Best Monte Cook Podcasts (2025)

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Quick Strolls: Creativity in Nature 8:16

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12d ago8:16

8:16

Welcome to Quick Strolls, shorter walks with the guests from A Life More Wild. In episode six, we meet a musician and two writers who use nature to guide their work and lives, from a wintry metaphor to the call of the sea.By Canopy & Stars

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Episode 145: Transversal: Passage Procurement 41:29

13d ago41:29

41:29

Split up between different tasks, our concerned adventurers take steps to get out of Qi as fast as possible. While Jhori goes to retrieve their belongings, she realizes she left something very important behind. And as Smalren and Nehemiah search for safe transport up river, they realize that their passage might not coast what they originally antici…

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Adrienne Adhami on navigating the perilous world of wellbeing 23:11

26d ago23:11

23:11

Adrienne Adhami was a trained dancer, with a keen understanding of physical fitness. But when a friend suffered a sudden illness, she began to rethink everything she thought she knew about health. She shares her insights on personalised medicine, nutrition, wearable tech and more, drawn from a 15-year career in the wellness industry. A Life More Wi…

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Episode 144: Transversal: Goodbye Qi 44:08

27d ago44:08

44:08

Everyone has escaped the pressure that had been building in one of Qi’s most exclusive night clubs, but that doesn’t mean they are out of trouble yet. In fact, leaving the city as soon as possible has become the utmost priority. While Jhori and Nehemiah are generally on edge given the night’s events, Smalren is troubled with the realization that so…

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Quick Strolls: Small Adventures 5:51

1M ago5:51

5:51

Welcome to Quick Strolls, shorter walks with the guests from A Life More Wild. In episode five, we meet fearless adventurers and unstoppable hikers, all of whom say something very similar - that getting outside is about what’s right for you, not how far you go or how many mosquito bites you get.By Canopy & Stars

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Episode 143: Transversal: Lockdown 28:45

1M ago28:45

28:45

The entirety of The Nest is locked down. The death and likely assassination of a wealthy merchant’s son has given everyone whiplash from the joy and relaxation they had been feeling just moments previously. As groups around the club are questioned, our party of pleasure seekers have to take careful stock of their predicament. Investigations are kic…

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For All Time and Eternity: ROLEX with Pierre-Yves Donzé 43:24

2M ago43:24

43:24

Whether you are a collector, hopeful first-time buyer, or simply curious wishing to crack the mystery of ROLEX's success open, you have an ally. Prolific author and business historian Pierre-Yves Donzé released his latest book titled, The Making of a Status Symbol: A Business History of Rolex, published in June 2025 by Manchester University Press. …

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TJ Power on rebalancing your brain and going with your gut 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

As a young man, TJ Power developed an addiction to his phone that many of us would find familiar. Using his background in neuroscience, he managed to break that addiction, then go on to help thousands of others to live more connected, healthier, happier lives. Here he is with some simple advice on rebalancing your tired brain. A Life More Wild is a…

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Episode 142: Transversal: Murder on the Dance Floor 41:29

2M ago41:29

41:29

Finding themselves at an exclusive, elevated club aptly called the Nest, the reunited friends take time for a night of letting loose a little bit. There’s a little something for everyone here. Dancing for Jhori, drinks for Nehemiah, eavesdropping for Smalren, and plenty to keep the attention of their current companions. After everything they’ve end…

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Quick Strolls: Slowing Down 5:52

2M ago5:52

5:52

Welcome to Quick Strolls, shorter walks with the guests from A Life More Wild. In episode four, we stop and take a breath, as so many of our guests have done as we walked. From the man who camped on every Wainwright fell but valued a quiet sunrise as much as the extreme challenge, to a writer who takes “mind meals” and a tv presenter who writes to …

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Episode 141: Transversal: Meta 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

Everyone has gotten their shopping needs out of the way so it’s time to figure out the rest of the evening. Havi suggests going to the Whispering Posts to see what establishments come recommended by the Qi locals. Suffice to say, the posts do not disappoint. Whispers are heard, fine dining is decided, and memories are experienced differently. Join …

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Series Review - Teeth: The Complete Meal by Chele Cooke 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

Greetings and welcome to Reviews That Burn: Series Reviews, part of Books That Burn. Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout, as well as returning patron Chris Alvarado. Fu…

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Sophie Pavelle on symbiosis, our place in nature and confused crabs 23:23

3M ago23:23

23:23

Sophie Pavelle spends her life travelling the British Isles, highlighting the beauty and brilliance of its wild spaces on a mission to inspire people to protect them. We walked with her in the woods near her home to find out how she feels our relationship with nature could be improved and learn a little about symbiosis through her stories of confus…

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Episode 140: Transversal: Shins Burning a Hole in Your Pocket 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

After meeting up with Havi and making plans for the evening, everyone decides to do a little shopping. They are assured that almost anything they could imagine wanting can be found in Qi’s markets and shops. Everyone is looking for something different but everyone finds something they want. Animal boarding is arranged, styles are considered, and fr…

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Quick Strolls: Growing Closer to Nature 5:32

3M ago5:32

5:32

Welcome to Quick Strolls, shorter walks with the guests from A Life More Wild. In episode three, we talk to a few people whose passion for growing and getting their hands dirty has changed their lives, from a guerrilla gardener who looks at how soil changes our brain chemistry, to a model who became a food writer and a chef who’s leading his own ve…

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Episode 139: Transversal: We’re New in Town 36:33

3M ago36:33

36:33

Qi is a massive city so starting near the markets for a place to stay seems like as good an idea as any. As the small group makes their way into the city proper they learn a little more about the city that calls itself the center of the world. There’s a calm excitement that seems to have taken hold of all of them. Lodging is acquired, rumors are pi…

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Series Review - Queen's Thief: A Series by Megan Whalen Turner 9:47

4M ago9:47

9:47

Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. Thank you to Patron Case Aiken who receives a monthly shoutout. Full Text Here Eugenides, the queen’s thief, can steal anything—or so he says. When his boasting lands him in prison and the king’s magus invites …

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

4M 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…

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Episode 138: Transveral: A New Journey 37:29

4M 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…

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Quick Strolls: Mental Health 8:56

4M 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…

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

5M 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…

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Quick Strolls: Access to Nature 8:00

5M 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…

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

6M 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,…

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Series five…coming 20th March 0:59

6M 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.…

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Two Essays on The Count of Monte Cristo 9:41

6M ago9:41

9:41

I love The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I have read the unabridged version more than once, and my most recent reread was in 2023. At that time, I wrote a couple of brief essays which I posted on Tumblr, one of which was about a canonically queer character and the other discussed a character who is often left out of the various adaptati…

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Made of Dreams with James Ferragamo 39:42

6M 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 …

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

7M 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

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Episode 137: Anamnesis: Recollection 42:16

7M 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…

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Episode 136: Anamnesis: Aftermath 34:32

8M 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…

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October Daye / Inheritance - Essay Series Part Five: Long Series and How to Read Them 15:11

8M ago15:11

15:11

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Transcript Available Here] This is the fifth and final entry in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and I…

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Empyrean Rising 2 - Cursed Odds 1:28:11

8M 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…

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Episode 135: Anamnesis: For Jhori 41:37

8M 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…

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

8M 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 …

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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 …

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Episode 134: Anamnesis: Crystalline Combat 30:33

8M 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…

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Two Essays on Generative AI 13:53

9M ago13:53

13:53

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to a two-part reading of some Books That Burn essays by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. These two essays are both about my thoughts on generative AI, but neither was long enough to be an episode on its own. As a reviewer of books, I'm very concerned with the…

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Episode 133: Anamnesis: The First Stone 36:05

9M 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…

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Episode 132: Anamnesis: Dremlin 39:48

9M 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…

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Episode 131: Anamnesis: The Approach 30:27

10M 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…