The Ukraine-Russia War Podcast is a discussion of the most up to date and important strategic and geopolitical issues surrounding the war in Ukraine, with hosts Phillips O'Brien and Mykola Bielieskov. You are welcome to get in touch by email at ukrainewartalk@gmail.com. Listeners can follow Phillips O'Brien on Substack at phillipspobrien.substack.com (where this podcast is also available) and Mykola Bielieskov on Twitter at @MBielieskov. Our plan is to keep this podcast free and without ads. ...
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The Organ Podcast is a fortnightly show designed to inform and entertain organists and organ enthusiasts alike, including those who are simply curious and want to know more about this unique instrument and its music. Episodes will feature interviews with leading UK and international organists, visit historic or little-known organs of interest, catch-up with organ rebuilds and restorations, and encounter a diverse mix of pipe organ related activities, news, discussions and initiatives from ar ...
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Each week, sports writers Jane McManus and Julie DiCaro take a deep dive into issues surrounding women and sports, with lots of laughs along the way.
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This is part 2 of a special episode of Ukraine Russia War Talk. In it, Phil interviews Shaun Pinner. Shaun served as a Ukrainian Marine for years and is married to and lives in Ukraine. He fought from the start of the Russian Full-Scale Invasion and was one of those Ukrainian troops who was surrounded and then captured by the Russians in the ruins …
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This is part 1 of a special episode of Ukraine Russia War Talk. In it, Phil interviews Shaun Pinner. Shaun served as a Ukrainian Marine for years and is married to and lives in Ukraine. He fought from the start of the Russian Full-Scale Invasion and was one of those Ukrainian troops who was surrounded and then captured by the Russians in the ruins …
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In this episode, Mark O'Brien visits the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, where the recent restoration of a 1938 Robert Spurden Rutt pipe organ has opened the door to the instrument being used for therapeutic purposes and wellbeing. Mark talks to a Consultant Neurologist about the therapeutic qualities of music and the po…
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Hello All, Phillips and Mykola and back with our latest episode. The biggest story of the last few days was definitely the Ukrainian offensive into Russia. We discuss the latest news and what we think is important about it. We also compare it to the doom-laden analysis that much of the press has had about the Donbas. Also, we follow that with some …
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Episode 13 - Pipe Organ Rescue with Martin Renshaw and Pipe-up - Katherine Dienes Williams on pressures facing cathedral organists
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In this Episode, Mark O'Brien joins Martin Renshaw, from the organ charity, Pipe-up for Pipe Organs, as he and a team of volunteers remove an organ from a closed-down Baptist chapel in Hertfordshire. Mark also has a look around Martin's warehouse, where several historic organs are lying in storage, waiting for a new home in the UK - or about to be …
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Hello All, Phil and Mykola are back with the latest episode of Ukraine-Russia War Talk. We discuss the battlefield situation in depth, with analysis of what Ukrainian and Russian strategy seems to be now and going forward. Then we discuss the Washington NATO Summit, which was a very modest improvement on last year's Vilnius Summit. Then we end with…
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Episode 12 - BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong at King's College Cambridge - Gordon Stewart demonstrates the J J Binns organ at Rochdale Town Hall
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In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a live broadcast of BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong from the chapel of King's College, Cambridge. We hear from the programme's Producer and Sound Supervisor, as well as from the Director of Music at King's - Daniel Hyde. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge BBC Sounds - Choral Evensong Gordon Stewart demo…
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Hello All, Phillips and Mykola are back with the latest episode. We start with a discussion of the upcoming NATO summit, and our frustration with the dithering about Ukrainian membership. Then we talk about the US presidential crisis and how it might effect Ukraine. Finally a survey of what is happening at the front line (plus a little rant at the …
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In this episode, Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, gives a tour of the sounds and colours of the organ at York Minster. Following the major restoration undertaken by Harrison & Harrison from 2018 - 2021, Robert explains why they looked back to the golden era of Arthur Harrison and Sir Edward Bairstow for their tonal inspiration, and…
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Hi All. latest episode from Mykola and Phil. We start this one with a description (within limits) of Mykola's experience attending a briefing session with Ukrainian intelligence. Then we discuss the situation on the front line, particularly the Donbas and the Russian Kharkiv Offensive. Finally some (not terribly enthusiastic) discussion of the rece…
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In this episode, Mark O'Brien is joined by organ builder David Wood as they engage in some organ archaeology whilst exploring an abandoned organ in an old monastery chapel in Staffordshire. https://www.woodofhuddersfield.com/ https://npor.org.uk/survey/D02316 A crisis is facing the pipe organ in Scotland as hundreds of churches are earmarked for cl…
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Mykola and Phillips are back with their latest Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. We go into detail about the big story of the week, the decision by the Biden Administration to allow Ukraine (to a limited degree) to fire into Russia. We discuss how its taken so long, what it might do, and Ukrainian opinion on the matter. Then we discuss Ukrainian str…
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Episode 9 - The Wurlitzer at Blackpool Tower - Liverpool's St George's Hall Willis Organ - Discovering 17th Century Composer, John Lugge
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In this episode Phil Kelsall, organist at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, showcases the world famous Wurlitzer organ - and his own world famous playing technique! https://www.philkelsall.co.uk/ Ian Tracey talks about the history of the Henry Willis organ at Liverpool's St George's Hall. As a new appeal has been launched to help raise fund for its …
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We start by discussing the developments since May 10, when the Russian offensive towards Kharkiv commenced. We then move into the ranged campaign with Ukrainian attacks in Crimea and against Russian oil refineries. We also delve into (rather angrily) the US policy of forbidding Ukraine from using US-made systems to attack military targets in Russia…
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Episode 8 - Richard McVeigh reflects on his YouTube success - William McVicker on the difficulties of organ advising - Anne Marsden Thomas looks back on her teaching career and challenges for women organists ...
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In this episode, Hauptwerk genius and YouTube star, Richard McVeigh talks about the rise of his channel 'Beauty in Sound' as a platform to live-stream hymns to a global audience, as well as recording some of the UK's finest pipe organs and organists. https://www.youtube.com/@beautyinsound/videos William McVicker gives a glimpse into his role as one…
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Hello All, Mykola and Phil are back with the latest episode. In it we delve into the situation on the front line. There has been some amazingly pessimistic reporting from the front line over the last few weeks, and we try to put what is happening into perspective. The Russians are showing, even with massive fire advantage, the ability to make only …
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Episode 7 - David Briggs on his role at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York, improvising and his transcriptions - Daniel Moult talks about the new organs for the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ...
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In this episode, Daniel Moult, Head of Organ at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, demonstrates how a series of new, historically inspired organs that he's commissioned, will transform the musicianship of his students, not just from an authentic approach to early music but across the board in organ playing technique. He also talks about the career…
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Hello all, a week later than normal, Phillips and Mykola are back with our latest episode. For the first time in months, there (seems to be) good news about US aid being approved. We talk about what this means for Ukraine, and what the many months without aid have done. We then discuss the situation on the battlefield and the continuation of Ukrain…
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Episode 6 - Liverpool Cathedral's new echo organ - Organic Metal and the pipe organ - Sir Andrew Parmley talks about his role as Chief Executive of the RCO
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In this episode we visit the largest cathedral organ in the UK to follow the organ builders from David Wells as they begin installing a new echo division to the main organ at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. As one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the building has its own micro climate which impacts the tuning of the organ. https://liverpoolc…
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Mykola and Phillips are back with another instalment of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. This episode starts with a detailed discussion of the Ukrainian strategic air campaign, particularly against Russian fuel. We then segway into a discussion of the US government (bizarrely) asking Ukraine to stop it. Then we move into a discussion of more ch…
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Episode 5 - Voicing the Guards' Chapel with Harrison & Harrison - Exploring the National Pipe Organ Register - Thomas Trotter talks repertoire and 40 years at Birmingham Town Hall
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In this episode we get a first look at the new Harrison & Harrison organ at the Guards' Chapel in London. Harrison's Head Voicer, Andy Scott, talks about the Harrison & Harrison sound while he demonstrates voicing the organ. https://www.harrisonorgans.com/ https://www.harrisonorgans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/London-Guards-Chapel-2023.pdf Andre…
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Hello All. Mykola and Phillips are back with a new episode surveying what we think are the biggest stories in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. This week we start with a detailed discussion of the outside world, in particular focussing on the important change in tone coming from Europe over the last 2 weeks. President Macron seems to have ha…
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Episode 4 - Improvising at the movies with Darius Battiwalla - The challenge of rebuilding Sheffield Cathedral's Choir - Blind organist David Liddle
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In this episode we hear Darius Battiwalla improvising to a 1920 silent horror film called 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. Sitting at the console of the 1972 Hradetzky organ at the Royal northern College of Music, Darius demonstrates some of the musical techniques he uses when improvising to silent films. http://www.dariusbattiwalla.com/ Tom Daggett, D…
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Mykola and Phil start this podcast with a detailed discussion of the state of the battlefield with Ukraine on the defensive. We then discuss the air war with Ukraine shooting down a very large number of Russian jets. Finally, a discussion of the state of play when it comes to getting Ukraine the aid it needs--complete with a short rant by Phil As a…
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Episode 3 - Bristol Cathedral says 'Goodbye' to its Walker organ - Some extraordinary attitudes faced by women composers for the organ - Richard Gowers talks about his career
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In this episode we join Mark Lee, Director of Music at Bristol Cathedral, as he gives a quick demonstration of some of the distinctive 'Romantic' sounds of the 1907 Walker organ - just before it gets taken away for a major restoration by Harrison and Harrison. https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/news/work-begins-on-our-organ-restoration-project/ Anne M…
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Episode 9: Changes in Ukrainian Command, Avdiivka and Ukrainan Defense, Another Russian Warship Sunk
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Phil and Mykola are back to go over the most important stories of the last two weeks. Its been extremely eventful, starting with President Zelensky's decision to remove General Zaluzhny from command and replace him with General Syrskyi. This has heralded a major shake-up throughout Ukrainian command. We also discuss the fighting around Avdiivka and…
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Episode 2 - 1688 Smith Organ at Auckland Castle - Lost Bairstow score - Martin Baker talks about life after Westminster
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In this episode, Professor Magnus Williamson explores the sounds and history of the 1688 Smith organ in the private chapel at Aukland Castle, near Durham. Reflecting on the political and religious landscape of England during the 16th and 17th centuries, he reveals how close England came to abolishing church organs altogether. https://aucklandprojec…
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Hello All, Mykola and Phillips are back with a discussion ranging around the most important stories in the Russo-Ukraine War over the last two weeks. We start with a detailed discussion of the political crisis over the command of Ukrainian forces which seems to be happening between President Zelensky and General Zaluzhny. Whatever happens, it would…
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Episode 1 - Manchester Town Hall's Cavaillé-Coll - Tom Bell records Messiaen - Margaret Phillips talks about her life and collections of historic pipe organs
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In this episode, we get a behind the scenes look at the start of the historic reconstruction of the 1877 Cavaille-Coll organ at Manchester's Town Hall with Andrew Caskie, Managing Director of Nicholson Organs. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500354/our_town_hall/7676/heritage_and_art/7 Tom Bell talks about his latest project of recording Oliver …
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The Organ Podcast - from February 1st - available wherever you get your podcasts. This trailer features the voices of: Martin Baker - former Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral David Pipe - Organist at Leeds Cathedral and Huddersfield Town Hall Margaret Phillips - Concert Organist Professor Magnus Williamson - Professor of Early Music at Newca…
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Episode 7: The State of the Fighting, UK Defense Commitments to Ukraine, and Needles for a Porcupine.
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Just released the latest episode from Mykola Bielieskov and myself of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk podcast. We range over three main stories in this episode. First, the status of the fighting including the Ukrainians shooting down of the A 50 and the course of Ukrainian Active Defense on the front line. Next we go into the UK defense commitments to …
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At the start of the episode we discuss Come Back Alive, and announce our plan to have a UAV operator who has worked with them to speak on the next episode (hopefully). Then we go over the stepped up Russian missile/UAV attacks on Ukraine, what are they doing and hoping to accomplish. As part of this we discuss Ukrainian life under these attacjs. We…
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Episode 5, Russia on the offensive, Ukrainian strategy in 2024, air defense and what it means.
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We wrap up 2023 by delving into three stories. First, we discuss the situation on the front line, in particular the Russian offensive against Avdiivka and other places. Next, we try to outline the different options for Ukraine's strategy in 2024. Finally we examine the relative success of Ukrainian air defense this winter compared to last, and show…
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We discuss the Ukrainian campaign against Russian military targets in Crimea, which is one of the most important in the war. As part of this we branch out into the naval war as a whole, which is seeing Ukraine push Russian naval power out of the western Black Sea. We then discuss the Ukrainian and Russian fight to procure artillery ammunition, the …
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We announce our new podcast and ask that everyone who wants to help our efforts think about donating to Come Back Alive, the Ukrainian charity we both strongly support. For the subject of the first week, we look at how the Counteroffensive has developed and survey the state of the war in general. As always, this podcast is free and without commerci…
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Mykola and Phillips delve into 3 different stories in this episode. First, we survey the situation in the battlefield, from the front line to Crimea. Second, we spend some time analyzing a number of the most prominent news stories of the last week which discuss the war, including the controversial Washington Post story on the counteroffensive. Fina…
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Episode 3: Avdiivka, Kherson, Crimea: Plus General Zaluzhny's ideas on how Ukraine can win the war
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As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode. The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien. Sound editin…
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This week, award-winning investigative journalist, host, and filmmaker Soledad O'Brien joins Julie DiCaro and Jane McManus to talk about access journalism, how she finds topics for Real Sports, and how the media should responsibly cover the Tokyo Olympics. Julie and Jane discuss the Games and the NFL's new COVID-forfeiture rule. See Privacy Policy …
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Deadspin Sr. Writer Carron Phillips sits down with Julie DiCaro and Jane McManus to discuss the year-old Deadspin piece on the Rachel Nichols video, why Deadspin covered it the way it did, and what has changed in the year since DS first reported the story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art1…
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This week, US Soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe stops by The Ladies Room to talk about the new HBO doc LFG, equal pay, taking a gig from Victoria's Secret, and how she shuts out the haters. Then, Julie DiCaro and Jane McManus dive into NCAA athletes finally being able to cash in on their NIL and recap an awful day for sexual assault in the sports worl…
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This week in The Ladies Room, investigative journalist and former sports broadcaster Lisa Guerrero sits down with Jane McManus and Julie DiCaro to talk about her past suicidal ideation, surviving in a male-dominated industry, the toll sports media takes on women's mental health, and why being hired for your looks isn't all its cracked up to be. See…
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This week, USTA CEO Stacey Allaster joins The Ladies Room to give her take on Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open, chat about the legacy of the Venus and Serena Williams, and explain why tennis is full of so many bad-ass women. Julie and Jane talk about Roger Federer's withdrawal from the Open and the Mayweather - Floyd "boxing" match. Se…
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This week, hosts Jane McManus and Julie DiCaro debate Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open and the role of the media in her decision. Then, NBC Sports Bay Area's Jessica Kleinschmidt joins the show to discuss her appearance on HBO's Real Sports and her experiences as a woman covering MLB. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and…
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This week, Jane McManus and Julie DiCaro hang out with Just Women's Sports CEO Haley Rosen and talk about why the time is right to start a women's sports ecosystem and how to get KD to invest millions in your company. Plus, we dive into Phil winning the PGA Championship for all of Gen X, why the Rooney Rule isn't working in the NFL, and the attempt…
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The week, Kate Fagan joins us in The Ladies Room to talk about life after ESPN, her new book "All the Colors Came Out," and why she's frustrated at the state of coverage of women's sports. Then, we talk about the new unmasking mandate, Shohei Ohtani's wild ride, and what the hell Bill Gates was doing during his marriage. See Privacy Policy at https…
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Just in time for the WNBA, season Jane and Julie hang out with Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti and talk about the upcoming season and what it's like to take over a WNBA team. Then, Jane and Julie discuss whether or not the upcoming Summer Olympic Games will (and should) happen and the ongoing disaster happening at Northwestern's Athletic Dep…
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This week, US Soccer hero Julie Foudy joins Jane and Julie to talk about equal pay on the pitch, her diving into ownership with Angel City F.C., and how broadcasters work as gatekeepers in the world of sports. Then, Julie and Jane talk NFL Draft, Tim Tebow, and a really bad interview with Jake Paul. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a…
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This week, Julie and Jane talk to Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach for an MLB organization and advocate for women's baseball, about why young girls get shunted off into softball and if we'll see a woman play in MLB. Then, we talk European Super League and the ongoing allegations of sexual assault in the world of sports. See Privacy Policy a…
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This week, Julie and Jane talk to journalist and economics professor David Berri about how far women's sports still have to go to catch up with the men in marketing, resources, and revenue, and why that's the case. Then, Jane and Julie discuss players (and their wives) not wanting to get vaccinated and the terrible reporting going on around the DeS…
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Play-by-play announcer and sports talk radio host joins Jane and Julie to talk about smashing through the glass ceiling in the broadcast booth and why we don't see more women calling games. Julie and Jane talk about the NCAA women's final, MLB moving the All-Star Game out of Georgia, and why Nazis were on crystal meth. See Privacy Policy at https:/…
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