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Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Advertise on podcast: Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Rating
★★★★★
4.9
from
153 reviews
This podcast has
101 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/05/20
Latest episode
2026/10/07
Average duration
30 min.
Release period
31 days

Description

My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do. 

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Check latest episodes from Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast podcast


The Eighteenth Draft: Lady Carnarvon talks to Jeffrey Archer about fifty years of writing, book titles and his final novel Adam and Eve
2026/10/07
It seems a fitting tribute to share this podcast which reflects on the last fifty years of Jeffrey's fabulous story telling. We recorded this on the 29th September and had such a joyful morning together. Fifty years after fourteen publishers turned down Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, Jeffrey Archer joins Lady Carnarvon at Highclere to talk about Adam and Eve, the novel he says will be his last. He explains why he still writes every word by hand on a thirty-two-line Oxford pad in Majorca, and gives a masterclass in what separates a sixteenth draft from a seventeenth, changing four words in a single sentence to show it. He describes the two real men behind Kane and Abel, the nine-day auction that cleared his debts, and why the boy selling pirated copies through a car window in Bombay has his blessing. Along the way: why the Americans blocked his favourite title, what happened when his Indian publishers told him not to mention cricket, Maggie Smith's gift for throwing a line away, and the peers who mistook a title for an achievement. And a revelation from the other chair. After seven works of non-fiction, Lady Carnarvon is planning her first novel, and Jeffrey Archer has firm views about the name on the cover. 02:10 First Novels & Book Titles 04:34 India & International Sales 12:14 The Writing Process 15:26 Adam and Eve 20:45 Maggie Smith & Downton Abbey 23:13 From Nonfiction to Fiction You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Passing It On: Lady Carnarvon talks to Michael and Clare Morpurgo about War Horse, Farms for City Children and Down Burrow Lane
2026/09/01
I welcomed one of my hero authors, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare, to Highclere Castle to talk about storytelling, history, the magic of reading, and the extraordinary charity they founded together — Farms for City Children. Michael shared how War Horse came to life and why understanding the First World War matters more than ever today. We recalled the unforgettable day Joey, the National Theatre's War Horse puppet, came to Highclere in 2014 — walking through the very library where Almina, my predecessor, had nursed soldiers back from the trenches a century before. Michael told the wonderful story behind Farms for City Children — how Clare, a childhood afternoon let loose near a Devon farm, courtesy of her father Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, sparked a lifetime's passion for the countryside, and how that passion became a charity that has given over 120,000 inner-city children a week of real farm life. We explored the importance of books and reading, handwriting, the friendship with Ted Hughes, the honest editorial partnership between Michael and Clare, and my own plans for a Highclere Literary Festival this October. We ended with Michael's dream summer evening guest: the radiant Audrey Hepburn. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:10 War Horse & Joey Comes to Highclere 06:30 History, World War I & Why It Still Matters 13:15 The Origins of Farms for City Children 21:45 A Real Farm — Not a Pretend Farm 28:00 Highclere: Farm, History & the Fifth Earl 33:20 The Power of Reading & the Literary Festival 38:10 Writing by Hand, Ted Hughes & the iPad 44:00 Editing, Marriage & Telling the Truth 49:30 Dream Party Guest: Audrey Hepburn Topics Covered War Horse & Highclere The origins of War Horse and why Michael believes we must understand history to navigate the presentLady Carnarvon recalls the day Joey, the War Horse puppet from the National Theatre, came to Highclere in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War IHighclere Castle served as a real military hospital during World War I — Lady Carnarvon's predecessor, Almina, nursed soldiers back from the trenchesThe contrast with the fictional Downton Abbey and the very real human stories preserved in letters at HighclereHistory, War & Responsibility Michael reflects on why the First World War is so important — and how it directly caused the SecondThe role of individuals and political movements in triggering conflict, from Sarajevo to the rise of HitlerWhy Michael feels it is "timely" to revisit these lessons today, given the state of the worldSeeing War Horse in the theatre the night before recording — and what it still means to himFarms for City Children Clare's childhood inspiration: sent outside to explore as a young girl near a Devon farm, she fell in love with the countryside, animals, and the rhythm of rural lifeHer father, Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, instilled a love of the natural worldWhy Clare and Michael left teaching after realising they weren't reaching the children who needed them mostHow the charity started with one Victorian farmhouse in Devon and has since grown to multiple working farmsOver 120,000 children have now spent a week on a real farm — milking cows, feeding lambs, grooming horses, doing genuine workMeeting former "farm children" now aged 45 with families of their own, who say the experience never left themHighclere Today — A Living Estate Farming records at Highclere dating back to the 16th century; earliest written records from 749 ADLady Carnarvon's rare breed Cornish pigs, Belted Galloway cattle, 1,400 ewes, and 2,500 lambsThe Iron Age Fort and Bronze Age Tumuli on the estateWilliam of Wykeham (1324–1404) — bishop and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford — lived at Highclere; it was his palaceThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, was a voracious reader; his will, written at 21, listed his books as among his most prized possessionsThe Power of Reading & Writing Why books matter: they let children ask questions, explore mortality, understand the world, and feel less aloneMichael's beach anecdote — watching his granddaughter's husband read to their one-year-old, with the baby turning the pages back — as a perfect image of how the love of books is passed onThe importance of parents reading aloud, good libraries, and physical booksLady Carnarvon's Highclere Literary Festival — launching this October, with:A children's trail through the gardens (including a wardrobe inspired by Narnia and an entrance to fairyland)The Curious Tent and Speaker's CornerWriting and reading competitions with cash prizesFree entry for under-16s who have read a book or written somethingLady Carnarvon's campaign for handwriting — the link between brain, hand, and penTed Hughes, Writing by Hand & Technology Michael's lifelong habit of writing by hand — and how arthritis in his finger has forced a reluctant move to an iPadNeighbour and friend Ted Hughes on why handwriting matters: it keeps the mind and the process in syncMichael's delight at discovering he can dictate to his iPad ("It prints it out magically")Editing, Marriage & Honesty Clare as Michael's first editor — "quite unfairly truthful" — and why he always takes her notes even when he doesn't want toThe ongoing verdict: nothing he's written in the 65 books since War Horse has matched itLady Carnarvon's husband editing her first book and his well-meaning but devastating comment: "Don't worry if nobody reads it — you've still tried very hard"A Summer Evening Question If you could take anyone to Lady Carnarvon's summer jazz evening, who would it be?Clare: Gregory PeckMichael: Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday)A discussion of Audrey Hepburn's extraordinary grace — and how grace itself is something both Michael and Lady Carnarvon seek in their work and livesMentioned in This Episode War Horse — Michael Morpurgo (novel, stage production, Steven Spielberg film)Waiting for Anya — Michael MorpurgoThe History Boys — Alan BennettFarms for City Children — farmsforcitvchildren.orgHighclere Literary Festival — October 2025, Highclere CastleAllen Lane — founder of Penguin BooksAlmina, Countess of Carnarvon — WWI hospital at HighclereWilliam of Wykeham — founder of Winchester College and New College, OxfordThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon — discoverer of Tutankhamun's tombTed Hughes — poet, neighbour of the MorpurgosRoman Holiday (1953) — dir. William Wyler, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory PeckAbout Lady Carnarvon's Podcast Lady Carnarvon records her podcast from Highclere Castle, home of the real family whose story inspired Downton Abbey. Episodes explore history, heritage, literature, and the people and ideas that have shaped Highclere and the wider world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Piano Wire and Courage: Lady Carnarvon talks to Alexander Norman about Captain de Havilland's Moth and the golden age of aviation
2026/07/31
Today, I welcomed author Alex Norman to the podcast to talk about his book on De Havilland’s Moth and the thrilling world of aviation in the 1920s and 30s, a period with such wonderful links to Highclere.  Alex shared his own family’s connections to early flying, including his grandfather’s aircraft and involvement in the London Aeroplane Club and explained how Geoffrey de Havilland’s ingenuity helped by Frank Halford’s lightweight Cirrus engine made the DH60 Moth a breakthrough for private pilots.  We explored how government-subsidised flying clubs, adventurous women and men and the freedom of the skies fuelled record-breaking journeys, from Lady Bailey and Amy Johnson to the Aga Khan Trophy winner Aspy Engineer.  We ended with Alex’s dream dance partner: the remarkable aviator Beryl Markham. 00:56 The de Havilland Family Connection 04:33 Building the First Aeroplane 05:05 Post-War Aviation & The Birth of the Moth 11:35 The Private Flying Movement & Aeroplane Clubs 14:47 Women in Aviation & Record-Breaking Adventures 16:47 The Aga Khan Trophy & Aspi Engineer 21:03 The de Havilland Legacy & The Mosquito 21:59 Dream Party Guest: Beryl Markham You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Rooted in Adventure: Lady Carnarvon and explorer Levinson Wood on trees, history and The Great Tree Story
2026/06/30
I’m delighted to welcome author and explorer Levison Wood to Highclere, where we talk about my great love; trees and his book, The Great Tree Story: how forests have shaped our world.  Levison shares how studying the Grand Tour at university inspired his lifelong passion for travel and storytelling, from hitchhiking across Europe and Central Asia to serving as an officer in the Parachute Regiment and deploying to Afghanistan. He recalls founding a production company and undertaking extraordinary long-distance walks, including nine months walking the White Nile from its farthest source to the Mediterranean, followed by the length of the Himalayas and other epic routes.  We explore what drew him to write about trees, especially an experience with the Asháninka in the Amazon and we discuss ancient yews, cedars, redwoods, Highclere’s planting of 22,000 trees and his plans to adapt The Great Tree Story into a feature documentary. 01:05 Grand Tour Roots 03:26 Modern Travel Risks 04:56 Army Years and Afghanistan 05:49 From Soldier to Storyteller 07:31 Walking the Nile 09:06 More Epic Expeditions 10:33 Planning and Logistics 12:31 Highclere Explorer Heritage 14:30 Why Trees Matter 17:32 Ancient Trees and Estate Planting 19:42 Redwoods and Tree Lore 23:29 Trees in Culture and Craft 24:33 Green Man and Next Film You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Survival of the Friendliest: Lady Carnarvon talks to Rutger Bregman about the "real" Lord of the Flies and the power of kindness
2026/06/01
I welcome Dutch historian Rutger Bregman to the podcast after first messaging him on Instagram and we talk about what I took from his book Humankind and my own wish to bring people together to remember friendship and kindness.  Rutger reflects on Dutch directness and equality shaped by living with water, from the 1953 flood to the Delta Works, and shares why he writes for a general audience about big questions of human nature.  We discuss his challenge to the “veneer theory” and his belief in “survival of the friendlies,” alongside a real shipwreck story near Tonga where six boys survived 15 months through cooperation. Our conversation turns to bullying, family and attachment, the Second World War and Rutger’s research for Moral Ambition on how resistance spreads simply by asking others to help. 01:10 Dutch Culture and Directness 04:01 Water Engineering and Delta Works 05:41 Early Civilizations and Conflict 06:58 Why Bregman Writes Big History 08:12 Debunking Human Nature Myths 10:07 Cooperation at Highclere Today 12:49 Tempest and Amoral People 13:55 Real Lord of the Flies Story 19:00 Bullying Attachment and Family 21:41 Victorian Fathers Revisited 22:40 Reform Politics And Women 23:28 Why Study War 24:04 Resistance Myth Debunked 25:24 Heroes Are Asked 27:29 Unconventional Organizers 30:25 Kindness After Loss 32:19 Kindness Is Contagious 35:03 Lessons From Animals 36:18 Veneer Theory And Dickens 37:59 British Indirectness You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
The real story behind Burnt Norton: Lady Carnarvon and Caroline Montague on Writing Havens, Burnt Norton’s Past and Stories That Heal
2026/05/01
I’m delighted to welcome historical novelist Caroline Montague to the castle, where we talk about how writing offers a refuge from everyday life and how she protects her creative time in her office with her dogs. Caroline shares the remarkable history of Burnt Norton, its links to T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” and the dramatic tale of Sir William Kite, whose scandal, bankruptcy, and death by fire helped give the house its name, alongside stories of the “white lady” said to haunt the top floor.  We discuss her path from law and interior design to writing, her planning process shaped by a firm agent, shifting titles and covers, and her current rewrite of a book about a famous royal swap. We also chat about spaniels, horses and the comfort animals bring. 00:49 Writing Routine and Space 01:35 Career Path to Author 02:41 Burnt Norton and TS Eliot 04:42 William Kite House Tragedy 07:02 Ghost Stories White Lady 09:51 House History and Hauntings 11:25 Plotting Process and Ideas 13:16 Deadlines Output and Titles 15:18 Rewriting The Hook 16:08 Jigsaw Writing Method 17:17 Past Healing Present 18:17 Woods And Creativity 18:35 Spaniel Life And Social Media 19:59 Dressage Highs And Loss 21:09 New Horse Gio 22:33 Italy And Spanish Stallions 25:08 Books Animals And Imagination You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
The story behind the scenes: Lady Carnarvon and Emily Howes talk about the Painter's Daughters
2026/03/31
I’m delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter’s Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough’s portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood.  Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton’s biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little survives from the daughters’ own voices.  We discuss Molly’s documented illness and Emily’s discovery of a possible porphyria link to the Prince of Wales, as well as Gainsborough’s finances, his wife’s hidden savings, and the sisters’ relationship, which Emily likens to Downton Abbey’s sister dynamics.  Emily also previews her next novel, Mrs Dickens, exploring Catherine Dickens’s erasure after Dickens left her for Ellen Turner and the fate of their children. 00:46 Why the Daughters 03:20 Bath After Covid 05:57 Money and Marriage 08:18 Research and Sources 09:27 Molly Illness Mystery 12:21 Sisters and Downton 16:05 Blue Boy and Imagination 17:25 Gainsborough at Highclere 22:23 Next Book Mrs Dickens 24:35 Dickens Family Fallout 27:53 Catherine After Separation You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Our man in Libya and Iran: Lady Carnarvon joins Nicholas Hopton to talk diplomacy, travel and Foreign Service.
2026/03/01
In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey.  Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions.  We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy.  Nick explains how a friend’s suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region’s food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent.  Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town’s mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon’s sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante’s Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante’s poetry and its lifelong influence. 00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia’ (restoring a house in Italy) 00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’: writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID 01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more) 04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar) 05:17 Falling for Tuscany’s Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story 07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic 08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo’ the operator 11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent 12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor’s welcome 13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished? 14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project 14:27 What’s Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus 14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes) 16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere’s Colorful Guests 17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination 18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca 20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015) 23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization 24:21 Highclere’s Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy 25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita Nova You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Love changes everything at the Real Downton Abbey: Lady Carnarvon meets BGT Winner Colin Thackery MBE
2026/02/01
Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his military service and his newfound fame with captivating stories of bravery, love, and resilience. 00:49 Colin's MBE Award Journey 05:49 Life at the Royal Hospital 09:32 Britain's Got Talent Experience 15:44 Reflecting on Joan's Legacy 16:12 Early Marriage and Military Life 17:22 Family and Cultural Heritage 18:51 Royal Artillery and Highclere Event 22:24 Musical Journey and Britain's Got Talent 25:09 Post-Army Career and Civilian Life 29:05 Meeting Jo and New Beginnings You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
New Year at the real Downton Abbey: Lord and Lady Carnarvon look forward and reflect.
2026/01/01
In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone! 00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections 00:26 Challenges of 2025 01:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember 03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere 04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans 06:20 Business and Farming Challenges 08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events 11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition 12:57 New Additions and Future Projects 16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year Wishes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Tutankhamun's trumpet: Lady Carnarvon talks to Toby Wilkinson about all things archaeology and Egypt
2025/12/01
In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom. Key moments: 01:20 – Introduction to Ancient Egypt02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt07:46 – Lessons for Today13:10 – Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Exploring the Spirit of Writing: Lady Carnarvon discusses writing inspiration with Santa Montefiore at Highclere Castle- The real Downton Abbey
2025/11/01
I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories. 00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey 01:38 The Time Slide Series 03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing 06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings 09:34 First Publishing Success 16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges 23:44 Personal Spiritual Experiences You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
How to get published: Lady Carnarvon talks to Harriet Evans about her journey from publisher to author.
2025/09/30
Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works. 00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey 02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation 02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer 04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing 07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights 10:23 Research and Writing Process 15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories 18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories 19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures 21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey 23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing 24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry 30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles 32:05 The Value of Books and Reading 32:54 Highclere Castle Garden Party You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
A pony in the kitchen: Lady Carnarvon talks to Callie Coles
2025/08/31
I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors. 01:01 Life in North Devon 01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony 03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival 08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos 08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket 13:47 Self-Publishing Journey 14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing 15:21 The Editor's Red Pen 16:19 Recording the Audiobook 17:41 The Book Club Journey 22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences 23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories 25:59 Living with Horses 27:38 The Charm of Stately Homes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Embracing Anxiety: An overactive ally with Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane
2025/07/31
Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland. We also discuss the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and simple moments of contentment in life. Join us as we explore transforming anxiety into a source of strength and clarity. 01:20 Discussing the Book and Anxiety 02:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety 04:15 Therapeutic Approaches to Anxiety 06:41 Analogies and Real-Life Examples 07:46 The Role of Animals in Therapy 13:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Podcast reviews

Read Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast podcast reviews


4.9 out of 5
153 reviews
★★★★★
Hltnhdmama 2024/05/24
Great Podcast
I adore this podcast. I love all the guests. My favorite part is when you tell us what part of the estate you are sitting at I can envision what you a...
★★★★★
snackapoo 2022/08/02
Lady Carnarvon’s Official Podcast
I gave this podcast five stars and subscribed like the Royal podcasts. You get good information and there’s interviews.8-2-22.
★★★★★
Kimira VP 2022/07/14
Fantastic combination of fun stories and history
Fantastic combination of fun stories and history, this podcast is now among my favorites. I particularly love the episodes on which the staff of the c...
★★★★★
FL&CTLynn 2021/05/28
Lights, Camera, Action Podcast 38
So wonderful Lady Carnarvon when you invite your beloved husband the gracious Lord Carnarvon to be your guest! From afar (in the USofA) when I hear y...
★★★★★
Mrsbeebee1976 2021/05/27
A lovely compliment
I’ve jumped around and haven’t listened to all the podcasts but the ones I have heard are wonderful! They are a lovely compliment to the Downton Abbe...
★★★★★
Rob O 2021/02/09
A wonderful podcast - I learn so much
A wonderful podcast - I really do learn so much. From the history of the castle, to the historic events of World Wars and so much more. I even learn s...
★★★★★
LawCommenter 2020/12/03
What the Dickens!?🎄
So enjoyed the Dickens podcast🎙 today and especially with the brief reference by your guest to Alabama. That’s where I listen 🎧!
★★★★★
Roseears 2020/09/12
Every podcast!
Each episode is so delightful and informative!
★★★★★
Englishhistorybuff1 2020/08/27
Highclere Castle Podcast
Wonderful podcast! It is not only entertaining and informative, it is light and refreshing. A nice escape from the stress of everyday life. Lady Carna...
★★★★★
Agatha Fan! 2020/08/20
A “Must” for Downton fans!
Fantastically wonderful podcast. So many interesting guests and stories. Can’t wait for the next one to arrive in my feed.
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