In this episode (which is a bumper one, *concidentally* timed just before the Webby voting closes) we’re thinking about nostalgia - about periods of history that spark a lot of memories, about personal pasts and things we miss, or things we’re glad are over! So where better to start than with two of our longest serving and highly esteemed editors, Tony Lacey and Eleo Gordon, talking about the days of publishing during the Mad Men years and how things have changed. Thank you to everyone who supplied questions on Facebook, there were some gems that Tony and Eleo were thrilled to answer. Next we’re off to the Yorkshire of the 1950s, with a reading from Bobby on the Beat, Pamela Rhodes true story of life as a policewoman then. Following that we have a telephone interview with the charming Mollie Moran, author of Aprons and Silver Spoons: The heartwarming memoirs of a 1930s scullery maid, who transports us back to a London we would barely recognise. Next we go a little more modern with not one but two very different readings on Thatcher’s England. First up is a reading from Dominic Sandbrook’s Seasons in the Sun: The Battle for Britain, 1974-1979, followed by an extract from Charles Moore’s official biography, Margaret Thatcher. We then have an interview with Jay Griffiths, author of Kith, who questions how happy modern day childhoods really are, and thinks about what exactly childhood is supposed to be. Next we move on to the historical fiction with a reading by Bee Ridgway from her utterly engrossing historical romance The River of No Return. Finally, we have an interview with Alicia Foster, about her new book Warpaint, a compelling tale of truth and lies, tragedy and black comedy, loosely based on the lives of four painters during the World War Two.

In Webby related news, a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us, and to those who didn't there's still time! Help us to waddle to a Webby at http://wbby.co/j0y1.

The Penguin Podcast: Nostalgia, Memories and the Not So Distant Past feat. Mollie Moran

Former SAS major Ben Hope is relaxing at his home in Normandy when he hears the worst news of his life. His ex-girlfriend Dr Brooke Marcel has been kidnapped.

Racing against the clock, Ben’s frantic search for Brooke leads him from Ireland to the Spanish mountains and the rainforests of Peru.

What is the mysterious link between the kidnapping, the salvage of a sunken 16th-century Spanish warship and the secret activities of its wealthy discoverer?

As the trail of wreckage and mayhem intensifies, Ben soon uncovers a web of intrigue, corruption and brutal murder.
But will he be too late to find Brooke alive?

The Armada Legacy by Scott Mariani, read by Jack Hawkins

In addition to presenting the biggest international stars and local legends, the Festival is a keen advocate and supporter of new Australian talent.

Through the FRESH program, the Festival offers new Australian talent financial assistance, marketing support and professional advice to allow them to present a successful show, gain valuable experience and grow their audience.

News package. Fresh Program- Sydney comedy festival- Reported by Masoud Sheikhi

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