tour. Both titles are available from Julia's website https://dictumpress.com/ or from Blackwells. A purrfect listen.
Duration:00:39:19
Oxford Lives - Episode 39 with Craig Simmons
7/30/2021
In this episode of Oxford Lives, we talk to former Lord Mayor Craig Simmons about his time in office, his years as a councillor representing the Green Party, and his work as a sustainability consultant advising high profile companies on how to reduce their carbon footprint. An erudite and committed environmentalist, Craig is full of wisdom and practical advice on how we can all do our bit and help save the planet. He also tells us about his love of yachting.
Duration:00:47:20
Oxford Lives - Episode 38 with Jeremy Allen and Lee Woodward
6/15/2021
Host Jeremy Allen and Lee Woodward talk about their new theatre project, Analyse Thou, a Zoom-based drama that puts Shakespearean characters on the therapist’s couch. This original piece of work has been produced in conjunction with Response and Oxfordshire MIND, two leading Oxford-based mental health organisations, over a series of writers’ workshops. As well as shedding new light on familiar Shakespearean texts in an accessible fashion, the play seeks to raise awareness around trending mental health issues
Duration:00:44:01
Oxford Lives - Episode 37 with Korky Paul
4/29/2021
Korky Paul is a world-famous children’s book illustrator whose Winnie the Witch series has sold millions of copies all around the world. In a highly engaging interview, Korky reflects on his childhood in Zimbabwe, college years spent in apartheid South Africa, and his European and American travels before settling here in Oxford and getting his big break with OUP in the mid-Eighties. He talks about his highly detailed and anarchic illustration style, love of Marvel comics and, of course, his time in Oxford.
Duration:00:55:11
Oxford Lives - Episode 36 with Dr Mary Miller
3/15/2021
Dr Mary Miller is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine, specialising in end-of-life care. Mary qualified from University College Cork in 1988 and has practised around the work, coming to Oxford in 1998. Here Mary discusses the challenges of caring for the terminally ill and how her role perhaps requires a different philosophical attitude to that commonly held in the West. Mary also reflects on the last year and the Covid pandemic, elaborating on some of the challenges faced by carers, patients and their families.
Duration:00:46:07
Oxford Lives - Episode 35 with Anand Menon
3/5/2021
Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College Londin and director of UK in a Changing Europe, an initiative promoting independent research into UK-EU relations. An authority and leading speaker on the subject, Anand has numerous television and radio appearances under his belt. Anand also lives in Oxford and touches on his time here, why the city voted Remain and how the post-Brexit environment could impact on our local economy.
Duration:00:34:42
Oxford Lives - Episode 34 with Sinead Leach
2/5/2021
What is the Census? How did it evolve? What is all that information used for? And why is it so important we complete it? Here Census Engagement Manager Sinead Leach tells us everything we need to know, how to get help if we need it, and allays our fears about data security. Don’t forget that the Census will be here on March 21st and it's crucial we fill it in so that our Oxfordshire community receives all the resources it needs. For more info: www.census.gov.uk
Duration:00:32:58
Oxford Lives - Episode 33 with Tim Wraith
10/14/2020
Tim Wraith is Corporate Partnerships Manager for Sobell House. But he’s more than that. Much more. Tim is a true force for good in our community, uniting individuals and organisations in the common cause of kindness. Here Tim talks about the vital role Sobell plays in the lives of so many in our city. He also talks Park Runs, half-marathons, charity cricket matches, and cooking 1500 meals for the homeless. An inspirational listen.
Duration:00:42:19