Innhold levert av thebigsmokevariety. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av thebigsmokevariety eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast-app Gå frakoblet med Player FM -appen!
Did you know there’s an actual science to uncovering your hidden genius? It’s not about filling out a “dream job” worksheet—it’s about understanding how your brain is wired, identifying your natural aptitudes, and using them to thrive. This isn’t just a self-discovery exercise. It’s a game-changer for your career, your relationships, and how you show up in the world. Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison are redefining how we approach career discovery, proving that finding the right path isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about creating a life that aligns with who you actually are. ✅ Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience, a groundbreaking psychometric assessment platform reshaping how we understand our talents. She’s also the Director of Marketing & Branding at Diversified Trust and a frequent lecturer at Vanderbilt University and NYU’s Stern School of Business. ✅ Alex Ellison – Founder of Throughline Guidance, a global college and career counseling practice. She’s a sought-after writer, speaker, and expert in college readiness and career development. ✅ Together, they co-authored Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Discovering your hidden genius isn’t just about career success—it’s about tapping into what makes you, you . Connect with Betsy & Alex: Website (Free Downloads): www.yourhiddengenius.com Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/your-hidden-genius-elizabeth-m-willsalexandra-ellison Related Podcast Episodes: How To Be You, But Better with Olga Khazan | 288 Finding Purpose Through Human Design with Emma Dunwoody | 228 195 / Finding (And Using) Your Voice with Amy Green Smith Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…
Innhold levert av thebigsmokevariety. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av thebigsmokevariety eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
The Big Smoke Variety Show is a new podcast hosted by Kevin Bennett. It takes inspiration from classic TV variety shows and late night chat shows with a theatrical bent towards exploring the ancient rituals of gathering and community. In our world, where the algorithms of social media are driving humanity further and further apart, The Big Smoke, by its very nature, will bring unexpected audiences together for a variety show, the likes of which they have never heard.
Innhold levert av thebigsmokevariety. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av thebigsmokevariety eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
The Big Smoke Variety Show is a new podcast hosted by Kevin Bennett. It takes inspiration from classic TV variety shows and late night chat shows with a theatrical bent towards exploring the ancient rituals of gathering and community. In our world, where the algorithms of social media are driving humanity further and further apart, The Big Smoke, by its very nature, will bring unexpected audiences together for a variety show, the likes of which they have never heard.
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! In today’s episode, we step into the ring… or rather, the opera house. And trust us, by the end, you’ll see they might just be the same thing. First up, we kick things off with a Looney Tunes twist in Stump the Room: Bugs Bunny Meets Opera Edition . Can you tell your Wagnerian heroines from your Saturday morning demons? Then, our host Kevin Bennett is joined by Thomas Guthrie - opera director, writer, composer, and founder of the charity Music and Theatre for All . Kevin challenges Tom to convince him that opera isn’t just about powdered wigs and posh intervals but is something raw, real, and resonant. Then, we visit the vibrant heart of Lewisham with our Parish Notices , where guest correspondent Vicky Annand brings us stories of connection and creativity from the local community. Later in the show, Kevin shares a personal piece titled ‘The Weird Sister’, a true story from his time running a Shakespeare collective in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It’s about trust, transformation, and how one woman, through the words of the Porter in Macbeth , found her voice in an unexpected place. And finally, it’s time to hang upside down - literally. Archie McAlpine returns with Neuro Nuggets, offering a curious brain hack about blood flow and perspective that’s part gym trick, part neuroscience. You can learn more about Archie’s work here. -- Links: Find out more about Thomas Guthrie Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice! -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:27) Stump the Room (02:44) Tom Guthrie Interview (45:13) Parish Notices (51:11) The Weird Sister (59:30) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (1:00:51) Stump The Room Answers (1:04:41) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Vicky Annand, our guest correspondent…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, ‘The CNN of the Ghetto’, we explore the rhythms that shape our lives, both natural and self-made. First up, we welcome MoYah - Afro-fusion rapper, activist, and educator, who blends music with advocacy, using hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, community, and change. From his roots in Mozambique to his career-defining role as Portugal’s first refugee semi-finalist in Festival da Canção, MoYah shares how rap became his language of resistance, identity, and empowerment. Then, it’s the return of Rishi Rian with his poetic Parish Notice: ‘Make That Five’ - a meditation on breaking free from the astronomical hamster wheel and redefining the seasons of our lives. We’ve also got more Maple Leaf or Make Believe! Three strange Canadian headlines, only one is real. Can you guess which? And finally, a fan favourite returns! Victorian Parlour Games is back, with a rap-inspired twist - Word Ladders. Will you outwit your opponents one letter at a time, or will you be stuck with a forfeit worthy of the 19th century? And before we wrap up, we’ve got a treat for your ears - ‘ Too Much Sauce ’ by MoYah closes out the show. Tune in and step inside The Big Smoke! -- Links: Refugee Week Info Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe Find out more about MoYah Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice! -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:08) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:06) MoYah Interview (49:04) Parish Notices (51:42) Make That Five by Rishi Rian (1:00:18) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:13) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:03:53) Outro (1:04:25) Too Much Sauce by MoYah -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today's episode, ‘The Shoe in the Wall: Patrick Grant on why 'Less' is more’, we’re unpicking the threads of fashion, identity, and the objects we bring into our lives, starting with the clothes on our backs. Joining us is none other than Patrick Grant - clothier, sustainability advocate, and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee. Patrick takes us on a journey through the history of clothing, the fight for quality over fast fashion, and why what we wear matters more than we think. He also reignited the legacy of Kevin’s great-great-great-great grandfather, Edward Tautz, by relaunching his clothing brand! Then, it’s storytime with Granny’s Costume Trunk , where Kevin rediscovers the magic of childhood dress-up - becoming anyone with just a wig, a dress, or a pair of glasses. We also debut an exciting new segment: Archie’s Neuro Nuggets! This week’s bite-sized insight? Fractals in Nature - what they are, why they’re everywhere, and how they might just make your life better. A fan favourite, it’s the return of Stump the Room! Test your trivia skills with some fashion-themed facts. And before we wrap up, our correspondent Ahmad hits the streets to find out how YOU are fostering connection and community when the bells ring out across The Big Smoke. Links Join Patrick Grant’s Newsletter: Community Clothing Read ‘Less’ by Patrick Grant: William Collins Books Learn more about Archie McAlpine’s work: Archie McAlpine Associates Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice! Chapters (0:00) Intro (1:23) Stump The Room (2:20) Patrick Grant Interview (1:01:35) Parish Notices (1:05:07) Granny’s Costume Trunk (1:09:56) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:11:44) Stump The Room Answers (1:13:05) Outro Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! This episode is an ode to the auraculous, as we delve into the extraordinary world of sound with writer and journalist Caspar Henderson, author of ‘A Book of Noises: Notes on the Auraculous’ . Caspar invites us to tune the dial of our minds and truly listen to the hidden harmonies of nature, the mysteries of music, and the profound ways sound shapes our world. We explore the bizarre and beautiful: from whistling to bears and singing birds, to the first musical instruments and the resonance of ancient spaces. What is sound? Why does rhythm matter? And can a frog’s croak be as poetic as Shakespeare? Joining the show is Canadian-American poet Nehassaiu deGannes, who shares selections from ‘Music for Exile’ , weaving sound and silence into powerful verse exploring life on the border. We’re debuting a new game this week! Maple Leaf or Make Believe , where we test your ability to spot the true Canadian headlines from the truly ridiculous. Play along and see if you can guess the real Maple Leaf! Plug in your headphones, open your ears, and join us for a journey through the science, poetry, and sheer wonder of sound. And remember - if you sneeze, you might just deafen thousands… Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review to help make some noise! Time Stamps Intro - (00:00) Maple Leaf or Make Believe - (01:07) Caspar Henderson Interview - (02:10) Parish Notices - (51:53) Nehassaiu deGannes Poetry - (55:05) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer - (1:09:40) Outro - (1:11:01) Links Caspar’s Book Nehassaiu’s Book Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! In this festive episode, ‘ Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games ’, we bring you a brilliant mix of holiday cheer, mouth-watering cheese, and heartwarming stories in support of the Babylon Migrants Project , a community interest company that empowers young refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through creative activities. Cheese consultant and author Emma Young leads a fascinating cheese tasting, featuring Maasdam, Taleggio, Brillat Savarin, Stilton, and Grana Padano. Emma shares delightful trivia, pro tips, and stories from her life as an international cheese consultant. Actors Adam Cunis and Hollie Hales perform an enchanting Rudolph storytelling session that will light up your imagination like Rudolph’s red nose in the night sky. Composer Joe Atkins and singer Cait Roddam Jones set the mood with festive tunes to fill your home with holiday joy. We also dig into your quirky holiday traditions, test out your Christmas knowledge with the Philosophy of Christmas Quiz, and crown the cheesiest Christmas cracker joke! Pour a glass of mulled wine, grab your favourite cheese, and join us for a holiday gathering to remember. All proceeds from the live event were donated to Babylon Migrants Project, if you’d like to find out more about the amazing work they do, please visit - Babylon Migrants Project . Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety , and please rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Merry Christmas from all of us at The Big Smoke Variety Show ! 🎄…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, ‘The Three Pillars: Comedy, Conversation & Community’, is a special global journey celebrating the heart of what makes our show unique. Join us as we take a closer look at our show’s core themes with incredible guests from around the world. Our first stop is Vancouver, Canada, where we meet Aidan Parker, a writer, filmmaker, and award-winning member of the Canadian improv community. Aidan shares his passion for comedy and leads Kevin through some engaging improvisation exercises that you can play along with at home. Aidan shows us how comedy and improv can bridge cultures and create community. Next, we travel to Amstelveen in the Netherlands to chat with Amber Teterissa, a communication coach, trainer, and actor. Amber delves into the art of difficult conversations and the importance of bold communication. Finally, we turn to the UK to hear from poet Rishi Rian, whose moving work captures one man’s search for connection through community. Rishi’s poetic insights remind us of the strength we find in coming together. This episode also features our classic segments, ‘Stump the Room’, which has been given a Trivial Pursuit twist and our Victorian Parlour Game this week has been taken straight from the Netherlands: Spijkerpoepen, or ‘Nail Pooping’. Yes, you read that right—prepare for some laughs and surprises as we embrace this quirky Dutch tradition! Don’t miss our festive finale, ‘ Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games! ’ on December 13th, a show filled with cheese tasting, music, holiday stories, and lively Christmas parlour games. Book your tickets now and join us for the ultimate holiday gathering in support of Babylon Migrants Project. Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice!…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, “The Better Part of Valour”, takes us into the unexpected world of Ukrainian cricket—a story of courage, community, and resilience in the face of war. Our guest, Jonathan Campion, journalist and author of ' Getting Out: The Ukrainian Cricket Team’s Last Stand on the Front Lines of War ' , shares his first-hand account of Ukraine’s quirky cricket history and how its players became unlikely heroes during Russia’s 2022 invasion. It’s a story that proves bravery can emerge in the most surprising places. In addition to Jonathan’s inspiring story, this episode offers an eclectic mix of entertainment to bring the community together. We have Latin jazz from Bob Morgan and Diego Laverde Rojas , whose music is guaranteed to captivate. True to Big Smoke tradition, we also have engaging games, including “Stump the Room”, where audience members challenge each other with impossible crosswords, and “Hat Tricks”, an interactive segment filled with cricket trivia as we get to know our audience, sponsored by Hatopia. Our Victorian Parlour Game of the week is 'Smells', simple to prepare with just a blindfold and a variety of scents, this game always promises plenty of laughs and surprises. Our next show, “ Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games! ” on December 13th, is a festive celebration filled with cheese tasting, music, holiday stories, and lively Christmas parlour games—all in support of Babylon Migrants Project . Don’t miss this mouth-watering evening with cheese specialist Emma Young . Get your tickets here and join us for the ultimate holiday gathering! Some of the proceeds from our live recording went to Ukraine Charity, you can find out more about their work here . Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety, and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe and Hatopia for supporting this event.…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, “A Fatal Exit”, delves into the spooky lore of the Tower of London and its iconic ravens, just in time for Halloween! Our guest is none other than former Ravenmaster and current Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London Christopher Skaife , author of The Ravenmaster — named ‘London book of the year’ by the Evening Standard . Join us as Chris recounts his years caring for these extraordinary birds, weaving humour and history with eerie legends of life in the Tower. Discover why legend insists that, should the ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall into ruin… Adding an unforgettable musical element, we’re thrilled to welcome Amyas, the historical music duo Emily Baines and Arngeir Hauksson, known for their mastery of period instruments. From eerie to enthralling, their music brings the historical spirit alive. We’ve also got a lineup of exciting autumnal games to celebrate Halloween in style! First, it's, Stump the Room , a crossword-inspired challenge to test your brainpower. Then, Trick or Tune , where contestants must try to lie to our host or identify some live performed musical clues. Our parlour game of the week is Ring My Gourd —a glowing, pumpkin-themed ring toss to keep the autumn spirit going! Perfect for any spooky gathering, these games promise fun, friendly competition, and all the festive vibes. Our next show, “The Better Part of Valour”, on November 8th, features Jonathan Campion, author of Getting Out: The Ukrainian Cricket Team’s Last Stand on the Front Lines of War , sharing the remarkable story of Ukraine’s heroic and quirky cricket history. Plus, enjoy award-winning stand-up from Daisy Roberts and Latin Jazz by Diego Laverde Rojas and Bob Morgan! Get your tickets here ! Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety , and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe for hosting us.…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, “The Freestyle Mind”, we dive into how we can harness our thoughts to find stillness, flow, creativity, and inspiration in the midst of modern chaos. First up, we have Arti Lal, a seasoned meditation teacher and co-ordinator of the Inner Space Meditation Centre in Covent Garden. For over 35 years, Arti has been inspiring individuals to make space for quiet reflection and mindfulness. She leads us in a guided meditation, helping us explore how to find calm amidst the noise of daily life. Next, joining us is Kate Sharp , an incredibly witty comedian and writer based in London. With a clever conversational style and a knack for observational humour. Kate is a rising star in the UK comedy scene and she brings her unique blend of humour and charm to the show. Finally, we’re joined by LeeN , a master of ceremonies and freestyle rap artist known for his electrifying performances and socially conscious freestyles. Touring with beatboxing champion Beardyman, LeeN is an artist whose improvisational skills shine in live settings. But the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ve got a new Victorian Parlour Game for you to enjoy and 3 new contestants for a fresh round of Hat Tricks, where contestants battle it out to win fabulous prizes from our sponsor, Hatopia . Our next show, “ A Fatal Exit ”, features former Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife and historical musicians Emily Baines and Arngeir Hauksson. You can find tickets here ! Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety , and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe for hosting us.…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! In this episode, “Stone Aged Wisdom” , we’re stepping back in time to explore how ancient skills and wisdom can still connect us to our modern world. How could learning to start a fire or forage for food be relevant in the digital age? We’re thrilled to welcome Memma the Cavewoman , aka Sarah Day. Memma is a Bushcraft instructor, experimental archaeologist, and ancient technologist with over 13 years of experience. She’s worked with TV survivalist Ray Mears’ company Woodlore Ltd, teaching outdoor skills and sharing her passion for prehistory. From finding her first fossil at age 5 to becoming the Head Cavewoman for Prehistoric Experiences, Memma brings history to life through her engaging workshops. In this episode, she’ll guide us through Stone Age tools, stories, and survival skills that resonate even in our fast-paced, modern lives. If you’d like to see the objects Memma discusses in the episode, visit our Instagram page. And that’s not all! Get ready to meet Meg Hemmings , an Australian poet whose journey has taken her from small-town Spain to regional Tasmania. A former pastry chef turned copywriter and memoirist, Meg brings a unique perspective on travel, cooking, and the art of living fully. But the fun doesn’t stop there! To round off the episode, we’re diving into some Victorian Parlour Games, because play is an instinct that connects us all, no matter the era. Today’s game is Basketball Head – a whimsical test of skill and coordination. Tune in for the laughter and chaos, and check out our Instagram @thebigsmokevariety to see how it went for us! Join us for the next show, on October 11th! You can read the BBC article about Memma rowing the River Thames here A huge thanks to the sponsor for this episode, Hatopia…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, “Heroes or Vandals?”, we’re taking you deep into the world of graffiti, urban art, and creative expression. Right now it seems there's a new Banksy popping up on every corner, so our timing couldn't be better! Featuring in this episode is Madeleine Pelling , cultural historian and co-host of History Hit’s After Dark. She’ll be discussing her new book 'Writing on the Wall: Graffiti, Rebellion and the Making of Eighteenth-Century Britain' , offering a fresh look at how graffiti has shaped the course of history. Alongside her, we welcome Gary Means , founder of Alternative London and one of the UK’s leading experts on street art. He’ll share stories of modern graffiti and its role in representing the voices of the unheard, as well as its connection to the cultural diversity of East London. But that’s not all! For an extra dose of humor, we’re bringing in Mark Silcox , the hilarious stand-up comedian, science teacher, and ping-pong player. Whether you’re a fan of Banksy or just curious about the political and social meanings behind street art, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and surprises. If you'd like to see some of the work mentioned in this episode, visit @perspicereartist And if you'd like to listen to Gary's podcast episode with Jay Kaes you can find that here Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows!…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! In this episode, " Change in Muddy Waters ", we bring together two remarkable guests for an evening of historical discovery, refugee empowerment, and personal journeys. First, we dive into the world of Sean Clark, a licensed mudlark with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of 17th-century London. Sean has spent years along the banks of the Thames, discovering unique and historical artifacts that once belonged to the city’s long-forgotten inhabitants. Sean shares his mudlarking adventures, bringing along some precious objects and revealing the untold stories of the lives that slipped into the river centuries ago. His fascinating finds give new life to the past, reminding us how small discoveries can spark big revelations. We also welcome Anil Qasemi, Project Lead for Afghan Resettlement at USPUK. A survivor and recent refugee himself, Anil uses his experiences to empower and assist fellow refugees, offering vital information and guidance through challenging transitions. An entrepreneur and former award-winning journalist, Anil has contributed to major publications while also founding HATOPIA, an online headwear provider. His dedication to helping others rebuild their lives makes him a powerful voice in both the humanitarian and entrepreneurial worlds. Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows! Disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence.…
Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show ! In this episode, " Wild City, Ghost Town", we bring together two outstanding guests for an unforgettable evening of urban wildlife, poetry, and community activism. We welcome Florence Wilkinson, writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of the birdsong recognition app Warblr. Florence will share insights from her acclaimed book Wild City: Encounters with Urban Wildlife , exploring the hidden natural world of cities and the fascinating stories that lie within. And, we dive into the captivating world of Nigerian-born poet Fuad Busoir, a rising star in the poetry scene. Winner of UniSlam 2024, Fuad’s powerful piece Ghost Town moved judges to tears, and his work consistently explores the physical and emotional spaces that shape us. As the founder of the community For Black Boys , Fuad is passionate about creating spaces for Black men to express, heal, and grow. Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows.…
Welcome to The Big Smoke variety show! A live recorded podcast filled with comedy, conversation and community. Join us every fortnight for a gathering of fun-filled performances, insightful interviews and all sorts of ways to connect with those around us. Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety
Velkommen til Player FM!
Player FM scanner netter for høykvalitets podcaster som du kan nyte nå. Det er den beste podcastappen og fungerer på Android, iPhone og internett. Registrer deg for å synkronisere abonnement på flere enheter.
Bli med på verdens beste podcastapp for å håndtere dine favorittserier online og spill dem av offline på vår Android og iOS-apper. Det er gratis og enkelt!