Best Dulcimer Podcasts (2025)

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Jordan Lee - Music Industry Woes & Underground Frog-well Shows 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

This week I continue my journey through NYC with Indie-folk artist Jordan Lee (Mutual Benefit). In the episode we discuss his career in the industry, the musical community of New York City and gigs in some unusual spaces.By rootnotespod

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Ted Riederer - Never Records 46:04

3M ago46:04

46:04

This episode, I'm in NYC chatting to the artist and founder of the community art installation - Never Records. We chat about some of the recordings he's done over the world with this, immortalizing moments in time - recording anything from skate parks, to orchestras to eulogies - giving an honest representation in sound of the life that fills the s…

1
Mario Perez - String Quartets, Metal Bands & Dulcimer Players 48:12

3M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, Rachel chats to sound engineer Mario Perez about the wide range of scenes in NYC, including the indie sleaze revival, hip-hop and inclusive queer country. We chat about his time playing with Trophy Wife, the role NYC plays as a hub for people all over the country as a place for community, opportunity and acceptance, and some great …

1
Larry Jaffee - Eastenders and Biodegradable Vinyl 46:04

4M ago46:04

46:04

Another US epi - this time I'm in Manhattan chatting to music journalist and vinyl expert Larry Jaffee! We have a chat about living in and being involved with the NYC music scene from the 1970's to now, meeting Paul McCartney, chatting about his book 'Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century', his new project 'Thermal Beet…

1
Ronnie Lanzilotta - Banjo Shredding 59:29

4M ago59:29

59:29

It's 2025 and on to pastures new! In this episode I've landed in New York and starting off this leg of the American invasion is musician supreme Ronnie Lanzilotta. We talk about his journey in to music and the scene in Brooklyn.By rootnotespod

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Dennis 'The Menace' Scheyer - Big LA Legend, Brucey Getting Booed & Making More Rad Shit 42:23

4M ago42:23

42:23

Goodbye LAAAAA In this final epi of the Los Angeles leg of the journey, I chat to Dennis 'The Menace' Scheyer about his life-long career in music & advertising, including all the amazing stuff he's done at Radio Malibu & PopCult, how the industry has and hasn't changed over the course of his life, about Bruce Springsteen getting booed (whuuut), and…

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Vinyl Williams - Vagina Venues, UFO Sightings & A Life In Music 1:03:16

5M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

In this episode, Rach has a captivating chat with the big legend neo-psychedelic LA based artist - Vinyl Williams. In the episode, we chat about going to watch the Beach Boys in Griffith Park, Vinyl's journey through his career - through his amazing music background with family members playing for Toto and Air Supply, being a founding member of Non…

1
Eden (Junior High, Los Angeles) - Creating Safe Spaces for QTBIPOC artists 53:55

5M ago53:55

53:55

In our latest episode, Rach catches up with Eden who Programs and Manages Junior High in Los Angeles. Junior High is an incredible community arts space which hosts a variety of activities such as songwriting groups, sewing workshops & figure drawing. Eden shared how they got involved with junior High and how they've built such a strong community in…

1
Chris Geller - Black Flag, Swifty Tribute Bands and Everything In-between 58:37

5M ago58:37

58:37

LA strikes again :) on this episode of Root Notes. I sit down with the incredible drummer, engineer and MD, Chris Geller. We dive into his journey in music—from how he got started to what inspired his moves to New York and LA, and the yin and yang of the two cities. Chris has worked with everyone from indie artists like pronoun, to legends like Bla…

1
David Bason - Making Rad Shit! 51:21

6M ago51:21

51:21

The Root Notes road trip continues! In this episode, I speak with music industry legend David Bason as he reflects on his time with RCA, Roadrunner and the value of community in the industry. David discusses his work with several iconic artists, a valuable life lesson he learned in Abu Dhabi and rad shows in back yard venues.…

1
Episode 726 - "Melodic Cadence Exercise 2"

6M ago

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Direct Download Going the next step, Bing writes a longer, more complex melody using open and closed cadences, demonstrating how to play “keep away” with the key. Download the exercise material from: https://www.patreon.com/posts/115503512 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consi…

1
Jean-Luc Eldenwood - Root Notes Goes to America! 44:36

6M ago44:36

44:36

Root Notes goes State-side! First leg of the journey into the American dream - I have a wonderful insightful chat with the Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Jean-Luc Eldenwood. We chat about the scene he's built in Los Angeles, Joni Mitchell, re-living high school through Zebulon and the magical world of music his work comes from.…

1
Episode 725 - Harmonic Cadence Exercise

6M ago

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Direct Download Bing takes the melody from the last episode and harmonizes it using cadences, while also going a step further into song arranging options. Download the exercise resources at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/115095568 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider suppo…

1
Episode 724 - "Melodic Cadence Exercise"

6M ago

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Direct Download Bing demonstrates the use of melodic cadences with the beginnings of a tune on the mountain dulcimer. Download the exercise from this episode for free at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/114658415 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by…

1
Episode 723 - "

7M ago

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Direct Download The finale, and encore, from Bing's set at the Old Jail in Statesville, North Carolina for Piedmont Folkways, presented by the Iredell Arts Council. After ending his set with “Don't Stop Believing”, Bing performs “My Heart Will Go On”, using the guitar synthesizer to add live strings. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments,…

1
Jeff Thompson - Bringing Together The Music Industry & Swifties 54:06

7M ago54:06

54:06

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Thompson, co-founder of Un-Convention, a global network and development agency, member of the Greater Manchester Music Commission, and lecturer at BIMM University. We chat about Un-Convention, Swifties, how the internet has transformed the music industry, the benefits of grassroots venues in Manchester, the city's…

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Episode 722 - "Understanding Cadences"

7M ago

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Direct Download Bing describes and demonstrates four types of musical cadences for tune writing, using melodies and harmonies on the mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Nashville barber prioritizes compassion during 37 years in business 16:00

7M ago16:00

16:00

Send us a text The Nashville cottage that houses the Family Barber Shop is constantly buzzing as 63-year-old Patty Stelmaszak adds the finishing touches for a continuous stream of customers. The barber’s cheerful energy keeps her stepping on and off a wooden wine crate she brought from her first shop in San Diego’s Ocean Beach. Her business model i…

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Episode 721 - "Going to Winfield Pt. 2"

7M ago

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Direct Download Bing and Abby the Spoon Lady get after some “Old Joe Clark” at the 52nd Walnut Valley Festival after they perform onstage during the fest. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

1
Episode 720 - "Going To Winfield Pt. 1"

7M ago

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Direct Download Bing arrives in Winfield, Kansas for the 52nd Walnut Valley Festival and immediately dives into the music, and the lifestyle. Features a premiere performance of “Going To Winfield”, with Kara Barnard and Troy Johnson. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider su…

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Episode 719 - "Beginning Rhythms"

7M ago

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Direct Download An excerpt from the September session of The Ionian Institute, a free monthly online workshop available through Bing Futch's Patreon (which is free to join at www.Patreon.com/BingFutch Basic note durations are covered, along with a special practice cadence for developing your strum. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V…

1
Episode 718 - "U2 Can Play U2"

8M ago

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Direct Download Garryowen Irish Pub co- owner Joanne McCready captured this cel phone footage of Bing jamming U2's “With Or Without You” on mountain dulcimer with Gerry Muldoon, a longtime friend of Kevin McCready's from Ireland, on cajon. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consi…

1
Episode 717 - "Melody and Chord Exercise"

8M ago

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Direct Download Back home from summer tour, Bing shares a mountain dulcimer exercise that he taught over the summer using melodies and chords. The basic chord shapes in DAD are covered, and “I Think We're Alone Now” makes a cameo. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider suppo…

1
Some People Call Him The Space Cowboy 1:46:04

8M ago1:46:04

1:46:04

Mark and Iain welcome Kev F Sutherland for a chance to chat about Robert Holmes' 'The Space Pirates'. Kev recommends The Rest Is Entertainment Mark recommends Twin Peaks Iain recommends Knife by Salman Rushdie

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Episode 716 - "Hallelujah"

8M ago

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Direct Download Bing's encore from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “Hallelujah” on mountain dulcimer. Bob Warner, owner of Bob's Barn Jams, also makes an appearance. Check out Bob's YouTube Channel at: youtube.com/BobWarnerBarn Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodwo…

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Episode 715 - "John Henry"

8M ago

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Direct Download Bing's actual opening song from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “The Ballad of John Henry” on mountain dulcimer. This month's episodes have all been from the livestream recording. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Cons…

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Episode 714 - "Promentory (LIVE!)"

9M ago

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Direct Download Bing's closing number from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “Promentory” from “The Last of the Mohicans” with mountain dulcimer and looper. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a…

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Magic of theater carries actor through decades from Spider-Man to indie films 30:00

9M ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text Jerry Colpitts began acting as a child, when he and his sister created skits in the kitchen, singing, dancing and doing mime. When the family moved to a new town their mother entered them in a talent contest - and they won. The thrill of the stage created a lifelong love of acting. As Colpitts nears his 70th birthday, he’s finding co…

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Episode 713 - "Birds of a Feather (LIVE)"

9M ago

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Direct Download More from the Bob's Barn Jamborees show in Lake Odessa, Michigan, on July 11th. Bing performs his original song, “Birds of a Feather”, on mountain dulcimer. Natch! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 712 - "3 Original Blues"

9M ago

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Direct Download On July 11th at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan, Bing performs three original blues songs; "The Flip Side", "That's What You Done To Me", and "Red Headed Lover." Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

1
Time To Put Your Big Boy Pants On 1:33:04

9M ago1:33:04

1:33:04

Iain and Mark welcome the musical maestro Andy Moore for a foam party as they tackle the slippery subject of The Seeds Of Death. Mark recommends Criminal Record Iain recommends Pandora's Box by Peter Biskind Andy recommends Deadloch

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Episode 711 - "West Michigan Trek"

9M ago

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Direct Download Picking up where the last episode left off, Bing continues a grand circle tour of Michigan state, including the Grand Traverse Bay, before winding up in Lake Odessa at Bob's Barn Jamborees for M.O.D.E. Workshops and a concert. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Co…

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Episode 710 - "Travels With Bing"

10M ago

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Direct Download From a house concert in Columbus, Ohio to Mackinac Island, Michigan, this episode takes a look at Bing's adventures on summer tour in the first part of July. Includes a live rendition of “Hallelujah” and “Can't Help Falling In Love”. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimeri…

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Episode 709 - "Mountain Dulcimer Museum Tour"

10M ago

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Direct Download From Sharonville, Ohio, Bing takes us inside the American Folk Music School & National Mountain Dulcimer Museum with director Vickey Sasser. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 708 - "KMW Through the Lens"

10M ago

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Direct Download Bing offers a brief glimpse into his time at Kentucky Music Week through video and music, including a performance of “ADHD Blues” on mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 707 - "Groovy Cabbage"

10M ago

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Direct Download Back at White Acres Campground, Bing brings some of his teachings from Kentucky Music Week in an episode focused on rhythms and strum-building for songs. A demo of a 3-measure cadence for muscle memory, the palm mute, and turning drums into strums gets applied to “Boil Dem Cabbage Down” Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instrument…

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Episode 706 - "Mountain Dulcimer Quick-Start"

11M ago

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Direct Download Bing takes a no-frills approach to getting started with mountain dulcimer. Here he demonstrates how to 1) figure out tunes you know, 2) make up your own tunes, 3) noodle around, all after a quick tutorial on how to play the drone melody style. A great beginners resource, or for the passing curious. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraf…

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Invasion Of The Space Brummies 2:03:22

11M ago2:03:22

2:03:22

Iain and Mark welcome those two cheeky scamps Doc Whom and Mark John from Diddly Dum to discuss Robert Holmes' debut story The Krotons. Mark and Doc recommend: To Serve Them All My Days The Sweeney and The Slough House series by Mick Herron Iain recommends Turn The Lights Back On by Billy Joel Mark recommends The Traitors…

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Episode 705 - "The DulciVox Pro"

11M ago

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Direct Download Bing arrives at Folkcraft Instruments in Woodburn, Indiana, and gets a behind-the-scenes look at production of the new DulciVox mountain dulcimers. He also takes his new DulciVox Pro for a test-drive through some fiddle tunes, O'Carolan, and Meatloaf. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking…

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Episode 704 - "New Tune: 'Gebhard'"

11M ago

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Direct Download Arriving at his first tour stop, Bing writes a new tune inspired by the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer & Traditional Music Festival, taking place this weekend at Goold Park in Morris, Illinois (That's June 8th and 9th for you in the present.) Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimer…

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Episode 703 - “One Last Bit of New Jam Book!”

11M ago

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Direct Download One last bit of music from Mountain Dulcimer in the Band (Book 8) featuring a walk-through of “Hard Times” by Stephen Foster and some fancy interlude chords. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 702 - "Even More New Jam Book!"

11M ago

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Direct Download Another snippet of the May 8th edition of Mountain Dulcimer in the JAM!, a monthly online workshop/jam sprung from the pages of the tune-and-backing-track series, Mountain Dulcimer in the Band. Today's episode features “Wild Mountain Thyme” in the style of Dire Straits! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wo…

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The Hammered Dulcimer 1:40:55

11M ago1:40:55

1:40:55

Mark and Iain are joined by their old chum Harry Whitley for a look back at Derrick Sherwin's 'The Invasion'. Harry's YouTube Channel Who Can Convince You? John Wetton: An Extraordinary Life McMillan Local Iain recommends 'Politics On The Edge' by Rory Stewart Harry recommends 'The Age Of Plastic' by The Buggles Mark recommends 'Ghosts'…

1
Over My Dead Karkus 1:08:56

1y ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Iain and Mark are joined by the Über talented Lee Shackleford from Discussing Who for a chat about Peter Ling's 'The Mind Robber'. Mark recommends 'Holly' by Stephen King Iain recommends 'The Amazing Adventures Of Kavalier & Clay' by Michael Chabon Lee recommends 'Relativity'

1
The Kashmir Tandoori 1:39:39

1y ago1:39:39

1:39:39

We're back with Season 6! Mark and Iain are joined by national treasure Tim from The Missing Episodes Podcast for a fun discussion about 'The Dominators'. Tim on Twitter Iain recommends 'Perhaps' by Guns 'N' Roses Mark recommends 'Nick Drake: The Life' by Richard Morton Jack 'Who Gives A Flux' 'Who's He?' 'A Hamster With A Blunt Penknife' Tim recom…

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Kentucky dulcimer artist adds online school to traditional music festivals 30:00

1y ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text Nancy Barker took piano lessons as young girl and says, "I absolutely hated it. But I could sing." She discovered her path in music when a high school boyfriend gave her a guitar for her birthday. She loved guitar and taught herself to play. For her next birthday that boyfriend gave her a dulcimer. That was her next heartfelt connect…

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Quaker minister guiding second tiny house village for homeless young adults 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text Sally Hindman was expected to be a debutante. She nixed that idea when she was a junior in high school. She told her mother she didn't want to be presented to society. Her chosen path veered dramatically away from her childhood in a wealthy Chicago suburb. One defining experience was when Hindman was six years old and the family clea…

1
Upscares Downscares 1:05:11

1+ y ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Mark and Iain are joined by Seonaid and Caroline from My Adventure In Space and Time for a festive chat about Robert Shearman's classic Christmas tale 'The Chimes Of Midnight'. Seonaid recommends Buffy The Vampire Slayer (see also Joe and Martyn's podcast 'Bite Me') Caroline recommends 'Blackadder's Christmas Carol' and 'The Muppets Christmas Carol…

1
Bonus Episode: Season 5 Retrospective 57:05

1+ y ago57:05

57:05

Iain and Mark retire to The Obverse Book circa 1976 to reminisce about the journey through season five. Which story will be the top of the pops? And which will get the wooden spoon?

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Sexual Air Supply 1:20:10

1+ y ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Mark and Iain are joined by the award winning Dylan Rees from Doctor Who: Too Hot For TV for a chat about The Wheel In Space. Dylan recommends The War Of The Worlds Mark recommends Taskmaster

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