Best RSPB Podcasts (2025)

1
Heatwave at RSPB Pulborough Brooks 1:05:21

Play Pause

20d ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Matt and Sarah are back after an unexpected break from the podcast. They head off for a walk around the beautiful RSPB Pulborough Brooks on a scorcher of a day. Will they see a White-Tailed Eagle? Or will the heat hide the birds away? Please do send us Birding Questions for our live episode to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder. You ca…

1
Emily Williamson, co-founder of the RSPB 27:32

21d ago27:32

27:32

For over a hundred years no one thought too much about the origins of the RSPB, but among its founders was a woman in Didsbury opposed to the use of feathers in fashionable hats. Emily Williamson was outraged by the widespread slaughter of egrets and the crested grebe. She had tried to join the all-male British Ornithological Union, and when that f…

1
Conversations from Earthfest 2025: Going Conscious with Nikki Trott and Arizona Muse 49:41

13d ago49:41

49:41

In this inspiring conversation, recorded live at Earthfest 2025, sustainability advocate and model Arizona Muse joins host Nikki Trott to explore what it means to lead with purpose, intuition, and deep connection to nature. They discuss Arizona’s journey from fashion icon to environmental activist, the challenges and joys of working with biodynamic…

1
Sir Seretse Khama, first president of Botswana 27:43

14d ago27:43

27:43

Seretse Khama was born in 1921 in Bechuanaland when it was still a British Protectorate. In 1966 he became Botswana's first president. In between he married a white Londoner, Ruth Williamson, was exiled by the British, and made to renounce his interest in succeeding as head of the Bangwato. It's an extraordinary and notable life, and he's been nomi…

1
Tina Turner 27:43

28d ago27:43

27:43

Rock Icon Tina Turner proposed by the actress and author Rebecca Humphries. Tina Turner began life as Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, joining Ike Turner's band in St Louis at the age of 17. Her presence, her performances and her voice captivated audiences, but this is really a story of triumph over abuse. After she left Ike Turner with noth…

1
Raymond Blanc on Professor Nicholas Kurti 27:39

1M ago27:39

27:39

The chef Raymond Blanc nominates his mentor and friend, the physicist Professor Nicholas Kurti.Kurti was born in Hungary but fled to Oxford when Hitler came to power. Pushing the frontiers of low-temperature physics during his career, he went on to create‘molecular gastronomy’ in retirement. Raymond Blanc approached Kurti after a lecture the profes…

1
Dervla Murphy, author of the classic Full Tilt 27:38

1M ago27:38

27:38

At the age of 10 Dervla Murphy was given an atlas and a bicycle, and so began an adventurous life. Her account of a journey to India became a classic called Full Tilt but she also went to Cuba, Ethiopia and the Andes where our guest first met her in a doss house. Hilary Bradt is the founder of the Bradt Travel Guides and is picking Dervla Murphy as…

1
Ep 45. Solo Birding 56:29

2M ago56:29

56:29

Matt goes for a solo walk around Somerset to see what he can find. We love going out for walks with friends or family but it's also fun to go it alone! Keep your Birding Snacks and Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already! T…

1
Ned Ludd mythical leader of the Luddites 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

We don't even know if Ned Ludd was real, but perhaps that was the point. "You could say he was everyone and no one - and that's what made him so terrifying for the authorities." Leader of the Luddites, who often signed letters and proclamations Ned Ludd, he is shown in one engraving wearing mismatched shoes and a blue polka dot dress, suggesting a …

1
Emergency Department Blood Borne Virus project 7:35

2M ago7:35

7:35

Molly Hansell joins Mary Maxwell to tell us all about the blood borne virus project taking place in the Accident and Emergency department.By NHR

1
Ep 44. Mike Phelps - Isle of Mull 1:05:08

2M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

This week Matt heads to the Isle of Mull with Mike Phelps. They boys are treated to quite the range of birds but they are in particular search of White Tail Eagles and Hen Harrier. Mike shares the powerful story of how he got into wildlife photography and became an advocate for nature's positive impact for your Mental Health. Follow Mike on Instagr…

1
Moral Panics with Konrad Collao from Craft 19:08

2M ago19:08

19:08

We're talking all things Gen Z/youth moral panics this episode with Konrad Collao, founder of Craft, the strategic insight agency that put humans at the heart of decison-making. You can follow Konrad on LinkedIn here and find out more about Craft here. We talk about Craft's research for Channel 4 and other youth publications they've done; Beyond Z …

1
Richey Edwards of The Manic Street Preachers 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

Richey was, beautiful says Cummins, a natural icon and a gift to photograph. He also believes his writing has been overshadowed by the fact of his disappearance in 1995. "I think nobody has looked beyond that for quite a long time.” Manic Street Preachers biographer, Simon Price, also knew Richey Edwards and says he was "the most intelligent rock s…

1
Benny Hill 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

Biography show in which the guest picks someone they admire. Benny Hill is a thorny choice but playwright Jonathan Maitland is determined that - despite accusations of sexism and racism later in his career - Britain's most successful comedian deserves a second look. Benny was fired by Thames TV in 1989. "The show was past its sell-by date," was the…

1
Ep 43. A Stay at Elmley Nature Reserve 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Matt and Sarah finally stay at Elmley Nature Reserve after promising themselves they'll go for ages and ages. There should be Marsh Harriers, Owls and Waders. Keep your Birding Snacks and Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't alr…

1
Maggi Hambling picks muse and lover Henrietta Moraes 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

“Henrietta's eyes looked into one's soul at the same time exposing her own. She posed for me most Mondays for the last seven months until two days before she died.” In a raw and very funny opener to the new series of Great Lives, painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling chooses someone she knew extremely well - her lover Henrietta Moraes. Born in India,…

1
Ep 42. Surrounded by Warblers 52:56

3M ago52:56

52:56

Matt and Sarah go off in search of Warblers. It's an episode heavy with birdsong! Keep your Birding Snacks and Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already! Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food. Hos…

1
Harriet Harman on Maria Callas 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

The legendary opera star Maria Callas was lauded for her magnetic stage presence and extraordinary vocal range. Born in New York in 1923 to Greek immigrant parents, she moved with her mother and sister to Greece aged 13. In 1939 she attended the Athens Conservatoire where she embarked on a rigorous vocal training in the Italian "bel canto" traditio…

1
Representing youth voice within campaigns with Lyndsay McDade, Fearless 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

This episode we speak with Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager at Crimestoppers, the charity offering support to 11-18 year olds to raise awareness of issues relating to crime as well as providing anonymous ways to report it. A partnership with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government led to a campaign to tackle the rise in sextortion tack…

1
Ep 41. Akash Barua - Greater London 1:00:04

3M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

This week Matt goes for a walk with ecologist Akash Barua. They chat about his allotment, being a young urban ecologist and his Instagram series, 'Wild Endz'. They also see quite the spectacle right at the end of their time together, so stay tuned for that! Follow Akash on Instagram. Keep your Birding Snacks and Questions coming to info@rocknrollbi…

1
Ep 40. Adam Juckes - Red Kites in Buckinghamshire 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

This week it's Red Kite-fest with Photographer, YouTuber and Podcaster Adam Juckes. Follow Adam Juckes on Instagram and YouTube. Book your trip with Apex Adventures here. And make sure to check out The WildX Podcast. Keep your Birding Snacks and Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscri…

1
What Gen Z really think with Zoplo's Tom Cullen 19:53

3M ago19:53

19:53

This episode we're speaking with Tom Cullen, who's the co-founder of opinion sharing app Zoplo. With a growing Gen Z audience of 80k plus, numerous viral social accounts popularising discussion topics the app shares, Tom talks about building a youth-focused app, involving them in the process, and developing content that engages and entertains youth…

1
Kate Raworth on Donella Meadows 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

Born in Illinois in 1941, Dana Meadows studied Chemistry and Molecular Biology, before turning her back on a post doc position at Harvard, to pursue environmentalism. She joined her husband Dennis Meadows as part of the team working on Professor Jay Forester's World3 computer model of the world economy at MIT and wrote the report on the results of …

1
Ep 39. Ryan Dalton - Hampstead Heath 1:03:19

3M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

This week Matt goes for a walk around Hampstead Heath with naturalist, nature podcaster and professional dog walker, Ryan Dalton. Follow Ryan on Instagram and check out his podcast, Into the Wild. Keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on…

1
Ep 38. Home Birding 58:13

3M ago58:13

58:13

This week Matt and Sarah head outside their house for a birdwatching walk. You don't need to go to a reserve or beauty spot to appreciate the birds... just put your trainers on and see what you can see outside your front door! Let us know how many species you spot and if there's anything of note! Keep your Birding Questions coming to info@rocknroll…

1
RSPB Bird of the Week with Yas Devi 14:23

3M ago14:23

14:23

We’re joined by Yas Devi, Social Media Executive at RSPB and the brains behind the unhinged and wonderful ‘Bird of the Week’ and the rest of the charity’s TikTok channel. We talk about TikTok strategy, measures of success, cultural relevance and get Yas’s top accounts to follow as well as tips for success on the platform. Follow Yas on LinkedIn her…

1
Indy Kiemel-Greene volunteer with the RSPB 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

Indy Kiemel-Greene who volunteers with the RSPB chats to Kev Castle on Nottingham Hospitals Radio about the recent Great Britain Garden Birdwatch and all things relating to attracting and caring for birds that visit your garden.By NHR

1
Ep 37. Booming Bitterns on the Somerset Levels 1:09:58

4M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

We're back for series 4 and we're on the hunt for the booming bitterns! Matt and Sarah visit RSPB Greylake Nature Reserve and RSPB Ham Wall on the Somerset Levels. There's also hope for a Merlin and a Glossy Ibis! Keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n …

1
Mark Billingham chooses George Harrison 27:00

4M ago27:00

27:00

George Harrison was a musician, singer and songwriter who became one of the most famous people in the world as one quarter of the Beatles. That alone would merit a place in the Great Lives pantheon, but his work in the decades after the band broke up indicates a man of diverse and arguably underestimated talents. Erupting onto the pop music scene i…

1
Jake Arnott on John Gay 27:42

4M ago27:42

27:42

John Gay, eighteenth-century satirist and author of The Beggar's Opera, is nominated by the writer Jake Arnott - whose novels, including The Long Firm and He Kills Coppers, are also set in London's criminal underworld. Editor of Private Eye, Ian Hislop, is the presenter, and Dr Rebecca Bullard of the University of Oxford is on hand to help uncover …

1
New NUH Arts Co-Ordinators Vikki Jones And Lucy Knight 25:11

4M ago25:11

25:11

New NUH Arts Co-ordinators, Vikki Jones and Lucy Knight, speak with NHR's Mary Maxwell and Rajiv about their roles and creative aims within the hospital environment.By NHR

1
Ellen E Jones nominates Florynce Kennedy 27:59

5M ago27:59

27:59

One dubbed "the biggest, loudest and indisputably the rudest mouth on the battleground", Florynce Kennedy was a force to be reckoned with. She was a lawyer, a vocal figure in the American civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s and '70s, and a champion of numerous other causes besides; from legalising abortion to campaigning for sex-worker…

1
Ep 36. Hunting for Hawfinches - Hampshire 55:18

5M ago55:18

55:18

There has been a recent eruption of Hawfinches so Matt and Sarah go off in search of them in Hampshire. Will they finish another series with a lifer?! Keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already! Thank you to …

1
A N Wilson selects Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 27:47

5M ago27:47

27:47

"I've chosen him because I think he was possibly the most interesting human being who has ever lived". A N Wilson Born in the middle of the 18th century in Frankfurt, Goethe went on to become the pre-eminent figure in German literature. As well as writing plays and poetry (including Faust) he was a statesman, a scientist, an artist and a critic. Qu…

1
Ep 35. The Early Birder - The Chilterns 1:00:08

5M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

This week Matt heads to the Chilterns to go for an early morning walk with The Early Birder. Jon is full of birding pearls of wisdom and even helped Matt spot a lifer! We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already! Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food. Hosted by Matt…

1
Jessica Fostekew on Boudica 27:44

5M ago27:44

27:44

"The Queen Boadicea, standing loftily charioted, Brandishing in her hand a dart and rolling glances lioness-like, Yell'd and shriek'd between her daughters in her fierce volubility": so wrote Alfred, Lord Tennyson in the 19th Century, celebrating the story of an ancient English warrior queen who sparked a brutal and bloody rebellion against Roman r…

1
Ep 34. Waders at RSPB Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk 55:41

5M ago55:41

55:41

Matt and Sarah have an extremely birdy time at RSPB Titchwell Marsh. It's a freezing cold day but that doesn't put the waders off! There's some incredibly helpful fellow birdwatchers and Matt embarrasses himself in front of a big group of birders... We also have some fantastic Birding Questions that have come though on the email address, so do keep…

1
Reginald D Hunter selects Eugene V Debs 27:41

5M ago27:41

27:41

Eugene Victor Debs, born 1855 in Indiana USA, was a railway worker, a trade unionist and a five time candidate for the presidency. He was imprisoned during the First World War for sedition. He'd urged resistance to the draft; President Woodrow Wilson called him a traitor to the nation, but Debs still ran for the presidency in 1920. His sentence was…

1
Ep 33. Ajay Tegala - Horsell Common, Surrey 47:54

6M ago47:54

47:54

This week Matt heads to Horsell Common with author, presenter and Ranger Ajay Tegala. Neither of them have been to Horsell Common before so they enjoy an explore of the area and Ajay sees a bird he hasn’t seen in years. There’s also Birding Questions and Matt share more about his Winterwatch experience. Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feath…

1
Pen Hadow nominates Sir Peter Scott 27:48

6M ago27:48

27:48

"Make the boy interested in natural history," wrote Captain Scott from his tent in the Antarctic. He was talking about his son, three year old Peter Scott, whom he never saw again and who went on to found the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust and campaign against the hunting of whales. The son also designed the panda logo for the Wold Wide Fund for Nature…

1
EP10: Dr Ragini G Roy discusses Carla Haddad Mardini's incredible sustainability journey at UNICEF 31:03

6M ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of Big-time sustainability, Centre for Big Synergy's Dr Ragini G Roy finds out more about the accomplishments and leadership of global sustainability champion, Carla Haddad Mardini of UNICEF. Carla is the Director of UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships. Here she leads the organization’s global strategy to leverage the priv…

1
Ep 32. RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 57:18

6M ago57:18

57:18

Matt and Sarah want you to join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 which runs between 24th and 26th January, so they do a practice run in their garden bird hide and answer questions about getting involved! Find out more about Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and sign up here. Thank you to this week’s sponsors Greenfeathers and Eco Bird Food. Hosted by Mat…

1
Lauren Cuthbertson on Margot Fonteyn 28:06

6M ago28:06

28:06

Margot Fonteyn was an icon: a ballerina who helped build and indeed embodied the traditional image of a dancer, just as the artform was finding its feet on the British cultural scene. From humble beginnings she became an international star, enjoying a dazzling career with the Royal Ballet, a glamorous social life as a diplomat’s wife, and an electr…

1
Ep 31. Birding Questions Special 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

Matt answers your questions and voicenotes in a special episode this week. And stay tuned until the end to hear a big announcement! Thank you to this week’s sponsors Greenfeathers and Eco Bird Food. Hosted by Matt Spracklen Produced by Sarah Spracklen Music by David Joseph For Wren Productions Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

1
Dr Hannah Critchlow picks Professor Colin Blakemore 27:59

6M ago27:59

27:59

Professor Colin Blakemore was a famous communicator of science, the youngest ever Reith lecturer on the BBC. He was also targeted by members of the animal rights movement, which sent bombs and letters lined with razor blades to his home address. Born in 1944 and brought up in Coventry, Colin Blakemore was committed to brain research and the connect…

1
Doug Allan on Captain Jacques Cousteau 28:07

6M ago28:07

28:07

Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau was an oceanographer, filmmaker and explorer who made the seas a subject of fascination for millions. During his time in the French Navy, Cousteau co-invented the Aqua-Lung: the first self-contained kit that allowed a diver to breathe underwater. This and his fascination with capturing images of the subaquatic world pa…

1
Ep 30. Robbie McIntosh - RSPB Radipole, Weymouth 48:33

7M ago48:33

48:33

In the final episode of 2024 Matt heads to Weymouth to go for a birwatching walk with guitar legend, Robbie McIntosh. Robbie has played with Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones, John Mayer, and Norah Jones to name but a few, but he is also a keen birdwatcher. They hope to see Cetti's Warblers and Bearded Tit. Thank you to this week’s sponsors Greenfeathe…

1
Neil Nixon and Debbie Butler talk about a new clinical AI Trial aiming to help mothers to be 23:05

7M ago23:05

23:05

NHR’s Mary Maxwell talks to Neil Nixon and Debbie Butler about a new NHS and University of Nottingham clinical trial, looking at how AI may be able to help mums and their doctors to better measure and help Maternal mental health.By NHR

1
Ep 29. Starling Murmuration - RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset 58:28

7M ago58:28

58:28

It's our first walk in the South West! Join Matt and Sarah as they look for the starling murmuration on the beautiful Somerset Levels. Thank you to this week’s sponsors Greenfeathers and Eco Bird Food. Hosted by Matt Spracklen Produced by Sarah Spracklen Music by David Joseph For Wren Productions Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

1
Ep 28. Bonner Black – Askham Bog, York 54:30

7M ago54:30

54:30

Join Matt for this week's walk in York with Nashville artist and viral birdy sensation, Bonner Black! It's Bonner's first time birding in the UK so she's excited to see which quintessential British birds she can add to her life list. Thank you to this week’s sponsors Greenfeathers and Eco Bird Food. Hosted by Matt Spracklen Produced by Sarah Sprack…