Fascinating People, Fascinating Places

Morris dancing -- a traditional type of British folk dance is synonymous with villages fairs and men dressed in white dancing with wooden sticks. But there are many more elements to "Morris" that the stereotypes we are familiar with. In this episode, I explore its origins, and learn how it has expanded around the globe. Today's guests:  Peter Austin, "Bagman" of The Morris Ring - The founding National Association of Morris and Sword Dance Clubs in Britain. Cat Van't Hof & Nat James of the Brandragon Morris in Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about these groups see below: https://themorrisring.org/ In 1934 the Cambridge Morris Men invited five other teams to join them in the formation of a national organisation, the result was that five of the revival clubs - Cambridge, Letchworth, Thaxted, East Surrey and Greensleeves - met at Thaxted in Essex on the 11th May that year to inaugurate The Morris Ring. Cambridge Morris Men describe the start of Morris in Cambridge during the winter of 1911/12 in the 1949 booklet 50 Years of Morris Dancing. Oxford were not at Thaxted, however they sent their apologies and were there in spirit, and agreed with the suggested constitution for the Ring. Helmond Morris(link is external) was the first group to start outside of the UK - in 1935. They even danced during the dark years of World War II! http://brandragon.morris.org.au/ Founded in 2001, we are Melbourne’s only North West Morris Side. What is Morris Dancing? It is traditional English folk dancing! The North West style is done in formations of 4, 6 or 8 dancers – to live music. We wear heavy clogs which were worn in the factories of England during the time just after the Industrial Revolution. The dancing steps are quite simple, but the dancers create interesting visual patterns which comes from hours of practise. If you would like to try Morris dancing, please contact us and come along to a practise any time! We also welcome new musicians to join us! Our current band has members who play the melodeon, the recorder, the drum and other percussion instruments. Music from Pixabay Photo: Morris dancing at Port Sunlight.jpg Morris dancing at the 2011 Port Sunlight Festival, Wirral, England. Reptonix free Creative Commons licensed photos Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Witches have existed in Denmark since primitive times. Though in the past, many were categorized as "cunning folk" since they were concerned with good deeds rather than ill. But in the late 16th century, anyone carrying around runes, whipping up potions, or practicing traditional folklore suddenly found themselves in danger. King Christian IV, developed a preoccupation with all forms of witchcraft. His definition included practically anything religious or spiritual outside of conventional Lutheranism. What followed were a series of witch hunts that saw huge numbers of innocent people burnt at the stake. In this episode I investigate the witches of Denmark. Their origins, their practices, and how the good were for a time treated differently from the bad.  Audio from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

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The Roman Emperor Commodus is best know for Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of him in the movie Gladiator. There is little doubt the ranks as one of Rome's craziest emperors. In this Wednesday bonus mini-cast, I separate fact from fiction and examine the man behind the legend. Pictures credit: Actor Joaquin Phoenix at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival 2018 Harald Krichel Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Russell Crowe (34450751620).jpg Russell Crowe Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Empereur Commode.JPG Tête de l'empereur Commode, musée d'Éphèse, Selçuk, Turquie. Bachelot Pierre J-P Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Druids are synonymous with Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice but are these modern druids representative of their ancient forbears? And who exactly were the druids? Many people base their knowledge of the druids on brief remarks made by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. But, there are many other sources – from Ireland – that provide us with much more information on this ancient group. In this episode, I talk to author and Druid Priestess Ellen Evert Hopman, of the Tribe of the Oak Druid Grove.  In her books A Legacy of Druids, and Being a Pagan she researched modern-day druids. We discuss contemporary Druidism as well as the ancient rituals and traditions of the group. Credits: Interviewee: Ellen Evert Hopman Personal Website: www.elleneverthopman.com Group website: www.tribeoftheoak.com Audio: Pixabay Image: Queen Maeve and the Druid. Stephen Reid. Public Domain. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series of events that salvaged the reputation of President Boris Yeltsin and laid the stage for his protege Vladimir Putin to come to power. But Selezynyovs apparent clairvoyance wasn’t the only indication that something more sinister was afoot. And many people believe the second Chechen war was launched on the basis of a false flag attack concocted by Vladimir Putin. In this episode, I talk to the acclaimed journalist David Satter – formerly the Moscow correspondent for The Financial Times, and special correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. He was the first investigative reporter to detail what he believes was a bloody conspiracy to bring Putin to power. Aside from his journalistic work, David Satter has written five books about Russia including Age of Delirium: The Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union which was adapted into a documentary film, and more recently he authored The Less You Know, The Better You Sleep: Russia's Road to Terror and Dictatorship under Yeltsin and Putin. In December 2013, he was expelled from Russia having been accused of violating migration laws. A claim that he denies and has been widely derided. Like many before and since his real crime appears to have been His actual offense appears to have been his efforts to expose the true nature of an opaque and sinister regime. Music and Sound: Pixabay Guests: David Satter (on Wikipedia) Audio: Public domain Cover photo: Vladimir Putin Creative Commons --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Founded in 1878, Everton are nine times English football champions but recent decades have seen the club slide into mediocrity. In this episode, I talk to fans who witnessed relegation in the 1950s, The Golden Vision and Holy Trinity of the 1960s, the pinnacle of success in the 1980s, and the rollercoaster ride since. Featured Interviewees: Isaac Chisnall Dominic Hodgson Derek Knox Lyndon Lloyd John McFarlane Ant Welsh Picture: Everton F.C. team 1909 public domain Music/sound: BBC --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Heroes of Space. Part III In 1990, astronaut Steven Hawley deployed the Hubble telescope in space as part of the crew of the space shuttle Discovery. Kansas-born Hawley was among the civilians selected to be part of the space program on the basis of his expertise in a specific area: astronomy. One of his subsequent trips into space involved completing maintenance on HST. More recently, he has used it at ground level during his research work. In this episode, I talk to Professor Hawley about Hubble, his time as an astronaut, and the impact of HST. Featuring: Professor Steven Hawley Music: Pixabay Sound and pictures: public domain from NASA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Heroes of Space. Part II In the aftermath of World War II, the United States and USSR quickly turned their attention to space. In this episode, I talk to one of the world's leading experts on space history: Dr. Cathleen Lewis curator of International Space Programs and Spacesuits at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. We discuss the early efforts to send animals and later humans into space. The culture of the competing space programs including the role of women, and the technological developments that took us from Sputnik to the Space Shuttle. Contributors: Dr. Cathleen Lewis Ph.D. George Washington University. Music: Pixabay Audio: Sputnik's radio beep 1957. Neil Armstrong speech on the moon landing. Apollo 13 radio call. Harrison Schmidt moon recording. Courtesy of NASA Public Domain Image: Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin, Lunar Module (LM) pilot, salutes the U.S. flag. Public Domain NASA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

The Anzac landings in Gallipoli quickly descend into chaos as Braund and other commanders try to lead their men to victory against overwhelming odds.  In this episode, I explore the story of the tragic tale of George Braund, Henry Edward White, and so many others. I interview two experts in the field: Brad Manera, and Ian Hodges, who provide fascinating insights into the battle, the legacy of Gallipoli, and how it helped forge the Anzac and Australian identities. With thanks to: Brad Manera, Senior Historian, and Curator of The Anzac Memorial Ian Hodges, Historian from the Australian Department of Veteran's Affairs Advance Australia Fair recorded 1915, courtesy of The British Zonophone Company. Public Domain Herbert Asquith recording 1909. Public Domain Simon Jackson as the voice of Lt William Malone Jack Timothy as the voice of the government clerk Sound Effect from Pixabay National Archives of Australia --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

In August 1914, New South Wales politician George Braund was tasked with forming the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the newly created Australian Imperial Force. One of his recruits was Henry Edward White. Both men had some prior military experience, and like many of their countrymen, they had been born in England. When the call came to defend the British Empire against the Central Powers of Europe, they quickly enlisted and within a few months set sail for Europe. But they never reached the proposed journey's end: training grounds in England. Instead, they were unexpectedly propelled into action in the Gallipoli peninsula.  In this episode, I explore the story of these two soldiers and the evolution of the Australian armed forces prior to and during the tragic yet heroic events of Gallipoli. I interview two experts in the field: Brad Manera, and Ian Hodges, who provide fascinating insights into the background, the people, and the events that helped to forge the national identity of a nation. With thanks to: Brad Manera, Senior Historian, and Curator of The Anzac Memorial Ian Hodges, Historian from the Australian Department of Veteran's Affairs Advance Australia Fair recorded 1915, courtesy of The British Zonophone Company. Public Domain Herbert Asquith recording 1909. Public Domain Simon Jackson as the voice of Lt William Malone Jack Timothy as the voice of the government clerk Sound Effect from Pixabay National Archives of Australia --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Do you have Irish ancestry? Are you intrigued about the history of Carlow? John Kelly of the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society offers advice and resources for anyone thinking of making a visit or delving into genealogical research. This is bonus content attached to The Battle of Carlow and the 1798 Irish Rebellion episode. Links:  Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society Carloviana Archives Irish Genealogy Free National Site Roots Ireland --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

On the 24 May 1798, simultaneous revolts across cities and towns in Ireland signified the start of the long anticipated Irish rebellion. The insurectionists -- many of whom were members of The Society of United Irishmen -- were both protestant and catholic, rich and poor. But they shared a vision of an Irish republic -- free from British rule. In this episode, I investigate the events surrounding the rebellion, recall its progress and aftermath with a focus on events in the small South Eastern town of Carlow. Professor Thomas Bartlett, Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen, is one of the leading experts on Irish history in this era. He provides his insights on the background to the rebellion and the events that unfolded. Additionally, historian John Kelly, Editor of The Carloviana, and member of The Carlow Histrocial and Archeaological Society shares his expertise on the tragic events in Carlow.  Credits: Guest interviewees: Prof. Thomas Bartlett John Kelly Audio: Boolavogue performed by Sarak Kinsella Sound Effects from Pixabay Additional Resources: Carlow Historical and Archeaological Society Carloviana --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

When you hear people talk about zealots and religious hate groups, you tend to think of some dour old cave dweller with a long beard or a 17th century puritan with an obscenely large and seemingly unnecessary buckle on his hat. You don’t typically think of a smiling, colorfully dressed, personable wife and mother who drops terms of endearment like “hun” into conversation while discussing serious topics such as hellfire and brimstone. But just down the road from where I live here in Kansas, a small Calvinist protestant congregation – the Westboro baptist church – has made international headlines for their novel approach to funerals. Instead of offering flowers and sympathy cards and attending services for friends and family, they hold signs proclaiming damnation for the deceased and frequently show up at the funerals of strangers. They’ve also been particularly critical of anyone engaged in sexual activity outside of procreation and male/female marriage. In fact today, here in Kansas City they are holding a protest against comedian Jim Gaffigan who as they put it was raised in the grotesque idolatry and perversion of the catholic pedophile machine. As a Catholic myself, and coincidentally a fan of Gaffigan, I’ve always been curious about this group not in terms of what they do – as that’s been pretty well documented. But rather why they do it. The Bible prompts me to go to Mass once a week and to try not to do anything that can’t be offset by a few Hail Marys after confession. The same book or rather collection of books has had a profoundly different impact on them. With covid restrictions still in effect – I reached out to spokesperson Shirley Phelps-Roper whose father Fred, now deceased, founded the church. She agreed to a Skype interview. Now, this is the bit where ordinarily I’d jump into the audio but on this occasion, I have to offer a trigger warning. It would take a while to list everything that might be triggering in the following interview, but pretty much if you’re not in good standing as a member of the Westboro baptist church then you will hear something from Shirley that could well offend you. If you’re OK with that and like myself curious to hear how they reconcile conventional understandings of Christianity with their activities, then buckle in. With thanks to Shirley Phelps-Roper and The Westboro Baptist Church Sounds from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

In season 3 Dan talks to NASA astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley as well as Smithsonian space historian Cathy Lewis. He discusses Gallipoli with Australian Department of Veteran's Affairs historian Ian Hodges and explores the 1798 rebellion in Ireland with Prof. Tom Bartlett and Carlow historian John Kelly. He delves into race relations with The New Black Panther's Tamara Jones and tackles the controversial Westboro Baptist church with Shirley Roper-Phelps. The TV sci-fi classic Doctor is discussed with actor David Gooderson and director Michael E Briant, as well as an exploration of UFOlogy with Prof Greg Eghigian, Clas Svahn, Bill Konkolesky and Robert Sheaffer.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message