Episodes
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Join in our special cook along episode as the team make Christmas cakes, large and small and a gluten-free pudding. In between stirring and mixing, The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley, will talk festive tipples, homemade gifts and advent calendars. As the cakes cook they’ll be reading seasonal microfiction.
SPOILER ALERT!One of our stories in the second half of this podcast involves Santa Claus and if you have little listeners in earshot, it might not be something you want them around to hear if you want to keep the magic of Christmas going that little bit longer!
To do:Listen to our festive playlists – search ‘Christmas Playlist’ on our blog for the Spotify links
To buy:
Gift subscriptions to The Simple Things
Manifesto tea towel
Christmas manifesto cards
Subscribe to The Simple Things
On the blog:
Swedish glogg Simple homemade hanging decorationsStollen with dark rum and lemon marzipanBath saltsGalette Des RoisMulled white wineFrom The Simple Things:
Craft-a peel gathering – November 2023, Issue 137 – Stollen recipe, How to Dry Orange Slices and Painted Candles
Mulling Spices for Wine gift idea – November 2022, Issue 125
Christmas microfiction winners – December 2023, Issue 138
Back issues are available to buy. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for, send us an email [email protected]
In the new December Christmas Cheer issueHamper swap gathering
Christmas food tidbits trivia
Kitschmas retro drinks & nibbles
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.comEditing & music by Arthur Cosslett
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In our Nourish episode Lisa Sykes, editor of The Simple Things magazine, chats to Wellbeing editor Becs Frank about hearty and healthy comfort food, domestic goddesses, why we all have a favourite mug and how to feed your skin in the winter months.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett
To read:Genius Gut by Dr Emily Leeming (Penguin)
Regrown: How to Grow Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables from Kitchen Scraps by Paul Anderton and Robin Daly (Hardie Grant)
On the blog:Hasselback Squash with chestnuts, pancetta & mushrooms
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/hasselback-squash
Bedtime cake
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bedtime-cakeBonfire treats
Cinder toffee https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/11/4/recipe-cinder-toffee
Rye & apple parkin https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/rye-apple-parkin?rq=parkin
Smoked toffee apple bourbon https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/5/recipe-smoked-toffee-apple-bourbon?rq=bonfire
From The Simple ThingsIn the November JEWEL issue
Carrot and Horlicks Tres Leches Cake
Rye spiced pumpkin loaf
Lemony parsnip houmous with sage
An ode to our favourite mugs
In the October WEAVE issue
How domestic goddesses changed the way we cook
Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine
Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email [email protected]
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Missing episodes?
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This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley seek out treasures of the season such as berries, hips, haws, pine cones and conkers; making magical land art; guerrilla gardening and seed bombs; growing unusual berries straight out of The Gruffalo; and the subtle art of letting go.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett
To read:The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables by Adam Alexander (Chelsea Green Publishing)
Finding Quiet Strength by Judith Kleinman (Quickthorn)
Tiny Traumas by Dr Meg Arroll (Thorsons)
The National Trust Book of Crumbles by Laura Mason (Harper Collins)
To make:Damson cheese, hawthorn berry ketchup and salted sloes
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/09/10/fruits-hedgerow?rq=sloe
Seed bombs
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-seed-bombs?rq=Seed%20bombs
Pine cone bird feeder
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2016/12/14/how-to-make-a-pine-cone-bird-feeder?rq=Goldfinches
From The Simple Things Magazine:October WEAVE issue
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october?_pos=1&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0
November JEWEL issue
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november?_pos=2&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazinehttps://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=r
On the blog:Wellbeing | How to let go of being busy
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/wellbeing-let-go-busyness?rq=Letting%20go
Recipe | Sticky sloe and nut clusters
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/sloe-nut-clusters?rq=sloe%20treacle%20tart
Our remedy of the week | Rosehip syrup
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/7/recipe-rosehip-syrup-and-sloe-gin?rq=sloe
Feature referencesSeeds of memories, Berried treasure and Let it sloe (with a recipe for Sloe treacle tart) published in November 2022 (issue 125)
Letting go feature published in October 2023 (issue 136)
Fall into place (land art by artist James Brunt) published in November 2023 (issue 137)
Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email
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Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Becs Frank and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley discuss our fascination with fire, spicy foods for eating and healing, mending winter woollens and ways to make an autumn walk more ‘awe’ inspiring. Plus a short short on creative autumn pastimes.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Music and editing by Arthur Cosslett
To go:
Somerset carnivals
https://www.somersetcountycarnivals.com
To read:
Enchantment Reawakening wonder in an exhausted age by Katherine May (Faber & Faber)
Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner (Penguin)
To make:
Pumpkin projects
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pumpkin-beer-keg?rq=beer%20keghttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pumpkin-bird-feeder?rq=beer%20kegDip dye candles:
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-dip-dye-candles
From The Simple Things
October WEAVE issue -
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october?_pos=1&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0November JEWEL issue –
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november?_pos=2&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine
https://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=rOn the blog:
Turmeric balls
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/turmeric-balls?rq=turmeric
Hot cranberry toddy
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/cranberrytoddy?rq=cranberry%20toddy
Revamp your woollens
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/revamp-woollies
Feature references
The Christmas Craft Gathering and Know a Thing or Two Spices features appeared in November 2023 (issue 137)
Looking up feature appeared in October 2023 (issue 136)
Know a Thing or Two Wool appeared in November 2021 (issue 113)
Know a Thing or Two Fungi appeared in November 2020 (issue 101)
Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things
If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email [email protected] -
Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank light candles, discuss ways to save daylight and keep melancholy at bay, marvel at autumn colours and the science behind them. The kettle’s on, there is a selection of good cake and time to pause for a seasonal short story.
Editing by Arthur Cosslett.
To go:
Westonbirt arboretum – https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretumTo read:
Japanese Art of Living Seasonally: An invitation to celebrate every day by Natalie Leon (Watkins Media)
Damn Good Dumplings by Stratis Morfogen (Page Street Publishing)On our blog:
Apple Cinnamon Rose Cake – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/recipe-apple-amp-cinnamon-rose-cake?rq=apple%20cake
Bobbing Apples Cake – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bobbing-apples-cake?rq=apple%20cake
Nightwalking playlist – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/nightwalkplaylist?rq=NightFrom The Simple Things:
October WEAVE issue – https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october
November JEWEL issue – https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november
The Greenhouse gathering featured in our October 2022 issue - 124 (edited) -
This episode we take a moment to enjoy the final throes of summer before the return to routine and the start of another season. The Simple Things Editor, Lisa Sykes, and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are taking stock and setting intentions but also working out how to make summer stretch a little bit longer.
Expect a tipple or two and could-do lists for the year ahead. Plus a final original short story to wrap up our Everyday Holidays season.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
They don't call August silly season for nothing.
The Simple Things’ Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank, is back with Editor, Lisa Sykes eating ice cream and lollies and playing big kid games in the park. They’re going barefoot and trying some messy projects in a bid to find the fun and adventure. A spot of laughter yoga, anyone?
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
If you fancy an afternoon to drift and make plans from your deckchair, think of this episode as your permission slip. Join the Simple Things’ Editor, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley to find the right headspace, dream of a different way of life, explore the appeal of islands and indulge in a spot of nostalgia. Enjoy the read-aloud short story with a recommended summer tipple and test your knowledge of Agatha Christie characters.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
Slow adventurer Jo Tinsley is back with The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes appreciating some of the best ways to waste time when you can this summer. First stop is at the beach where they collect sea glass and hagstones, make a sundial and explore rockpools. Then it’s back home to not get busy in the garden and linger outdoors into the night. Have a go at our collective nouns quiz, just because…
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
In this episode we dress like we’re on holiday, all the better to feel sunshine vibes. Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank explore how and why we unfurl and blossom like flowers in high summer, share some tasty ways with berries and cherries and pick a few flowers. Plus good bugs & bad bugs.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
Episode 1 – UNWIND
This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes, finds ways to slow down with Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they discuss active rest, holiday packing, why blue space is the answer and the joy of a good book. There will be time to put the kettle on, pause for a moment and dream of holidays with an original short story before enjoying an impromptu picnic.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett. -
In the last episode of this season Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are feeling the joys of spring through small ways to be happy. Join their chat about the dawn chorus and birdsong, why singing is good for everyone, revisiting pastimes from your childhood, good friends and cooing over new life. As always, there will be an original short story to take a moment with.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here... -
When is a weed not a weed, the wonder of bluebells and the precarious life of a tadpole. Learn how to bloom this spring, as Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes looks for small ways to flourish with regular contributor and Editor of Ernest Journal, Jo Tinsley. Discussing life lessons from nature, join them as they chat about hedgerows weeds we like and why growing things is good for you. There will be time to listen to an original short story and to take a tea break with the sun on your face.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here... -
How does fresh air, fresh food and a bit of fresh thinking sound?
This week Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank look for small ways to bring in spring. They start by opening the windows, trying some homespun cleaning and pegging out the washing. There’ll be chat about homegrown herbs and adding a twist to favourite meals. And why cycling is a good thing.
Join them to hear this episode’s original short story and discover just what’s in their first Pause subscription box from Mind, which is supporting A Spring TonicTo subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...
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Join the discussion about could-do lists and spontaneous day trips, following a quest, unusual sources of inspiration and the best ways to play truant... oh, and satisfying stuff you can do in a day. In this episode Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes seeks out small ways to seize the moment with regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley. Relish a moment of calm yourself and listen to this week’s original short story.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here... -
This week Lisa & Becs are feeling curious and ready to try something new.
Join them to explore spring foraging and experimental cooking, picking up the things they tried in lockdown and discovering why being curious is good for all of us.Pop the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story plus we’ll hear from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic through Pause, the monthly subscription box.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com -
This week we are sharing chocolate and cake with Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they chat about why we love an inessential meal, how a treat lifts your mood, the joy of fresh eggs, time away from the to-do list and whether it’s better to save for something special. There will be time to put the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
Click here to find out more about the The Simple Things Magazine
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This week we discuss simple things to marvel at during winter.
In the last of this season, we embrace the season’s bleak but dramatic landscapes, why we love a small hill, natural spectacles, frost and ice and make mention of dragons…
Join us in The Hibernacle, hosted by Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes with Jo Tinsley, regular contributor to the magazine, Editor of Ernest Journal and author of The Slow Traveller.
The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves -
This week we take a wander in the Hibernacle. We are seeking ways to overcome the lack of daylight and bad weather to lead us out of winter hibernation. Expect beachcombing, microclimates and lunchtime adventures. NB. Please check the laws around beachcombing for your own location.
Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes is chatting with Jo Tinsley, regular contributor to the magazine, Editor of Ernest Journal and author of The Slow Traveller and fellow outdoors fan.
The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves -
We look ahead in The Hibernacle this week; exploring the power of positive thinking, the benefits of armchair travel, stating intentions, making plans and spending time with our hopes and dreams, in our WISH episode.
Hosted by Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank .
The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves - Show more
