Public Footpaths, or to use the correct term, 'Public Rights of Way' are a unique national treasure in England and Wales. In fact there are over 149,000 miles of them!

Interestingly there are a further estimated 49,000 miles of 'lost' Public Rights of Way which could be lost forever if they have not been recorded.

Joining me to discuss footpaths and how you can help get involved in re-establishing these footpaths as Public Rights of Way is Jack Cornish. Jack is head of paths at the Ramblers Association, Britain's largest walking charity. In 2017, he walked across the country from Land's End to John O'Groats, and he has dedicated the last seven years of his life to walking and recording the forgotten routes of England and Wales. He's just brought out his latest book: 'The Lost Paths, A History of How we walk from here to there.'


Jack's links;
https://www.instagram.com/cornishjack11/
Website: https://www.jackfcornish.com/
Book. 'The Lost Paths' https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/446761/the-lost-paths-by-cornish-jack/9781405951289

Ramblers
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/

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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

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As the 21st century rolls on with a competitive workplace, an ever changing working environment and the increasing use of AI you might well be asking how you stand out and how you can make yourself irreplaceable.

One man that has been asking these questions over the past 15 years while running one of the world’s top executive search firms is my guest William Vanderbloemen. William is an entrepreneur, pastor, speaker, author, and CEO and founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, an executive search firm serving churches, ministries, and faith-based organisations.

Through extensive research of over 30,000 top leaders Wiilliam has identified the 12 habits that the best of the best have in common. His book, Be the Unicorn looks at such traits as authenticity, responsiveness, agility, and the ability to problem solve.


William's links;
Book - Be the Unicorn
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wvanderbloemen/


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Today we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked but always relevant, etiquette and manners. Most of us learn these as we grow up but given all the cultural and technological changes that modern society has experienced it’s not always easy to know the best practises to adopt.

Here to help navigate these changes I’m joined by Thomas Farley. Based in New York, Thomas is known as 'Mr Manners' and is America’s trusted etiquette expert frequently appearing on national TV and working with clients such as the Walt Disney company, American Express, the US Army and many more.

Thomas's links:
https://mister-manners.com/
https://www.instagram.com/MisterManners/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspfarley/



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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

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James Cooper, a Christmasologist, (Yes there is such a word!), reveals the history of Christmas traditions in the UK over the last 1500 years.

Speaking to Bob in this episode first aired in 2022, James takes us on a journey of discovery as he shares the unexplained stories behind the celebration of Christmas.


Find out more on James's website;
https://www.whychristmas.com/

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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on social media, and don’t forget to leave a review.

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In this inspiring episode, Bob sits down with Chris Porcas, a timber merchant by day and a poet by night, who shares his fascinating journey into the world of poetry. Chris reveals how a chance encounter at a local poetry club ignited his passion for writing, eventually leading to the publication of his first book, The Road to Poetry.

Chris discusses his creative process, how he balances his career and artistic pursuits, and the joys of performing poetry at open mic nights and poetry clubs. He also opens up about how he overcame personal doubts, navigated public performance nerves, and connected with others through his heartfelt rhyming couplets.

Listen in as Chris shares his influences, his approach to self-publishing, and exciting plans for the future, including music projects, another book, and even a potential podcast of his own!

Quotable Moments:

Where to Find Chris Porcas:

• Book: The Road to Poetry is available on Amazon (Paperback & Kindle).
• Website: chrisporcaspoetry.co.uk
• Social Media: Follow Chris on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Links & Resources:

• Order The Road to Poetry on Amazon
• Explore Chris’s Website

Episode Image - Sarah Garrod Photography

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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode, connect with Chris on social media, and don’t forget to leave a revi

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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In this episode we’re travelling millions of years into the past to uncover the secrets of Earth’s ancient history. My guest is Armin Schmitt a renowned palaeontologist based at Cambridge University and author of the book, ‘The Lost World of the Dinosaurs.’

We discuss the fascinating world of dinosaurs, their evolution, and their lasting impact on our understanding of life on Earth. Armin explains the definition of dinosaurs, their size and duration on the planet, and how birds are their modern descendants.

We hear about the significance of feathers, the global distribution of dinosaurs, their dietary habits, and the catastrophic asteroid impact that led to their extinction. Armin emphasises the adaptability and innovation of dinosaurs, challenging common misconceptions about their extinction.

The episode concludes with some surprising aspects of dinosaur life, including their feeding habits, social structures, and intelligence. Armin also shares insights into the challenges of paleontological research and offers advice for aspiring paleontologists, emphasising the importance of curiosity and continuous learning.




Links:
https://www.instagram.com/armin.schmitt/
https://x.com/ArminSchmitt
https://www.youtube.com/@ArminTube72

Book:
'The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age'
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-World-Dinosaurs-Uncovering-Prehistoric/dp/1335081216



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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

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In this episode we meet broadcasting legend Nick Bailey, who shares his remarkable journey from pirate radio with Radio Caroline to becoming the first voice on Classic FM.

Nick shares his adventures and travels around the world living and working in countries such as Australia, Germany and Hong Kong and we hear stories about some amazing characters on his journey. We get an insight into world events through the eyes of a traveller. Living on Gibraltar in the time when Franco's dictatorship was at its height through to the changes that were happening in Hong Kong as it was taken back by China.

Nick also provides valuable advice for aspiring broadcasters and shares his future plans.

I can thoroughly recommend Nick's book, 'Across the Waves: From Radio Caroline to Classic FM.' In fact I couldn't put the book down and read in 5 days!
For my review of the book click here.


Highlights

• Nick Bailey was the first voice on Classic FM.
• Pirate radio played a crucial role in changing British music.
• He emphasises the importance of authenticity in broadcasting.
• Nick's experiences in Hong Kong shaped his views on free speech.
• He believes that modern presenters have less freedom than before.
• Nick encourages aspiring broadcasters to volunteer and gain experience.
• Travelling for work offers a more authentic experience than tourism.

Links:
Nick's website - https://www.nickbaileyradio.com/
To purchase book, (click link) - 'Across the Waves: From Radio Caroline to Classic FM'


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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

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If you haven't yet witnessed the incredible spectacle that is the Severn Bore, make a date to do so, it's well worth it.

One of Britain's few natural phenomena, the Severn Bore is a large surge wave that can be seen in the estuary of the River Severn, where the tidal range is the 2nd highest in the world, being as much as 50 feet (approx. 15.4m). Graded from 1* to 5* the power of the wave is truly spectacular to witness, especially when there are many surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders surfing it (or trying to).

But what is it actually like to take a ride with nature and surf this incredible wave?
Today on the show I'm joined by one of those surfers. His name is Si Cale. Si is an experienced sea kayaker and surfer of the Bore with over 40 years kayak experience to date.

Links:
Si Cale Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@scaley12
https://www.severn-bore.co.uk/

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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com