For The Love of All Things: Recent Episodes
50 Year Vegan
A fascinating collection of interviews, conversations and readings cataloguing the journey of artist, poet, author and humanitarian Geoff Francis who has been vegan for over 50 years. The episodes convey the ethos and influences that that have taken him on his path to trying to save the world from itself and the people he has encountered on the way.
This videodescribes Geoff’s creative process and was made for an exhibition in India running under the title of Alchemy.
In it, Geoff gives an insight to the spiritual core of much of his work and the psychological dimensions that can be found there. Although Geoff gained a BSC in psychology from London University he does not feel that the experience has consciously contributed to his life and work. Nevertheless, it clearly it doesmanifest itself somewhere; perhaps more so in his poetry and writing.
You can find more of Geoff’s work here:
https://ArtistGeoffFrancis.com
https://bonobo.tv
For artist and author Geoff Francis, inspiration comes in many ways and can come in a moment or take a long time fermenting.
In this short video Geoff describes the source of inspiration for a particularly well received painting which was inspired by his friend Heathcote Williams’ epic poem about the plight ofelephants.
This a cause which both of them had long sought to bring to public attention in their drive to expose the heinous crimes of humanity on nature.
In this episode Geoff talks to his life-long friend and colleague Dr. Peter Finlay about their serendipitous meeting at high school through to their many collaborations and mutual inspirations spanning some 60 years.
In this video Hannah Nepilova interviews Saatchi-shortlisted painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and lyricist Geoff Francis about his multi-faceted career and the thought processes that have guided his creative path.
Hannah Nepilova is a London-based classical music journalist and critic who has covered a wide range of cultural events in the UK and abroad. A music graduate of the University of Oxford, sheis a contributor to various publications including the Financial Times, The Times, Gramophone, The Strad, BBC Music Magazine, Classical Music and Opera. She is also founder and editor of The Cusp, an online magazine exploring the intersection between art forms. In addition, she is a practising musician andhelped found the BBC Ariel Orchestra and the Oberon symphony.
You can find more about Hannah here: https://thecuspmagazine.com/.
In this audio episode Hannah Nepilova interviews Saatchi-shortlisted painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and lyricist Geoff Francis about his multi-faceted career and the thought processes that have guided his creative path.
Hannah Nepilova is a London-based classical music journalist and critic who has covered a wide range of cultural events in the UK and abroad. A music graduate of the University of Oxford, she is a contributor to various publications including the Financial Times, The Times, Gramophone, The Strad, BBC Music Magazine, Classical Music and Opera.
She is also founder and editor of The Cusp, an online magazine exploring the intersection between art forms. In addition, she is a practising musician and helped found the BBC Ariel Orchestra and the Oberon Symphony.
You can find more about Hannah here: https://thecuspmagazine.com/
Marlene Narrow is the Host of Vegan Nation and a World Peace Diet Facilitator. In this second episode she talks further to Geoff about how he became a vegan and how he has been instrumental in so many pioneering schemes to bring veganism to public attention.
Vegan Nation is a one half hour news program focusing on local, national, and international vegan news, music clips, and interviews of interest to seasoned vegans, and those curious to hear more about groups and individuals who are living a vegan lifestyle. The program focuses on food, cooking, culture, history, and current events. Vegan Nation’s aim is to entertain and inform WCUW listeners on the topics of health, human, animal, and environmental concerns. The interviews include a wide range of vegan individuals and organisations who inspire compassion and understanding. Vegan Nation embraces the philosophy of “deep veganism”, the holistic awareness of the intersectionality of justice issues in contemporary societies, as well as the vegan communities’ efforts to support organic sustainability.
Marlene Narrow is the Host of Vegan Nation and a World Peace Diet Facilitator. In this first episode she talks to Geoff about how he became a vegan and how he has been instrumental in so many pioneering schemes to bring veganism to public attention.
Vegan Nation is a one half hour news program focusing on local, national, and international vegan news, music clips, and interviews of interest to seasoned vegans, and those curious to hear more about groups and individuals who are living a vegan lifestyle. The program focuses on food, cooking, culture, history, and current events. Vegan Nation’s aim is to entertain and inform WCUW listeners on the topics of health, human, animal, and environmental concerns. The interviews include a wide range of vegan individuals and organisations who inspire compassion and understanding. Vegan Nation embraces the philosophy of “deep veganism”, the holistic awareness of the intersectionality of justice issues in contemporary societies, as well as the vegan communities’ efforts to support organic sustainability.
Welcome to the series of podcasts highlighting the career and times of artist, poet, author and photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis. Our first podcasts are a serialisation of Geoff's book Spirit of the Game which is a contemporary story for young adults about heroes, football and how a teenage youth eventually comes to reject the image of a modern-day role model in favour of the reality of one from an earlier time. Through the story threads a theme which haunts and threatens the modern game of soccer. Racism and hooliganism rip at the heart of Jamie’s family, infiltrating and disrupting not only daily life but society as a whole. At the centre of the story is the life, and love, story of probably the game’s greatest ever ambassador, (Sir) Stanley Matthews. The man of whom Pele said “He taught us how to play the game”. The man who truly embodied the spirit of the game passes it on to a new generation.
Further episodes will bring conversations and interviews with some of the celebrated and diverse people that Geoff has encountered in his 50 years as an artist and vegan.
We hope you enjoy them.
Artist, poet, author, photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis talks to friends, colleagues and peers about their shared experiences in the era of the Noughties.
Part 1 of 2 of H.E.T. founder Lin Porter in conversation with Geoff Francis -
In this episode, Geoff talks to Lin Porter, the founder of HET Holistic Educational Therapy, and reminisces about how they met, their shared ideologies and how art and therapy have a symbiosis. They describe how enabling and facilitating artistic expression in children with special needs liberates their minds and enhances their confidence.
Part 2 of 2 of H.E.T. founder Lin Porter in conversation with Geoff Francis -
Lin’s background in teaching English and her subsequent development of HET has enabled her to achieve accreditation with the U.N. for her work with Geoff’s original story Spiritof the Game. It has proven captivating for children and adults and has been especially enthralling for autistic children that Lin works with through her HET practice. Spirit of the Game is available as an audio book on 50 Year Vegan Podcasts.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu in conversation with Geoff Francis - Sadly in December 2021 we lost one of the worlds greatest humanitarian statesmen and Nobel Peace laureate; Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In 2008 Bonobo.tv was granted an exclusive interview with the Archbishop and this is the uncut conversation between Geoff and Arch as he was affectionately known.
With only the slightest encouragement the Archbishop shared his interest and passion for football and in particular Stanley Mathews and his ethos for racial equality and peace. He he credited Stan with having put a dent in the apartheid armoury.
Geoff explains how this enlightening interview came about:-
Archbishop Tutu was in Stoke for the Gordon Banks Tribute at the Brittania Stadium. World players included Pele & Lional Messe and Tutu was 'officially' Pele's assistant!
Only two organisations had been granted an interview with Desmond Tutu during his visit to Stoke in 2008: Ourselves as Bonobo TV and SKY Sports. The Arch as everyone affectionately referred to him was running late having just exercised his spiritual practice on that Sunday morning and therefore had put himself under pressure to get to the airport in Manchester in order to fly on to another place that required his sort of amazing presence. We deferred and let SKY go first as they were on a fixed timeslot.
Before the conversation he noted my similarity in appearance to Richard Branson who it turned out was a friend of his and whom he would occasionally visit on Branson’s island. This comparison has happened many times in my life and I have a standard response which is ‘that wouldn't mind his money but I wouldn't want to go through the things he has to do to get it’.
The Archbishop mistook what I had said. Paul Wyndridge, the cameraman and I were quite bemused as the Archbishop spent a full 10 minutes explaining what a good person Branson was. It was only at the end when he said and “Perhaps you'll think better of him” that we realised what had happened and that it was quite humbling that one of the greatest souls in the world had taken time to make sure that one human being did not think badly of another; and despite all the time pressure that he was clearly under.
The interview finished with a high-five from the Archbishop and copious amounts of thanks to Paul and myself. Later, the security man who was looking after him told us that he and his colleague spent most of their time laughing and dancing and Paul commented that if only all the world’s statesman would like this what a different place humanity would be in. The human world is certainly a lesser place for the want of him.
A friend of ours Don Mullan is currently working with the Archbishop's daughter on a full length documentary about Desmond Tutu’s life and it will be quite a story to tell.
There is also a project underway to plant a forest in his name
Alison Turner of Future Radio interviews Geoff Francis (The 2000's) -
In this episode Author, Photographer and Artist Geoff Francis is interviewed by presenter Alison Turner on Future Radio, one of the largest and longest running community radio stations in the UK. Recorded in 2012 on her Community Chest programme we get to learn a little of Geoff’s background and history.
Community Chest is Future Radio's daily magazine show and covers everything (Norwich / Norfolk based) from arts and entertainment to DVD reviews, business and finance advice, legal advice and more.
Werewolf Dreams – A collaboration between Artist, Author and Poet Geoff Francis and artist, video artist, music maker, writer and photographer Paul Windridge.
Much classical storytelling was done in poetic format. While working with Paul Windridge on some poetic stream of consciousness ideas, where Geoff provided the words and Paul the images, it seemed to Geoff that this was also an ideal format for his style of story telling
In Werewolf Dreams Geoff’s book explores what might happen if a gothic phenomenon of the natural world confronts those who are at the heart of the destruction of the planet; by infiltrating their dreams and exposing them to the consequences of their actions
Werewolf Dreams – A collaboration between Artist, Author and Poet Geoff Francis and artist, video artist, music maker, writer and photographer Paul Windridge.
Much classical storytelling was done in poetic format. While working with Paul Windridge on some poetic stream of consciousness ideas, where Geoff provided the words and Paul the images, it seemed to Geoff that this was also an ideal format for his style of story telling
In Werewolf Dreams Geoff’s book explores what might happen if a gothic phenomenon of the natural world confronts those who are at the heart of the destruction of the planet; by infiltrating their dreams and exposing them to the consequences of their actions.
Read by Geoff Francis
Erica Longdon Interviews Geoff Francis -
In addition to animal welfare, veganism and the environment, Artist & author Geoff Francis has a passion for football and how it is not just a game but can tear down prejudices and racism; if its role models are harnessed appropriately.
In this episode we present an interview with Geoff by Presenter Erica Longdon. Recorded in 2008 on her Evocation Hour program, she explores with Geoff his two books which try to bring to the fore the massive potential that sport - and football in particular, have to offer.
Erica is part of the international 12Family and a spiritual advisor on 12Listen radio. She is an intuitive, certified Angel Therapy Practitioner, Usui Reiki master with additional attunements to Archangels and Ascended Masters, a bodywork therapist and sound healer. She brings her experience of thirty years broadcasting in television and radio to 12Radio on her ‘Breakfast With Erica’ program every Thursday
SPIRIT OF THE GAMEis an adaptation of the script of a compelling contemporary feature film set in present day Britain. It is about heroes, hooliganism, and underlying racism grown within a footballing culture. It explores the emotional upheaval engulfing a teenager who eventually comes to reject the soccer image of a modern day role model in favour of one from an earlier time.
Throughout the story threads a theme that haunts and threatens the professional game of football. Vandalism, bigotry and hooliganism rip at the heart of Jamie Steele’s family infiltrating and disrupting not only their daily lives, but also those of the local community.
At the centre of the drama is the life and love story of probably the game's greatest ever ambassador (Sir) Stanley Mathews and how this ordinary teenager develops an extraordinary bond with the ghost of a distinguished player.
Perceptible only to Jamie, his newly found ‘life-coach’ helps him to understand that the depraved ‘celebrity footballer’ he most idolises and whose lifestyle he aspires to, is in fact the antithesis of everything the ‘beautiful game’ represents.
Spirit of the Game is in essence a feel-good tale- ‘a triumph of spirit over adversity’ and one of its key strengths is to seamlessly cross-pollinate ‘fact with fiction’ into a story juxtaposing a glimpse into the life and times that shaped Stanley Matthews game, to that of the more sinister elements that define modern football culture . Thus Stanley Matthews, the man who truly embodied the spirit of the game passes on his values to a new, younger generation.
SPIRIT OF THE GAMEis an adaptation of the script of a compelling contemporary feature film set in present day Britain. It is about heroes, hooliganism, and underlying racism grown within a footballing culture. It explores the emotional upheaval engulfing a teenager who eventually comes to reject the soccer image of a modern day role model in favour of one from an earlier time.
Throughout the story threads a theme that haunts and threatens the professional game of football. Vandalism, bigotry and hooliganism rip at the heart of Jamie Steele’s family infiltrating and disrupting not only their daily lives, but also those of the local community.
At the centre of the drama is the life and love story of probably the game's greatest ever ambassador (Sir) Stanley Mathews and how this ordinary teenager develops an extraordinary bond with the ghost of a distinguished player.
Perceptible only to Jamie, his newly found ‘life-coach’ helps him to understand that the depraved ‘celebrity footballer’ he most idolises and whose lifestyle he aspires to, is in fact the antithesis of everything the ‘beautiful game’ represents.
Spirit of the Game is in essence a feel-good tale- ‘a triumph of spirit over adversity’ and one of its key strengths is to seamlessly cross-pollinate ‘fact with fiction’ into a story juxtaposing a glimpse into the life and times that shaped Stanley Matthews game, to that of the more sinister elements that define modern football culture . Thus Stanley Matthews, the man who truly embodied the spirit of the game passes on his values to a new, younger generation.
SPIRIT OF THE GAMEis an adaptation of the script of a compelling contemporary feature film set in present day Britain. It is about heroes, hooliganism, and underlying racism grown within a footballing culture. It explores the emotional upheaval engulfing a teenager who eventually comes to reject the soccer image of a modern day role model in favour of one from an earlier time.
Throughout the story threads a theme that haunts and threatens the professional game of football. Vandalism, bigotry and hooliganism rip at the heart of Jamie Steele’s family infiltrating and disrupting not only their daily lives, but also those of the local community.
At the centre of the drama is the life and love story of probably the game's greatest ever ambassador (Sir) Stanley Mathews and how this ordinary teenager develops an extraordinary bond with the ghost of a distinguished player.
Perceptible only to Jamie, his newly found ‘life-coach’ helps him to understand that the depraved ‘celebrity footballer’ he most idolises and whose lifestyle he aspires to, is in fact the antithesis of everything the ‘beautiful game’ represents.
Spirit of the Game is in essence a feel-good tale- ‘a triumph of spirit over adversity’ and one of its key strengths is to seamlessly cross-pollinate ‘fact with fiction’ into a story juxtaposing a glimpse into the life and times that shaped Stanley Matthews game, to that of the more sinister elements that define modern football culture . Thus Stanley Matthews, the man who truly embodied the spirit of the game passes on his values to a new, younger generation.
SPIRIT OF THE GAMEis an adaptation of the script of a compelling contemporary feature film set in present day Britain. It is about heroes, hooliganism, and underlying racism grown within a footballing culture. It explores the emotional upheaval engulfing a teenager who eventually comes to reject the soccer image of a modern day role model in favour of one from an earlier time.
Throughout the story threads a theme that haunts and threatens the professional game of football. Vandalism, bigotry and hooliganism rip at the heart of Jamie Steele’s family infiltrating and disrupting not only their daily lives, but also those of the local community.
At the centre of the drama is the life and love story of probably the game's greatest ever ambassador (Sir) Stanley Mathews and how this ordinary teenager develops an extraordinary bond with the ghost of a distinguished player.
Perceptible only to Jamie, his newly found ‘life-coach’ helps him to understand that the depraved ‘celebrity footballer’ he most idolises and whose lifestyle he aspires to, is in fact the antithesis of everything the ‘beautiful game’ represents.
Spirit of the Game is in essence a feel-good tale- ‘a triumph of spirit over adversity’ and one of its key strengths is to seamlessly cross-pollinate ‘fact with fiction’ into a story juxtaposing a glimpse into the life and times that shaped Stanley Matthews game, to that of the more sinister elements that define modern football culture . Thus Stanley Matthews, the man who truly embodied the spirit of the game passes on his values to a new, younger generation.
Artist, poet, author, photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis talks to friends, colleagues and peers about their shared experiences in the era of the 1990’s.
Artist, poet, author, photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis talks to friends, colleagues and peers about their shared experiences in the era of the 1980’s.
Welcome to the 50 year vegan series of podcasts (The 1970's) -
Artist, poet, author, photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis talks to friends, colleagues and peers about their shared experiences in the era of the 1970’s.
Tess Coleman in conversation with Geoff Francis (The 1970's) -
In this episode, Geoff is in conversation with one of his longest standing friends Tess Coleman, who he first met in the early 1970s. Tess is a professional musician and broadcaster in Australia as well as a member of the Rickety Chicks Band. In this first episode they reminisce about how they met, their shared to commitment to veganism as well as their influences and the parallel journey they have taken.
Welcome to the 50 year vegan series of podcasts (The 1950's & 1960’s) -
Artist, poet, author, photographer, vegan and animal rights campaigner Geoff Francis talks to friends, colleagues and peers about their shared experiences in the era of the 50's & 60’s.
Steve Golding in Conversation with Geoff Francis (Part 1 of 2 from the 1960's) -
In these two episodes, Geoff is in conversation with Steve Golding who he met when he was just four and Steve was six. Sport and music and have been prominent in Geoff’s life and Steve Golding is the son of Les Golding who was an enormous influence in the world of British athletics in the 50s 60s and right through to the 90s. Geoff and Steve first encountered each other on the athletics track at Eaton Manor’s Club training ground known as 'The Wilderness' in 1950’s. The reminisce about their shared experiences with Sport and Music; and the people they encountered together.
Steve Golding in Conversation with Geoff Francis (Part 2 of 2 from the 1960's) -
In the second of these two episodes, Geoff is in conversation with Steve Golding who he met when he was just four and Steve was six. Sport and music and have been prominent in Geoff’s life and Steve Golding is the son of Les Golding who was an enormous influence in the world of British athletics in the 50s 60s and right through to the 90s. Geoff and Steve first encountered each other on the athletics track at Eaton Manor’s Club training ground known as the world best in 1950’s. The reminisce about their shared experiences with Sport and Music; and the people they encountered together.