Swinging the Lamp

Thor and Rory tackle the thorny issues of out of control dogs and dodgy parking and wonder why so many people struggle to say 'sorry'.

Thor and Rory debate the merits of a family sailing adventure and whether an upbringing sailing around the world is riskier than living in a house with a trampoline in the garden.

This episode kicks off 2026 by intertwining personal anecdotes with broader social commentaries. Rory reflects on a surprising wake-up call from an innocuous New Year's Day activity, prompting a healthier lifestyle. Thor and Rory debate the potential ramifications of replacing ferries with bridges or tunnels on Scottish islands, arguing for the preservation of traditional ways and jobs. The discussion is set against the backdrop of beautiful yet challenging Scottish winters, exploring how climate change plays a role in this new year. Through it all, the episode provides a captivating blend of humour, reflection, and earnest dialogue.

In this episode, Thor and Rory discuss plans for celebrating New Year's Eve with a trip to Prague. The conversation humorously delves into the naming confusion of Czechia and classic Cold War references. With a nod to the Scottish celebration of Hogmanay, there's a somber reflection on recent tragic events during a Christmas swim in Cornwall. The episode takes a critical turn with discussion about safety at sea, where opinions clash between libertarian freedom and responsibility towards others, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting safety for social media attention.

In this engaging podcast episode, Kelly Broad, a seasoned chief stew, provides an insider's look into the luxurious world of superyachts. Starting her career in 2011, Kelly shares her journey from a green stewardess to leading a team, maintaining the impeccable standards required onboard, and catering to high-profile guests. She discusses the diversity of duties, ranging from guest service to managing dietary needs, and reflects on working with celebrity guests like Johnny Depp. Kelly also addresses common misconceptions about superyacht life, fueled by popular TV shows and films, highlighting the real challenges and rewards of her career.

The episode dives into the complexities of friendships formed during intense experiences like sailing voyages. Thor and Rory reflect on the shipmate bonds they form, sharing stories about sailors who have touched their lives, including one named Neil, whose tragic story sheds light on the challenges of loneliness. The hosts also ponder the effectiveness of modern digital communication, particularly WhatsApp, in maintaining friendships. Despite the serious undertones, they reminisce about laughter and camaraderie during an RYA sailing course, exploring how fleeting social interactions can sometimes leave lasting impressions, even if they fade into distant memories over time.

Rory and Thor are joined by Martin Vander Weyer, the business editor of the Spectator and described by Boris Johnson as the most oracular and entertaining financial journalist in London. They reminisce about Scotland’s football success in the 1970s, with stories involving Hampden Park's infamous 'hot leg' experiences. The episode shifts to economic discussions, evaluating the impacts of current tax policies on various sectors, including the oil industry and banking, debating the merits and demerits of income taxation, and contrasting Hong Kong's laissez-faire legacy with Scotland's current economic strategies.

Rory tells Thor about his contribution to the "war on drugs" while Thor has an exciting update on the Shetland Distillery.

In this episode of Swinging the Lamp, Dr. Steven Young shares insights from his book, A Fool's Wisdom, offering a compelling examination of modern scientific concepts compared to ancient alchemy. With a background in theoretical physics and nuclear physics, Young discusses his unconventional journey from academia to music, challenging mainstream notions about the world. He reveals how the events surrounding COVID-19 motivated him to scrutinise his beliefs and question the scientific narratives we've been taught. His exploration encourages listeners to rethink established truths and seek deeper understanding, blending scientific rigour with ancient knowledge.

Thor tells Rory about his latest comedy gig and Rory wonders when one should sieze the moment.

Rory is joined by Mark Thompson to discuss blue water cruising

Thor and Rory agree on the importance of hot hash browns at McDonalds and the usefulness of seawater cooling strainers.

Thor and Rory debate the British Class system and assess their own class credentials.

Thor and Rory discuss the wisdom of no more instruction on paper charts in UK Nautical Colleges.

The episode is an engaging mix of humour and insight as Rory and Thor banter about various transportation modes. They see-saw between Thor's public transport woes and the reliability of older cars, drawing a passionate debate about sustainable travel. Rory recounts an amusing experience with new lease cars and their intrusive alarms, while Thor reflects on the larger picture of environmental implications. The conversation shifts to maritime life, where they unravel the cultural dynamics of onboard chores and the notion of shared responsibility. With anecdotes spanning ships and skies, the dialogue underscores the evolving nature of travel and teamwork.

Thor reveals the result of his poll on who should win the Nobel Peace prize while Rory has a few anecdotes from the stormy weekend.

Thor is in recovery mode after his eye operation as he catches up with Rory to discuss the merits of Infra Red lookout cameras and bow fenders

Thor finds that NHS queues can be very speedy when you need something serious done and Rory outlines a 2026 sailing itinerary.

Thor and Rory catch up after a big week in the culture wars and discuss Rory's travails with a flooded heads and how he his gone mainstream.

Thor is buzzing after his impromptu call to perform at a stand-up gig but Rory questions how the word 'connection' has crept into modern parlance.