A Little History of The Earth in 45 Minutes: Jamie Woodward

How do you tell the story of 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand?In this episode, I talk with Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Manchester about his book A Little History of the Earth. Jamie explains how scientists piece together the planet’s deep past—from the formation of the universe to the shifting of continents, the age of dinosaurs, and the powerful forces that have shaped our landscapes.We discuss why Earth has always been a dynamic planet, how short “bite-sized” chapters can make big history accessible, and what studying deep time can teach us about today’s environmental challenges.If you’re curious about geology, natural history, and the story of our planet, this episode offers a fascinating introduction to Earth’s epic past. 🌍Highlights From Our ConversationWhy Jamie chose to tell the story of Earth through short, bite-sized chaptersHow scientists reconstruct events that happened billions of years agoThe dramatic forces that shaped Earth: plate tectonics, volcanoes, ice ages, and asteroid impactsThe rise and fall of the dinosaursHow rivers, glaciers, and oceans sculpt the landscape we live inWhy Earth’s climate has changed dramatically throughout historyThe concept of the Anthropocene — and why humans are now a geological forceHow learning Earth’s story can make us more curious and more responsible about the planet’s futureLink to Jamie's Book 'A Little History of The Earth.'Audiobook linkQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Why do so many breakthroughs happen by accident—and can we create the conditions for them?In this episode of the Undercurrent Stories Podcast, Bob Wells speaks with innovation expert and author Paul Sloane about his book The Art of Unexpected Solutions.They explore creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, and problem solving, and how mistakes and unexpected events have led to some of the world’s most important discoveries.Whether you're interested in business ideas, personal development, or creative thinking, this conversation offers practical ways to challenge assumptions and spot opportunities others miss. Topics: Creativity • Innovation • Lateral Thinking • Problem Solving • Personal Development Links:Book 'The Art of Unexpected Solutions'Paul's website: https://www.destination-innovation.com/Sign up HERE for the latest episodes Instagram: @undercurrentstories Linkedin Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

It started with a walk… and a few unusual stones in a field.In the smallest county in England, a chance discovery during lockdown led to one of the most remarkable Roman finds in recent years—a mosaic hidden beneath the soil for nearly 2,000 years.In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Irvine, the man who found it, as we walk the very ground where the discovery was made.From oyster shells and satellite images to uncovering a Roman villa, this is the story of how curiosity uncovered history.If you’d like to explore the story further, Jim’s book Finding Troy is available now. Book link - Finding Troy 👣 Explore Your Own Local HistoryJim’s advice: "Start with maps, aerial images, and local records—you might be surprised what’s beneath your feet."If you enjoyed this episode:Follow the podcastLeave a reviewShare it with someone curious about historyQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What does it mean to inherit one of the most famous family legacies in the world?In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, Bob speaks with Ned Guinness, the current head of the Guinness family, 4th Earl of Iveagh, and author of Guinness: The Family Succession.Drawing on private family archives, Ned reflects on legacy, responsibility, Irish history, philanthropy, and the small decisions that shape generations — revealing the human story behind the Guinness name beyond the brand.Quote“It’s the little things that matter in life… the small decisions become big things.”Featured Book📖 Guinness: The Family SuccessionIn This Episode, You’ll Hear About:The real human story behind the Guinness nameGrowing up inside an historic family legacyThe Guinness family’s role in Irish history and philanthropyHow small decisions can shape generationsNavigating politics, religion, and social inequalityLessons on responsibility, resilience, and stewardshipReflections on Netflix’s The House of GuinnessWhy preserving family history — honestly — mattersQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Where did religion come from — and why did humans start believing?In Part One of this three-part mini-series, evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar explores how religion may have emerged from early human cognition, language, imagination, and our awareness of death.We look at early spirituality, trance, symbolic thinking, and the evolutionary foundations of belief — long before organised religion or sacred texts.A science-led journey into the origins of faith and what it reveals about the human mind.GuestProfessor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s NumberBook - How Religion Evolved (more info)Next EpisodePart 2 — Religion as Social Glue: Ritual, Bonding & CommunityQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

How has religion shaped civilizations — and where is belief heading next?In the final episode, Professor Robin Dunbar examines how religion helped build societies, fueled conflict, responded to crisis, and continues to influence the modern world.From ancient empires to modern secular life, we explore whether religion is declining, transforming, or preparing for a resurgence — and what that means for humanity’s future.A thought-provoking conclusion to the mini-series.GuestProfessor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s NumberBook - How Religion Evolved (more info)Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Why does religion bring people together?In Part Two of this three part mini-series on the history of religion, Professor Robin Dunbar explores how rituals like singing, prayer, music, and shared worship strengthen social bonds and create deep feelings of belonging.We examine the science of endorphins, Dunbar’s Number, friendship layers, and why humans seem wired for community — revealing religion as a powerful social technology.A fascinating look at belief as connection, not just faith.GuestProfessor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s NumberBook - How Religion Evolved (more info)Next Episode Part 3 — Empires, Power & the Future of Belief Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this episode , we speak with author Sonia Daccarret about her memoir The Roots of a Guava Tree — a deeply personal exploration of childhood, identity, memory, and belonging .Growing up in Colombia in the 1980s, Sonia reflects on a life shaped by cultural hybridity, political change, and family history — with a Jewish mother and a Christian Palestinian father, and no single religious label to claim . She shares what it meant to come of age during a time of violence and transformation, and how revisiting her past through writing brought clarity, empathy, and peace .We explore the symbolism of the guava tree, the ethics of writing memoir, the power of inherited stories, and why preserving personal history matters — not just for writers, but for anyone seeking to better understand where they come from .This is a conversation about roots, memory, migration, and the quiet forces that shape our lives beneath the surface.In This EpisodeGrowing up in Cali during Colombia’s era of changeNavigating identity across cultures and faithsWriting memoir with honesty and ethical careThe meaning behind The Roots of a Guava TreeWhy telling family stories preserves legacy and connectionGuestSonia Daccarret — Author of The Roots of a Guava TreeWebsite: https://www.soniadaccarett.com/Listen If You EnjoyLiterary memoirIdentity, migration, and belongingFamily stories and cultural historyReflective, story-driven conversationsCall to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review Undercurrent Stories, and share it with someone who loves meaningful conversations.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this episode, I’m joined by musician and songwriter Francis Dunnery for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation. Francis Dunnery is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the British prog-pop band It Bites. After leaving the band in 1990, he launched a diverse solo career, releasing over ten original albums spanning progressive rock, pop, folk, R&B, and blues. A versatile musician, Dunnery has also worked extensively as a sideman and musical contributor for major artists, including Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Carlos Santana, Lauryn Hill, Chris Difford (Squeeze) James Sonefeld (Hootie and The Blowfish and Ian Brown (The Stone Roses).We talk about growing up in 1970s Britain, nostalgia, memory, creativity, and how those experiences have shaped his new project, England’s Tales of the Council House Kid. From music and storytelling to youth, ageing, and the moments that define us, this is a thoughtful, funny, and honest chat with an artist still very much following his own path.For details of the Feb '26 tour and links to Francis's website see below;https://francisdunnery.com/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What if sound could help you switch off, slow down, and reset your nervous system?In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, I'm joined by Cherub Sanson, sound healer and co-founder of the Academy of Integrated Sonic Medicine. We explore why sound can calm the nervous system more quickly than many other well-being practices, how vibration influences stress, sleep, and focus, and why sound healing has moved from the margins into the mainstream. Drawing on science, lived experience, and ancient traditions, Cherub explains what sound healing actually is — and what it isn’t.The conversation looks at sound as a practical tool for modern life: accessible, non-verbal, and effective even for people who struggle with meditation. The episode ends with a short live sound meditation, giving listeners a direct experience of the ideas discussed.In this episode:How sound regulates the nervous systemWhy we respond to sound before thoughtSound healing vs meditation — and how they work togetherStress, sleep, and emotional releaseAncient practices and modern scienceA live sonic meditation to close the episodeListen with headphones for the best experience.🔗 Links & ResourcesAcademy of Integrated Sonic Medicine: ( link)Cherub is  co-host of the Soundpower Podcast with Martyn Ware (Heaven 17):  (link)Undercurrent Stories Podcast: (link)Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com