Baker Street Irregulars

You've heard about Sherlock Holmes. But did you know there are people that share this interest who get together on a regular basis? This is the place to learn all about it.

Getting Started

Interviews on I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, the first podcast for Sherlock Holmes fans. It's like Fresh Air for Sherlockians.

Interviews

“I have all the facts in my journal” [STUD]&nbsp;  For our 221st episode, we had to make it as deeply Sherlockian as we could. What better topic than The Baker Street Journal, the first (ir)regular publication about Sherlock Holmes scholarship? First published in 1946, the BSJ is a stalwart in the Sherlockian community, and it's much more than scholarship. Steven Rothman, BSI, 2s. ("The Valley of Fear") has edited the Journal since 2000, and he'll be the first to admit it's much more than scholarship. On the occasion of the BSJ's 75th anniversary, we discuss the origins of this little yellow-backed publication, its evolution, and where it's headed. Steve's enthusiasm for the topic knows no bounds. We were pleased to receive many congratulatory notes, so we open up the listener mailbag for a few of them. And of course, we have another&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;to challenge your acuity. If you are chosen as a winner, you'll get a year's subscription to the BSJ. Already a subscriber? We'll extend your subscription. Answers are due by August 14, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. &nbsp;   Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and transcription services.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BONUS CONTENT: For our&nbsp; supporters, the conversation continues with Steve Rothman. To unlock this content, become a supporter for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. &nbsp; Sponsors &nbsp;is the premier publisher of books about Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, including&nbsp;. &nbsp; &nbsp;has&nbsp;&nbsp;available from David MacGregor. &nbsp;  &nbsp; Would you care to advertise with us? You can find&nbsp;. Let's chat!  &nbsp; Links  This episode:&nbsp;   (Twitter)     Previous episodes mentioned:         Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;. &nbsp; &nbsp; And would you consider leaving us a rating and review? It would help other Sherlockians to find us. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).  &nbsp;   Transcript We are so grateful for your support&nbsp;, which makes our transcripts possible. The transcript for this episode will be available at&nbsp;. &nbsp; &nbsp; --   &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Baker Street Journal

We do another interview show, this time when we have a conversation with longtime Baker Street Irregular Peter Blau ("Black Peter"). Peter is one of the center points of the Sherlockian hub and has plenty of great stories to tell. Add to that an audio comment from a listener, and we've got a show that should not be missed.

Episode 6: Peter Blau (Part 1)

The chatfest with Peter Blau continues as we enjoy more conversation in an even more interesting vein, if you can imagine. From the early days of the BSI to radio connections, professional societies, collecting and traditions, and even Sherlock Holmes in a far-flung place, Peter gives his unique perspective.

Episode 7: Peter Blau (Part 2)

Scott and Burt interview Bob Thomalen, BSI to learn more about his involvement with the Sherlockian world, including his claim to fame, Autumn in Baker Street (aka “The Great Sherlockian Sleepover"). Join us as we learn more about this veteran drummer, guitarist, magician, chessman, and corporate presenter. Bob will also share his insights as to how to start a Sherlock Holmes society or event .

Episode 11: Bob Thomalen (Part 1)

We pick up where we left off in Episode 11, talking with Bob Thomalen, BSI ("The Three Garridebs") about how he was able to make his events so successful so early on, how he went about selecting speakers, what it was like to work with Tom Stix, and a wonderful legacy left to us by Bob's closest Sherlockian friend.

Episode 12: Bob Thomalen (Part 2)

In this episode we begin our interview the head of the Baker Street Irregulars - the internationally renowned literary society that remains at the forefront of the study of Sherlock Holmes. 

Michael Whelan has been "Wiggins" of the BSI for the last decade, and here he shares some thoughts on his own personal history, the organization, the annual gathering known as the BSI Weekend, and more.

Full show notes available at https://ihose.co/ihose14

Michael Whelan (Part 1)

As you probably know, any blockbuster film - in addition to the revenue it brings to the studio - will result in an associated cottage industry. Toys, music, books, video games - you name it. In this case, Sherlockians new and old have been given a gift in the renaissance the character is now enjoying.

In this episode, we're joined by Steven Doyle, BSI, 2s ("The Western Morning News"), author of Sherlock Holmes For Dummies, a book that in a single place, encapsulates our hobby and all of the associated background of the time, era and stories that make it so enjoyable. Join us and listen in on what some of the highlights of the book are, the "story behind the story" of how Steve was chosen as the author, and some surprises that Steve encountered along the way.

We close with a reading of and Editor's Gas-Lamp from The Baker Street Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2 (New Series) titled "Writings About the Writings."

Episode 25: Sherlock Holmes for Dummies

“For three hours we strolled about together” [RESI]

As we continue our look at some of the early Baker Street Irregulars associated with The Baker Street Journal (we began with its publisher Ben Abramson in Episode 269), we turn to Christopher Morley. 

Morley was the right man at the right time with the right attitude, and Steven Rothman, BSI, 2s. ("The Valley of Fear") is the foremost expert on this legend of the BSJ. We look at Morley's early life, his influences, his literary works, and his popularity leading up to and through the time of the establishment of Sherlockian societies. 

There are Sherlockian news headlines and the ever-present Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? The winner will receive something Morley-esque.&nbsp; Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by September 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. 

If you become a Patreon supporter, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and transcription services, but we have thank-you gifts at certain tiers and ad-free versions of the episodes for all patrons.   https://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock

Full show notes: https://ihose.co/ihose272

Legends of the BSJ - Christopher Morley

What it means to be a Sherlockian - how "The Game" is played, Sherlockian societies, the original stories, 221B Baker Street, our unique vocabulary, enjoying the Victorian and Edwardian times and more. 

Episode 04: Sherlockian 101 (Part 1)

The discussion continues from the previous episode's topic of the basics of the Sherlockian world. You'll hear us discuss the societies, scholarship, international groups, regular gatherings and a healthy how-to of getting involved.

Episode 05: Sherlockian 101 (Part 2)

"Beacons of the future!" [NAVA]&nbsp; Sherlock Holmes appreciated education. He admired the "[c]apsules with hundreds of bright little seeds in each" as he and Watson passed by the board-schools on the way out to Briarbrae in "The Naval Treaty." And he famously said, "Education never ends. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last," in "The Red Circle." &nbsp; So it is entirely appropriate the The Beacon Society, the Sherlockian group that recognizes and supports exemplary efforts of bringing Sherlock Holmes to children, would create a new branch especially for children. It is the Junior Sherlockian Society, and it is headed up by Shannon Carlisle, a previous winner of the Beacon Award. &nbsp; Through her efforts with her own classes of fourth graders, Shannon has ingeniously introduced them to Sherlock Holmes, and now it is codified so that children across the world can take part in Junior Sherlockian Training. She joined us to tell us all about the program was developed and how kids can get involved. &nbsp; Is your child, grandchild, or student even remotely interested in Sherlock Holmes? Or maybe they're struggling with reading or some other skill. Then the Junior Sherlockian Society is just what they need. The game's afoot!  And please consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services. &nbsp; &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors, plus a new addition. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here. &nbsp;  Notes 1:50 Proper attire is required for this episode 7:30 A visit to the Ancient, Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Wessex 9:30 Introducing Shannon Carlisle 15:25 Adaptations for younger readers 16:24 Avoiding blood, guts and weaponry 19:05 The Beacon Society 21:55 Beacon Award Winner 2014 23:35 It's always 1895 in this classroom 34:10 The Junior Sherlockian Society 41:20 The Society online 47:15 A word from the&nbsp;Baker Street Journal 50:05 An important message from John Rabe&nbsp; &nbsp; Links  Junior Sherlockian Society Junior Sherlockian Society Facebook Page The Beacon Society Shannon Carlisle, 2014 Beacon Award winner  I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud&nbsp;by William Wordsworth - a jocund poem     &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;   Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please&nbsp;subscribe to us on iTunes,&nbsp;Google Play,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker—or the podcast player of your choice—and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).

Episode 134: The Junior Sherlockian Society

“Light-houses, my boy! Beacons of the future!” [NAVA]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;   &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Beacon Society needs your help. In particular, it needs you to spread the word to teachers, librarians, students and more. &nbsp; Established in 2003, the Beacon Society introduces young people to the Sherlock Holmes stories and recognizes people who are doing their part to do the same. Through grants, awards, essay contests and more, the group has many resources and opportunities for all who wish to get involved. &nbsp; In this episode, we're joined by Headlight Denny Dobry, BSI ("A Single Large Airy Sitting Room") and Communications Chair Steve Mason, who tell us about the priorities of the group and what you can expect ahead. &nbsp; Also, tune in for the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet. We have another opportunity for you to win&nbsp;a prize in this episode. &nbsp; &nbsp; Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.        &nbsp;              &nbsp;     &nbsp; Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.   &nbsp;   &nbsp;  Sponsors  Wessex Press&nbsp;is our lead sponsor. They've been with us for nearly the entire run. Please visit their site and let them know you found them via I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. &nbsp;    &nbsp;   We have room for more than one sponsor. If you're interested in advertising with us, you can find&nbsp;more information here. Let's chat!   &nbsp;  Download&nbsp;[Save As] | File size 25.2 MB, 54:59   &nbsp; &nbsp;   Links &nbsp;  This episode:&nbsp;ihose.co/ihose183 The Beacon Society The Jan Stauber Grant&nbsp;(Grant deadline is&nbsp;May 1) The Joel Senter Essay Contest&nbsp;(Essay deadline is&nbsp;February 1)  IHOSE remembers Joel Senter Fortescue Scholarship Exams Other episodes mentioned:   Episode 134: The Junior Sherlockian Society Episode 153: The Rooms at 221B Baker Street      &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter.   &nbsp;   Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing:   Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Google Podcasts,&nbsp;RadioPublic,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.   &nbsp;   Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).    &nbsp;    Transcript  We've slipped a bit: we're just shy of&nbsp;our goal of $100 per episode level on Patreon. Please consider contributing a dollar or two a month to help us bring transcripts to the hearing-impaired. Transcript will be here soon. But you need to help.   &nbsp;   -- &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Beacon Society

Remembering Bob Thomalen, BSI ("The Three Garridebs"), who passed away on Dec. 5, 2019. Bob was a longtime Sherlockian and the founder of Autumn In Baker Street.

His friends remember him at https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2020/01/remembering-bob-thomalen-bsi.html

I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Special Episode: Remembering Bob Thomalen

“a certain quiet primness of dress” [MUSG]&nbsp; For the last 26 years, Beau Ties Ltd. has been a Vermont-based U.S. manufacturer of bow ties. And sometimes we see glimpses of Sherlock Holmes coming through. Because we're bow tie fanciers and astute observers of things, we decided to chat with an executive from Beau Ties Ltd. to understand their thinking. So we sat down with Cy Tall, President of Beau Ties Ltd. From her choice of college major to her consulting career, Cy's decisions eventually led her to this fascinating industry. She tells us about how the team gets its inspiration for tie names, how clubs can work with Beau Ties to get their own custom ties, how the conversion service (convert your neck tie to a bow tie) came about, how the company has accommodated more than just men with its products, and more. We also have a special Beau Ties Ltd. discount for IHOSE listeners: just use the code&nbsp;HOLMES15&nbsp;at checkout from January 15-30, 2020 and you'll enjoy 15 percent off your order. Also, tune in for the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet. We have another opportunity for you to win&nbsp;a prize in this episode. &nbsp; Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.  Please do consider becoming a . Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.    &nbsp;  Sponsors  &nbsp;is our lead sponsor. They've been with us for nearly the entire run. Please visit their site and let them know you found them via I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere.    We have room for more than one sponsor. If you're interested in advertising with us, you can find&nbsp;. Let's chat!  &nbsp;   &nbsp; &nbsp;   Links  This episode:&nbsp;   &nbsp;bow tie &nbsp;bow tie Discount code:&nbsp;HOLMES15 &nbsp;(I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere)     &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.   &nbsp;   Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing:   ,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp; — or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.   Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).    &nbsp;    Transcript  We've slipped a bit: we're just shy of&nbsp;. Please consider contributing a dollar or two a month to help us bring transcripts to the hearing-impaired. &nbsp; Transcript will be at ihose.co/ihose184.   -- &nbsp; &nbsp;

Tying One On with Sherlock Holmes

"pursuing some laborious researches" [3STU] The name William S. Baring-Gould is one of a hallowed few in the pantheon of Sherlockian scholars. He is one of the handful of chronologists who has attempted to put the stories in a particular order, using a number of research techniques. He also wrote the first unofficial "biography" of Sherlock Holmes with his&nbsp;Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street: A Life of the World's First Consulting Detective. And his name is synonymous with his magnum opus from 1967,&nbsp;The Annotated Sherlock Holmes. The 2019&nbsp;Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual&nbsp;looks at all of these things and more, making this legend come to life as a fully-formed and high achieving individual. Julie McKuras, Tim Johnson, Richard Sveum, and Gary Thaden joined forces to bring us this well-deserved biography of this hero of so many Sherlockians. We spoke to Julie and Tim to hear what went into writing this book and special discoveries they made about Baring-Gould along the way. While you can't buy a copy of the Christmas Annual (it comes bundled with every annual BSJ subscription), we are giving you a chance to get a copy: the prize we're giving away for this episode's&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;is a copy of the Baring-Gould Christmas Annual. You won't find it anywhere else. &nbsp; Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.    Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.   &nbsp;   &nbsp;  Sponsors  &nbsp;is our lead sponsor. They've been with us for nearly the entire run. Please visit their site and let them know you found them via I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. We're also pleased to have support from &nbsp;in Dayton, OH. &nbsp;    We have room for more than one sponsor. If you're interested in advertising with us, you can find&nbsp;. Let's chat!   &nbsp;  Links  This episode:&nbsp; The 2019&nbsp;Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual:&nbsp; &nbsp;(possibly at a BSI meeting)   &nbsp;at the University of Minnesota Tim's blog:&nbsp; Previous episodes mentioned in this episode:            &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.   &nbsp;   Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing:   ,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.   &nbsp;   Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).    &nbsp;    Transcript  The transcript for this episode is available at  We've just hit&nbsp;. If you've helped, thank you. If not, we do need to get through the archives, so please consider signing up.

William S. Baring-Gould

“your wide experience of turf matters” [SILV]&nbsp; The sport of kings horse racing is part of the Sherlock Holmes lore. It's also part of a tradition in Sherlockian events going back some 70 years. The BSI Press has issued a new book,&nbsp;, that is a comprehensive look at horse racing in the Canon, Victorian England, and the Baker Street Irregulars, as well as associated topics such as gambling, drugs (quite an associated set of vices!), the law, art, and history. Candace J. Lewis, BSI ("A Little Art Jargon") and Ira Brad Matetsky ("The Final Problem"), together with Roger Donway, edited this volume related to horses and horse racing. Candy and Ira join us to talk about the inspiration behind the volume and our own Burt Wolder describes his contribution to the scholarship. The&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;is back, and the prize for this episode is a copy of the BSI Press booklet&nbsp;Commissionaire: Julian Wolff and his Baker Street Irregulars&nbsp;by Sonia Fetherston. This booklet was distributed to attendees of the&nbsp;&nbsp;in November 2019 and is an advance publicity piece for Sonia's forthcoming biography of Julian. It is not available anywhere else on the market. &nbsp; &nbsp; Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.     &nbsp;      Please do consider becoming a . Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.     &nbsp;   &nbsp;  Sponsors  &nbsp;is our lead sponsor. They've been with us for nearly the entire run. Please visit their site and let them know you found them via I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. &nbsp;    We have room for more than one sponsor. If you're interested in advertising with us, you can find&nbsp;. Let's chat!  &nbsp;   &nbsp;   Links  This episode:&nbsp; &nbsp;(BSI Press) &nbsp;(BSI Press) &nbsp;(BSI Press) &nbsp;(BSI Press)    &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.   &nbsp;   Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing:   ,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp; — or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.   Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).    &nbsp;    Transcript  We've just hit&nbsp;. If you've helped, thank you. If not, we do need to get through the archives, so please consider signing up by clicking the link above. You can find the full transcript at  --   &nbsp; &nbsp;

Upon the Turf

The first podcast for Sherlock Holmes devotees, covering the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and popular culture. Discussions about the timeless characters of Holmes & Watson, goings-on today in a variety of media, and interviews with interesting people who share a passion for the great detective.