In this episode, we chat with Stuart Smith, International Mountain Leader, who shares stories from a life spent in the world’s wildest places. From breathtaking expeditions to unexpected challenges on the fells, Stuart offers a window into the highs, lows, and humour of life in the mountains. We also dive into the gear that’s accompanied him on countless adventures, touching on iconic brands like Walsh, Reebok, and Karrimor, and discussing how equipment shapes the mountain experience.

soft Mick

1. (slang, British, idiomatic) An extravagant person.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Hayden Thorpe — singer, songcrafter — for a rich conversation about his evocative album Ness. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s haunting epic poem of the same name and visually brought to life by illustrator Stanley Donwood, Ness is a bold fusion of music, literature, and landscape. Hayden shares how he approached adapting the poem into song, the creative process behind the album, and why the mysterious setting of Orford Ness became such a powerful source of inspiration.

We also explore Hayden’s upbringing in the Lake District, discussing how place and nature continue to shape his creative work. Plus, he shares his love of running and some memorable tales from the fells.

haydenthorpe.com

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In this episode, we're joined by the authors of Mountain Style: British Outdoor Clothing 1953-2000 to dig into the fascinating journey behind their book. We explore how the project came together, the role of class in shaping outdoor fashion, and how technical mountain wear made the unlikely leap from rugged trails to football terraces. It's a deep dive into subcultures, style, and the surprising intersections of fashion, function, and identity.

isolapress.com/shop/mountain-style

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Archive audio- The Matterhorn (1965)

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This week, we’re joined by Chris Farrimond, a fell runner from Wigan. Chris talks about finding his way into the sport just before the world shut down in 2020, the people that keep him inspired and, of course, those iconic handmade shoes from Bolton.

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Archive audio- Is Wigan becoming too modern? 1970

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In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with John Mason and Ellis Bland, the founder and co-founder of Våga—a bold running brand born in the Lake District during the pandemic. They share the inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognised name in the running world. We also dive into their personal running stories and hear Ellis reflect on the iconic Walsh PB fell shoe and what it means to him. 

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In this episode, we sit down with Tony Leonard, General Manager of VJ UK, to dive into the rich heritage of the brand and explore how the iconic iRock became a go-to choice for fell runners. We also touch on Tony’s own running journey, along with that of his wife Sharon and their son Rory Leonard — who currently holds the record for the fastest British 10K. It’s a mix of running passion, family dedication, and insight into one of the sport’s most respected footwear brands.

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Archive Audio- Smart Trainers 1987

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In this episode of Studmarks, we chat with Calvin Ferguson about his love for Norman Walsh shoes and what makes them a staple in fell running. He also shares insights into his family’s deep ties to the sport, including the legacy of his grandfather, Don Ashton, a respected name in fell running history.

Don Ashton Memorial Tockholes Fell Race

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Archive Audio- Secrets of Running 1934

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Harry Bolton returns to Studmarks to dive into the details of the highly anticipated Ron Hill Freedom Ultra. We discuss the design, performance, and innovation behind this new shoe—how it handles on the trails and what sets it apart.

www.ronhill.com/collections/footwear

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Archive audio- The Next Steps for Running Shoes 1972

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In this bonus episode, Jacob Tonkin joins us to talk about the film ‘George’, the power of storytelling, navigating grief, and what it’s like to inherit a podcast.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacob-tonkin-1

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Bobby Gard-Storry narrates his essay which was discussed in the previous episode.

The essay can be found at the link below and in issue 135 (Winter 2023) of The Fellrunner.

https://www.spidershankes.com/thefellracingethic

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