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Ancient Mysteries and Modern Travels. Egypt With Luke Richardson

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Why does Egypt continue to fascinate curious travelers? What hidden chambers might lie beneath the pyramids of Giza? How does the duality of Egyptian mythology influence thriller writing? Join thriller authors J.F. Penn and Luke Richardson for a conversation that weaves together archaeological intrigue, travel insights, and the creative process behind crafting compelling adventures in one of history’s most enigmatic settings.

Luke Richardson is the bestselling author of the Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers and the International Detective Thriller Series.

Why Egypt continues to capture the imagination: Ancient myths, tombs, and timeless sites
Modern Cairo and Garbage City
The Oasis of Siwa
The Pyramids of Giza, and recent archaeological finds about what might be underneath
Travel tips for modern Egypt
Recommended books

You can find Luke at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com and his books on Amazon. You can also find his trip notes and pictures at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/egypt

If you enjoy thrillers inspired by and set in Egypt, check out The Giza Protocol by Luke Richardson and Ark of Blood by J.F. Penn.

Walking Amongst The Dead: Graveyards, Cemeteries, And Ossuaries With J.F. Penn

Podcast, Religious, Unusual Places

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“The meaning of life is that it stops.” — Franz Kafka

I’ve always felt most grateful to be alive when I walk among the dead. That might sound strange, but bear with me!

Step through a lychgate into a church yard or descend a narrow stone stair into a catacomb or ossuary, and the pace and the noise of the world falls away. In these quiet spaces—graveyards beside ancient churches, sprawling Victorian cemeteries, underground chambers decorated with bones—I consider the shortness of life, memento mori, remember you will die, and it puts life into perspective. I can hear my own heartbeat more clearly, and the stories begin to rise.

Paris catacombs, Photo licensed from Canva

In this episode, I’ll take you with me to a handful of places that have shaped some of my stories and travel memoir. If you’ve read my ARKANE thrillers or the Brooke & Daniel series, you’ll recognise many of the names.

But whether you’re here for research, reverence, or simple curiosity, I hope you’ll find something to spark your imagination and, perhaps, shift your perspective on these places that so many stay away from.

What’s the difference between a graveyard, a cemetery, and an ossuary?
Why am I so fascinated with these places?
Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Paris Catacombs, France
Kensal Green Cemetery, London, England
Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark, London, England
St Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, USA
Capuchin Catacombs, Palermo, Sicily
Archbishop’s cadaver tomb, Canterbury Cathedral, England
Mass grave in the Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest, Hungary
Graveyard of St Mary and All Saints, Boxley, Kent

Winchester Cathedral, England

Religious

The Gothic Cathedral of Winchester is an easy walk from Winchester train station with lots of options for coffee on the way. The city of Winchester is easily accessible by train from London in just a couple of hours heading south-west, so you can do it in a day trip.

JFPenn at Winchester Cathedral June 2024 — JFPenn at Winchester Cathedral, June 2024

Winchester is Europe’s longest Gothic cathedral. From west door to east end measures about 558 ft (170 m), giving it the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.

Winchester cathedral nave Photo by JFPenn

Thin Places and Tidal Shores: Lindisfarne, Holy Island, With LK Wilde

Podcast

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What makes the tiny island of Lindisfarne a “thin place” where the spiritual and physical worlds seem to meet? How does living in such a close-knit community shape one’s identity? And what secrets lie beyond the tourist paths on this ancient sacred site? LK Wilde and J.F. Penn talk about their love of Lindisfarne.

Laura is the award-winning author of historical fiction, romance, and uplifting feel-good fiction. Her novel Silver Darlings is set on the Northumberland Island of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island.

Where is Lindisfarne and what makes it unique as a tidal island?
Holy Island, the rich Celtic Christian heritage and Viking history
What it’s like to grow up on a remote island with only 150 residents
Lindisfarne as a “thin place” where spiritual experiences feel more accessible
Natural wonders: sand dunes, seal colonies, and bird sanctuaries
Essential safety tips for crossing the tidal causeway
The fishing heritage that inspired Laura’s novel Silver Darlings
Local delicacies: fish soup, fresh crab sandwiches and the potent monastic mead

You can find Laura at LKWilde.com and her books on Amazon and other stores.

Lochs And Legends. Scotland With Andy The Highlander

Places, Podcast

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Experience the rugged beauty, ancient legends, and captivating history of Scotland with Andy the Highlander. From standing stones and whirlpools to myths and famous battles, Andy shares stories that bring the Scottish landscape alive. Discover why Scotland is more than tartans and bagpipes in this fascinating discussion about culture, heritage, and a passion for storytelling.

In the introduction, I talk about my personal connection to Scotland (I am a quarter Scottish!), and how it inspired my monster horror, Catacomb, as well as featuring in Day of the Vikings, and the anatomical connection to Desecration.

Andy the Highlander is the bestselling author of Lochs and Legends, A Scotland Man’s Guide to the Heart of Scotland, as well as an actor and tour guide.

Show notes:

Andy’s journey to becoming “Andy the Highlander” and his experiences on the TV series Outlander
The allure of ancient standing stones, including Clava Cairns and Callanish
Historical intrigue from Culloden to the Body Snatchers of Edinburgh
Eerie encounters in places like Culross and Scotland’s many haunted sites
Rugged islands, beautiful lochs, and the distinct regional flavors of Scottish whisky
The rivalry of Scottish clans and football teams, and the “Outlander Effect” on tourism
Recommendations for books, films, and practical tips for traveling in the Highlands

You can find Andy at Highlander Tours and Lochs and Legends in all the usual places, or here on Amazon.

Desert Storms and Superblooms: Death Valley With Steve Hall

Places, Podcast

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What are the fascinating — and also dangerous — aspects of Death Valley National Park? How does visiting a stark desert landscape give us perspective about our place in the world?

Steve Hall is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker and a seasoned adventure hiker renowned for his extensive explorations of Death Valley National Park.

What’s special about Death Valley National Park?
What are some of the iconic places to visit?
The dangers of Death Valley
Solo adventures and challenges
Dark skies and star gazing
Legends and history
Conservation and visitor etiquette

You can find Steve’s hiking videos of Death Valley and other places at YouTube.com/stevehallDV. The Death Valley National Park website has lots more info.

You can find pictures and notes, as well as book recommendations on Death Valley here.

You can find Death Valley, A Thriller, by J.F. Penn, here.

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