Best Toby Keel Podcasts (2024)

1
The Keel and the Anchor with Christian Dorr 1:00:30

4d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

My guest today is my husband. Christian Dorr. While listeners may find it interesting to hear his perspective on my story, he has a powerful story of his own! When I got out of prison, I had no intentions of ever getting married again. I was done with men, done with all the whole mess. I was just going to live my own little quiet life and then in w…

1
Buckingham Palace, Taylor Swift, and how to get your house featured in Country Life, with John Goodall 35:01

2h ago35:01

35:01

Buckingham Palace’s East Wing has opened up to visitors for the first time in 2024. St James’s Palace did so at the tail end of 2023. Even Balmoral — a royal residence privately owned by the Windsors, rather than part of the holdings of the Crown — has opened up its doors, something which would have been unimaginable during the lifetime of the late…

1
The accidental invention of the teenager and other stories from the history of the home, with Sonia Solicari 31:30

5d ago31:30

31:30

Look around you. You might be reading this in your home. Or perhaps someone else’s home. The point is we spend a lot of time in our homes, more so now than ever before (apart from that year we don’t talk about). Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen to Country Life podcast on Spotify Listen to Country Life podcast on Audible They …

1
Charlie Waite: Britain's greatest landscape photographer on the secrets of his art 32:06

12d ago32:06

32:06

The landscape photographer Charlie Waite is a true national treasure. A fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, he has published dozens of photography books and founded the Landscape Photographer of the Year awards back in 2006. We're absolutely delighted that he joined us on the Country Life Podcast, telling host James Fisher about his life in p…

1
The Blessing of Uphill Journeys with Karen Mitchell Grant 46:04

18d ago46:04

46:04

William, my oldest son is 33 years old. He's autistic, blind, and non-verbal. I decided to do a marathon and when I told William, he wanted to participate. My daughter joined in and it became a family affair. We had to push William in a wheelchair because he’s blind and it would be too difficult to lead him. Most of the race seemed to be uphill. Bu…

1
The worst new buildings in Britain, with Charlie Baker 30:34

19d ago30:34

30:34

The Carbuncle Cup — the award given to the worst new building in Britain — has returned after a six-year hiatus. Competition judge and magazine editor Charlie Baker spoke to James Fisher about why pointing out bad architecture matters. You can see pictures of all the buildings Charlie and James discuss in our show notes. Listen to Country Life podc…

1
What you need to know before you move house, by property expert Annabel Dixon 27:54

29d ago27:54

27:54

From the rollercoaster of mortgage rates to the calling of a surprise election, the economic landscape of Britain never seems to sit still these days. Thankfully, award-winning property journalist Annabel Dixon writes regularly for Country Life to help us make sense of what's going on and we're delighted that this week she joins James Fisher on the…

1
Finding Strength in Vulnerability with Bathesheba Tolbert 34:24

1M ago34:24

34:24

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about child abuse, divorce, and personal trauma, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. R…

1
Why you've been doing holidays wrong for years 27:07

1M ago27:07

27:07

We lead busy lives these days — which might be all well and good for getting things done, but is the last thing you want on holiday. That's the central idea behind a new book by the travel writer Liz Schaffer, Slow Travel Britain, in which Liz travelled to 22 off-the-track parts of Britain to really take them in. From walking Hadrian's Wall to expl…

1
Why does Wales exist, and 46 more questions about the borders of the world, with Jonn Elledge 33:54

1M ago33:54

33:54

Some time between the formation of the earth, and now, some human beings decided to draw some lines on the sand somewhere to define ‘our bit’ of the earth and ‘their bit’ of the earth. We now refer to these lines as borders. Journalist and author Jonn Elledge has always been fascinated by why and how this happens, and in this episode he joins the C…

1
Making Room for Love in the Justice System with Cathy Harvey 1:04:28

2M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about death, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Remember to prioritize your mental an…

1
The 12 most iconic paintings in the National Gallery 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

On May 10, 1824, Britain's National Gallery opened its doors for the first time. This year, to celebrate its bicentenary, the gallery is hosting a whole string of events and celebrations to market the occasion. Of all these, perhaps the boldest and most eye-catching is National Treasures, a selection of just 12 from among the thousands of masterpie…

1
An insider's guide to judging the Chelsea Flower Show 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

James Alexander-Sinclair is one of Britain's foremost garden designers and writers. He's a regular contributor to Country Life magazine and many other titles, and a regular presence on television screens talking about gardening. He is also one of the top judges at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show — and we're absolutely delighted that he joins us to give…

1
One Little Pearl with Judy Helm Wright 41:13

2M ago41:13

41:13

The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning for Judy in her teaching and writing. As she works with families, she sees that frequently only the outer edges are exposed, which can be prickly and sometimes bitter to the taste. But, as you expose the artichoke - and people - to warmth, caring, and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose …

1
Isabella Tree: How rewilding took the Knepp Estate from a ruin in the red to a miracle of Nature 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

At the turn of the millennium, Isabella Tree and her husband Charlie Burrell faced a crisis. They were £1.5 million in debt after spending 17 years trying to run a farm that simply wouldn't grow the crops they needed for it to be sustainable. With all their efforts to effect change and introduce diversification failing, they took a drastic decision…

1
When the King and Queen edited Country Life, by the editor who guided them every step of the way 35:51

2M ago35:51

35:51

Paula Lester has been running the features desk at Country Life magazine for over a decade. So when His Majesty The King — Prince Charles, as he was at the time — agreed to guest edit the magazine, she was the obvious choice to guide him and his team through the process. The result, as Paula tells James Fisher on this week's Country Life Podcast, c…

1
Focusing on the Next Best Step with Charli Hoffman 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

“It isn't that I had it all figured out, it's that I just focused on the next right step.” - Charli Hoffman, CEO of Time Hackers Unite, Founder of Sparkle Warriors Book Club, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https:/…

1
Everything that's wrong with housing in Britain — and how to put it right 47:14

3M ago47:14

47:14

The housing crisis in Britain has gone on for decades almost unchecked — but it's only thanks to voices such as Nicholas Boys Smith that we can use the word 'almost' in that sentence. Nicholas is the founder of Create Streets, a think tank and consultancy which looks at property development and town planning across Britain. He joins host James Fish…

1
Blenheim Palace: Behind the scenes at one of Britain's greatest building 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

Beyond the Monarchy and the Church, there is only one building in Britain which is designated with word 'palace': Blenheim Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is beyond any doubt one of the world's greatest, and most famous buildings. It was built to commemorate a famous battle 320 years ago: the victory in the Battle of Blenheim led by John Ch…

1
The Age of Invisibility with Susan J. Godwin 39:46

3M ago39:46

39:46

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.” Susan J. Godwin, fervent educator, writer, freelance artist, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Head to https://www.yo…

1
Emma Sims-Hilditch and the re-invention of the country house aesthetic 21:49

3M ago21:49

21:49

How important an interior designer is Emma Sims-Hilditch? 'In my view, she has almost completely turned the country house aesthetic on its head, and reinvented it for the 21st century,' says Giles Kime, Country Life's Executive Editor and our resident interiors guru. 'She's a great believer in creating houses which are not just elegant, but also fu…

1
Badminton at 75: The story of the 'Wimbledon of 3-day eventing' 36:50

3M ago36:50

36:50

Kate Green isn't just the Deputy Editor of Country Life magazine. She's also one of the country's foremost equestrian journalists, having worked at four Olympic Games as well as countless other top events around the world. With her book on the 75th anniversary of the Badminton Horse Trials just launched, Kate tells the tale of how the crushing disa…

1
Stories that Matter with Pat Black-Gould 44:15

4M ago44:15

44:15

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.” - Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D., clinical psychologist award-winning children’s book author, fiction author, playwright, and today’s guest on …

1
Revd Colin Heber-Percy: Easter, the Meaning of Life, and making dog collars from chocolate wrappers 42:52

4M ago42:52

42:52

What is it all about? It's the question that Man has been struggling to answer since the dawn if human consciousness. And while we all have to figure out our own answer, it's never less than fascinating to hear of others who've found theirs. And in that light, this week's guest on the Country Life podcast is Colin Heber-Percy, a successful screenwr…

1
The architect whose grand designs bring inspiration to the English countryside 48:57

4M ago48:57

48:57

The award-winning architect Richard Hawkes is no ordinary designer of buildings. He has made his name and forged a career by creating some of the most astonishing new homes build in Britain in the past two decades. He joins James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast to talk about the homes he designs, many of which are built under the Paragraph 84 ru…

1
I Could Hear Their Voices... Speaking out of the Darkness with Jean Trounstine 59:50

4M ago59:50

59:50

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ “The women of Framingham (Prison) sought a way out and their struggles gave them dignity. I could hear their voices speaking out of the darkness.” - Jean Trounstine, author, activist, professor e…

1
Millie Pilkington: Photographing dogs, movie stars, and the Royal Family 34:30

4M ago34:30

34:30

Millie Pilkington is one of Britain's best-known portrait photographers, with her work regularly appearing in Country Life as well as dozens of other publications. We were truly delighted that she joined James Fisher on the Country Life podcast this week to talk about life behind the lens. She talks about how she turned a hobby in to a dream career…

1
What I grow in my own garden, by Country Life's gardens editor Tiffany Daneff 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

Country Life's Gardens Editor Tiffany Daneff is one of Britain's foremost gardening journalists, having worked at titles including The English Garden and The Daily Telegraph, where she launched the gardening supplement. But while she's spent years writing about other people's gardens, this time she talks about her own outside spaces in this very sp…

1
I Am Enough with Tanaine Jenkins 27:30

5M ago27:30

27:30

“For eight years, I was ashamed of my story. I learned that my story is freeing. Other people need to know that in telling their own story you can take your power back. And it takes away the power of those who are holding your story against you. Don't be the person others believe you should be just because you're a felon. I am enough. And so are yo…

1
Britain's 100 best architects, interior designers, craftspeople and garden designers 35:42

5M ago35:42

35:42

For the past eight years, the Country Life Top 100 has been the essential list when it comes to finding the best architects, builders, interior and garden designers in the UK. The list is the brainchild of our Interiors Editor Giles Kime, who has used his decades of experience to showcase two of our nation’s great talents — architecture and design.…

1
Fiona Stafford: The greatest myth of the countryside 26:15

5M ago26:15

26:15

We tend to think of the British countryside as rural idyll, a patchwork of fields, farms and forests, rolling on through time until rudely interrupted by the building of a new housing estate, a dual-carriageway or some other man-man incursion. But the landscape around us is changing constantly, has always been doing so, and always will. Fiona Staff…

1
Filling a Niche with Hannah Rumsey 38:36

5M ago38:36

38:36

“I feel like it's gotten to the point where we're so scared of crossing a boundary that we just say nothing.” - Hannah Rumsey, developmental editor & writing coach for Sara Connell Coaching, Inc., creator and host of the podcast “Friends Missing Friends”, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby. Find the video interview here! Transcript…

1
Helen Rebanks: Farming, food, the meaning of life... and dogs stealing birthday cakes 41:19

5M ago41:19

41:19

Helen Rebanks went from farmer, wife and mother to publishing sensation last year when her first book, The Farmer's Wife, earned huge success and a legion of fans — not least the likes of bestselling author Raynor Winn and Times columnist Caitlin Moran. Her bestselling tale of everyday life on the Cumbrian farm which she runs alongside husband Jame…

1
Stonehenge, Avebury and the stone circles of Britain, with Professor Vicki Cummings 33:12

5M ago33:12

33:12

What is a stone circle? Who made them, and how? And just as importantly, why? This week's guest joining James Fisher on the Country Life podcast is one of Britain's foremost experts on stone circles and henges: Professor Vicki Cummings, the archaeologist who is head of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University. Vicki exp…

1
Together We Can with Natasha Dasher 47:15

5M ago47:15

47:15

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Natasha Dasher is on a life mission to help Returning Citizens realize their true potential. She is an appointed Commissioner for Returning Citizens and Re-Entry Affairs and the co-chair of the D…

1
Clive Nichols: The secrets of the king of garden photography 29:58

6M ago29:58

29:58

Clive Nichols is Britain's top garden photographer. After originally starting his career in travel photography, Clive switched his focus to gardens — despite, by his own admission, knowing almost nothing about them at the time. It proved a brilliant move, however: he has since photographed thousands of gardens for publications including Country Lif…

1
Norman Foster: A life in architecture, why we need to save the Green Belt, and the future of cities 37:19

6M ago37:19

37:19

Norman Foster is unarguably one of the greatest architects of the last half century. We're delighted that he joins Country Life magazine for a very special episode of the podcast. Speaking to Country Life's Carla Passino, Lord Foster describes how he left school in Manchester at 16 before eventually working his way through university in order to fo…

1
The Importance of Contradiction with Brittany Means 35:16

6M ago35:16

35:16

Find all interviews at https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ In this episode, Brittany Means discusses her new memoir, Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways. About Brittany Means: Brittany Means is a writer and editor living in Albuquerque, NM. A graduate of Iowa's MFA Nonfic…

1
Hot destinations, missing underwear and dodging volcanoes: An insider's guide to travelling the world 42:36

6M ago42:36

42:36

Country Life magazine's Rosie Paterson has the enviable task of travelling the world in order to report on where to go, when and why. She's also — and she probably won't mind us saying this — developed something of a reputation for being incident prone. Rosie speaks to Country Life podcast host James Fisher to share her tips on everything from the …

1
Tom Kerridge: Michelin stars, fish and chips, and a life in food 40:09

6M ago40:09

40:09

Tom Kerridge is one of Britain's best-loved chefs. In 2005, after years spent working at some of finest restaurants in London and the Cotswolds under the likes of Gary Rhodes, he took over The Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. He quickly earned a Michelin star, a glowing reputation and a high profile which opened up opportunities in …

1
How (not) to fix up an old country house 34:02

7M ago34:02

34:02

'The ability to go in and specify everything for an interior might be within the powers of an interior designer,' says Giles Kime, Country Life's long-standing interiors guru. 'ButI think when we're doing on our own homes, it's really important to take your time and put a lot of thought and effort into it.' Giles has spent 35 years writing about in…

1
Find Your Calling with Gina Hanna 31:37

7M ago31:37

31:37

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ http://www.bfa-ministry.org/ Gina Hanna founded Beauty for Ashes Ministry with her husband Derk in 2009. Their vision was to drastically reduce recidivism in prisons across the United States by p…

1
My week surviving on an uninhabited Scottish island 30:44

7M ago30:44

30:44

The journalist and author Patrick Galbraith spent a week on the uninhabited island of Scarba, a speck on the map in the Inner Hebrides. In the course of his adventure, Patrick fished and foraged, walked and wondered, and went from moments of joy and beauty to pure misery. He came to the Country Life Podcast to tell us all about it, share some of th…

1
Rosamund Young: The Wisdom of Sheep and other animals 40:07

7M ago40:07

40:07

Rosamund Young, the best-selling author of The Secret Life of Cows, has been a farmer for almost half a century. She joined us at the Country Life podcast to talk about her animals, the farms she's known, how the Cotswolds has changed in the years she's called it home, and her beautiful new book, The Wisdom of Sheep. You can read an exclusive extra…

1
Discovering Self with Kimberly Braun 45:50

7M ago45:50

45:50

Watch the video interview here! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ When we know the hard choice is right, in a way, it's not hard because we can't not do it. - Kimberly Braun, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Join us as Kimberly Braun shares her extraordinary life jou…

1
Boom, bust and property lust: Penny Churchill on 30 years of Britain's best houses 23:32

7M ago23:32

23:32

This week's podcast features Country Life's long-standing property correspondent Penny Churchill, who looks back on three decades of writing about Britain's finest houses. From the ups and of the market in the past three decades to the quirkiest agents and owners, Penny speaks to host James Fisher to share her insights on the country houses that ha…

1
The five best castles in Britain 33:57

8M ago33:57

33:57

Britain's landscape is dotted with quite incredible castles, from towering and imposing masterpieces to crumbling, romantic ruins. In this week's podcast, we speak to Country Life magazine's Architectural Editor, John Goodall — the man who didn't so much write the book on castles as write a whole bookshelf's worth — to find out which five are his f…

1
Thriving Beyond Cancer with Tekquiree Spencer 43:02

8M ago43:02

43:02

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about cancer, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for individuals who have had personal experiences with cancer or are sensitive to health-related topics. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisabl…

1
Tales from Country Life 38:28

8M ago38:28

38:28

Country Life's first ever podcast sees us speak to the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Mark Hedges. Mark has been in charge of the magazine for 17 years, presiding over circulation which has risen year after year, bucking the trend of the publishing industry, and winning every award possible in the process. He’s done everything from writing about fishi…

1
The Ultimate Gift with Geoff and Laura Spetter 30:08

8M ago30:08

30:08

Watch the video interview here! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ "The lost art of what's been going on is people have forgotten how to have a conversation and how to say, 'Can I help you?'" - Laura Spetter, 14-year Air Force veteran and today’s guest along with Geoff Spetter, a 21-year Army veteran, on “Fierce Convers…

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Toby Keel Podcasts

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