Best Simon Dyson Podcasts (2024)

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

23h 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

18m 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

7d 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

14d 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

21d 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

1M 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

1M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Chris Trott 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

Welcome back to another episode of the Breaking Boundaries podcast! Today, we are thrilled to welcome Chris Trott, also known as Trottie Golf. With over 15 years of experience in club fitting and a background working on tour with TaylorMade, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our conversation. Throughout his career, Chris has had t…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Preston Combs 52:05

2M ago52:05

52:05

Welcome back, folks, to another exciting episode of the Breaking Boundaries podcast! In today's installment, we're joined by the esteemed putting expert, Preston Combs, hailing from Orlando, Florida. With a focus on biomechanics and fair play, Preston coaches numerous players across the Corn Ferry Tours, PGA Tours, and LPGA Tours. On this episode, …

1
Breaking Boundaries with Michael Schy 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

Welcome back, everyone, to another captivating episode of the Breaking Boundaries podcast! This week, we're privileged to welcome Michael Schy, a highly regarded PGA professional based in the United States. With a distinguished career working alongside players of varying skill levels, Michael's most notable protege is none other than Bryson DeChamb…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Claude Harmon III 58:01

3M ago58:01

58:01

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Breaking Boundaries podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Claude Harmon III joining us. With a rich background steeped in golfing tradition, Claude shares invaluable insights gained from growing up in a golfing family and his experiences working alongside players like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koe…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Scott Fawcett 1:03:51

3M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

In today's episode, we have the privilege of hosting Scott Fawcett, the ingenious creator of Decade Golf. Decade revolutionizes golf strategy by integrating shot dispersion patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics into a comprehensive course management system. Understanding the principles behind Decade Golf is a game-changer, and this episode promi…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Jon Sherman 48:14

3M ago48:14

48:14

On today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jon Sherman, the owner of Practical Golf, a website dedicated to helping everyday golfers improve their game without overhauling their swing mechanics. Jon is also the author of "The Four Foundations of Golf," a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their game. If you haven't already picked up a copy,…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Rick Sessinghaus 50:36

3M ago50:36

50:36

Welcome back to another thrilling installment of the Breaking Boundaries Podcast! This week, we're thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest, Rick Sessinghaus, recognized worldwide as one of the foremost golf instructors. Rick's expertise has steered countless players to significant victories, spanning from seasoned professionals to up-and-coming ju…

1
Alan Freeman picked by Simon Mayo 27:50

4M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Scott Blumstein 41:25

4M ago41:25

41:25

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Breaking Boundaries podcast! I'm thrilled to have you with us today. In this episode, we're diving into the world of poker with none other than Scott Blumstein, a true champion in the World Series of Poker. We'll be exploring the mind of one of poker's elite winners and shedding light on the stra…

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

4M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Karl Morris 44:23

4M ago44:23

44:23

Welcome, everyone, to a special episode of our podcast! Today, we are honored to have a true luminary in the field of sport psychology, the renowned Karl Morris. With over three decades of experience, Karl has been a guiding force in the realm of sport performance. Throughout his illustrious career, Karl Morris has worked closely with some of the m…

1
Mr Motivator picks Harry Belafonte 28:30

4M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Chris Ryan 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

Welcome to another Breaking Boundaries podcast episode! Today, we're excited to feature Chris Ryan, a distinguished UK PGA Golf Coach and Director of Coaching at the Hit Golf Academy. With nearly two decades of coaching expertise, Chris is renowned as one of the top instructors on YouTube, nearing 250,000 subscribers and impacting over 50 million g…

1
Jimmy Wales on Thomas Jefferson 27:49

5M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Sean Foley 50:47

4M ago50:47

50:47

We have this New Year’s podcast with the distinguished Sean Foley, a golf coach renowned on a global scale. Sean's expertise goes beyond coaching legends such as Tiger Woods and Justin Rose; he's also a pioneer in the development of cutting-edge training aids like the Pro Sender. Thank you for joining us as we delve into the secrets of Foley's coac…

1
Eartha Kitt proposed by Faye Tozer 28:27

5M 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

5M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Piers Ward & Andy Proudman ( Me and My Golf) 47:45

5M ago47:45

47:45

Welcome, golf enthusiasts, to this week's Breaking Boundaries podcast! We're thrilled to have you join us with our special guests, Andy Proudman and Piers Ward, the dynamic duo behind the renowned "Me and My Golf." In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of golf, with Andy and Piers generously sharing their expertise, ins…

1
Iszi Lawrence on Diana Barnato Walker 28:52

5M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Gavin Parker 55:26

5M ago55:26

55:26

Welcome, golf enthusiasts, to today's episode! We have the pleasure of being joined by none other than Gavin Parker, the esteemed CEO of Junior Golf. Gavin isn't just a CEO; he's a passionate golf instructor dedicated to introducing juniors and young enthusiasts to the captivating world of golf. With his infectious energy and new-age approach, Gavi…

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

5M 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
Breaking Boundaries with Roland Schoeman 54:57

5M ago54:57

54:57

Welcome, everyone, to today's episode as we embark on a captivating journey into the life and career of the legendary Olympic swimmer, Roland Schoeman. His inspiring tale is one of determination, passion, and extraordinary talent that made waves in the world of swimming. Roland's journey is marked by highs and lows, victories and defeats, but throu…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Sonia Greaves 57:13

5M ago57:13

57:13

On today's episode, we are honored to welcome Sonia Greaves, a renowned naturopath with the privilege of working closely with none other than the great man himself, Cristiano Ronaldo. Join us as Sonia shares her insights into not only optimizing health and well-being but also her experiences in the unique world of professional athletes, particularl…

1
Breaking Boundaries with George Gankas 40:17

6M ago40:17

40:17

Greetings and welcome to a special episode where we have the privilege of hosting the esteemed George Gankas, a true pioneer in the golf coaching realm. Revered for his groundbreaking techniques, George is here to lead us through the intricacies of powerful golf swings, offering invaluable insights to enhance your golfing expertise. George injects …

1
Breaking Boundaries with Chris Mayson 45:56

6M ago45:56

45:56

Welcome to today's episode, where we embark on a journey into the realm of golf coaching with none other than the distinguished expert, Chris Mayson. In the next segment, we will meticulously unravel a myriad of techniques, strategic insights, and exclusive tips that have played an instrumental role in shaping some of the world's most accomplished …

1
Breaking Boundaries with Shauheen Nakhjavani 50:47

6M ago50:47

50:47

On today's episode, we're honored to have a world-renowned golf coach, Shauheen Nakhjavani. With an impressive portfolio coaching professionals from the PGA Tour, Charity's Tour, DP World Tour, and various other tours worldwide, Shauheen's expertise has made a significant impact on the golfing world. Not only does Shauheen work with elite tour prof…

1
Breaking Boundaries with Nicky Butt 50:35

6M ago50:35

50:35

Welcome to a special episode featuring a football icon and Manchester United legend, Nicky Butt, an absolute maestro on the pitch whose skills and tenacity have left a substantial impact on the sport. Renowned for being part of the iconic Class of '92 team, Nicky has seamlessly transitioned from a stellar playing career to becoming the CEO of Salfo…

1
Ludwig Koch 27:46

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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
Chi-chi Nwanoku on Jessye Norman 27:51

8M 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
Ninette de Valois 27:51

8M 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
Sophie Scott on Hattie Jacques 27:51

9M 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
Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore and London Zoo 27:35

9M 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

10M 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
Tony Benn 27:51

12M 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
Jon Ronson picks Terry Hall of The Specials 27:11

1y ago27:11

27:11

When Jon Ronson was growing up, he went to see The Specials play in Cardiff. "I went on my own to Sophia Gardens," he says. "The crowd was fantastically wild. There’s a lot to not like about the feral nature of British street culture – i.e. getting beaten up - but out of turmoil can come great art, songs like Ghost Town and Concrete Jungle. Anyway,…

1
Sir Edward Coke, prosecutor of Guy Fawkes 27:40

1y ago27:40

27:40

Edward Coke was born in Norfolk in 1552. He's best known as a judge and Parliamentarian, the link says Jesse Norman between Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. He was also, the programme claims, an occasionally appalling human being who used his own daughter in a marriage deal to buy himself favour with the King. Joining Jesse Norman in stu…

1
Kofi Annan 27:54

1y ago27:54

27:54

In 1997 Kofi Annan became the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. The nineties were a turbulent period for the organisation and it had received criticism for a lack of action in both Rwanda and Bosnia leading to thousands of deaths. Kofi was born in Ghana and after a brief spell in the USA slowly worked his way up through the organisat…

1
Frank Zappa 27:50

1y ago27:50

27:50

"The most important thing to do in your life is not to interfere with somebody else's life." Frank Zappa was born December 1940 in Baltimore, USA. Comedian John Robins - who is obsessed - reckons that it was his subsequently itinerant childhood that had much to do with what happened next. Frank's musical output was prodigious and varied, but John l…

1
Frederick the Great of Prussia 27:41

1y ago27:41

27:41

Frederick the Great had a brute of a father. When young Frederick was captured trying to run away, he was locked up and forced to watch his friend - possibly his lover - being beheaded in front of his eyes. King of Prussia from 1740, Frederick was also a musician, a composer, a writer and a chancer who took extraordinary military risks to secure hi…

1
Arthur Ashe 27:37

1y ago27:37

27:37

Broadcaster Qasa Alom chooses the first African American tennis player to win the US Open and Wimbledon, Arthur Ashe. Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia, a state in the US that in 1943 was still part of the segregated south. If Arthur wanted to compete with white players, he had to leave for St Louis and then California to play. His story i…

1
Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking 27:35

1y ago27:35

27:35

The best-selling author of How to Train Your Dragon, Cressida Cowell, explains her love for the Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. Born in 1907, Lindgren invented the Pippi Longstocking stories to tell to her children during the war years, only writing them down for a publisher years later. Following the immense success of Pippi, Astrid Lindgren went…

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