Episodes
In this final episode of season 3 we go for a West Country wander with wildlife cinematographer Jamie McPherson. We chat about starting in TV, immersive gimbal filming and seeing dinosaurs everywhere.  Website https://www.jamiemcpherson.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byjamiemcpherson/ Twitter https://twitter.com/jamiemcphers0n?lang=en TV Life on Our Planet - trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ApeELdzg0 The...
Published 03/03/23
Published 03/03/23
In this week’s episode we go for a wintery wander with award-winning wildlife filmmaker and climate activist Lis Oakham.  Along the banks of the Frome we chat about her path into the industry, filming plants and people for The Green Planet and reducing our environmental impact. Twitter: @MsOakham The Green Planet: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013cl7 Lis’s Human Worlds episode: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00149lg Filmmakers for Future: Wildlife:...
Published 02/17/23
Deer, drones & diving! Presenter, filmmaker & explorer Bertie Gregory joins us in this episode for a winter walk in Bristol. We chat about his career, from getting started in the industry to his massive series of ‘Epic Adventures’ for Disney+. TV Epic Adventures: www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/epic-adventures-with-bertie-gregory/4As67yVT9IiU Wild Life with Bertie Gregory: youtube.com/watch?v=Jd1mKPPCWtA&feature=shares Website:...
Published 02/03/23
In this episode of the Plodcast we go for a London wander with wildlife filmmaker and presenter Dan O’Neill. In the heart of the capital we chat about Dan’s eclectic passions, from saving snow leopards to exploring Guayana’s Rewa River, making music for Cate Blanchett, and being the first openly LGBTQIA+ natural history presenter to carry a show. TV  Giants: www.offthefence.com/Brand/3002/giants Dan O’Neill Investigates:...
Published 01/20/23
‘Love like a mustard seed!’ In this episode of Natural Wanders we go for a plod with the fantastic conservation scientist and presenter Dr Rutendo Shackleton. While battling the elements in Cheshire, we chat about the social bonds of elephants, sharing space with nature and hosting the BBC Earth podcast. BBC Earth podcast: www.bbcearth.com/podcast Chester zoo: www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/our-zoo/biographies/rutendo-shackleton/ Gritty Talent:...
Published 01/06/23
In this week’s episode of Natural Wanders we meet with Orcadian composer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper. From Stromness to the city of London, we chat about being inspired by the people and nature of his Orkney home, breaking into school and planting an album in the earth. Website: www.erlandcooper.com Spotify: spotify.com/artist/636k3cBTCgdZfXzCj7Cuaa Social media Instagram instagram.com/erlandcooper/Twitter https://t.co/1uZV8q6GwL We chatted about.. Walthamstow Wetlands...
Published 12/09/22
Wasps, beetles, botfly and beyond! In this episode we go for a Hampshire plod with the brilliant entomologist and presenter Dr George McGavin. We chat about incredible insects, his latest book, overcoming a stammer and the wonder of science. George’s new book, All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World, is available now as an audio book. The Hidden World: How Insects Sustain Life on Earth and Will Shape Our Lives Tomorrow will be published in hardback on 2nd February...
Published 11/25/22
Series 3 has landed! In this first episode of the new series we go for a wander with National Geographic executive vice president, Tom McDonald. In the heart of London we chat about commissioning in today’s TV landscape, avid soap-watching with his family and the solace of nature.  Tom McDonald on Linkedin Press: uk.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdonald-94551159 Press:...
Published 11/11/22
In the last episode of season 2, Mandi meets wildlife cameraman Tom Walker. While wandering on the Somerset coast they chat about capturing landscapes, his journey into the industry and filming hyenas for Dynasties II.  Website: www.tomwalkerphotography.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/tomwalkercam?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Facebook: www.facebook.com/tom.walkerphotography.1 Dynasties II Hyena: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016ckz For more information about Natural Wanders, go to:...
Published 05/04/22
In a blustery Cornwall we meet biologist, writer and presenter Gillian Burke. We chat about Gillian’s career path from behind to in front of the camera, unpopular options and living like it’s 1999. The Watches: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000ww4q www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09y9cpy Website: www.gillianburkevoice.com Instagram: instagram.com/gillians_voice?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders
Published 04/27/22
Grease is the word! In this episode I take a walk down memory lane with one of the best-known faces on Scottish Television, the actor Jordan Young. Near his Dunbartonshire home we chew the fat about school days, his roles in River City and Scot Squad and the play that started it all. Twitter: twitter.com/joskyn100 Instagram: www.instagram.com/joskyn/ Scot Squad: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b06kw5fq/scot-squad River City:...
Published 04/19/22
In the grounds of Pollok House, Mandi searches for signs of spring with one of Britain’s most experienced television journalists, Kirsty Wark. They chat about the history of Pollok, working on Newsnight and raising awareness of issues affecting women of all ages. Twitter: twitter.com/kirstywark?lang=en Instagram: instagram.com/kirsty_wark_/ BBC Newsnight: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk25 Womanhood – BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011xgn Website (with book links):...
Published 04/13/22
In this episode we meet with multi-award-winning wildlife cinematographer Gavin Thurston. On his allotment, we chat about storytelling in natural history, filming the deep ocean from a submersible and finding the joy in nature close to home. Instagram: instagram.com/thegavinthurston?utm_medium=copy_link Twitter: twitter.com/GavinThurston Book: www.waterstones.com/book/journeys-in-the-wild/gavin-thurston/sir-david-attenborough/9781841883113 TedX talk:...
Published 04/06/22
In this episode we go for a walk in the Kent countryside and a wander into the brilliant mind of Max Cooper. Drawing on his fascination with science and nature, Max is a genuinely unique artist whose live performances combine electronic music and audio-visuals to create a deeply immersive experience. While plodding in the forest we discuss nature as an inspiration, driving technology forward and the power of music. Website: maxcooper.net Spotify: open.spotify.com › artistMax Cooper |...
Published 03/30/22
In this episode of Natural Wanders, we meet with director and producer, James Reed. From studying zoology to winning an academy award, we discuss James’ career path and three of his standout films to date; ‘Jago: A life underwater’, ‘Rise of the Warrior Apes and ‘My Octopus Teacher’. Website: https://www.underdog-films.com/ IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1624755/ My Octopus Teacher Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A 2021 Academy Awards win:...
Published 03/23/22
Watch out Mr Darwin! In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet with author, presenter and zoologist Lucy Cooke. While plodding in Pett Level, we discuss the influences on Lucy’s career from Darwin to Dawkins and how her new book is redefining evolution and the female animal. Website: www.lucycooke.tv/about/ New Book – Bitch: www.waterstones.com/book/bitch/lucy-cooke/9780857524133 Jo Sarsby: www.josarsby.com/lucy-cooke TED Talk: www.ted.com/speakers/lucy_cooke Radio 4 Woman's Hour:...
Published 03/16/22
In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet iconic angler and presenter Jeremy Wade. While walking the banks of his local river we chat about the plight of freshwater, catching River Monsters and how to think like a fish. Website: jeremywade.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/thisisjeremywade?utm_medium=copy_link Facebook: facebook.com/JeremyWadeOfficial facebook.com/RiverMonsters River Monsters YouTube: m.youtube.com/channel/UComwL29zYKujb1JhkB0EcGA Book - ‘How to Think Like a Fish':...
Published 03/09/22
Natural Wanders returns! In this episode of the Plodcast we meet with scientist, presenter, and adventurer Lizzie Daly. Before taking a wintery dip, we chat about her route into broadcasting, her passion for British wildlife and how everyone can be involved in the fight for climate action.  Website: https://www.lizziedaly.com/ https://www.josarsby.com/lizzie-daly Instagram: https://instagram.com/lizziedalywild?utm_medium=copy_link YouTube:...
Published 03/02/22
In this second episode of season 2 we go fossil hunting with evolutionary biologist and conservationist, Professor Ben Garrod. While combing the shores of the Severn we chat about being a geek, serving soup to Jane Goodall and what a 1.5 degree rise really means for the planet.  https://www.bengarrod.co.uk/about Twitter: @Ben_garrod Instagram: ben_garrod Aust Cliffs: https://ukfossils.co.uk/2010/03/04/aust-cliff/  Secret Life of...
Published 11/08/21
The Plodcast is back! In the first episode of season 2 we go for a wander in one of Scotland’s most iconic locations with wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan. On the bonny banks, just a stone’s throw from his home in Glasgow, we chat about land use and rewilding, Gordon’s 30-year career behind and in front of the camera and his hopes for the future of our planet. Animals With Cameras 2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zqvw Cheetah Family &...
Published 11/01/21
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  In our last episode of the season, conservationist Giles Clark takes us for a Plod around the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent as we chat about big cats in captivity, being hands-on and protecting species in the wild. 
Published 12/26/20
Artist Jason Singh takes us for a plod up north, as we chat about the sounds of nature, the power of music and finding his voice. 
Published 12/13/20
In our first Plod on Scottish soil, wildlife cameraman John Aitchison takes us for a wander on the west coast as we chat about belonging, a big bunch of geese and the power of nature.
Published 11/16/20
On your marks, get set, plod! Bake Off's Briony Williams joins us for this episode of the Plodcast as we chat about cakes, disability, mental health and acceptance. 
Published 10/17/20