In this episode Simon speaks about Old Country, the Channel 4 series based on Out of Town that ran for 60 episodes until 1985. He then discusses how the footage from Out of Town was rediscovered and salvaged, and what it was like for him to step into his stepfather’s shoes to present introductions to the new Further Out of Town DVD.

In this episode, Jack's stepson Simon speaks about the making of Out of Town, the way it was filmed and produced, and Jack’s belief in not revealing everything so that the viewer’s imagination can fill the gaps. He also speaks about the significance of presenting from a shed, and the traditional role of other outdoor-indoor portals to our homes, and Jack’s move from Southern Television to the newly formed Channel 4 where he was able to maintain the character of Out of Town in the new series...

In this episode we discover how Jack got into TV and honed his skills to develop his famously warm, natural and intimate way of presenting. Simon explains how Jack created Out of Town, the TV series that ran throughout the sixties and seventies. He speaks about Jack’s perspectives on fishing and the importance of patience when being outdoors, also about the art of contemplation, of deliberately taking one’s time to savour things and reflect upon them – both are central to the character of...

In this episode, Fennel reflects upon the past year and shares his thoughts ahead of the new 12-part season of The Contented Countryman podcast. He explains how and why the podcast will involve to include interviews, talks, book readings, nature observations and updates about his work with the newly-formed Wild Carp Trust conservation charity.

Traditional angler Fennel Hudson discusses the winning tactics at Redmire Pool, noting the crossovers between traditional and modern methods used to catch the pool's big carp.

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson reads from his new book 'Fine Things', Fennel's Journal No. 8. The chapter is entitled 'The Canvas Effect' and it tells the funny story of how he came to discover and purchase the ultimate tent: a Tentipi Safir CP.

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson talks about his love of countryside cycling where, by taking it easy and cycling during the quiet times of day, we can observe and appreciate more of what's around us.  In celebration of rural cycling, he also reads a chapter from his new book 'Fine Things' (available to purchase at fennelspriory.com). The chapter's entitled 'The Guv'nor' and it describes Fennel's funny and eccentric route to discovering and purchasing his ultimate...

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson shares the 21-year story of his Fennel's Journal series of books, explaining how they track his journey to contentment and why many people refer to the series as a 'route map to freedom'. He explains that the 14 books in the Fennel's Journal series are about life in the slow lane, away from the pressures and fast pace of modern living. "It’s about escapism, freedom and adventure in the great outdoors. It’s about the discovery and rediscovery of...

In this episode, lifestyle and countryside author Fennel Hudson explores the concept of 'countryside contentment', comparing it to the fashionable contentment trends 'hygge', 'lagom' and 'cwtch'. He looks at how natural history and lifestyle authors have described rural contentment, with a quote by Elizabeth West summing up the appeal of the simple life: “For nine years we have been living in comparative isolation and with very little money upon a windswept moorland in North Wales. What...

In this episode of The Contented Countryman, Fennel talks about nature connection and compares it to nature disconnection (epitomised by the 'aways connected' virtual online world). The cites research into why social media is so addictive, and why time in nature has so many health giving benefits. He explains how and why nature connection is so important and liberating, and how it compensates for a sedentary life driven by technology. He discusses human nature, as well as that around us,...

Welcome to The Contented Countryman, the podcast from lifestyle and countryside author Fennel Hudson. The podcast is your opportunity to take time out from the stresses of modern life, to stop the wheels for a while, unplug from the daily grind, escape to an idyllic and peaceful place, and enjoy the natural world. It's where we'll talk about nature connection, wildlife, rural lifestyle, and how the 'truly great' outdoors helps to shape our identity and passions. It's about the quest for...