It’s the final episode of our magical midsummer season and today all three of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast hosts have come together to talk about the most magical moments of this special time of year. Join Lisa Sykes (editor, The Simple Things), Becs Frank (Wellbeing editor) and Jo Tinsley (regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller ) as we discuss midsummer feasts and rituals, wonderful places to enjoy the solstice, the art of storytelling, and how dreams help us process emotio...
Jun 20, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Welcome to Episode 5 of our Magical Midsummer season in the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Editor Lisa Sykes and and Jo Tinsley , a regular contributor to the magazine and also, very appropriately, author of The Slow Traveller , as we discuss all things SLOW from taking our time to savour summer fruits and learning how to enjoy the fruits of our labours to working out the best ways to while away a summer afternoon. Plus, we’ll be sharing some wise advice on...
Jun 15, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 5
You’ve arrived at Episode 4 in our Magical Midsummer season of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Lisa Sykes , editor of the magazine and Jo Tinsley , a regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller . The loose theme for this episode is carefree because if you can’t feel a little bit frivolous and ditch a few chores and responsibilities around midsummer, then when can you? So think of us as your suggestion box this week, an audible prompt to try thin...
Jun 08, 2025•44 min
Promise and Possibilities In the third episode of our magical midsummer season, Rebecca Frank , Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things , and Jo Tinsley , regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller are celebrating the first day of summer and the things that make us shine at this time of year. Join us on a nostalgic trip to the British seaside, pick up some useful knowledge for growing your own pick of salad ingredients in pots and hanging baskets, and take some wise advice from our pick ...
Jun 01, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Promise & Possibilities It's half term, another bank holiday weekend so in this episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank are setting out to DISCOVER things new to them (and hopefully you) plus learning why stepping outside of our comfort zone is good for us. And because it is midsummer we’ll be celebrating a magical creature and finding a moment of magic to note and notice. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The ...
May 25, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Promise & Possibilities Anything seems possible at the start of summer and in this first episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank use their imagination to explore what a ‘could-do week’ looks like, find ways to make bank holiday journeys more bearable and the joy of being a regular, as well as making the most of elderflowers and roses and passing on some creative first aid. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The ...
May 18, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Join us for our Easter Special episode of Small Ways to Live Well, the podcast from The Simple Things magazine Released on Good Friday, Team TST are recording live from a Blackdown Shepherd Hut in Somerset where they’ll enjoy cake and decorate an Ostereierbaum (Easter tree) before trying a sauna and cold plunge and warming up with rival hot chocolate recipes. Plus the signs that spring proper is here, stories of cute spring animals and making the most of April showers. Oh and we’re learning how ...
Apr 18, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Feeling like spring has sprung? Join The Simple Things editor, Lisa Sykes, and wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank, who are marvelling at the first signs of spring with a hot picnic to go, enjoying the blossom in our gardens and finding out how different landscapes affect our wellbeing. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. Season 5: Return of the light is supporte...
Mar 16, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 6
If you’ve got an urge to ‘sort things out’ we’re here to help cheer up a chore. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley tackle a bit of spring cleaning, appreciate new life and share some fresh thinking on finding the balance between the comfort of things and clearing out. Plus do you know your laundry labels (honestly more interesting than it sounds) Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts If you are in the UK, you can choo...
Mar 09, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Shrug off winter and wake up to spring – you’ll feel your energy levels rise while you listen to this episode. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley will be talking rhubarb (literally) drinking some good coffee, making pancakes and discovering foraging for indoor people. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the ...
Mar 02, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 4
If you’re looking for ways to comfort and soothe your winter weary mind and body, then pop the kettle on, curl up and join us. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Rebecca Frank , are talking pies, toast and other comfort foods, and how growing veg is a mental and physical tonic. We’ll also be discussing sunrooms and citrus trees and the pillars of good health that will help to keep us on track as winter draws to a close. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Retu...
Feb 23, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 3
If you’ve got cabin fever and are ready to head out and about then we’re here to help Wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley, are taking some deep breaths as they head outdoors to blow (or even rinse off) the cobwebs with a bracing walk or a sauna and a cold dip. We will be also be finding ways to keep warm while appreciating nature and satisfying the urge to get growing again. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported ...
Feb 16, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 2
If you’re not yet ready to come out of hibernation then this episode is for you. Editor, Lisa Sykes , and wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank are being kind to themselves, enjoying animal love stories, hugs and other tender gestures, learning how to seek out glimmers, make amends and discovering the importance of saying sorry. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a mon...
Feb 09, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Join in our special cook along episode as the team make Christmas cakes, large and small and a gluten-free pudding. In between stirring and mixing, The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley, will talk festive tipples, homemade gifts and advent calendars. As the cakes cook they’ll be reading seasonal microfiction. SPOILER ALERT! One of our stories in the second half of this podcast involves Santa Claus and if you have little listeners in ...
Nov 24, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In our Nourish episode Lisa Sykes, editor of The Simple Things magazine, chats to Wellbeing editor Becs Frank about hearty and healthy comfort food, domestic goddesses, why we all have a favourite mug and how to feed your skin in the winter months. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com Editing &am...
Nov 17, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley seek out treasures of the season such as berries, hips, haws, pine cones and conkers; making magical land art; guerrilla gardening and seed bombs; growing unusual berries straight out of The Gruffalo ; and the subtle art of letting go. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live....
Nov 10, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Becs Frank and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley discuss our fascination with fire, spicy foods for eating and healing, mending winter woollens and ways to make an autumn walk more ‘awe’ inspiring. Plus a short short on creative autumn pastimes. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. To subscribe or order a copy of the mag...
Nov 03, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank light candles, discuss ways to save daylight and keep melancholy at bay, marvel at autumn colours and the science behind them. The kettle’s on, there is a selection of good cake and time to pause for a seasonal short story. Editing by Arthur Cosslett. To go: Westonbirt arboretum – https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum To read: Japanese Art of Living Seasonally: An invitation to celebrate e...
Oct 27, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 1
This episode we take a moment to enjoy the final throes of summer before the return to routine and the start of another season. The Simple Things Editor, Lisa Sykes, and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are taking stock and setting intentions but also working out how to make summer stretch a little bit longer. Expect a tipple or two and could-do lists for the year ahead. Plus a final original short story to wrap up our Everyday Holidays season. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Th...
Aug 25, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 6
They don't call August silly season for nothing. The Simple Things’ Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank, is back with Editor, Lisa Sykes eating ice cream and lollies and playing big kid games in the park. They’re going barefoot and trying some messy projects in a bid to find the fun and adventure. A spot of laughter yoga, anyone? Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. To sub...
Aug 18, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 5
If you fancy an afternoon to drift and make plans from your deckchair, think of this episode as your permission slip. Join the Simple Things’ Editor, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley to find the right headspace, dream of a different way of life, explore the appeal of islands and indulge in a spot of nostalgia. Enjoy the read-aloud short story with a recommended summer tipple and test your knowledge of Agatha Christie characters. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple ...
Aug 11, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Slow adventurer Jo Tinsley is back with The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes appreciating some of the best ways to waste time when you can this summer. First stop is at the beach where they collect sea glass and hagstones, make a sundial and explore rockpools. Then it’s back home to not get busy in the garden and linger outdoors into the night. Have a go at our collective nouns quiz, just because… Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down...
Aug 04, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode we dress like we’re on holiday, all the better to feel sunshine vibes. Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank explore how and why we unfurl and blossom like flowers in high summer, share some tasty ways with berries and cherries and pick a few flowers. Plus good bugs & bad bugs. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of wher...
Jul 28, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Episode 1 – UNWIND This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes, finds ways to slow down with Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they discuss active rest, holiday packing, why blue space is the answer and the joy of a good book. There will be time to put the kettle on, pause for a moment and dream of holidays with an original short story before enjoying an impromptu picnic. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down,...
Jul 21, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In the last episode of this season Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are feeling the joys of spring through small ways to be happy. Join their chat about the dawn chorus and birdsong, why singing is good for everyone, revisiting pastimes from your childhood, good friends and cooing over new life. As always, there will be an original short story to take a moment with. A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind To subscribe ...
May 05, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 6
When is a weed not a weed, the wonder of bluebells and the precarious life of a tadpole. Learn how to bloom this spring, as Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes looks for small ways to flourish with regular contributor and Editor of Ernest Journal, Jo Tinsley. Discussing life lessons from nature, join them as they chat about hedgerows weeds we like and why growing things is good for you. There will be time to listen to an original short story and to take a tea break with the sun on y...
Apr 28, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 5
How does fresh air, fresh food and a bit of fresh thinking sound? This week Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank look for small ways to bring in spring. They start by opening the windows, trying some homespun cleaning and pegging out the washing. There’ll be chat about homegrown herbs and adding a twist to favourite meals. And why cycling is a good thing. Join them to hear this episode’s original short story and discover just what’s in their first Pau...
Apr 21, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Join the discussion about could-do lists and spontaneous day trips, following a quest, unusual sources of inspiration and the best ways to play truant... oh, and satisfying stuff you can do in a day. In this episode Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes seeks out small ways to seize the moment with regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley. Relish a moment of calm yourself and listen to this week’s original short story. A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the ...
Apr 14, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This week Lisa & Becs are feeling curious and ready to try something new. Join them to explore spring foraging and experimental cooking, picking up the things they tried in lockdown and discovering why being curious is good for all of us. Pop the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story plus we’ll hear from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic through Pause, the monthly subscription box. To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com...
Apr 07, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 2
This week we are sharing chocolate and cake with Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they chat about why we love an inessential meal, how a treat lifts your mood, the joy of fresh eggs, time away from the to-do list and whether it’s better to save for something special. There will be time to put the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story. A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind Click h...
Apr 01, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
