Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show!

This week, we explore philosophy, freedom, and the peculiar ways we find meaning — from the quiet depths of the soil to the bustling banks of the River Thames.

First, Kevin is joined by Professor Edward Harcourt, Academic Director of The Royal Institute of Philosophy, celebrating its centenary year. Together they ask: what is philosophy, really? How can it help us think, question, and live better? Edward shares how puzzlement, not wonder, is where true philosophy begins — and what the institute’s mission, real philosophy for everyone, meant in 1925 and what it means today.

On our Parish Noticeboard, we dig into the curious world of worm charming — the ancient, oddly musical art of luring earthworms from the soil. With the help of worm expert Dr Kevin Butt, we learn how this humble tradition connects communities, science, and the secret lives beneath our feet.

Then, we turn to one of The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s most inspiring outreach projects — Unlocking Minds, a prison education programme co-founded by Paul and Dan. Through pop music and film, they bring philosophy into prisons, sparking reflection, debate, and discovery in places where freedom of thought is most deeply desired.

Finally, our resident Mudlark Sean Clark brings us to the River Thames to reveal his latest find — a centuries-old quant, better known as the “non-sexy end of a barge pole”. It’s a muddy reminder that London’s history is always just below the surface, waiting to be unearthed.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself something puzzling, and join us as we dig into ideas, earth, and everything in between in The Big Smoke.

🎟️ The Big Smoke LIVE Christmas Special is coming to The Phoenix Arts Club, Soho – 14th December. Expect ghost stories, lively games, seasonal music and festive mischief.

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Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) Pub Quiz: Maple Leaf or Make Believe

(02:27) Edward Harcourt Interview

(32:05) Live Christmas Show

(33:35) Parish Notices: Worm Charming

(43:06) Unlocking Minds: Philosophy in Prisons Interview

(1:15:46) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find

(1:20:07) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answers

(1:21:31) Outro

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Links

💫 Become a Patron – Unlock Your Backstage Pass

🧠 The Royal Institute of Philosophy

🪱 World Worm Charming Championships – Willaston

🪱 Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming – South Devon

📚 Worm by Dr Kevin Butt

🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe Article

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Credits

Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett

Produced & Edited by Alex Graham

Assistant Produced by Adam Wright

Original music by Giles Terera

Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins