Swinging the Lamp

#78 Rocking the boat

This conversation pivots to social dynamics in small communities: the perils of WhatsApp groups, well-meaning but badly organized group gifts, virtue signaling and banter that goes wrong. The hosts reflect on how easily tone is misread in messaging, the courage required to ‘rock the boat,’ and the awkward fallout when jokes don’t land. They also riff on targeted advertising paranoia after a video prompted cosmetic ads, and briefly detour into the Edinburgh Festival vs Fringe curiosity—an amusing cultural aside about how events and language evolve over time.

Transcribe →

#77 A Dystopian Drone Future

2w ago00:33:36Tap to summarize

Thor and Rory trade stories from moored boats: a surprise inspection by UK Border Force in Lymington that revealed a 2022 requirement to register international voyages, and the frustration of being told to check out of the UK. They discuss the practical and philosophical absurdities of online paperwork at sea, the burden on cruisers, and the possibility that authorities are harvesting data rather than policing real threats. That leads into concerns about AI surveillance, airborne drones and the erosion of privacy for coastal sailors who cherish solitude and traditional maritime freedoms.

Transcribe →

#76 Brian Gerrish

3w ago01:31:06Tap to summarize

Brian Gerrish traces the unlikely origins of UK Column back to a grassroots maritime project in Devonport, where a campaign to rebuild a historic vessel exposed local corruption tied to regeneration funding. That investigation blossomed into a national outlet for stories mainstream media ignored—child removals, council fraud and institutional abuse. The conversation covers practical advice for investigative work: meticulous evidence-gathering, FOI requests, teamwork, protecting whistleblowers and balancing proof with public storytelling. Gerrish also reflects on intimidation tactics used against reporters and researchers, and why raising profile and transparency are vital defenses.

Transcribe →

#75 Classic Mara

4w ago00:37:55Tap to summarize

Mara (Helga Marie) joins Swinging the Lamp to walk through her decision to enter the Golden Globe Race — a solo, nonstop circumnavigation using 1968 technology: paper charts, sextant navigation, and strict restrictions on stopping or taking on supplies. She explains the appeal of pure, romantic sailing and the chance to disconnect, why astro navigation matters to her, and how live streaming three hours a day will let audiences share the highs and lows without changing her racing mindset. Expect candid talk about preparation, safety priorities, and mental stamina for eight months alone on the ocean.

Transcribe →

#74 Two Yacht Races and a Dog

Jul 1700:38:36Tap to summarize

Kate returns to Swinging the Lamp from the superyacht Bayesian in St. Peter Port to recount a hectic few weeks of Corinthian racing and cruising. She narrates the Triangle race that was cut short by a savage Celtic Sea low, turning the intended course into a shortened “sausage” but leaving the crew with a proud second-in-class finish. The conversation moves through logistics, local hospitality in Kinsale, and the Royal Cornwall organisers’ democratic call to protect smaller boats. The episode blends vivid port vignettes with race-day choices and salty anecdotes from life afloat.

Transcribe →

#73 Muppetry and checklists

Jul 1100:27:37Tap to summarize

The podcast episode kicks off with Thor explaining his choice of wearing a life jacket, setting a tone for a narrative filled with amusing boat incidents. Thor recounts two particular instances of maritime blunders involving inebriated sailors, sparking a spirited dialogue on safety and sobriety at sea. As the conversation turns personal, Thor admits to his own 'muppetry' when he forgets to disconnect shore power, despite following a checklist. Rory's impromptu meet with sailor Kate Cope who shares her latest sailing adventures brings the episode to a thrilling close, highlighting the unpredictable nature of marina life.

Transcribe →

#72 oldmansailing (Thor swings the lamp with John Passmore)

Jun 3000:57:34Tap to summarize

In this riveting podcast episode, veteran sailor John Passmore shares his humorous and harrowing experiences at sea while preparing for a monumental voyage to emulate Sir Francis Chichester's famous circumnavigation with a stopover in Australia. Amidst anecdotes, he reveals the perils of attempting to recharge a beard trimmer without the proper adapter, which comicly spares his boat from disaster. Additionally, the episode delves into the viral growth of John's digital presence, transitioning from a modest sailing blog to Instagram stardom after an impromptu video in the Horse Latitudes, capturing the intrigue of thousands of new followers.

Transcribe →