In episode 05, we reflect on the word “History” with Timothy Hedger, ex CEO Misty Maroon Ltd and MSc The London School of Economics.

As someone who has studied History extensively at school and university, Tim has a special relationship with this word, as you can hear from his highly insightful conversation with Paul Mangell.

Why do we need History? Is History only about describing information about past events or is there more to it? What is the difference between a history and a myth or legend which is believed to be historical? What can we learn from history? Paul and Tim look for the answers to these and many more intriguing questions.

Following the interview, our guest Language Detective Ethan Barret digs for clues about the etymological roots of the word “history”. Where did the term history come from? When did it enter the English language? How did the linguistic divide between “story” and “history” evolve? We hear Ethan searching for the answers to these and many more fascinating questions related to the origin of the word “history”.

Later in the podcast, our producer Yuliya Stancheva contemplates on some of the controversial discussions derived from the clash between “history” and “herstory”. As usual Yuliya takes us on an exciting journey in the world of arts and culture, revealing how the word “history” is imprinted in famous books, movies and song titles.

Hosts: Paul Mangell & Yuliya Stancheva

Guest Host: Ethan Barret

Producer/Writer: Yuliya Stancheva

Sound design: Alpha Studios

Sound engineers: Mikosh Nanasi

Art design: David Standley

Vocals: Stancho Stanchev

Guest: Timothy Hedger

Tim Hedger grew up in rural Hertfordshire and studied History at Reading University and subsequently at the London School of Economics. He spent a good deal of his early adult life travelling abroad and taught English in France and then China. In his 30's he became co-owner of The New School of English in Cambridge, stepping down as MD in 2017 when they sold the business. He is a keen amateur cricketer, and an enthusiastic guitarist in a Gypsy Jazz band, who has maintained a life-long interest towards history and historiography.

In episode 04, we discuss the word “Truth” with Ashley Brown, a historian, writer, editor and publisher, who produces science and history reference books for Windmill books, many of which he researches and writes himself.

Paul and Ashley dive into sensitive and controversial topics such as terrorism, politics, religion and history and contemplate on compelling questions like: “Are there any universal truths which are passed on from generation to generation?” and “Can you manipulate the truth for what you consider to be a philosophical good?”

Following the interview, our guest Language Detective Mette Tingey reveals the etymological roots of the word “truth” and shares some intriguing facts about the archaic version which was used in Shakespeare’s plays.

Later in the podcast, our producer Yuliya Stancheva dives into the world of music, films, books and religion and highlights fascinating examples of how “truth” has puzzled the minds of artists, writers, musicians, philosophers and religious people throughout the years.

Hosts: Paul Mangell & Yuliya Stancheva

Guest Host: Mette Tingey

Producer/Writer: Yuliya Stancheva

Sound design: Alpha Studios

Sound engineers: Mikosh Nanasi

Art design: David Standley

Vocals: Stancho Stanchev

Guest: Ashley Brown

Born in 1950, Ashley Brown was educated at Dover Grammar School and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. After graduating, Ashley went to King’s College London to study for a PhD on the French Revolutionary army of the 1790s and spent some immensely enjoyable years in Paris splitting his time between the archives and his parallel life as a jazz drummer. Meanwhile, he had also found a profitable sideline in ghost writing history books for public figures. Eventually, combining all these activities proved impossible and he gave up thoughts of academia to enter publishing full time. In the late 1980s he set up his own company and has run this and offshoots ever since, producing science and history reference books, many of which he researches and writes himself. He now lives in Cambridgeshire, still plays music and turns out for the Cambridgeshire Over 60s cricket team when his creaking body allows.

In episode 03, we reflect on the word “identity”.

“Many people seem to spend a lot of time trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and what they believe. We're constantly faced with complex decisions and circumstances and Identity helps us to make those important decisions.” says our guest James Broad, who is a Global Director for The Navigators, a worldwide Christian organization based in the States.

Together with Paul Mangell they discuss the many challenges that come with the word “identity”- from having a false identity and identity crisis to having no identity at all or demonstrating your identity boldly regardless of the consequences.

Following Paul and James’ highly insightful conversation, we search for the etymological roots of the word “identity” with the help of our guest Language Detective- Gerard Rodriguez- Alpha Studios’ very own sound engineer.

Later in the podcast, our co-host & producer Yuliya Stancheva reflects on some existential questions such as “Is identity something we are born with?” and “How do we cultivate it?”. Then, she hunts for exciting movies, books and songs that play with the word “identity” and make us ponder over questions such as who we are as individuals, as a society, or as a nation.

Hosts: Paul Mangell & Yuliya Stancheva

Guest Host: Gerard Rodriguez

Producer/Writer: Yuliya Stancheva

Sound design: Alpha Studios

Sound engineers: Mikosh Nanasi

Art design: David Standley

Vocals: Stancho Stanchev

Guest: James Broad