Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show!

This week, we’re packing our bags and setting off on a whirlwind journey — from London to Malawi to Canada… and then… a mystery location?!

First up, we’re joined by travel writer, photographer and community chronicler Helena Smith, whose work with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Bradt Guides has taken her from London’s lesser-known footpaths to the sun-drenched hills of rural Malawi. With Helena, we explore how walking with purpose and travelling with care can open new ways of seeing — even in places we thought we knew.

Then, in this week’s Parish Notices, Ahmad Wonly catches up with Martin Cosarinsky Campos, Director of Breadwinners — a social enterprise that’s baking change with every sourdough loaf. Martin brings a wealth of experience from both the charity and private sectors, and his ethos is simple but powerful: “Get to know the people you fear”. Together, they explore how community is built not just through what we do, but who we do it with — one loaf at a time.

Next, we dust off another entry from our Audio Archives — this time, a peculiar Museum Audio Guide. But where (or what) is it? A riddle for your ears awaits…

And finally, Archie’s Neuro Nuggets returns with a quick, science-backed tip to bring more art into your life — and more calm to your mind. This week: how doodling could help you process emotions and reduce stress in just a few minutes a day.

Want more behind-the-scenes content, guest links, and a full breakdown of Archie’s latest nugget? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical.

Thanks for joining us in The Big Smoke. We’ll see you in a fortnight! 

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Links 

Helena Smith

Parish Notices: Breadwinners

Archie’s Neuro Nuggets

Maple Leaf or Make Believe answer

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Chapters

(00:00 ) Intro

(1:24 ) Maple Leaf or Make Believe

(2:25 ) Helena Smith Interview

(44:08 ) Parish Notices: Breadwinners

(56:06 ) Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide 

(1:09:01 ) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets

(1:11:10 ) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer

(1:12:44 ) Outro 

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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

Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide written by Aidan Parker

Museum Guide played by Terry Bamberger

Dr. V Chisling played by Scott Brooksbank