Poodling Around
A lifestyle podcast focusing on where to enjoy great travel experiences and days out in the UK (and sometimes abroad), plus news about cookery, pets and dog-friendly things to do, home and gardening and food and drink. Guests reveal all about their special venues, recipes, tips and events. Hosted by Jane Hunt, an award-winning UK-based PR.
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The Pawsitive Power of Bubbles
04/09/2025
The Pawsitive Power of Bubbles
Jane Hunt, managing director of award-winning UK PR agency, Catapult PR, talks to the USA's very own Bubble Man, as John Reider becomes her guest and interviewee for this pet-focused podcast focusing on the pawsitive benefits of blowing bubbles for pets. Jane, as self-confessed bubble lover since her childhood days, makes an instant connection with John, who has shared the same love of bubbles since stumbling across a business opportunity that took him into the bubble-making sector. Jane discovers how this business started and then had to pivot fast during the pandemic, when its original customers could no longer enjoy what it had to offer. But the real joy of this conversation is what came next. Jane probes the business idea that proves that 'out of adversity comes triumph' and finds out how the pet sector beckoned for the Bubble Man. She discovers the magic that surrounds his range of bubbles for dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes and how a great product development idea made absolute 'scents' for our doggy and feline friends. Jane probes exactly what distinguishes the Pet Bubble range (comprising Puppy Love Bubbles and Kitty Love Bubbles) and why these pet bubbles stand apart in the market place from other competitive products out there. She also focuses on the benefits of blowing bubbles for pets and how this could tackle two major issues for our furry friends - pet obesity and boredom. In fact, a blow-besity strategy might well be on the cards for pet owners across the world, following this chat! Jane offers pet owners an insight into whether or not bubbles might be right for their pet and also takes a look at the benefits of the latest scent, with the sort of aromatherapy benefits that even owners might enjoy after a long day at work. She then looks at where these brilliant products might be available, whether you live in the USA, UK, Europe, or somewhere else in the world. Getting their paws on them is something that Fido and Felix are sure to want to do, once they've tuned in to this episode. With Jane revelling at the prospect of bubble parties for pets and ready to board the next plane to the USA if there's one on the go, she then throws a very British thing into the mix, even it it means discussing a football club other than her own beloved Manchester United. She and John discuss the brilliant fan chant of West Ham United and its bubble connections. This episode is brought to UK pet owners during Pet Month, a month in which Jane's business, award-winning , last year brought the sector the findings of three years of into what pet owners think about various topics. This was part of Catapult PR's involvement in the pet insurance and pet trade sectors, in which it has worked for many years and in which it has created award-winning PR. With pet stories never far away from Catapult PR's daily to-do list, whether that is creating a news story or a downloadable content guide, such as its Doggy Guide to Canine Castle Capers, this pet-themed podcast fits pawfectly into the UK PR agency's daily working life. Links for the episode are:
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Snooping Into the Battlements Tour at an English Medieval Castle Hotel
03/20/2025
Snooping Into the Battlements Tour at an English Medieval Castle Hotel
In her latest travel and tourism-focused podcast, travel PR specialist, Jane Hunt, chats to Eilidh Wise, a member of the team at the incredible and awe-inspiring Langley Castle Hotel in Northumberland, England, which can potentially be regarded as the most authentic fortified medieval castle hotel in England. Located close to the Anglo-Scottish border, and just a stone's throw from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall, hospitality provider, Langley Castle, has seen 675 years of history pass by. This is all very much on show to visitors who stay at the hotel - and who travel from all over the world to visit it - but this same Northumbrian history is also brought to life through daily Battlement Tours. As one of the leaders of this tour, Eilidh relays the castle's story in a compelling manner, whilst taking a group from top to bottom at the castle and pointing out features that are tied into the stories that surround its seven-feet-thick walls. In this podcast, Eilidh hints at the Northumberland castle's rich history, explores some of the exploits of the castle’s former owners and what guests can hear about on this tour. As the tour is open to anyone who drops by to book on to it, so well worth exploring if you are poodling around the area. Eilidh also explains about the present owner – an American who bought the castle in the 1980s – and how he is the official Baron of Langley. His interest in the castle’s history is explored, along with the artefact that he fairly recently bought and housed in the castle. There is also the fascinating story of St Bees Man detailed in this episode but did you know that this has a strong link to Langley Castle? If you know nothing about this archaeological find, you really need to find out more, especially as this story is one that really ticks the box of many of those who take the Langley Castle Battlements Tour. With details of the types of international visitor who love to visit Langley Castle, as well as an array of styles of wedding that can be held at the venue, from an elopement wedding to exclusive use whole-castle hire – and even Indian and Viking weddings – there’s lots to think about and learn about. International listeners can also learn about some old-English ways of dealing with offenders and hear about the tragedy of Sycamore Gap, with its links to Kevin Costner. Inspiration about other things to visit and do in this part of Northumberland is also provided. This podcast episode is the latest in a series that conveys great things to do, see and explore within the UK, Europe and sometimes further afield, for those who like to discover new places and things. It introduces the listener to very different experiences, sometimes a little quirky, and offers tips and advice to those wishing to tread in Jane's footsteps or learn about the places she has encountered through her daily work in tourism PR and travel PR, at Catapult PR in the UK, handling PR and content-writing briefs for a wide variety of travel PR clients across England and even in Europe.
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Discovering the Secrets of the 'Other' Venice
01/21/2025
Discovering the Secrets of the 'Other' Venice
Jane Hunt, managing director of travel PR and tourism PR award-winning PR agency, talks to Ketty Zanutto, one of the business partners behind the inspiring Venice tour company operating in Venice, Italy and run by passionate tourism professionals who want to allow visitors to Venice to benefit from their personal insight, as people who have been born and raised in the city. Ketty explains the ethos of L'altra Venezia and gives a sneak preview into what lies in store for those who head to Venice and want to see beyond the classic tourism hotspots, whilst also having interpretation and narrative that allows the top hotspots to be seen through different perspectives. She provides a flavour of some of the tours available, whether that is based around Venetian gastronomy, Marco Polo or artisans within the city of Venice and also highlights other ways in which her business can work with visitors. The talk moves to tours that are specific to particular types of visitor, from those who are wheelchair users, to the younger generation, who might just find a trip around Venice a little boring, without L'altra Venezia's help. The episode brings to light some lesser-known facts about Venice, its citizens, its place within history and movements such as the Renaissance. It also brings to the fore some of the things we really should all discover about a city with such a rich history and is an ideal listen for anyone planning a trip to see the famed canals, or anyone who just loves to know more about places around the world. With other quirky elements, such as details of what Venetian nobles would use to woo their ladies, the episode is a must for anyone simply wanting to escape a dreary winter's day, by focusing on a city that is vibrant and full of life, and others who are actually planning a trip to Venice.
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Tracking Down Mountain Biking and Wintersports Fun in Morzine
12/12/2024
Tracking Down Mountain Biking and Wintersports Fun in Morzine
Jane Hunt, managing director of tourism and travel PR experts, , talks to the founder of businesses that have, over the years, absolutely snowballed, thanks to their ability to provide fantastic mountain biking and snow-based activity holidays to everyone from athletic pros to absolute beginners and families. All of this is down to the passion of Richard Wilford, the interviewee in this episode, and his business partner, Ben, who discovered a delightful place called Morzine, in the French Alps, and started to build their business dream there. Jane discovers all that Morzine and and can together offer to the mountain bike enthusiast or wintersports seeker and hears all about the fantastic chalets and catering options that are available, with the secret weapon of food discussed in a way that will whet the appetite. Add to this a little glimpse into the après ski options and it's an episode that should really inspire people to jump on a plane to Geneva. She learns of the other places to which the concept has extended worldwide and gets all the practical information about how to reach the resort, tailor a trip, get nanny services, if needed, and make sure there will be snow! The discussion then considers corporate bookings too and looks at the all-important issue of availability and when and how to book. Finally, there is an added bonus for listeners, as Richard makes a discount available to Poodling Around's listener base, through Catapult PR.
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Discovering a Lake District Foodie Bolthole
11/19/2024
Discovering a Lake District Foodie Bolthole
Jane Hunt talks to Robert Stacey, the executive chef for the Levens Hall Estate, whose role includes overseeing all of the foodie developments related to Levens Kitchen and Levens Bakery, two food-related venues associated with the visitor attraction of Levens Hall and Gardens. Jane discovers Robert's prestigious background as a chef in top London restaurants and culinary roles, explores how he came to be in the South Lakes and discovers how the vision for Levens Kitchen has evolved. They discuss the ideal location of the foodie bolthole, in the beautiful tourism destination of the South Lakes, close to Milnthorpe and Kendal and then explore some of the delights of the menu. Jane then finds out more about the relatively new addition to the food options at the Levens Hall and Gardens site - Levens Bakery - and what other food delights visitors and non-visitors alike can enjoy as a takeaway option, whether that's as a a winter warm-up, as a delicious bread or cake to take home, or a very good grab-and-go coffee. There's a bit of sauce during the discussion and a few mentions of things to tempt in the gift shop, if you are a food lover. Jane and Robert discuss the options for different types of customer - local, tourist visiting Levens Hall and Garden, coach party - and even four-legged canine visitors. Jane also discovers a few things she didn't know - of great interest for those visiting Levens Park for a wonderful stroll along the river bank or picnic - and finds out more about future plans.
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Visiting Rome - the Do's and Don'ts
11/10/2024
Visiting Rome - the Do's and Don'ts
Jane Hunt offers unique and personal insights into a trip to the Italian capital city, offering tips as to what to do and what not to do in Rome, drawing on both her own experience in the city and the knowledge she has acquired during the course of her travel and tourism PR and blog writing at Catapult PR. With practical advice relating to where to visit and how to best go about it, what anti-theft measures to take, how to survive the regular summer heatwave in Rome, how to keep the mosquitoes at bay and even where to find the best gelato, Jane offers some useful travel planning thoughts for anyone visiting Rome. With the Jubileo coming up in 2025, this could be useful for many. With some other insight into what to expect and safeguard against, if heading to a music concert at the Stadio Olimpico, the episode is well worth a listen, if you wish to avoid some travel issues. Whether you wish to avoid fines, negotiate the travel system, escape to the coast, or understand the visitor experience at major sites, this episode can be your guide, as Jane encourages you to life life on a different, independent axle.
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Icelanders, Bretons and the Grasmere Sports Wrestling Buzz
08/19/2024
Icelanders, Bretons and the Grasmere Sports Wrestling Buzz
Jane Hunt talks to three of the overseas wrestlers who head, with their compatriots, to compete at the traditional Lake District event of Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show each year, in the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling events. Interviewees Guðmundur Stefán Gunnarsson and Jana Lind Ellertsdóttir, from Iceland, explain how a similar version of the sport of backhold wrestling is conducted in their country, where it is called Glima and involves the use of a belt. Léa Quillien, a Breton wrestler from Brittany in France, then explains about the Breton version of the sport - Gouren - with another variation being the wearing of a jacket. All highlight their passion and love for their sport but also the strong Celtic tradition underpinning it, whilst also conveying the buzz they get out of coming on tour to England and competing at Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, the pinnacle of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling events calendar, with its 170+ year history, as an event Their fascinating insights into the sport, its European footprint and the success in growing it in their countries, makes for an absorbing listen.
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Wrestling with a Traditional Sport in Grasmere
08/18/2024
Wrestling with a Traditional Sport in Grasmere
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a sport with roots that go back centuries and which now has participants only in the northern counties of England – in Cumbria and Northumberland. To discover more about this form of traditional wrestling, in a backhold style, Jane Hunt speaks to Linda Scott and Robert Wharton, both part of the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association. Jane finds out more about the sport and its rules, the current take-up of opportunities to learn the sport and why Grasmere Sports is seen as the pinnacle of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling championship season. She discovers why this type of wrestling has a geographical footprint far wider than the north of England - and actually right across Europe - and why this could potentially become an Olympic sport one day. She also learns about the deep appreciation that those in the sport have for Roger Robson, in memory of whom a new trophy has been created this year, for young wrestlers competing at Grasmere Sports in a mixed boys and girls category. Linda provides her memories of Roger but so too does woman wrestler and multiple Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling champion, Connie Hodgson, to whom Jane also talks. Connie also explains all about her wider family's involvement in this traditional sport, her fantastic success in the sport and the international travel it has given her. She also highlights how she is using her role as a physical education teacher to spread the love of this sport and how she is also having great success taking the sport into local primary schools. The podcast is part one of a double-header, with another episode, featuring backhold wrestlers from Iceland and Brittany, hot on its heels.
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The Fascination of Running Up That Hill
07/25/2024
The Fascination of Running Up That Hill
Teenage athlete and fell running sensation from Yorkshire, Charlotte Rawstron, talks to Jane Hunt about her progress through the world of athletics and the fascination of running up the seemingly impossible steep fell at Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show - and back down again! Jane discovers how Charlotte got into running up hills and why it's something she loves to do, despite the commitment involved. She learns of her successes to date and which triumphs have really stood out in Charlotte's athletics career so far. She also discovers more about Charlotte's future goals over the next few years, what events she will most enjoy watching at the Olympics and who has inspired her, so far, in her career. The duo also discuss the forthcoming Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, at which Charlotte is the reigning Ladies champion in the Senior Guides race - the prestigious final fell race of the day, in which both men and women compete. They reference the current Ladies record, set pre-Covid and whether or not it can be broken, with a £500 incentive for any woman runner who can. Charlotte also explains what being at this show means to her and the great day out that it comprises for anyone, whether taking part in the fell or track races, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling events or hound trailing programme, or simply attending as a spectator or family wanting some outdoor fun for a full day in the glorious landscape of the English Lake District.
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Meeting a Doggy Dad & Getting Golden Retriever Pet Parent Insight
07/11/2024
Meeting a Doggy Dad & Getting Golden Retriever Pet Parent Insight
Jane Hunt meets Brian Johnson, pet parent to social media doggy star, Pip the Golden Retriever, someone who Jane avidly follows on X and who has fans worldwide. Jane discovers all about Pip and his social media journey, finding out where Pip likes to poodle around, how he spends family time and what being a doggy with followers entails, whether good or bad. Jane, a Golden Retriever lover, and former Goldie pet parent herself, also asks Brian for his views on some brand-new consumer research that Catapult PR, as a crafter of creative and award-winning pet product and pet insurance campaigns, has commissioned. The discussion moves towards topics such as why pet insurance can be so vital and whether it should be compulsory, the sacrifices pet parents are willing to make for their pets, the pain of pet theft and rewards for pet recovery following theft, and the huge issue of pet grief. Opinions on dog walkers and the number of dogs that should be legally walked at once, plus the current rise in dog attacks, are also given. Catapult PR’s research questions elicited thoughts around these issues – and more - affecting all UK pet owners, as well as assessing the impacts of the cost of living crisis on pet parents. The topics discussed are probably issues shared by other pet owners, worldwide, so have relevance to all pet owners. Brian provides helpful tips in relation to these issues, which may benefit any pet owner worried about some of them or uncertain what to do in relation to them. The research findings have also been brought together in a new download, at the Catapult PR website – (available in the Downloads area under About and also on the PR for Pet Brands page (B2C PR). Having discussed the various topics in the context of Pip and his daily life and routine, which involves poodling around idyllic places in Kent, the south west and elsewhere, Jane also learns all about Pip's dad’s plans for the future and an exciting new pet podcast in the planning.
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Summer at Levens: 330 Years of Garden History
06/07/2024
Summer at Levens: 330 Years of Garden History
Jane Hunt homes in on the delights of a formal English garden in the summer months, by talking to the head gardener of Levens Hall and Gardens, in the Lake District, Cumbria. This amazing garden was first established by the French gardener, Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont, in 1694 but has been under the care of current head gardener, Chris Crowder, for the past 38 years. Whilst best known for its topiary garden the oldest in the world which does come into the conversation, the Levens Hall garden has so much more to offer. Jane explores the various parts of the garden, with Chris's help, focusing on the general delights that a visitor can enjoy, if they visit during the months of June, July and August. She also quizzes Chris about some specific plants and shrubs that might be seen and some more unusual features that you wont find anywhere else. The podcast highlights why lovers of gardens and gardening, no matter where they live in the world, should make a beeline for this incredible garden, not just to tick a sighting of the worlds oldest topiary garden off their bucket list. It also discusses some particular attractions and events for summer 2024 and what to look forward to in the first week of September. With Chris Crowder being the 11th head gardener at Levens Hall and gardens (eleven being not that many since 1694), Jane takes the listener through a little bit of work that she did last year, as part of her PR work for Levens Hall and Gardens focusing on all 11 of the men who have shaped the garden during its long history. From 1694 to the current day, she explains what we know of these men and how they shaped the gardens of today.
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Build Your Own Pizza Oven Through a Tuscan-do Approach
05/20/2024
Build Your Own Pizza Oven Through a Tuscan-do Approach
If you can’t head off to Italy this year, you simply have to bring the tastes of the Mediterranean to your own home and what could be better than a tasty woodfired pizza, bubbling with cheese and with a beautifully charred base worthy of any pizzeria in Naples? Maybe a pizza - or even better, another recipe concoction, rustled up in your own garden oven? But how do you top that? Maybe by serving up that pizza from an oven you’ve built yourself, so it comes with a big topping of self-satisfaction? Jane Hunt interviews Andrew Manciocchi, the Anglo-Italian and managing director of Orchard Ovens, who first introduced the concept of woodfired pizza ovens to the UK in 2003, to get to the bottom of what’s involved with building your own pizza oven. Having helped homeowners incorporate ovens into garden designs not just in the UK but beyond, Andrew has a wealth of knowledge to impart. So how much time do you need to allow for a DIY pizza oven project? Is it a two-person job? What are the first steps, if you want to be poodling around your garden, living life as if in La Bella Italia … or as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jamie Oliver, or other Valoriani celeb customers who've been furnished with pizza ovens by Orchard Ovens? Jane learns all from her Catapult PR client, to discover how homeowners can get their DIY skills into full swing and have a glorious self-built pizza oven in their own garden or back yard, potentially in time for the 2024 Euros, if they buy themselves a Valoriani pizza oven kit and adopt a Tuscan-do attitude. With these Valoriani ovens available not just in the UK, it’s something that anyone in Europe, the USA – or in other countries – could do. Jane discovers how many DIY talents you might need for the project, how the kit concept works and how not to get the whole project wrong, by buying the wrong self-assembly pizza oven kit in the first place. Tips are provided as to where to situate the oven and avoid regular pitfalls that many of those building their own pizza oven encounter. Jane also discovers what help is available to UK buyers and what sorts of dishes, beyond pizza, could be cooked outdoors – including those she has managed in her own pizza oven! But if DIY isn’t your thing but you desperately want the lifestyle benefits of cooking and entertaining outdoors, Jane and Andrew discuss what the other woodfired pizza oven options might be, for those who are not that handy with bricks, mortar and render but who want to have the ultimate garden party catering option. With these Valoriani ovens also being available worldwide, it can inspire anyone. With a Coldplay Chris Martin story thrown in, and Jane explaining how she finds cooking in her own oven and who she’d most like to serve up a woodfired treat to, in her dreams, at a pizza party, there's lots to digest.
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Yew la la: Topiary's French Connection
04/14/2024
Yew la la: Topiary's French Connection
With the worldwide phenomenon that is World Topiary Day just around the corner, the creator of the multi-award-winning gardening awareness day, Jane Hunt, managing director of Catapult PR, talks to Patrick Salembier, President of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society in Europe. Jane discovers why the award-winning idea is a huge hit in France but also in the USA, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and other far-flung places and not just in the UK where it has put Levens Hall and Gardens, the founder of the day and the world's oldest topiary garden, at the top of the topiary tree. Jane explains about some of the specifics of the World Topiary Day activity this year, both in terms of what is happening with regard to activity between participating gardens and what is specifically happening at Levens Hall and Gardens. She also gives listeners an insight into why the day of World Topiary Day - May 12 - had such significance and why the raucous Radish Feast, which preceded it centuries ago, was so notorious. Patrick highlights what worldwide gardens find so appealing about the concept and describes some of the French gardens participating again this year, including an amazing garden that is his society's current award winner and his personal favourite, which is just 'perfect' all year round.
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Bremen: a city's that music to the ears
04/03/2024
Bremen: a city's that music to the ears
Jane Hunt records some of her own impressions of the city of Bremen, in Northern Germany, whilst building on her own experience with the knowledge and insight provided by experienced Bremen tour guide, Guido Klostermann. Jane provides details of her own experience, quizzing Guido on some of the things she saw, to discover more about this incredible but lesser-known city that has so much to offer to the visitor. Together, Jane and Guido discuss the cultural landmarks, the local cuisine, the festivals and the shopping experiences in Bremen, as well as the city's remarkable and undeniable connections to music and the Brother Grimm's fairytale of the Town Musicians. After learning more about what she herself saw in Bremen and discovering other things she really should return to see in the future, Jane hints about her greatest wish. She then moves on to emotionally explain what led her to Bremen in the first place and why this was so significant for her family and potentially that of 6 other families in the UK and Canada. The emotional podcast ending indicates why peace is so important.
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Easels & Evergreens - Tree Therapy and World's Oldest Topiary
02/17/2024
Easels & Evergreens - Tree Therapy and World's Oldest Topiary
It's so easel! That sums up the forthcoming 2024 season at Levens Hall and Gardens in the English Lake District, as Jane Hunt discovers when interviewing self-taught artist, Bob Sutcliffe OBE. Jane learns how first a diagnosis of epilepsy, and then a heart attack 10 years later, resulted in Bob picking up a tin of watercolours and painting for the first time, using art therapy to manage his health condition. She also finds out how this has subsequently led to an incredible charity fundraising journey, significant sums being raised and the award of an OBE for charity work. Jane also explores how Bob's latest fundraising project - his new book entitled 'Tree Therapy' - has led him to arranging a season-long art exhibition at English stately home and Elizabethan property, Levens Hall and Gardens, home to themed gardens that include the world's oldest topiary garden - a Guinness World Record Holder. She explores the plans for the artworks that will grace these gorgeous English gardens, the community involvement that will surround their appearance in the Levens Hall gardens and how Bob's artworks will add a completely new dimension to the fourth World Topiary Day, to be held on Sunday May 12. The content of the book, which has artworks of trees in both the Lake District, England and Finland, is discussed, along with themes of creativity applying to both adults and children. This podcast conveys an uplifting real life story that should inspire anyone who receives a poor health diagnosis and feels that the future looks dim. It will also provide lots of inspiration for those wishing to visit Levens Hall and Gardens in 2024 or join in with the annual World Topiary Day event which Levens Hall and Gardens founded in 2021. For anyone who lives in Cumbria or the Lake District or who is intending to travel their this year, it will also help pinpoint a must-see experience that many people put on their bucket list.
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On the Scent of a Unique English Canine Sport
01/29/2024
On the Scent of a Unique English Canine Sport
Jane Hunt gets on the scent of a historic and traditional canine sport that is largely these days confined to the beautiful countryside of Cumbria, or as some people may better know this part of the UK - the Lake District. Jane discovers all there is to know about the dog-focused sport of houndtrailing, which involves trail hounds following their noses, to race to the finish line, having expertly followed a trail of aniseed and paraffin across what can be tough Cumbria fellside terrain, with many an obstacle en route to the prize money and trophy. By talking to various members of the Hound Trailing Association, some of whom are also trail hound owners, she learns all about the sport, its origins, the thrill of taking part in it as a hound owner and breeder, or just watching it as a spectator amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. She also learns just what a challenge it is to keep this very unique and traditional, historic sport alive today, when there are so many other distractions, and why it is so important to do so, to ensure this element of Cumbrian culture is not lost. By exploring the story, she finds something that could enrich social life and add a new interest to life, even perhaps if you don't live locally and just follow your dog's fortunes from afar.
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Exploring Viking Roots - and The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark
01/16/2024
Exploring Viking Roots - and The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark
Jane Hunt explains the motivation that drove her towards a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, in Roskilde, Denmark, having been to a meeting, as part of her travel PR work, in which the need for DNA testing around Hadrian's Wall become evident and where the arrival of a DNA testing kit was as exciting for the recipient as a knock on the door by Axl Rose would have been for Jane! Jane describes her own DNA journey and Viking roots and explains how this not only led to a trip to Copenhagen, but a journey to Roskilde, to find out what the Viking Ship Museum had to offer. Jane first offers tips of how to get to Roskilde and also explains, later in the podcast, how to do this most cost-effectively. She suggests how listeners can get even more out of a visit than she did, by pre-planning and downloading the USEEUM App and then engages in a lot of atmospheric storytelling - with the help of audio taken from the site and from other Viking sources - to explain the story and secrets of the 5 Viking boats discovered in Roskilde Fjord way back in 1962 and the lives of those Danish VIkings who might have sailed in them. With other descriptions of the visitor experience at the Viking Ship Museum, the podcast acts as a really good guide for those considering visiting. It is also a podcast that should interest anyone who loves history, discovery, archaeology and the application of craftsmanship to modern-day experiences.
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From Bess to Bonaparte: the Delights of an English Elizabethan Hall
01/04/2024
From Bess to Bonaparte: the Delights of an English Elizabethan Hall
Jane Hunt talks to Sarah Miller, a passionate tour guide at English Elizabethan Hall, Levens Hall and Gardens, in the northwest of England, and discovers why just visiting the gardens would be a real case of missing out. Jane discovers the history of this unique historic property and the perils of gambling, as she finds out how the Hall changed hands. She also learns of the wonderful decor within the Hall and some of the incredible items that visitors can see, if they take a tour. Hot on the trail of all things Napoleon, following the launch of the Napoleon movie, she also hears of the strong links to both the Duke of Wellington and his adversary Napoleon and how these have resulted in the Hall having some unique exhibits, with which to thrill visitors. Add to this the story of the infamous Radish Feast, once staged at Levens Hall, the legend of the Levens curse and the earliest English patchwork in existence and the podcast is a treasure trove for anyone appreciating past epochs and enjoying a deep dive into history.
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How to Give a Dog a Bad or a Good Name
12/28/2023
How to Give a Dog a Bad or a Good Name
How difficult is it to come up with a name for a dog and what are the most popular choices? What could inspire a choice of name for a dog and what examples do we have in the celebrity, movie and TV world? What are the real no-no rules when it comes to a name and what name should you choose if you want your doggy to respond to you? After spotting a dog named Axel, rather than Axl, and having pet owner research at her fingertips, Jane talks through all of this, as well as providing details of some other research findings that suggest some dog owners didn't put enough thought into this challenge.
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Vegan Cactus Leather Trainers Arrive Comfortably 'On Kew'
12/17/2023
Vegan Cactus Leather Trainers Arrive Comfortably 'On Kew'
Jane Hunt talks to Janan Leo, founder of women's footwear brand, Cocorose London, about the second major innovation of her career - the creation of a collection of vegan, sustainable cactus leather trainers range for UK women and those whom the brand can reach through exporting. Jane asks Janan about this plant-powered alternative to leather, discusses the brand’s sustainable principles, delves more into the world of cactus leather and shoe manufacturing in the UK and in Portugal and discovers why cacti are eco superheroes. She hears about the new Kew collection of 5 plant-powered trainers and learns how a small SME has been able to make this pioneering move within the UK footwear industry, establishing a product with strong export potential, thanks to the backing of Innovate UK, the UK innovation agency. The discussion focuses on the whole topic of products with purpose and even reveals why the new collection is called Kew and where overseas visitors should make a beeline for, if visiting London. With chat about comfort being the DNA of this footwear brand and how ‘Cocorosers’ often become brand avatars – with this including Jane herself – this podcast is one to inspire any fashionista wishing to make a lifestyle choice within their fashion purchasing behaviour, that can assist the future good of the planet.
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The Rum Story and Whitehaven's Dark Spirit
12/12/2023
The Rum Story and Whitehaven's Dark Spirit
Jane Hunt, managing director of travel PR specialist, Catapult PR, talks to Louise McKenna, manager of The Rum Story - a visitor attraction in the West Cumbrian coastal town of Whitehaven. What follows is a unique insight into the history of a town rich in marine history and once the third largest port in the UK, bustling with a trade in wine, sugar, spices and, of course, rum. Jane discovers how The Rum Story uniquely conveys the story of the rum trade, and its place in world history, within the context of Whitehaven and the lives of one family - the Jeffersons, rum merchants who founded their business in the 1780s and were important influencers of their time. She explores the many facets to the story - including the visit of Renée Zellweger - and also Whitehaven's links to American history, through George Washington's family and the American War of Independence, and suggests what might be the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas Day dinner and how that came about. Throw in tales of pirates, smuggling and Lord Nelson and it's a podcast to fascinate anyone who loves the sea and maritime adventure.
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Fell Running in Grasmere: the Past and the Present
08/20/2023
Fell Running in Grasmere: the Past and the Present
Jane Hunt speaks to Tommy Sedgwick, a multi race-winning fell runner, once described as "brainless and brakeless" due to his fearless descent of the fells during fell races, including the 295 metre descent from the top of Butter Crags, in the 'Olympics' of fell running - Grasmere Sports. Tommy was a victor at Grasmere Sports on several occasions, including three during a 'golden era' of 11 years from 1969 to 1979, in which he shared the glory with rival and friend, Fred Reeves. Jane examines the background to this huge '70s rivalry, which resulted in Fred breaking Tommy's 1976 record in 1978 - a record that still exists for the Seniors Guide Race (fell race) today. She also quizzes Tommy about what it takes to be a winning fell runner at Grasmere and whether he believes the Reeves record will ever be broken. To then look at the future of the sport, Jane also talks to three fell running children from the McGoldrick family - Mia, Calum and Finlay - and discovers what it is about the traditional Lake District sport of fell running that is still attracting youngsters today and what they get out of it.
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Valsanzibio - the monumental Italian gardens offering a touch of paradise
05/10/2023
Valsanzibio - the monumental Italian gardens offering a touch of paradise
Jane Hunt talks to Armando Pizzoni Ardemani, owner and passionate custodian of the exquisite northern Italian gardens, the Monumental Gardens of Valsanzibio, located close to Padua, where garden lovers can enjoy an experience like no other. Jane learns all about the history of the gardens, the allegorical and religious symbolism that profoundly influences the visitor experience and the topiary that has led Valsanzibio to be interested in her PR concept of World Topiary Day.
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The Textiles Student Creating A World Topiary Day Fashion Special
05/09/2023
The Textiles Student Creating A World Topiary Day Fashion Special
Jane Hunt speaks to Hex Gregson, a student studying textiles, at UCLan in Preston, Lancashire, who has taken on the very special challenge of creating a unique topiary-inspired dress, to help celebrate World Topiary Day, 2023.
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Mahua: the made-in-Wales Indian tipple taking the UK by storm
05/08/2023
Mahua: the made-in-Wales Indian tipple taking the UK by storm
Jane Hunt chats to Kallan Nee, one of the entrepreneurs behind Mahua - an award-winning new tipple and historic tribal drink from the Indian sub-continent, which has now reached UK shores and is ready to take Brits by storm. Jane and Kallan discuss the only spirit distilled from a flower, the new products created by Alkohl Ltd, based on Mahua and the challenges experienced in bringing what is now an award-winning sensation to the UK market.
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How to Make Your Dog King or Queen of the Castle
02/19/2023
How to Make Your Dog King or Queen of the Castle
Jane Hunt talks to the executive general manager of an authentic castle hotel, located in Norhtumberland UK, to discover all about its dog-friendly nature and the various dog-friendly initiatives that make it stand out as a place to take your pooch. The episode also looks at the extra information, of which dog owners can take advantage, if they poodle around this hotel and its surrounding area.
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When is a pizza oven not a pizza oven?
02/07/2023
When is a pizza oven not a pizza oven?
Have you ever wondered what distinguishes a good pizza oven from a poor one, or tried to work out what a pizza oven could add to your UK lifestyle or outdoor kitchen? Do you known the pitfalls of buying some pizza ovens? What sort of pizza oven do you really need? Jane Hunt interviews Andrew Manciocchi, the man who brought the very first wood-fired pizza ovens to the UK 20 years ago, to get the low-down on what Brits need to know about cooking with wood. The valuable advice should help anyone poodle around their patio, achieving their outdoor cooking goals and enriching their alfresco lifestyle, rather than making the wrong choice for them and possibly wasting big sums of money.
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The Comfort-shoe Queen
11/27/2022
The Comfort-shoe Queen
Jane Hunt interviews Janan Leo, the inventor of the foldable shoe, in an episode that uncovers the inspiring story of one creator's passion for an idea and her ongoing inventiveness in expanding her Cocorose London range. This story focuses on a brand that has empowered thousands of women and encouraged them to ditch the heels, wherever they live in the world and regardless of whether they are working women, mums at home or A-listers. It also examines how the brand helped raise thousands of pounds through a pandemic 'pivot' and what real life is like as a small business owner in the UK fashion and retail sectors. Above all, it tells women one easy way to go Poodling Around in both comfort and style.
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Urban Hiking in the UK
11/18/2022
Urban Hiking in the UK
Jane Hunt talks to Anja Phoenix about urban hiking - what it is and how to do it in any town or city in the UK, to discover all the hidden gems on your doorstep. She also finds out more about special urban hiking maps, produced by Anja, which can make things fun and easy for people in London or Manchester, whether they are visiting or happen to live there.
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Gardening Tasks & Joys at the World's Oldest Topiary Garden
09/05/2022
Gardening Tasks & Joys at the World's Oldest Topiary Garden
Jane Hunt talks to Chris Crowder, head gardener at Levens Hall and Gardens in the Lake District, Cumbria and the guardian of the world's oldest topiary garden, dating back to 1694. Jane explores the momentous work carried out by the gardening team, from September, right through the winter period and on to re-opening in April, just ahead of what is now an annual World Topiary Day, founded by the heritage home. She also discovers the things that visitors can see or appreciate during this period and how Levens Hall and Gardens' head gardener relaxes at the end of a busy day.
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