Literature, Laughter, and Learning

How does it feel to take a  walk down a narrow, mist-engulfed street in Lisbon in the early hours of April 1938? Or how would it be to sit at the corner table in Cafe Heininger as Paris braces itself for conflict in September 1939? The author Alan Furst is the undisputed master of historical atmosphere. His prose conjures up cities, streets, and rooms inhabited by people in Europe in the pre-war years as they sense a looming dread coming ever nearer. Into these scenarios, Furst writes compelling characters, ordinary people, thrown into extraordinary circumstances.    Did you enjoy the HBO show, Game of Thrones -. or are you watching it for the first time? If yes - Consider listening to my new podcast, Exploring Westeros - a podcast with reviews of Game of Thrones episodes. Starting with Winter is Coming!  

This episode poses the question: Can professionals learn empathy - can empathy even be taught, and if so - how? The episode delves into empathy in a professional context and how educators can make empathy an integral part of the skills being learned on a course for professionals.

Names, locations, genres, actors, and heroines!  Do you know the answers to these 6 questions which are all based on the brilliantly written and eternally compelling novels of Jane Austen.   Interested in my articles about communication and learning? Here is my new blog at www.novelglimpse.com

One of my absolute favourite authors, CJ Sansom, recently passed away after a long illness. In commemoration of his talent and successful literary career, I am uploading an earlier podcast on one of his works. CJ Sansom's literary depiction of the  unsettled times that followed Henry VIII's break with Rome in 1534, is a brilliant, brooding, and surprising work. Tudor England springs to life as we follow the fleeting triumphs and devastating losses of those unwittingly caught up in the DISSOLUTION of the English monasteries. The main character, lawyer and investigator, Matthew Shardlake, is one such person - and he is a protagonist, you will remember long after you have turned the last pages!

Back again after a longer break! A restless 4th son of a vicar stumbles across a dying man, whose last words are a question which sets of a series of thrilling adventures - and a deadly game of cat and mouse.   Interested in ancient, medieval, and early modern history? Consider listening to my other podcast as well: Restless Times in History

6 questions taken from 6 well known crime and mystery novels, which have all been adapted to tv  -Famous motives - Famous locations - Famous names from mystery and crime Questions and answers in one podcast.

6 questions about 6 classical books -Famous characters - Famous locations - Famous lines from well known books Questions and answers in one podcast. 

A re-uploaded review  with improved sound - talking and gushing about this compelling tale of love found, love given, and lives lost during the French Revolution.

A disturbingly brilliant story of obsession and the pursuit of the elusive.   Interested in history? Consider listening to my other podcast as well: Restless Times in History

What questions should concern the 21st century educator, as AI increases its presence in the learning environment? What is the future for educators in an AI world?     Interested in history? Consider listening to my other podcast as well: Restless Times in History