The Sense of Place Podcast

Ep 20: Islands of Abandonment: Life in the Post-Human Landscape ft. Cal Flyn

Have you ever wondered what happens to the places abandoned by humans as a result of war, nuclear damage, or just the cruel hand of time? 

Initially, it may sound rather bleak, but today’s guest has found some silver linings amongst the ruins.

In today’s episode, I chat to author and journalist, Cal Flyn, about her second non-fiction book, 'Islands of Abandonment: Life in the Post-Human Landscape'.

'Islands of Abandonment', which has been named The Sunday Times' Science & Environment book of the year (2021) and shortlisted for other prestigious awards, explores ghost towns, exclusion zones, and post-industrial ruins. It aims to illustrate both the ecology and psychology of abandoned places.

In my conversation with Cal, I discover what sparked her interest in abandonments, her process for writing and researching the book, how nature benefits from our absence, and much more!

To find out more about Cal's work, be sure to check out her website: https://www.calflyn.com/

(Recorded November 2021)

Ep 21: Exploring Post War & Contemporary Architecture ft. John Grindrod

In today’s episode, I chat with author John Grindrod.  John’s work explores Britain’s post-war and contemporary architecture from a personal and sociohistorical perspective. John describes his books as being for those of us who are fascinated by the modern histories of our towns, cities, and suburbs - but also aren’t quite sure what to make of them.

John has published four books: Concretopia: A Journey Around the Rebuilding of Postwar Britain (2013), Outskirts: Living Life on the Edge of the Green Belt (2017), How to Love Brutalism (2018), and Iconicon: A Journey Around the Landmark Buildings of Contemporary Britain (2022).

In my conversation with John, we learn about the key characteristics of post-war architecture, and what got John particularly interested in this era of construction. We also explore what the greenbelt is and the issues surrounding it, as well as John’s self-professed love of Brutalism. Finally, we take a look at John's new book, Iconicon, and ponder the ups and downs of our mutual home town, Croydon.
 
For more on John, check out https://www.johngrindrod.co.uk/

NOTE: Please excuse the poor audio at times in this episode. Someone commented it sounded like I was eating a bag of crisps. The rustling was coming from John's mic as he spoke. I was unable to edit it out as it would have lost John's speech all together. Apologies in advance!

(Recorded March 2022)

 

Ep 22: Music with a sense of place: Rocketman ft. Lizzy Laurance

Lizzy Laurence is a London based sound artist who creates music inspired by spatial locations. She stiches together 'found' music and ambient sound to create her tracks. 

In today’s episode I chat with Lizzy about her debut album Rocketman (I know what you are thinking, but no - it is very different!) the album was created while she was an artist in residence aboard Illutron, an old dredging boat in Copenhagen which has links to the murder of journalist Kim Wall.

In my conversation with Lizzy I find out what got her interested in creating music inspired by place, the story of Illutron & Kim Walls murder, and finally, Lizzy’s creative process while creating Rocketman, and her music in general. 

For more on Lizzy follow the links below: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_laurance/  
Bandcamp: https://lizzylaurance.bandcamp.com/album/rocketman  
Website: https://lizzylaurance.wixsite.com/mysite  

(Recorded April 2022)

Ep 23: Photography and a sense of place: Autochrome

In today’s episode it’s just going to be you and me! Think of today’s episode as a little introduction / taster exploring the connection between photography and a sense of place, as well as introducing you to the magical world of Autochrome! 

Photographers discussed: 
Mervyn O'Gorman
Heinrich Kühn
Jacob Olie Jr. 
Wilhelm Tobien

I’d love to know what you think about autochrome’s and if photographs have ever evoked a strong sense of place in you.

Episode Extras: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-23-for-68863251

(Recorded June 2022)

Ep 24: The Uncanny: Freud, Ghost Stories & Christmas ft. Richard V. Hirst

Richard V Hirst is an award-winning writer and editor with a love for the uncanny, ghost stories and winter - the perfect Christmas guest!

In today's episode we explore the concept of the uncanny- what it means, and where the idea originates from.  We then look at it's relationship with place, and finish up with an exploration of the uncanny in literature, with a particular focus on Christmas ghost stories.

For more on Richard: 
http://www.ithoughtitoldyoutowaitinthecar.com/ 
http://www.curious-tales.com/ 

Free music used at the end: https://pixabay.com/music/christmas-god-rest-you-merry-gentlemen-christmas-piano-background-music-12208/ 

(Recorded December 2022)

Ep 25: Mudlarking & London Clay ft. Tom Chivers

Tom Chivers is a writer, publisher and Mudlark (someone who searches for objects on the banks of the River Thames).

In 2021, Tom wrote ‘London Clay: Journeys in the Deep City’, which was described by Becky Wragg Sykes as “an intoxicating voyage into urban time and place, revealing the city’s geological skeleton...”. During the episode, Tom and I discuss ‘London Clay,' his passion for Mudlarking, and the significant role it plays in his life, and the lives of others.

For more on Tom, visit: https://thisisyogic.com/

(Recorded June 2023)

Ep 26: Making Sense With All the Senses: Tangible Territory, Artistic Research & Dining in the Dark ft. Dr Tereza Stehlíková

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Tereza Stehlíková, a Czech artist, researcher and lecturer currently serving as the head of the Visual Arts Department at the University of Creative Communication, Prague.
 
Through her extensive body of artistic work and academic research, Tereza explores how we experience spaces/places through the senses. During our conversation, I find out what got Tereza interested in exploring sensory perception as well as how she explores these modalities through her creative work and teaching.
 
For more on Tereza, visit:
 
Cinesthetic Feasts (Blog) https://cinestheticfeasts.com/
 
Tangible Territory (Journal) https://tangibleterritory.art/
 
 
(Recorded November 2023)

Ep 27: Out Of Sight And In Your Face: Street Art & Graffiti ft. Chris Pensa

While graffiti might have modern connotations, it’s existed for thousands of years. The act of creative expression on walls and other surfaces is observable in many different forms - and there’s always been plenty of conflicting opinions about it!

In today’s episode, I chat with Chris Pensa, a street art expert and former art auctioneer at Sotheby's.

Chris is the founder of The House of Graffiti, an interior design agency working with some of the world's best street artists to create bespoke murals for private and commercial clients. He is also the founder of PENSA Events where he carries out his street art walks and tours.

Chris and I discuss the variety of contemporary street art styles that exist today, as well as their historical origins. We also explore Chris’ route into the world of street art, the different motivations behind creating graffiti, and some of Chris’ favourite artists.

For more on Chris, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/houseofgraffiti

https://www.thehouseofgraffiti.co.uk/

https://www.pensaevents.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/PensaEvents

For all of you who love hiking and nice mementos, why not check out the Adventure Patch Company?! Founded by brothers Chris & Dom, they make retro hiking patches that celebrate the UK’s best loved parks, peaks, trails, and outdoor challenges. Use discount code SENSEOFPLACE at checkout for 20% all purchases! Link here: https://adventurepatch.co.uk?sca_ref=5712306.rLjIvt6JQb  

 

Episode Extra's: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-extras-99921775

(Recorded February 2024)

 

Ep 28: Sunken Lands: A Journey Through Flooded Kingdoms and Lost Worlds ft. Gareth E. Rees

I’m pleased to welcome back writer Gareth E. Rees for round two on the podcast! This time, we explore his latest book Sunken Lands: A Journey Through Flooded Kingdoms and Lost Worlds.

Drawing on the book's central themes, Gareth and I discuss the history of flood myths and their continued relevance in the face of the climate crisis. We also chat about the often-overlooked capabilities of the past civilizations, and why modern folklore, oral storytelling, and music are so integral to keeping ancient flood mythology and folklore alive.

 

For more on Gareth visit:

https://twitter.com/hackneymarshman

https://bsky.app/profile/garetherees.bsky.social 

http://www.unofficialbritain.com/

 

Gareth’s first appearance on the podcast:

https://www.senseofplacepod.com/podcast/episode/499fc9f8/ep-16-unofficial-britain-everyday-myth-magic-and-folklore-ft-gareth-e-rees

 

The Adventure Patch Company:

 A small independent business run by brothers Chris & Dom. They make retro patches that celebrate the UK’s best loved outdoor places and wildlife. Sustainability is key to Chris and Dom, and they support the rewilding project ‘Trees for life’ in Scotland. They also donate over 1% of their total revenue each year to the UK National Parks Foundation which supports work that improves, protects, and enhances National Parks and programmes that connect communities with these landscapes.

Use discount code SENSEOFPLACE at checkout for 20% all purchases!

Link here: https://adventurepatch.co.uk/?sca_ref=5712306.rLjIvt6JQb

 

The music played during our discussion and at the end of the episode is a track from Gareth’s album ‘Songs from the Sunken Lands’ that accompanies the book. The track is called ‘The Great Serpent’.

 

(Recorded April 2024)

Ep 29: Lost in the Garden: Folk Horror, Hauntology & Misremembered Nostalgia ft. Adam S. Leslie

‘Like an old wives’ tale, like a piece of wisdom passed down through generations which no one questioned or even thought about too hard. Like folklore. It was just something everyone knew, a rule to be followed. 

Don’t go to Almanby’.

 

In today’s episode I chat to author and screenwriter Adam S. Leslie about his debut novel, Lost in the Garden which follows three friends as they journey to the village of Almanby during a never-ending summer.

Lost in the Garden has been described as a folk horror novel, although Adam has coined the term ‘Nostalgia Horror’ to describe his book. Together, we have a wide-ranging discussion drawing on themes of folk horror, hauntology and childhood nostalgia which are central to the book. 

Adam also shares his creative influences, his passion for film, and the inspirations behind Lost in the Garden.

For more on Adam:

Book - https://deadinkbooks.com/product/lost-in-the-garden/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AdamLeslie1974 

 

Here is a link to episode 14 featuring Bob Fischer, which is referenced during this episode: https://www.senseofplacepod.com/podcast/episode/4a2e6cab/ep-14-hauntology-nostalgia-disquiet-and-lost-futures-ft-bob-fischer 

Here is a link to Bob Fischer's article ‘The Haunted Generation’ also referenced during this episode: https://hauntedgeneration.co.uk/2019/04/22/thehauntedgeneration/ 

 

The Adventure Patch Company: Use discount code SENSEOFPLACE at checkout for 20% all purchases! Link here - https://adventurepatch.co.uk?sca_ref=5712306.rLjIvt6JQb  

 

(Recorded September 2024)