Welcome to the Food & Fire Outdoor Living Podcast. I’m Michael from MP Landscape & Garden Design, and this is where I share practical tips, inspiration, and stories about cooking and living outdoors. From wood‑fired ovens to fire pits, and from timeless tools to modern garden design, it’s all about making the back garden a place of flavour, warmth, and connection.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into two essentials that I rely on week after week: cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, and Pyrex bowls with lids. They might seem like very different tools, but together they open up a world of possibilities in outdoor cooking—whether it’s searing, roasting, baking, or slow‑cooking meals overnight.

Three years ago, outdoor cooking wasn’t even on the radar. But a client’s request for an outdoor kitchen — complete with a pizza oven — set off a chain of events that changed everything. In this episode, Michael shares the story of how a visit to the Harrogate Home Building Show led to discovering the versatility of wood‑fired ovens, designing a kitchen space with Lyn, and installing their very own Igneus pizza oven just in time for Christmas.

Since then, weekends at home have never been the same. Whatever the weather, cooking outdoors has become a way of life — from pizzas and breads to roasts and desserts. This is a story about design, discovery, and how one oven transformed everyday living into something extraordinary.

https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving

In this episode, Michael—founder of MP Landscape and Garden Design and co-creator of White Shire walks—takes listeners on a richly layered journey through Yorkshire’s historic waterways. Focusing on the rivers Aire and Calder, he explores how these vital channels shaped the region’s industrial rise, connected communities, and continue to offer scenic, heritage-rich walking routes today.

Listeners will discover how the Aire and Calder Navigation transformed trade and transport during the Industrial Revolution, linking inland towns to the port of Goole and fuelling Yorkshire’s economic growth. Michael shares insights into the engineering marvels of locks, weirs, and canals, and how towns like Castleford—where the Aire and Calder meet—grew around these lifelines.

The episode blends historical storytelling with practical inspiration, highlighting landmarks such as old mills, canal bridges, and towpaths that still echo the region’s industrial past. Michael also discusses the ecological and cultural revival of these waterways, now enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and local communities.

As a passionate advocate for regional exploration, Michael introduces White Shire walks—a growing collection of mapped Yorkshire routes available at whiteshire.co.uk. These walks include paths along the Aire and Calder, offering listeners a chance to experience the landscape firsthand, with history, nature, and local charm woven into every step.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful walk with purpose, this episode invites you to see Yorkshire’s rivers not just as watercourses, but as storytellers. Michael’s voice brings warmth, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land, encouraging listeners to explore, reflect, and support the communities that keep this heritage alive.

Tune in for a thoughtful, locally grounded episode that celebrates Yorkshire’s waterways—and find out how you can walk the story yourself.

Would you like a shorter version for platforms with tighter character limits, like Spotify or Apple Podcasts? I can also format this for your Whiteshire blog or embed it into your podcast page.

Join Michael and Lyn in the back garden as they slow‑cook a rustic carrot soup in the wood‑fired oven. From chopping carrots and parsnips to roasting with garlic and charred onion, this two‑day recipe builds flavour layer by layer. On day two, fresh ginger, oranges, and stock transform the roasted vegetables into a silky, golden soup. And because they never cook just one thing, the fire also brings to life a rich Bolognese with homemade bread, a hearty chicken stew, and a slow‑cooked pork stew. It’s a celebration of patience, flame, and the joy of cooking together. https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving

Step into the back garden and discover the art of outdoor living. Food & Fire Outdoor Living is the podcast that celebrates the beauty, flavour, and lifestyle of cooking outdoors. Hosted by Michael of MP Landscape and Garden Design, each episode explores the benefits of outdoor kitchens, the inspiration behind great design, and the joy of entertaining under the open sky.

From rustic stone pizza ovens to sleek modern BBQ setups, Michael shares expert insights, practical tips, and creative ideas to help you transform your outdoor space into the heart of your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a bespoke outdoor kitchen, looking for recipes to fire up your grill, or simply love the atmosphere of gathering with friends and family outside, this podcast is your guide to living life around food and fire.

https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving

Discover how thoughtful garden and landscape design can transform your outdoor space into a place of beauty, function, and pride. In this episode, Michael—founder of MP Landscape and Garden Design—shares the principles behind great design, from unity and flow to focal points and seasonal interest.

🎙️ Learn how professional planning adds value to your home, saves time and money, and creates a garden tailored to your lifestyle. Whether it’s bespoke outdoor kitchens, planting schemes, or heritage-inspired layouts, Michael’s designs bring Yorkshire’s landscapes to life.

👉 Tune in now and explore how design can turn your back garden into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/

In this episode, Michael—founder of MP Landscape and Garden Design and co-creator of White Shire walks—takes listeners on a richly layered journey through Yorkshire’s historic waterways. Focusing on the rivers Aire and Calder, he explores how these vital channels shaped the region’s industrial rise, connected communities, and continue to offer scenic, heritage-rich walking routes today.

Listeners will discover how the Aire and Calder Navigation transformed trade and transport during the Industrial Revolution, linking inland towns to the port of Goole and fuelling Yorkshire’s economic growth. Michael shares insights into the engineering marvels of locks, weirs, and canals, and how towns like Castleford—where the Aire and Calder meet—grew around these lifelines.

The episode blends historical storytelling with practical inspiration, highlighting landmarks such as old mills, canal bridges, and towpaths that still echo the region’s industrial past. Michael also discusses the ecological and cultural revival of these waterways, now enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and local communities.

As a passionate advocate for regional exploration, Michael introduces White Shire walks—a growing collection of mapped Yorkshire routes available at whiteshire.co.uk. These walks include paths along the Aire and Calder, offering listeners a chance to experience the landscape firsthand, with history, nature, and local charm woven into every step.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful walk with purpose, this episode invites you to see Yorkshire’s rivers not just as watercourses, but as storytellers. Michael’s voice brings warmth, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land, encouraging listeners to explore, reflect, and support the communities that keep this heritage alive.

Tune in for a thoughtful, locally grounded episode that celebrates Yorkshire’s waterways—and find out how you can walk the story yourself.

"Welcome to The White Shire podcast — your friendly guide to Yorkshire walks, local gems, and the stories that make this region tick. I’m Michael, founder of MP Landscape and Garden Design and co-creator of whiteshire.co.uk, and I’ll be your host as we explore the paths, pubs, and people that shape our corner of the world. Whether you're lacing up your boots or just dreaming of the Dales, this is your place for fresh air, local flair, and a bit of banter. Let’s get walking…"

https://www.thewhiteshire.co.uk/