
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
The Simple Things
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
Hosted by the Editor, Lisa Sykes, in Season 5: Return of the light, she’ll be seeking out glimpses of spring, shrugging off winter and embracing some self-care, alongside wellbeing editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley.
The beginning of February marks the half-way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, from here on in there are increasing glimpses of spring right through to the clocks going forward in late March when hopefully the proverbial lion turns into a lamb. This is an optimistic, forward-looking time, when we’re more than ready to come out of hibernation to take on new projects. And there are festivals and feasts to brighten the still grey days. February is the chilliest month but it’s all about cold hands and warm hearts.
Let our podcast be your soothing companion to see out winter and welcome in spring. Six episodes released weekly from 9 February. Plus don’t miss our Easter Special on Good Friday. Season 5: Return of the Light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts
To subscribe or order a copy of The Simple Things visit thesimplethings.com
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Top 10 Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Spring Tonic Episode 3 - RELISH
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
04/14/24 • 35 min
Join the discussion about could-do lists and spontaneous day trips, following a quest, unusual sources of inspiration and the best ways to play truant... oh, and satisfying stuff you can do in a day. In this episode Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes seeks out small ways to seize the moment with regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley. Relish a moment of calm yourself and listen to this week’s original short story.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

The Spring Tonic Episode 5 - BLOOM
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
04/28/24 • 33 min
When is a weed not a weed, the wonder of bluebells and the precarious life of a tadpole. Learn how to bloom this spring, as Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes looks for small ways to flourish with regular contributor and Editor of Ernest Journal, Jo Tinsley. Discussing life lessons from nature, join them as they chat about hedgerows weeds we like and why growing things is good for you. There will be time to listen to an original short story and to take a tea break with the sun on your face.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

The Spring Tonic Episode 6 - SING
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
05/05/24 • 36 min
In the last episode of this season Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are feeling the joys of spring through small ways to be happy. Join their chat about the dawn chorus and birdsong, why singing is good for everyone, revisiting pastimes from your childhood, good friends and cooing over new life. As always, there will be an original short story to take a moment with.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

The Spring Tonic Episode 1 - TREAT
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
04/01/24 • 37 min
This week we are sharing chocolate and cake with Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they chat about why we love an inessential meal, how a treat lifts your mood, the joy of fresh eggs, time away from the to-do list and whether it’s better to save for something special. There will be time to put the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.
A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind
Click here to find out more about the The Simple Things Magazine

The Spring Tonic Episode 2 - CURIOUS
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
04/07/24 • 37 min
This week Lisa & Becs are feeling curious and ready to try something new.
Join them to explore spring foraging and experimental cooking, picking up the things they tried in lockdown and discovering why being curious is good for all of us.
Pop the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story plus we’ll hear from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic through Pause, the monthly subscription box.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

The Spring Tonic Episode 4 - FRESH
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
04/21/24 • 34 min
How does fresh air, fresh food and a bit of fresh thinking sound?
This week Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank look for small ways to bring in spring. They start by opening the windows, trying some homespun cleaning and pegging out the washing. There’ll be chat about homegrown herbs and adding a twist to favourite meals. And why cycling is a good thing.
Join them to hear this episode’s original short story and discover just what’s in their first Pause subscription box from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic

Fruitfulness Episode 5 - STIR UP SUNDAY SPECIAL
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
11/24/24 • 44 min
Join in our special cook along episode as the team make Christmas cakes, large and small and a gluten-free pudding. In between stirring and mixing, The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley, will talk festive tipples, homemade gifts and advent calendars. As the cakes cook they’ll be reading seasonal microfiction.
SPOILER ALERT!
One of our stories in the second half of this podcast involves Santa Claus and if you have little listeners in earshot, it might not be something you want them around to hear if you want to keep the magic of Christmas going that little bit longer!
To do:
Listen to our festive playlists – search ‘Christmas Playlist’ on our blog for the Spotify links
To buy:
Gift subscriptions to The Simple Things
Subscribe to The Simple Things
On the blog:
- Swedish glogg
- Simple homemade hanging decorations
- Stollen with dark rum and lemon marzipan
- Bath salts
- Galette Des Rois
- Mulled white wine
From The Simple Things:
Craft-a peel gathering – November 2023, Issue 137 – Stollen recipe, How to Dry Orange Slices and Painted Candles
Mulling Spices for Wine gift idea – November 2022, Issue 125
Christmas microfiction winners – December 2023, Issue 138
Back issues are available to buy. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for, send us an email [email protected]
In the new December Christmas Cheer issue
Hamper swap gathering
Christmas food tidbits trivia
Kitschmas retro drinks & nibbles
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

Everyday Holidays Episode 3 - POTTER
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
08/04/24 • 38 min
Slow adventurer Jo Tinsley is back with The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes appreciating some of the best ways to waste time when you can this summer. First stop is at the beach where they collect sea glass and hagstones, make a sundial and explore rockpools. Then it’s back home to not get busy in the garden and linger outdoors into the night. Have a go at our collective nouns quiz, just because...
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

Everyday Holidays Episode 2 - FLOWER
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
07/28/24 • 38 min
In this episode we dress like we’re on holiday, all the better to feel sunshine vibes. Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank explore how and why we unfurl and blossom like flowers in high summer, share some tasty ways with berries and cherries and pick a few flowers. Plus good bugs & bad bugs.
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com
Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

Return of the Light Episode 6 - BLOSSOM
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
03/16/25 • 42 min
Feeling like spring has sprung? Join The Simple Things editor, Lisa Sykes, and wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank, who are marvelling at the first signs of spring with a hot picnic to go, enjoying the blossom in our gardens and finding out how different landscapes affect our wellbeing.
If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here.
Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts
Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett.
To read:
The Walking Cure: Harness the life-changing power of landscape to heal, energise and inspire by Annabel Streets (Penguin Tonic)
To follow:
@wildwoodmoth – get inspired to take a photo a day on your regular routes with Alice Tatham
@mirandakeeling – stopping to notice. Look out for an extract from Miranda’s new book The Place I’m In in our May issue
To make:
Cherry blossom origami as seen in the March MEND issue here
Easter origami including rabbit egg holders, rabbits and chickens here
To buy:
Lumie Sunrise alarm clock (with birdsong)
From The Simple Things:
In the March MEND issue
Learn with mother: four women discuss the unique qualities they inherited from their mother
In the April JAUNT issue (on sale at picsandink.com from 20 March, on newsstands 26 March)
Walk on the wild side: gather wild garlic to enjoy with friends and find new ways to cook with this easy forage
Healing landscapes: thinking about where you walk and what you need will help you choose the right route for your mind and body
From our March 2023 Light Issue (129) available to buy here
First picnic of the year (with warming food while it’s still a bit nippy!)
Plant a fruit tree in the garden (however small) for your own beautiful blossom.
Find out how to plant a fruit tree
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FAQ
How many episodes does Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things have?
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things currently has 30 episodes available.
What topics does Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things cover?
The podcast is about Leisure, Home & Garden, Home, Podcasts, Garden, Arts, Nostalgia, Food and Mindfulness.
What is the most popular episode on Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things?
The episode title 'The Hibernacle Episode 1 – COMFORT' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things?
The average episode length on Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things released?
Episodes of Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things?
The first episode of Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things was released on Dec 13, 2023.
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