That Wilbur Smith Show

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2025, Nydia Hetherington & Samantha Sotto Yambao

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:31:26 GMT

In the final of three special episodes Georgina talks to two more of the authors short-listed for the much coveted 2025 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, Nydia Hetherington for Sycorax and Samantha Sotto Yambao for Water Moon (Samantha Sotto Yambao image (c) Charm Cataag)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2025, Diana McCaulay & Jack Jordan

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:31:03 GMT

In this special episode Georgina talks to two more authors short-listed for the 2025 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, Diana McCaulay for A House for Miss Pauline and Jack Jordan for Redemption. (Jack Jordan Image (c) Phil Sharp, Diana McCaulay Image (c) Jeremy Francis)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2025, Nussaibah Younis & Costanza Casati

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:30:34 GMT

In the first of three special episodes Georgina talks to two of the authors short-listed for the much coveted 2025 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, Nussaibah Younis for Fundamentally and Costanza Casati for Babylonia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with Laura Bingham and Lucy Shepherd

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this final episode of our adventure mini series Georgina talks to to extraordinary women, Laura Bingham who made the first ever descent of the Essequibo river in Guyana from source to sea and explorer Lucy Shepherd who has led expeditions to some of the harshest and most challenging places in the world, from high mountains to tropical rainforests and Arctic tundra.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with test pilot Nathan Gray Part Three

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this third and final episode Georgina talks to Nathan about the challenges of being a test pilot, the importance of reading both. for information and for leisure, what it's like to fly the amazing F-35, how to know when to stop and the future of aviation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with Nathan Gray Part Two

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In his episode Nathan Gray talks to Georgina about he overcame a devastating accident early in his career, what it's like to fly at twice the speed of sound, how to land a jet on an aircraft carrier and his time as a combat pilot in Afghanistan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with test pilot Nathan Gray Part One

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In this first episode of three with decorated test pilot Nathan Gray, Georgina chats to Nathan about why he decided to become a pilot, why he chose the Navy rather than the Air Force and what he had to go through to achieve his dream.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with Ed Stafford and Alex Bescoby Part 2

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In this second episode with explorer Ed Stafford and filmmaker Alex Bescoby Georgina talk to them about their love of story telling, how they set about doing research, getting out of sticky situations, the kindness of strangers, tips for young explorers and much, much more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spirit of Adventure with Ed Stafford and Alex Bescoby

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In this first episode of our new adventure mini- series, explorer Ed Stafford and award winning film maker Alex Bescoby talk to Georgina about why they chose a life of adventure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adventure Series Trailer

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Trailer for new adventure mini-series

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Endurance and Adventure with Angus Collins

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 01:00:46 GMT

In this final episode of Series 2 Tom and Georgina talk to ultra endurance athlete, mental health advocate, record breaking rower and founder of Beyond Endurance, Angus Collins as he prepares to face his toughest challenge yet, attempting to become the first person ever to circumnavigate Great Britain by row boat solo and unsupported, raising funds for James’ Place, a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in centres in Liverpool and London.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2024 with Leo Vardiashvili and Chukwuebuka Ibeh

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 01:00:40 GMT

In the third and final episode of our three part series celebrating the Wilbur Smith Adventure Prize 2024, Georgina and Tom meet two more of the shortlisted authors, Leo Vardiashvili and Chukwuebuka Ibeh to discuss their riveting new adventure novels, Hard by a Great Forest and Blessings. (Leo Vardiashvili: Image © Kiera Fyles, Palmer Photography - Chukwuebuka Ibeh: Image © Erin Lewis)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adventure Writing Prize Louis de Bernieres and Derek B Miller

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:00:50 GMT

In the second of our three part series celebrating the Wilbur Smith Adventure Prize 2024, Georgina and Tom meet two more of the shortlisted authors, Louis de Bernieres and Derek.B Miller to discuss their exciting new novels Light over Liskeard and The Curse of Pietro Houdini, why they decided to write historical fiction and how they define adventure. (Derek B. Miller: Image © Erlend Sæverud - Louis de Bernières: Image © Ivon Bartholomew)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize: C.E. McGill and Francesca de Tores

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 01:00:32 GMT

In the first of three special episodes Tom and Georgina talk to two of the authors short-listed for the much coveted 2024 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, Charlie McGill (Our Hideous Progeny) and Francesca de Tores (Saltblood). (C. E. McGill: Image ©Rebecca Holmes Photography Ltd - Francesca de Tores: Image ©Andrew North)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World War One with Matt Barr

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 01:00:57 GMT

A number of Wilbur's stories feature or are set against World War One and in this episode Tom and Georgina discuss these books and Wilbur's descriptions and approach to the Great War, particularly as played out in an African context, with podcaster and World War One aficionado Matt Barr

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Centaine Courtney and The Burning Shore with Melanie Crawley

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 01:00:42 GMT

In this episode Tom and Georgina discuss Wilbur's first female protagonist, Centaine Courtney, with actor and voice over artist Melanie Crawley. New to Wilbur’s books, Melanie explores the skill and depth with which Wilbur creates a character that she as an actor can believe in and become invested in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WeTwo - Dwayne and Phoebe A Life of Adventure

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 01:00:08 GMT

In this episode Tom and new co-host Georgina Brown talk to adventurers Dwayne Fields, the first black Briton to reach the North Pole and Phoebe Smith, founders of the WeTwo Foundation which empowers underprivileged young people through life-changing adventures, a cause which very much appealed to Wilbur

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Watt - The Australian Wilbur Smith

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 01:00:02 GMT

In this episode Tom and Chris talk to Australian author Peter Watt about his incredibly adventurous life, his life-changing encounters with Wilbur and how Wilbur inspired him to become a best selling author - the Australian Wilbur Smith

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dangerous Episode with Conn Iggulden

Fri, 24 May 2024 01:00:00 GMT

In this special episode Tom and author Conn Iggulden discuss the power of historical fiction and the influence Wilbur Smith has had on Conn himself and generations of adventure and historical fiction writers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The East India Company with Professor David Howarth

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 01:00:12 GMT

In this episode Tom and Christopher are joined by Professor David Howarth, author of ‘Adventurers The Improbable Rise of the East India Company’ ; to discuss the surprisingly humble and chaotic Tudor origins of the most celebrated and powerful global entity in history.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indian Ocean Slave Trade with Professor Bernard Freamon

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 01:01:59 GMT

In Episode 3 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Christopher are joined by Professor Bernard Freamon, the world’s leading authority on the Indian Ocean Slave Trade, to explore this elusive, yet fascinating subject of which little is known and which is rarely discussed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Wilbur Smith Show Highlights So Far

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:00:35 GMT

Tom and Christopher look back on memorable moments from the first series, recalling some of the illuminating facts and insights they elicited from their special guests, including Egyptologist Joanne Fletcher, historian Saul David, writer of both fiction and nonfiction about the Zulu wars, Zambezi expert Marlyn Newitt, who sounds the alarm about the Victoria Falls drying up, Joost Fonteyn on the mysteries of the Great Zimbabwe, Civil Rights campaigner Adam Hochschild on the Abolition of Slavery and our remarkable adventurer, polar explorer Felicity Aston

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Felicity Aston - polar explorer and real-life hero

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 02:00:17 GMT

For the first episode of a new series of That Wilbur Smith Show, and in honour of International Women’s Day, Tom and Christopher talk to a real life hero who might have stepped out of the pages of a Wilbur Smith book, Felicity Aston, polar explorer and the first woman to ski across Antarctica alone!

Felicity's website : http://www.felicityaston.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Wilbur Smith Show : Series Two Trailer two

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:00:26 GMT

Historian Tom Harper and author Christopher Winn explore the exhilarating world of legendary adventure writer Wilbur Smith with special guest and real life hero Felicity Aston, polar explorer and the first woman to ski across Antarctica alone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Wilbur Smith Show : Series Two Trailer

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 02:00:53 GMT

In That Wilbur Smith Show Wilbur co-writer historian Tom Harper and author and Wilbur fan Christopher Winn explore the exhilarating world of adventure writer Wilbur Smith, one of the greatest story tellers of all time, by talking to a star-studded array of special guests, adventurers, historians, authors, academics and fans about the exotic places and thrilling historical events that feature in Wilbur’s books.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24. Birds of Prey Part 2 - Elephant Lagoon

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 02:00:18 GMT

In this action packed second episode on Birds of Prey Tom and Diana describe how Hal Courtney and his companions escape from their Dutch prison in the Castle of Good Hope and travel across the wilds of Southern Africa to confront once more their mortal enemy the Buzzard at Elephant Lagoon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23. Birds of Prey Part 1 Treasure and treachery

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:39:52 GMT

In the first of a series of episodes chronicling the Courtneys through the 17th century Tom and Diana celebrate the opening part of one of Wilbur’s most epic novels, Birds of Prey, a tale of treasure, treachery, pirates, love and betrayal set against the Anglo Dutch War and the founding of the world’s most beautiful city, Cape Town

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22. The Zambezi with Professor Malyn Newitt

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 02:00:21 GMT

The great rivers of Africa were a constant feature in Wilbur Smith’s adventures and in this episode Tom and Diana explore the Zambezi and the majestic Victoria Falls with the expert help of Professor Malyn Newitt author of 'The Zambezi - a History’, learning about the peoples who have lived alongside, traded on and depended upon the river and how the nature and shape of the river is changing due to modern development.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21. 2023 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:00:56 GMT

In this special episode Tom and Diana look back over the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize Award ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London with prize winner Emma Styles and Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation director Georgina Brown

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. Slavery - the Struggle for Abolition with Adam Hochschild

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 01:00:16 GMT

Tom and Diana discuss the struggle for the Abolition of Slavery with lecturer, historian and journalist Adam Hochschild, examining the circumstances that led to the emergence of the movement to ban slavery in the late 18th, early 19th centuries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19. The Great Zimbabwe

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 01:00:43 GMT

Tom and Diana discuss the mysterious and misunderstood Great Zimbabwe stone settlement with Professor Joost Fontein of Johannesburg University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18. The Sunbird Part 2 - The Curse of Opet

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 01:00:25 GMT

In the second part of The Sunbird we see how the curse of the lost city of Opet plays out and discover the fate of those involved in ancient times and in modern times

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. The Sunbird Part 1 The Search for the Lost City of Ophir

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:00:55 GMT

The Sunbird introduces one of Wilbur Smith's most intriguing heroes, charting his search for the mysterious lost city of Ophir in deepest Africa and the extraordinary and unexpected consequences that flow from its discovery.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. Testament

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:00:34 GMT

In episode 16 Tom and Diana take a look at Testament, coming up with plenty of tantalising teasers and good reasons why this, the latest Wilbur Smith book, is an exhilarating must read!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15. Wilbur Smith Inspiring Adventures

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:00:16 GMT

In this special episode Tom and Diana discuss the making of the documentary Wilbur Smith Inspiring Adventures with the film's director Aidan Woodward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. A Falcon Flies Part 2 The Prophecy

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 01:00:30 GMT

In Episode 14 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana take a look at the second part of A Falcon Flies, in which Robyn and Zuga venture into the unknown Eden they have seen from the mountain top and go their separate ways, each finding ancient civilisations and treasures while meeting with adventure and adversity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. A Falcon Flies part 1 Introducing the Ballantynes

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:00:21 GMT

In this episode Tom and Diana take a look at A Falcon Flies, in which we are introduced to the Ballantynes, Robyn and Zuga as, against the background of the slave trade, they travel up the Zambezi into the uncharted interior of Africa in search of their father.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. Birds of Prey - End of the Dutch Golden Age

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:00:42 GMT

Tom and Diana take a look at Birds of Prey and the End of the Dutch Golden Age. This is the earliest book chronologically in the Courtney saga, and tells the story of Sir Francis and Hal Courtney, the first of the Courtney’s to land in Africa, as they take on the might of the Dutch East India Company

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. Courtney's War - The Battle of Stalingrad

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:00:55 GMT

Tom and Diana discuss Wilbur’s book Courtney’s War with its vivid depiction of the horrors of the Battle of Stalingrad, a conflict with disturbing similarities to today’s war in Ukraine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. Ancient Egypt 2 with Professor Joann Fletcher

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:00:39 GMT

In this episode Tom and Diana continue to discuss River God and life in Ancient Egypt with renowned Egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. Ancient Egypt 1 with Professor Joann Fletcher

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 01:00:09 GMT

Tom and Diana are joined by Egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher to discuss River God, the Hyksos invasion and life in Ancient Egypt at that time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. River God

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 01:00:45 GMT

Tom and Diana discuss their love for and fascination with River God, Wilbur’s sprawling, epi,c best-selling novel of romance and adventure set in Ancient Egypt, in which we are introduced to Taita, a completely new kind of hero who is set to become one of Wilbur’s most beloved and long lasting characters

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. Nemesis

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 01:00:34 GMT

In this episode Tom and Diana take a look at Wilbur's latest book Nemesis, (published in April 2023), which is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars and follows three different strands of the Courtney family as their fates become ever more intertwined.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. When The Lion Feeds - Gold and the Birth of Johannesburg

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 01:00:13 GMT

In Episode 6 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana take their final look for now at When The Lion Feeds discussing how the discovery of gold enriches and then corrupts Sean and Duff and turns the tented community of Johannesburg into the fastest growing city in the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. When The Lion Feeds - Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 01:00:47 GMT

In Episode 5 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana are joined once again by historian Professor Saul David to discuss the two most famous battles of the Anglo Zulu War, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, brilliantly captured by Wilbur in When The Lion Feeds and in which Sean, Garrick and Waite Courtney all meet staggeringly different fates…

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. When The Lion Feeds - Build up to the Anglo Zulu War

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 01:00:09 GMT

In Episode 4 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana are joined by historian Professor Saul David to discuss the reasons behind the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, and the build up to the conflict which forms the background to the first part of When The Lion Feeds.and shapes the future of the Courtneys, Sean, Garrick and their father Waite.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. On Leopard Rock, Wilbur’s memoir

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 01:00:00 GMT

In Episode 3 of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana discuss Wilbur’s memoir ‘On Leopard Rock’, exploring how Wilbur draws upon his own experiences and extraordinary life when creating his thrilling adventures and characters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. When The Lion Feeds, Witwatersrand and The Wilderness

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:00:23 GMT

In Episode Two of That Wilbur Smith Show Tom and Diana take a look at the final two parts of When The Lion Feeds, Witwatersrand and The Wilderness, in which fortunes are won and lost, Sean meets the love of his life and Duff Charleywood, Sean’s friend and business partner, meets a gruesome end….

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. When The Lion Feeds, Sean and Garrick Courtney

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 01:00:11 GMT

In Episode One of That Wilbur Smith Show hosts and co-writers Tom Harper and Diana Thomas take a look at the first part of Wilbur’s debut novel, the classic coming of age adventure story When the Lion Feeds, in which we are introduced to Sean and Garrick Courtney, whose exploits and relationships would go on to spawn the longest running family saga in literary history. They also discuss some of the writing techniques that Wilbur would hone over the next 55 years of his matchless career as an author and recall their own memories of reading the book for the first time and what they learned from it, along with the thrill of working with Wilbur.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Wilbur Smith Show : Trailer

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:51:57 GMT

In That Wilbur Smith Show two of Wilbur’s co-writers, Tom Harper and Diana Thomas, explore the exhilarating world of adventure writer Wilbur Smith, one of the greatest story tellers of all time. They discuss his books, meet his extraordinary cast of characters, talk with special guests about the historical events that form the background to the books, visit the places that Wilbur brings so vividly to life and learn about the incredible real life exploits and adventures that inspired Wilbur and his writing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.