Talking Conservation

Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more. We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on. We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site. Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertib

Talking Conservation is a history podcast hosted by Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury, with 26 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury hosts Talking Conservation, a history show with 26 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Talking Conservation

  Worried about Dry Rot? Understand it first

  May 28, 202646 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen unpack one of the most feared problems in old buildings: Dry Rot.</p><p>We look at what dry rot actually is, why the name is misleading, how it differs from so-called wet rot, and why the presence of a fruiting body does not always mean you need to panic. We also explain why moisture is still the key factor, how rot really spreads, when identification matters, and why some of the old advice around chemicals and cutting back timber simply does not stand up.</p><p>This episode is...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Talking Conservation

  Why Timber Rots in Old Buildings (and how to stop it)

  Apr 24, 202659 minS0

  <p>Why does timber rot, and what actually causes wood to decay in old buildings?In this second episode of our Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen dig into the real reasons timber rots, and why it is not simply a case of “old wood going bad”. </p><p>We explore the role of moisture, fungal growth, ventilation, drying, and environment, and explain why understanding these basics is essential before you can diagnose or fix any timber problem properly.</p><p>We also look at how moisture meters work, why they can be useful, how they can be misleading in t...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Talking Conservation

  How Timber works in Old Buildings

  Apr 12, 202655 minS0

  <p>What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings?In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings.From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sapwood, to how timber is converted and used in buildings, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows in the series.If you own, work on, or are interested in older buildings...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Talking Conservation

  Listed Building Myths that can get you into serious trouble | Part 2

  Feb 6, 202659 minS0

  <p>What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building?In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. </p><p>Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and enforcement. </p><p>From criminal liability and prosecution to enforcement notices that follow properties for decades, this episode explains why “asking forgiveness later” is rarely a safe strategy.</p><p>We cover:</p><p>- Who is...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Talking Conservation

  What CAN you do to a Listed Building? Part 1

  Jan 30, 202643 minS0

  <p>What can you actually do to a listed building?<br>In this episode of Talking Conservation, we cut through the confusion, myths, and half-truths that surround listed buildings and planning consent.</p><p>Joined by conservation architect Claire Truman, we explore what homeowners are often told they can’t do, versus what the legislation and real-world practice actually allow. Drawing on professional experience and real case studies, this conversation is about empowerment, understanding the system, and knowing where to get the right help.</p><p>We discuss:<br>• Common myths about listed buildings and consent<br>• What changes usually do and don’...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Talking Conservation. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

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

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.