Best Allan Nicol Podcasts (2024)

1
The New Music Show Special Interview with Tom Hingley (former front man of Inspiral Carpets) 1:21:35

11d ago1:21:35

1:21:35

We're back for a very very special feature show with an exclusive in depth interview with the music legend, Tom Hingley. Tom is the hardest working musician in the UK and the former front man from the popular 90s Indie band Inspiral Carpets (the band Noel Gallagher famously used to roadie for). In his latest solo album release, The Grand Mal, Tom t…

1
[S3E8] Drafting Porcupines into the Best Biome 58:32

26d ago58:32

58:32

Possibly the best episode of all time (according to me, Rachel). Allan gives us EVERYTHING. Great science, high quality takes, crying with laughter, investigative reporting and red string conspiracy boards. To what end?? Drafting porcupines, well-known "tree-lovers," into the Best Biome (grasslands). Potentially. Hear us out! +++ Primary Sources ++…

1
[S3E7] Bees Know Everything 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

Bees know more than you. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but they definitely know more than you realize! From complex problem solving to tool use to wing-sparkle navigation, bees illuminate our understanding of insect cognition. In this episode, Nicole invites us to perceive the world as our buzzy, bumbly friends might, in beautifully smoo…

1
[S3E6] Sandyland Groupies 50:23

3M ago50:23

50:23

Desertification is a major threat to many grasslands, so let's study the best real-world example: The Horqin Grassland, aka the Horqin Sandy Lands. How has this landscape changed over time, what can it teach us about the future of arid grasslands, and which approaches by Inner Mongolia and China to fight desertification give us hope? We love a hope…

1
Series 3 bonus - Q&A with Allan and Julie 1:03:38

4M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

An end of series bonus episode to answer some of the many questions we have had this series! Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S3E5] Better National Symbols 1:09:50

4M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

We get patriotic (kinda) in this special episode where all three hosts work together to petition for new national symbols for the US of A. New floral emblem, new national symbol, and a brand new category all-together. Why do we love non-native national symbols? Who knows. Do better, America. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: As if t…

1
Episode 10 - Lockerbie 1:06:48

4M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

This week Allan gives us an overview of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie and the subsequent trial. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 9 - Pierre L'Angelier 58:54

5M ago58:54

58:54

This week Allan tells us about the murder of Pierre Emile L'Angelier who died from arsenic poisoning. Allan tells us about the woman accused of his murder - Madeleine Smith in 1857. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 8 - Amanda Duffy 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

This week Allan tells us about the horrible murder of Amanda Duffy and the controversial trial of Francis Auld, the man who was tried for her murder. Allan explains the "Not Proven" verdict, something particular to Scotland and we debate whether its needed in todays society. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S3E4] Goat Antelope Knife Fight 58:27

5M ago58:27

58:27

The fastest land animal in North America, second fastest in the world: the graceful, wonderful, pronghorn. Nicole shares all the reasons these icons of the American prairie are truly the best from their evolutionary history to their epic stare battles between each other and rump flashes to warn of predators. Primary Sources: Kitchen, D. 1974. Socia…

1
Episode 7 - Jodi Jones pt 2 54:35

5M ago54:35

54:35

This week Allan continues to tells us about the tragic murder of Jodi Jones. This is part 2 of a two part episode so go back to part 1 if you haven't already heard it! Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 6 - Jodi Jones Pt1 48:25

5M ago48:25

48:25

This week Allan tells us about the murder of Jodi Jones. 14 year old Jodi was murdered in 2003 by her boyfriend Luke Mitchell who to this day protests innocence. Allan gets into the details of the case in this two part episode. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 5 - Lynda Spence 50:24

6M ago50:24

50:24

This week Allan tells us about the awful murder of Lynda Spence, a Financial Advisor, who was murdered in 2011 and sadly who’s body has never been found. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 4 - Pamela Hastie 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

This week Allan tells us about the brutal murder of teenager Pamela Hastie. He also tells us about the following conviction of Raymond Gilmour who many years later managed to have his conviction overturned. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
(Patas) Monkeying Around With Ants 53:51

6M ago53:51

53:51

Patas Monkeys are weird little guys with fabulous mustaches and very intricate relationships with a special tree on the African savannah. We talk acacias, ants, and the Lorax as Allan tries to make Nicole love just a single primate. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Palmer, T., Stanton, M., Young T., Goheen, J., Pringle, R., and Kar…

1
Episode 3 - The Scottish Witch Trials 1:08:39

6M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

This week Julie tells us all about the Scottish Witch Trials which she is adamant is murder and so should be covered. Julie gives us the background of the Witch trials and why she thinks there is still hangover from the Witch trials impacting culture today. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Bonus! Power of Fire: Kindred Podcast 1:04:53

6M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

This is a special podcast swap episode where we host Kindred Podcast's Power of Fire episode. Learn about the history of fire, how it shapes the landscape and people that live there. Speakers:Tony Incashola Jr., forest manager for CSKT (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), and Stephanie Gillin, information and education program manager and for…

1
Episode 2 - David Edwards 36:52

6M ago36:52

36:52

This week Allan tells us about the horrible killing of David Edwards in Edinburgh. Allan walks us through the bizarre details of his brutal murder and what its like to work in the legal system in Scotland. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 1 - The World's End Murders 1:02:01

6M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

In this episode Allan tells us about the famous World End Murders that happened in Edinburgh. In 1977 Christine Sadie and Helen Scott, both 17, were found brutally murdered. Allan gets into who committed the crime and how they were eventually prosecuted. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S3E2] Sickle Claw Seriema 1:00:54

7M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

The long-legged, sickle claw wielding seriema is a wonderful bird that provides insight into the extinct terror birds of old. Rachel explains the link between past and present and we ponder whether or not scientists ever bother actually looking at birds. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Oswald, T., Curtice, B., Bolander, M., Lopez,…

1
[S3E1] Embrace Winter (Wood Bison) 53:58

8M ago53:58

53:58

The conservation story of Canada's polar-vortex-loving Wood Bison is one of colossal mistakes, stacked odds, and (to our gleeful surprise) hope and optimism. These animals have survived drowning, disease, and hybridization, and have gone on to... success? Allan explores this topic in today's episode. Primary Sources: 2018 Wood Bison Recovery Strate…

1
[S2E23] Bundle Up and Bird! 1:02:30

11M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

It's snowy and getting colder where we're at, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go outside. Rachel gives a compelling argument as to why winter is the best time of year for birding and gives insight into the Christmas Bird Count: a citizen science project dating back over a hundred years. Learn more about the Christmas Bird Count here. Primary So…

1
[S2E22] The Best Cryptid 56:22

11M ago56:22

56:22

This episode is a little different. We celebrate spooky season with the haunting tales of feldgeist, Sinkhole Sam, and the Ohio Grassman. These stories haunt the minds of those who visit prairies and fields across the globe. Be weary, you never know what's lurking in the tall grass. Photos and more are at our site. Contact:Website Facebook Twitter …

1
The New Music Show Series 6 Episode 3 ft The Chris Difford Retreat Songwriters 3:07:20

1y ago3:07:20

3:07:20

This is a special episode with interviews and exclusive live performances from songwriters on the Chris Difford Songwriters Retreat. Recorded in Pennard House, near Glastonbury Festival site in June 2023 Presenter: Pete Doyle

1
[S2E21] Grasshopper Mice: Small but Fierce 1:01:57

1y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Grasshopper mice are small but fierce. They howl like wolves, stalk their prey like cats, and finish up with a quick face clean. These solitary animals like to live life dangerously and enjoy even venomous meals. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Grasshopper Mouse Hunting and Howling [YouTube] Animal Diversity Web. Regents of the Un…

1
[S2E20] Sneeze if You Love Painted Dogs 1:02:46

1y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Nicole talks painted dogs: a surprisingly wholesome and fun-loving animal. They are excellent hunters, take care of not just their pups but their elderly, and rarely squabble amongst themselves. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Painted Dog Conservation website. Painted Dog Research Trust website. Robert L. Robbins. (2000). Vocal Co…

1
The New Music Show Series 6 Episode 2 featuring Max Chinnock 46:21

1y ago46:21

46:21

Welcome to Series 6 Episode 2 featuring interviewing with Max Chinnock and new music sent in by our listeners. Presenter: Peter Doyle Listeners Tracks Track 1 Fraction of a Second by Callum Pitt Track 2 Strange Weather by Jenny Lascelles Track 3 Obsession by The Petal Falls Track 4 Missing You by The Frestonians Interview with Producer/Musician Max…

1
[S2E19] 1 Lie, 2 Truths, 3 Idiots 1:00:47

1+ y ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Enjoy this episode of very good facts and very good nonsense. We revisit a nice game of stump the podcast host, this time with more bug viscera and talking ourselves out of an obvious answer. Our Info:Website Facebook Twitterinfo@grasslandgroupies.org

1
[S2E18] Paramo's Strongest: Hummingbirds 1:03:05

1+ y ago1:03:05

1:03:05

In the Páramo grasslands of South America is a cloud covered land where a unique ecosystem thrives. Allan tells us all about a plant that drinks clouds plus the miraculous little hummingbirds that call this place home. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Luteyn, J. 1999. Páramos: A Checklist of Plant Diversity, Geographical Distributi…

1
[S2E17] Murderous Meerkats 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

Did you know meerkats are far more murderous than they seem or that their burrows can be as wide as a Purple Worm's? All this and more as we delve underground and find out why they can be so aggressive and who would win in a fight: 1000 meerkats or Nicole. Primary Sources: Gómez, J., Verdú, M., González-Megías, A., Méndez, M. 2016. The phylogenetic…

1
[S2E16] Good Vibes Only 58:17

1+ y ago58:17

58:17

Conservation can be DEPRESSING, so for Mental Health Month we decided to share ONLY positive news and stories (after taking a little break for our brains). Rewire those neurons everybody, because it's not all bleak. Good news so far in May: Biden-Harris Administration announced $36 million for national forests and grasslands Dakota Prairie Grasslan…

1
The New Music Show Series 6 Episode 1 with special guest Nicole Allan 1:04:36

1+ y ago1:04:36

1:04:36

The New Music Show Series 6 Episode 1 with special guest Nicole Allan Presenter: Peter Doyle Listeners Tracks: Track 1 - Ignite by Dead at The Ritz Track 2 - Stories by Tooth and Dagger Track 3 - The Feeling by Loren Track 4 - Without by Tiger Mendoza and Emma Hunter Highlights from the Songwriter Showcase at Blue Collar Corner in Reading Interview…

1
[S2E15] The Best of Nest (A DEFINITIVE LIST) 1:22:54

1+ y ago1:22:54

1:22:54

Wherein Rachel makes a definitive list of best bird nests in North American grasslands. Primary Sources: A Field Guide to Birds Nests by Hal Harrison The Birder's Handbook by Paul R. Ehrlich Madison Audubon's Into the Nest ContactWebsite Facebook Twitterinfo@grasslandgroupies.org

1
[S2E14] Ostrich: Winner Takes All (of the Children) 1:01:26

1+ y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Ostriches are one of the strangest birds we've ever talked about. They are the world's biggest bird and toughest survivor. They nest together, have radiators for necks, and can drink saltwater. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: "Strangest Bird Alive". 2016. National Geographic. Documentary. Schou, M.F., Bonato, M., Engelbrecht, A. e…

1
Episode 9 - Jessie McTavish 1:20:59

1+ y ago1:20:59

1:20:59

This week's episode is the last in this series. Thanks to all those who have been listening! This week Allan tells us all about Insulin murders and attempted murders including the story of nurse Jessie McTavish who was accused of killing patients in her care in the 1970s. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 8 - Archibald Hall 1:22:12

1+ y ago1:22:12

1:22:12

This week's episode looks at Archibald Hall who only started murdering in his 50s! A very strange story that well worth exploring. If you are interested in learning more then Allan's book on the subject is called "The Monster Butler" by AM Nicol. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S2E13] Soil: The Best Microbiome 1:07:05

1+ y ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Soils define habitats as much as the plantlife, so let's talk about that! How do you identify a soil species, and should grassland ecosystem restorations include soil microbe transplants? Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Prairie: A Natural History of the Heart of North America by Candace Savage [Affiliate Bookshop Link] Current and…

1
Episode 7 - Peter Manuel pt 2 1:18:47

1+ y ago1:18:47

1:18:47

In this episode Allan and Julie get more into the crimes of Peter Manuel. Allan also explains more of the court system in Scotland and the fascinating story of a man who was accused of one of Peter Manuel's crimes. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 6 - Peter Manuel pt 1 1:23:26

1+ y ago1:23:26

1:23:26

In this week's episode Allan and Julie discuss Peter Manuel, Scotland's first recognised serial killer. This is part one of a two part discussion on Peter Manuel, his background and trial. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S2E12] Harris's Sparrow: They were here the whole time. 53:27

1+ y ago53:27

53:27

Basic midwest feeder bird or mysterious exotic tundra sparrow? Actually, both! Harris's Sparrows, one of the most enigmatic North American sparrows, are about to travel well out of reach into the remote frigid north, so let's gossip about them before they're gone. Only a handful of studies have been done with this species, and to this day we lack p…

1
Episode 5 - The Mysterious Death Of Willie McRae 1:00:32

1+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

In this episode Allan and Julie discuss the mysterious death of Willie McRae who many people think was murdered by MI5. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 4 - Dennis Nilsen 56:43

1+ y ago56:43

56:43

In this week's episode Allan and Julie discuss the Scottish version of Jeffrey Dahmer: Dennis Nilsen. They look at how this serial killer covered his tracks and managed to murder so many people and the horrific parallels between Nilsen and Dahmer. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S2E11] Native Gardens: How to become better than your neighbors. 1:09:12

1+ y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

If you haven't started thinking about your gardens yet, now is the perfect time to get started planning. Nicole walks us through gardening for native habitats, wildlife, and how to get your neighbors on board too. Photos and more are at our site. Further Reading: Find out more about Bee City Wichita at our website Dyck Arboretum of the Plains "Prai…

1
Episode 3 - Sheila Garvie: The Trial 45:04

1+ y ago45:04

45:04

In this episode Allan gives us a run down of what happened after Maxwell Garvie was murdered. We get into the trial and the impact on the area. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
Episode 2 - Sheila Garvie: The murder of Maxwell Garvie 1:06:18

1+ y ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In this week's episode Allan tells us all about the lives of Sheila and Maxwell Garvie. Allan tells us about Maxwell's murder and the people involved and lets us decide if Sheila was an innocent victim or a master manipulator. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S2E10] Prairie Voles: The Grassland is for Lovers 56:01

1+ y ago56:01

56:01

A wholesome episode about secure love, forming bonds under stress, and human connection through the lens of a grasslands specialist: the prairie vole. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: NPR on the hot new vole research: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/01/27/1152009605/prairie-voles-oxytocin-love-hormone-bonding-study W…

1
Episode 1- Robert Black 1:07:49

1+ y ago1:07:49

1:07:49

We are back for series 2! This episode is about the pedophile and serial killer Robert Black. Allan shares the incredible story of how Robert Black was finally caught. Allan also gives us some insight into what its like defending and prosecuting people accused of heinous crimes. Music and titlesBy Allan Nicol, Julie Lamont

1
[S2E9] Baboons: A Grasslands Primate 1:09:31

1+ y ago1:09:31

1:09:31

So many monkeys that are forest dwellers, but baboons as a group are ground-dwelling grasslanders whose habitat use and social structure might help us learn about our own hominid ancestors. In this episode, Allan combines ecology and anthropology to discuss some grasslands monkeys. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: King, G.E. 2022. …

1
[S2E8] Chamois: ChamWOW! 1:06:25

1+ y ago1:06:25

1:06:25

The chamois is a goat-antelope from the rolling alpine meadow scenery of European mountains, and today's episode is a straightforward peek into the idyllic life of this animal that's (for once) doing alright! Unless you count the mandatory 7 years of grizzled aging in the mountains and their shrinking body masses. (I don't!) Photos and more are at …

1
[S2E7] Prairie Crayfish: like prairie dogs with extra legs 1:02:49

2y ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Yank your concept of crayfish out of the water. In this episode, Nicole walks us through one of her favorite arthropod groups and makes a pretty good case for why prairie lovers should love these little crustaceans that burrow deep into the prairie. She also makes us rethink crayfish boils forever. Primary Sources: Florey, C. 2019. Description of B…

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