Upcoming episodes
You can get excited to see what is coming up by scrolling through the “UPCOMING EPISODES” menu below.
You can also view the dates linked to upcoming episodes on the CALENDAR on the Home Page.
To help find what you are interested in, you can type any question, or search for any artist, song, episode feature, etc on this web-site, using the CHAT WITH AI button at the bottom right-hand corner.
If you have any specific requests for recordings to hear, or suggestions for episode themes, please email me:
EPISODE 11 - Vive la France: A Bastille Day Special
Celebrate Bastille Day with a journey through French music and history in this special broadcast, featuring rare and unforgettable recordings spanning more than half a century. Hear a remarkably early 1898 Berliner recording of La Marseillaise performed by Sousa’s Band under Arthur Pryor, alongside timeless classics including Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose and Charles Trenet’s La Mer. The programme also includes a fascinating 1954 recording of Prime Minister Anthony Eden speaking in French to mark the 50th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, before concluding with the stirring La Cloche de la Liberté. A rich and evocative celebration of France through sound, nostalgia, and history.
EPISODE 12 - Shellac & Song: The Sounds of the Music Hall
Let's get transported back to a golden age of entertainment, when crackling shellac records filled the air with the unforgettable sounds of the Music Hall. Join us for a nostalgic journey through timeless favourites including My Old Man’s a Dustman, Knees Up Mother Brown, Roll Out the Barrel, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am — songs that had generations singing along, laughing, and raising a glass together. A warm, toe-tapping celebration of Britain’s musical heritage that’s sure to bring back memories and put a smile on your face.
EPISODE 13 – Rare Voices of Remarkable Women
Step back in time with a remarkable collection of rare spoken-word recordings from some of the most influential women of the early 20th century. Hear pioneering voices including Margaret Bondfield speaking on “The Women’s Opportunity” during the 1929 election, Katharine Stewart-Murray, Duchess of Atholl on “The New Outlook for Women,” and Margaret Wintringham in her historic election address. The broadcast also features Edith Wilson with a moving Red Cross appeal, alongside an extraordinary and haunting recording of the voice of Florence Nightingale herself — a rare chance to hear history speak in its own words.
EPISODE 14 - Laughs, Legends & Live Music: Bing Crosby at Decca’s 2nd Birthday (1936)
We are invited to join a party back on 14 August 1936 with this rare and wonderfully intimate private recording from the second birthday celebration of US Decca Records. A relaxed and laughing Bing Crosby struggles to get through his anniversary speech, joking his way through the festivities before introducing Jimmy Dorsey, hearing warm wishes from Elizabeth Allen, and treating listeners to a charming snippet of “Take My Heart.” Packed with spontaneity, humour, and vintage star power, this unique recording captures the joy and personality of a golden era in entertainment.
EPISODE 15 – Dear Elvis: The First Recording and the Fans Who Loved Him
Let us go back to 15 August 1953 and relive the moment Elvis Presley first stepped into the Memphis Recording Service — later known as Sun Studio — to make music history. In this special broadcast, we spin Elvis’s very first recording exactly as it was heard then, on original 78rpm shellac: “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.” We’ll also revisit the 1948 hit version of “My Happiness” by The Pied Pipers before uncovering one of the most unusual Elvis tributes ever made — the rare fan record “Dear Elvis, with love from Audrey,” packed with snippets of Elvis songs and heartfelt messages from his self-proclaimed greatest fan. A fascinating journey into the birth of a legend and the devotion he inspired.
EPISODE 16 – Aero Heroine: Amy Johnson and the Golden Age of Aviation.
Take to the skies with a thrilling journey through aviation history as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Amy Johnson, who on 24 May 1930 became the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia, landing triumphantly in Darwin. Hear Amy herself recount the adventure in “Story of My Flight,” recorded in Sydney at the end of her epic journey, alongside a lively 1930 musical salute, “Tribute To Our Aero Heroine Amy” by Chris Hall. The programme then soars into the swing era with the Benny Goodman Sextet classic “Flying Home,” before Al "Jazzbo" Collins shares a spirited 1953 reflection on the invention of the airplane. We round things off with a wonderfully unusual 1930s Columbia recording packed with authentic aeroplane sound effects — a rare and atmospheric finale to an unforgettable broadcast.
EPISODE 17 – The Golden Age of Baseball on Shellac Record.
Step up to the plate for a special Baseball World Series broadcast on 23rd October 2026, celebrating America’s favourite pastime through rare and unforgettable vintage recordings. From Cal Stewart’s nostalgic “Uncle Josh Playing Base Ball” to the legendary Abbott and Costello classic “Who’s On First?”, hear baseball brought vividly to life through comedy, storytelling and song. The programme also features the unmistakable voice of Babe Ruth telling his own Home Run Story on the Pathé Actuelle label, alongside the timeless anthem “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” by the Haydn Quartet — a perfect journey into the golden age of baseball and entertainment.