Best Big Rab Podcasts (2025)

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 434. David Duncan - DuncElectric 1:15:11

3d ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 434th Episode we hear all about an interesting new innovation to hit the Bagpiping world, the DuncElectric Chanter Stock. This plus we catch up on all the latest news and views from around the piping scene this past week. Don’t forget we have lots of amazing backstage videos, and audio recordings, ex…

1
Lynn Hill on the Women of the 80s, Who Inspired Her and Who Is Inspiring Her Now 1:16:44

6d ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Lynn Hill is THE legend, and quite possibly the most impactful climber of all time. I could make a case that Lynn's free ascent in a day of The Nose is the greatest climbing achievement of all time. But Lynn and I aren't talking about Lynn. We're talking about the other women of the 80s: the women she climbed with, competed against and was inspired…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 433. Cameron Morrison 1:18:37

10d ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 433rd Episode we catch with international bagpiper Cameron Morrison, who has quite a story to tell. This plus we catch up on all the latest news and views from around the piping scene this past week. Don’t forget we have lots of amazing backstage videos, and audio recordings, exclusive interviews, ep…

1
Amy Skinner on Las Vegas Climbing in the 80s and the Importance of Great Female Partners 1:33:54

13d ago1:33:54

1:33:54

Today I sit down with my good friend Amy Skinner - who, in the early 80s in Las Vegas, sort of stumbled into the scene that would eventually be called sport climbing. We discuss that movement, where she first encountered other female climbers, who her favorite female climbing partners have been, and more. Like many of the women who have been mentio…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 432. Richard McLauchlan 1:29:51

17d ago1:29:51

1:29:51

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 432nd Episode we catch up with two weeks of Piping News and views from around the piping scene. Plus we chat to Author and Bagpiper Richard McLauchlan, as he has written and published a brand new book exploring the Cultural History of Bagpipes. For more information and also where you can pick up a co…

1
Women Climbers of the 80s Part 3: Unique Strengths 36:56

20d ago36:56

36:56

In Part 3 of our series on female climbers of the 1980s, we wrap up the decade with difficulty reaching new heights. We see a smart pattern start to emerge at the top of the pack as women realize how to leverage their unique strengths, and in doing so, they prove themselves with resounding success at the most futuristic crag in the world - Buoux. I…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 431. Anna Smart 47:58

24d ago47:58

47:58

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 431st Episode we chat to Anna Smart from the Rollin Drones. She talks all about her experience re-discovering bagpipes, and her journey back to playing again. Also her story of going viral, playing at Time Square and ontop of a table !.. Check out details of the Rollin Drones on the following link.. …

1
Reflecting on Season 1: Lessons in Community, Creativity, and Change 9:36

25d ago9:36

9:36

In Season 1 of Educating to Be Human, we asked questions—about creativity and curiosity, change and adaptation, empathy and self-worth. We spoke with changemakers in classrooms, communities, and prisons, all committed to reimagining education as a powerful lever for transformation. In this special bonus episode, host Lisa Petrides looks back at the…

1
Women Climbers of the 80s Part 2: Power In Numbers 35:20

27d ago35:20

35:20

In Part 2 of our series on women climbers of the 1980s, we focus on the middle of the decade, when difficulty soared. We take a closer look at the 1984 International Ladies Meet hosted by The Pinnacle Club in North Wales, how it connects to the women who were at the forefront of sport climbing a year later, and how standards began to skyrocket. We …

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 430. Piping in Concert 1:15:11

1M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 430th Episode we chat all about Piping in Concert. It’s a totally different dynamic from piping in a competition or parades. I chat all about my personal experience and detail all the various nuances I discovered recently. All this plus we bring you all the usual news and views from across the piping…

1
Women Climbers of the 80s Part 1: It Wasn't Because They Weren't There 43:15

1M ago43:15

43:15

The history of women in climbing, in it’s written form, is woefully incomplete. In this, the first of a multi-part series, we attempt to correct some of these oversights by taking a look at not only the early 80s, but the years and accomplishments that laid the foundation for the women of the 80s. In this episode, we discuss Bev Johnson, Sibylle He…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 429. Elias Alexander 1:10:59

1M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 429th Episode we catch up with a multi-instrumentalist who is taking bagpipes to a totally new musical genre. Elias Alexander, tells us all about his background in piping and what brought him to bring piping to the masses. You can check out more information on Elias on his website https://www.eliasal…

1
We're Giving Away 3 Rab Hoodies! 2:57

1M ago2:57

2:57

Our main sponsor this season, Rab, is giving away three of their Ascendor Light Hoodies, mens or womens, any color in stock. To enter, go to https://www.patreon.com/secretstonersclub Learn more about Rab at https://rab.equipment/us/By Plug Tone Audio

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 428. Kids With Cancer Charity Night 2025 2:10:32

2M ago2:10:32

2:10:32

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 428th Episode we bring you an on the ground report from the 2025 Kids With Cancer Charity Night. Including interviews from the folks involved and some of the amazing live performances on stage. It’s quite a packed podcast. Email us now - [email protected] Support us www.patreon.com/BigRabShow We h…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 427. Kerr McQuillan 1:22:26

2M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 427th Episode we catch up with Kerr McQuillan. We hear all about what he has been up to lately and his exciting new innovations in the drumming world. You can check out more details and pick up one of his new drum pads on the following link. https://www.kerrmcquillan.com/ All this plus we catch up on…

1
History Misses Things 4:05

2M ago4:05

4:05

We're taking a short break because we want to make sure that we don't miss the important contributions from the women climbers of the 80's who were pushing things forward. We'll be back soon! In the meantime, there are a bunch of free bonus episodes in our Patreon, The Secret Stoners Club!By Plug Tone Audio

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 426. Where are we now? 1:44:39

2M ago1:44:39

1:44:39

This episode of the Big Rab Show Podcast, is dedicated to the late Charlie Conway. Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 426th Episode we talk all about how far we have come from the beginning of our podcast, and just where are we now in the Piping Scene? That plus we catch up on all your mail and weekly drones. All this, plus we catch u…

1
Jeff Smoot on John Bachar, Peter Croft and the Shift in Climbing in the 80's 57:55

2M ago57:55

57:55

Because this season is focused on the 1980’s, and we are talking about the two best free soloists of their generations, Peter Croft and John Bachar, there is a Venn Diagram that puts today’s guest squarely in the center: Jeff Smoot. In Jeff’s book Hangdog Days: Conflict, Change and the Race for 5.14, he tells the tale of the beginnings of sport cli…

1
Alex Honnold on Peter Croft, John Bachar, Free-Soloing and Climbing Big Yosemite Linkups 52:12

2M ago52:12

52:12

Does Alex Honnold need an introduction? No, of course he doesn’t. But he was particularly suited for this conversation about Bachar and Croft for several reasons: #1, Alex is a student of history. He cares about this stuff. If you haven’t listened to his Climbing Gold podcast, you should. I highly recommend the Dope Lake series - it’s a 5 part seri…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 425. Piping Posers 1:26:29

2M ago1:26:29

1:26:29

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 425th Episode we talk all about the dreaded, Piping Poser. What even is a piping poser you may ask? Well we get into the very definition of the term and just what makes a Piping Poser… That plus we catch up on all your mail and weekly drones. All this, plus we catch up with all the latest news and vi…

1
John Bachar Chooses Peter Croft For a New Game 47:34

2M ago47:34

47:34

It was 1986, over halfway through a decade that had brought turbulent change to climbing, and it was clear to John Bachar that even in Yosemite - hallowed ground as far as he was concerned - ethics were shifting. Sure, people still traveled here to do the big walls and to climb some of the classics, but the world knew that Yosemite and the once mig…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 424. Ally the Piper, The Session 1:44:35

2M ago1:44:35

1:44:35

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 424th Episode we talk all about the very sad passing of a bagpiping legend, Bill Livingston. That plus we catch up on all your mail and weekly drones. Our topic this week, we catch up with Ally the Piper as she is set to release her new album “The session”. Be sure to check her out on tour also. Link…

1
Andrea Hah on Punks in the Gym, Arapiles, and Confidence 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

Shortly after my own trip to the Grampians and Araps, where I played briefly on Punks in the Gym, just to give it, as Ben Cossey would say, a tummy rub, I went back to the Blue Mountains where I met a bunch of Australian mega-crushers. One of those crushers was Andrea Hah. And because she was the first Australian woman to climb Punks in the Gym, an…

1
Jesse Guthrie on Wolfgang Gullich, Kurt Albert and Climbing in the 80s. 1:01:58

3M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

As I was researching Wolfgang, I would regularly come across candid photos taken inside the house he shared with Kurt Albert, and of course I read every story about Wolfgang I could find. In those photos and those stories, I often came across an American name - Jesse Guthrie. I had to try to find him and get him on the show. He was one of the peopl…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 423. The Balvenie Medal 1:19:19

3M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 423rd Episode we chat with Helen Urquhart from the National Piping Centre, and respected judge and broadcaster Bob Worrall, as we learn all about the Balvenie Medal and its nomination process. You can learn more on the link below. https://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/play/competitions/glenfiddich-solo-p…

1
Hannes Huch on Community in the Frankenjura, Wolfgang Gullich and Kurt Albert 1:03:18

3M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Because the history of the Frankenjura can’t be told without Kurt Albert and Wolfgang Gullich, both of whom we lost too soon, I wanted to talk to someone rooted in that community to try and get an understanding of how their legacy looks. For me, the obvious choice was Hannes Huch. He’s a photographer and artist who balances a modern aesthetic with …

1
Ben Cossey on Wolfgang Gullich, Punks in the Gym and Lightweight Baby 1:08:23

3M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

There’s really no debate. In the pantheon of Wolfgang Gullich frothers, there is no person who is as much a frother as Australian superstar Ben Cossey. In May of 2024, Ben made the first ascent of a long-standing project at Mt. Arapiles in Australia, Lightweight Baby, finally finishing what became the hardest pitch in the area - and within sight of…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 422. Dan Nevans 1:36:56

3M ago1:36:56

1:36:56

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 422nd Episode we have a special re-recorded interview with Dan Nevans. Recorded behind the scenes at the Piping Live Festival last year. Some real pearls of wisdom to enjoy, and some prudent issues discussed. All this, plus we catch up with all the latest news and views from around the piping scene. …

1
Wolfgang Gullich is a Punk in the Gym 46:43

3M ago46:43

46:43

From the early to mid 1980's, Wolfgang Gullich was steadily discovering his own power. Spurred on by American and British climbers coming to the Frankenjura and establishing the hardest routes, he tapped into a part of himself that he rarely showed. With that competetive side on display, he went to America to do the hardest routes there, returned h…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 421. Four Major Championships in 2025 1:21:05

3M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 421st Episode we chat all about the confirmation from RSPBA that we will have four Major Championships this season. The British Championships will not be happening this year, which is a bitter blow to many. Is the writing on the wall for our Major Championships for future years or is just a bump in t…

1
History Takes Time 4:20

3M ago4:20

4:20

While we're working hard on the next episode, an update on some changes to the remainder of the season. Check out our website for related episodes, resources and more! Join the Secret Stoners Club for FREE and get bonus episodes. ---------------------------------- Season Two is generously supported by Rab. This episode is supported by Tension Climb…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 420. Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust 1:09:28

3M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 420th Episode we hear all about the amazing work of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums trust. Including what to expect at the upcoming Scottish Schools championships in March. All this, plus we catch up with all the latest news and views from around the piping scene. More information on the trust c…

1
Andy Salo and Whitney Boland on Lynn Hill and a Love of Gunks Climbing 1:30:43

3M ago1:30:43

1:30:43

Andy Salo and Whitney Boland are modern day Gunks legends. Andy has FA’d some of the hardest routes in the area and co-written the brilliant guidebooks to the area. Whitney moved to the area and gained near instant local status, eventually writing the Flashback series about Gunks legends, which you can find both in Andy’s guidebooks and on the Rock…

1
Russ Clune on Lynn Hill, Gunks Climbing and Vandals 43:55

3M ago43:55

43:55

Russ Clune is a Legend. I once introduced him as climbing's Forrest Gump, because since the 1980's he's been there for many of climbing's most impactful moments. A Gunks local who has traveled widely to climb on every type of rock, in every style imaginable, he's a living thread from before sport climbing to now, and if you're ever lucky enough to …

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 419. PM David Wilton and LD Mick O'Neill - Fife Police 1:32:18

4M ago1:32:18

1:32:18

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 419th Episode we chat to Pipe Major David Wilton and Lead Tip Mick O’Neill of Fife Police. We talk about their thoughts on 2024, and their upcoming concert in Aberdeen, Dancing on the beat. All this, plus we catch up with all the latest news and views from around the piping scene. Email us now - bigr…

1
Lynn Hill Vandalizes Perception 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

In 1983, after years of climbing on Yosemite's granite cracks with John Long and the Stonemasters, Lynn Hill went on a roadtrip. First to Arizona, then to Colorado and finally Red Rock, outside of Las Vegas. While on the road, she and Long established some of the most classic routes in the country. After a brief foray into Hollywood stunts, Lynn tr…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 418. Winter Storm 2025 Preview 1:31:02

4M ago1:31:02

1:31:02

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 418th Episode we preview this years Winter Storm event in Kansas City. Each and every year, it just seems to get bigger and better. We catch up with President of the Midwest Highland Arts Fund, Mark Fullington. All this, plus we catch up with all the latest news and views from around the piping scene…

1
Niall Grimes on Moffatt, Revelations and What Jerry Means to Climbing 1:20:16

4M ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Many climbers put Jerry Moffatt’s book, Revelations, on the top of their list. This is in no small part due to the work of Niall Grimes, who co-wrote the Banff Mountain Book Festival Grand Prize Winner. Niall is an Irish climbing legend who lives in Sheffield, and the host of the hilarious, story filled Jam Crack Climbing Podcast. In this episode w…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 417. UK Championships, 12th July? 1:42:32

4M ago1:42:32

1:42:32

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 417th Episode we discuss the announcement of the UK Championships, choosing to hold the Major Championships on the 12th July. We re-visit our online live stream with David Scott, Alastair Patterson and Erinn McIlwaine as we discuss all aspects of the implications of this decision for Northern Ireland…

1
Jerry Moffatt is the Best Climber in the World 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

In 1983, one climber was more dominant than any other: Jerry Moffatt. Filled with confidence, he traveled the world not only to quickly repeat the hardest routes, but to put up his own routes - often the hardest in the country. A trip to the US let the world know that he had arrived, but it was a trip to Germany with one of the brightest German sta…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 416. Richard Parkes MBE 48:12

4M ago48:12

48:12

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 416th Episode we chat with Legendary Pipe Major, Dr Richard Parkes MBE. 2024 was a huge year for Richard, and also seen the surprising announcement of his retirement from his role as PM of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band. It was an honour to sit and have a chat with Richard, and we hope you enjoy …

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 415. Bob Worrall 56:34

5M ago56:34

56:34

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 415th Episode we chat with Mr Christmas himself, the voice of bag piping, Bob Worrall !! Each and every year now on our show we invite Bob to spend some time with us over the holidays. We find out what 2024 has been like for Bob, plus we learn some really interesting facts about Pineapple on Pizza !!…

1
Bill Ramsey on Alan Watts and Climbing at Smith Rock in the 80's 57:37

5M ago57:37

57:37

There’s nobody better than Bill Ramsey to discuss the impact that Alan Watts had on climbing. Not only is he a philosophy professor, but he was born in the same hospital as Alan, just a few hours later. Their fathers climbed together at Smith Rock, their mothers shared a recovery room, and together they found a love of climbing that helped bring Sm…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 414. Stephen Creighton 1:00:07

5M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 414th Episode we chat with Drumming Legend, Stephen Creighton ! Lead tipper of St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band. Winner of the 2024 World drum core title, this has been a massive year for Stephen and the folks at St Laurence O’Toole, so we catch up to hear what it all meant to them. This is such a great…

1
Alan Watts Sets Off a Chain Reaction 36:59

5M ago36:59

36:59

In early 1983, in a small backwater area in Oregon with less than stellar rock, Smith Rock, sport climbing history was quietly being made. Alan Watts had all but climbed out the cracks in the area and had turned his attention to the blank faces and lasercut aretes. He would have to bend the rules to get it done, but with nobody around to tell him o…

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 413. 12000 Miles 1:48:15

5M ago1:48:15

1:48:15

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 413th Episode we chat with Liam Kernaghan and Stuart McHale from the RNZPBA as we find out all about the incredible new documentary 12000 miles ! Plus we catch up with PM Matt Fraser, the creator of a brand new app, called Musolink; you should definitely check out. All this plus we catch up with all …

1
David Chambre on Edlinger, Tribout and French Sport Climbing History 1:02:17

5M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Kris chats with French legend David Chambre, the author of one of the best and most beautiful reference books out there for 90’s climbing history, The 9th Grade. David’s previous book, co-written with Jibe Tribout, The 8th Grade, is a treasure trove of French climbing history of the late 1970’s and early to mid 1980’s. They discuss the influence of…

1
Beyond Recidivism, Higher Education in Prison with Jody Lewen 36:28

5M ago36:28

36:28

Welcome to Episode 10, the Season 1 finale of Educating to Be Human. Host Lisa Petrides sits down with Jody Lewen, President of Mt. Tamalpais College at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (formerly San Quentin Prison), the first accredited independent 2-year liberal arts college dedicated to incarcerated students. A visionary leader and tireless adv…

1
Jibé Tribout and Arnould T'Kint on Patrick Edlinger and Climbing in the 80's 1:07:45

5M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Kris sits down in Wyoming with two absolute legends from the 80’s, Jibé Tribout and Arnould T’Kint, to talk about Patrick Edlinger and the birth of sport climbing as we know it. Belgian climbing legend Arnould T’Kint did the third 8a in the world, and the first outside of the US, as well as reportedly being the first to onsight 8a. Jibé Tribout is …

1
The Big Rab Show Podcast. Episode 412. The 12 Products of Chistmas 2024 1:41:44

5M ago1:41:44

1:41:44

Welcome to the Big Rab Show Podcast. In this our 412th Episode we bring you our annual 12 products of Christmas episode ! These are our picks for possible gifts for the piper or drummer in your life. This will be useful to all of you taking care of your Christmas shopping. We also catch up lister mail and all the latest piping news and views from t…

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