Best Josh Townshend Podcasts (2025)

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The Little Nugget with Nigel Townshend 1:09:10

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1M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

Ian Cockburn is joined by his old friend Nigel Townshend to dissect Agatha Christie's favourite Wodehouse novel The Little Nugget (1913). A tale of kipnapping at an English private preparatory school, presumably inspired by Wodehouse's time as a guest at Emsworth House school. There will be spoilers. Other Wodehouse works mentioned Piccadilly Jim F…

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The Prince and Betty (UK Version) with Alexander Rennie 1:42:18

2M ago1:42:18

1:42:18

Ian is joined by Alexander Rennie once more to look at the UK version of the novel The Prince and Betty (1912). The US version has a very different plot closely based on the earlier novel Psmith, Journalist (serialised 1909-1910, book version 1915). We touch lightly on the US version but the main discussion of it will follow in the episode on Psmit…

1
Tales of Wrykyn and Elsewhere 1:10:01

3M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Ian looks at the 1997 posthumous collection of Wodehouse short school stories, Tales of Wrykyn and Elsewhere, featuring stories that first appeared in magazines from 1901-1911. No plot spoilers for once, except one that comes with an advance warning. WIkipedia page for the book Madame Eulalie's Rare Plums links: List of Doyle/Holmes references in W…

1
Standing Up Again with Mike Brown 2:00:10

4M ago2:00:10

2:00:10

On this episode, I sit down with Mike Brown, an inspiring advocate for resilience, positivity, and personal growth. Mike is the host of the Stand Up Again podcast, where he shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, healing from trauma, and rebuilding confidence after life’s toughest challenges. We discuss his unique journey, from navigating…

1
Psmith in the City with Josh Cockburn 58:12

4M ago58:12

58:12

Ian is rejoined by his brother Josh to scrutinise "Psmith in the City" AKA "The New Fold", the second Psmith novel, serialised in 1908-9 and collected in book form in 1910. It is a highly autobiographical account of reluctantly working in a London bank. Mike and Psmith's schooldays are behind them, but Mike is still fixated on cricket and Psmith is…

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A Gentleman of Leisure with Gavin Bradbury 1:21:19

4M ago1:21:19

1:21:19

Ian is joined by former teenage Wodehouse obsessive Gavin Bradbury to look at Plum's first country house novel, A Gentleman of Leisure AKA The Intrusion of Jimmy from 1910. The book is at once a light romantic story, an exposé of the corruption in the New York police force, a satire of "gentleman criminal" style stories, and a precurser to the Blan…

1
ADHD: Two Journeys from Childhood to Adulthood 1:29:15

5M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

In this episode, I sit down with Hamish Mertens, a Christchurch-based personal trainer, to explore the polarising experiences of being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD at vastly different stages of life. While I received my diagnosis and began medication at 37, Hamish faced his diagnosis and treatment as a child, ultimately choosing to live without…

1
The Luck Stone 54:32

5M ago54:32

54:32

Ian looks at the final public school novel by Wodehouse, a lurid adventure story called The Luck Stone, first published in Chums magazine from 1908 to 1909 under the pseudonym "Basil Windham". It was first published in book form posthumously in 1997. There will be spoilers. The story can be read here Content note: national stereotyping, imperialism…

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Mike And Psmith with Matthew Bellwood 1:12:56

7M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Ian is joined by storyteller Matthew Bellwood to discuss Mike and Psmith, the second half of the double novel Mike, published in 1909. This is the debut of the beloved character Psmith, and the final public school novel by Wodehouse published in his lifetime. There will be spoilers. May contain knuts. Mike and Psmith at Project Gutenberg The Lost L…

1
Youth and Finding Independence 1:45:45

7M ago1:45:45

1:45:45

In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Calas, head of mountain biking at Christchurch Adventure Park, to explore resilience, independence, and the powerful role of community in outdoor sports. With over two decades in the cycling industry, Morgan shares his journey from being bullied as a child to finding empowerment and self-confidence through mo…

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Re-naming Hunter: The Story of King Cass 1:38:57

8M ago1:38:57

1:38:57

On this episode, I sit down with Hunter Wilson, also known by his stage name, King Cass. I’ve known Hunter since high school, and while our interactions over the years have been limited, his story has always stood out to me. Hunter is one of the most resilient people I know. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six, he faced significant bullying and t…

1
Mike At Wrykyn with Alexander Rennie 1:56:40

8M ago1:56:40

1:56:40

Ian is rejoined by Alexander Rennie of the "Forgotten Towns" podcast to discuss Mike at Wrykyn, the first half of the double novel Mike, published in 1909. It's a public school story focused on cricket and introduces a new series character. Other Wodehouse books mentioned Mike and Psmith Psmith in the City Psmith Journalist Leave it to Psmith Very …

1
The Swoop with Peter Falconer 1:13:58

9M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Ian is joined by composer Peter Falconer, of the How I Hobby podcast, to look at The Swoop! or, How Clarence Saved England: A Tale of the Great Invasion (1909) a spoof of three separate Edwardian trends: invasion literature, the boy scout movement, and the music hall. Thanks again to madameeulalie.org. There will be spoilers. Content note: racism O…

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The Globe By The Way Book with Gwen Sheldon 1:12:00

10M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

I am joined by Gwen Sheldon to look at extracts from The Globe By The Way Book — A Literary Quick-Lunch for People Who Have Only Got Five Minutes to Spare (1908) in particular the spoof serial "Women, Wine and Song". We also look at "For Love or Honour" (1907) a serial from the Globe By the Way daily newspaper column. Both works were written with H…

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ADHD, Trauma and The System 1:34:58

10M ago1:34:58

1:34:58

In this episode, I bring Danyon from The Answers Within on the show. Danyon has navigated an incredibly challenging path. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 12 after being misunderstood and labeled as the "naughty kid," Danyon's journey through life has been anything but easy. From enduring severe family violence and bouncing around foster homes, ch…

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Not George Washington with Mora 1:19:51

11M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Ian Cockburn talks to Mora about the first of two collaborations with Herbert Westbrook, Not George Washington (1907), a semi-autobiographical novel about life in Edwardian London as a struggling writer. There will be spoilers. Free eBook of Not George Washington at Project Gutenberg Not George Washington public domain audiobook at LibriVox (NB the…

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Finding Freedom in Prison 1:53:13

12M ago1:53:13

1:53:13

In this episode, Kevin Ngawhare shares his gripping tale of resilience and transformation. From growing up in a violent neighborhood in Napier, New Zealand, to surviving the intense emotional and physical trials of gang life and prison, Kev's story offers a raw and unflinching look at his turbulent upbringing and inspiring journey of change. These …

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The White Feather with Ujjwal Deb 1:13:34

1+ y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Ian talks to Ujjwal Deb about the eighth P. G. Wodehouse book, "The White Feather" (1907), a public school novel set at Wrykyn School, in some ways a sequel to "The Gold Bat". Spoilers feature early and often. Topics discussed include: Wodehouse's popularity in India Ujjwal's experience on the TV show Mastermind The schoolboy code of honour The pos…

1
Identity and Immigration 1:00:20

1+ y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode, I bring my friend Jenna on the show as a guest. Jenna, 21, has faced emotional challenges due to immigrating from South Africa during her teenage years. We discuss her past, interactions with family and friends, and the self-imposed expectations she faced while integrating into a new culture and society during a crucial stage of he…

1
A Journey Into Self-Love and Connection 1:36:12

1+ y ago1:36:12

1:36:12

In this episode, I bring Bec Connaughton on the show to talk about self-love and the importance and understanding of the connection we have with ourselves. Bec is a life coach working out of Christchurch, NZ and is about to relocate to Ireland with her husband. Find Bec on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becconnaughton Follow The Social Wildli…

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Leaving Bad Relationships 1:24:21

1+ y ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Leaving Bad Relationships | The Social Wildlife Podcast In this episode, I bring my good friend David Melse on the show to talk about the importance of identifying and leaving bad relationships. David is a business coach in Christchurch, NZ, and he and I have experienced a range of relationship types, each with their highs, lows and lessons. Find D…

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Love Among the Chickens with Thom Robinson 1:16:45

1+ y ago1:16:45

1:16:45

Ian talks to writer Thom Robinson about the seventh Wodehouse book, "Love Among the Chickens". There will be spoilers. Among Wodehouse's books, this is: The first intended for a general audience, as opposed to schoolboys or young children The first to involve a love story The first to introduce a major recurring character, which is Ukridge The firs…

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Unpacking Emotional Baggage 1:38:56

1+ y ago1:38:56

1:38:56

Unpacking Emotional Baggage | The Social Wildlife Podcast In this episode, I bring two of my close friends, Raf Cajar and Nerissa White, to talk about the definition, long-term effects and actionable tips to process and effectively deal with emotional baggage in the context of new relationships. Find Raf on Instagram: rafcajarofficial Find Niss on …

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The Head of Kay's with Josh Cockburn 55:15

1+ y ago55:15

55:15

Ian talks to his brother Josh about the sixth Wodehouse book, "The Head of Kay's". It's yet another school story. There will be spoilers. Also discussed or referenced Summer Moonshine Psmith in the City Jeeves and the Wedding Bells by Sebastian Faulks The Boys of Castle Cliff School by R. A. H. Goodyear Toddy Scores Again by Alfred Judd A Wodehouse…

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5: William Tell Told Again 18:27

1+ y ago18:27

18:27

Ian looks at P.G. Wodehouse's only book for younger children, "William Tell Told Again". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4: The Gold Bat with Alexander Rennie 1:16:06

1+ y ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Ian talks to Alexander Rennie about the third Wodehouse novel, "The Gold Bat". It's another school story. Despite the title, there is no cricket this time but plenty of rugby and a bit of boxing, ferret-keeping and shadowy secret societies.There will be spoilers. Alexander's podcast is called "Forgotten Towns". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

1
Beauty Standards and Social Media 1:45:19

1+ y ago1:45:19

1:45:19

In this episode, I speak with the absolute life of the party, Erin "The Stallion" Galt, about the pressure on us all, living in a world of social media, dating apps and facetune. We go deep into some of her experiences and the backlash she's faced when sticking up for victims of rogue business owners in unregulated industries. Find Erin on Instagra…

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3: Tales of St Austin's 41:59

2y ago41:59

41:59

I talk about the third book by P.G. Wodehouse, his first short story collection, "Tales of St Austin's", again with a public school theme. There will be spoilers. Also mentioned in the podcast: Norman Murphy's "A Wodehouse Handbook". There is a wealth of material at Madame Eulalie including the original magazine versions of these stories. Hosted on…

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2: A Prefect's Uncle with Alexander Rennie 1:39:57

2y ago1:39:57

1:39:57

Ian talks to Alexander Rennie about the second Wodehouse novel, "A Prefect's Uncle". It's another school story, with a lot of cricket. There will be spoilers. Alexander's podcast is called "Forgotten Towns". There is a wealth of material at Madame Eulalie available as always. Also mentioned in the podcast: Sophie Ratcliffe's "P.G. Wodehouse: A Life…

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What It's Like to Be a Guy 2:26:19

2y ago2:26:19

2:26:19

In this episode, I bring my long term friend of many years, Rafael Cajar, on the show to discuss some of the common situations we all face as men in relationships, and social situations. Raf is a personal trainer with many years of experience coaching clients of all levels to reach their full potential in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has spent ti…

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1: The Pothunters with Julia Ediger 1:01:38

2y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

In our first episode we discuss Wodehouse's first book, "The Pothunters" (1902), a public school novel. There is a wealth of material at Madame Eulalie including annotations of the novel, the serialised version and relevant articles by Wodehouse on school stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Getting the Most Out of the Gym 2:53:04

2y ago2:53:04

2:53:04

In this episode, I bring my good friend of many years, Tom Lowe, on the show to discuss some of the common and rarely discussed topics around contemporary gym use. Tom is a personal trainer with many years of experience coaching clients of all levels to reach their full potential in Christchurch, New Zealand. Find Tom on Instagram: https://www.inst…

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Steroid Use in New Zealand 2:21:03

2y ago2:21:03

2:21:03

Steroid use is quickly becoming more common in society, sports and various athletic disciplines in New Zealand and many developed countries worldwide. In this episode, I invite a long-time friend on the show to discuss the sale, use, benefits, long and short-term risks of steroid abuse. If you are considering using them or know someone that is, ple…

1
The Dangers of Low Self-Esteem 29:06

2y ago29:06

29:06

In this episode, I discuss the dangers, causes, symptoms and potential solutions for low self-esteem. I talk more about my experiences, how I believe low self-esteem related to them, and the severe effects they had on my life and the lives of people I cared about. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on I…

1
Questions with Flynn 39:18

2y ago39:18

39:18

In this lighter episode, I bring my eleven-year-old son Flynn on the show to talk about some of the funny and more challenging things he has experienced so far at his age. I encourage him to be vulnerable and speak openly about these topics if he feels comfortable, giving me insight into how life is for him and how he sees his future in this fast-p…

1
Taking Ownership in Life and Relationships 20:12

2+ y ago20:12

20:12

In this episode, I talk about taking ownership and its importance in maintaining healthy relationships with partners, family, friends and ourselves. I introduce more of my backstory and the events that brought me to these conclusions, focusing on change and finally taking accountability for my actions. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: theso…

1
Overcoming Fear 22:22

2+ y ago22:22

22:22

In this episode, I talk about fear. Confronting it and overcoming the negative emotions associated with the sources of fear and anxiety in everyday life. I give examples of times I've had to process and deal with stressful situations, and strategies to cope and begin living life, reprogramming yourself to push forward with nothing holding you back.…

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Toxic Relationships, when is Enough, Enough? 26:50

2+ y ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, I talk about identifying and dealing with the effects and impact of toxic behaviour in friendships and relationships. I also provide advice on putting strategies in place to change the behaviour in yourself and others, based on my perspective and experience. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Tow…

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My Story 1:15:48

2+ y ago1:15:48

1:15:48

In this episode, I introduce myself, my backstory and some of the decisions I made that led me to volatile relationships, prison and a drastic change of mindset, which has put me on a much more positive path. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh…