In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone!

00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections

00:26 Challenges of 2025

01:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember

03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere

04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans

06:20 Business and Farming Challenges

08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events

11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition

12:57 New Additions and Future Projects

16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year Wishes

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations.

We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom.

Key moments:

• 01:20 – Introduction to Ancient Egypt
• 02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist
• 04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights
• 06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt
• 07:46 – Lessons for Today
• 13:10 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

Join us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt.

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories.

00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey

01:38 The Time Slide Series

03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing

06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings

09:34 First Publishing Success

16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges

23:44 Personal Spiritual Experiences

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works.

00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey

02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation

02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer

04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing

07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights

10:23 Research and Writing Process

15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories

18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories

19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures

21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey

23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing

24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry

30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles

32:05 The Value of Books and Reading

32:54 Highclere Castle Garden Party

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors.

01:01 Life in North Devon

01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony

03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival

08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos

08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket

13:47 Self-Publishing Journey

14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing

15:21 The Editor's Red Pen

16:19 Recording the Audiobook

17:41 The Book Club Journey

22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences

23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories

25:59 Living with Horses

27:38 The Charm of Stately Homes

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland. We also discuss the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and simple moments of contentment in life. Join us as we explore transforming anxiety into a source of strength and clarity.

01:20 Discussing the Book and Anxiety

02:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety

04:15 Therapeutic Approaches to Anxiety

06:41 Analogies and Real-Life Examples

07:46 The Role of Animals in Therapy

13:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Miranda Hart to our podcast. We cover many topics, from the importance of joyfulness and humor in life to her iconic character Ms. Bates in Jane Austen's 'Emma'.

Miranda opens up about the challenges she faced during her career and the inspiration behind her book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You'.

We chat about the intricacies of British humor, the pressures of performing in front of a studio audience, and the technical aspects of comedy.

Miranda also shares personal stories about her health struggles, finding strength in vulnerability, and her unique approach to writing, which includes 'treasures of darkness' she discovered through her own experiences. Join us for this heartfelt and humorous conversation, complete with aspirations for future gallops around the garden and cherished moments of British comedic history.

00:56 Discussing British Humor and Sitcoms
01:45 Miranda's Memorable Roles and Experiences
03:00 The Art of Comedy and Scriptwriting
07:51 Challenges and Vulnerability in Acting
09:24 Miranda's Book and Personal Treasures
13:08 Living with Chronic Illness
19:39 Finding Joy and Future Plans

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented craftsman, Matthew Edley, known as Ted. Sitting down at Highclere Castle, we delve into Ted's journey from a punk rocker with a distinct red Mohican to a renowned metalwork master. We talk about his meticulous work repairing and conserving the castle’s historical candelabra and lamps, including converting them from candlelight to electric while maintaining their historical integrity. Ted also shares his experiences as a part of the TV series 'The Restorers,' where he showcases the art of craftsmanship and restoration. We discuss the importance of using traditional techniques and materials to preserve history and how these skills are transferred across various trades. Join us as we celebrate the blend of modern restoration with historical preservation at Highclere Castle.


00:43 Ted's Craftsmanship and Metalworking
01:20 Challenges of Restoring Highclere Castle
03:17 Conservation vs. Restoration
07:44 Ted's Television Career
09:11 The Art of Traditional Techniques
11:52 Future Projects and Collaborations
14:53 Reflections on Highclere Castle

You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/

New episodes are published on the first day of every month.