Street Historians – Details, episodes & analysis

Street Historians takes you into the fascinating world of tour guiding and uncovers what it takes to make history come alive. Go behind the scenes with author and award-winning guide, Jeremy John, as he and his guests reveal the secrets of the trade. Instagram: @londonwithjeremy

Matt Gedge and Paul Harrison are two of London's most recognisable raconteurs, each with over ten years' experience revealing the city's heritage. They each have a unique ability to combine history with humour to create tours that are both engaging and enjoyable. On this episode, Matt and Paul share what led them to this trade, reflect on honing their skills on London's open top buses, and discuss how the adrenaline rush of tour guiding can be a double-edged sword. They reveal their favourite parts of the city to explore, and round up with some handy top tips.

Contents (00:00) Intro (02:52) Backstories of Matt & Paul (08:33) On the buses (17:12) Adrenaline rush (23:27) Going from good to great (35:44) Tales of tours gone wrong (40:25) Failsafe places to visit (48:08) Top tips for newbies (51:04) Outro

Matt’s Website: https://funlondontours.com

Paul’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepaulharrison If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.

Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy

Podcast Website: https://london-with-jeremy.com

Emily McFadyen and Dr Aaron Hunter are two London guides who give tours that are different from the norm.

After years of living in a close-knit part of East London, Emily now gives experiential tours that focus on her neighbourhood’s vibrant cuisine, architecture and social history.

Aaron uses his expertise in natural history to give family-friendly adventures that span London’s streets, museums and even a park that contains the world’s first ever dinosaur statues.

In this episode, Emily and Aaron talk about the joys of showcasing the hidden parts of London, how they both used their earlier careers to pivot into guiding, and their shared passion for unique and quirky tours.

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(02:52) Backstories of Emily and Aaron

(12:55) Elements of a great tour

(18:36) Heading off the beaten track

(32:37) On the buses

(38:04) Expecting the unexpected

(47:38) Top tips for newbies

(51:00) Outro

If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.

Dr Aaron Hunter’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/scienceguidelondon

Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy

Podcast Website: https://london-with-jeremy.com

Since 1982, Richard Jones has been one of London’s most treasured tour guides. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have discovered the old streets and buildings thanks to Richard’s guided walks. From his captivating voice, to his insider knowledge, his tours never fail to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to get a ticket.

This episode looks back on the past four decades of Richard’s professional guiding career. We discuss his journey from postal worker to renowned London raconteur and his thoughts on what makes a great tour. Along the way, we explore the methods he uses to bring history to life for all age groups, and how to navigate obstacles, especially the British weather!

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(02:48) Richard’s backstory

(04:58) “The Buzz”

(09:25) Richard’s big break

(15:01) The essentials

(21:33) Making tours fun for kids 

(30:50) “Do every tour like it’s your first”

(35:23) Richard’s favourite routes

(41:57) Famous faces

(47:20) Outro

If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.

Richard’s Webste: https://richardslondontours.co.uk

Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy

Podcast Website: https://london-with-jeremy.com

Rachel Cole-Wilkin and Bex Couper are two London guides who enjoy exploring the more under-the-radar facets of the city’s heritage. In Rachel’s case, she founded London’s first and only ‘Loo Tour’, a walk that uncovers the intriguing and beguiling lavatory history of the city and beyond. While Bex has been giving guided walks through the oldest part of London, focusing on the various women from centuries past who have left their mark on the city.

In this episode, Rachel and Bex share the backstories about why they chose guiding and how they ended up crafting their own unique walking trails. They reveal expert tricks and techniques to make any tour a memorable experience and address some recent behavioural changes in the way visitors to London are imagining and navigating the city.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(03:06) Backstories of Rachel and Bex

(07:35) Crafting a great tour

(11:22)  Loo Tours explored

(17:20) Making serious topics enjoyable

(25:45) Keeping children engaged

(29:01) Plans out the window

(33:36) New expectations of the old city

(39:39) Outro

If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.

Rachel’s Loo Tours: https://www.lootours.com

Bex’s Website: https://walkswithbex.com

Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy

Podcast Website: https://london-with-jeremy.com