Best Canopy & Stars Podcasts (2024)

1
Hiker Athena Mellor on introducing the fourth generation of her family to the Lake District 24:01

3h ago24:01

24:01

Athena Mellor never dreamed of writing a guidebook, but the knowledge of a lifetime hiking, a passion handed down by her father and grandfather was just too extensive to stay in her head. Now a successful writer and YouTuber, she’s making sure her daughter will follow in the family footsteps. Join her on a walk through Langdale, as she talks about …

1
Conservationist Sacha Dench on tracking swans 7,000km across 11 countries 20:48

15d ago20:48

20:48

When she dropped out of the sky in front of Russian hunters in the Arctic, Sasha Dench wasn't quite sure how she'd be received. She was on a mission to understand and halt the decline in the numbers of the Bewick Swan by following their epic migration route from the Arctic to the UK on a paramotor. Join her on a walk from her favourite training fie…

1
Julius Roberts on nature-first farming and looking his food in the eye 23:46

14d ago23:46

23:46

Julius Roberts was exhausted and overworked, as chefs often are. He couldn’t help but compare himself to the happy, healthy-looking farmers who delivered produce to the restaurant he was working in. So, he decided to become one of them. It was a huge leap of faith that encompassed a commitment to seasonal eating, nature-first farming and the emotio…

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Writer and broadcaster Emma Gannon on the regenerative value of doing nothing 21:03

27d ago21:03

21:03

Emma Gannon had been writing books for ten years, almost solidly. She hosted podcasts, spoke at numerous events and maintained one of the most popular substacks on the internet. Having decided not to have children, she began to wonder how and when her life would significantly change. She decided to take a year for herself, to get a new perspective …

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Activist Mikaela Loach on finding the power to fight global corporations 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

Mikaela Loach remembers the moment her grandmother told her that their local beach had disappeared. Years later, she would place that emotional conversation in the context of the wider problem - rising seas caused by climate change, in turn caused by global capitalism - and decide to dedicate herself to the fight for climate justice. We join her in…

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Lira Valencia on barriers to inclusivity, common terns and “London dolphins” 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

Lira Valencia grew up in Croydon, surrounded by the kind of urban sprawl that keeps the natural world at a distance. However, thanks mostly to the snails in her grandma’s garden, she developed a passion for nature and forged a path to a career in the overwhelmingly white world of conservation. We join her for a walk around Walthamstow wetlands, whe…

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Alastair Humphreys on building adventure into your life wherever you live 22:47

2M ago22:47

22:47

Alastair Humphreys spent four years cycling round the world. He’s rowed across the Atlantic, run a marathon in the Sahara and taken part in an expedition to the arctic. But we’ve caught up with him on an industrial estate on the edge of the city, to talk microadventures and the power of thinking small. See more of what Alastair's been up to or foll…

1
Series four... starts 6 June 1:50

3M ago1:50

1:50

It’s time to get outdoors again… In season 4 of ALMW you’ll walk with more fascinating people as they take you to some of their favourite spots and talk about their connection to nature. We'll be talking to adventurer Alastair Humphreys, activist Mikaela Loach, the lady known as The Human Swan, and many more. Episode one will be out on 6th June and…

1
Bonus Episode - Chatabix meets Canopy & Stars 46:37

3M ago46:37

46:37

While we were working on series 4 of A Life More Wild, which launches in June, Joe Wilkinson and David Earl shamelessly name-dropped us on their podcast, Chatabix. We got in touch to see if they’d like to record at one of our spaces and they said they’d love to, so here they are (or at least one of them is) at Humble Bee, a giant beehive in Devon, …

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Sarah Wilson on her favourite hike and nature as a coping mechanism 20:44

11M ago20:44

20:44

Sarah Wilson is always on the move. Her work as an author, presenter and speaker takes her all over the world. In the course of her wandering, she’s learned a couple of things. How to ground yourself in a new place by hiking, how getting people to love something is how you get them to fight for it… and how long is too long to wear the same pair of …

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Ep. 30 - Ryan Courtney (Pipeline; Trailblazers; Curious Cargo; Bear Raid & More!) 1:26:42

11M ago1:26:42

1:26:42

In this week's episode, we interview board game superstar, Ryan Courtney, designer of Pipeline; Curious Cargo; Trailblazers; & Bear Raid! We discuss how a 48-hour game jam competition lead to his amazing career in board games, how he has been able to make such wonderful games and what he has in store for us to melt our brains in the coming years! W…

1
Hamza Yassin on watching the same eagles for eight years and how Strictly changed his life 22:21

11M ago22:21

22:21

Being a wildlife cameraman wasn’t something Hamza Yassin wanted to do. It was THE ONLY thing he wanted to do. Inspired by the attenborough documentaries he learnt english from after his parents moved to the uk from Sudan, he gave everything to make his dream a reality. What he never dreamt about though, was ending up lifting the glitterball on Stri…

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Mike Duxbury on life as a blind farmer, pig coughs and goose cuddles 19:52

12M ago19:52

19:52

Despite having a passion for animals and farming, Mike Duxbury received only one offer from all the agricultural colleges he applied to. The rest dismissed him instantly because he was blind. After graduating with an impressive array of qualifications, he became an accessibility consultant in London, but his heart was always with the land. He decid…

1
Ep. 29 - Elizabeth Hargrave (Wingspan; Tussie Mussie; Mariposa; The Fox Experiment & More!) 1:35:58

1y ago1:35:58

1:35:58

In this week's episode, we interview board game superstar, Elizabeth Hargrave, designer of Wingspan, Mariposas, Tussie Mussie, and The Fox Experiment! We discuss how she shares her profound appreciation for the natural world in her games and how they offer gamers a unique opportunity to explore themes such as birds, floriography and monarch butterf…

1
Dr Becky Smethurst on stargazing, Saturn and what nature and the night sky have in common 19:33

1y ago19:33

19:33

You often hear people talk about how getting out into nature gives them a change of perspective. But what happens when your profession is nature on the biggest possible scale? Dr Becky Smethhurst is an astrophysicist, author and YouTuber who studies supermassive blackholes and galaxy formation, but says that rather than making her feel small, it do…

1
Ep. 28 - Matthew Dunstan (Next Station: London; Elysium; The Guild of Merchant Explorers; Monumental; Chocolate Factory & More!) 1:53:12

1y ago1:53:12

1:53:12

In this week's episode, we interview board game designer superstar, Matthew Dunstan, who has created so many fantastic board games including Next Station: London; Elysium; Monumental; The Guild of Merchant Explorers; Monumental; The Adventure Game series and more! We discuss how his journey from Australia to Cambridge not only had him earn his PhD …

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Author Freya Bromley on tidal pools, grief and screaming underwater 19:30

1y ago19:30

19:30

When Freya Bromley first discovered tidal pools, she was dealing with the turmoil of grief. Those patches of calm water, surrounded by volatile seas, felt like places of refuge. From a single experience came a mission to swim every tidal pool in Britain, but while she went looking for healing, she found so much more. Join Freya now for a dip in Mar…

1
Elope Diaries - Ellie & Matt: Unveiling Love Stories from Adventurous Hearts 40:52

1y ago40:52

40:52

In this enchanting episode of 'Elope Diaries,' we dive into the captivating love story of Ellie and Matt, a couple who embarked on a breathtaking journey to the Dolomites, where they exchanged vows on the summer solstice of 2021. Join us as they recount the magical moments of their elopement day, from the awe-inspiring landscapes that surrounded th…

1
Katherine May on disappearing shipwrecks, the rhythm of walking and why we should all love winter 20:02

1y ago20:02

20:02

A few years ago, a walk on the south west coastal path opened Katharine May up to a whole new world. She began to think about reconnecting with nature, and how it was the antidote to everything from anxiety to writer’s block. She even shaped her best selling book, Wintering, around the elements. Join Katherine now on the seafront in Whitstable, as …

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Ep. 27 - Corey Konieczka (Star Wars: Rebellion; The Initiative; Twilight Imperium 4th Edition; Star Wars: Outer Rim; 3,000 Scoundrels & More!) 1:30:36

1y ago1:30:36

1:30:36

In this week's episode: we interview board game designer superstar, Corey Konieczka, who has created so many iconic board games including Star Wars: Rebellion; Twilight Imperium: 4th Edition; The Initiative; Voices in My Head; Star Wars: Outer Rim; and more! We discuss his journey to submit his homebrew expansion to TI3 in his application to Final …

1
1 - Introduction to elopements: what to expect 24:48

1y ago24:48

24:48

Welcome to the first episode of "Elope and Explore," where we embark on a journey into the enchanting world of elopements. In this introductory episode, we will explore the magic of elopements and what to expect when planning your dream intimate celebration. Join me as we dive into the essence of elopements, from understanding what they are to disc…

1
Jack Harries on meeting Obama, seeing climate change first-hand and his second favourite place in Hackney 19:34

1y ago19:34

19:34

On a trip to Greenland, Jack Harries saw a huge chunk of ice break off a glacier and crash into the sea. Already a keen film maker with an interest in travel, he knew then what he wanted to dedicate his life to - telling the stories of climate change. Years later, he’s been all over the world, finding the people most affected by the climate crisis …

1
The Drag Queen Gardener on allotments, break-ups and the benefits of gardening 18:47

1y ago18:47

18:47

What’s the best thing to do when you’re going through a bad breakup? How about get an allotment, develop a love of gardening and find yourself an entirely new career? Well, it worked for Tom Leonard, who, in a matter if months went from knowing nothing about plants to professional garden design and appearing at Chelsea Flower Show as his alter ego,…

1
Liv Little on creativity, loss and grounding herself by the sea 20:48

1y ago20:48

20:48

Liv Little often found herself asked to speak on behalf of all marginalised voices, as the only person of colour in the room… so she decided to build her own room. She founded Gal Dem magazine, a place and community where anyone could talk not just about their trauma, but about their joys and passions. It was the creation of a home that helped and …

1
Ep. 26 - Tim & Ben Eisner (Wonderland's War; Tidal Blades; Canopy; Grimm Forest & More!) 1:15:58

1y ago1:15:58

1:15:58

In this week's episode: we interview board game designer superstars, Tim & Ben Eisner, who have created so many amazing board games including Wonderland's War; Tidal Blades; Canopy; Grimm Forest; Grimm Masquerade and more! We discuss their journeys from macrame jewelry, improv comedy, and theater to renowned board game designers! We also go over al…

1
Banjo Beale on drunk botanists, interior design and carrying an antique apothecary cabinet up a coast path 18:52

1y ago18:52

18:52

Most of us probably feel pretty proud of ourselves if we manage to put up a shelf that's reasonably straight. So imagine how great it would feel to refurbish a lighthouse at the end of a narrow cliffside path on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Interior designer Banjo Beale, whom you may remember as the winner of the show Interior D…

1
Ep. 25 - Matt Leacock (Pandemic; Forbidden Island; Roll Through the Ages & More!) 1:12:54

1+ y ago1:12:54

1:12:54

In this week's episode: we interview board game designer superstar, Matt Leacock, who has been responsible for so many amazing board games including Pandemic; Forbidden Island; Thunderbirds; Roll Through the Ages; the Pandemic Legacy series and more! We discuss his journey from user experience designer to renowned board game designer! We also go ov…

1
Nick Hayes on the Right to Roam, silt witches and getting arrested 16:58

1+ y ago16:58

16:58

This time we join Nick Hayes. He’s one of the most prominent voices of the campaign for the Right to Roam in England and author of The Book of Trespass. He’s also an illustrator and musician who thinks that our broken relationship with nature is bound up with the loss of our cultural heritage. Join Nick on a stroll through the countryside from his …

1
Ep. 24 - Hotels, Grails & Gift Cards 33:05

1+ y ago33:05

33:05

In this week's episode, we discuss what we have been playing, including the fantastic euro-game, Grand Austria Hotel; the thinky solo game, Under Falling Skies & our first venture into the dark Arthurian narrative game, Tainted Grail! We also announce the winner of last episode's $50 Gift Card Contest! Finally, we chat about all the new games at th…

1
Charlotte Church on woodlands, waterfalls and listening to nature 17:54

1+ y ago17:54

17:54

We're back for series 3 and for our first wander we're in a wooded Welsh valley with Charlotte Church. Famous since the age of 11, it's a wonder she doesn't just want to shut the whole world out and shut the whole world out and live in peace but actually she's doing the opposite. Driven by a desire to give something back and help people facing ment…

1
Series three... coming soon 1:47

1+ y ago1:47

1:47

A Life More Wild is back with a whole new group of fascinating people taking you out into nature. We'll be joining Charlotte Church at her new wellness retreat in a lush Welsh Valley, reclaiming our right to roam with author and campaigner, Nick Hayes in some forbidden parts of a Berkshire estate and heading out eagle spotting with wildlife cameram…

1
Ep. 23 - Guess Who's Back, Back Again?!? 53:07

1+ y ago53:07

53:07

It has been far too long, but we are BACK! Given our long break from podcasting, we discuss some of the latest and greatest to hit our tables, as well as all the new and upcoming games coming to Tabletop Merchant. We also have a contest in this week's episode, where you can win a $50.00 gift card to our website! If you have any questions, feel free…

1
Bonus episode: George Clarke on utopian towns and secret projects 27:11

2y ago27:11

27:11

Our final episode of series 2 of A Life More wild sees us chatting to George Clarke about his humble beginnings creating treehouses as a kid, and the journey it took to building some of his more famous creations. Our very own Siri Thomas gets George chatting about nature in the city, inspiration for his recent work, and even, a little teaser for wh…

1
Bonus episode: 24 hours in 24 minutes, a sensory nature meditation experience 24:05

2y ago24:05

24:05

Wake to birdsong, walk in the woods, forage as you go, then dip into a stream to cool off before you head back to sit round the crackling fire. Leave feeling calm, connected and soothed by nature. This week we're bringing you a slightly different sort of episode. Earlier this summer we hosted the Slow Down and Relax Tipi at Fearne Cotton's Happy Pl…

1
Resetting, reinventing and growing - Sophie Morgan and Alice Vincent 28:15

2y ago28:15

28:15

We took a trip around Southwark Park with TV presenter and award-winning disability advocate Sophie Morgan. We talked about growing up wild, how her relationship with nature has changed, and if she was a tree, what tree she would be. We also speak to author and passionate gardener Alice Vincent, about the single flower that inspired her to a life o…

1
214 peaks and an 830km swim - Russ Moorhouse and Lisa Shaw 29:38

2y ago29:38

29:38

We go for a walk in the Lake District with Russ Moorhouse, who points out a fraction of the 214 Wainwright Fells he wild camped on in an epic year-long adventure. We also talk to Lisa Shaw, who has taken on the impressive challenge of swimming round all the Balearic islands. Both find a calm in nature that they know nowhere else. A Life More Wild i…

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Ep. 22 - David Thompson (War Chest; Undaunted; Switch & Signal; Pavlov's House & More!) 1:16:47

2y ago1:16:47

1:16:47

In this week's episode: we interview board game designer superstar, David Thompson, who has been responsible for so many amazing board games including the Undaunted series; War Chest; Pavlov's House; Soldiers in Postmen's Uniforms; Sniper Elite; Castle Itter; Armageddon; Switch & Signal and more! We discuss his journey from joining the renowned Cam…

1
Richie Norton and Gail Muller - Movement, calm and massive hikes 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

We walk in the woods with Richie Norton and hear about the long road from losing his rugby career to finding his calm as a breathing and movement coach. We also talk to Gail Muller, who pushed through a chronic pain condition to regain her adventurous lifestyle and walk the entire Appalachian trail. A Life More Wild is an 18Sixty production, brough…

1
Poppy Okotcha and Tom Hunt - Seeds, hens and seasonality 27:10

2y ago27:10

27:10

We’re down in Poppy Okotcha’s Devon garden, helping her (by staying out of the way) as she pots some seeds and talks about finding her passion for growing and eating. Then we talk to Tom Hunt about the realistic challenges of sustainable, seasonal eating and some of the little steps we can all take. A Life More Wild is an 18Sixty production, brough…

1
Fearne Cotton & Kris Hallenga - Tears, ideas and Neighbours 30:30

2y ago30:30

30:30

We’re in Richmond Park with Fearne Cotton, to talk about how the open space and tranquillity of the waters have inspired, calmed and healed her. We also talk to Kris Hallenga about founding the breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel, stepping back from it to get closer to nature and the painful news that Neighbours is coming to an end. A Life Mo…

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Ep. 21 - Joe Slack (Relics of Rajavihara; Kingdom's Candy: Monster; The Board Game Designer's Guide & More!) 1:18:53

2y ago1:18:53

1:18:53

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Joe Slack, who has not only designed such games as Relics of Rajavihara; Kingdom's Candy: Monster; Zoo Year's Eve; and King of Indecision, but has also wrote the best-selling board, The Board Game Designer's Guide! We discusses his origins into game design, as well as his creation of board …

1
Crystal caves, rhythm and putting down new roots - Gemma Cairney & Tom Dixon 29:09

2y ago29:09

29:09

For episode two, we take a windy walk with radio and TV presenter Gemma Cairney, and her partner Cameron (founder of specialist coffee subscription service - MF Coffee) at the inimitable Jupiter Artland, near Edinburgh. We also talk to Tom Dixon, who runs community groups and an art gallery on his land in Devon and also just happens to be the co-fo…

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Ep. 20 - Jacqui Davis (Cubitos; Paint the Roses; Almanac; Stockpile & More!) 59:27

2+ y ago59:27

59:27

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Jacqui Davis, who has illustrated so many amazing board games including: Cubitos; Euphoria; Colosseum; Red Rising; Paint the Roses; Stockpile; Belle of the Ball; Ex Libris and much more. We discusses her time studying 2D animation in college, as well as her work in board games and children'…

1
Planting, subverting and empowering - Ellen Miles & Amira, the Wanderlust Woman 31:22

2+ y ago31:22

31:22

We're down in Devon to plant a sapling and hear about Ellen Miles' two campaigns - lobbying the UN to make nature a human right and encouraging planting in communities through Dream Green. We also hear from Amira Patel, who's given thousands of people a space to connect with nature, their faith and each other through her group The Wanderlust Women.…

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Ep. 19 - Ian O'Toole (On Mars; Lisboa; The Gallerist; Nemo's War & More!) 1:15:06

2+ y ago1:15:06

1:15:06

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Ian O'Toole , who have been responsible for the graphic design and illustrations in such games as On Mars; Kanban EV; The Gallerist; Nemo's War (2nd Edition); Lisboa; and much more. He discusses his journey from working on convention exhibits and Irish Game Fish to now making some of the mo…

1
Series two...coming soon! 0:54

2+ y ago0:54

0:54

We're back very soon for a second series. Just like in series one, we’ll be getting you into nature on walks with inspiring people who weave the outdoors into their lives and work. Expect to spend time outdoors with, amongst some other wonderful guests, Fearne Cotton, George Clarke and Gemma Cairney as they share with you what inspires them most ab…

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Ep. 18 - Luke Laurie (Dwellings of Eldervale; Manhattan Project: Energy Empire; Whistle Mountain & More!) 1:20:58

2+ y ago1:20:58

1:20:58

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Luke Laurie, who has been responsible for so many amazing board games including Dwellings of Eldervale; Manhattan Project: Energy Empire; Cryo; and Whistle Mountain! We discuss not only his love for gaming, but also his passion as an educator, having been as a middle school science teacher …

1
Ep. 17 - Stan Kordonskiy (Dice Hospital; Lockup; Rurik: Dawn of Kiev; Endless Winter & More!) 1:12:54

2+ y ago1:12:54

1:12:54

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Stan Kordonskiy, who has designed so many amazing board games including Dice Hospital; Lockup; Rurik: Dawn of Kiev; Old West Empresario and much more! We discuss how his career as an emergency room nurse shaped his journey to becoming an amazing board game designer as well as the creation o…

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Ep. 16 - Andrew Bosley (Artist of Everdell; Tapestry; Mission Red Planet & More!) 1:32:09

2+ y ago1:32:09

1:32:09

In this week's episode: we interview Board Game Superstar, Andrew Bosley, who have been responsible for the beautiful artwork and illustrations in such games as Everdell; Tapestry; Mission Red Planet; Merchants of the Dark Road; Vivid Memories; and much more. He discusses his journey from interning at Hallmark to working as a concept artist in vide…

1
Ep. 15 - Dinosaurs in Paris! 43:41

2+ y ago43:41

43:41

In this week's episode we chat about a few games we recently played including Draftosaurus; Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere; and Century Spice Road! We also go over all the new and upcoming games to Tabletop Merchant. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at tabletopmerchant@gmail.com. And check out all the amazing board games, card games, …

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