u3a radio podcast

So you’re thinking of writing a book - or already have a manuscript tucked away in a drawer – what to do next - where do you start? You're about to find out from Alysoun Owen from Bloomsbury. We talk to Bill Tancred about the Commonwealth Games on passion, friendship and lifelong learning that can stay with us long after the medals have been won. We also meet Sven Peterson - Music executive for EMI who has looked after artists like David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Tina Turner! If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Many of you will have heard of ‘u3a Matters’ magazine published 5 times a year but just what does it take to make it happen? In 2001 a few avid Jane Austen fans in period costume took to the streets of Bath to celebrate the famous writer’s works. In 2025 that number rose to a staggering 2000! What a festival! And we find out what it is about gardening that implies hope and optimism. If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

We’ve dedicated the whole programme to everything around the u3a Summer Festival which many of you will have attended in July. Our roving reporter, Maggie Dee, travelled from Warminster to York to find out what the festival is all about - from interviewing Johnny Ball who opened the event, to a lady who plays in a steel band and even a builder who switched his career to shoe design! All organised and run by u3a volunteers - what an achievement!

If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast we explore the backstories behind famous songs and hear about 1400 young girls who led the way to form the birth of the unionised labour movement & rebel against greedy employers. And how do you fancy breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable encounters on the Great Pyrenees Challenge – it will mean a little walking along the way? If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Today, we’re travelling far beyond our usual horizons to the banks of the mighty Ganges River with an extraordinary story of courage, curiosity, and compassion. We meet food writer and author of over 70 books Jenny Ridgewell to talk about her latest book Cream Horns & Vol-au-Vents and we also visit a busy gym in Sudbury where the weights are heavy, but the atmosphere is anything but.

In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Phyllida Scrivens who tells us the story of a young Jewish boy who walked alone across Europe to escape the Hitler regime. We also chat with two quarter century group leaders, Margaret and Robert, on their u3a experiences over 25 years and explore 'decluttering' with Eileen Mahoney. You know we all put it off don’t we? Maybe we’ll do it tomorrow………

If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected].

In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Annie Elliott, author of a compelling new book exploring the life of Catherine Dickens and the difficult reality of her marriage to Charles Dickens — shining a light on the often-overlooked story of the famous novelist’s wife.

We also talk to Sally Lang, whose poetry collection Lines from an Ordinary Life captures the beauty, humour and quiet reflections found in everyday moments.

And we hear from Olympic discus champion Bill Tancred, who shares his passion for encouraging older people to stay active and enjoy the benefits of fitness at any age.

If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

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In our January edition, we hear about one of the most debated challenges of our time, climate change. What exactly is going on? And for those of us intrigued by archaeological discoveries, you’ll know that pictures etched in stone were the way of communicating for people of Göbekli Tepe. Our third feature is on something to laugh about, laughter yoga. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing [email protected]