Peter Carpenter: Walking in the Footsteps of David Bowie
When his doctor told him to walk or die, Peter Carpenter transformed a health crisis into a feat of urban archaeology.In wandering the streets where David Bowie honed his craft, Carpenter uncovered hidden dimensions and new connections to pivotal Bowie narratives, shining a light on the legendary artist’s conscious and subconscious influences.Peter Carpenter is the author of Bowieland: Walking in the Footsteps of David Bowie, and of several volumes of poetry, including Just Like That and After the Goldrush.We spoke about Bowie’s Berlin years, how the suburbs shaped his sound, and the Growth Arts Lab in Beckenham. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribe
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Justin Marozzi: Slavery in the Islamic World
The Atlantic slave trade began in the 15th century and was abolished in the United States in 1865, but slavery was practiced in the Muslim world for much longer. It dates back to the 7th century, and endured openly until late in the 20th century.Why do we know so little about this? And what forms did it take?Today’s guest set out to answer these questions — and more — in a compelling new book that traces the extraordinary variety of slavery in the Islamic world and brings life to voices of enslaved people, from 8th century concubines to 20th century pearl divers.Justin Marozzi is the author of Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World.We spoke about courtesans and slave soldiers, the trans-Saharan slave trade, and how the Quran addressed slavery. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribe
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Europe By Rail with Nicky Gardner
Europe By Rail is a beautifully-published guidebook that covers 50 key rail routes across Europe, blending practical advice with narrative storytelling, and a focus on slow travel by local trains.This wonderful resource has been inspiring travel dreams for over 30 years. The 18th edition was published in October 2024. It’s one of my favourite guidebooks, and I’m happy to be able to share it with you today.Co-author Nicky Gardner joined me to talk about spontaneity versus pre-planning, the pros and cons of rail passes, and the return of night trains. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribe
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Louis D. Hall on riding to the end of the land
In his mid-twenties, city-bound and restless, Louis D. Hall decided to make an uncharted journey on horseback.He found his horse, Sasha, in Italy’s Apennine Mountains and headed west for ‘the end of the land’.In Green is a classic adventure story and a wonderful travel writing debut. I think you’ll enjoy it.We spoke about crossing the Ligurian Alps, the mysteries of the horse, and the kindness of strangers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribe
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Andrew McCarthy on walking the Camino and the Brat Pack
If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you know Andrew McCarthy from Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire.But Andrew is more than an actor and director. He’s also an award-winning travel writer.His writing is introspective, vulnerable and self-deprecating. He weaves memoir with vivid descriptions of people and place, and grapples with questions like how to balance a solitary nature with the desire for intimacy.I reached out to ask him about walking across Spain, a journey he made twice: first alone, and then with his teenaged son. I thought he might give me some insights and inspiration as I prepare for a long farewell-to-Europe hike.We spoke about Andrew's Brat pack years, walking the Camino with his son, and how a hike can change your life.You can listen to Personal Landscapes: Conversations on Books About Place on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual places. This podcast relies on the support of listeners like you to keep going. Please consider joining the Member’s Club. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.personallandscapespodcast.com/subscribe
Ryan Murdock talks with the world’s most original writers, publishers and travelers to get the story behind great books about place. www.personallandscapespodcast.com
South Africa