Best Fossil Farms Podcasts (2025)

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Bringing back banksia and taking on world's toughest horse race 25:16

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8h ago25:16

25:16

The volunteers moving mountains to replant native Banksia seeds in fire-affected national park; couple compete in gruelling horse race through Mongolia; strawberry grower reflects on journey from refugee; hatmaker reveals what's involved in restoring a classic Aussie hat.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Coal Carrying Championships, Life on St Kilda and Underwater Photography 1:22:15

24m ago1:22:15

1:22:15

The Bikery in Huntly, Aberdeenshire aims to repair and resell old bikes to stop them ending up in landfill. Rachel chats to team members Stuart Pow and Laura McNeil about the Bikery’s mission, before heading to the workshop to learn how the project teaches mechanical skills. Josh Donaldson from Arbroath became an internet sensation after posting vi…

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[Episode #257] – Remote Microgrids in Alaska 21:31

19h ago21:31

21:31

Most people probably think of a “microgrid” as a campus or neighborhood that can “island” itself and run independently when needed, but otherwise stays connected to the main grid most of the time. But in Alaska’s remote communities that aren’t even accessible by road, residents depend on microgrids for their very survival in extreme conditions. For…

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Josh Donaldson - Litter Picking 21:19

23h ago21:19

21:19

Mark Stephen speaks to Josh Donaldson from Arbroath who became a Tick Tock sensation after posting videos of him clearing up litter from his local forests, beaches and streets. As well as coming across the usual litter such as plastic bottles, cans and crisp packets, he’s even found a grenade. Now with a following of 1.5 million fans as far as the …

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Cane fires light up Queensland skies and telling the story of bilbies return to the desert 25:12

4d ago25:12

25:12

Reviving an old tradition as cane fires light up Queensland skies; working as a livestock auctioneer a dream come true for Ryan who is on the autism spectrum; outback kids take to the stage to tell local bilby story; months after devastating flooding, communities picking up the pieces in western Queensland.…

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Rivers, Fossils and Hot Air Balloons 1:24:21

5d ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Mark is back with Heritage Engagement Manager Ingrid Shearer on the banks of the River Clyde to discuss one of Scotland’s first access rights success stories, the case of Harvie’s Dyke. Also on the Clyde, Helen Needham takes a wander with author Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber, who are asking for recognition of the legal personhood status of…

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Promo - live shows this Autumn! 0:51

6d ago0:51

0:51

Hi Seekers! Hope you’re all enjoying the summer holidays - it’s great to know so many of you are listening to The Seekers Podcast on your travels. The Time Seekers is back with more live shows this Autumn - our interactive time travelling adventure for 3-8 yr olds and their families. We will be touring from the end of September to Oxford, Cambridge…

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Rivers with Robert Macfarlane 31:12

8d ago31:12

31:12

Helen Needham discusses the 'aliveness' of rivers with writer Robert MacfarlaneBy BBC Radio Scotland

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From the Energy Policy Now Archive: How Virtual Power Plants Could Strengthen the Electrical Grid 26:24

13d ago26:24

26:24

For the month of August, we’re highlighting episodes from the 2024-2025 season of Energy Policy Now. We’ll be back with new content, and a new season, on September the 9th. Virtual power plants can help electric grid operators address supply shortages and reliability concerns, but policy support is needed. --- (This episode was recorded on October …

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Family friendly rodeo and outback pub reopens 25:16

11d ago25:16

25:16

New rodeo focused on community, not just competition; rookie station hands getting a taste of isolated life working with cattle in the middle of the country; outback pub reopens after six decades; nurseryman cultivating a colourful perennial and bringing it back into public eye.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Moose, Cranes and the Wolf of Badenoch 1:21:10

12d ago1:21:10

1:21:10

Mark is in Aberdeenshire with RSPB’s Hywel Maggs to try to catch a glimpse of the Common crane and to find out why numbers of the birds are increasing in North East Scotland. Naturalist and Educator Dan Puplett reads the Scottish landscape to track wildlife. Jenny Graham meets him Rafford, near Forres to search for evidence of local species. ‘Cloud…

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[Episode #256] – Electric Farming in New Zealand 1:26:07

15d ago1:26:07

1:26:07

In October 2024, Chris visited the world’s first all-electric farm while traveling across New Zealand. In today’s episode, we speak with the farm’s owner and founder, Mike Casey. In addition to operating the farm, Mike is CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, a sister organization to Rewiring America. Rewiring Aotearoa works to advance New Zealand’s energy tra…

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Eddy Graham - Clouds 24:42

15d ago24:42

24:42

Mark Stephen meets Eddy Graham, a lecturer/researcher in atmospheric science.By BBC Radio Scotland

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Turning waste into tasty treats and fossicking for fossils 25:16

18d ago25:16

25:16

Chef on a crusade to tackle food waste starting with scraps from local producers; fossil fans uncovering ancient creatures in South Australia's Flinders Ranges; after three months and 770 kilometres epic charity droving trek reaches its destination; thrilling horse race delights fans at outback track.…

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Rowing on the River Clyde, Stonehaven's Land Train and Free Bikes at the Edinburgh Fringe 1:22:43

19d ago1:22:43

1:22:43

Comedian Dion Owen is at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to combine his two passions, cycling and stand-up. Mark meets Dion before his show to find out more about his free bike programme for Fringe artists. Gardening expert Julie-Ann Henderson is trying to encourage more young people to consider horticulture as a career. She established the first Nor…

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The Whithorn Way - Part 6 - Girvan to St Ninian's Cave 39:25

22d ago39:25

39:25

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this final episode, Mark and Rachel walk some of the Ayrshire Coastal Path south of Girvan. Then Mark takes to his bike for the final section to Whithorn. They reach Whithorn Priory where the relics of St Ninian were kept, and the place where pil…

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From the Energy Policy Now Archive: Bridging the Partisan Climate Divide 46:27

24d ago46:27

46:27

For the month of August, we’re highlighting episodes from the 2024-2025 season of Energy Policy Now. We’ll be back with new content, and a new season, on September the 9th. Former Republican U.S. congressman Bob Inglis offers a conservative perspective on climate solutions in discussion with Penn climatologist Michael Mann. --- (This episode was re…

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Keeping outback roadhouse running and winter truffle hunt 25:14

26d ago25:14

25:14

Backpacker workers keeping critical outback roadhouse running; hunting for truffles on a cold winter's day in Victoria's Strathbogie ranges; beekeepers making creamed honey; fruit farmers become sunflower farmers with fields that spark joy.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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A Herring Queen, Art on a Bus and a Very Small Ferry 1:23:29

26d ago1:23:29

1:23:29

Since 1978 the Travelling Gallery has been bringing exhibitions to communities throughout Scotland by putting art inside a bus. Mark steps on board with curator Louise Briggs in Callendar Park, Falkirk, to explore the latest exhibition, Seedlings: Diasporic Imaginaries. Phil Sime speaks to blind farmer Mike Duxbury about Scotland’s first inclusive …

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Hunger on our doorstep (Part 1) 38:41

28d ago38:41

38:41

"Hunger on our Doorstep" is a two part podcast about food poverty in the UK. It explores the issues and potential solutions through the eyes of three food campaigners with firsthand experience of food poverty in urban communities, as well as others working to tackle the problem. The often bleak picture of poverty, inequality and exclusion painted i…

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[Episode #255] – Dwellings in Alaska 23:38

1M ago23:38

23:38

In the summer of 2025, Chris traveled to Alaska to explore the state’s unique energy transition story by interviewing some of its energy experts. Like every place, Alaska has a unique set of challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, and can offer insights drawn from its experience to the rest of the world. Alaska’s extreme conditions a…

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Scotland's First Inclusive Farm 28:49

29d ago28:49

28:49

Phil Sime visits a farm near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire to speak to blind farmer Mike Duxbury and his partner Ness Shillitto about creating Scotland’s first inclusive farm. This is a place where people with disabilities will gain the confidence, skills and opportunity to pursue a career in agriculture.By BBC Radio Scotland

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Abandoned railway line becomes cycling trail and hollow log homes for fish 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

Old cane train line becomes cycling trail; helping endangered fish with new hollow log river homes; farmer shares story of surviving fire and living with burns; prospecting proving a popular hobby as gold price hits record highs.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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An Orkney Shipwreck, A Rare Moth and Aspen Trees 1:20:18

1M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

The rare Dark Bordered Beauty moth is found in only two sites in Scotland and one in England. Mark joins Dark Bordered Beauty Moth Champion Pete Moore at RSPB Insh Marshes nature reserve to find out more about attempts to reintroduce the moth to other areas in Scotland. Dark Bordered Beauty moths in Scotland are reliant on aspen suckers - shoots th…

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Episode 22: Summer Special! 19:16

1M ago19:16

19:16

Join Alph, Betty and Gammo in this summer special episode as they journey to the Sahara Desert! Who will they meet on their surprise summer holiday, and will they ever find the oasis? The Seekers Podcast is created by Jack Drewry, Jesse Meadows, Helena Middleton and Ben Vardy. With Emily-Mae Walker as the voice of Dr Doctor. Featuring our fantastic…

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The Whithorn Way - Part 5 - Ayr to Girvan 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, Mark and Rachel begin at Crossraguel Abbey at Maybole, once a significant stopping off point for pilgrims. Then it's off to the once very popular holiday destination of Girvan to learn about a new community led tourism initiative. A…

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Why This Energy Transition is Different 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Though today’s energy transition is often framed as new, it follows patterns we’ve seen before. Cutler Cleveland of Boston University’s Institute for Global Sustainability explores the historical context of today’s shift. --- Today’s shift to carbon-free power is commonly called “the energy transition,” yet the label can suggest that this is the fi…

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Shearers shining a light on mental health and protecting endangered turtles 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

Quick shear competition shining a light on rural mental health; couple's journey from the Pilbara to Tassie to take on farming; young people trudging through mud and mangroves to give turtles a better chance of survival; the story behind colourful headresses on display at Indigenous art fair.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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A Tea Clipper, Sail Training and The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 1:24:28

1M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

It’s anchors aweigh for Out of Doors as we are live from the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen.By BBC Radio Scotland

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[Episode #254] – Global Electricity Review 2025 27:19

2M ago27:19

27:19

This episode cuts through the noise around energy transition progress with hard data from one of the year’s most important reports. Despite claims from both “fossil gradualists” who would like to see the energy transition fail, and “net-zero puritans” who deny that the energy transition is happening at all because emissions are still rising, the tr…

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Veteran Cattle Breeder and Author, Harold Murray 18:08

2M ago18:08

18:08

Mark Stephen meets Harold Murray, veteran cattle breeder and author from North East Scotland. Now in his nineties, Harold has spent his life working with cattle and more recently has turned his hand to writing and poetryBy BBC Radio Scotland

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Flying high in retirement and dark sky tourism opportunity 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

Tourists drawn to regional accommodation for lure of a dark sky free from light pollution; high-flying retiree proving sky's the limit when it comes to chasing your dreams; remembering young drover who led epic sheep drive into great unknown; innovation making olives less bitter.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Screaming Swifts, Flapperskate and a Pictish Hill Fort in Fife 1:23:10

2M ago1:23:10

1:23:10

In a couple of weeks, swifts will leave our skies and depart for their wintering grounds in Africa. Author and naturalist Mark Cocker has spent a lifetime observing them and Rachel meets him in Crail to chat about the migrating birds and his new book One Midsummer’s Day - Swifts and the Story of Life on Earth. Never a stranger to getting his hands …

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Transmission: Power to the people 14:35

2M ago14:35

14:35

Power lines may not look as high-tech and inspiring as a wind turbine or a solar field. But as MIT’s Joshua Hodge explains, these lines—and the rest of the sprawling “machine” that is the transmission system—are critical for harnessing clean, cheap, reliable power. In this episode of TILclimate, we explore what we stand to gain from a bigger, bette…

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The Whithorn Way - Part 4 - Irvine to Ayr 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, we begin on the waterfront at Irvine looking at the unique remains of an automatic tide signalling apparatus - we learn more about it at the Scottish Maritime Museum. This is followed by a walk along Irvine beach which can only be d…

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Will Interconnection Reform Unlock the Grid? 50:12

2M ago50:12

50:12

Thousands of clean energy projects are waiting to connect to the grid. How many will make it through, and will it be soon enough to keep the grid reliable? --- Electricity demand in the U.S. is rising fast, fueled by the rapid growth of AI data centers and other power-hungry technologies. At the same time, many fossil fuel power plants are retiring…

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Spending gap year on the farm and celebrating rare sheep breed 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

School leavers getting farm experience through gap year program; metropolitan schools expanding agricultural education to meet skills shortage; teens helping run family cropping enterprise; fighting to keep rare sheep breed alive in Australia.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Concorde, Coastal Rowing and the Bordered Brown Lacewing 1:24:18

2M ago1:24:18

1:24:18

Mark visits a Moray estate to hear about the incredible rescue of 3 osprey chicks after wildfires raged through vast areas of the Highlands and neighbouring Moray Campaigner David Brown specialises in removing fishing debris from our beaches, Rachel pops along to Cairnbulg Harbour by Fraserburgh to find out about his ghost net campaign Mark visits …

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[Episode #253] – Bioenergy Illusions 21:23

2M ago21:23

21:23

Various biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and wood for power plants are labeled as renewable and carbon-neutral. But are they really? If a farmer converts food-producing land to grow corn for ethanol, does that acre actually reduce carbon emissions? When trees are cut down to fire power plants, can we have confi…

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Journeying with Josie Vallely and Maisie the Horse 24:00

2M ago24:00

24:00

Josie Vallely - also known as Quinie - is a multi disciplinary artist based in Glasgow. She also loves horses and spends her free time exploring the Scottish countryside - mostly on foot - with her horse Maisie. Helen goes out for a walk with Josie and Maisie near Dumbarton and tunes into their slow approach to moving through the world.…

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Restoring vintage cars for red dust race and coffee roasters vying for best bean award 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

Restoring vintage car for red dirt rally; coffee roasters compete for best bean award; couple call time on more than 50 years making local milk into European cheeses; remote town residents meeting at the bar again as local pub reopens.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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The Whithorn Way - Part 3 - Lochwinnoch to Irvine 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, Mark and Rachel visit the Lochwinnoch Community Larder where food waste from supermarkets is re-distributed to the community. This is followed by a refreshing visit to the Lynn Sprout waterfall. Then it's off to Kilwinning to meet t…

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Young women taking up sheep dog trialing and potters fire up on outback station 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

More females taking part in sheepdog competitions around the country; primitive firing brings potters together to share their craft on outback station; how one farming family is rehydrating the on their rural property; the castaway chooks surviving and thriving on a deserted island.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Summer Solstice, Royal Highland Show and Composting 1:22:29

2M ago1:22:29

1:22:29

Mark and Helen visit Ingliston for this year’s Royal Highland Show. They meet a nurse with her prize winning Highland cow and They also explore the history of the Highland pony, and its enduring connection to Scotland’s rural heritage. A festival devoted entirely to composting is taking place in Fife. Rachel visits Cambo Gardens to discover what it…

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[Episode #252] – Steelmaking in the Mid-Transition 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

On April 12, the British government took control of British Steel under an emergency authorization in order to prevent its last blast furnace from shutting down. Blast furnaces produce primary steel from iron ore and account for about 93% of global primary iron production, but they also generate large amounts of CO2. Alternative, low-carbon technol…