Episodes
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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.
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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 Old Country.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode we discover how Jack got into TV and honed his presenting 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, only coming to an end in 1981 when Southern Television lost their franchise. 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 of which are central to the character of Jack’s TV programmes and broadcasts.
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In this first episode in the series, Jack's stepson Simon Baddeley talks about Jack’s childhood and how he came to love the countryside and then share these passions in later life with his new family when he came to live with Simon’s mum. We hear about Jack’s early successes in media and journalism, his work during the War, how he became a magazine editor, and his enduring desire to get away from urban places to experience and cherish rural life.
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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.
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Traditional angler Fennel Hudson reflects upon his time at legendary big carp water Redmire Pool during its 80th Anniversary year.
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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.
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In this podcast we listen in to the conversations between Fennel Hudson, Stu Harris, Martin Herrington and Jon Berry as they meet on the Redmire dam at first light to discuss the capture of a special fish, and to watch the sun rise. The voices are hushed, as you would expect for time of day, so listen carefully to what they have to say.
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In this episode, traditional angler Fennel Hudson continues his report from historic carp water Redmire Pool during its 80th Anniversary feature for Angling Times. He discusses the tactics and approach employed by the anglers in response to the lake's challenges, and how they achieved their early successes.
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Traditional angler Fennel Hudson reports from historic carp lake Redmire Pool during its 80th Anniversary feature for Angling Times.
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In this episode, we get a rare and privileged glimpse into the upper echelons of angling when Fennel introduces the Guest Speaker at the Annual Dinner of the Flyfishers' Club of London. We hear all of the after-dinner speeches, including the keynote by cricketer John Barclay.
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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.
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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 traditionally-style bicycle: the Pashley Guv'nor.
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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 self, being individual, nurturing one’s self-belief, and realising one’s dreams. It’s about defining and living your life on your terms, and keeping the balance by knowing how to ‘Stop – Unplug – Escape – Enjoy’. Ultimately it’s about having fun. About celebrating the eccentricities of life and maintaining one’s spirits amidst the chaos."
That’s why each book begins with an instruction to take time out from the stresses of modern living, to stop the wheels for a while, unplug from the daily grind, escape to a quiet and peaceful place, and enjoy the simple life. And to encourage this, he asks that you read the book in a distraction-free and relaxing place. Somewhere you can savour quality time and, if possible, delight in the beauty of the countryside.
Full transcript available at: http://www.fennelspriory.com/contented-countryman-podcast/fennels-view/episode-4-the-fennels-journal-story
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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 effect has this had on us? We are very much more aware of natural things – the feel of the wind, the direction of the sun and the movements and sounds of other living things…We have our own interpretation of Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘enoughness’. We want enough money to live our sort of life – we don’t want more than enough. And in living the ‘simple life’, it is time we are usually short of, not money.”
Full transcript of the podcast is available at: http://www.fennelspriory.com/contented-countryman-podcast
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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, balancing latest scientific thinking with tried-and-tested guidance from natural history authors and creative writers.
He looks at how nature can inspire wonderment and awe, and lead us to a deeper state of contentment.
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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 freedom and adventure, reflection and contentment. Ultimately it's about achieving a slow-paced and meaningful rural life.
