Swinging the Lamp

Thor and Rory host the Swinging the Lamp Podcast which tells stories from the sea and chats about the prevailing cultural narratives.

Swinging the Lamp is a society podcast hosted by Rory Hamilton, with 79 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rory Hamilton hosts Swinging the Lamp, a society show with 79 episodes published.

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  Episode #79

  #79 Who’s the Biggest Tool Afloat? Mark Thompson joins Rory to discuss Celebrity Sailors and YouTube Calamities

  Aug 20, 202659 minS1

  Two old shipmates catch up live from the Balearics and veer through a weekend of salty anecdotes: hand-steering without autopilot, dodgy electrical gremlins that knocked out the fridge and ice, and the joy (and chaos) of anchoring in crowded Menorcan coves. They compare marina prices, describe a tricky stern-tie to rocks, and laugh about improvised golf practice on a bouncy castle. Amid the banter are wry observations on seamanship, other yachtspeople pushing anchoring boundaries, and the sad sight of plastic litter spoiling a spectacular anchorage.

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  Episode #78

  #78 Rocking the boat

  Aug 13, 202641 minS1

  This conversation pivots to social dynamics in small communities: the perils of WhatsApp groups, well-meaning but badly organized group gifts, virtue signaling and banter that goes wrong. The hosts reflect on how easily tone is misread in messaging, the courage required to ‘rock the boat,’ and the awkward fallout when jokes don’t land. They also riff on targeted advertising paranoia after a video prompted cosmetic ads, and briefly detour into the Edinburgh Festival vs Fringe curiosity—an amusing cultural aside about how events and language evolve over time.

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  Episode #76

  #76 Brian Gerrish

  Jul 30, 20261h 31mS1

  Brian Gerrish traces the unlikely origins of UK Column back to a grassroots maritime project in Devonport, where a campaign to rebuild a historic vessel exposed local corruption tied to regeneration funding. That investigation blossomed into a national outlet for stories mainstream media ignored—child removals, council fraud and institutional abuse. The conversation covers practical advice for investigative work: meticulous evidence-gathering, FOI requests, teamwork, protecting whistleblowers and balancing proof with public storytelling. Gerrish also reflects on intimidation tactics used against reporters and researchers, and why raising profile and transparency are vital defenses.

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  Episode #75

  #75 Classic Mara

  Jul 23, 202638 minS1

  Mara (Helga Maria) joins Swinging the Lamp to walk through her decision to enter the Golden Globe Race — a solo, nonstop circumnavigation using 1968 technology: paper charts, sextant navigation, and strict restrictions on stopping or taking on supplies. She explains the appeal of pure, romantic sailing and the chance to disconnect, why astro navigation matters to her, and how live streaming three hours a day will let audiences share the highs and lows without changing her racing mindset. Expect candid talk about preparation, safety priorities, and mental stamina for eight months alone on the ocean.

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  Episode #74

  #74 Two Yacht Races and a Dog

  Jul 17, 202639 minS1

  Kate returns to Swinging the Lamp from the superyacht Bayesian in St. Peter Port to recount a hectic few weeks of Corinthian racing and cruising. She narrates the Triangle race that was cut short by a savage Celtic Sea low, turning the intended course into a shortened “sausage” but leaving the crew with a proud second-in-class finish. The conversation moves through logistics, local hospitality in Kinsale, and the Royal Cornwall organisers’ democratic call to protect smaller boats. The episode blends vivid port vignettes with race-day choices and salty anecdotes from life afloat.

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Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

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