Explore every episode of the podcast Natural Wanders - The Plodcast

We're back for season 5! In the first episode of our new series, we head to Glasgow's West End for a wander with wildlife filmmaker and photographer Libby Penman. Along the way, we chat about Libby's journey from skate parks to wildlife filmmaking, the joy of spending time in the great outdoors, and why you should never put off giving someone a compliment. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/plodcast/ Libby Instagram https://www.instagram.com/libby.penman/ YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@libby.penman  Madagascar Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0JSjcm9V4I  

In this episode we go for a Bristol wander with camerawoman Erin Ranney.  We chat about growing up in bear country, her route into natural history filmmaking and separating work from worth.  Follow us on Instagram: @Plodcast Erin on Instagram: @e.ranney Erin's website https://www.erinranney.com

In this episode we go for a dawn chorus wander with sound recordist Ellie Williams. In a forest near Bristol, we chat about capturing soundscapes, pushing boundaries and exploring sensory bubbles. Follow us on Instagram: @Plodcast Ellie on Instagram: @soundellie https://woundedbuffalo.co.uk/people/ellie-williams/ Hear some of Ellie’s work that we chatted about here: Howler Monkey, Earth Sounds- Rainforest https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-rainforests/umc.cmc.7f45yx1idcihdlh78s8ltnm3o?showId=umc.cmc.2blf5y8e9e818bpdp3xuar408 Olive Ridley Turtles, Secret Lives Of Animals - Making Friends https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/making-friends/umc.cmc.61goajmw8v7ba2ccfyvqwb6rd?showId=umc.cmc.2o8al5w2z01dnm4f9aw11d2w7 Elephant Seal, Earth Sounds - Atlantic Coasts https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/atlantic-coasts/umc.cmc.7ju85tlvkhixcqypxp4xpo3f?showId=umc.cmc.2blf5y8e9e818bpdp3xuar408

In this episode of the Plodcast we go for a wander with the Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning at the BBC, Jack Bootle.  In the heart of London we chat about being a TV addict, his career path to commissioning and predicting the future.  Series we chat about: Big Cats 24/7 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002262z Wild Isles https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f0t5dp Planet Earth 3 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f0t5dp Other series Jack has commissioned that we love: AIDS: The Unheard Tapes https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0018t1c/aids-the-unheard-tapes Surgeons: At The Edge of Life https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09m60sk/surgeons-at-the-edge-of-life Follow us on Instagram @Plodcast.com

In the first episode of Season 4 we go for a walk in the Wiltshire countryside with wildlife filmmaker and photographer Charlie Hamilton-James. We chat about filming two of the UK’s most loved species, his emotional journey behind this camera and scrolling to indifference.  Follow us on Instagram @Plodcast.com Find out more about Charlie and his End Times project on charliehamiltonjames.com Instagram: @chamiltonjames

In this final episode of season 3 we go for a West Country wander with wildlife cinematographer Jamie McPherson. We chat about starting in TV, immersive gimbal filming and seeing dinosaurs everywhere.  Website https://www.jamiemcpherson.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byjamiemcpherson/ Twitter https://twitter.com/jamiemcphers0n?lang=en TV Life on Our Planet - trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ApeELdzg0 The Hunt  https://www.bbcearth.com/shows/the-hunt Frozen Planet II https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gq73/frozen-planet-ii-worlds-of-wonder Our Planet https://www.ourplanet.com/en/

In this week’s episode we go for a wintery wander with award-winning wildlife filmmaker and climate activist Lis Oakham.  Along the banks of the Frome we chat about her path into the industry, filming plants and people for The Green Planet and reducing our environmental impact. Twitter: @MsOakham The Green Planet: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013cl7 Lis’s Human Worlds episode: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00149lg Filmmakers for Future: Wildlife: ffwildlife.org/ instagram.com/ffwildlife_ffw/ For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Deer, drones & diving! Presenter, filmmaker & explorer Bertie Gregory joins us in this episode for a winter walk in Bristol. We chat about his career, from getting started in the industry to his massive series of ‘Epic Adventures’ for Disney+. TV Epic Adventures: www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/epic-adventures-with-bertie-gregory/4As67yVT9IiU Wild Life with Bertie Gregory: youtube.com/watch?v=Jd1mKPPCWtA&feature=shares Website: www.bertiegregory.com/about Social Instagram: @bertiegregory: www.instagram.com/bertiegregory/?hl=en Twitter: @bertiegregory: twitter.com/bertiegregory?lang=en Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044218067114 For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode of the Plodcast we go for a London wander with wildlife filmmaker and presenter Dan O’Neill. In the heart of the capital we chat about Dan’s eclectic passions, from saving snow leopards to exploring Guayana’s Rewa River, making music for Cate Blanchett, and being the first openly LGBTQIA+ natural history presenter to carry a show. TV  Giants: www.offthefence.com/Brand/3002/giants Dan O’Neill Investigates: youtube.com/watch?v=1hET0mIt11Q&list=PL50KW6aT4Ugwoic0RfPob4anJ1zKMCUIF Ghosts in the Snow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE7dEshcnNo Social Instagram: @danowild  Twitter: @DanONeill_Wild  Sea Our Future Campaign for Attitude youtube.com/watch?v=5kD-zs4aFeA Climate of Change Podcast www.josarsby.com/news/2022/4/14/climate-of-change-podcast-announced-with-support-from-dan-oneill Chordata Bytes 1 https://open.spotify.com/album/3gOsNhi9Z25jc39Uk848pJ?si=U8kkPav8T7aikaNZeroDVQ Chordata Bytes 2 open.spotify.com/album/1i3Pgt0naDyYFiob71NkPE?si=dOPM1G2zSfig5cFfjoo8OQ Wilderland Film Festival www.wilderlandfestival.com/about For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

‘Love like a mustard seed!’ In this episode of Natural Wanders we go for a plod with the fantastic conservation scientist and presenter Dr Rutendo Shackleton. While battling the elements in Cheshire, we chat about the social bonds of elephants, sharing space with nature and hosting the BBC Earth podcast. BBC Earth podcast: www.bbcearth.com/podcast Chester zoo: www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/our-zoo/biographies/rutendo-shackleton/ Gritty Talent: www.grittytalent.tv/gritty-represents Social media: uk.linkedin.com/in/rutendo-shackleton-534728193?trk=public_profile_browsemap mobile.twitter.com/dr_shack_ www.instagram.com/dr_shack_/ For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this week’s episode of Natural Wanders we meet with Orcadian composer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper. From Stromness to the city of London, we chat about being inspired by the people and nature of his Orkney home, breaking into school and planting an album in the earth. Website: www.erlandcooper.com Spotify: spotify.com/artist/636k3cBTCgdZfXzCj7Cuaa Social media Instagram instagram.com/erlandcooper/ Twitter https://t.co/1uZV8q6GwL We chatted about.. Walthamstow Wetlands wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow-wetlands-nature-reserve Carve the runes, then be content with silence www.contentwithsilence.com/ Peter Maxwell Davies - Farewell to Stromness www.classicfm.com/composers/maxwell-davies/music/farewell-stromness/ Poet George McKay Brown www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poet/george-mackay-brown/ Press www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/music-2/erland-coopers-guide-to-finding-peace-in-the-city/ www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/music-2/erland-coopers-guide-to-finding-peace-in-the-city/ www.orkney.com/news/erland-cooper www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/dec/05/cultural-prescription-hangover For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Wasps, beetles, botfly and beyond! In this episode we go for a Hampshire plod with the brilliant entomologist and presenter Dr George McGavin. We chat about incredible insects, his latest book, overcoming a stammer and the wonder of science. George’s new book, All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World, is available now as an audio book. The Hidden World: How Insects Sustain Life on Earth and Will Shape Our Lives Tomorrow will be published in hardback on 2nd February 2023. Website: georgemcgavin.com/ Oxford Museum of Natural History: oumnh.ox.ac.uk/people/george-mcgavin Twitter: @georgemcgavin Management: jowandermanagement.com/clients/georgemcgavin.php For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Series 3 has landed! In this first episode of the new series we go for a wander with National Geographic executive vice president, Tom McDonald. In the heart of London we chat about commissioning in today’s TV landscape, avid soap-watching with his family and the solace of nature.  Tom McDonald on Linkedin Press: uk.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdonald-94551159 Press: variety.com/2022/tv/global/national-geographic-tom-mcdonald-bbc-1235207928/ realscreen.com/2022/03/17/nat-geo-brings-on-bbcs-tom-mcdonald-as-evp-global-factualunscripted/ www.televisual.com/news/wildscreen-festival-tom-mcdonald-reveals-nat-geo-wishlist/ For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In the last episode of season 2, Mandi meets wildlife cameraman Tom Walker. While wandering on the Somerset coast they chat about capturing landscapes, his journey into the industry and filming hyenas for Dynasties II.  Website: www.tomwalkerphotography.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/tomwalkercam?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Facebook: www.facebook.com/tom.walkerphotography.1 Dynasties II Hyena: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016ckz For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In a blustery Cornwall we meet biologist, writer and presenter Gillian Burke. We chat about Gillian’s career path from behind to in front of the camera, unpopular options and living like it’s 1999. The Watches: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000ww4q www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09y9cpy Website: www.gillianburkevoice.com Instagram: instagram.com/gillians_voice?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Grease is the word! In this episode I take a walk down memory lane with one of the best-known faces on Scottish Television, the actor Jordan Young. Near his Dunbartonshire home we chew the fat about school days, his roles in River City and Scot Squad and the play that started it all. Twitter: twitter.com/joskyn100 Instagram: www.instagram.com/joskyn/ Scot Squad: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b06kw5fq/scot-squad River City: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016njm/river-city-18042022 Agent: theartistspartnership.co.uk/artist/jordan-young/ For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In the grounds of Pollok House, Mandi searches for signs of spring with one of Britain’s most experienced television journalists, Kirsty Wark. They chat about the history of Pollok, working on Newsnight and raising awareness of issues affecting women of all ages. Twitter: twitter.com/kirstywark?lang=en Instagram: instagram.com/kirsty_wark_/ BBC Newsnight: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk25 Womanhood – BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011xgn Website (with book links): www.blackpeppermedia.com/ For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode we meet with multi-award-winning wildlife cinematographer Gavin Thurston. On his allotment, we chat about storytelling in natural history, filming the deep ocean from a submersible and finding the joy in nature close to home. Instagram: instagram.com/thegavinthurston?utm_medium=copy_link Twitter: twitter.com/GavinThurston Book: www.waterstones.com/book/journeys-in-the-wild/gavin-thurston/sir-david-attenborough/9781841883113 TedX talk: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq0NzqLmLvA 2021 Emmy win: emmys.com/video/2021-cae/cinematography-nonfiction For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode we go for a walk in the Kent countryside and a wander into the brilliant mind of Max Cooper. Drawing on his fascination with science and nature, Max is a genuinely unique artist whose live performances combine electronic music and audio-visuals to create a deeply immersive experience. While plodding in the forest we discuss nature as an inspiration, driving technology forward and the power of music. Website: maxcooper.net Spotify: open.spotify.com › artistMax Cooper | Spotify Max’s YouTube channel: m.youtube.com/channel/UCuisDAMnvHMYuLFRedMgmVw ‘Live at the Acropolis’s’ trailer: Max Cooper - Live at the Acropolis trailer6.1K views4 months ago m.youtube.com/watch?v=GvwayRd9gbw Facebook: facebook.com/maxcoopermax Instagram: instagram.com/maxcoopermax?utm_medium=copy_link Music credit and with thanks to: meshmeshmesh.net For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode of Natural Wanders, we meet with director and producer, James Reed. From studying zoology to winning an academy award, we discuss James’ career path and three of his standout films to date; ‘Jago: A life underwater’, ‘Rise of the Warrior Apes and ‘My Octopus Teacher’. Website: https://www.underdog-films.com/ IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1624755/ My Octopus Teacher Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A 2021 Academy Awards win: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2T9f3RKLU5w For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Watch out Mr Darwin! In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet with author, presenter and zoologist Lucy Cooke. While plodding in Pett Level, we discuss the influences on Lucy’s career from Darwin to Dawkins and how her new book is redefining evolution and the female animal. Website: www.lucycooke.tv/about/ New Book – Bitch: www.waterstones.com/book/bitch/lucy-cooke/9780857524133 Jo Sarsby: www.josarsby.com/lucy-cooke TED Talk: www.ted.com/speakers/lucy_cooke Radio 4 Woman's Hour: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014wt2 Political Animals: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014gt9 For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet iconic angler and presenter Jeremy Wade. While walking the banks of his local river we chat about the plight of freshwater, catching River Monsters and how to think like a fish. Website: jeremywade.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/thisisjeremywade?utm_medium=copy_link Facebook: facebook.com/JeremyWadeOfficial facebook.com/RiverMonsters River Monsters YouTube: m.youtube.com/channel/UComwL29zYKujb1JhkB0EcGA Book - ‘How to Think Like a Fish': jeremywade.co.uk/books For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Natural Wanders returns! In this episode of the Plodcast we meet with scientist, presenter, and adventurer Lizzie Daly. Before taking a wintery dip, we chat about her route into broadcasting, her passion for British wildlife and how everyone can be involved in the fight for climate action.  Website: https://www.lizziedaly.com/ https://www.josarsby.com/lizzie-daly Instagram: https://instagram.com/lizziedalywild?utm_medium=copy_link YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/c/LizzieDalyWildlifeTV Billon Pound Fish doc: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xNypmawFLdI For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this second episode of season 2 we go fossil hunting with evolutionary biologist and conservationist, Professor Ben Garrod. While combing the shores of the Severn we chat about being a geek, serving soup to Jane Goodall and what a 1.5 degree rise really means for the planet.  https://www.bengarrod.co.uk/about Twitter: @Ben_garrod Instagram: ben_garrod Aust Cliffs: https://ukfossils.co.uk/2010/03/04/aust-cliff/  Secret Life of Bones https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03vrtkp Baby Chimp Rescue https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000d8x8/baby-chimp-rescue-series-1-1-miracles-can-happen For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

The Plodcast is back! In the first episode of season 2 we go for a wander in one of Scotland’s most iconic locations with wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan. On the bonny banks, just a stone’s throw from his home in Glasgow, we chat about land use and rewilding, Gordon’s 30-year career behind and in front of the camera and his hopes for the future of our planet. Animals With Cameras 2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zqvw Cheetah Family & Me https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000r03y Trees for Life https://treesforlife.org.uk Loch Lomond https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/plan-your-visit/ West Highland Way https://www.westhighlandway.org https://www.josarsby.com/gordon-buchanan Insta https://www.instagram.com/gordonbuchanan_wildlife/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gordonjbuchanan For more information about the podcast, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  In our last episode of the season, conservationist Giles Clark takes us for a Plod around the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent as we chat about big cats in captivity, being hands-on and protecting species in the wild. 

Artist Jason Singh takes us for a plod up north, as we chat about the sounds of nature, the power of music and finding his voice. 

In our first Plod on Scottish soil, wildlife cameraman John Aitchison takes us for a wander on the west coast as we chat about belonging, a big bunch of geese and the power of nature.

On your marks, get set, plod! Bake Off's Briony Williams joins us for this episode of the Plodcast as we chat about cakes, disability, mental health and acceptance. 

Wildlife camerawoman Sophie Darlington joins us for a wander in the rain in our latest Plodcast, as we chat about diversity, how we portray nature and the tree that started it all. 

In this episode of the Plodcast, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees takes us for a wander round his old stomping ground in Eastville Park as we talk childhood adventures, life in politics and being a voice for the voiceless. 

In this episode of the Plodcast, adventurer Aldo Kane takes us for a wander round the Avon Gorge as we chat about life beyond the Commandos, mental health and breaking into TV.

In our second Plodcast, composer Steven Price takes us for a wander in Surrey as we chat about his early fascination with music, writing for Sir David Attenborough and his Oscars acceptance speech. To listen to Steven's Natural Wanders playlist click here 

In our first ever Plodcast, Bristolian actor Joe Sims takes us for a wander around one of his favourite wild spaces as we chat about life, political broadcasts and almost appearing on The Really Wild Show.