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Batting the Breeze is a podcast for the infinitely curious. It's a place where we share stories, invite others to share stories and sometimes... just talk. Episodes are usually less than 25 minutes and could relate to absolutely anything; Quite often, they'll be subjects you've never thought about thinking about. We're always looking to be informative, amusing or thought-provoking and occasionally all three! Head over to www.battingthebreeze.com for more information.
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Relaunch to #1?! Unthinkable! Join James & Mary as they peal back the stories of myth, and talk comics from the true readers that need these tales most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hurricane Michael and the Compassionate Captain
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If I suggested that you spend nine months away from home and family and sail 32,000 miles around the world the hard way around (ie against prevailing winds and currents), what would you say? And suppose I then told you that eight of your crew had never sailed before and, by the way, Hurricane Michael would be waiting to greet you? Well, that’s what…
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In 1993, Chris Moon MBE was taken prisoner while clearing landmines in Cambodia by Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge, the most feared and brutal regime in the country's history. No Western prisoner had ever survived. Chris managed to keep his emotions in check and used his early-life farming experiences, army training and plenty of guile to attempt to take con…
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If you ever seriously considered a career as a TV Anchor, you had better listen to this episode first. Elizabeth Pearson Garr has been there. After growing up at Stanford and studying at Harvard, she ventured out to the wilds of Billings, Montana to become a TV anchor for KULR-8, an NBC affiliate. Within a few hours of her first day, the noon ancho…
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WARNING: Today’s episode contains adult themes, specifically sex trafficking and human trafficking, so please take that into account. Amanda Blackwood is a gem. She’s fun. She’s full of life. She’s also a survivor of human trafficking. Amanda engages in a raw and intimate conversation about her experiences of forced drug prescriptions as a child, s…
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In 1958, Sir Patrick Hine was part of a team of elite RAF pilots, the Black Arrows, who broke the world record for an aerobatic display manoeuvre that has never been equalled - and might never be. The Black Arrows performed a 22-plane loop twice in front of a euphoric Farnborough Air Show crowd. Sir Patrick later became Air Chief Marshal of the RAF…
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Battling the Breeze in the 2003 America's Cup
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The America's Cup - the pinnacle of professional sailing and one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in international sport. The 2003 America's Cup: 10 teams, 1 winner. What was it like to be a competitor in one of these elite teams? Simon Fry has experienced the thrills and spills, the highs, the lows, the fierce rivalries and the extreme …
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Do you pride yourself on your infallible memory? Well think again. Memories about ourselves and the events of our lives are nurtured by our Autobiographic Memory and, shockingly, it turns out that it is unreliable by design. Our story centres on Brian Williams, America's one-time No. 1 news anchor. He reported from the front line in 2003 at the sta…
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Documentaries such as Blue Planet and The Great Reef have brought new wonder and awareness into our living rooms. Former Royal Navy underwater bomb disposal expert turned submarine pilot Mark Taylor now explores the planet's oceans as an integral part of the subsea documentary filmmaking community. He has seen eels dip into lakes 750 metres under t…
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In October 1988, the Hong Kong police executed Operation Clinker and achieved the largest ever drug haul in Hong Kong history. Bill Renwick was undercover with the team of four who heroically overcame two of the drug syndicate on a ketch somewhere on the edge of the South China Sea. Think of The French Connection meets Popeye with a sprinkling of K…
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Can you imagine a silence so intense that brushing your teeth could be painful? Argentinian-born Nico Marino is a traveller. It’s in his roots. Having travelled on his bicycle across Europe, Asia and Africa, he decided to settle in Australia. To get to know his new homeland, he decided to go for a bike ride - from West to East - Perth to Sydney - r…
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It's 1968. The Vietnam War is at its fiercest. Robin Bartlett is a platoon leader with the U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Division. Robin’s platoon is deployed on regular helicopter combat assaults, sometimes twice a day. Getting into the Landing Zone is perilous - so is getting out. Robin recounts the day when his helicopter had ascended to 1500 feet, recei…
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Rebecca Bratspies, New York environmental and human rights lawyer, shared with me the extraordinary and inspirational life story of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in US Major League Baseball, back on April 15 1947, after crossing the Baseball Color Line. Having written "Naming Gotham - The Villains, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York's Plac…
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Forced to escape from a war-torn Sri Lanka with his family and move to London, Pradeep Kumar Sachitharan experienced a life of crime as a London teenager before his love for weightlifting gave him discipline and prospects. After a chance discovery of the benefits of qualifications, Pradeep embarked on an educational whirlwind through six universiti…
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Today was a quickie just to let you know that Batting the Breeze is taking a short break. But don't worry; behind the scenes, everything is still going strong. I'm busy lining up amazing guests to share their experiences with you and putting the final touches on our long-awaited weekly newsletter. This breather gives me a chance to reflect on what'…
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During the Vietnam War, a group of courageous women embarked on an extraordinary mission to uplift the spirits of American troops stationed far away from their loved ones. The Donut Dollies. With unwavering bravery, they ventured into war zones armed only with warm smiles. Their story often goes unheard, but not for my guest today, Penni Evans, who…
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At 22, Brad, an Aussie thrill-seeker, invited his family to watch his first skydiving experience. It was nearly his last. The thrill turned to panic as the first parachute failed to open. Then the unthinkable happened and panic became terror. The reserve parachute also failed to open. Brad and his instructor were plummeting to earth at terminal vel…
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Jazz musician Rick DellaRatta witnessed the 9/11 attacks from a rooftop in New York City. While watching the unfolding tragedy in front of him, he was inspired to write a poem which later became known as "Jazz for Peace”. Rick didn’t realise it at the time, but Jazz for Peace would become a worldwide movement promoting peace, garnering internationa…
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President John F Kennedy arrived in Dallas, Texas, on November 22nd, 1963, appearing to be in good health; almost exactly three hours later, he left the city in a casket. Those two facts are the only things most Americans agree upon concerning that tragic weekend. If you think you know who was responsible, you’re in for a surprise. History matures …
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“Opera singing is a civilized version of what you were doing when you were a baby. We scream like a little baby. That's what opera singing is all about.” Simona Mango did clarify that you have to scream the right notes of course! Simona reveals the secrets of being an opera singer, overcoming stage fright and what to do if you forget your lines. Sh…
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If you have ever considered how you could reconnect with nature, here’s your answer – through bees. Have you ever wondered why bees make honey? What does a drone do all day long? Why should we care about the health of our bees? Paula Carnell is a bee consultant and honey sommelier looking to create a buzz about health. She says that bees are Mother…
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What have a psychiatrist, a psychic medium, a bodyguard, a WWII survivor, a remote settler and a parliamentary candidate got in common? They all feature in today’s episode. The podcast has now passed 25 episodes, so it felt like a great time to look back. Check out this compilation of the best bits of some of our earlier episodes. For more informat…
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"If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Today I had the privilege to meet one person with autism. Stuart Carlson is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder but he is defined by his extraordinary musical ability. He is a concert violinist and composer. I tried to understand the contradiction between the very earthl…
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Today’s guest spends a lot of time in his garden. But he cultivates voices rather than plants. Tim is a voice actor and his garden is where the real magic happens - in his voice booth. It’s his own personal oasis, except instead of palm trees and coconuts, he has microphones and soundproofing foam. Find out about the life of a voice actor as well a…
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The story of the Vietnam War has been told many times in many different ways. But how often have you heard what it was like on the ground for infantry soldiers walking The Trail - that daily grind of cutting through the jungle in pursuit of the enemy? The unbearable heat, leeches, C-rations, booby traps, ambushes and counter-ambushes. It’s a grippi…
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Access Denied: The Kursk Submarine Rescue Story
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In August 2000, the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea, resulting in the loss of all 118 crew members. At the time, the UK Royal Navy's submarine rescue team was one of the best-equipped in the world, and they offered their services to help save the trapped crew. Access was denied. Today’s guest, Mark, was part of that …
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It was a mad moment in Australian political history; The 1975 Australian Constitutional Crisis - but don’t let that title put you off! It’s a story of double-crossing, conspiracy theories, the CIA, Australia - a mature world democracy - without a government, demonstrations, dissent and a country in crisis. And all, perhaps, because Gough Whitlam wa…
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Dating can be hard enough. But imagine you had been involved in a life-changing accident, were adapting to a new life in a wheelchair and were ready to pick up from where you left off with… boys. Date Me is such a story of a young girl who experiences the highs and lows of human interaction. Find out how she takes back control. For more information…
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Cats have 9 lives. Fred Rutman has at least 20. One night in May 2009, he died - three times. That summer, he died another 17 times. Find out how this incredible story led to a new life of intermittent fasting. You will be surprised at the results. For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/repeatedly-dead-fred/.…
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Here’s the definition of insanity for you: throwing in a good job, leaving behind a salary and travelling 10,000 miles across the globe to follow a hunch, a seed of an idea. Then driving around the States turning up in a bar to interview complete strangers and asking them deep personal questions about themselves. That’s what Ken did. Find out how h…
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Can you imagine selling all your worldly possessions, your house, your car, your furnishings and reducing your ownership of ‘things’ to a 22-inch suitcase and a backpack? Well, that’s exactly what today’s guest did, leaving Arizona to travel the world as a digital nomad. Find out how she did it. For more information, check out show notes at https:/…
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Having previously spoken to near-death experience witnesses, I was keen to uncover how science viewed this extraordinary phenomenon. I tracked down data scientist David Gerrelli. I wasn’t expecting what I heard. For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/better-the-devil-you-know. We love receiving your feedback …
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Can you imagine what it’s like to breathe through someone else’s lungs? Alastair Henry does. In 2020 he had a double lung transplant at the age of 75. He’s only too aware of his responsibility to the donor, to make the best of this gift of extra life. Alastair shares his story and thoughts on organ donation. For more information, check out show not…
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How are your communication skills these days? No, I don’t mean public speaking or standing up to make a presentation. How are you communicating with your spouse, your children, and your postman? Brenden Kumarasamy, the founder of MasterTalk and top communications coach, shares some simple tips for us all. He’s a blast, by the way. His comments on i…
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Have you ever wondered if Margaret Thatcher ever met Sir Winston Churchill? If you search, you’ll find that nobody really knows. However, one person does know; Edmund Murray, Churchill’s last bodyguard. Also, What happened when Winston Churchill demanded to see his bodyguard’s latest paintings? For more information, check out show notes at https://…
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Edmund Murray was Winston Churchill’s last bodyguard and as such he witnessed situations and events like no other. What happened when Mrs Onassis, Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy ended up on the yacht Christina at the same time? What really happened to Churchill’s budgerigar? For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreez…
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Have you ever found a handwritten inscription behind an old bathroom cabinet and not stopped to read it? In that case, you may be kicking yourself by the time you’ve finished listening to the series of events which uncovered the life of one of Winston Churchill’s closest confidants - his last bodyguard. For more information, check out show notes at…
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Have you heard of secondhand embarrassment? Imagine you’re sitting on a train next to a toilet with an automatic opening door. And then, for no reason, it starts to open. Think this could never happen? For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/secondhand-embarrassment/. We love receiving your feedback - head ove…
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In the 50’s and 60’s, a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland released the psychedelic drug LSD to encourage research of possible beneficial effects for psychological struggles or psychiatric illness. Psychedelic drugs were subsequently outlawed. Most people don’t realise that there is a legal, much safer option to achieve non-ordinary states of co…
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If you’ve retired, are nearing retirement or have ever considered what life looks like after work, you may want to listen in. Alastair Henry provides an alternative to seeing out your days cutting grass and playing golf. And if you haven’t contemplated any of this, well listen in anyway. It’s a charming story. For more information, check out show n…
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At the last count, 221 million people have migrated, ie moved from their “country of usual residence”; that’s 3.5% of the world’s population. Of these, just short of 80 million were forcibly moved from their homes as refugees, asylum seekers, or internally displaced. But there are many that move to join their families, to study or to seek a new lif…
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Have you ever visited a psychic medium? Perhaps you’re a little tentative? Or perhaps you think it's all hocus-pocus. You may be surprised on all three counts. For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/is-anybody-there/. We love receiving your feedback - head over to https://www.battingthebreeze.com/contact/ Tha…
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My guest today ran for the UK parliament in 2019. Spoiler Alert - he didn't get in! That was the year when the UK was devouring itself on the subject of Brexit. Listen to his hilarious account of fighting to become an MP and find out what advice he would give to anyone thinking of doing the same. [WARNING: This episode includes 1 expletive at 06:57…
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Listen to the tragic story of a young man and his family, and how the law fails families like this time after time. Also, listen to his subsequent fight for justice and find out how you could play a small part in helping. [WARNING: Contains adult themes.] For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/marsys-law/. We…
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Have you ever had that experience where life was ticking over quite nicely, and everything felt normal? And then something happened, and suddenly life wasn't normal anymore. What about if that something was that you died? For more information, check out show notes at https://www.battingthebreeze.com/misfit-in-hell-to-heaven-expat/. We love receivin…
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EPISODE 3: If you need a lift, listen to the story of David Figueroa. He was born with cerebral palsy in Puerto Rico with very little chance of creating a fulfilling life for himself. Take a look where he is now, and how the love of two mothers helped to get him there. Inspirational. For more information, check out show notes at https://www.batting…
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EPISODE 2: On the 3rd September 1939, Neville Chamberlain broadcast the news that Britain was at war with Germany. Accounts of war time have been well documented, but what was it like for the children living under the constant threat of German bombers? Enid Bottle was five years old on that day. Now eighty-eight years old and living in the South of…
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EPISODE 1: Welcome to Batting the Breeze, the podcast for the Infinitely Curious! This introductory episode provides a summary of what you can expect from our podcast. It's a place where we share stories, invite others to share stories, and sometimes just talk. And that talk could be about anything. Quite often, there will be subjects you've never …
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Pride Annual Issue #2: It's tough, but worth it w/ Joe Glass
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This week we doin' it big again yall! James sits down with writer and creator of the Pride as well as Acceptable Losses, Glitter Vipers, and The Miracles, Joe Glass! They chop it up and get to the heart about being a queer person creating their own work in the comic industry and why anyone diving into it shouldn't give up! Turn the page with us on …
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On this week's episode, James and Mary tell Travis the story of Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles! How A Tennesee Williams analog finds himself after years in the cartoons we all know and love! This week's Pride month issue is a tear-jerker and a series of content warnings. If the topics of homophobia, assault, gay-bashing, public executi…
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Pride Annual #1: House of Slaughter & Queer storytelling w/ Tate Brombal!
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We doin' it big for Pride month yall! With this podcast being a queer-hosted podcast, of course, you're gonna see us go all out! On this first bonus annual issue! James sits back down with writer Tate Brombal to talk about his recent stint on House of Slaughter as well his work overall and why it's important for the LGBTQ+ community! Turn the page …
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