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Yes, yes, we jumped on the bandwagon and did what everybody else is doing. We asked Chat GPT to give us three ideas for a podcast, and it was duly delivered. So, we are talking about the future, hidden stories, and architecture. As a result, we get to talk about wickedly bad design, war, and the inevitable end of our species. As an antidote to cold machinery, we recorded this episode in a park, and at the 40-minute mark, we allow a few seconds of bird-twittering soundscape (nod to the last pod) to wash over us. Good times.  Music: Flute Fleet by Poddington Bear, Hope by Life Saturation, and Circles by Mr. Smith.  Photo Credit: This is Engineering at Pexels.

Abel joins us on the pod today to talk about canines. He is a celebrated dog trainer with many titles to his name. We hear about travelling the world, the best dogs, and the powerful effects of dog therapy. Music: Flute Fleet by Poddington Bear and Hope by Life Saturation. Photo Credit: Abel Hounkara.

Recorded in a park. Which one? As we discover, it doesn't really matter. Or does it? We bring you a meditation on a new museum, Moroccan colours, and soundscapes. These range from white and green noises to aural symphonies that take in populated streets, babbling brooks, and plane engines. Who are they for? What do they do? Let's find out. And thanks for listening to our sound. Music: Dirk Dehler's The Bright Star, Mr Smith's Circles Round the Sun & Podington Bear's Flute Fleet.

The story of those who fled. The story of those finding a home in Spain.  Music: Passion by Borrtex. 

Originally from England, she moved to Spain at a young age. Amy told us about discovering interesting corners of the country, working in a 'mini UN', being from two cultural backgrounds, and so much more. Listen to Amy's wonderful shows here. Photo credit: The towers of Radio Exterior, courtesy of RTVE. Music:  Flute Street by Poddington Bear & Circles Around the Sun by Mr. Smith.

We look at an interesting documentary where a woman tells a big lie, and we cast our gazes at the uneven, ultimately more than the sum of its parts, The Wonder. As always, enjoy! Photo credit: The Wonder (2022), Element Pictures and Screen Ireland. Music:  Pictures of the Floating World & Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov.

Lara Wong is an award-winning Canadian flautist who masterfully combines the bansuri, the traditional Indian flute, with flamenco music. We talk about her musical journey, her experiences working with Spanish musicians and her amazing achievements in the world of flamenco, including being the first foreigner to win in any category of the festival Cante de las Minas's 60-year history, and the first female to win the instrumentalist category. She also features in Flamenco Jazz: Historia de un amor, which can be seen here. Photo credit: Lara Wong Music:  Flamenco Rhythm by Sunsearcher                                                                         

INAD (Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy) is a devastating ultra-rare condition that affects children from a very early age. Rebecca Skeates tells us about her family's experience with the condition, search for a cure and her deep involvement in INADCURE Spain. Their campaign aims to raise 7 million dollars/euros to fund a new gene therapy clinical trial. It seems a lot, but if 1 million people donated 7 dollars/euros they would reach their target. Please consider donating so you can make a difference in a family's life: Link to the donations page for the “Súmate, Suma 7” campaign in Spain: https://inadcurespain.org/sumate-suma7/ International donations - “One gene, one dream” campaign (INADCURE US): https://give.inadcure.org/campaign/one-gene-one-dream/c407538 Music Credit: Dream of Beauty - Free Music Archive Photo Credit: INADCURE Spain

Anita Haas is an award-winning Canadian writer and English teacher based in Madrid. We speak to her about her experiences living in Spain, her inspiration for her short stories and poems, and her latest venture, a children's book which she has written and illustrated herself. She also tells us what is like to live, work and write with achromatopsia, a visual condition that prevents her from seeing colours. You can order her latest book Chato, el perrigato / Chato, the puppy-cat here. Music: Pictures of the Floating World & Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: Anita Haas.

Alice in Wonderland has inspired artists endlessly since it was published. But what is down the rabbit hole? We visit Fundación Canal exhibition "Alicia en el País de las Maravillas", showcasing the story's influence in Dalí, Ernst, Laurencin and Tenniel, all of whom illustrated different versions of the book, as well as their influence in our understanding of Alice. Photo credit: Moldy Vintage. Music: David Hilowitz - Whimsical Theme #2

This autumn is seeing the anticipated release of the English version of El Infinito en un junco (Irene Vallejo, 2019) under the name Papyrus. The invention of books in the ancient world. We have had the tremendous pleasure to interview the two women that have made it happen, Irene Vallejo (author and Essay of the Year recipient) and Charlotte Mae Whittle (English translator for both US and UK editions). Both of them share with us their passion for books and for languages and give us precious insights into the universe of Papyrus and the reasons behind its massive success across the world. Buy the book here, you won't regret it! Photo Credit: EL PAÍS.

Madrid & Darracott is not just about the wine. It's also about the experience. This Anglo-Spanish duo that opened shop in the centre of Madrid are tremendously passionate about wine and about having fun, and it is impossible not to be infected by their enthusiasm. They tell us about their perception of Spanish wine in Spain, about their tastings and events and give us a few useful tips on how to tell your red from your white. Grab a glass and enjoy! Check out their podcast or visit their awesome website. Music: Bibi Tanga and the Selenites - Red Wine

Álvaro is a very creative and well-read individual. Over the course of our chat, we discuss his many writing influences, the Irish language, the joys and headaches associated with launching his own zine series, and as always, so much more.  Check out his Sadwrn website, where you can see and buy his wonderful zines. Incidentally, 'sadwrn' is Welsh for Saturn! He is also on Facebook. Enjoy!  Our Books: Fake News and Verano del 69. Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: Álvaro Mielgo Gallego.

María José Rodríguez Becedas is a Spanish lawyer who is helping these women make their way to Spain, and once here, build a new life. She tells us about the many challenges faced by these refugees, as well as the inspiring work being done by her and her organization. To find out more, visit mas-democracia.org. Music: Skyline Horizon by Rho and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: María José Rodríguez Becedas. 

David Price is the proud owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop in Madrid's Barrio de las Letras, a natural storyteller and an aspiring novelist himself. In this podcast episode, he unveils the secret of his success opening a full English bookshop in Madrid and gives us some insights into the book business, as well as some general life tips. Enjoy!  Facebook: El Arpa Instagram: El_Arpa_ Twitter: Elarpa1 Blog: Irish Slice of Madrid Music: Skyline Horizon by Rho. Photo credit: David Price

Madrid's wonderful Secret Kingdoms bookshop hosted our conversation with Dr Chris Naunton, who is an author, TV personality and Egyptologist extraordinaire. With our illustrious guest, we spoke about inspiring future generations, colonialism, how to use a trowel, and so much more. We also get María's insight into the event, as she was the one asking the questions. And one of the co-hosts - who incidentally won a raffle at the event - mispronounces Tutankhamun on more than one occasion. Buy María's book here.  Enjoy!  Facebook: El Arpa Instagram: El_Arpa_ Twitter: Elarpa1 Blog: Irish Slice of Madrid Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck, Skyline Horizon by Rho, and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: egyptindependent.com.

Delving into the world of ancient inspiration, sustainable living, and our very own photographic exhibition. For more info, read this, and see the photos here. To see María's book, follow this little link! Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck, Crowander by Celtic, and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: María Correas.

This restaurant can be seen in the Fundación Pablo VI, which is hosting an exhibition about other lives, featuring photos about Africa, Pakistan, China, and Bolivia. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the experiences of ordinary people around the globe, with bustling markets, thronging streets, lonely churches, and mud-brick houses. Also in this episode: three engaging documentaries feature in Part 2, and we share our thoughts on Ukraine, journalism, and human rights. The documentaries mentioned are Dying to Tell, Ukraine on Fire, and E Team.  Enjoy!  Facebook: El Arpa Instagram: El_Arpa_ Twitter: Elarpa1 Blog: Irish Slice of Madrid Books: Fake News and Verano del 69. Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck, Crowander by Celtic, and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: Carlos Ribera on Pexels.

What's in a look, a moment? What is it about the quiet slices of introspection; the spark in a group; the crackle in a duo; or the wild, exaggerated - yet compelling - performance of one actor? The answer, tied to so many variables and factors, from all decades of cinema, across big screens and small, is quixotically and brilliantly subjective.  Sit back and listen to us discuss and debate Heat, Mad Men, The Sopranos, Killing Eve, Game of Thrones, A Bridge Too Far, Lawrence of Arabia, Catch Me If You Can, Walk the Line and so much more. Spanish acting great Luis Tosar also gets more than one mention. Check out Lindsay's band Angry Saints by following this link. Enjoy!  Facebook: El Arpa Instagram: El_Arpa_ Twitter: Elarpa1 Blog: Irish Slice of Madrid Books: Fake News and Verano del 69. Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: Festival de Cannes. 

Paul was so kind and generous with his time, and he discussed his musical pursuits, humanism, the meaning of things and finding identity through language. We also delved into his poetry and collaborations with luminaries such as Iris Murdoch.  For a snapshot of all the incredible things he's done, check out his Wikipedia page.  Enjoy!  Facebook: El Arpa Instagram: El_Arpa_ Twitter: Elarpa1 Blog: Irish Slice of Madrid Books: Fake News and Verano del 69. Music: Pictures of the Floating World by Pale Tussuck and Someday by Sergey Cheremisinov. Photo Credit: Dr Paul Hullah and his wife Yaoyao.