Best Annette Jones Podcasts (2025)

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From Work, Work, Work to Travel Australia and Big Lap Freedom 28:43

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16h ago28:43

28:43

What would it take to leave everything behind and start again? For Karen and Vince, known as Chasing the Civellos, the answer was simple: sell the house, sell the business, and set off in a motorhome to discover what they call big lap freedom. In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share their raw and real story of moving from burnout and disconnec…

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Forensic Medicine and Death Investigation with Sara Butler 49:24

8m ago49:24

49:24

Everyone loves a good medieval whodunit, but how did real people investigate homicides in the Middle Ages? What did they look for? And how did they decide if a person’s death was an unfortunate accident or foul play? This week, Danièle speaks with Sara Butler about forensic medicine, and how death investigation was conducted in medieval England. Yo…

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"Murphy's Law or Myth" by Thomas Gery 8:00

21m ago8:00

8:00

Anything that can go wrong, it will go wrong. The police reported it an accident; with anguish I added the word stupid. Thomas Gery, a common man with uncommon experiences lives in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army with duty in Vietnam. As a social worker he helped children, youth, and adults in a variety of practice venues and…

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History in Flames with Robert Bartlett 46:08

12d ago46:08

46:08

Part of the reason a lot of people figure nothing much went on during the Middle Ages is because we’ve lost a whole lot of sources telling us what actually did happen. Through malice and misfortune, medieval manuscripts have been destroyed in their thousands. So, how do we know what may have gone up in smoke? And what can we do to keep our beloved …

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Selling Everything For Full Time Travel Around Australia: Shania and Kade 31:00

1d ago31:00

31:00

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I sit down with Shania and Kade from Escape the Everyday, a young couple who made the bold decision to sell their home and take on full-time travel around Australia. They share the emotional rollercoaster of leaving behind stability, how they juggle work on the road (a nurse and a diesel mechanic—very handy combo!)…

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"Motif B32 - A Saturday in August" by Jamie Cheshire 8:13

6d ago8:13

8:13

Something had happened and the farm knew it. Rooster Cogburn was a burly, jewel-toned arrogance of teals, reds, deeper reds, and blues shot through with lances of yellow and purple. Fascinated with every big and little thing, Jamie Cheshire has long been an avid student of design and structure. Having worked together with giants, he has had the ext…

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Æthelstan, First King of England with David Woodman 48:31

19d ago48:31

48:31

On September 4, 925 – 1100 years to the day this episode is released – King Æthelstan was crowned at Kingston-upon-Thames. Æthelstan is most often talked about in the context of the famous Battle of Brunanburh, but maybe we should remember him instead as the first king of England. This week, Danièle speaks with David Woodman about Æthelstan’s life,…

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From Grief to the Big Lap: Rachel & Darren’s Healing Journey To Travel Australia 29:29

5d ago29:29

29:29

After the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Rachel and Darren made a life-changing decision to pack up their lives, leave their high-stress jobs, and travel Australia full-time. In this emotional episode of Big Lap Chats, they share how their lap became a journey of healing, reconnection, and rediscovery. We talk about: The grief that changed e…

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"Boundary Crossing" by Jane Satchell McAllister 7:25

6d ago7:25

7:25

I still feel the chills run down my spine. After all, D-O-G is truly the perfect reflection of G-O-D. Jane Satchell McAllister spent fifteen years as a corporate banker before returning to school for a master’s degree in library science and going to work at her local public library. She is grateful to have been chosen to lead the library as directo…

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"Proper Punishment for an Old Offender" by Paula Teem Levi 7:27

10d ago7:27

7:27

– “The inmates here are an army of forgotten men.” He accepted the rejections and focused on making a successful transition from his rogue, racketeering life. Paula Teem Levi is a retired Registered Nurse living in Clover, South Carolina. She is a member of several genealogical societies. Her stories have appeared in six previous anthologies of the…

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Robert DeVere, Royal Favourite with James Ross 50:00

26d ago50:00

50:00

When the power of an entire kingdom rests in the hands of just one man, it’s both incredibly valuable and incredibly dangerous to be that man’s bestie - and the legacies of royal favourites tend to retain the taint of contemporary snark. So, maybe it’s about time we take a second look. This week, Danièle speaks with James Ross about the life of Rob…

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Big Lap Planning – Selling vs Renting Your Home: How to Decide What’s Right for You 20:59

27d ago20:59

20:59

One of the toughest decisions before setting off on your Big Lap is whether to sell your home or rent it out. In this solo episode, I explore the pros and cons of both options, from the freedom of selling to the safety net of renting. I also share some of our own experiences with tenants, property managers, and the realities of juggling house owner…

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"Close Call" by Erika Hoffman 7:45

17d ago7:45

7:45

– “This isn’t a timeshare. Our program’s based on points.” A presentation by a Dolly Parton doppelganger, so charming she could sell a bald man a comb! Erika Hoffman is a happy and long-time resident of beautiful North Carolina. She’s a member of three writing clans: North Carolina Writers Network; The Triangle Area Freelancers; and Carteret Writer…

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"We Got Five Done" by Howard Pearre 6:45

30d ago6:45

6:45

– “Okay, Mr. Spark Plug. Out you come.” I gave it another dose of penetrating oil, waited, and pulled a little harder. Howard Pearre lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He attended UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State University and retired after a career as a counselor and manager with NC Vocational Rehabilitation and the US Department of Veter…

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Joan of Arc with Deborah McGrady 59:54

1M ago59:54

59:54

Maid, hero, heretic, saint - Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating figures of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Deborah McGrady about Joan’s incredible life and death, her voice, and her complex and enduring legacy. You can enrol in Danièle's online course Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century at https://…

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Big Lap Budget: What It Really Costs to Travel Australia Weekly 15:57

22d ago15:57

15:57

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, we dive into one of the most asked questions in our community: How much does a Big Lap of Australia really cost each week? Annette breaks down real-life spending from Aussie travellers across the country—from budget-conscious solo lappers to families making the most of every experience. Hear what people are actuall…

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"A Debt of Gratitude" by Randell Jones 8:54

28d ago8:54

8:54

– I just wanted to say, “thank you.” Such a hole in cyberspace has no bottom, of course, so I grabbed onto one protruding root—to overtax the Alice metaphor—and pulled myself over to the side. Randell Jones is an award-winning writer about the pioneer and Revolutionary War eras and North Carolina history. During 25 years, he has written 150+ histor…

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"Tenderfoot" by Bob Amason 7:51

25d ago7:51

7:51

– “Let’s go backpacking.” Undaunted, we scoffed at the potential to dive into oblivion down a Tennessee mountainside. Award-winning author Bob Amason is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who was a college professor for 25 years. A Florida Writer’s Association member, Bob writes historical and modern suspense novels under his pen name, Frank…

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Medieval Love Letters with Ad Putter and Myra Stokes 42:30

1M ago42:30

42:30

The people of the Middle Ages were no strangers to Cupid’s arrows, and just like us, they loved a good love letter. But in a world where literacy rates were far below what they are today, who was writing their most heartfelt feelings down? And how do we know? This week, Danièle speaks with Myra Stokes and Ad Putter about where we find love letters,…

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5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Our Big Lap to Travel Australia By Caravan 15:30

1M ago15:30

15:30

Thinking about doing the Big Lap of Australia to travel Australia in a caravan? In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I share 5 crucial lessons I wish I knew before hitting the road full-time in our caravan. These tips come from over two years of travelling around Australia. Helping you save money, travel slower, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the most…

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"Taste the Disappointment" by Joe Brown 6:50

1M ago6:50

6:50

–There’s almost no food that I don’t like. It usually takes a long, long hour to get the proper freeze, so we took turns slowly turning the handle over and over. Joe Brown is a retired building contractor. He lives on a small family farm in the Bethania area of Winston Salem NC. He now has time to do all those projects that a busy work schedule did…

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"Ride-sharing, Old School" by Barbara Mueller 7:06

1M ago7:06

7:06

– After that, my confidence in strangers diminished. The bicycle delivered me to-and-fro until the weather changed, and the snowy, windy, 6-month Lake Erie winter arrived. Barbara Mueller is a retired IT project manager living in Asheville, North Carolina. Her initial volunteer experience in Asheville was as a docent at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, w…

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Practical AI with Derek Crager 29:12

1M ago29:12

29:12

In this episode, Jethro interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiverse community. DC shares his personal experiences as an autistic individual and discusses how AI can empower people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to enhance their skills and independence. The conve…

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Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita 48:04

2M ago48:04

48:04

He's one of the most popular figures in all of medieval history, and his book was a bestseller for literally centuries. So what do we know about the life and times of Marco Polo? This week, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the wor…

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Chasing the Big Lap Dream: Jen and Bob’s Real Life on the Road Travelling Australia 45:42

2M ago45:42

45:42

After lockdown and personal loss, Jen and Bob decided it was time to stop waiting and start living. They sold their home, bought a van, and hit the road full-time—with no set plan and no end date. In this episode, they share how they turned uncertainty into freedom, what life really looks like as full-time travellers, and the places that stole thei…

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"Chasing the Great Comet" by S.G. Benson 7:26

2M ago7:26

7:26

– “We can’t let her know what we’re up to.” We clambered up on the breakwater and made our way, in the dark, out to its very end. S. G. (Sandy) Benson lives in Warne, North Carolina, where she is a member of the North Carolina Writers Network-West. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and she received awards from the Nebraska…

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"The Water Tower" by Annie McLeod Jenkins 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

– because it was there—our Mt. Everest. We never formally identified the squealer who called the police, but the local constabulary turned up in the form of Skippy Brown, a favorite local enforcer of the law. Annie McLeod Jenkins lives in Winston-Salem. Although she loves writing, she is frequently sidetracked by multiple other interests: choral si…

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Family Travel Australia: How Tara Turned Big Lap Van Life into Dreamer RV 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

This week on Big Lap Chats, I’m joined by Tara from Dreamer RV—who shares how a desire for more family time sparked a bold decision to hit the road, and how that journey unexpectedly led to launching a thriving caravan bedding business. Tara’s Big Lap story is packed with relatable moments, from the chaos of packing up with young kids to navigating…

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"Dream-catching" by Jane Satchell McAllister 7:47

1M ago7:47

7:47

— Buona fortuna. The possibility of seeing Renaissance art and architecture in person intrigued me. Jane Satchell McAllister's writings draw inspiration from the wide variety of people and places she encounters, from her home base in Davie County, North Carolina, to rich adventures across our country and abroad. She has co-authored two Images of Am…

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"Tequila or Not Tequila" by Jeanne VanBuren 7:39

2M ago7:39

7:39

– What have you got in a red? We were two competent but naive travelers missing a Spanish-English dictionary. Jeanne VanBuren lives in Winston Salem, North Carolina—by way of Chesapeake, Pittsburgh, Santa Cruz and Austin—where she is a member of North Carolina Writers Network and Triad Storytellers. Her many traveling adventures to share include th…

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The Art of AI Conversation with Jonathan Mast 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

In this episode, host Eli interviews Jonathan Mast, a leading expert in AI prompting. Jonathan shares his journey into AI, starting with the advent of ChatGPT, and discusses the importance of utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, Claude, and Perplexity for business growth. He introduces a simple four-step AI prompt framework and emphasizes t…

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Why Now Is the Best Time to Do the Big Lap and Travel Australia 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Is there ever a perfect time to travel around Australia? Deb & Jez from Grab Life by the Gourlays say yes—and it's right now. In this episode, they share how they brought their lap forward by four years, found the right caravan at the right price, and hit the road as a family of four (plus their pup) for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What You'll …

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Episode 300! 48:20

2M ago48:20

48:20

This week, in celebration of Episode 300, Danièle answers your questions on everything from Hastings to hose, with a couple of surprises along the way. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists And join on This is History's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thisishistory and use the code 'glassking' to ge…

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"With a Lump in My Throat" by Marion Cohen 7:51

2M ago7:51

7:51

– I just kept working every day, knowing I would adjust. The wisdom of my decision to transfer schools certainly was now in question. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Marion Cohen spent three decades as a mathematics educator before turning to writing. Her three novels and two short story collections focus on characters whose strong connections reflect …

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"Fire and Rain" by Kristen T. Bryson 7:15

2M ago7:15

7:15

– “Do you have any questions?” If we lost this car, at least a new one would arrive in two days. Kristen T. Bryson lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and this is her first writing submission for publication. She was encouraged by a family friend to share her story. She has been inspired by her father-in-law's commitment to writing his memoirs and …

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Vikings Behaving Reasonably with Robert Lively 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

If you asked the average person how Vikings solved their problems, they probably wouldn’t say through lawyers. And yet, early Scandinavian people were sticklers for due process. This week, Danièle speaks with Robert Lively about how a person became a Viking lawyer, what the process was for solving disputes, and how fixing bad behaviour worked in th…

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Travel Australia - Planning A Big Lap - Q&A with Annette 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

This week’s episode is a little different—no guest, just Annette, answering the same Big Lap questions she usually asks others. You’ll get real, honest insights about planning, budgeting, finding hidden gems, and staying sane on the road. 👉 Topics covered include: Why setting a departure date is more powerful than you think Our approach to free cam…

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"Four-minute Showers" by Dawn McCormack 7:15

2M ago7:15

7:15

— “I cleaned it up, Mommy.” One small ocean of apple juice had been swabbed over the entire kitchen floor. Dawn McCormack, a former Spanish teacher, resides in Plainfield, Connecticut. She has been writing for many years. Short story credits include Columbus Single Scene and The Storyteller. While she is currently working on a middle-grade book, sh…

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"Not a Suitable Suitor" by Suzanne Cottrell 7:46

2M ago7:46

7:46

– “Can we keep one?” Mitzi barked, poked her nose through the fence, and sniffed her wooers. Suzanne Cottrell, a member of the Taste Life Twice Writers and NC Writers’ Network, lives with her husband in rural Granville County, NC. An outdoor enthusiast and retired teacher, she enjoys reading, writing, knitting, hiking, Pilates, and belly dancing. H…

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Ethics and Higher Education with Dr. Jonan Donaldson 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

In this episode, Eli Davis engages Dr. Jonan Donaldson in a deep and thoughtful discussion on the intersection of AI, ethics, and education. Dr. Donaldson, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, shares his views on how AI can augment human intelligence and transform learning. Topics covered include generative AI, complex…

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Elephants and Ivory with John Beusterien 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

Elephants were known throughout most of the medieval world, even if most people had never encountered one, themselves. In bestiaries, elephants are praised for their long memories, intelligence, and monogamy. And, of course, their ivory. This week, Danièle speaks with John Beusterien about elephants and ivory in medieval China and Spain, including …

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Off-Grid Travel in Australia with Bush and Bay 40:08

3M ago40:08

40:08

Sam and Wim from Bush and Bay join Annette to share their full-time off-grid travel journey across Australia. From ditching van life to discovering their ideal 4WD + camper setup, this episode is packed with honest insights into what really works on the Big Lap of Australia. They talk Starlink, water tanks, wild weather, and the myth of the “perfec…

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"Unseen Troubles" by Marcia J. Wick 8:05

2M ago8:05

8:05

– Nothing would deter us from enjoying our well-earned evening out. Ash-gray script swirled across the textured buff pages like hazy clouds crossing the sky at dusk. Marcia J. Wick is a blind, grey-haired grandmother, retired from a professional writing career. She writes freelance if it pays, for fun if not. Her work has appeared in the Motherwell…

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"If We Could Just Get Married" by Lorraine Martin Bennett 7:24

2M ago7:24

7:24

– “I drove your car off a mountain.” No mercy was given to two mostly broke kids trying to start two new careers and a new marriage. Lorraine Martin Bennett is a print, web and broadcast journalist from Murphy, North Carolina, who graduated with her high school journalism medal and received a scholarship to UNC Chapel Hill. Her reporting career inc…

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Royal Grief in Medieval Iberia with Nuria Silleras-Fernandez 56:45

3M ago56:45

56:45

For three medieval Iberian queens, grief - and the way they expressed it - had immense and far-reaching consequences. This week, Danièle speaks with Núria Silleras-Fernández about what grief and widowhood were "supposed" to look like, how grief and madness were thought to be intertwined with love, and how the grieving women in the famous Isabella t…

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Caravan Towing Weights Explained – With Brennan Raymakers From Know My Tow 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

Confused about caravan towing weights? In this must-listen episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette chats with Brennan Raymakers from Know My Tow to demystify GVM, GCM, ATM, tow ball weights, axle loads, and more. If you're planning a Big Lap of Australia, this episode is essential for understanding how to tow legally and safely. Plus, discover how Know M…

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"We Thought We Were Safe Here" by Beth Bixby Davis 7:42

2M ago7:42

7:42

– I felt the comfort of a giant hug, surrounded by these beautiful mountains. My heart is heavy for what others are going through. Beth Bixby Davis was born in Northern New York and moved to the Asheville area of North Carolina in the mid-1960’s where she reared her family, raised Arabian horses and had a 30-year career in nursing. Enjoying a hobby…

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"Operation New TV" by Lisa Williams Kline 7:18

3M ago7:18

7:18

– “Let’s do it ourselves.” I punched button after button, painstakingly input the titles of programs using that archaic alphabetical system and ended up in some endless inescapable loop. Lisa Williams Kline is the author of two award-winning novels for adults, Between the Sky and the Sea and Ladies’ Day, as well as an essay collection entitled The …

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Bridging the AI Gap with Zach Kinzler 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

In this episode, Eli Davis talks with Zach Kinzler, an AI educator and advocate. They discuss Kinzler's background, his work in integrating AI into education, and his experiences working with students globally, including in Africa. Kinzler shares insights into AI trends, misconceptions, and the importance of AI literacy. Additionally, the episode t…

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Mysterious Manuscripts with Garry Shaw 55:07

3M ago55:07

55:07

There are several famous examples of mysterious medieval writing, including the so-far unbreakable Voynich Manuscript. So, what secrets were medieval people trying to hide? And why? This week, Danièle speaks with Garry Shaw about who was encrypting their manuscripts, the codes they used, and the centuries of attempts to crack the Voynich Manuscript…