podcast – Stanfords Blog

Jay Rayner Nights Out at Home// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

For twenty-five years, award-winning restaurant critic Jay Rayner has been uncovering the very best of the nation’s eateries, from high end restaurants to high street grills. In his new book, Nights Out at Home, in a love letter to his favourite eating houses, Jay serves up recipes inspired by the superb dishes that have stolen his heart over the decades. He talks to Julia Leonard about the book, and foods from around the world that have inspired him.

This is a live recording from Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia, London on 2 February 2025.

Travis Elborough Writers’ Journeys// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Some truly remarkable works of literature have been inspired by writers spending time travelling. From epic road trips and arduous treks into remote territories, to cultural tours and sojourns in the finest hotels, author Travis Elborough explores 35 influential journeys taken by literary greats and reveals the repercussions of those travels on the authors’ personal lives and the broader literary landscape. Travis talks to Ash Bhardwaj, exploring some of the great minds and great books that have been inspired by some of remarkable travels.

Trevor McDonald’s World of Cricket// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Sir Trevor McDonald is one of Britain’s most celebrated broadcasters and his devotion for cricket is almost as well-known as his legendary professional achievements. He talks to Simon Lister about his love of the game, inspired by his Caribbean childhood, and the communities around the world that are brought together by a shared love of the sound of willow on leather.

This is a live recording from Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia, London on 1 February 2025.

Petroc Trelawny’s Cornwall// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Petroc Trelawny grew up on the Lizard Peninsula in the far south of Cornwall. His new book is part history, part memoir and a deeply felt exploration of Cornwall. Talking to Ann Morgan, he takes us by road, rail and foot, visiting old mine workings, ancient churches, sites where new technology was forged, and places where poets, musicians, architects and film makers have worked to shape Cornwall’s cultural identity.

Ray Mears: British Woodland// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

During his decades long career as a bushcraft and survival expert, one thing always shines through about Ray Mears – his love of the nature and landscape within which he finds himself. His latest book, British Woodland, takes us to the heart of something we can all enjoy, and he talks to Phoebe Smith about this integral part of the fabric of Britain.

Hilary Bradt in Conversation with Simon Calder// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Taking the Risk is Hilary Bradt’s engaging, insightful, amusing and sometimes alarming memoir about serendipitous adventures in travel and publishing. A travel industry trail-blazer who co-founded Bradt Guides, Hilary Bradt talks to travel journalist Simon Calder about 50 years of escapades, surprises, mishaps and success.

This is a live recording from Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia, London on 30 January 2025.

‘In the Footsteps of Du Fu’ with Michael Wood: Stanfords Travel Writers Festival 2024

From Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in London’s Olympia, The Stanfords Travel Writers Festival welcomes the internationally acclaimed historian, film-maker and broadcaster, and the author of several bestselling books, Michael Wood. He talks to Ann Morgan about his new book ‘In the Footsteps of Du Fu’, a beautifully illustrated travelogue, chronicling the life and work of one of the world greatest poets.

Du Fu (712-70) is one of China’s greatest poets. His career coincided with periods of famine, war and huge upheaval, yet his secular philosophical vision, combined with his empathy for the common folk of his nation, ensured that he soon became revered. Like Shakespeare or Dante, his poetry resonates in a timeless manner that ensures it is always relevant and offers something new to the modern generation.

John Blashford-Snell in Conversation: Stanfords Travel Writers Festival 2024

From Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in London’s Olympia, The Stanfords Travel Writers Festival welcomes Colonel John Blashford-Snell, one of the country’s most eminent and seasoned explorers.

His name is known globally for his daring adventures and intrepid journeys of discovery. Now, well into his eighties (and still planning future trips), he talks to Ann Morgan, telling tales from Africa, Asia and the Americas, about some of the 100 or so expeditions he has led in pursuit of archaeological, anthropological, botanical, biological and zoological objectives.

‘The Conspiracy Tourist’ with Dom Joly: Stanfords Travel Writers Festival 2024

From Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in London’s Olympia, The Stanfords Travel Writers Festival welcomes the multi-award-winning comedian, travel writer and columnist Dom Joly. He speaks to Antony Garvey about his latest book ‘The Conspiracy Tourist’.

Victoria Hislop in Conversation: Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

From Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in London’s Olympia, The Stanfords Travel Writers Festival welcomes the international bestselling author Victoria Hislop. Victoria divides her time between England and Greece and in 2020, was granted honorary citizenship by the President. She talks to Ann Morgan about why the people and the place have captured her heart so completely, and what makes Greece and its islands so very special.