Best Handbell Podcasts (2025)

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Nordic Folktales of the Heart 35:00

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2M ago35:00

35:00

The heart has long been associated with heavy emotions, from joy to the deepest sorrow. Why is that? How long have humans even known there was this organ inside all of us? In this program we explore the history of what we believe about the heart and the many Nordic and English expressions that refer to the heart. Then we turn to Nordic folklore to …

1
The Ritual of St. Lucia then and Now with Stina Cowen 36:25

6M ago36:25

36:25

Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas said in his book, Rituals: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living, that rituals often have no physical result when performed. Instead, rituals are symbolic, and perform a very essential function in the roles of community building, cooperation, and trust. In this Nordic on Tap episode, we delve into the…

1
Making Joyful Music - The Handbell Choir 45:31

8M ago45:31

45:31

I remember when I first saw 7 people line up at a table, pick up two bells with each hand, and proceed to make music unlike anything I've heard before or since. Not a single one of them played the melody. They created the melody and chords by coordinated movements and exquisite timing. They played hymns, popular songs, you name it. And the sound of…

1
More than a hobby : A Celebration of Bellringing 29:41

10M ago29:41

29:41

In a fitting finale to the Fun with Bells Podcast, show host Cathy Booth gives the fondest of farewells by foraging through all 75 episodes, to figure out the answer to the second biggest question of our time - why do we ring? Cathy riffs on six themes using some of the most memorable quotes from the 163 amazing guests she has interviewed over the …

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Organisers 35:49

11M ago35:49

35:49

Want to know the secret to successfully setting up a competition-winning young ringers’ group while also securing the long-term future of ringing? Then listen up! In this episode, host Cathy Booth talks to Neil Jones, Jen Thomas, and Steph Runting from the Kent Young Ringers, who appear to have cracked the code! Recorded before the 2024 Ringing Wor…

1
Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration 22:53

12M ago22:53

22:53

In this delightful episode, host Cathy Booth chats with Martin Mansley, AKA Helen’s Dad, about his lifelong journey in ringing. Born into a ringing family, Martin attended his first practice at just six weeks old and has never looked back! This engaging episode explores a variety of topics, from the Devon Guild’s 150th anniversary celebrations to t…

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Members 25:38

1y ago25:38

25:38

In this lively and engaging episode, host Cathy Booth catches up with Kent young ringers Oscar, Lottie and Flo, and Flo’s mum, Hannah. Although young in years, the ringers have a wealth of experience to share, having already notched up numerous quarter peals and having several striking competitions under their belts. Their unique perspective also m…

1
Carolus Linnaeus: Names, Flowers, and Bananas 51:01

1y ago51:01

51:01

Did you know that the forbidden fruit in the Biblical Garden of Paradise, that tempted Adam and Eve, was once thought to be a banana instead of an apple? That’s why Carl Linnaeus gave it the scientific name, Musa paradasiaca. Who was this fellow anyway, the Swedish botanist and doctor whose concept of naming living things and grouping them by simil…

1
ART Conference 2024: Building Communities 21:41

1+ y ago21:41

21:41

It’s time to catch up with part two of the wide-ranging conversation on the future of ringing hosted by Cathy Booth at the recent Art Conference. Just like part one, the panel of Tina Stoecklin, Andrew Slade and Max Drinkwater don’t hold back from tackling the tricky questions! What does the CCCBR do for ringers? How can associations work with Dioc…

1
Wealth, Greed, and Responsibility in Nordic Folktales 49:33

1+ y ago49:33

49:33

In this podcast we listen to the tales “Big Peter and Little Peter” from Norway and “The Merchant” from Denmark. We talk about how greedy people may acquire riches and become quite wealthy. Then there are wealthy people who come to be rich through hard work and dealing fairly with others. We look at how these folktales differentiate between wealth …

1
ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

Who better to quiz about the future of ringing than the President of the CCCBR, the chair of the Association of Ringing Teachers, and an ordained ringer and co-author of a book about ringing and the church? Show host Cathy Booth puts this esteemed panel through its paces, posing some vital questions on what needs to happen to keep change ringing al…

1
Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home 35:45

1+ y ago35:45

35:45

‘Unique’ is often overused as a word, but host Cathy Booth’s guests on this wonderful episode, John, and Debbie, can certainly claim it for their ringing experience. That’s because they ring at St Thomas’s Church, Kilifi in Kenya which is one of the remotest rings of bells in the world, with the nearest bells hung for change ringing being at Harare…

1
Discover Your Bell Ringing History! 40:26

1+ y ago40:26

40:26

Why do you ring in a gallery? Who were the ringers whose names are on the peal boards behind you? Where can you find an example of an art deco ringing association certificate? Host Cathy Booth quizzes knowledgeable guests Chris Ridley and Gareth Davies about the amazing range of historical sources at your fingertips to help answer these questions a…

1
Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary 36:19

1+ y ago36:19

36:19

In this special fifth anniversary episode, the Fun with Bells Podcast celebrates by turning the tables on host and producer Cathy Booth, as she takes her turn on the other end of the microphone and is grilled by team member Emily Roderick. Emily digs into the background to the podcast, its aims, and the entire podcast process from idea to launch. T…

1
Norwegian Society and the Laws of Jante 42:05

1+ y ago42:05

42:05

Nordic society seems to be governed by a set of unspoken rules on how to behave around others. These rules or "laws" were first articulated by the Danish author, Aksel Sandemose in a novel that described life in a fictional town called Jante, ruled by a set of ten laws. The laws dictated that no one was to be boastful, to think they are more specia…

1
David Smith: A Bell Ringing Tutor’s Uplifting Global Perspective 35:42

1+ y ago35:42

35:42

In this episode, David Smith makes a much-welcome return to the podcast for another conversation with host Cathy Booth that’s brimming with insight. Find out about about the differences between ringing associations in the UK and those in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. With David’s global ringing teaching experience there are plenty of …

1
Nordic Noir: Dr. Jerry Holt on Crime Fiction in Bergen 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Join us for a journey into Nordic crime fiction or noir with Dr. Jerry Holt as our guide. Fiction has the ability to transport us into worlds, cultures, geography, and the thoughts of heroes and villains that non-fiction just can't touch. And we are changed by those stories. At a time when we are home-bound due to social distancing, catching up on …

1
The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession 38:04

2y ago38:04

38:04

This episode sees host Cathy Booth catching up with three Ring for King recruits to find out what their first year of ringing has been like. And what a year it’s been! Jessica, Lindsey and Andy have notched up an amazing collection of ‘firsts’ since starting their ringing adventure. First tower tour, first wedding ringing, first quarter peal and fi…

1
Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway 50:36

2y ago50:36

50:36

The debate around ringing and music is taken to an entirely new level in this fascinating conversation between show host Cathy Booth and composer Helen Ottaway. Deeply inspired by the sound of bells, Helen’s passion for this shared soundscape has led from the creation of individual musical works to an entire bell-inspired festival! It’s amazing to …

1
How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton 36:09

2y ago36:09

36:09

Show host Cathy Booth aims high this month in conversation with accomplished ringer and leading light Linda Garton. Linda strongly believes that “success breeds success” and, as you’ll hear, this is amply illustrated in both her own ringing career and the winning bands that her leadership has inspired. So muster your motivation, make a plan and put…

1
The Rosemaled Church and the Journey to Belong 45:07

2y ago45:07

45:07

An ocean-going ship has long been a metaphor for a journey, literal or spiritual, and model ships are still found in some Scandinavian Churches today. It was on a tall ship that immigrants from Scandinavia came to America, carrying their prized possessions in storage trunks, adorned with colorful flowers and vines - an art form called rosemaling. I…

1
Ringing Success: Church History, Fundraising, and Band Building in Nevern 26:30

2y ago26:30

26:30

How many bells are enough? Six, eight, ten? As show host Cathy Booth discovers from Peter Heard, once the offers of help and support came rolling in to Nevern Restoration Project, it was easy for their ambitious plan to grow and grow! There’s something for everyone in this engaging episode, whatever your interests. Church history, restoration proje…

1
Seattle’s Scandinavian Hour Radio Show 40:41

2y ago40:41

40:41

In 1959, twenty-year-old Doug Warne and Ron Olsen agreed to produce the Scandinavian Hour, in order to keep this cherished radio program going. Olsen chose the music and Doug handled the guest list and sold the advertising. Thus began this remarkable story lasting for 48 years, and when Olsen passed away in 2008, Warne continued on himself. But in …

1
100 Amazing Tips for Bell Ringers on How to Use Social Media 50:20

2y ago50:20

50:20

Terrified of Twitter, hesitant about hashtags, tentative about TikTok? This practical podcast sees host Cathy Booth take a closer look at social media and how ringers can make the most of it, whether it’s to recruit new ringers, keep the neighbours engaged or impress other towers with what you’re up to. And if it’s tips you’re after, this podcast d…

1
From Virtual to Tower: Wensleydale Ringers' Ringing Room Success 30:18

2y ago30:18

30:18

What, if anything, is worth keeping from the COVID lockdown period? Well definitely the Wensleydale Clusters online ringing course! Host Cathy Booth hears from ART award winners David Scrutton and Jonathan Couchman, who tell the story behind their successful recruitment scheme, now in its third year. In just five hours of online learning and practi…

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Relating to Fjord Horses: Rory and Kristin Miller 51:08

2+ y ago51:08

51:08

The Norwegian fjord horse or fjording is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated horses known from 4000 years ago. "Fjords" are masters the mountainous terrain on farms in Norway - surefooted, and pound for pound, the strongest breed of horse in the world. In this podcast, we meet Rory and Kristin Miller of Strawberry Hills Fjords in Chehalis, Was…

1
A Life Well Rung: An Interview with the Brilliant Phil Gay 32:15

2+ y ago32:15

32:15

Is Phil Gay a typical ringer, an atypical ringer or just total legend? Show host Cathy finds out as she delves into a ringing life very well lived. From inventing a mobile belfry, developing the Keele Ringing Summer School, teaching his family to ring and hanging his own mini-ring in his garage to notching up 1000 peals, Phil has made a massive con…

1
Nordic Folktale Water Creatures 38:44

2+ y ago38:44

38:44

Have you ever looked out over a lake at night, wondering if that splash you heard was something to worry about? Or the shriek and moan of the wind during a storm on the coast? Nordic folk have long had explanations for unexplainable things through folktales of strange and sometimes creepy supernatural creatures. In this podcast we look at the folkt…

1
Connecting with Your Bell: How to Unlock Your Ringing Potential 29:50

2+ y ago29:50

29:50

Struggling to strike in the right place? Anxious about unpredictable sallies? Getting no satisfaction from your ringing? You’ve come to the right podcast! Ace ringing teachers, Ruth Suggett, Judith Frye and Greg Russell, talk host Cathy Booth through the most common bell handling problems and, more importantly, how to solve them. From slow hand tra…

1
Inside The Media Blitz: What Might Ringing be Like in 2030? 25:31

2+ y ago25:31

25:31

In this second episode focusing on engaging the media, host Cathy Booth looks at two sides of one ‘Ring for the King’ interview by talking to broadcast journalist Tim O’Callaghan and Simon Linford, President of the CCCBR. Cathy learns that it’s hard to set the news agenda so if the media pick up on your story, you’ll need to act fast. And once a ne…

1
Navigating the News: Taking Bell Ringing to a Wider Audience 36:39

2+ y ago36:39

36:39

This episode is jam-packed with practical tips as host Cathy Booth, with the help of three engaging guests, explores how to get positive bell ringing stories into the media. First off, ringers Matthew Butler and Kate Flavell talk Cathy through their experiences of making the news - either after being contacted by local radio, TV and the press, or t…

1
From Beginner to Bell Ringer: Some Useful Tips 9:54

2+ y ago9:54

9:54

Ever wondered what it’s like to learn how to ring church bells? Podcast host Cathy Booth catches up with both learners in Winchester and teachers at the Association of Ringing Teacher’s conference to find out. It’s clear that all the beginner ringers love the challenge of learning, especially enjoying the feeling of being focused and in the present…

1
Emily brings bell ringing to the art world 37:33

2+ y ago37:33

37:33

This thought-provoking episode sees host Cathy Booth catch up with Emily Roderick, who after volunteering to support the podcast now finds herself featuring in it! One of the age-old questions that ringers rarely agree on is ‘what exactly is ringing?’ - is it a sport, is it music, or is it art? Ringer and artist Emily is currently exploring ringing…

1
Ringing in the Ears: Navigating Sound in the Bell Tower 41:39

2+ y ago41:39

41:39

Are your bells too loud, or too quiet? Could some simple tips help your hard-of-hearing ringers to cope better in the tower? This podcast sees host Cathy Booth and guests explore the fascinating world of sound. First, Alison and Chris share their experiences of ringing whilst using hearing aids, and come up with some terrific tips to make life easi…

1
The National Aquarium in Bergen, Norway 40:41

2+ y ago40:41

40:41

The Seattle Aquarium is expanding to include sharks from Indonesia. Is this for the entertainment value or is there an educational component as well? What is the role of aquariums regarding public education, anyway? Is it to appreciate and have empathy for the fish, otters, seals, penguins, etc. or motivate conservation and sustainable behavior? At…

1
Beasts in the belfy 28:50

2+ y ago28:50

28:50

No, we’re not talking about tyrannical tower captains, caustic conductors or belligerent tenor ringers here, but the wide and wonderful variety of wildlife that ringers and steeple keepers share their bell towers with. David Bagley fascinates host Cathy Booth with descriptions and anecdotes of both welcome and unwelcome species, and advises on how …

1
Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 2 23:56

3y ago23:56

23:56

This second sojourn into ringing in redundant churches sees show host Cathy Booth discovering two more exciting projects where ringers have joined forces with the Churches Conservation Trust. When someone suggests you take the keys and check on the bells in a redundant church, big things can happen. Such an invitation proved inspiring to Andy Cope …

1
The Lur and Prillar Guri with Dr. Joan Paddock 46:39

3y ago46:39

46:39

The lur is one of the great folk instruments of Scandinavia and was traditionally used by women at mountain farms, or sæters, in the summertime to gather the herds of cows, sheep, or goats. Less well known is the role of the lur in the story of Prillar Guri, who saved Norway from invaders at the Battle of Kringen in August of 1612. Join me as I int…

1
Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 1 25:57

3y ago25:57

25:57

What do you get when you cross The Churches Conservation Trust with bell ringers? Show host Cathy Booth finds out, in the first of two special episodes. In this month’s show, Cathy meets Neil Skelton, David Bagley and Neil Dodge to discover what exciting projects can develop when ringers get involved in supporting historic places of worship. From r…

1
What Ringers wear 41:00

3y ago41:00

41:00

This episode sees host Cathy Booth explore the question of what ringers wear. You may or may not be surprised to hear that the answer is not bell-bottom jeans. Guests Deb, Alex, Elizabeth and Michaela touch on history, safety and decorum as they share experiences, research and anecdotes on what to wear, or more importantly what not to wear! At time…

1
Heyerdahl and the Scientific Community 42:19

3y ago42:19

42:19

The celebrated hero who sailed the Kon-Tiki across the Pacific, wrote several best-selling books, who inspired a whole generation of archeologists is one of Norway's most public figures. But Heyerdahl's ideas about Polynesian migration (among others) were not embraced by the scientific community and we set off to understand why. Was Heyerdahl a "fr…

1
Two Folktales in Norwegian and English 25:23

3y ago25:23

25:23

Have you ever wondered what Norwegian folktales sound like in Norwegian, as they were written in the late 1800s by Asbjørnson and Moe? Join us for this telling of the classic De Tre Bukene Bruse or The Three Billy Boats Gruff and Småguttene Som Traff Trollene i Hedalskogen or The Boys Who Met the Trolls in Hedal Woods, in both Norwegian and English…

1
Ruthi Winter and the Winter Band 47:11

3y ago47:11

47:11

In 1923, a young Norwegian named Peter Sundness emigrated to the Seattle Area and, after several years, brought his wife and children over too. Pete’s daughter Ruthi Sundness Winter, later born in Seattle, fondly remembers playing Scandinavian music together with her family, a tradition that has continued after marrying Mike Winter, whose own famil…

1
Social media competition 1:24

3y ago1:24

1:24

This month instead of a podcast episode, we are launching a social media competition. The podcast will be back in the Autumn. For more details about the competition, go to funwithbells.com/competition. Podcast team: Anne Tansley Thomas Emily Roderick John Gwynne Emily Watts Cathy Booth Ringing by: The Cambridge Youths (supplied by David Richards) a…

1
Laura Loge: Grieg, Ibsen, and Solveig’s Song 40:45

3+ y ago40:45

40:45

Laura Loge, Nordic operatic soprano. Edvard Grieg, Norway's greatest composer. Henrik Ibsen, Norway's greatest playwright. A trio that comes together through Ibsen's play, Peer Gynt, and Grieg's incidental music for that play. Laura sings the role of Gynt's long and abiding love, Solveig. Join us as we learn how Laura first sang Solveig's song at t…

1
ART's new Avanced Call Change Scheme 27:17

3+ y ago27:17

27:17

Hot on the heels of the launch of the new Learning the Ropes Advanced Call Change Scheme, show host Cathy Booth chats with four call change aficionados. Clare, Dee, John and Ian are all delighted to see the new scheme in place and look forward to the huge benefits it will bring. With the focus on good listening and bell control, the scheme aims to …

1
Folk Accordions - Birgit and Phil Ages 35:36

3+ y ago35:36

35:36

Perhaps the most portable instrument in the world that can play almost any musical genre is the accordion. As a “free reed instrument” how does it really work? And there are many kinds including the concertina, torader, and piano accordion. Join us as we meet Birgit and Phil Ages from the Seattle Area who explain how accordions work, show what a ma…

1
The Parade Troll 24:03

3+ y ago24:03

24:03

Every year before the pandemic, the Bothell Sons of Norway lodge members marched in Seattle's 17th of May Parade, as well as Bothell's Fourth of July Parade. In addition to a Viking ship float and a convertible sports car with the princess waving from the back, is a 7 foot tall, imposing, ugly, but goofy troll. This elaborate costume was created by…

1
Reviving ringing on the Lizard 37:44

3+ y ago37:44

37:44

What should you do if the number of ringers is falling, your towers are in dire straits, and you need emergency measures to give ringing any kind of future in your area? This was the problem faced in the Lizard in Cornwall prior to COVID lockdown, and in this episode, podcast host Cathy Booth talks to the team who, against all the odds, have turned…

1
A Coat Dyed Black and the Norwegian Resistance - Don ”Jerry” Pugnetti Jr. 36:13

3+ y ago36:13

36:13

Don "Jerry" Pugnetti Jr, a long-time journalist, has written a fictional account of a Norwegian man and his compatriots who join the Norwegian Resistance during World War II. Jerry based the book on real stories he collected from his won relatives who were there in the early 1940s, and in the Resistance themselves. In this podcast we interview Jerr…