THE QUARANTINE DIARIES
SEASON 2
episode 4
We've almost made it! Week 4 of national lockdown is here and the build up to Christmas begins in earnest. Hot topics of discussion include Ocado's pigs in blankets traybake, Hannah MacInnes' Friday night show on Times Radio, Alan Rusbridger's new release of 'News and How to Use It', and William Boyd's unrivalled book 'Restless'. Moreen draws our attention to extra-terrestrial activity in Utah, Sean turns an ear to his latest pod recommendation, and Ellie gets us into the festive spirit in Manchester. Musical accompaniment from Nina Simone, Saint Motel, Billy Ocean, Nina Simone and more.... What more could you possibly ask for?
Sean’s Podcast Recommendation: The Tim Ferriss Show Episode: #480: Dax Shepard on the Craft of Podcasting, Favourite Books, and Dancing with your Demons
episode 3
Swans on the subway. Festive flamingos. Micro-pigs on the loose. Where else will you find such an eclectic mix of animal anecdotes? Nowhere. The Quarantine Diaries has its finger on the pulse and brings you up to speed with the latest in news and current affairs - inside and outwith the animal kingdom. Alice discusses hot topics of pasta crisps and M&S delivery slots before revealing the stunning celebrity her mum was photographed with on the set of Coronation Street! Ellie treats us to another wondrous instalment of Look North; Sean keeps his expert ear to the ground in the world of podcasting; and Moreen selects her terrific top picks for article of the week. With Sam Smith, Carole King, Justin Bieber and The Supremes thrown in: what are you waiting for?
Sean’s Podcast Recommendation: Partners Episode: Daveed Diggs & Rafael Casal
episode 2
Not even a technical disaster can stop Alice bringing you a second instalment of The Quarantine Diaries and *what* a week it's been: Trump defeated, vaccine breakthroughs, Cummings gone... It's been ALL GO. Dive into Episode 2 to get book, podcast and event recommendations, and hear Ellie Mercala's latest Look North report. Plus music from Lizzo, Dusty Springfield, Fletcher, Stevie Wonder and more. It might be a national lockdown but this pod is jam-packed. Oh and this week’s bake? Masters Banana Muffins. Photo evidence below.
Sean’s Podcast Recommendation: This is Love Episode: #20: Roselle and Michael
EPISODE 1
Lockdown 2.0? It can only mean one thing. The Quarantine Diaries returns for a second series and is ready to get you through the next four weeks. New features are mixed with old favourites and there’s plenty of music and laughs to counter isolation blues. This time round Alice has recruited a North of England correspondent in Ellie Mercala, an expert podcast reviewer in Sean Walker, and a hilarious headline news spotter in Moreen Randall. Oh and brace yourself for a Christmas twist. This week’s lockdown bake? Cherry Scones. Photo evidence below.
Sean’s Podcast Recommendation: 10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris Episode: #296: How to Use Social Media without Losing Your Mind | Randy Fernando More Info: https://www.humanetech.com/take-control
SEASON 1
Episode 12
Here we are, the season finale! Alice wraps up twelve weeks of The Quarantine Diaries with her eight lighthearted lessons from lockdown and eight castaway discs. Today’s edition features everything from Adele and keeping a diary to Take That and live concerts in the garden - but most importantly, an enormous thank you to you for listening and interacting with the podcast each week. It’s meant the world. Hop aboard for a final time…
episode 11
This week is Alice’s penultimate pod and it’s another special edition transporting you down south to the city of dreaming spires - that’s right, you’re going to Oxford! Alice plans a dream day for you and guides you round six hotspots that you just don’t want to miss, from staying overnight in a former prison and lunching where Emma Watson once sat to mooching round the Botanic Garden and dining in St John’s and Teddy Hall. Before your whirlwind tour, however, Alice shares her lockdown stories of the week from watching Little Women and dining with the cast of Killing Eve to anticipating the release of BBC One’s Talking Heads and ‘appearing’, of sorts, on Your Desert Island Discs. All mixed in with eight fabulous music tracks… Put your feet up and dive in!
episode 10
To mark the milestone of reaching ten episodes of The Quarantine Diaries, Alice brings you a special edition podcast. Inspired by the reopening of the Home of Golf, Alice takes you north of the border and on a whirlwind audio tour of St Andrews. She guides you round the historic coastal town and points out where to visit, stay, and eat, while dipping into her memory bank of university days along the way! Four listener song requests are mixed with baking updates - fresh berry scones - and of course, our customary article of the week. Bonus image: taken on Alice’s first day of university on the undergraduate pier walk!)
episode 9
With extended car journeys at the top of the news agenda, Alice decides to kick things off by taking an online quiz - live on the pod - to determine where her dream road trip would be… The travel theme continues as Jon Sopel reveals secrets from reporting onboard Trump’s Air Force One, Killing Eve takes us golfing in Aberdeen (#spotthedifference below), and Alice discusses her favourite holiday destination, Quinta do Lago in southern Portugal. With listener song requests stretching from London to Jordan, this week’s episode is a romp around the world.
episode 8
Alice is back and you catch her on the cusp of a dilemma: over whether or not to let her mum attempt a much needed haircut. It's a tricky one - as you'll hear. This week also brings stories of art-loving Peruvian penguins, alpacas of St Anthony's College, Oxford, and rampaging Californian goats. As if that wasn't enough, Alice goes on to delve into birthdays in lockdown, toasted teacakes, the launch of Times Radio, and Last Tango in Halifax. With Hollie Col, Pharrell Williams, and 5 song requests to boot, it's not one to miss. (Bonus snap: dipping back into the family photo albums reveals the same record player but a distinct change of dress…)
episode 7
This week, Alice takes you on a whistle-stop tour around the world as she attempts the 60 second international accent challenge live on the pod - starting in LA and finishing up in Russia. Also on the agenda are live Zoom calls with the cast of Call the Midwife and book festival conversations with Luke Jennings, author of the Killing Eve trilogy. VE Day celebrations, Waitrose antics, and Joanna Lumley are mixed with music legends Little Richard, Paolo Nutini, and Amy Winehouse - plus three listener music requests all hailing from the Midlands… Once again, it’s nothing if not unique.
episode 6
While everyone else is learning a new language in isolation, Episode 6 brings you Alice’s attempt to do the 60 second UK accent challenge. That’s right, from Glasgow down to Essex. If that doesn’t whet your audio appetite, Alan Bennett, dance tutorials, Ramblings, Judi Dench, Cinnamon Swirls, and period costumes also have a starring role. Plus Shania Twain and a whopping 5 music requests - hailing from Canada through to Scotland and the good old Midlands. It’s a geographer’s dream!
episode 5
In what should have been the first week of term-time broadcasting at Oxide Radio, Episode 5 of The Quarantine Diaries has hit the airwaves and is here to ease your isolation blues. Settle in and join Alice for a chat about TK Maxx, punting, Welsh sheep, the Hay Festival, an investigative podcast about crisps, and the great Yorkshire pudding debate. Plus! Take That, Emile Sande, and our first three music requests. This was Alice’s favourite episode to record thus far - and don’t forget, if you’d like to hear your song of the moment on next week’s pod, just send Alice an email (alice.watson@sjc.ox.ac.uk) and your dreams could become a reality. Rest assured, Alice repped her Oxide Radio stash while podcasting from home this week…
episode 4
Pop the kettle on, put your feet up, and tune into Episode 4 of The Quarantine Diaries. This week it’s a romp through Derry Girls, virtual quizzes, Land Rover Defenders, Cornish pasties, pet tortoises, and upside down homes - with Dua Lipa, Marvin Gaye, and S Club 7 for company. To name but a few! Plus! If you’d like to hear your favourite music track of the moment on next week’s pod, send Alice a message and you could hear your artist of choice on the airwaves. That’s right, it’s become a request show. Get in touch at: alice.watson@sjc.ox.ac.uk (Bonus snap: recording in the home studio!)
episode 3
Here it is! The Easter edition of The Quarantine Diaries - the podcast that brings you isolation ramblings mixed with Alice’s top eight tracks of the week. Live from rural Leicestershire, Alice delves into the world of isolation haircuts, Gemma Collins, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and return of Killing Eve. She also treats you to Etta James, Macklemore, Rita Ora, and Adele - and that’s just for starters. Tune in for a lighthearted podcast that escapes all convention… (Featured: a snap of Easter podcast planning in the sun!)
episode 2
The second installment of The Quarantine Diaries sees Alice up her game and plan ahead topics for discussion - a relief after last week’s ad-libbed ramblings eh? Rural isolation antics are mixed with her top eight music tracks of the week, from Lizzo and Bruce Springsteen to Kacey Musgraves and Elvis Presley. Alice begins with the cancellation of Wimbledon and rise of theatre streaming services, and meanders her way through campervans, Gentleman Jack, Grand Designs, and Llandudno goats. If you want to get away from the news and engage in some lighthearted, upbeat, and faintly humorous chat, this is the podcast for you. Bonus: a dip into the family photo albums reveals very little has changed in 24 years…
EPISODE 1
With Oxford College Castaway currently unable to broadcast from its usual studio or with its usual guests, Alice has taken to podcasting from home - yikes! Like her castaways, Alice shares the top eight tracks she’s listening to this week and warbles on about what she’s getting up to in isolation. Episode 1 features musical theatre, Billie Eilish, and Haim, as well as soda bread, golf challenges, and Hilary Mantel - it’s nothing if not unique. If this doesn’t whet your audio appetite, all previous episodes of Oxford College Castaway are available below…
SEASON 3
Oxford College Castaway
Presented by Alice Watson
Fortnightly Sundays 1-2 PM
Oxford College Castaway takes its inspiration from the BBC Radio 4 classic, Desert Island Discs. Alice speaks to students from across the university to find out more about their lives, experiences, and journeys to Oxford, and their aspirations for the future. The interviewee is cast away to their college for the duration of the holiday with only eight music discs to see them through the lonely period. The show ends by asking the castaway for one essential item they couldn't manage without and a single golden ticket to their favourite eatery in Oxford. The question is, how will they fare all on their own? Tune in fortnightly on Sundays 1-2 PM to find out.
If you fancy being a castaway, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Alice: alice.watson@sjc.ox.ac.uk
EPISODE 22 - A DIP INTO THE ARCHIVES
We’re back for a third season and we’ve decided to start things off a bit differently this year with a dip into our archives! Hear from five past castaways each with fantastic stories and great music to share. If you’ve never listened to the show before, this is a great taster menu giving you a flavour of what we’re all about here at Oxford College Castaway! And if you like what you hear, you can catch the full episodes below!
Episode 23 - Hannah li
Our first guest of Season 3 is Hannah Li, second year undergraduate Biologist at Jesus College. Hannah discusses growing up in Macclesfield and Sweden, her boundless passion for travel, route to Biology at university, and interest in epigenetics and more! After much thought, Hannah shares the location for her single golden ticket and essential item she couldn’t manage without. With eight fabulous castaway discs thrown in, it’s not one to miss…
episode 24 - tom saer
Joining Alice on the Oxford College Castaway airwaves this week is Tom Saer, third year undergraduate Classicist at Oriel College. Alice speaks to Tom about his passion for music and film, being an extra on Netflix’s The Crown (yes, really!), school days at Winchester, student life at Oxford, dissertation ideas, meditation, and more! Tom also discusses his radio show, Oxide Film, which he co-hosts every Tuesday evening 5-6pm. Tune in to hear Tom’s eight music discs, the essential item he couldn’t manage without, and the restaurant for his single golden ticket…
EPisode 25 - angela Almeida
Alice is joined this week by Angela Almeida, student on the MSc in Migration Studies and member of St Anthony’s college. Angela chats about her work as a documentary producer for Netflix and HBO, journalism in Rio, student life in New York, and her love of dancing, gardening, and pies! In between the music, Alice and Angela also discuss dream jobs, dissertation projects, and Oxford bucket lists - all that and more before being cast away with only one essential item and a golden ticket… You don’t want to miss it!
episode 26 - zerlina vulliamy
Today’s episode is an extended special with Oxide Radio’s very own, Zerlina Vulliamy, Station Manager and presenter of Behind the Classics! Zerlina is in her third and final year of studying Music at Exeter College and shares her experiences of the degree and love of all things opera. Alice and Zerlina wind back to school days before turning to university and life after Oxford - not to mention their shared passion for student radio! Before being cast away to Exeter for the Easter holiday, Zerlina chooses the essential item she couldn’t manage without and the location for her single golden ticket… Unsurprisingly, you’re in for a musical treat!
episode 27 - basil bowdler
In the latest edition of Oxford College Castaway, Alice sits down with Basil Bowdler, third year undergraduate in History at New College. Basil speaks about life growing up in Hampstead before describing his epic gap year journey from Russia to China and Thailand - sampling some amazing cuisine along the way! Basil offers his insights into studying History at Oxford and writing a dissertation on Edward III, before sharing his plans for further postgraduate study - not forgetting his experience of writing for multiple student publications and latest role performing in an Alan Bennett play! All that and more in between eight castaway discs…
SEASON 2
Episode 10 - Bill de la rosa
In the tenth episode of Oxford College Castaway - and first show of Season 2 -, Alice Watson speaks to Bill De La Rosa, student on the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice and member of St Hilda’s college. Among a range of topics, Bill speaks movingly about crossing the US-Mexico border daily to get to school and his recent campaign to reunite his family, successfully petitioning the US government to grant this mother temporary humanitarian parole. Before being cast away to St Hilda’s for the duration of the Christmas holiday, Bill shares his passion for DJing in Oxford and his eight castaway discs…
episode 11 - Emily pogue
In the eleventh episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Emily Pogue, second year undergraduate in Engineering and member of University college. Emily speaks about life growing up in Chester, a typical day in the life of an undergraduate, and her passion for maths and engineering! Vintage fashion, chicken chow mein, and golf also feature in the wide-ranging discussion! Before being cast away to University college for the duration of the Christmas break, Emily shares the destination for her single golden ticket and her eight castaway discs…
episode 12 - jenny jones
In the twelfth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Jenny Jones, DPhil student in History and member of St Edmund Hall. In between her eight castaway discs, Jenny discusses her passion for music and experiences of playing all over the country with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Before being cast away to Teddy Hall for the duration of the Christmas holiday, Jenny shares insights into life at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, working for Shell, and the process of writing a novel…
episode 13 - Adam packer
In the thirteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Adam Packer, DPhil student in Geography and member of St John’s college. Adam talks about his past and current research into ‘smart cities’ and shares what it’s like to be in the second year of studying for a DPhil. In between eight castaway discs and before being cast away to St John’s for the Christmas break, Adam and Alice discuss all things geographical, the LGBTQ+ community, and podcasts!
Episode 14 - Graihagh Cordwell
In the fourteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Graihagh Cordwell, DPhil student in Music and member of St John’s College. In between eight castaway discs, Graihagh speaks about her research into refugees and music in the Zaatari camp in Jordan, studying and performing music, and growing up on the Isle of Man. Before being cast away to St John’s for the duration of the Easter break, Alice and Graihagh discuss their shared passion for Desert Island Discs and the joys of TK Maxx…
Episode 15 - Alexandra perez
In the fifteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Alex Perez, MBA student and member of Kellogg College. Alex discusses her work with the Oxford Seed Fund, a student-led venture capital initiative, before going on to talk about her degree and all things business and entrepreneurship. In between her eight castaway discs, Alex shares what it’s like to grow up in Miami, the parties thrown during a hurricane, and her passion for fictional crime dramas!
episode 16 - andreas halner
In the sixteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks with Andreas Halner, DPhil student in Clinical Medicine and member of St John’s College. Andreas talks about his research into creating predictive tools for patients with lung diseases, life as a medical student, and his passion for running! Before being cast away to St John’s, Andreas shares his eight castaway discs and the location for his single golden ticket…
episode 17 - Richard morter
In the seventeenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks with Richard Morter, DPhil student in Infection and Immunology and member of St Edmund Hall. Richard speaks about his research into immune responses to malaria infection and vaccination, fieldwork in The Gambia and Kenya, and student life in Manchester and Oxford. Before being cast away to Teddy Hall for the Easter break, Richard shares his passion for cooking, the location for his single golden ticket, and the essential item he can’t manage without…
episode 18 - sterling Mackinnon
In the eighteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks with Sterling Mackinnon, DPhil student in Geography and member of Kellogg college. Sterling provides an insight into life as a graduate student, discussing his research into the use of digital visualising technologies in archaeology and heritage science, and speaks about touring round the US with his former band, ‘Holy Ghost Revival’. In between the eight music tracks, Alice and Sterling chat about Oxford ‘bucket lists’, growing up in Washington, and the differences between universities in the US and UK. That’s all before being castaway to Kellogg for the duration of the summer holiday…
episode 19 - shamara wettimuny
In the nineteenth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Shamara Wettimuny, DPhil student in History at Brasenose College. Shamara provides an insight into what it’s like to study at Brasenose, the delights of delving into the archives at Kew, and the joys of musical theatre! Shamara also discusses her previous degrees at the LSE before looking ahead to life after Oxford. Tune in to discover the location of Shamara’s golden ticket and the castaway disc she can’t survive the summer without…
episode 20 - anna dorling
We’ve reached our twentieth castaway and here to mark the occasion is Anna Dorling, second year undergraduate in Biology at Jesus College! Anna discusses her degree and current research on bumble bees, before speaking about life as an undergraduate, studying sciences at school, and living in Canada. In between eight castaway discs, Alice and Anna chat about their shared love of music, radio, and podcasts, and all things David Attenborough! Tune in to discover the location of Anna’s golden ticket and the essential item she can’t get through the summer without…
episode 21 - sabrina li
In episode twenty-one - and final show of the season-, Alice chats with Sabrina Li, Geography DPhil student at Keble College. Sabrina discusses her research interest in health inequalities in low-income countries and her DPhil project on mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil. Away from academia, Sabrina speaks about her experiences of living and studying in Canada, the key ingredients for a successful start-up, and her passion for sketching and art museums. Tune in to discover the location of Sabrina’s golden ticket and the single music track she’d select for a summer alone in Keble…
SEASON 1
Episode 1 - Chen Pelled
In the first episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice Watson speaks to Chen Pelled, a graduate student on the MSc in Migration Studies and member of Lincoln College. Chen discusses her experiences of living and working all over the world before coming to study at Oxford and shares her eight castaway discs!
EPISODE 2 - James O'Donovan
In the second episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to James O'Donovan, medical doctor, DPhil student in Education, and member of St Edmund Hall. James discusses his latest research on the role of mobile technologies in training health workers in Uganda, his interest in Global Health, and passion for triathlons! Before being cast away to Teddy Hall, James shares his eight castaway discs, the one essential item he couldn't manage without, and the destination for his single golden ticket...
Episode 3 - Eleonore Besse
In the third episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Eleonore Besse, second year undergraduate student in English and member of Christ Church college. Elle takes us on a journey from Paris to Oxfordshire, introduces us to the world of English Literature, and discusses us her passion for acting and dance. Before being cast away to Christ Church for the duration of the Easter break, Elle shares her eight castaway discs and the furry "essential item" she couldn't manage without...
episode 4 - isabelle winstanley
In the fourth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Isabelle Winstanley, second year undergraduate in Classics and student at Christ Church. Izzi discusses her passion for Classics, her love of roller skating, and the upcoming challenge of going vegan... Before being cast away to Christ Church, Izzi shares her eight music discs and selects a golden ticket to her favourite eatery in Oxford!
episode 6 - hallam tuck
In the sixth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Hallam Tuck, student on the MSc in Migration Studies, broadcaster on Oxide Radio, and member of St Anthony's college. Hallam discusses his experience of living in New York, studying at the University of Edinburgh, and his research interests in detention, deportation, and immigration enforcement. Not to mention his love of St Anthony's fermentation society! Before being cast away for the duration of the Easter break, Hallam shares the essential item he couldn't manage without and his eight castaway discs...
episode 7 - Hannah markay
In the seventh episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Hannah Markay, student on the MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and member of St Edmund Hall. Hannah discusses her experiences of working in Chile, volunteering on Lampedusa, and studying at the University of Edinburgh. Not to mention her passion for all things musical! Before being cast away to Teddy Hall for the duration of the summer holiday, Hannah shares her eight castaway discs...
episode 8 - harriet aldrich
In the eighth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Harriet Aldrich, DPhil student in History and member of St Hugh's college. Harrie discusses her latest research into the experience of Ghanaian exiles in a global context after decolonisation, her love of Loughborough High School, and passion for singing in a band! Before being cast away to St Hugh's for the summer holiday, Harrie shares eight fabulous discs and the essential item she couldn't manage without...
Episode 9 - Ollie Woodhall
In the ninth episode of Oxford College Castaway, Alice speaks to Ollie Woodhall, MPhil student in Russian and East European Studies and member of St Edmund Hall. Ollie discusses his experiences of conducting interviews at the Russian Embassy, being Vice President on the Middle Common Room (MCR) committee, and rowing for the college! Before being cast away to Teddy Hall for the duration of the summer holiday, Ollie shares the location for his single golden ticket and eight castaway discs...
