Best Mary Portas Podcasts (2024)

1
Mary Portas on Anita Roddick 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

Dame Anita Roddick started The Body Shop in Brighton as a way to earn a living while her husband was travelling the Americas by horseback. Her idea for ethically-sourced beauty products which were initially sold in urine sample bottles soon flew. The first shop that she began with a £4,000 loan and painted green to disguise the damp on the walls th…

1
Lady Rachel MacRobert, chosen by Hayaatun Sillem 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

Lady Rachel MacRobert was born Rachel Workman in Massachusetts in 1884. She was sent to study in the UK where she developed a passion for geology, and attended the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Geological Society despite women not being allowed. She became Lady Rachel MacRobert through marriage to Alexander MacRobert in 1911. He was thirty ye…

1
Queen Emma 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Professor Alice Roberts, best known as the presenter of Digging for Britain, picks the wife of two English kings and the mother of two English kings. Queen Emma was born in Normandy and came to England as a diplomatic peaceweaver when she married Aethelred in 1002. Somehow she survived the invasion of the Danes under Swein Forkbeard and married his…

1
James Dyson on Frank Whittle 27:54

3M ago27:54

27:54

Frank Whittle’s fascination with aeroplanes started as a nine-year-old boy when he was nearly decapitated by one that was taking off from a local common in Coventry where he grew up. From that moment he set his sights on becoming a pilot, and joined the RAF in 1923. A few years later, aged just 21, he came up with an idea for powering aircraft so t…

1
Katherine Rundell on E Nesbit 27:49

3M ago27:49

27:49

Bestselling children's author Katherine Rundell discusses the extraordinary life of E Nesbit who wrote The Railway Children and Five Children And It. Katherine praises her “bold unwillingness to speak down to children” and reflects that “she never seemed to forget what it was like to be a child”. E, or Edith, Nesbit’s conjuring of mythical beasts l…

1
Antoni Gaudi 27:23

4M ago27:23

27:23

Baroness Ros Altmann, a Conservative peer and former pensions minister, was “blown away” by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi on a trip to Barcelona in the 1990s. She’s been back several times and her wonder at Gaudi’s use of colour and natural shapes has not faded. She wants to find out more about the conservative, religious man who created such ex…

1
Sir Bruce Forsyth 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

The political writer and broadcaster Steve Richards remembers the 1970s as a “dark decade.” But one shining light for the teenage Steve was Saturday evening telly, especially the Generation Game on BBC One. He was captivated by the performance of the show’s host, Bruce Forsyth. Brucie was in his pomp, with the programme getting audiences of up to 1…

1
Harry Enfield on Gerard Hoffnung 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

Gerard Hoffnung’s life was short. He died in 1959 at the age of 34, but this cartoonist, musician, broadcaster and raconteur achieved a lot in that time. Born in Berlin, he lived most of his life in London. His charming cartoons which often gently poked fun at musicians and conductors were printed in magazines and books. His wife Annetta said he wa…

1
Alan Freeman picked by Simon Mayo 27:50

6M ago27:50

27:50

In 1961 Alan 'Fluff' Freeman took over as the host of the BBC Radio's 'Pick of the Pops' and changed music broadcasting forever. From the opening "Greetings pop pickers" Alan would count down the hottest records of the week punctuating the end of each track with minimal detail before introducing the next. It was exhilarating radio and his staccato …

1
Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver 28:24

7M ago28:24

28:24

The Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver died in 2019. She was best known for her poetry that reflected her love of the natural world and her famous poem 'Wild Geese' is said to have literally saved people's lives with its message of hope and redemption. An abusive childhood led the young Mary to escape into the woods near her home in Ohio where…

1
Mr Motivator picks Harry Belafonte 28:30

7M ago28:30

28:30

Harry Belafonte became the King of Calypso with hits like 'Day-O' and 'Jump in the Line' but he would later describe himself as an activist who became a musician and an actor. Fitness guru Derrick Evans MBE AKA 'Mr Motivator' spent much of the 90s on TV wearing brightly-coloured spandex and encouraging people to be more active. He stresses the poli…

1
Jimmy Wales on Thomas Jefferson 27:49

7M ago27:49

27:49

In 1776 Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, kick-starting the movement against British rule and putting in place the foundations for democracy in what became the United States of America. But he was a man of contradictions. He argued passionately against slavery but was a slave-owner. He had a relationship with an enslaved woma…

1
Eartha Kitt proposed by Faye Tozer 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

Eartha Kitt was born in South Carolina in 1927. She had a tough upbringing but found her talent whilst in theatre school in New York. She became a star of stage and then screen, most notably as Catwoman in the series 'Batman'. She upset President Johnson's wife with her comments about the Vietnam War. Her sultry cabaret performances and trademark g…

1
John Gray on JG Ballard 28:25

7M ago28:25

28:25

Philosopher John Gray chooses as his great life the iconic British writer of dystopian and speculative fiction, J.G. Ballard, in conversation with the author's daughter Bea Ballard. Presented by Matthew ParrisProduced in Bristol by Beth Sagar-FentonBy BBC Radio 4

1
Iszi Lawrence on Diana Barnato Walker 28:52

8M ago28:52

28:52

Broadcaster and author Iszi Lawrence chooses the aviator Diana Barnato Walker. Coming from a privileged background, Diana used her pocket money to take flying lessons, flew bombers during World War II, and - aged 45 - became the first British woman to break the sound barrier. Iszi is joined by Giles Whittell, author of Spitfire Women of World War I…

1
Our Lady & The Urgent Need For The Canonization Of Fulton J. Sheen, w/Dr. Peter Howard 1:20:26

8M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

"MAMA SAID CANONIZE HIM NOW!" Full Description Coming Soon. For now, listen to Archbishop Fulton Sheen expert Dr. Peter Howard passionately and compellingly explain why the world needs The Church to officially recognize Sheen as a Saint now!!! URGENT... Be sure to save your "seat" NOW to Dr. Howard's 12/9/2023 roundtable discussion on "The Reconque…

1
Mohammad Mossadegh, PM of Iran ousted in a coup 28:17

8M ago28:17

28:17

Walter Murch picks Mohammad Mossadegh, prime minister following the nationalisation of the Anglo-Iranian oil company in 1951. Mossadegh was ousted in a coup in 1953. Murch became fascinated in Mossadegh's life while working on a Sam Mendes film about the first Iraq War. Walter Murch is an editor best known for Apocalypse Now, The Godfather and The …

1
Loving A Filthy Mess Of A Church w/Hope: “That’s What I’m Talking About!!!” With “Uncle” Matt Laracy 1:36:41

8M ago1:36:41

1:36:41

“To love Christ, you must love His Church.” “But how? The Church is a holy (and unholy) mess!” Never before has Fr. Paul been left speechless with his jaw down/mouth open until “Uncle” Matt Laracy shared the secret to why he is immune to all of the scandals in the Church. It’s probably the most powerful thing ever shared on A Holy Mess podcast. Mat…

1
Thanksgiving: An Attitude Of Gratitude 24:41

8M ago24:41

24:41

Taking time to be grateful can change your entire mood; in fact, it can change your life. In this short episode, His HoliMess, Fr. Paul challenges us to take concrete time daily to be grateful. He explains and witnesses how to do a “Gratitude List,” a tool that produces peace and joy. If you want more peace and joy in your life, become great friend…

1
Transgender Baptisms, Bishop Strickland, & Pope Francis w/Michael Lofton. 1:16:58

9M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

You want the truth? “You can’t handle the truth!!!” Actually, you can, but it takes humility and courage. You can know the truth, understand the truth, and adhere to the truth. Are you willing? Right now, many are angry, confused, and disillusioned by The Pope and The Church, but should they be? There’s a lot of hype and negativity going around abo…

1
St. Therese of Lisieux: Miracle Worker, Doctor, & Missionary w/Mary Beth Bracy 1:17:29

9M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Do you ever think Catholicism/Christianity is just too complicated, overwhelming, or massive? Do you want the entire thing simplified for you? Meet St. Therese of Lisieux and get to know her “Little Way.” She’s the youngest saint and only one of three women in the history of Christianity to be named Doctor of the Church. She promised to spend her t…

1
Hope Not Nope w/Dr. Dillon Caswell 1:31:39

9M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

Are you plagued by “Nope” or thriving on “Hope?” Dr. Dillon Caswell, DPT, PT, SCS, and author of the groundbreaking new book, “Hope Not Nope,” joins His HoliMess to offer a mind-blowing new perspective on what hope is all about. He also challenges perceptions of what pain is. Whether you think of yourself as an athlete or not, this episode is for y…

1
Grilling His HoliMess w/Tony & Cheryl Porta 1:37:14

10M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

“Fr. Paul, is it a sin to attend a family member’s wedding if they aren’t getting married ‘in The Church?” “If the Pope changes the rules on celibacy for priests, would you get married?” “How can I belong to a Church whose priests have abused children and whose leadership has covered it up?” “As a Catholic, do we have to vote pro-life, even when ot…

1
Dr. Christopher West on “Eating The Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy and Our Hunger For Beauty.” 1:33:29

10M ago1:33:29

1:33:29

If you are attracted to Beauty, then this episode is for you. If you strongly desire Beauty, this episode is for you. If you have a hungry heart, then this episode is for you. Also, we guarantee you that most of you have never heard the Mass and/or the Church’s Liturgy explained in the way you will hear in this episode and/or in Dr. West’s new book…

1
The Holy Land Episode. 1:31:34

10M ago1:31:34

1:31:34

Fr. Paul just returned from the most incredible pilgrimage and trip in his entire life, and in this episode, he talks all about it. That's all you need to know. Watch/Listen now, or forever hold your peace! Holla!!! Special Announcement. Email questions for the upcoming special 1 Year Anniversary Episode of A Holy Mess w/His HoliMess podcast entitl…

1
Ludwig Koch 27:46

10M ago27:46

27:46

The award-winning Sound Recordist and Musician, Chris Watson nominates his hero, Ludwig Koch. In 1889, German-born Koch was the first person ever to record birdsong (at the age of 8) onto a wax cylinder recorder, given to him by his father as a toy. Despite a promising baritone voice and being a very good violinist, the first world war put paid to …

1
Lady Eve Balfour 27:41

10M ago27:41

27:41

An aristocrat in an eye patch, a jazz saxophonist, a crime novelist and a pioneering organic farmer. Lady Eve Balfour was born in 1898 into the political elite - her uncle was A J Balfour, who was Prime Minister from 1902-05. But from the age of 12 she wanted to be a farmer and, after studying at agricultural college, made her dream a reality. She …

1
Ken Loach on Gerrard Winstanley 27:44

10M ago27:44

27:44

Veteran British film director Ken Loach nominates the 17th century radical pamphleteer and and leader of the Diggers, Gerrard Winstanley. Born in Wigan in 1609, Winstanley began writing religious pamphlets after his cloth selling business in London went bankrupt and he was forced to move to the country. There his 'heart was filled with sweet though…

1
Chris Farley's Catholic Faith w/The Real Matt Foley. 58:59

10M ago58:59

58:59

You may know how he died, but do you know how he lived? You’ve heard of his vices, but have you heard of his virtues? You know of his demons, but do you know of his angels and saints? Chris Farley wasn’t merely a man filled with fear, doubt, and despair. No! He was a man of great faith, Catholic faith! Meet Fr. Matt Foley. That’s right, Matt Foley …

1
Chi-chi Nwanoku on Jessye Norman 27:51

11M ago27:51

27:51

On the 11th June 1988 Jessye Norman performed a spine-tingling rendition of 'Amazing Grace' to a packed Wembley Stadium, bringing to a close a concert marking the seventieth birthday of Nelson Mandela. By this point her career Jessye Norman was a global icon of opera, best-known for her performances in works by Wagner, Verdi and Mozart. She refused…

1
Disability Advocacy & The LEGO Church Project w/J.M. Kraemer 48:36

11M ago48:36

48:36

“If God existed, you wouldn’t have cerebral palsy.” This is what A Holy Mess’s latest guest was recently told. Meet J.M. Kraemer, Disability Advocate and founder of the Lego Church Project, where Catholicism, Disability, and LEGO meet. If there is one thing J.M. knows for sure, it’s that no matter what challenge or difficulty one faces, God can sti…

1
Ninette de Valois 27:51

11M ago27:51

27:51

The Godmother of English - and Irish - ballet, Dame Ninette De Valois or ‘Madam’ as she was known to those around her. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet. She established the Royal Ballet School, the Royal Ballet and the UK’s premiere touring ballet company, which went on to become the Birmingham …

1
Theotokos Kids w/Veronica Caballero 1:03:28

11M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT BY THEOTOKOS KIDS ON THIS EPISODE THAT IS BEING MADE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. BE SURE TO TUNE IN. Are you sick and tired of corny, ugly, uninspiring, and dumbed-down Catholic material for your children? Theotokos Kids is here "to save the day!" (Okay, that was a cheesy Mighty Mouse reference from His HoliMess, but the ch…

1
Catholic Dad Of Nine: A Fool’s Errand? W/Matt D’Antuono. 1:17:20

11M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

Matt D’Antuono was a beer-drinking college frat rugby player nicknamed “Tank Top” who didn’t care about his Catholic faith. Soon enough, he put down the beer and picked up the bible. He became anti-Catholic, but a search for the truth led him “back to Rome.” He’s now a brilliant Catholic apologist and philosopher. He has two bachelor's and two mast…

1
Hope For Hawaii: Pt. 2 w/Jason Jones 21:55

12M ago21:55

21:55

As we speak Jason Jones, President of H.E.R.O., and Marilis Pineiro (the Exnunontherun) are on the grounds in Maui with their Vulnerable People Project ministry helping the victims and their families of the Maui fires catastrophe. I had the opportunity to interview Jason live from Hawaii yesterday to find out what exactly is going on there, and how…

1
Jason Jones: Saving The Most Vulnerable. 1:33:47

12M ago1:33:47

1:33:47

He was once a pro-life atheist who intentionally set out to end abortion AND destroy the Catholic Church. This is just one reason why Jason Jones is, without a doubt, the most fascinating man Fr. Paul has ever met. Film Producer, Author, Activist, Popular Podcast Host, Human Rights Worker. These are just some of the many hats Jason wears. He’s know…

1
Sophie Scott on Hattie Jacques 27:51

12M ago27:51

27:51

Born in 1922, Hattie Jacques began her career in music hall before graduating onto the radio comedies of the 1950s such as Educating Archie', 'It's That Man Again' and 'Hancock's Half Hour' where she became a star. TV and films followed, most notably the role of Eric Sykes' twin sister in 'Sykes' and the stern but lovelorn matron, headmistress or h…

1
Theology of the BARBIE, w/Susan & Emily. 1:28:44

12M ago1:28:44

1:28:44

A.K.A., Barbie & The Theology of the Body Catholics and Conservatives are trashing the movie Barbie and telling people to not see it, but should an excellent opportunity to take themes from the movie and attempt to evangelize/catechize the masses of fanatical fans of this current cinema phenomenon be passed up? We think not! Join Fr. Paul Houlis, E…

1
Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore and London Zoo 27:35

12M ago27:35

27:35

It's a famous name - there's Raffles Hotel and Raffles Hospital, plus the rafflesia, the largest flowering plant in the world, an ant, a butterflyfish and a woodpecker, as well as the Raffles Cup, a horse race in Singapore. He was born in 1781 and as an agent of the East India Company, Thomas Stamford Raffles rose to become lieutenant governor of J…

1
Susie Dent on Thomas Mann 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

Thomas Mann was a German writer whose books explored themes around family, beauty and the creeping threat of fascism in Europe. Mann's best-known 'Death in Venice' revealed the author's attraction to young boys and it was turned into a film in 1971 starring Dirk Bogarde. Mann moved to Switzerland before the outbreak of the Second World War and live…

1
How To Get "JUST" A Little Bit Closer To God, Ft. Rachel Shulte. 41:31

12M ago41:31

41:31

Simple, Practical, Powerful! This episode is what it says. Ever want to know how to get just a little bit closer to God? Have fear of the "long-term commitment" but are willing to take baby steps? Think "What About Bob" but for spirituality and religion. HaHa. Fr. Paul and Rachel Shulte discuss simple, practical ways that anyone and everyone can ge…

1
Fr. Paul "BEARly" Survives Alaska, Ft. Marilis Pineiro 29:48

1y ago29:48

29:48

His HoliMess returns after being away for over two weeks in Alaska and explains to his good friend and next guest, Marlis Pineiro (the Ex-Nun-On-The-Run), why he almost called it quits on day two of the Catholic hiking and camping retreat he was chaplain for. Be careful; you may just laugh yourself into a heart attack or drive yourself off the road…

1
The ExNunOnTheRun (Marilis Pineiro). 2:17:58

1y ago2:17:58

2:17:58

She used to work for Archbishop Vigano at the Vatican Embassy but that has nothing to do with why she once yelled at Pope Francis to his face while eating with him. (LOL) Those two events in her life alone may lead you to believe why she is now the "ExNunOnTheRun," but it's not what you think. She's more Catholic than ever and you don't want to get…

1
Live A Coward Or Die A Saint: Which Catholic American Will You Be? 21:10

1y ago21:10

21:10

Evil is triumphing in America because most Catholics do nothing. The children in America need us more than ever in our nation's history, yet most Catholics act like scared Ostriches. We need you now! Live a coward, or die a saint. The choice is yours, but remember that if you deny Christ, He will deny you (Matthew 10:33) Please download, subscribe,…

1
Part 2 w/Tyler on L.G.T.B.Q.-ism To Catholicism 1:08:28

1y ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In this follow-up episode to hearing Tyler's journey from L.G.T.B.Q.-ism to Catholicism, Tyler and Fr. Paul focus on how best to minister to those with same-sex attraction who feel abandoned and neglected by The Church while at the same time staying true to God's plan for human sexuality. Tyler also challenges faithful Church members who speak the …

1
From L.G.T.B.Q.-ism to Catholicism: Tyler’s Story (Part 1.) 1:10:15

1y ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Tyler, a former active homosexual who was a devout, practicing member of the L.G.T.B.Q. Community, for over ten years, used to think that his sexual orientation (and acts) defined his entire identity. Yet, after having an encounter with Jesus Christ through The Catholic Church, he now claims that his true identity is that of a beloved child of God …

1
Is Jesus Really Present In The Eucharist, And If So, How? 1:09:07

1y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

If you think Fr. Paul gave up having a wife and kids to serve a piece of bread and a cup of wine, then you’re nuts! Either Jesus Christ is truly present in The Eucharist, or he’s not. Catholics believe that he is, but why? How? In this episode, to prepare us for the Solemnity of The Body & Blood Of The Lord, His HoliMess is joined by friend Sam Che…

1
Tony Benn 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

"It's the complicated ones I enjoy the most." Matthew Parris Tony Benn, MP from 1950 to 2001, packed so much into a long career. He renounced the peerage inherited from his father, served in the Labour governments of both Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan, led the Stop the War Coalition from 2001 and became pretty much the country’s pre-eminent rock …

1
Fr. David Michael Moses: His HoliMess Interviews His Awesomeness. 1:03:04

1y ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Why would a young, good-looking, athletic, talented singer, songwriter, and horseback riding musician who graduated from college at the age of 18 choose to become a Catholic priest? And no, we’re definitely not referring to His HoliMess, Fr. Paul (haha). Instead, meet Fr. David Michael Moses. Or, chances are, you’ve already heard about him because …

1
The Power Of The Holy Spirit & YOU, w/Fr. Jeivi Hercules 1:07:49

1y ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Did you know that the same power that caused the Big Bang, that created the first human beings, that caused a virgin to become pregnant, and that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you? Yes, you! (Or, if it doesn’t yet, it very quickly can!) In this episode of A Holy Mess w/His HoliMess, Fr. Jeivi Hercules, pastor of Our Lady Of Lourdes in Mount…

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Mary Portas Podcasts

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