Best Ahmed Khalifa Podcasts (2025)

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Clare Mainwaring, at The Oteley Estate, Ellesmere, Shropshire. 37:50

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3M ago37:50

37:50

Send us a text I had such an enjoyable morning, chatting to Clare about how The Oteley Estate balances history and innovation on the edge of Ellesmere, Shropshire. Those saddleback pigs and piglets snuffling round the ancient walls in the sunshine were a joyful welcome as I arrived! (You will be hearing all about them). An estate, run by the same f…

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Jonathan Greatorex, fairness, food and making your voice heard. 29:49

3M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text Jonathan Greatorex is back in the horse box and this time we learn how he froze the assets of Lambeth Council no less, in what became known as 'The Salters Hill Scandal'. From anti bullying in the work place campaigns to running his own restaurant, Jonathan brings his own energy and no nonsense approach to the conversation. Standing …

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"Never Say Die", Nigel Burrows, rural undertaker talks about his business and his sporting life. 29:04

5M ago29:04

29:04

Send us a text "Never Say Die" sounds like a James Bond 007 movie and, to be fair, it is a bit like that in my profession. Very full on and stressful at times, often shaken and stirred!" Calm under pressure and taking to the tractor on the farm to wind down, Nigel has a rich family history and a many a good trail hunting story, as well as some of t…

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A conversation with Jeremy Reed, retired huntsman of the Flint and Denbigh foxhounds. 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

Send us a text One of Captain Ronnie Wallace's 'disciples', Jeremy is steeped in the etiquette and tradition at the heart of hunting, now trail hunting, from his time with the Exmoor Foxhounds. Expect some huntsman's wisdom, humour and straight talking from someone who was a dedicated professional, respected by both his peers and the huge network o…

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Amberly Valentine, from The Rake magazine, looks at country life through the lens. 34:40

8M ago34:40

34:40

Send us a text Amberly talks about her fashion and lifestyle photo shoots all over the world. She explains how she uses the media, to promote her documentaries about traditional cultures and heritage brands in the global magazine, The Rake. She has also done a film shoot with the Wynnstay Hounds which were featured in the October 2024 issue, with m…

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Richard Blackburn, former NFU County Chairman of Cheshire, takes you to the heart of the Farmers' March in London, 19th November. 27:23

10M ago27:23

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Send us a text There were plenty of flat caps at Crewe Station on Tuesday morning, 19th November as everyone from the Cheshire farming community trouped up to the capital to join the many thousands who wanted to make their voices count in opposition to the assault on family farms. Richard Blackburn, third generation family farmer talks to From the …

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Mary Williams, hunting in eagle country, Bayan-Olgii, Western Mongolia. 32:53

10M ago32:53

32:53

Send us a text Mary Williams organises trips to Mongolia, eagle hunting, in aid of FIRE charity which funds healthcare in the country. It’s an exciting adventure for those lucky enough to go .. Mary’s CV in life adventures is astounding. Have a cosy listen, From the Horsebox! A rare glimpse into something ancient and unique in global culture, an ex…

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Mark Hardcastle, Falconer to Sheik Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum at Shadwell Falcons UK. 24:42

11M ago24:42

24:42

Send us a text "Intangible Cultural Heritage," falconry is as ancient as the History of Mankind. 'Mews' property, 'hoodwinking,' and 'haggard,' are all words with a rich cultural past. Mark and fellow falconers preserve and protect some magnificent birds of prey whilst giving them a role to live as they should in the natural world. The following po…

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Tom and Alex Painter and the world of high-flying game. 32:21

12M ago32:21

32:21

Send us a text Join two seasoned gamekeepers, Tom and Alex Painter, as we explore the world of high flying game. Though known as a gamekeeper, Tom has got a rock 'n' roll twist to his story in his younger days. Alex' deep understanding of the traditional and correct way of doing things, learned from his father and being a good shot- make him a trus…

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Karl Humphries MBE. Fly fishing master coach, with tales to tell about fishing all over the world. 39:40

1y ago39:40

39:40

Send us a text "An extraordinary casting coach who teaches you how to fish rather than merely cast" is how one of his fellow fishermen describes him. As part of the charity 'Get Hooked on Fishing' enabling thousands to try fishing, he 'puts something back' in more ways than one. A keen naturalist, he encourages an holistic approach to managing all …

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Sion Eilir Roberts Livestock Auctioneer, National Eisteddfod winning singer. 26:38

1y ago26:38

26:38

Send us a text "Its only worth what someone is prepared to give" The live auction is still the best way to determine the right buyer and the right price. The popularity of platforms like eBay and T.V's "Bargain Hunt" indicate peoples' fascination with the 'art'. The auctioneer is the crucible for all this to take place and their skills make all the…

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Marcus Armytage, Grand National winning jockey, racing correspondent for The Daily Telegraph 27:00

1y ago27:00

27:00

Send us a text Marcus has many personal anecdotes to draw on for his writing career, from his 20 years as an amateur jockey. Winning the Grand National with Mr. Frisk Competing in the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech Republic Racing in Russia in the early 90's Recently covering The Derby and Royal Ascot he describes the influences on putting the artic…

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Patrick Barker of Crichton Bespoke Tailors 27:53

1+ y ago27:53

27:53

Send us a text The glorious world of country clothing seen through the eyes of Patrick Barker from Crichton Bespoke. He creates a 'Savile Row experience' in the North of England, through his shop in Chester, which incorporates 'The Disguisery' cocktail bar. From hunt coat repairs, shooting tweeds to an orange suit, this is the place for the individ…

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Nick Ryan, Thomond Gate Whiskey and Lost Barn Whiskey Coffee. 21:03

1+ y ago21:03

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Send us a text Artisan producers of Thomond Gate whisky and The Lost Barn coffee will get your taste buds going this month with their latest products. Nick Ryan tells a whisky galore of a story which puts us in touch with a great age of Irish whiskey production in Limerick. The Lost Barn whiskey coffee will also give you a sensational 'time capsule…

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Caroline Robinson, record breaking jockey, farmer, point to point trainer, honorary chair of stewards panels under rules.- 22:38

1+ y ago22:38

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Send us a text Happy Easter everyone, with a third anniversary episode with Caroline Robinson (nee Beasley), who farms and trains a string of pointers at Sheriffhales in Shropshire, as well as acting as honorary chair of stewards panels under rules, holds two records that will never be broken. She was the first lady jockey to ride a winner at the C…

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Hugo Owen, adventurer and co host of "A Dream and a Fear" and "On Hunting" podcasts. 32:04

1+ y ago32:04

32:04

Send us a text Hugo Owen co hosts the "On Hunting" and "A Dream and a Fear" podcasts. Both have riveting guests and subject matter. With a title a quotation from Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," "A Dream and a Fear covers stories of unimaginable hardship and bravery in the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration to the Titanic disaster. Hug…

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Jonathan Greatorex, civil rights campaigner, rural business leader, media figure, choral music conductor 25:08

1+ y ago25:08

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Send us a text Jonathan's dislike of bullying in any form could be a legacy of a teaching career or it could be that he has a gift for incisive debate, when dealing with the rules raining down from the Welsh Government in Cardiff. The Hand Hotel is a haven of comfort and good cheer at the heart of the rural community and I don't think "bugs" will e…

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Jay Reardon, Tales from Tipperary..our New Year Episode. 16:13

1+ y ago16:13

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Send us a text Happy New Year to you all and we hope you will enjoy listening to our first ever recording back in February 2021. Jay's stories of hounds, hunt balls and pony club games give a picture of rural life that we all love. We look forward to bringing you more interviews in 2024! Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox…

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Brian Jones' Christmas Tractor Run 2023 in aid of The Welsh Air Ambulance and The Rainbow Centre at Penley. 22:01

2y ago22:01

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Send us a text "It brings out the best in people" said Brian, about the massive community fund raiser that he instigated. Discover how the event has grown, with a small and committed group of people, into one of the most exciting spectacles of Christmas. Dressed as the "head elf," he guides the tractors, both vintage and modern, in synchronised flo…

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Peter Hall farms in Kent, where there are fruit, hops, oast houses and wine production.. 49:45

2y ago49:45

49:45

Send us a text Peter Hall is a third generation Weald of Kent farmer whose passion for growing things is in his blood, hops, top fruit, a full range of vegetables and much more. His interest in using the advantages of a scientific approach means that he harnesses the best technology can offer. He keeps well ahead of pests and diseases with the emph…

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Ed Walley and The Crocky Trail. 30:22

2y ago30:22

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Send us a text The Crocky Trail theme park in Cheshire is a paradise for children who want to run, jump and play in freedom. The name was inspired by Roald Dahl's poem, 'The Crocodile' "No animal is half as vile As Crocky-Wock, the crocodile. On Saturdays he likes to crunch Six juicy children for his lunch.." and was built by Ed Walley for the chil…

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Hook Norton Brewery's Head Coachman, Nick Carter. 25:46

2y ago25:46

25:46

Send us a text 'From the Horsebox' becomes 'From the Brewers' Dray' this month as we record directly from the delivery round to some of the most idyllic village pubs on the edge of the Cotswolds. The home of Hook Norton Brewery. Nick Carter is a natural horseman and spokesman, and perfect in his descriptions of the characters of the horses, Brigadi…

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David Minton, legendary bloodstock agent for the jump racing world. 58:04

2y ago58:04

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Send us a text Winner of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents lifetime achievement award in 2019 which was a huge accolade from the industry, in recognition of a lifetime of association with top class horses. He has either bought or sold names such as Altior, Long Run and Sprinter Sacre as well as the Grand National winners, Ballabriggs, Hedgehunter…

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Eilberg Dressage Masterclass organised by Synovium Supplements Ltd. 34:05

2y ago34:05

34:05

Send us a text Enjoy listening to our episode with Michael Eilberg, team silver 2013 European Championships, Team Silver 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, Vicky Hipkins UK Director of Synovium and Anouk Frieling Equine Nutritionist. We were invited by Synovium Supplements UK to their Open Day with the Eilberg dressage dynasty at their base in the We…

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Hats and how to wear them with Rebecca Jones and Tom Hollins 30:32

2+ y ago30:32

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Send us a text Whether you are going to a wedding, riding horses or braving the elements there is a hat for everyone. We examine the art and history of hat making in both the fashion and equestrian world and find that there is plenty of overlap! Look good, feel good and listen well to our 35th episode. #rebeccajoneshats #edgemeresaddlery Please fol…

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Episode 34 Eric Windsor OBE 44:05

2+ y ago44:05

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Send us a text It would be difficult to find a better qualified country character to fit our guest profile than Eric. If you' ve had experience of the politics of Pony Club, mounted games team selection, the local magistrates court or enjoyed point to pointing there is a story for you! Not many of our guests can say that they have shared a joke wit…

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Episode 33 The Point to Point, a great day out. 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Send us a text What talented people we found behind the scenes of the running of a point to point! The natural selling skills of the young with their race cards, commentators who learn on the job, long serving success in the sponsorship department, the art of keeping control of jockeys at the start of the race, the weighing of the 'accoutrements' a…

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Episode 32 Seth Adams, with entertaining stories from his farming life. 33:15

2+ y ago33:15

33:15

Send us a text Seth's farm has had everything from rare breed longhorn cattle, sheep, a dairy herd and all kinds of poultry and guinea fowl. He has a rich sporting life to match his great knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife and listen out for the train story! Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love …

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Episode 31 Sarah Evans' Watery Lane Produce..Veg Boxes.. 27:41

2+ y ago27:41

27:41

Send us a text A wonderful example of creative diversification on the farm in North Wales, Sarah Evans has created a veg. box business using her own talents and ability to network in the local community. Visit her website www.waterylane.co.uk We tried out some recipes... Dahl with Shredded Greens/Cabbage/Spinach/Chard Ingredients 1 tbs coconut oil …

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Episode 23: Xmas Special - Resurrecting Sherlock Holmes. Guest: Author David Stuart Davies 54:51

2+ y ago54:51

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Author and renowned Sherlock Holmes expert David Stuart Davies, joins host Ahmed Khalifa to talk about his latest Sherlock novel, Revenge from The Grave, as well as the beauty and timelessness of Victorian and Edwardian mystery fiction. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022. Support the network: https://tinyurl.com/Dark-Fantastic Subscribe on YouTube:…

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Episode 22: The Shadow's Legacy. Guest: Writer Will Murray 1:14:03

3y ago1:14:03

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The great Will Murray, one of the most prolific authors working today, having written more than 50 novels and short story collections, including tales featuring, Sherlock Holmes, The Shadow, Doc Savage, and many more, joins host Ahmed Khalifa to talk about his work, and his latest book, Dark Avenger, The Strange Saga of The Shadow. © The Dark Fanta…

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Episode 30 Campbell Thompson BVM&S MRCVS Cheshire Equine Vet. 48:23

3y ago48:23

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Send us a text Campbell now specialises in horses but over the years he has had to treat the full range of farm animals as well as the small animals including the exotics ...snakes and lizards! With strong memories of the troubles in Northern Ireland where he grew up, he escaped to The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh, to fulfi…

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Episode 21: Shadowlands and Floating Dragons: A Tribute to Peter Straub (Pocket Edition) 22:45

3y ago22:45

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In this special episode, Ahmed Khalifa pays tribute to Peter Straub, the acclaimed dark fantasy author of such novels as Ghost Story and Floating Dragon. Khalifa also discusses the work and legacy of Stuart Woods, most famous for his Stone Barrington thrillers, who also passed away this year. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022. - BAD DREAMS by A. K…

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Episode 29 Christmas Chris..unwrap our Christmas interview treat. 31:52

3y ago31:52

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Send us a text An irrepressible character - Chris Stockton - has, through his own skills and talent for horses and people, built a successful business and family life. 67 Point to Point winners and 3rd in The Foxhunter at Aintree. He has raced cars professionally worldwide, including Formula Ford Champion in 2001. Marquees in Cheshire to merchandis…

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Episode 28 Autumn at Alderford with Rob Bebbington 23:36

3y ago23:36

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Send us a text Farmer's son and Nuffield Scholar, Rob Bebbington, runs Alderford Lake near Whitchurch, Shropshire, a bustling leisure venue with thousands of visitors. People love the rich, varied and hugely fun events they organise all year round .. Nightmare Island is fully booked this week for Halloween! We loved looking round the high quality f…

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Episode 27 Andrew Robson, gives us a window into the International world of top class bridge. 23:43

3y ago23:43

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Send us a text A bonus episode for you, Do you play bridge? Or is this mysterious world alien to you?! Andrew Robson has won so many of the top championships in the world and our country village has managed to engage him to teach some of his skills in aid of our much loved St Mary's Church in Overton on Dee. What is the life of an International bri…

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Episode 20: A Master Class With Filmmaker Mark Pellington 1:09:41

3y ago1:09:41

1:09:41

In this special episode, host Ahmed Khalifa chats with Mark Pellington, one of his filmmaking heroes, about style, theme, putting one's own money into a movie, and about making his latest feature, THE SEVERING. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022. Links: - Mark Pellington's Official Website: https://www.markpellington.com/ - THE SEVERING (Official W…

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Episode 26 An Interview with Gamekeeper, David Pooler, on the part shooting plays in rural Wales. 39:00

3y ago39:00

39:00

Send us a text It was very special indeed to be taken to feed the deer in the park and to chat to David, about his work on The Rhug Estate in North Wales, where he is Head Keeper. On shoot days the job of ensuring clients' expectations are met, organising beaters, game carts, 'picker uppers,' and all their dogs is a work of art...whether it be with…

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Episode 19: Liner Notes and Musical Boundaries. Guest: Writer A. Scott Galloway 1:09:20

3y ago1:09:20

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In this episode: - Your host, A. K., talks to veteran writer and music journalist A. Scott Galloway. Mr. Galloway has written over 300 liner note essays for music CD reissues of classic albums and compilations, several of which he produced. His work was commissioned by the companies Rhino, Universal, Sony Legacy, Blue Note, among many other labels.…

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Episode 25 The Clwyd Special Riding Centre 46:20

3y ago46:20

46:20

Send us a text The transformational story of a run down hill farm to a centre producing the Paralympian medalist, Georgia Wilson. It has also provided riders with top placings at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College in July 2022. How does it all work? How is it funded? You are about to hear from some of those involved and those who gi…

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Episode 18: Writing in Hollywood, and Real Movie Stars. Guest: Writer Chuck Pfarrer 1:06:48

3y ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this episode: - Your host, A. K., talks with ex-Navy SEAL, writer, and occasional actor, Chuck Pfarrer. Pfarrer has worked on such cult classics as Sam Raimi’s Darkman, Hard Target, Arlington Road, and is the author of several books and graphic novels, including The Thing From Another Plant, a terrific sequel to John Carpenter’s The Thing. © The…

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Episode 24 Kinvara Garner, building her career from a successful start on show ponies.. 26:27

3y ago26:27

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Send us a text Creating an image of perfection for the show ring has been a winning way for Kinvara from a very early age and it was this professionalism which led her to be picked to play the part of Her Majesty for her 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor in 2016. However it does take a life of dedication to produce this top level standard and g…

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Introducing EXTRA DARK: Quick News, Updates, and Reviews 6:50

3y ago6:50

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Introducing EXTRA DARK , a mini-episode with news, reviews, and updates about all things dark and fantastic. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022. Links: - THE BIG DARK SKY by Dean Koontz: https://www.scifinow.co.uk/books/dean-koontz-on-the-big-dark-sky-incredible-coincidences-and-buying-toys-for-his-dogs/ - DEVOTED by Dean Koontz Review: https://dar…

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Bonus Episode 23 Major Richard Waygood MBE, World Performance Manager for the British Eventing Team 33:24

3y ago33:24

33:24

Send us a text Dickie got his love of horses, dogs and all that goes with it from his father, who was a gamekeeper. A "hedgekicker from the West Country" is how he describes his early beginnings at The Guards' Depot, which he also describes as a "working class finishing school". At Knightsbridge barracks he then went through the Cavalry training an…

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Episode 22 The Platinum Jubilee 37:29

3y ago37:29

37:29

Send us a text We hear from Mark Dollar, Robert Walker and Pete Hockenhull about the Household Cavalry's preparations for the trooping of the colour, the busy season of a top show producer and an insight Into thoroughbred breeding at Shade Oak Stud. Queen Elizabeth II is a rock for many traditions of British life and her celebrations gave us all a …

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Episode 17: Hitchcock's Murder and Carpenter's Last Great Film (Pocket Edition) 36:57

3y ago36:57

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In this episode: - A.K. delves deep into the Hitchcock archive and talks about MURDER (1930), one of Hitchcock's most underrated and humane films. - A brief review of the underwhelming THE BATMAN (2022). - A.K's top ten favorite John Carpenter films. Number 10. - A tribute to Vangelis. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022. Links - The Dark Fantastic …

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Episode 16: A Darkness Beautiful: The World of Hugh Walpole. Guest: Simon Dunant 1:02:54

3+ y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

In this episode: - Your host, A. K., talks with collector and independent researcher Simon Dunant, about Hugh Walpole, a near-forgotten author from the early 20th century, whose body of work (which includes everything from Gothic Horror to Historical Fiction) is ripe for rediscovery. We delve into Walpole's fascinating life, his best novels, and Du…

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Episode 21 Susan Thomas, when showing Shires you get your own lorry park... 25:40

3+ y ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text Susan breeds, trains, shows, rides (including going trail hunting), the family's Shire horses. Their progeny have been sold all over the world and two went to The Queen to be Royal drum horses. Managing large animals has also given her the skills to be chairlady of the Young Farmers with a glorious mix of fun and fund raising, Susan …

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Episode 15: Movies Immortal and The Return of David E. Kelley (Pocket Edition) 31:17

3+ y ago31:17

31:17

In this episode: - Your host, A. K., talks about why some movies age while others seem to be immortal, with a brief but deep analysis of CITIZEN KANE, the films of John Carpenter, and much more. - A.K. discusses a recent article in SLATE magazine about David E. Kelley, the man behind BIG LITTLE LIES, BIG SKY, and such classics as THE PRACTICE and B…

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Episode 20 Badminton Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship 2022 21:10

3+ y ago21:10

21:10

Send us a text In this Bonus Episode, From the Horsebox motors to the heart of the Grassroots Championships to speak to William Bedell of Horse Weigh. He was asked to supply the weigh bridge for the horses but if any camels or zebras had qualified he could have weighed them too! Two of the competitors spoke to us after they had had great runs in th…