The Extremis Publishing Podcast

Computer industry legend Mel Croucher, who founded the first videogames company in the UK, drops in for a chat about "Gamers: Ghosts in the Machine" - the first instalment in his ambitious multi-volume series detailing the history of gaming. Mel talks about some of the extraordinary figures who were responsible for shaping the modern videogames industry, and teases a few surprises we can look forward to in later entries in the seri...

Laura Ruddock, the founder of the Literary Escape Company, joins us for a chat about her ambitious new range of book festivals, with sellout events scheduled right across Britain in 2026. Laura discusses her business journey to date, including her range of merchandise and new developments that are still in the pipeline.

For more information about the Literary Escape Company, please visit their official website at: https://www.liter...

Stuart Hall, PR and Media Officer at Forth Valley College, has a chat with Dr Tom Christie, creator of the Writing for Publication course that runs regularly at the college's Stirling campus. Tom reflects on presenting the course over the past few years, and discusses the content that attendees can expect - not least the fact that there is always something new to include every time a session runs!

For more information about the Wri...

Author and entrepreneur Laurie Duncan discusses his brand new book Real Property, Real Profit, exploring his remarkable real-life journey towards huge business success in the world of property. Laurie discusses the challenges and the successes involved in becoming one of the country's most successful property traders and developers, including the importance of mindset and adaptability.

For more information, please visit our website...

A true pioneer of British microcomputing has once again taken to the airwaves. Mel Croucher, the visionary creator of Deus Ex Machina and one of the most distinctive voices of the 1980s home computer scene, has revived his irreverent end-of-the-year “address to the nation” as Mel Croucher’s Christmas Cracker. In the glory days of Crash and other stalwart computer magazines, Mel’s seasonal missives arrived as crackling cover-mounted...

Phillip Vaughan, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Games Technology and Mathematics at Dundee's Abertay University and Programme Leader for their Master of Science degree in Technical Art and Visual Effects, chats with Tom Christie and Julie Christie about their new book, "Lights, Camera, Dundee!" This entertaining illustrated guide to the films, TV series, music videos, and commercials filmed in and around Dundee, Tayside, and ...

Chris Watson, Retail Liaison Manager for Stirling's famous Thistles Shopping Centre, drops by for a chat about his amazing charity challenge in support of Save the Children - a feat of endurance which has included training for participation in the gruelling Tokyo Marathon and a nail-biting sleepover in the Thistles' infamous Thieves' Pot, beneath the historic Bastion. With many thanks to Studio King Street, where this recording too...

Robert Murray discusses his book "My Life in Carnoustie: A Lang Time Ago," a lively exploration of the famous seaside town in the Scottish county of Angus. He looks back over the evolving industries in the town, the changing face of the high street, the enduring community spirit, its cultural heritage, and of course Carnoustie's enduring connection with the game of golf.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://ww...

Laura Cluxton, Lauren Gilmour, and Rowan Ferguson - all representatives of the Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk - join us to discuss the vital role the centre plays in the lives of people of all ages. They talk about the services being provided by the centre, the community focus of its work, and the different ways that people can become involved.

For more information, please visit the Forth Valley Sensory Centre's website at:...

A mystery interviewer quizzes author Dr Tom Christie about his book Digital Pioneer Spirit: The Freewheeling Creative Innovation of Mel Croucher on the Home Microcomputer. They discuss the infamously nonconformist counter-cultural genius, Mel Croucher - the acknowledged founder of the UK computer games industry - and explore his extraordinary career of world firsts as well as his most memorable titles, his original music, and many ...

Entrepreneur Paul Murray, Director of King Street ApartHotel in Stirling, turns the tables on Extremis Publishing's Directors by putting them into the hot seat as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations. Tom found himself as the interviewee for once, while Julie took to the airwaves for only the second time in over eighty Extremis podcasts (to date). If you would like to know about the people behind Extremis Publishing, now is...

Archaeologist Dr Murray Cook discusses his book "Hidden Stirling", an exploration of the secret sites of the city, where he uncovers some surprising stories of its illustrious past. He also ventures into his findings from Stirling's surrounding area, discussing the ancient communities that once lived there and the mysteries they left behind.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.extremispublishing.com/hidde...

Gillian Barrett, Association Manager with the Scottish Tourist Guide Association, kindly joins us for an exploration of the work of this distinctive and highly-respected national organisation. With over sixty years of experience, the STGA has built up a vast network of clients with a first-class reputation of training highly-skilled guides who can bring any travel itinerary to life. Gillian discusses the many different facets of th...

Neil Munday, the Managing Director of the brand new King Street Aparthotel in Stirling, joins us for a chat about this remarkable new attraction in the city centre. Housed within a charming B-listed 19th-century stone building, this luxurious boutique self-service hotel is also home to WorKing Flexispaces - a flexible workspace with private offices, a co-working hub, soundproof telephone booths, a business lounge, meeting rooms, an...

Author, pastor and radio personality, the Rev. Dr Alasdair Black, has a lively and informative chat about his new book "The Courage to Speak: Sex, Sexuality and the Church," which examines changing cultural and social attitudes towards sexual behaviour in the modern world. Alasdair discusses the themes of his book and talks about the urgent need to find common purpose amongst division and conflict.

For more information, please visi...

In this festive special, author, podcaster and media personality Santa Joe Moore interviews his friend, Dr Tom Christie, who has just completed work on his four volume history of Christmas cinema in the twentieth century with the publication of "A Seriously Groovy Movie Christmas" - a guide to the themes and developments of holiday season movies during the 1960s and '70s. Join them as they discuss the highlights of the era, along w...