Best Monte Cook Podcasts (2025)

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Xanthe Ross on cooking, growing and connecting through food 23:19

5h ago23:19

23:19

Xanthe Ross went to Wales to get out of London for a while. She pottered around in her parents’ walled garden, trying her hand at growing some herbs and vegetables. A few years later, she’s released her first cookbook on the back of hosting the most sought after supper clubs in the city. Join Xanthe now, back in that same walled garden, as she pick…

1
Episode 138: Transveral: A New Journey 37:29

11h ago37:29

37:29

After taking a little time to recalibrate from everything involving Dremlin, our explorers have decided it time to go back home. But given the events they’ve left in their wake, it seems a wise idea to not take the same route back to Legam. They decide to make a stop in Qi, the largest and most advanced city in the Steadfast. This decision is mostl…

1
Quick Strolls: Mental Health 8:56

13d ago8:56

8:56

Welcome to Quick Strolls, shorter walks with guests from A Life More Wild. In this episode, we look at how nature has helped some of our guests through the toughest moments of their lives. There's an enormous amount of science surrounding the psychological benefits of being in nature, so much so that at times it can feel as if the whole idea has be…

1
Claudia Robalino on art, architecture and the Amazon 21:48

28d ago21:48

21:48

Artist and architect Claudia Robalino grew up in Ecuador, with volcanoes, the ocean and the Amazon giving her a powerful connection to nature. It was only when she moved to London however, that she realised how much a part of her it was. Join Claudia now in Battersea Park, as she talks about finding new ways to create that connection and how the co…

1
Quick Strolls: Access to Nature 8:00

1M ago8:00

8:00

One thing that comes up time and again on A Life More Wild is access to nature. Something that many of us take for granted was, to a lot of our guests, a complex social and cultural issue that had shaped their lives and work. On this Quick Stroll, we hear from Mya Rose-Craig, Lira Valencia and Ollie Olanipekun of Flock Together, on the challenges t…

1
Dwayne Fields on becoming Chief Scout and the misunderstanding that changed his life 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

Dwayne Fields moved to London from Jamaica when he was just a child. The contrast between the two places was almost too much for him to handle until a chance encounter gave him hope, a sense of belonging and eventually a purpose that would see him becoming the UK’s Chief Scout. Join Dwayne now in Nene Park, a place that holds fond memories for him,…

1
Series five…coming 20th March 0:59

2M ago0:59

0:59

It’s time to step back outside. A Life More Wild returns for season 5, when we’ll be taking a walk with more fascinating people and chatting about their connection to nature. Episode one will be out on 20th March and we’ll be bringing you a calm stroll and a chat every month for the rest of the year.…

1
Made of Dreams with James Ferragamo 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

Every legacy brand has an ideology, James Ferragamo tells us. He is talking of course about his family business, the legendary luxury brand started by his grandfather, Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoemaker. Or was it dream maker? That ideology keeps the brand in place so that nothing ever changes--and yet, James makes sure that everything changes. As …

1
Empyrean Rising 3 - Enter the Deep 1:37:35

3M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

As the group ventures into Deepview District, one of their own wanders off to tend to private matters, and the rest are left to discover changes and concerns amid the denizens of the area.By Altered Echo Archives

1
Episode 137: Anamnesis: Recollection 42:16

3M ago42:16

42:16

Sometimes recovery is just as hard as the fight and this is no exception. Even with Drumlin defeated, standing in the wake of his actions is devastating. Returning the memories held hostage is a prime concern but so is figuring out how to help those that the warlord had abused in captivity. Not to mention the thought of how the journey home will be…

1
Episode 136: Anamnesis: Aftermath 34:32

4M ago34:32

34:32

Thank you for joining today! As always we hope you’re all staying safe and healthy. Dremlin is dead, as are many from his company. The worst is over but now that the dust has settled, the aftermath is clear. The price was with it, but still needs to be paid. Emotions are dealt with, wounds are seen to, and clarity is sought. Join us as Nehemiah, Sm…

1
Empyrean Rising 2 - Cursed Odds 1:28:11

4M ago1:28:11

1:28:11

Having successful infiltrated the Academy research center to look into the strange tree and growths, the group encounter those actively assigned by the city to investigate the occurrence and uncover increasing concerns as to what may have caused it, and just how dangerous it may be to the city and its population... or the rats. Never forget the rat…

1
Episode 135: Anamnesis: For Jhori 41:37

4M ago41:37

41:37

The fight with Dreamlin and his company is brutal to say the least. All the stops are pulled out to try and end this with as few casualties as possible. Blackmail is uncovered, allies take a beating, and victory is within reach. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori struggle to stay on top. Music and SFX Credits: Intro - “Whispers of the Ancients…

1
Empyrean Rising 1 - As They Bloom 1:40:04

4M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

Four characters, alike in dignity, in fair Isonbridge, where we lay our scene. From ancient powers unfolding, find introduction to each other and conspiracy... or rather, less Shakespeare and more four somewhat chaotic characters find themselves gathered through circumstance or coincidence, and in seeking news - or possible entertainment - stumble …

1
Rick's Romance with Urban Life and a Colombo V12 with Rick Cook 40:49

4M ago40:49

40:49

Founding partner of CookFox, Rick Cook visited Populuxe recently to share his "object of desire" with our listeners. As it happens, Rick's training, practice as well as his own curious and empathic constitution create the perfect backdrop against which a nuanced discussion about luxury unfolded. From a Ferrari V12 engine to a sunlit café in Florenc…

1
A Little Bit From Here A Little Bit From There with Monte Packham 53:53

5M ago53:53

53:53

Writing in verses comes easily to Monte Packham, author of children's books, who started his career as an art critic. His work evolved into the deliciously playful rhymes that he puts together for young audiences after first having taken a detour into art historical writing. Whether documents of art or illustrated childrens' books, Monte's work is …

1
Episode 134: Anamnesis: Crystalline Combat 30:33

5M ago30:33

30:33

There isn’t much more to say once a fight begins. Although currently separated everyone steels themselves for a brutal combat against Dremlin and the ruthless retinue he keeps. Memories are manipulated, creatures are controlled, and the line is held. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori fight for theirs and others lives. Music and SFX Credits: I…

1
Episode 133: Anamnesis: The First Stone 36:05

5M ago36:05

36:05

Though Dremlin is happy to talk, the wool is not easily pulled over his eyes. While Nehemiah desperately stalls for time and tries to keep handle off Bree, Smalren and Jhori do their utmost to get Hadick out of the clearing before everything breaks into chaos. Cruelty is endured, rescues are mounted, and negotiations turn violent. Join us as Nehemi…

1
Episode 132: Anamnesis: Dremlin 39:48

6M ago39:48

39:48

Somehow simultaneously, everyone takes a breath and takes a step forward. So many steps have been taken to get here and yet somehow these are the most important. A plan in place and hopes held high. Will the plan survive contact with the enemy? Or will these steps forward, be steps backward? Reunions are attempted, tense conversations are navigated…

1
Episode 131: Anamnesis: The Approach 30:27

6M ago30:27

30:27

With distractions now out of the way, everyone buckles down to actually consider how they are going to approach this scenario ahead. Dremlin is so close by, it’s going to be important to plan their steps carefully and thoroughly. Strange dreams are experienced, reconnaissance is collected, and careful pans are made. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, an…

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Ollie Olanipekun and Nadeem Perera on building a global movement out of a love of birds 24:15

6M ago24:15

24:15

Ollie Olanipekun first met Nadeem Parera on Instagram, where they bonded over a love of birds. Realising how rare it was to see people of colour engaged with nature in the UK, they formed a walking group. One terrible flyer and a few years of enormous effort later, Flock Together has branches around the world, providing people with a place to meet …

1
Episode 130: Anamnesis: A Different Kind of Butcher 31:01

7M ago31:01

31:01

A request, or perhaps more of a demand, has been made of the group. Get rid of the interdimensional creatures terrorizing this site, and the data sphere voice known as Entrav can give some assistance. Even if they are a little perturbed by the situation, no one can argue that fewer threats would be a good thing. And while making their way toward Dr…

1
James Wong on the full flat, ruined movies and inspiring insight that a love of plants has brought him 22:38

7M ago22:38

22:38

When James Wong first visited Kew Gardens, he asked his mum if this was what heaven looked like. The ethnobotanist, born and raised in Singapore, can barely remember a time when he wasn’t fascinated by plants, a love which has led him around the world, onto TV and into a flat that looks like a jungle. Join James now, in Kew Gardens, as he talks abo…

1
Episode 129: Anamnesis: Voice in the Ground 36:10

7M ago36:10

36:10

It turns out that even if these cross-sectional devices are helpful, they’re somewhat terrifying! Currently unconscious in the belly of one of these massive structures, we can only hope that everyone ends up ok on the other side of this encounter. Especially when there seems to be someone watching their journey. Progress is attempted, voices are me…

1
Venetia La Manna on fighting the fashion industry and the power of community 20:35

7M ago20:35

20:35

Venetia La Manna loves clothes, but knows more than most about the evils of fashion. For years, she’s been campaigning to change one of the most unregulated industries in the world - fighting over production and underpayment of garment workers around the world. Join Venetia now on a walk through the Heavens, near Stroud, where a community-driven su…

1
Episode 128: Anamnesis: More Delays 38:41

8M ago38:41

38:41

Continuing on through the maze of rods and odd structures, our group is becoming increasingly worried about what they’re encountering and how long it seems to be taking to get through to their destination. What else will step into their path before they're able to Dremlin? Ghosts are fought, rests are taken, and structures are explored. Join us as …

1
Lise Wortley on walking in the footsteps and clothing of historic female adventurers 22:40

8M ago22:40

22:40

When she was 16, Lise Wortley read a book by the explorer Alexandra David-Neel, who had undertaken a 14-year journey through Asia. The idea of it stayed with her until ten years later, when she was searching for a way to improve her mental health. It dawned on her that David-Neel and other female adventurers like Nan Shepherd and Henriette D’Angevi…

1
Episode 127: Anamnesis: Ants and Implants 32:20

8M ago32:20

32:20

The interior of the Blade Interstice is confusing at best. Having a rough map of the area is helpful for sure, but that doesn’t stop the things found between the walls any less perplexing. And it doesn’t help that these structures seem very intent on implanting strange metal rings into everyone. Trees are communed with, another explorer is met, and…

1
Gaz Oakley on growing food and rediscovering his love of the land 23:32

8M ago23:32

23:32

Gaz Oakley was an intensely energetic, sporty person, who pursued fitness by loading up on carbs and protein, and hitting the gym. He was also a chef, so it’s fair to say his life was quite intense. When health problems made him go looking for dietary solutions, he began a journey that would end with him becoming a champion of plant-based eating, r…

1
Episode 126: Anamnesis: Cross-Sectional 23:39

8M ago23:39

23:39

Episode 126: Anamnesis: Cross-Sectional Mudhonks now taken care of, It’s time to enter the maze of walls that comprises the confusing Blade Interstice. They weren’t able to get much information about this place other than the existence of strange structures and very thin, dangerous creatures. But finding Dremlin before more people forget who they a…

1
Hiker Athena Mellor on introducing the fourth generation of her family to the Lake District 24:01

9M ago24:01

24:01

Athena Mellor never dreamed of writing a guidebook, but the knowledge of a lifetime hiking, a passion handed down by her father and grandfather was just too extensive to stay in her head. Now a successful writer and YouTuber, she’s making sure her daughter will follow in the family footsteps. Join her on a walk through Langdale, as she talks about …

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Episode 125: Anamnesis: Sweet Sufferin’ Mudhonks 40:45

9M ago40:45

40:45

After gathering what little info they could have Dremiln’s whereabouts in the area, the party heads north to a strange ruin called the Blade Interstice. Even though it’s a short journey, it doesn’t fail to be an interesting one. Important discussions are had, honking is heard, and quicksand is resolved. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori keep …

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Conservationist Sacha Dench on tracking swans 7,000km across 11 countries 20:48

9M ago20:48

20:48

When she dropped out of the sky in front of Russian hunters in the Arctic, Sasha Dench wasn't quite sure how she'd be received. She was on a mission to understand and halt the decline in the numbers of the Bewick Swan by following their epic migration route from the Arctic to the UK on a paramotor. Join her on a walk from her favourite training fie…

1
Episode 124: Anamnesis: Gtharren 42:28

9M ago42:28

42:28

Gtharren is not quite what everyone expected. Not quite big enough to be a town and far more transient than most places they’ve visited. But if this is in fact where Dremlin was headed, there should be answers somewhere. Questions are answered, explorers are met, and pies are shared. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori inquire around. Music and…

1
Julius Roberts on nature-first farming and looking his food in the eye 23:46

10M ago23:46

23:46

Julius Roberts was exhausted and overworked, as chefs often are. He couldn’t help but compare himself to the happy, healthy-looking farmers who delivered produce to the restaurant he was working in. So, he decided to become one of them. It was a huge leap of faith that encompassed a commitment to seasonal eating, nature-first farming and the emotio…

1
Episode 123: Anamesis: Crystals 33:29

10M ago33:29

33:29

Time is taken to assist Mordrias further by carefully removing crystals from his body. While it helps his situation, it does not cure all his memory loss. Without any more information on Dremlin’s plans, everyone gears up to finish the trek to Gtharren. Crystals are broken, crystals are left alone, and crystals are observed. Join us as Nehemiah, Sm…

1
Writer and broadcaster Emma Gannon on the regenerative value of doing nothing 21:03

10M ago21:03

21:03

Emma Gannon had been writing books for ten years, almost solidly. She hosted podcasts, spoke at numerous events and maintained one of the most popular substacks on the internet. Having decided not to have children, she began to wonder how and when her life would significantly change. She decided to take a year for herself, to get a new perspective …

1
Episode 122: Anamnesis: Muddled Memories 43:10

10M ago43:10

43:10

It’s high time to leave Dynafel. After gathering their custom purchases and restocking supplies, the party hits the road at a good pace. And as always travel proves to be more complicated than foreseen. Aneen are herded, someone in need reappears, and crystals are broken. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori make their way to Gtharren. Music and…

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Activist Mikaela Loach on finding the power to fight global corporations 22:10

11M ago22:10

22:10

Mikaela Loach remembers the moment her grandmother told her that their local beach had disappeared. Years later, she would place that emotional conversation in the context of the wider problem - rising seas caused by climate change, in turn caused by global capitalism - and decide to dedicate herself to the fight for climate justice. We join her in…

1
Episode 121: Anamnesis: Calm Down 36:48

11M ago36:48

36:48

Imprinted Echoes has been nominated for a CRIT Award in the Best Setting Description category! Thank you to anyone who nominated us! If you have a moment to vote for us, you can do so here: https://forms.gle/imYynywZFp58m8H66 Although the Jackal and Architect have been dispatched, the summoned stalking shade still needs to be dealt with. Unfortunat…

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Lira Valencia on barriers to inclusivity, common terns and “London dolphins” 22:00

11M ago22:00

22:00

Lira Valencia grew up in Croydon, surrounded by the kind of urban sprawl that keeps the natural world at a distance. However, thanks mostly to the snails in her grandma’s garden, she developed a passion for nature and forged a path to a career in the overwhelmingly white world of conservation. We join her for a walk around Walthamstow wetlands, whe…

1
Episode 120: Anamnesis: Surprise Trip 37:52

11M ago37:52

37:52

Finally back at the Aneen & Far, the group makes plans to leave Dynafel first thing in the morning. But as they start to settle in for the night, some unfinished business is at the door. Adoption is considered, traps are triggered, and old adversaries are faced. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori are taken by surprise. Music and SFX Credits: I…

1
Alastair Humphreys on building adventure into your life wherever you live 22:47

12M ago22:47

22:47

Alastair Humphreys spent four years cycling round the world. He’s rowed across the Atlantic, run a marathon in the Sahara and taken part in an expedition to the arctic. But we’ve caught up with him on an industrial estate on the edge of the city, to talk microadventures and the power of thinking small. See more of what Alastair's been up to or foll…

1
Series four... starts 6 June 1:50

12M ago1:50

1:50

It’s time to get outdoors again… In season 4 of ALMW you’ll walk with more fascinating people as they take you to some of their favourite spots and talk about their connection to nature. We'll be talking to adventurer Alastair Humphreys, activist Mikaela Loach, the lady known as The Human Swan, and many more. Episode one will be out on 6th June and…

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Episode 119: Anamnesis: Infant Monstrosity 37:41

12M ago37:41

37:41

Everyone is in a bit of a pickle. Nehemiah has been pulled off the streets by masked assailants. Smalren has infiltrated the building in an attempt to help him. And Jhori has been trying to wrangle a newly hatched tetrahydra with the help of a reluctant Oben. All plans the party had for talking over recent events and leaving town as soon as possibl…

1
Bonus Episode - Chatabix meets Canopy & Stars 46:37

12M ago46:37

46:37

While we were working on series 4 of A Life More Wild, which launches in June, Joe Wilkinson and David Earl shamelessly name-dropped us on their podcast, Chatabix. We got in touch to see if they’d like to record at one of our spaces and they said they’d love to, so here they are (or at least one of them is) at Humble Bee, a giant beehive in Devon, …

1
Episode 118: Anamnesis: Interruptions 41:17

1y ago41:17

41:17

The Slumbering Spectacle was truly a spectacle. And it seems as though Dremlin may have left his mark on even the most fanciful of experiences. Needing to catch each other up, everyone heads back to the Aneen and Far to talk. But it wouldn’t be a game of Numenera if GM intrusions didn’t throw a wrench into the works. Plans are updated, motherhood i…

1
Episode 117: Anamnesis: Dream Weaving 40:22

1y ago40:22

40:22

Now with a few less shins burning holes in their pockets, everyone heads to the amphitheater to see what this performance by the Slumbering Spectacle entails. With the help of a large numenera device this troupe weaves the dreams of the audience members into performance. As our group steps into this surreal experience, they also uncover something a…

1
Episode 116: Anamnesis: Shopping Trip 33:41

1y ago33:41

33:41

What’s the best thing to do when you arrive in a new city? Shopping of course! And since Dynafel is known for its textiles, some new clothes are definitely on the list. It’s also decided to check out the dream based performance troupe at some point. But that’s going to have to wait till some shins are spent. Beautiful garments are tried on, technol…

1
Episode 115: Anamnesis: Snoopin’ 31:55

1y ago31:55

31:55

Having settled in just a bit, everyone does a little exploring. While some people are getting to know the city of Dynafel, others are investigating their traveling companion’s motives. While Oben’s help has been greatly appreciated, no one is quite sure if he is to be fully trusted. Rooms are snooped in, noodles are enjoyed, and helpful guides are …

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