Wasps, beetles, botfly and beyond! In this episode we go for a Hampshire plod with the brilliant entomologist and presenter Dr George McGavin. We chat about incredible insects, his latest book, overcoming a stammer and the wonder of science.

George’s new book, All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World, is available now as an audio book.

The Hidden World: How Insects Sustain Life on Earth and Will Shape Our Lives Tomorrow will be published in hardback on 2nd February 2023.

Website: georgemcgavin.com/

Oxford Museum of Natural History: oumnh.ox.ac.uk/people/george-mcgavin

Twitter: @georgemcgavin

Management: jowandermanagement.com/clients/georgemcgavin.php

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Series 3 has landed! In this first episode of the new series we go for a wander with National Geographic executive vice president, Tom McDonald. In the heart of London we chat about commissioning in today’s TV landscape, avid soap-watching with his family and the solace of nature. 

Tom McDonald on Linkedin Press: uk.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdonald-94551159

Press: variety.com/2022/tv/global/national-geographic-tom-mcdonald-bbc-1235207928/

realscreen.com/2022/03/17/nat-geo-brings-on-bbcs-tom-mcdonald-as-evp-global-factualunscripted/

www.televisual.com/news/wildscreen-festival-tom-mcdonald-reveals-nat-geo-wishlist/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In the last episode of season 2, Mandi meets wildlife cameraman Tom Walker. While wandering on the Somerset coast they chat about capturing landscapes, his journey into the industry and filming hyenas for Dynasties II. 

Website: www.tomwalkerphotography.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/tomwalkercam?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tom.walkerphotography.1

Dynasties II Hyena: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016ckz

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In a blustery Cornwall we meet biologist, writer and presenter Gillian Burke. We chat about Gillian’s career path from behind to in front of the camera, unpopular options and living like it’s 1999.

The Watches: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000ww4q

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09y9cpy

Website: www.gillianburkevoice.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gillians_voice?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Grease is the word! In this episode I take a walk down memory lane with one of the best-known faces on Scottish Television, the actor Jordan Young. Near his Dunbartonshire home we chew the fat about school days, his roles in River City and Scot Squad and the play that started it all.

Twitter: twitter.com/joskyn100

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joskyn/

Scot Squad: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b06kw5fq/scot-squad

River City: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016njm/river-city-18042022

Agent: theartistspartnership.co.uk/artist/jordan-young/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In the grounds of Pollok House, Mandi searches for signs of spring with one of Britain’s most experienced television journalists, Kirsty Wark. They chat about the history of Pollok, working on Newsnight and raising awareness of issues affecting women of all ages.

Twitter: twitter.com/kirstywark?lang=en

Instagram: instagram.com/kirsty_wark_/

BBC Newsnight: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk25

Womanhood – BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011xgn

Website (with book links): www.blackpeppermedia.com/

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode we meet with multi-award-winning wildlife cinematographer Gavin Thurston. On his allotment, we chat about storytelling in natural history, filming the deep ocean from a submersible and finding the joy in nature close to home.

Instagram: instagram.com/thegavinthurston?utm_medium=copy_link

Twitter: twitter.com/GavinThurston

Book: www.waterstones.com/book/journeys-in-the-wild/gavin-thurston/sir-david-attenborough/9781841883113

TedX talk: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq0NzqLmLvA

2021 Emmy win: emmys.com/video/2021-cae/cinematography-nonfiction

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode we go for a walk in the Kent countryside and a wander into the brilliant mind of Max Cooper. Drawing on his fascination with science and nature, Max is a genuinely unique artist whose live performances combine electronic music and audio-visuals to create a deeply immersive experience. While plodding in the forest we discuss nature as an inspiration, driving technology forward and the power of music.

Website: maxcooper.net

Spotify: open.spotify.com › artistMax Cooper | Spotify

Max’s YouTube channel: m.youtube.com/channel/UCuisDAMnvHMYuLFRedMgmVw

‘Live at the Acropolis’s’ trailer: Max Cooper - Live at the Acropolis trailer6.1K views4 months ago

m.youtube.com/watch?v=GvwayRd9gbw

Facebook: facebook.com/maxcoopermax

Instagram: instagram.com/maxcoopermax?utm_medium=copy_link

Music credit and with thanks to: meshmeshmesh.net

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

In this episode of Natural Wanders, we meet with director and producer, James Reed. From studying zoology to winning an academy award, we discuss James’ career path and three of his standout films to date; ‘Jago: A life underwater’, ‘Rise of the Warrior Apes and ‘My Octopus Teacher’.

Website: https://www.underdog-films.com/

IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1624755/

My Octopus Teacher Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A

2021 Academy Awards win: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2T9f3RKLU5w

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: www.thebiglight.com/naturalwanders

Watch out Mr Darwin! In this episode of Natural Wanders we meet with author, presenter and zoologist Lucy Cooke. While plodding in Pett Level, we discuss the influences on Lucy’s career from Darwin to Dawkins and how her new book is redefining evolution and the female animal.

Website: www.lucycooke.tv/about/

New Book – Bitch: www.waterstones.com/book/bitch/lucy-cooke/9780857524133

Jo Sarsby: www.josarsby.com/lucy-cooke

TED Talk: www.ted.com/speakers/lucy_cooke

Radio 4 Woman's Hour: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014wt2

Political Animals: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014gt9

For more information about Natural Wanders, go to: thebiglight.com/naturalwanders