Best Handbell Podcasts (2025)

1
Pinnacle and Distinctly Teen Preview with Linda Onorevole and Carlos Rivera 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

Nick and Brian are joined by Handbell Musicians of America Executive Director Linda Onorevole and Distinctly Teen 2025 conductor Carlos Rivera to talk about what to look forward to this summer's event in Wichita!

1
The Ritual of St. Lucia then and Now with Stina Cowen 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas said in his book, Rituals: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living, that rituals often have no physical result when performed. Instead, rituals are symbolic, and perform a very essential function in the roles of community building, cooperation, and trust. In this Nordic on Tap episode, we delve into the…

1
Two Tacos Up! Winter/Spring 2025 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

Nick and Brian review new music releases from the Winter/Spring 2025 catalogs and give TTH's take on the "Editor's Choice" lists.

1
Two Tacos High Goes to Singapore! 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

Brian and Geebee review their time with the Ministry of Bellz and the Foreign Guest Ringer Program in Singapore.

1
Making Joyful Music - The Handbell Choir 45:31

4M ago45:31

45:31

I remember when I first saw 7 people line up at a table, pick up two bells with each hand, and proceed to make music unlike anything I've heard before or since. Not a single one of them played the melody. They created the melody and chords by coordinated movements and exquisite timing. They played hymns, popular songs, you name it. And the sound of…

1
MOB-18 Preview with Emily Li and Michael Glasgow 57:31

4M ago57:31

57:31

Ministry of Bellz Principal Guest Conductors Emily Li and Michael Glasgow talk about how they got connected with MOB in Singapore, and give a preview of what to expect from this year's program, MOB-18: Where Dreams Come True

1
#IHateHandbells 1:06:48

5M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Brian and Nick talk about all of the things that we (and you) hate about our instrument because we love handbells, but some things just make us say "handbells are stupid".

1
More than a hobby : A Celebration of Bellringing 29:41

5M ago29:41

29:41

In a fitting finale to the Fun with Bells Podcast, show host Cathy Booth gives the fondest of farewells by foraging through all 75 episodes, to figure out the answer to the second biggest question of our time - why do we ring? Cathy riffs on six themes using some of the most memorable quotes from the 163 amazing guests she has interviewed over the …

1
Distinctly Bronze East and Crescendo 2025 Preview with P.L. Grove 34:29

6M ago34:29

34:29

Nick and Brian put on slightly different hats to talk with P.L. Grove about the upcoming Distinctly Bronze East and Crescendo events , and talk especially about the repertoire choices for the event.

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Organisers 35:49

6M ago35:49

35:49

Want to know the secret to successfully setting up a competition-winning young ringers’ group while also securing the long-term future of ringing? Then listen up! In this episode, host Cathy Booth talks to Neil Jones, Jen Thomas, and Steph Runting from the Kent Young Ringers, who appear to have cracked the code! Recorded before the 2024 Ringing Wor…

1
Foreign Exchange Program for Ringers? with Damien Lim 43:12

6M ago43:12

43:12

Brian and Nick talk to Damien Lim about the Ministry of Bellz and their foreign guest ringer/conductor program, and a preview of what to expect from this year's event.

1
The Origin of the Handbell-L 1:02:17

7M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Brian and Nick talk with Jason Tiller and Laurie Sanders about the origin of the Handbell-L from its origins on a NASA JPL computer through the many late nights Rusty Sanders spent keeping the platform up and running.

1
Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration 22:53

7M ago22:53

22:53

In this delightful episode, host Cathy Booth chats with Martin Mansley, AKA Helen’s Dad, about his lifelong journey in ringing. Born into a ringing family, Martin attended his first practice at just six weeks old and has never looked back! This engaging episode explores a variety of topics, from the Devon Guild’s 150th anniversary celebrations to t…

1
Hosting Your Own Handbell Event 41:38

8M ago41:38

41:38

Brian and Nick talk about planning your own festival or workshop, including budgeting, venue, equipment, repertoire, and other considerations.

1
Commissioning for Dummies 30:18

8M ago30:18

30:18

Brian and Nick talk about commissioning a composer to write or arrange a piece for you and your ensemble. With their experience on both sides of the commission, they talk about the commissioning process from things to consider before asking all the way to how to reach out to composers to ask for the commission.…

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Members 25:38

8M ago25:38

25:38

In this lively and engaging episode, host Cathy Booth catches up with Kent young ringers Oscar, Lottie and Flo, and Flo’s mum, Hannah. Although young in years, the ringers have a wealth of experience to share, having already notched up numerous quarter peals and having several striking competitions under their belts. Their unique perspective also m…

1
Carolus Linnaeus: Names, Flowers, and Bananas 51:01

9M ago51:01

51:01

Did you know that the forbidden fruit in the Biblical Garden of Paradise, that tempted Adam and Eve, was once thought to be a banana instead of an apple? That’s why Carl Linnaeus gave it the scientific name, Musa paradasiaca. Who was this fellow anyway, the Swedish botanist and doctor whose concept of naming living things and grouping them by simil…

1
Two Tacos High Goes to the International Handbell Symposium! 33:35

9M ago33:35

33:35

Brian and Nick recap their week in Hamamatsu, Japan at the 21st International Handbell Symposium!

1
Two Tacos High Symposium Special, with Arthur Syin 38:58

9M ago38:58

38:58

Two Tacos High spends a night out at the International Handbell Symposium, joined by Handbell Ringers of Japan International Liaison, Arthur Syin.

1
2024 National Seminar Recap 55:21

10M ago55:21

55:21

Nick and Brian recap their week at the 2024 National Handbell Seminar in Hartford, CT and the many hats they wore throughout the week!

1
The Road to International Symposium, Part 3 with Tim Willetts 55:08

10M ago55:08

55:08

Brian and Nick talk to Executive Director of the International Handbell Committee, Tim Willetts about what makes International Handbell Symposia special to him, his role as Executive Director of the IHC, and a preview of the 2026 Symposium in Aberdeen, Scotland!

1
Handbell Hangout - Choosing Repertoire with Griff Gall and P.L. Grove 1:00:59

11M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Griff Gall P.L. Grove join us to talk about choosing repertoire for your ensemble or event, and the many considerations that go into choosing appropriate repertoire for the situation.

1
ART Conference 2024: Building Communities 21:41

11M ago21:41

21:41

It’s time to catch up with part two of the wide-ranging conversation on the future of ringing hosted by Cathy Booth at the recent Art Conference. Just like part one, the panel of Tina Stoecklin, Andrew Slade and Max Drinkwater don’t hold back from tackling the tricky questions! What does the CCCBR do for ringers? How can associations work with Dioc…

1
The Road to International Symposium, Part 2 with Ali O'Connell 54:39

11M ago54:39

54:39

Brian and Nick talk with Australian handbell ringer and director Ali O'Connell about the handbell programs in Australia, experiences at past International Symposia, and even start making plans for the 2026 symposium in Aberdeen!

1
Wealth, Greed, and Responsibility in Nordic Folktales 49:33

12M ago49:33

49:33

In this podcast we listen to the tales “Big Peter and Little Peter” from Norway and “The Merchant” from Denmark. We talk about how greedy people may acquire riches and become quite wealthy. Then there are wealthy people who come to be rich through hard work and dealing fairly with others. We look at how these folktales differentiate between wealth …

1
Buyer Be-aware! 54:03

12M ago54:03

54:03

Brian and Nick talk about where to buy all things handbells, including tips for buying from your traditional handbell suppliers, alternative sources for regularly used handbell products, and what to look for when buying and selling used sets of bells.

1
ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations 27:38

1y ago27:38

27:38

Who better to quiz about the future of ringing than the President of the CCCBR, the chair of the Association of Ringing Teachers, and an ordained ringer and co-author of a book about ringing and the church? Show host Cathy Booth puts this esteemed panel through its paces, posing some vital questions on what needs to happen to keep change ringing al…

1
Handbell Hangout - One Year Anniversary with Dean Jensen, Paul Weller, Derek Nance, and Bryce Nance 1:01:51

1y ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Brian and Nick are joined by the original handbell podcasters, Dean Jensen and Paul Weller as well as Derek and Bryce Nance from the Handbell Brothers' Blog to celebrate the one year anniversary of Two Tacos High

1
Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

‘Unique’ is often overused as a word, but host Cathy Booth’s guests on this wonderful episode, John, and Debbie, can certainly claim it for their ringing experience. That’s because they ring at St Thomas’s Church, Kilifi in Kenya which is one of the remotest rings of bells in the world, with the nearest bells hung for change ringing being at Harare…

1
Have Bells, Will Travel, with Tessique Houston and Genevieve “GeeBee” Hanson 51:58

1y ago51:58

51:58

Brian and Nick talk with Tessique Houston, Equipment Manager for Sonos, and Genevieve Hanson, Assistant to the Director of Music at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, about how their ensembles tour and travel, and how they transport all of the necessary equipment that comes with bell ringing!

1
The Road to International Symposium, Part 1 with Damien Lim 36:04

1y ago36:04

36:04

Brian and Nick talk with Damien Lim, Executive Director of Handbell Ringers of Singapore and Principal Conductor & Artistic Director for the Ministry of Bellz about handbell programs in Singapore, experiences at past Symposia, and what we are looking forward to at this upcoming Symposium!

1
Discover Your Bell Ringing History! 40:26

1y ago40:26

40:26

Why do you ring in a gallery? Who were the ringers whose names are on the peal boards behind you? Where can you find an example of an art deco ringing association certificate? Host Cathy Booth quizzes knowledgeable guests Chris Ridley and Gareth Davies about the amazing range of historical sources at your fingertips to help answer these questions a…

1
Start C̶o̶m̶p̶o̶s̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ Composing Today! 55:02

1y ago55:02

55:02

Nick and Brian talk about their start composing and arranging, what you need to get started composing yourself, and some tips and tricks they learned from their experience writing and publishing.

1
The Great Handbell Myth-Bust 58:32

1y ago58:32

58:32

Brian and Nick take on some of the biggest handbell myths and misconceptions (and throw in a few physics and history lessons in the process!)

1
Handbell Hangout - Composers Roundtable with Sandra Eithun, Michael Joy, and Jason Krug 1:08:43

1+ y ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Sandy Eithun, Mike Joy, and Jason Krug join us for a Handbell Hangout where they discuss their background in composing for handbells, their writing process, and their favorite pieces by other composers.

1
Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary 36:19

1+ y ago36:19

36:19

In this special fifth anniversary episode, the Fun with Bells Podcast celebrates by turning the tables on host and producer Cathy Booth, as she takes her turn on the other end of the microphone and is grilled by team member Emily Roderick. Emily digs into the background to the podcast, its aims, and the entire podcast process from idea to launch. T…

1
Norwegian Society and the Laws of Jante 42:05

1+ y ago42:05

42:05

Nordic society seems to be governed by a set of unspoken rules on how to behave around others. These rules or "laws" were first articulated by the Danish author, Aksel Sandemose in a novel that described life in a fictional town called Jante, ruled by a set of ten laws. The laws dictated that no one was to be boastful, to think they are more specia…

1
Do You Want to Start a Bell Choir? 37:38

1+ y ago37:38

37:38

Now that you have that earworm in your head, join Nick and Brian as they talk through the process of starting a handbell ensemble at your church along with tips and tricks for finding equipment, recruiting, and finding appropriate repertoire.

1
Two Tacos High's 2024 Preview 35:11

1+ y ago35:11

35:11

Brian and Nick give a preview of 2024 handbell events - local, national, and international! We also give a preview of what to expect from a few of this year's upcoming episodes!

1
David Smith: A Bell Ringing Tutor’s Uplifting Global Perspective 35:42

1+ y ago35:42

35:42

In this episode, David Smith makes a much-welcome return to the podcast for another conversation with host Cathy Booth that’s brimming with insight. Find out about about the differences between ringing associations in the UK and those in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. With David’s global ringing teaching experience there are plenty of …

1
Nordic Noir: Dr. Jerry Holt on Crime Fiction in Bergen 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Join us for a journey into Nordic crime fiction or noir with Dr. Jerry Holt as our guide. Fiction has the ability to transport us into worlds, cultures, geography, and the thoughts of heroes and villains that non-fiction just can't touch. And we are changed by those stories. At a time when we are home-bound due to social distancing, catching up on …

1
Podcast of the Bells 50:15

1+ y ago50:15

50:15

There's no escaping it when you play bells around the holidays. Join Nick and Brian as they review some of the many different handbell arrangements of "that bell tune", Carol of the Bells.

1
The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession 38:04

1+ y ago38:04

38:04

This episode sees host Cathy Booth catching up with three Ring for King recruits to find out what their first year of ringing has been like. And what a year it’s been! Jessica, Lindsey and Andy have notched up an amazing collection of ‘firsts’ since starting their ringing adventure. First tower tour, first wedding ringing, first quarter peal and fi…

1
The Two Tacos High Handbell Ensemble Presents.... 41:47

1+ y ago41:47

41:47

Nick and Brian plan a concert program for the first Two Tacos High Handbell Ensemble holiday concert!

1
Handbell Hangout - Thanksgiving with Greg Hanson, Eric Hanson, and Diane Seemann 54:03

1+ y ago54:03

54:03

Brothers Eric and Greg, and mother Diane join us for a Thanksgiving themed Handbell Hangout to talk family traditions, favorite childhood memories, and poolside parakeets!

1
Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway 50:36

1+ y ago50:36

50:36

The debate around ringing and music is taken to an entirely new level in this fascinating conversation between show host Cathy Booth and composer Helen Ottaway. Deeply inspired by the sound of bells, Helen’s passion for this shared soundscape has led from the creation of individual musical works to an entire bell-inspired festival! It’s amazing to …

1
Two Tacos High Halloween Special 31:54

1+ y ago31:54

31:54

Nick and Brian talk Halloween traditions, Halloween songs we think would work well on bells, and talk about what some of you have done for Halloween with your ensembles.

1
Get to Know Your Handbell Musicians of America Board! 1:04:06

1+ y ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Newly elected President-Elect Kathryn Jurado, and At-Large Members Lynn Atkins, Dave Harris, and Kath Wissinger join us to talk about what got them into handbells, how they got connected with the Guild, and their plans for the next 6 years on the Board of Handbell Musicians of America.

1
How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton 36:09

1+ y ago36:09

36:09

Show host Cathy Booth aims high this month in conversation with accomplished ringer and leading light Linda Garton. Linda strongly believes that “success breeds success” and, as you’ll hear, this is amply illustrated in both her own ringing career and the winning bands that her leadership has inspired. So muster your motivation, make a plan and put…

1
Strategies for Effective Rehearsals 38:27

1+ y ago38:27

38:27

Nick and Brian talk about their experience leading rehearsals in school, church, and community group settings, and tips that they use to get the most out of their rehearsal time.

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Handbell Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen