The Contented Countryman

In this episode, we get a rare and privileged glimpse into the upper echelons of angling when Fennel introduces the Guest Speaker at the Annual Dinner of the Flyfishers' Club of London. We hear all of the after-dinner speeches, including the keynote by cricketer John Barclay.

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson reads from his new book 'Fine Things', Fennel's Journal No. 8. The chapter is entitled 'The Canvas Effect' and it tells the funny story of how he came to discover and purchase the ultimate tent: a Tentipi Safir CP.

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson talks about his love of countryside cycling where, by taking it easy and cycling during the quiet times of day, we can observe and appreciate more of what's around us. 

In celebration of rural cycling, he also reads a chapter from his new book 'Fine Things' (available to purchase at fennelspriory.com). The chapter's entitled 'The Guv'nor' and it describes Fennel's funny and eccentric route to discovering and purchasing his ultimate traditionally-style bicycle: the Pashley Guv'nor.

In this episode, lifestyle author Fennel Hudson shares the 21-year story of his Fennel's Journal series of books, explaining how they track his journey to contentment and why many people refer to the series as a 'route map to freedom'.

He explains that the 14 books in the Fennel's Journal series are about life in the slow lane, away from the pressures and fast pace of modern living. "It’s about escapism, freedom and adventure in the great outdoors. It’s about the discovery and rediscovery of self, being individual, nurturing one’s self-belief, and realising one’s dreams. It’s about defining and living your life on your terms, and keeping the balance by knowing how to ‘Stop – Unplug – Escape – Enjoy’. Ultimately it’s about having fun. About celebrating the eccentricities of life and maintaining one’s spirits amidst the chaos."

That’s why each book begins with an instruction to take time out from the stresses of modern living, to stop the wheels for a while, unplug from the daily grind, escape to a quiet and peaceful place, and enjoy the simple life. And to encourage this, he asks that you read the book in a distraction-free and relaxing place. Somewhere you can savour quality time and, if possible, delight in the beauty of the countryside.

Full transcript available at: http://www.fennelspriory.com/contented-countryman-podcast/fennels-view/episode-4-the-fennels-journal-story

In this episode, lifestyle and countryside author Fennel Hudson explores the concept of 'countryside contentment', comparing it to the fashionable contentment trends 'hygge', 'lagom' and 'cwtch'.

He looks at how natural history and lifestyle authors have described rural contentment, with a quote by Elizabeth West summing up the appeal of the simple life: “For nine years we have been living in comparative isolation and with very little money upon a windswept moorland in North Wales. What effect has this had on us? We are very much more aware of natural things – the feel of the wind, the direction of the sun and the movements and sounds of other living things…We have our own interpretation of Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘enoughness’. We want enough money to live our sort of life – we don’t want more than enough. And in living the ‘simple life’, it is time we are usually short of, not money.”

Full transcript of the podcast is available at: http://www.fennelspriory.com/contented-countryman-podcast

In this episode of The Contented Countryman, Fennel talks about nature connection and compares it to nature disconnection (epitomised by the 'aways connected' virtual online world). The cites research into why social media is so addictive, and why time in nature has so many health giving benefits.

He explains how and why nature connection is so important and liberating, and how it compensates for a sedentary life driven by technology. He discusses human nature, as well as that around us, balancing latest scientific thinking with tried-and-tested guidance from natural history authors and creative writers.

He looks at how nature can inspire wonderment and awe, and lead us to a deeper state of contentment.

Welcome to The Contented Countryman, the podcast from lifestyle and countryside author Fennel Hudson.

The podcast is your opportunity to take time out from the stresses of modern life, to stop the wheels for a while, unplug from the daily grind, escape to an idyllic and peaceful place, and enjoy the natural world.

It's where we'll talk about nature connection, wildlife, rural lifestyle, and how the 'truly great' outdoors helps to shape our identity and passions. It's about the quest for freedom and adventure, reflection and contentment. Ultimately it's about achieving a slow-paced and meaningful rural life.