Best Simon Calder Podcasts (2025)

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September 22nd - Gatwick's second runway gets government go ahea 6:07

Play Pause

2h ago6:07

6:07

I've been covering airport expansion in south-east England for decades. Could this finally be the moment when an additional runway is pressed into service, or will it get tangled up in controversy? This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

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20 Questions With Neil Kinnock 1:18:43

1h ago1:18:43

1:18:43

The former Labour leader gives his views on patriotism, Keir Starmer, the upcoming Budget, inequality, child poverty, raising taxes, the left behind, the future of British manufacturing, charisma in politics, the survival of the Tory Party, Nigel Farage, populism, Donald Trump, proportional representation, the legacy of Thatcherism, and what it was…

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September 19th - Should the retirement age for pilots be raised from 65 to 67? 4:50

4d ago4:50

4:50

That's the recommendation of the International Air Transport Association (Iata). Opponents say the airlines see raising the age limit as an attempt to deal with a temporary shortage of pilots. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says the risk of a serious health incident on the flight desk increases with age, and that skills decline with the …

1
September 18th - What happens in the wake of an aviation tragedy? 7:13

5d ago7:13

7:13

Flying is incredibly safe. But as we have seen over the past nine months, accidents happen with tragic consequences. I am talking to Elmarie Marais, the chief executive of GoCrisis – a company that works with airlines to prepare emergency procedures, and gets to work to care for the loved ones of the victims. As I make clear, aviation has an outsta…

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September 17th - Andorra in summer? 4:38

2h ago4:38

4:38

I am still in southwest France, specifically at Toulouse airport departure lounge, where I am talking to Jackie Banfill and Frank Epstein – who have been in the high Pyrenean co-principality of Andorra. I know the place mainly from winter, but they say it is glorious in summer. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sig…

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September 16th - What happens when your flight is cancelled at the airport? 6:46

27m ago6:46

6:46

I'm just on the French side of the Pyrenees, but I reached here – with my hiking friend Mick – after some extreme stress, when our Vueling flight from Gatwick to Barcelona was cancelled at the airport. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…

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September 15th - Checking in bags for a flight? Don't head for the airport without hearing from Steve Kelso from Gatwick 6:11

8d ago6:11

6:11

Steve is Head of Engineering at the UK's second-busiest airport, and responsible for the baggage systems. Almost all the time things work well for the passenger, the airport and the airline. But sometimes bags with loose straps and the like can gum up the system. And if you leave old barcodes on your case (those little labels) your bag might end up…

1
September 12th - As the Tube strike ends – what was it all about, and will we see more? 7:11

11d ago7:11

7:11

All week I have been covering the strike by members of the RMT union working for London Underground, which has paralysed the capital. While some Tube trains have been running on each day, they represent only a tiny fraction of the network. I took one of the rare trains running from Baker Street to Harrow-on-the-Hill, sharing the journey with a pige…

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September 11th - What's happening in aviation? Jeremy Bowen is the man who knows 7:03

12d ago7:03

7:03

The summer has actually been excellent in terms of coming out of the UK," says Jeremy. While the peak day for flights from the UK is still back before Covid, in October 2019, and UK-US flights are showing a downturn, the trend is unrelentingly upwards. North Africa bookings doubled this summer and the Middle East is expanding ... This podcast is fr…

1
20 Questions With former Fun Lovin' Criminal Huey Morgan 34:08

2h ago34:08

34:08

Wow! What an extraordinary story Huey Morgan has to tell. Brought up on the rough side of New York by his mother, Huey got into trouble with the law before joining the US Marines. After leaving the military, he fell back into the criminal underworld before helping to establish the rap rock band, Fun Lovin' Criminals. His memoirs, Fun Lovin' Crimina…

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PODCAST 224 Station to Station 29:01

21h ago29:01

29:01

Join Simon and Mick on the nearest thing to a hill climb that South London can offer. But will it be a suitable rehearsal for their forthcoming trek in the Pyrenees?

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September 10th - Not Hot List – places off the tourism mainstream, from Nevada to Sierra Leone 5:47

12d ago5:47

5:47

Today is the day that Intrepid Travel has revealed its Not Hot List – places off the tourism mainstream, from Nevada to Sierra Leone. I've been speaking to Hazel Maguire, chief marketing officer for the adventure travel company. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hoste…

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September 9th - Walking from Scotland via England to Wales – what are the highlights? 7:36

14d ago7:36

7:36

Paul Goldstein, adventurer and wildlife campaigner, successfully completed 25 Marathon-length walks from Tigerton in Scotland to Tiger Bay in Wales to raise money for the conservation of four-legged animals – particularly the tiger. He's been telling me the highlights ... This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up h…

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September 8th - Autumn and winter in Austria: what awaits the traveller? 6:01

1d ago6:01

6:01

I'm talking to Martina Jamnig, director of the Austrian National Tourist Office in London, about the activities on offer in autumn and winter – which range from Christmas markets to ice-bathing in Carinthia. News about more flights to Austria, too. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered …

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September 5th - Today is National Travel Agent Day – and here's a top travel figure on a mission 5:27

18d ago5:27

5:27

5 September is the day to celebrate travel professionals, and therefore a good day to hear from Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership. She believes school holidays need to be transformed so that they better meet the needs of families – and wants to start a national conversation on cutting the summer break to a m…

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September 4th - The freedom of Europe – how to make the most of the current Interrail flash sale 8:09

5d ago8:09

8:09

Nicky Gardner, co-author of Europe by Rail, tells me the best places to make the most of all-you-can-travel rail. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
20 Questions With Steve Richards 50:40

16d ago50:40

50:40

Steve Richards gives his views on the state of British politics, some of the challenges facing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - including the vital importance of communication skills - the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, the shift towards a multi party landscape, and the urgent need, as he sees it, to improve public services. Richards has been a…

1
September 3rd - Dollar dives, euro strengthens, and the surprise third currency 6:07

7d ago6:07

6:07

At the end of the summer I'm talking to Kaya Niedenthal of Currency Online Group in London about trends in the currency markets: what's worth buying now, the use of the dollar and euro in many developing countries, and the currency that is selling extraordinarily well to Brits. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sig…

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September 2nd - Travel Desk Tuesday: the joys of St Lucia 6:13

8d ago6:13

6:13

The Caribbean is a mosaic of delectable isles - but what makes St Lucia distinctive? Senior travel writer Natalie Wilson was there in the summer and was smitten by the island's beauty, friendliness and culture. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

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September 1st - How do you solve a problem like overtourism? The story from Dubrovnik 6:28

22d ago6:28

6:28

"The pearl of the Adriatic" has been enticing millions of tourists every year, with its spectacular setting and mighty walls wrapping around the old city. More recently Dubrovnik's starring role as a backdrop in Game of Thrones has brought even more visitors. The pressure from tourism has been evident – but the Mayor, Mato Frankovic, has been telli…

1
20 Questions With Paul Johnson 57:03

9d ago57:03

57:03

As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British eco…

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August 29th - Entry-exit system begins 12 October – and these could be the worst-affected European airports 7:41

25d ago7:41

7:41

From 12 October, the EU's much-delayed entry-exit system (EES) will begin to be rolled out. Using some mathematical modelling, Oliver Ranson from Airline Revenue Economics has worked out the European airports most at risk of collapse on first contact with the EES. Milan Malpensa, Bucharest and Athens top the chart. This podcast is free, as is Indep…

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August 28th - The most successful and resilient figure in aviation? Meet Michael O'Leary 4:16

26d ago4:16

4:16

Since he took over as chief executive of Ryanair in 1994, Michael O'Leary has guided what was an ailing Irish regional airline to become Europe’s biggest budget carrier. I've been talking to him about a crackdown on cabin baggage, his plan for smartphone-only boarding passes and the EU entry-exit system. Listen up! This podcast is free, as is Indep…

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August 27th - Going solo: how travelling on your own can be a joy more than a challenge – especially for women 6:25

27d ago6:25

6:25

My guest is travel expert Gilly Bachelor, who is a champion of solo travel for women. Tomorrow (Thursday 28 August) she is organising a special evening aimed at women preparing to go it alone abroad – under the brand "No stopping her". This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox…

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August 26th - "You feel like you’re giving back as much as you’re taking” 7:56

28d ago7:56

7:56

Travel Desk Tuesday, and Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman has been telling me about her experience in Bali – the Indonesian island that has been under attack for the quality of the travel experience. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

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August 25th - Cabin air quality: what’s the problem – and the solution? 7:48

16d ago7:48

7:48

Today I am talking to a campaigner on cabin air quality, Captain Tristan Loraine. He believes passengers and crew are often at risk because of engine oil contaminating the air inside commercial aircraft. He is the spokesperson for the Global Cabin Air Quality Executive, gcaqe.org This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. S…

1
August 22nd - Beach safety thanks to public-spirited local volunteers 7:11

21d ago7:11

7:11

On the eve of the last bank holiday weekend before Christmas, I'm in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire – at the home of Andrew Smith, part of the crew of the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat – which does amazing work helping holidaymakers who get into difficult on the water. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to ge…

1
August 21st - 10 Marathon-length walks down, 15 more to go 5:58

1M ago5:58

5:58

Adventurer, photographer and wildlife campaigner Paul Goldstein is walking, in a Bengal tiger suit, from Tigerton in northeast Scotland to Tiger Bay in Cardiff to raise money for animal protection. I caught up with Paul, his walking companions and support team, at Caldbeck in Cumbria. How has the walk been so far? This podcast is free, as is Indepe…

1
August 20th - The American Way of Life 6:44

1M ago6:44

6:44

Every time I visit the US, I am fascinated by the differences between British and American habits. To get the latest, I have been talking to top cinematographer Douglas Bolton, who spends a lot of time in Colorado – and kindly offered me a lift along Interstate 70. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to …

1
20 Questions With Freddie de Tommaso 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his s…

1
August 19th - What is the ideal flight time for a trip from the UK to Europe – and coming back? 5:10

1M ago5:10

5:10

Natalie Wilson, senior travel writer, is back for Travel Desk Tuesday. We have sharply differing views on the best time to choose a flight – and I've also heard from West Midlands teachers Jilly and Glenda, who are firmly of the belief you should make the most of your time away. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Si…

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August 18th - Escape from Canada – two families tell their stories of being caught up in strike mayhem 6:10

1M ago6:10

6:10

The Dearing family and the Robinson family, from Beverley in East Yorkshire, enjoyed a dream holiday in Canada – until they reached Calgary the night before their planned nonstop Air Canada flight back to London Heathrow. They discovered that Air Canada had cancelled their flight and left them high and dry. They have been telling me their story ...…

1
20 Questions With Tim Wigmore 46:57

1M ago46:57

46:57

Why is Test cricket loved so much? What makes it so special? Telegraph cricket writer, and author of 'Test Cricket A History', Tim Wigmore takes a deep dive into what many insist is the greatest game on earth. Whether you're a lifelong fan or merely tempted to dip your toes into a sport that grips hundreds of millions around the world, this is a pa…

1
August 15th - Meet the most upmarket travel company in the world 5:11

1M ago5:11

5:11

I'm in Aspen, Colorado – the mining town-turned-celebrity mountain resort. And I've been talking to Susan Farrugia, co-founder and chief operating officer of Cuvée, a company that promises luxury, privacy, and adventure in some of the most alluring destinations around the world – with prices up to $50,000 per night. How do you build a business like…

1
August 14th - How far would you go for 5 million frequent flyer points? 6:06

1M ago6:06

6:06

Etihad, the airline based in Abu Dhabi, has launched the Extraordinary Challenge - a global competition promoting 15 new destinations. The first person to visit all 15 will win five million Etihad Guest Miles. But one of them is Sochi in Russia. I’ve been hearing more from Mark Potter, Etihad Airways’ Director of Loyalty. This podcast is free, as i…

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August 13th - The total eclipse of the century 5:31

1M ago5:31

5:31

The second half of our total solar eclipse special with the astronomer Dr John Mason, who for decades has been leading trips to see the light go out.I have never heard him so passionate about the prospect of the 2 August 2027 total eclipse – the longest total eclipse of the century. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter…

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Stephen Mangan 52:57

28d ago52:57

52:57

On today's Season 15 finale, we are joined by the brilliant Stephen Mangan - actor, presenter, writer, and someone with a truly adventurous travel spirit. You’ll know him from a vast array of TV , film and stage hits - The Split, Green Wing, Episodes, Portrait Artist of the Year - and most recently, as the host of ITV’s Caribbean-set hit game show …

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August 12th - Look ahead a year from now to the skies over Europe 7:24

1M ago7:24

7:24

One year from now, on 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the surface of the earth, from the Arctic across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. The astronomical event, at the height of the tourist season, could provide an outstanding experience for millions. But the astronomer Dr John Mason, who has been leading eclipse trips …

1
August 11th - Is this the only defunct control tower tour in the world? 5:45

1M ago5:45

5:45

Denver Stapleton Airport – then the fifth-busiest in the world – closed down in 1995. The last flight out was Continental 34 to London Gatwick. You would never know an airport was here – everything has been demolished, except for the control tower, which has somehow survived. Sean Henson started running Tower Tours this year, and I joined him last …

1
August 8th - Race across Europe: a brutal challenge to get from London to Tallinn 9:22

2M ago9:22

9:22

Bram Houtenbos is a charming Dutch financial services executive living in south London. He also self-identifies as a travel nerd. He is one of the foremost contenders in the Lupine Racing challenges that require contestants to get from A to B via a sequence of checkpoints using only terrestrial public transport (including taxis within cities). I ca…

1
August 7th - Could holiday roulette be the antidote to overtourism 6:23

2M ago6:23

6:23

Booking.com chief executive Glenn Fogel believes so. He says a lottery arrangement could keep numbers down without disenfranchising less wealthy travellers. But could this cunning plan encounter problems? This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

1
August 6th - What's happening with aviation security? 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

Many airports have state-of-the-art scanners now, but only some of them are able to drop the annoying 100ml limit for containers of liquids, aerosols and gels. And we still seem some way from the "checkpoint of the future" at airports, where you don't even notice you're being security screened. An update from Richard Thompson, Vice President Portfo…

1
Diana Henry, Food Writer 1:02:51

1M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Today's guest can conjure entire worlds through her writing. Whether she’s evoking the salty tang of the Lofoten Islands, the rustic flavours of rural Normandy, or the buzz of a New York kitchen, her words are rich with atmosphere and emotion - it is of course, Diana Henry, one of Britain’s most celebrated food writers. She's a James Beard Award wi…

1
August 5th - Tall ship cruising around the Greek islands 6:57

2M ago6:57

6:57

After my Explora I cruise that I reported on yesterday, I have today talked to my excellent colleague, cruise writer Marc Shoffman. He has just returned from a trip on Star Clipper, a tall ship where climbing the mast is part of the appeal This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your i…

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August 4th - The joy of cruising, with Explora I's entertainment director 7:06

2M ago7:06

7:06

I have just spent an expensive but excellent week aboard the cruise ship Explora I. I talked to Martyn Moss, who has 28 years experience in the business and much of interest to say. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…

1
20 Questions With Rachel Johnson 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Author, writer, broadcaster and podcaster Rache Johnson talks about self-doubt, hard work, hustling, what it was like being the Prime Minister's sister, a challenging childhood, her love of learning new skills, juggling parenthood with her career, "difficult women", mortality, declining opportunities for younger generations, the importance of resil…

1
August 1st - Seven Wonders of the Ancient World 5:08

2M ago5:08

5:08

That's the title of the latest series from the great historian Bettany Hughes – being broadcast starting Saturday 2 August on Five at 6.30pm. I caught up with Bettany during her latest shoot, and she told me more ... This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. …

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July 31st - Another air-traffic control meltdown in the UK 5:31

2M ago5:31

5:31

Thousands of airline passengers are waking up where they did not intend to be after the temporary shutdown of UK airspace on Wednesday. What are passengers' rights? This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
PODCAST 223 Travel Conundrums 29:40

1M ago29:40

29:40

We get to grips with two very different travelling dilemmas: can you get to the middle of nowhere and how can you combat the trickery and duplicity of car hire firms?

1
20 Questions With Simon Calder 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

Simon Calder is a household name in Britain, popping up on our TV screens and radio stations when a big travel story hits the headlines. Here he tells us the story of how he fell in love with traveling, names some of his favourite destinations in the UK and beyond, explains why travel has become easier since he started out as a journalist, and give…