In this episode, Craig is joined by his Wyrd Wessex co host Andy and storyteller Eileen Budd to delve into the ancient art of oral tradition. They discuss Eileen's fascinating journey from museum worker to travelling folk storyteller, and they get a peek inside her unique "Travelling Folk Museum."

Highlights include:

• Village Stories: The importance of working-class folklore and how it differs from "top-down" historical narratives.
• The Power of Objects: Eileen shares how everyday items, like a simple oil lamp or native herbs, can hold incredible stories. She also recounts a poignant experience with a young school pupil and a "cruisie lamp."
• A Family Affair: Discover how Eileen's legally blind childhood fostered a unique ability to listen and remember, leading to a passion for the stories passed down by her family.
• At Home With The Picts: A deep dive into Eileen's podcast about the Picts, exploring her fascination with their mysterious history and her interdisciplinary approach to understanding their culture.
• Cryptid Creatures: A debate on favourite cryptids, from the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves to the elusive Beast of Gevaudan. Eileen shares a chilling story of her parents' encounter with Nessie.
• The Viking Age Diet: Andy and Eileen discuss the challenges of a Viking Age diet and what modern comforts they'd miss most
• A Muffinier?! Eileen reveals the weirdest item in her kitchen, a very specific utensil with a wonderfully decadent name.
• Worst Food Challenge: The worst food ever tasted is revealed as a salted dried plum from a '90s "Bushtucker Trial" gone wrong.
• Upcoming Projects: Eileen shares what's next for her, including a BBC project, a series of events on the folklore of seaweed, time, and food, and her work with the International Storytelling Festival.

This is a fantastic chat about the magic of storytelling and how our shared histories connect us.

Find more of Eileen's amazing work on her website at linktr.ee/eileenbudd, on Instagram at @EileenBudd, and be sure to check out her podcasts, Scottish Folk and At Home With The Picts.

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

This episode features a conversation with actor Leela Bunce, who combines her background in clowning and physical theatre with her love of history. We discuss her unique approach to performance, including her past show about women in WWII and her current project, Kith and Kin. This immersive show, set in 9th-century Wessex, tells the story of an everyday woman preparing for a feast. The hosts and Leela also chat about her involvement in a historical Anglo-Saxon escape room at Avalon Marshes, a site she volunteers at and which inspired her work.

• Kith and Kin: A historical comedy set in Wessex, performed in both modern English and Old English. The show aims to highlight the vibrant and humorous side of the Anglo-Saxon period, using research and historical texts to create an immersive, sensory experience for the audience.
• Multi-Rolling: Leela discusses her love of playing multiple characters in a single show, as she did in recent productions of Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
• 
  

• Website: leelabunce.com

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

Join us for a deep and meaningful conversation with the incredibly talented musician, Faber Horbach. In this episode, we dive into the creative process behind his new album, 'Niht'. Faber shares the profound personal experiences—including the loss of his father and stepfather—that shaped the album's central themes of death, darkness, and the cyclical nature of existence. We explore the powerful stories behind key tracks, from the unique composition of 'Mōnaþblōd' to the metaphorical rebirth of his nickelharpa on 'Sōl ond Māni'. Faber also offers fascinating insights into his collaborations and the deeper philosophical meanings within his music. This is a powerful chat about finding light in the darkest of times and the alchemy of turning personal struggle into beautiful art.

Show Segments:

The Alchemy of 'Niht': Faber discusses how the album's concept was shaped by personal loss and how music serves as a spiritual and therapeutic path.

A Broken Nyckelharpa's Story: The incredible tale of a damaged instrument that led to one of the album's most powerful tracks, 'Sōl ond Māni', exploring themes of death and resurrection.

Behind the Music: We explore the meanings behind other standout songs, including the symbolism of 'Mōnaþblōd' and the introspective journey of 'Nihtēagan'.

Collaborations & Creations: Faber shares insights into working with fellow musician Mickey and the unique creative process with a new tagelharpa player.

The Philosophy of Darkness: A candid conversation about society's aversion to death and how the album encourages embracing the full spectrum of life.

Where to Find Faber's Music & Merch:

Album: 'Niht' is out on 29th August 2025. Pre-order and pre-save on Spotify, Bandcamp, and through Season of Mist.

Merch: Limited edition merchandise, a collaboration with artist Kai, is available on the Old Norse website.

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

Today I'm chatting with Lene, a modern-day mermaid and incredibly multifaceted artist living her dream in Norway! Lene shares her fascinating journey from the Netherlands to a serene life by Norway's largest lake, where she grows her own food and, yes, lives her best mermaid life.

You'll hear all about how Lene masterfully balances her main gig as a hairstylist and masseuse with her profound passion for music. Discover the unique inspirations behind her musical project, Helisir, where she weaves tales with her harp and voice, drawing from everything from ancient Viking sagas to Norwegian romantic nationalism and even Japanese Shinto traditions. Plus, she gives us a peek into Myth Maker, her upbeat musical collaboration with her husband!

Get the inside scoop on what it's truly like to be a certified mermaid, how she glides through the water with a monofin, and why this magical, underwater hobby brings her so much peace. Lene also shares her confident take on surviving a Viking Age diet, what foods she'd definitely miss (hello, Japanese cuisine!), and her most unforgettable meal.

Learn more about Lene's amazing work:

Heliser:

Myth Maker:

Instagram

Website

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store.

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

Today I'm chatting with Paul Macdonald, a master craftsman and historical martial artist, who's bringing forgotten Scottish history back to life! Paul, the founder of Macdonald Armory and his Macdonald Academy of Arms, shares his unique journey from Highland fencing dreams to meticulously recreating ancient blades.

You'll hear about his groundbreaking work in reverse-engineering weapons from elusive Pictish stone carvings, revealing unique Scottish martial techniques lost to time. Paul also discusses the surprising origins of his "Conflicts of Interest" archaeology group, his dedication to the basket-hilted broadsword, and the fundamental differences between sport and historical fencing.

Get ready for a deep dive into the hands-on process of historical discovery and the sheer joy of unearthing forgotten knowledge.

Learn more about Paul Macdonald's work:

Macdonald Armoury on Facebook

Academy of arms

Armoury

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks

or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

This week on "Will I Vike It?", I sat down with Rona Dalgleish from ‘Wasted Remains Jewellery’ at MoorForge Viking Settlement. Rona talked about her passion for making things from salvaged materials.

We chatted about her journey into historical jewellery, like her awesome Burkhead ring, and how she feels about other makers recreating ancient designs. Rona also shared how old places like caves and castles inspire her, and some stories from reenactment markets, including a chat about the ethics of leaving modern replicas in ancient landscapes.

Plus, I ask her the usual questions: Could she survive on a Viking diet? What food would she miss most? The weirdest thing in her kitchen? Worst food she's ever eaten? What's her most memorable meal? And what food and drink she'd take to Valhalla?

It was a really fun chat. You can find Rona's work at www.wastedremains.co.uk and @wastedremains on Instagram.

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

Join us on the Will I Vike It podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of wild food and its impact on our health with the incredible Monica Wilde, also known as Mo!

In this episode, Mo shares her journey from a childhood in Kenya sparking a lifelong love of plants to her groundbreaking Wild Bione Project, exploring the science behind living on a wild diet.

Discover the surprising results of her experiments, the power of foraging, and the incredible community that's growing around reconnecting with nature's bounty.

Get ready to be inspired to look at the world around you in a whole new way!

All wrapped up with the 6 questions I ask every guest

Find Mo on Instagram

Mo's Website

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store here

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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

From ancient bog finds to Bronze Age threads, join Craig for a chat with museum educator and author Nicole DeRushie! Discover the surprising links between historical textiles, bushcraft, and even Neanderthals. We dive into Nicole's book, "Bog Fashion," exploring ancient skills, viral outfits, and why old clothes might be the new cool. Plus, can Nicole survive a Viking diet? Tune in for history, crafting, and a whole lot of fascinating insights!

Find Nicole on:

Instagram

Find out where to buy Bog Fashion

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

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