The MrT Podcast Studio

March  –  MrT’s Gardening Year 2026 – Episode 03 March, as the month progresses we pass through both the equilux and the equinox. The days are getting longer and spring really is upon us. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with the podcast: Relatively dry: To be honest we could do … Continue reading "MRTGY 2026 03 March" The post MRTGY 2026 03 March appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2025 – Talk 01 – Post Napoleonic France In ‘Post Napoleonic France’ Peter Duffy tells us about the political difficulties in France in the 19th Century. He draws on Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas to show the parallels between the fact and fiction. Scope: The … Continue reading "TH2025 01 Post Napoleonic France" The post TH2025 01 Post Napoleonic France appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

February  –  MrT’s Gardening Year 2026 – Episode 02 February, after a very long January, the evenings start to draw out during the shortest month of the year. This can be a very cold month but this year has been mainly mild and frost free. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go … Continue reading "MRTGY 2026 02 February" The post MRTGY 2026 02 February appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

January  –  MrT’s Gardening Year 2026 – Episode 01 January, the first month of the year when many retreat to the fireside and look at seed catalogues or binge watch Gardener’s World. Although it is a month with less garden activity than many others there is still a great deal to do. Please click on a … Continue reading "MRTGY 2026 01 January" The post MRTGY 2026 01 January appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 14 – The Romanovs In ‘The Romanovs’ Alan Freeland tells us about the dynasty that ruled Russia from 1613 until 1917. One family: One family dominates Russian life for three centuries,  the Romanoffs. In Alan’s view possibly the most successful Imperial Royal Family in Europe, and yet people don’t usually give … Continue reading "TH2024 14 The Romanovs" The post TH2024 14 The Romanovs appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 13 – Edward I In ‘Edward I’ Peter Duffy tells us about the King who ruled from 1272 to 1307. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. History repeating itself? Imagine another England long ago, but one that you recognise. A time with many parallels … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep13 Edward I" The post TH2024 Ep13 Edward I appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 12 – The Wonders of Electricity In ‘The Wonders of Electricity’ Andrew Cole looks at the history of electricity from it’s earliest days and the effect it has had on life. Introduction: We take electricity for granted. You can’t see it, you can’t smell it and you can’t hear it, but … Continue reading "TH2024 12 Electricity" The post TH2024 12 Electricity appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 10 – The Olympics – Champions, Curiosities and Controversies In ‘The Olympics – Champions, Curiosities and Controversies’ Jo Watson takes us through a humorous  history of the summer games. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Jo’s background: Her career was with BBC Sport as a … Continue reading "TH2024 10 The Olympics" The post TH2024 10 The Olympics appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 08 – A History of India before the British In ‘A History of India before the British‘ Alan Freeland tells us  that  in the next few of years India’s likely to become the world’s third largest economy.  To benefit from this we’ll need to understand India a lot more than we … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep08 India before the British" The post TH2024 Ep08 India before the British appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 07 – 1832 Reform Bill – – did it avoid a revolution? In the ‘1832 Reform Bill – did it avoid a revolution‘ Robert Sykes tells us  that whilst the parliamentary system in Britain is genuinely old, real democracy is arguably under a hundred years old. The 1832 Reform Bill: The … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep07 1832 Reform Bill" The post TH2024 Ep07 1832 Reform Bill appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 05 – 17th Century Dissenters In ‘17th Century Dissenters and the World Turned Upside Down‘ Judith Edge tells us about dissent in the 17th Century and compares the situation with today. Religion: It is clear what a dissenter is. In the 17th century, it is to do with religion. Baptists, Quakers … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep05 17th Century Dissenters" The post TH2024 Ep05 17th Century Dissenters appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 04 – Mike Hawthorn – The Farnham Flyer In ‘Mike Hawthorn‘ Simon Barber tells us about one of his heroes, Britain’s first Formula 1 World Champion. Early years: Mike Hawthorn is born in Mexborough to Leslie and Winifred Hawthorn in 1929. His father moves to Farnham and buys the Tourist Trophy … Continue reading "TH2024 04 Mike Hawthorn" The post TH2024 04 Mike Hawthorn appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 03 – How Science is helping people our past In ‘How Science is helping people our past‘ Pam Taylor tells us that we don’t often have talks about archaeology. She also says it’s not all about grubbing around in the dirt. After the grubbing around in the dirt: Pam’s interest began … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep03 How Science is helping" The post TH2024 Ep03 How Science is helping appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Boston –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 41 In ‘Boston’ I spend the final day of my holiday taking a look at the famous city of Boston. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Back to Boston South: I leave my hotel to walk through the city … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Episode 41 Boston" The post USRJ S3 Episode 41 Boston appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 02.3 – Mother Teresa In ‘Mother Teresa’ Graham Meade tells us the history of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. The Burning House Debate: This is the third in a series of short talks given to the members of the Farnham u3a World History group. There are a number of famous people from … Continue reading "TH2024 Ep02 3 Mother Theresa" The post TH2024 Ep02 3 Mother Theresa appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

New Haven to Boston South –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 40 In ‘New  Haven to Boston South’ I travel on the final rail section of my tour of the United States, this time using the high speed Acela service. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep40 New Haven to Boston South" The post USRJ S3 Ep40 New Haven to Boston South appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 02.2 – Mr Punch In ‘Mr Punch’ Diana Butler tells us the history of Mr Punch who is far from being just a seaside puppet show. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. The Burning House Debate: This is the second in a series of … Continue reading "TH2024 02.2 Mr Punch" The post TH2024 02.2 Mr Punch appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

New York to New Haven –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 39 In ‘New York to New Haven’ I travel from New York’s Moynihan Train Hall on the high speed Acela service. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Acela: Acela is Amtrak‘s flagship passenger service on the Northeast … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Episode 39 New York to New Haven" The post USRJ S3 Episode 39 New York to New Haven appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 02.1 – Xerxes I In ‘Xerxes I’ Michael A’Bear  tells us that, as a 21 year old, he catches a bus from Victoria Coach Station to India. On that journey Michael encounters Xerxes and Darius, his father, many times Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the … Continue reading "TH2024 02.1 Xerxes I" The post TH2024 02.1 Xerxes I appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

On to New York –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 38 In ‘On to New York’ I travel the rest of the way to New York on the Lakeshore Limited. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Albany–Rensselaer: Our train splits at Albany-Rensselaer. The front portion heads … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep38 On to New York" The post USRJ S3 Ep38 On to New York appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2024 – Talk 01 – Alexander the Great In ‘Alexander the Great’ David Simpson and Alan Freeland tell us about this legend from ancient time. We hear about his life, his military genius, his political skills and also the effect that he has had on culture through the ages. Click a thumbnail below to … Continue reading "TH2024 01 Alexander the Great" The post TH2024 01 Alexander the Great appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

From west of Syracuse to Albany –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 37 In ‘From west of Syracuse to Albany’ I travel another 150 miles on my journey to New York on the Lakeshore Limited. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Syracuse: The William F. Walsh Regional … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 37 From west of Syracuse to Albany" The post USRJ S3 Ep 37 From west of Syracuse to Albany appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 21 – Franco’s Spain In ‘Franco’s Spain’ Peter Duffy tells us about the Spanish dictator who controlled Spain from 1939 to 1975. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Early career: After he passes out from Toledo, Franco is posted to Morocco where he remains … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep21 Franco’s Spain" The post TH2023 Ep21 Franco’s Spain appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Erie to east of Rochester –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 36 In ‘Erie to east of Rochester’ I travel a further 250 miles on my journey to New York on the Lakeshore Limited. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Erie: By the time we reach … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Episode 36 Erie to east of Rochester" The post USRJ S3 Episode 36 Erie to east of Rochester appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Through the night from Chicago to Cleveland –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 35 In ‘Through the night from Chicago to Cleveland’ I start my journey on the Lakeshore Limited. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: The Lakeshore Limited: In 1975 the Lake Shore Limited starts … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep35 Through the night from Chicago to Cleveland" The post USRJ S3 Ep35 Through the night from Chicago to Cleveland appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 20- A history of Animal Welfare Legislation in the UK In ‘A history of Animal Welfare Legislation in the UK’ Richard Thomas tells us about the tortuous path culminating in the Hunting Act of 2004. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. A long time … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep20 Animal Welfare Legislation" The post TH2023 Ep20 Animal Welfare Legislation appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Chicago’s Architecture –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 34 ‘Chicago’s Architecture’ takes me on a very interesting river trip through the city. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: On to the river: I cross the river on on Michigan Avenue using the DuSable Bridge. Starting in … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Episode 34 Chicago’s Architecture" The post USRJ S3 Episode 34 Chicago’s Architecture appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 19- William Cobbett and Hunting In ‘William Cobbett and Hunting’ Richard Thomas tells us about ‘field sports’ during William Cobbett’s lifetime. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. William Cobbett: A countryman learning, as a child and young man, all the skills one needs to … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep19 William Cobbett and Hunting" The post TH2023 Ep19 William Cobbett and Hunting appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Millennium Park and the Lurie Garden –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 33 ‘Millennium Park and the Lurie Garden’ takes me through the streets of Chicago to this wonderful garden in the centre of the city. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Through the streets: I’m … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep33 Millennium Park" The post USRJ S3 Ep33 Millennium Park appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 17- Deborah In ‘Deborah’ Jim Hastie tells us the story about the First World War Tank D51, Deborah. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Jim tells us that Deborah is a very favourite lady of his. He says that this is her story in … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep17 Deborah" The post TH2023 Ep17 Deborah appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

We arrive in Chicago –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 32 ‘We arrive in Chicago’ completes our journey on the Texas Eagle. In 62 hours we have passed through cities and countryside, deserts and lush pasture, an amazing, ever changing, panorama. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep32 We arrive in Chicago" The post USRJ S3 Ep32 We arrive in Chicago appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 16 – When newspapers were pressed to be ‘right minded’ In ‘When newspapers were pressed to be ‘right minded” Andrew Cole tells us about the state’s efforts to control the press using taxes. A situation lasting for 140 years. We learn of the efforts to achieve today’s press freedom. The issue: … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep16 When newspapers were pressed" The post TH2023 Ep16 When newspapers were pressed appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Carlinville to Pontiac –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 31 ‘Carlinville to Pontiac’ continues our journey through the lush farmland of Illinois and historic towns and cities. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Carlinville: The town is the county seat of Macoupin County and has nearly … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 31 Carlinville to Pontiac" The post USRJ S3 Ep 31 Carlinville to Pontiac appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 14- Napoleon III and Eugenie In ‘Napoleon III and Eugenie’ Jo Watson tells us about the man who was Emperor of France from 1852 until his defeat by the Prussians in 1870 and his wife Eugenie. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Napoleon III: … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep14 Napoleon III and Eugenie" The post TH2023 Ep14 Napoleon III and Eugenie appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Walnut Ridge to Alton –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 30 ‘Walnut Ridge to Alton’ continues our journey through the night and into the morning as we travel through Arkansas, Missouri and enter Illinois. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Walnut Ridge: By the time we … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 30 Walnut Ridge to Alton" The post USRJ S3 Ep 30 Walnut Ridge to Alton appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 13- The History Divide In ‘The History Divide’ Margaret Denyer, Alan Freeland, Andrew Cole, David Simpson and Richard Thomas give their views on the question ‘Whilst the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 ended the Allies war with Germany, did it lead to the outbreak of World War II in 1939?’ The … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep 13 The History Divide" The post TH2023 Ep 13 The History Divide appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Texarkana to Little Rock –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 29 ‘Texarkana to Little Rock’ continues our journey through the evening and into the night as we leave Texas and travel into Arkansas. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Texarkana: We reach Texarkana after 28 hours … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 29 Texarkana to Little Rock" The post USRJ S3 Ep 29 Texarkana to Little Rock appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 12- The Earth Transformed In ‘The Earth Transformed’ Alan Freeland reviews Peter Frankopan’s book which changes our view of history by looking at the effect of climate on events. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. The Silk Roads: Alan tells us how the book … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep 12 The Earth Transformed" The post TH2023 Ep 12 The Earth Transformed appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Mineola to Marshall –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 28 ‘Mineola to Marshall’ continues our journey through the afternoon and in to the evening. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Mineola: As the episode opens we are travelling through the countryside as we approach Mineola. We … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 28 Mineola to Marshall" The post USRJ S3 Ep 28 Mineola to Marshall appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 11 04- Going to the Pictures In ‘Going to the Pictures’ Tim Davies tells us about the history of the projected image in the ‘silent era’. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. The Magic Lantern: The talk starts in the age of the Magic … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep 11.04 Going to the Pictures" The post TH2023 Ep 11.04 Going to the Pictures appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Fort Worth to Mineola-  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 27 ‘Fort Worth to Mineola’ covers the 120 miles between these two cities. The journey has a schedule of 3 hours. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with this podcast: Fort Worth: We arrive in Fort Worth early. The station … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep27 Fort Worth to Mineola" The post USRJ S3 Ep27 Fort Worth to Mineola appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 11 03- Sarah Bernhardt In ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ Jo Watson tells us about the life of the legendary French actress. Please note: this talk was given in June 2023, the centenary year of Sarah Bernhardt’s death. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Early years: Sarah … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep11 03 Sarah Bernhardt" The post TH2023 Ep11 03 Sarah Bernhardt appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Temple to Fort Worth –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 26 ‘Temple to Fort Worth’ is composed of my thoughts on the 130 mile journey between these two cities. The journey has schedule of 2 1/2 hours but we reach Fort Worth early. Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep26 Temple to Fort Worth" The post USRJ S3 Ep26 Temple to Fort Worth appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 11.02 – Max Miller In ‘Max Miller’ Adrian Martin tells us the life story of the music hall comedian billed as the ‘Cheeky Chappie’. You’ll appreciate from that billing that his humour is not always politically correct. Indeed it could be described as ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink… you know what I … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep11 02 Max Miller" The post TH2023 Ep11 02 Max Miller appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

San Marcos to Temple  –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 25 ‘San Marcos to Temple’ covers around 105 miles of our journey. We reach Temple, the fourth station on this part of the journey, after nearly 3 hours. To see the photographs that accompany this podcast please click on a thumbnail to open the … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep25 San Marcos to Temple" The post USRJ S3 Ep25 San Marcos to Temple appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 11.01 – Dame Margaret Rutherford In ‘Dame Margaret Rutherford’ Wendy Senior tells the story of the life of this famous British actress. Early Life? There is tragedy in her early life involving both of her parents. Her father is the journalist and poet William Rutherford Benn who marries Florence Nicholson on … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep11 01 Dame Margaret Rutherford" The post TH2023 Ep11 01 Dame Margaret Rutherford appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Marfa to New Braunfels  –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 24 ‘Marfa to New Braunfels’ covers our 400 mile journey during the late afternoon and overnight. We travel from the very wet desert west of Marfa to New Braunfels on the way to our stop at San Marcos. To see the photographs that accompany … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Episode 24 Marfa to New Braunfels" The post USRJ S3 Episode 24 Marfa to New Braunfels appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 10 – The Border Reivers In ‘The Border Reivers’ David Simpson tells us about these bandits who plundered the English / Scottish border counties from the 13th Century to the Union of the Crowns in 1603. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Who? Border … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep10 The Border Reivers" The post TH2023 Ep10 The Border Reivers appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

El Paso and a very wet desert  –  US Rail Journeys Series 3 Episode 23 ‘El Paso and a very wet desert’ describes our time in El Paso and the first part of our journey to Alpine, Texas. The photographs that accompany this podcast: Please click on a thumbnail to open the gallery: El Paso: … Continue reading "USRJ S3 Ep 23 El Paso and a very wet desert" The post USRJ S3 Ep 23 El Paso and a very wet desert appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

Season 2023 – Talk 09 – Mao Zedong In Mao Zedong Alan Freeland tells us about the life of Mao and Chinese Communism until his death in 1976. Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk. Childhood: Mao was born on 26 December 1893 and spends his childhood at Shaoshan village … Continue reading "TH2023 Ep 09 Mao Zedong" The post TH2023 Ep 09 Mao Zedong appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.