Best Isles of Scilly Podcasts (2025)

1
The Isles of Scilly and the 350-Year War 15:10

27d ago15:10

15:10

Located off the tip of Cornwall, England, lies a small group of islands known as the Isles of Scilly. If you’ve never heard of the Isles of Scilly before, you probably just chuckled when you heard the name. If you have heard of them, you know that they comprise the extreme southwest point of the United Kingdom and are the warmest part of the countr…

1
Marco Polo 15:47

5h ago15:47

15:47

In the 13th century, the Republic of Venice was one of the leading merchant empires in Europe. The merchants from Venice traveled far and wide in pursuit of profit. A few of them, however, traveled very far. A small group of men from the same family made the extremely long and dangerous voyage to China during the reign of the Mongol Empire. The res…

1
Let's Talk Public Transport in Cornwall | The Advocacy Fellows #13 7:43

24h ago7:43

7:43

Welcome back to The Advocacy Fellows Podcast – where young adults with learning disabilities speak up, share stories and inspire change. In this episode, we explore public transport in Cornwall and how a lack of access can seriously affect people living in rural communities. From missing bus services to long travel times and inaccessible routes, ou…

1
The Bataan Death March 15:59

1d ago15:59

15:59

On December 8, 1941, as the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor, they were simultaneously attacking other Allied positions around Asia. One of the biggest attacks was on Manila and the Philippines and the Filipino and American forces on the island of Luzon. Filipino and American forces ended up surrendering, which began one of the most brutal and ho…

1
Bonds and the Bond Market 17:02

2d ago17:02

17:02

One of the most important markets in the global economy is the bond market. The bond market doesn’t get as much attention as the market for stocks. Yet, the global market for bonds is actually larger than the total value of all publicly traded stocks. Moreover, bond markets have the power to influence policy and possibly even topple governments. Le…

1
A History of Memorial Day (Redux) 15:15

3d ago15:15

15:15

Every year, on the last Monday in May, the United States honors its war dead. It is often celebrated with parades, cookouts, and ceremonies at military cemeteries. While many people just think of it as a three-day weekend and the beginning of summer, it is a tradition that extends back over 160 years. From its 19th-century origins, its path to beco…

1
You Might Enjoy: The Best Idea Yet 9:23

3d ago9:23

9:23

Ever wondered how Birkenstocks went from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Or who created that bottle of Sriracha that is permanently living in your fridge? Did you know that Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever than…

1
The Moons of Jupiter 17:08

4d ago17:08

17:08

In 1610, a European astronomer used a new invention called the telescope to observe the planet Jupiter. What he found revolutionized the science of astronomy and our entire understanding of the universe. Galileo also observed Jupiter that same year. The observation of Jupiter led to the discovery of the first objects in the solar system since antiq…

1
The First and Second Banks of the United States 17:31

5d ago17:31

17:31

After the American Revolution, the United States economy was in trouble. One solution proposed to solve the crisis was the establishment of a national bank. The bank wasn’t just an economic issue; it also sparked one of the first constitutional debates in the nation’s history. Fast-forward several decades, and the United States found itself debatin…

1
How Much Did Rome and Sub-Saharan Africa Know About Each Other? 16:13

6d ago16:13

16:13

The Romans were familiar with Africa. At one point, they controlled everything on the north coast of Africa from Morocco to Egypt. However, below their African territories was the vast Sahara Desert, which was extremely difficult to cross. For all practical purposes, it served as a permeable barrier between the people above and below the desert. As…

1
The Channel Tunnel 15:55

7d ago15:55

15:55

For centuries, the English Channel served as a moat that kept the conflicts of Continental Europe away from the island of Great Britain. While it served as a barrier for armies, it also served as a hindrance to commerce. The movement of goods and people across the English Channel was much more difficult than he small distance that had to be crossed…

1
The History of Salt (Encore) 15:59

8d ago15:59

15:59

One of the most important substances throughout world history has been salt. Salt might seem mundane, but it is actually necessary for the functioning of life. For millennia, Salt has been used as a preservative, a seasoning, and even a medium of exchange. Salt is one of the universal things that has remained the same throughout history and everywh…

1
"Honest" Jack Sheppard 15:56

9d ago15:56

15:56

In early 18th-century London, a petty criminal became one of the most celebrated people in England. He wasn’t celebrated despite the fact that he was a criminal; he was celebrated because he was a criminal. The authorities didn’t share in the public’s enthusiasm. He was arrested several times, but he managed to escape custody each time. However, th…

1
Emperor Diocletian 16:29

10d ago16:29

16:29

In the middle of the Third Century, things were looking really bad for the Roman Empire. This period was marked by civil war, economic collapse, foreign invasions, and a rapid succession of emperors, often military usurpers, most of whom died violently. If things had gone just a little differently, we would have been talking about the collapse of t…

1
Comets 16:59

11d ago16:59

16:59

For thousands of years, people have looked into the night sky and seen something unusual. It was fuzzy, sometimes bright, and it wasn’t there before. It appeared out of nowhere and, after a few days or weeks, disappeared as mysteriously as it had appeared. When these events occurred, they were often interpreted as omens. Good or bad depending on wh…

1
Aircraft Carriers (Encore) 15:27

12d ago15:27

15:27

Aircraft carriers are some of the most fearsome weapons in the world. They are enormous platforms that can travel around the globe, projecting power over an enormous part of it. However, aircraft carriers have a rather humble origin that actually predates the invention of the airplane. Throughout the 20th century, they saw many innovations and adap…

1
1775: The Start of the American Revolution 16:04

13d ago16:04

16:04

If you were to ask most people what year they associate with the American Revolution, it would be 1776. That was the year that the Continental Congress declared Independence. However, 1776 wasn’t the start of the revolution, nor was it the end of the revolution. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the Declaration of Independence, it would have gone down…

1
The Norman Conquest 16:48

14d ago16:48

16:48

On October 14, 1066, England changed forever. Forces from Normandy, France, defeated the English King and changed life in England forever. It affected everyone from the aristocracy down to the commoners, and it even trickled down to the very language spoken in the country itself. In fact, the events of 1066 can still be seen and felt today. Learn m…

1
Alcatraz 16:30

15d ago16:30

16:30

Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay is one of the Bay Area’s most iconic landmarks: Alcatraz. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, with over a million visitors every year. Most people know of Alcatraz as a prison, yet it only served as a prison for a very short period of time. During its history, it has served mu…

1
Mental Health, Labels & Lived Experience | Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore #26 w/ Jerry Padfield 50:01

16d ago50:01

50:01

This episode of Discover Voices brings together Dr Theo Blackmore and Jerry Padfield for a deeply personal conversation about mental health, identity, and the evolving language we use to talk about lived experience. From being sectioned under the Mental Health Act to co-producing research that challenges and reshapes services, Jerry shares his powe…

1
The RMS Titanic 16:54

16d ago16:54

16:54

On April 15, 1912, one of the greatest disasters in modern nautical history took place. The RMS Titanic, one of the most celebrated ships of its era, struck an iceberg and sank on its inaugural voyage. While the story of the Titanic is well known, it has been exaggerated throughout the years, and there are many misconceptions about the ship and its…

1
Miyamoto Musashi (Encore) 13:51

17d ago13:51

13:51

In the early 17th century, Japan was witness to a samurai who was arguably its greatest warrior ever. He wasn’t just one of the greatest swordsmen in history; he was a philosopher, a writer, an artist, and, in contravention to the samurai code at the time, he was a vagabond. Today, he is considered a saint of Japanese martial arts, and he has been …

1
The Ancient Greek Olympics 15:27

18d ago15:27

15:27

Almost 3000 years ago, the Ancient Greeks established what was a unique method of honoring their gods: an athletic competition. Men from city states all over the Greek world would come to Mount Olympus to compete. For those crowned champion, there were few honors greater. Over the centuries, more and more competitions were added until one day, an e…

1
Dubrovnik 15:47

19d ago15:47

15:47

Located on the Adriatic Sea in the southernmost part of Croatia is the city of Dubrovnik. Founded in the 7th century, it rose in prominence and became one of the leading city-states in Europe. It was a major competitor with Venice in the region and had complicated relations with both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It was the site of one of the …

1
The Third Amendment 15:03

20d ago15:03

15:03

The Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution holds some of the most treasured rights held by Americans. This includes the rights of free speech, religion, assembly, due process, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and self incrimination. However, there are other parts to the bill of rights. Parts that don’t get quite…

1
Seed. Oils 16:35

21d ago16:35

16:35

Whether or not you are aware of it, in the last day, if you are anywhere near average, there is a very good chance that you have consumed seed oils. Seed oils are everywhere in the modern diet. They are contained in almost every processed food and a great many foods prepared at home and in restaurants. For one of the biggest components of the moder…

1
The Battle of Tours (Encore) 14:20

22d ago14:20

14:20

In the year 732, one of the most important battles in world history took place between the cities of Tours and Portier in France. On one side was an unstoppable juggernaut that had amassed one of the largest empires in world history in less than a century. On the other side was a vastly outnumbered force that lacked the primary weapon of the era, h…

1
A Journey to the Center of the Earth 16:16

23d ago16:16

16:16

No matter where you are on Earth right now, there is approximately 6,400 kilometers or 4,000 miles of rock beneath your feet. All of that rock isn’t the same. There exist different layers below the surface that have different properties and different compositions. There is even a layer near the center of the Earth where the rock isn’t even a solid,…

1
Triple Crowns and Grand Slams 15:40

24d ago15:40

15:40

Many different sports have a concept of a triple crown or a grand slam. What it is defined as differs from sport to sport, but what they all have in common is that achieving a triple crown or a grand slam is considered to be the pinnacle of the game. In some sports, the triple crown or grand slam has achieved a legendary status, and in others, the …

1
A Brief History of Australia 15:47

25d ago15:47

15:47

Australia is a unique country. By area, it's huge. By population, however, it is dwarfed by smaller countries such as Nepal, Ghana, Yemen, and the United Kingdom. By modern standards, the nation is quite young, yet it has a history that goes back further than almost any other country. …and there is also the thing with the criminals. Learn more abou…

1
When Exactly Did the Roman Empire Fall? (Encore) 14:15

26d ago14:15

14:15

The Roman Empire was one of the greatest empires in the ancient world. It left us a host of languages based on Latin, as well as many cultural institutions which still exist. While the Roman Empire is gone, when exactly did it cease to exist? Learn more about exactly when the Roman Empire fell and if such a thing even makes sense on this episode of…

1
MS Awareness and the Merlin Centre | Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore #25 w/ Tracey Phillips 36:22

27d ago36:22

36:22

In this episode of Discover Voices, Dr Theo Blackmore speaks with Tracey Phillips, a trustee of the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre and a volunteer with the MS Society in South and West Cornwall. Timed with MS Awareness Week, this conversation explores Tracey's personal journey, the critical role of the Merlin Centre in supporting people with neurologi…

1
Questions and Answers: Volume 30 14:54

28d ago14:54

14:54

You have questions and I have answers. Sponsors Mint Mobile Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Stitch Fix Go to stitchfix.com/everywhere to have a stylist help you look your best Tourist Office of Spain Plan your next adventure at Spai…

1
The Bahamas 17:08

29d ago17:08

17:08

Located just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Florida, is the nation of the Bahamas. It is a large archipelago of islands covering over 5000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas are a unique country both historically and geologically. It has a landscape unlike any other in the world, and it has been at the forefront of the European colon…

1
Numbers Stations (Encore) 14:13

1M ago14:13

14:13

If you ever stay up at night scanning through frequencies on shortwave radio, there is a good chance you might come across something very odd and kind of creepy. You will find a station that is nothing but a disembodied voice reading off a seemingly random string of numbers. There is often an identifying sound or song which is played on a regular b…

1
Origins of the Internet 17:36

1M ago17:36

17:36

If you are listening to my words right now, then you are obviously an internet user. The internet has arguably been the most transformative technology of the last fifty years. But it wasn’t developed overnight or all at once. It was a gradual process to solve specific problems, and no one knew at the time that it would become the basis of a global …

1
The Battle of Vicksburg 16:25

1M ago16:25

16:25

The most famous battles of the US Civil War all occurred in the eastern theater, such as Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, and Bull Run. However, one of the most important battles, from both a strategic and tactical standpoint, took place in the west. It was one of the most brilliant led battles of the entire conflict, and it vaulted into prominence a …

1
The History of Banks and Banking 17:14

1M ago17:14

17:14

One of the biggest and most important industries in the world is banking. Banks are large, control an enormous amount of money, and are often the most influential economic institutions in most countries. Yet, banks are not a modern invention. Banks, in one form or another, have been around for thousands of years and have evolved into the modern ins…

1
Calendar Reform 16:38

1M ago16:38

16:38

Our calendar and system of keeping time are rather unique. It isn’t nice and tidy like the metric system. It is a collection of odd time units, leap years, and rotating calendars. As such, many people throughout history have thought that they could do better. So they have made proposals for changing our calendar, some of which would be very differe…

1
Sherman’s March to the Sea (Encore) 14:12

1M ago14:12

14:12

Just one week after President Abraham Lincoln was re-elected in November 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman set out to execute one of the most audacious plans of the US Civil War. His plan involved violating several central tenets of warfare, which had been established for thousands of years, yet in the process, he helped bring the war to…

1
Sede Vacante and The Process of Papal Succession 15:54

1M ago15:54

15:54

After the death or resignation of a pope, but before the election of a new pope, there is a period of time at the Vatican known as Sede Vacante. The Sede Vacante doesn’t last very long, and it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does occur, it is a very busy time. This period has its own coat of arms and highly regimented series of events that h…

1
The Medici Family and Renaissance Florence 17:34

1M ago17:34

17:34

One of the greatest periods of social and technological change in world history was the Renaissance. At the heart of the Renaissance was the city-state of Florence. It was the home to some of the world’s greatest artists and thinkers. At the heart of Florence was a family that ran the city for several centuries. They became fabulously wealthy and s…

1
The Battle of Marathon (Encore) 13:57

1M ago13:57

13:57

In the year 490 BC, one of the most pivotal battles in world history took place. Just north of the City of Athens, Persian and Greek forces clashed in what was to be the first Persian attempt to invade Greece. Despite being seriously outnumbered, the Greeks managed to win a decisive victory that had long-lasting ramifications. Learn more about the …

1
Global Reserve Currencies and the Triffin Dilemma 15:18

1M ago15:18

15:18

Today, approximately 160 currencies are used worldwide. Some countries share the same currency, while others use the currency of another country. However, not all currencies are equal. One currency always tends to become the dominant currency in international affairs, known as the global reserve currency. There are benefits for the country that iss…

1
Biological Taxonomy and the Tree of Life 17:02

1M ago17:02

17:02

All living things on the planet Earth, from microbes to whales, can be categorized into a single hierarchical system. This system has been developed over the last 300 years. Layers have been added, and there have been debates as to what creatures should go where. However, it has proved an incredibly useful way to understand how all life is connecte…

1
The Search for Life Outside the Solar System 16:47

1M ago16:47

16:47

In 1995, the first planet outside our solar system was discovered. Since then, with improved techniques and tools, over 5,000 exoplanets have been confirmed, and another 10,000 candidates are awaiting confirmation. With some of these exoplanets, astronomers can actually study their atmospheres and search for signs of life. Learn more about the sear…

1
Rare Earth Elements (Encore) 11:27

1M ago11:27

11:27

Modern society is completely dependent on a set of technologies that include computer chips, fiber optic cables, lasers, video screens, electric motors, and batteries. All of those things are dependent on a small category of chemicals called rare earth elements. Their importance in technology has made them a focal point of international trade and p…

1
The History of Wire 16:39

1M ago16:39

16:39

The modern world runs on metal wires. These thin metal strands literally circle the globe and are responsible for much of the world’s electrical power and communications. It is something so basic that most people never bother to stop and think about how wires are made. It turns out wire has been made for thousands of years, although its uses have c…

1
The Occupation and Liberation of Paris 16:09

1M ago16:09

16:09

Of all the cities that experienced the Second World War, one of the most interesting stories is that of Paris. Paris was not the scene of major fighting like Warsaw, which was all but destroyed. It was occupied for over four years, during which time it saw acts of resistance and collaboration. When the city was liberated after the invasion of Norma…

1
Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium: The Other Precious Metals 16:32

2M ago16:32

16:32

When I say precious metals, most of you probably immediately think of gold and silver. Historically, they have indeed been precious metals. However, they are not the only ones. There are elemental metals that are rarer and more expensive than gold. They have important industrial uses….and in some cases, they are much more expensive. Learn more abou…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Isles Of Scilly Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen