Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Which episode should someone start with?

My interview with Gabeba Baderoon -- award-winning poet and university professor -- about growing up in South Africa under Apartheid where she was legally discriminated against for being black, and socially discriminated against for being a woman is a great place to start. Everything in the world she was born into was stacked against her for no good reason and yet she managed to thrive and not be held down by other people, just as her mother before her had refused to do.

Which have been your favourite episodes so far?

I've done a few with Ian Hodges of the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs and he is a very good historian and also a really cool guy. Likewise, Prof. Mauro Nobili of the Univ of Illinois is a great guest that I enjoy talking to. Astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley were childhood heroes of mine so they were great episodes. Prof. Margaret Schwartz was great to collaborate with on the episode about Evita and that one is ranked as my most popular on several websites.

Which episode are you most proud of?

The two I did on Gallipoli in WW1. Firstly, getting two Australian government historians to be interviewed added credibility to the whole thing as it was a pivotal moment in Aussie history. But my Great Uncle also fought and died for the Aussie army there and I actually learned more about the tragic circumstances of his death while doing the episode. I also found some good archival audio to use and a great voice actor who helped narrate. Overall it was emotional for me and I think very good.

What is your vision for your show?

I want it to be inclusive and broad. Initially, I focussed on what I know best which is European history and religion. But I've spent months researching other regions and speaking with experts on Nigeria, Cambodia, Mali, and other places to make sure I get accurate information. I try to always be fair and balanced and nonjudgmental. I want the show to provoke discussion and thought but not conflict. I've interviewed some controversial people with whom I have nothing in common but it was civil.

What is your favourite other podcast that isn't yours?

I really like Dark Histories. It's mostly focussed on either unsolved historical murders or the supernatural. Two topics I have touched on and that interest me. Also, Ben, the host is very charismatic. It's a bit more homey around the fireplace-type approach than my show which is 60 minutes type documentary. But his approach works very well for him with his personality so even though it's much different than mine I really enjoy it.

How did you come up with the name for your podcast?

It was deliberately broad so entirely functional. Basically I found a lot of people and places fascinating so I figured it I used that as the title it would enable me to go wherever the mood took me.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am from Hertfordshire in England. I now live in the MidWest of the US. I like to travel, I love soccer -- obviously being from England -- I have a very eclectic friend group. Trust me -- you have no idea lo. I just like different people from different cultures, socio-economic groups etc. I find conformity boring so the more diversity I have around me in any respect I enjoy because it makes my life more interesting and helps me learn other perspectives.