Writing “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy” was fascinating and demanding. It will be published in German on 12 April 2023, by Czernin Verlag, Vienna. How did this happen? You can read more about the book at my website, here. To buy the book - which is in German - go to your local bookshop; to the Czernin Verlag website; or to Amazon. 

Writing “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy” was fascinating and demanding. It will be published in German on 12 April 2023, by Czernin Verlag, Vienna. How did this happen? You can read more about the book <a href="https://rleighturner.com/writing-the-hitchhikers-guide-to-diplomacy/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">at my website, here</a>. To buy the book - which is in German - go to your local bookshop; to the <a href="https://www.czernin-verlag.com/buch/hitchhikers-guide-to-diplomacy" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Czernin Verlag website</a>; or <a href="https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/3707607984/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">to Amazon</a>.

3. How I wrote "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Diplomacy"

A podcast in German. Ein Podcast auf Deutsch. Mein neues Buch “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy – Wie Diplomatie die Welt erklärt” (Czernin Verlag, Wien) erscheint am 12. April 2023. Sie können das Buch vormerken (oder nach dem 12.4.23 kaufen) bei Czernin Verlag oder bei Amazon.de. Mehr information über das Buch finden Sie auf meinem rleighturner.com blog.  Willkommen in der Welt der echten Diplomatie!

A podcast in German. Ein Podcast auf Deutsch. Mein neues Buch “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy – Wie Diplomatie die Welt erklärt” (<a href="https://www.czernin-verlag.com/buch/hitchhikers-guide-to-diplomacy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Czernin Verlag, Wien</a>) erscheint am 12. April 2023. Sie können das Buch vormerken (oder nach dem 12.4.23 kaufen) bei <a href="https://www.czernin-verlag.com/buch/hitchhikers-guide-to-diplomacy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Czernin Verlag</a> oder bei <a href="https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/3707607984/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.de</a>. Mehr information über das Buch finden Sie <a href="https://rleighturner.com/books/wie-diplomatie-die-welt-erklart/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">auf meinem rleighturner.com blog</a>. Willkommen in der Welt der echten Diplomatie!

2. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Diplomacy - Wie Diplomatie die Welt erklärt"

In the first scene from the first Hotel Story, "Britches", the hotel's owner threatens the beautiful but naive Tatiana. Will Ms N, the world's greatest and deadliest hotel manager, rescue her before it is too late? You can find all Leigh Turner's books, and where to buy them, here.

In the first scene from the first Hotel Story, "Britches", the hotel's owner threatens the beautiful but naive Tatiana. Will Ms N, the world's greatest and deadliest hotel manager, rescue her before it is too late? You can find all Leigh Turner's books, and where to buy them, <a href="https://rleighturner.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

1. "Britches" - the beginning of the very first "Hotel Story".

Any sane person wants to end wars. Many people have argued that a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war might help reduce suffering. Others say that supplying arms to Ukraine simply prolongs the war. Here's why they are wrong. The situation is grim: but both a ceasefire or reducing arms supplies would be counterproductive - including for those who seek peace and want to end the suffering.  Links and further background at this blog.

Any sane person wants to end wars. Many people have argued that a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war might help reduce suffering. Others say that supplying arms to Ukraine simply prolongs the war. Here's why they are wrong. The situation is grim: but both a ceasefire or reducing arms supplies would be counterproductive - including for those who seek peace and want to end the suffering.  Links and further background <a href="https://rleighturner.com/russia-ukraine-ceasefire/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at this blog</a>.

15. Russia-Ukraine ceasefire: why not?

John Savage

"John Savage, formerly First Secretary, British Embassy Moscow: Transcript of trauma counselling, session 12".  Why is John Savage, the hero of my Istanbul thriller, "Palladium", such a damaged character? Have a listen to this interview between him and his psychotherapist, Dr Bergbaum, about events in Moscow some 15 years earlier, and how he was thrown out of the Secret Intelligence Service as a result. You can find the blog on which this podcast is based at the link.

"John Savage, formerly First Secretary, British Embassy Moscow: Transcript of trauma counselling, session 12". Why is John Savage, the hero of my Istanbul thriller, "Palladium", such a damaged character? Have a listen to this interview between him and his psychotherapist, Dr Bergbaum, about events in Moscow some 15 years earlier, and how he was thrown out of the Secret Intelligence Service as a result. You can find <a href="https://rleighturner.com/john-savage-in-therapy-an-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the blog on which this podcast is based</a> at the link.

14. John Savage in therapy: an interview

Resources to help writers. We look at how to write articles and blogs; how to write a novel; dealing with rejections; a selection of writing courses - and much more. Have a listen to some friendly advice. For all the links, see my blog here: Resources for Writers.

Resources to help writers. We look at how to write articles and blogs; how to write a novel; dealing with rejections; a selection of writing courses - and much more. Have a listen to some friendly advice. For all the links, see my blog here: <a href="https://rleighturner.com/resources-for-writers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Resources for Writers</a>.

13. Writing Resources

A summer 2022 update on what is happening in Russia's war on Ukraine. Why it matters - and why what we must do next won't be easy. The picture shows Sverdlovsk, in eastern Ukraine, when I visited in 2010. It has been occupied by Russia since 2014.  Links and further background at this blog. 

A summer 2022 update on what is happening in Russia's war on Ukraine. Why it matters - and why what we must do next won't be easy. The picture shows Sverdlovsk, in eastern Ukraine, when I visited in 2010. It has been occupied by Russia since 2014.  Links and further background <a href="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at this blog</a>.

12. Russia-Ukraine War explainer July 2022

Were the people of 19th Century England obnoxious moralists? What if they were no worse than we are today? Also available as a blog post.

Were the people of 19th Century England obnoxious moralists? What if they were no worse than we are today? <a href="https://rleighturner.com/dr-wortles-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Also available as a blog post</a>.

11. Dr Wortle's School - a study in taboos

Top journalist Misty Anderson interviews Turkish archaeology professor Elif Mutlu about the mysterious Palladium. Why, Misty asks, do many people believe it protects Istanbul, while others argue it does not exist?  What do you think? Also available as a blog.  

Top journalist Misty Anderson interviews Turkish archaeology professor Elif Mutlu about the mysterious Palladium. Why, Misty asks, do many people believe it protects Istanbul, while others argue it does not exist?  What do you think? <a href="https://rleighturner.com/elif-mutlu-and-the-palladium/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Also available as a blog</a>.

10. Does the "Palladium" exist? An interview with an archaeology professor 

What three things must you always bear in mind when you hear Russian official statements about Ukraine? Also available as a blog.

What three things must you always bear in mind when you hear Russian official statements about Ukraine? <a href="https://rleighturner.com/russian-official-statements/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Also available as a blog</a>.

9. Russia/Ukraine: When deception is official policy 

Former ambassador and writer Leigh Turner reads his books and explores the art of writing.

Ian Fleming's "Goldfinger", written in 1959, is full of vile sexism, homophobia and prejudice. Is it still worth reading? Also available as a blog.

Ian Fleming's "Goldfinger", written in 1959, is full of vile sexism, homophobia and prejudice. Is it still worth reading?<a href="https://rleighturner.com/goldfinger-by-ian-fleming/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Also available as a blog</a>.

8. Goldfinger - is this vile book worth reading?

Why is Ukrainian vodka the best in the world? What else makes it unique? You may be surprised to learn how "Horilka" could become as famous as Scotch or Champagne. Also available as a blog.

Why is Ukrainian vodka the best in the world? What else makes it unique? You may be surprised to learn how "Horilka" could become as famous as Scotch or Champagne. <a href="https://rleighturner.com/ukrainian-horilka-the-best-vodka-in-the-world/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Also available as a blog</a>.

7. How you can help Ukraine - long term - by drinking vodka

Whose fault is the President Putin's invasion of Ukraine? What about the Soviet invasion of Hungary, or the building of the Berlin Wall? Think twice before you ascribe blame or you may be a victim of "reverse conspiracy theories". Also available as a blog.

Whose fault is the President Putin's invasion of Ukraine? What about the Soviet invasion of Hungary, or the building of the Berlin Wall? Think twice before you ascribe blame or you may be a victim of "reverse conspiracy theories". <a href="https://rleighturner.com/reverse-conspiracy-theories/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Also available as a blog</a>.

6. Reverse Conspiracy theories and Ukraine

Who is really responsible for the devastating Russia-Ukraine war?  It may not be who you think. Why did President Putin do a U-turn? Listen to find out what really brought about a catastrophic war at the heart of Europe.

Who is really responsible for the devastating Russia-Ukraine war?  It may not be who you think. Why did President Putin do a U-turn? Listen to find out what really brought about a catastrophic war at the heart of Europe.

5. Russia-Ukraine war - why is it happening?

My Istanbul thriller "Palladium" has been eleven years in the making. This podcast introduces the cover art: how it came to be designed, what input I made, and how the results came out. Find out how an author gets involved in the cover of the book - or not! You can read the blog post on which this podcast is based, and see the cover, on my rleighturner.com blog. 

My Istanbul thriller "Palladium" has been eleven years in the making. This podcast introduces the cover art: how it came to be designed, what input I made, and how the results came out. Find out how an author gets involved in the cover of the book - or not! You can read <a href="https://rleighturner.com/cover-art-palladium-by-leigh-turner/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the blog post on which this podcast is based</a>, and see the cover, on <a href="https://rleighturner.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my rleighturner.com blog</a>.

4. The inside story: publishing a thriller - the cover art

"Ulysses" matters: 100 years after Joyce's great masterpiece first appeared, you can read and enjoy it on many levels. A quotation shows why you have nothing to be afraid of. "Of course, Mr B proceeded to stipulate, you must look at both sides of the question." A discussion of James Joyce and "Ulysses", illustrated by a few quotes. My main messages: a) Ulysses matters, and b) it's not necessarily hard to read. Read the blog post on which this podcast is based on my rleighturner.com blog.

"Ulysses" matters: 100 years after Joyce's great masterpiece first appeared, you can read and enjoy it on many levels. A quotation shows why you have nothing to be afraid of. "Of course, Mr B proceeded to stipulate, you must look at both sides of the question." A discussion of James Joyce and "Ulysses", illustrated by a few quotes. My main messages: a) Ulysses matters, and b) it's not necessarily hard to read. Read the <a href="https://rleighturner.com/why-ulysses-matters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog post on which this podcast is based</a> on my <a href="https://rleighturner.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">rleighturner.com</a> blog.

3. Why "Ulysses" matters - and you can read it

In "He Knew He Was Right", Anthony Trollope shows he is an outstanding writer on relationships between the sexes.  Lessons on gender from 1869 are 100% relevant today. How men think, how women think and whether there is a difference is one of the abiding puzzles of life.  We all want to understand other people.  Many of us want to understand the opposite sex. How to understand women, or men?  You can do worse than start with Trollope’s "He Knew He Was Right". The novel also contains one of the great studies of stubbornness in literature. Ask yourself: are you sure you're right? Read the blog post on which this podcast is based on my rleighturner.com blog.

In "He Knew He Was Right", Anthony Trollope shows he is an outstanding writer on relationships between the sexes.  Lessons on gender from 1869 are 100% relevant today. How men think, how women think and whether there is a difference is one of the abiding puzzles of life.  We all want to understand other people.  Many of us want to understand the opposite sex. How to understand women, or men?  You can do worse than start with Trollope’s "He Knew He Was Right". The novel also contains one of the great studies of stubbornness in literature. Ask yourself: are you sure you're right? Read <a href="https://rleighturner.com/he-knew-he-was-right-anthony-trollope/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the blog post on which this podcast is based</a> on my <a href="https://rleighturner.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rleighturner.com</a> blog.

2. A study in stubbornness and relationships: "He Knew He Was Right"

How diplomats should work with the media and build their media skills. Subscribe for regular podcasts from Leigh Turner. Read the blog on which this podcast is based here. 

How diplomats should work with the media and build their media skills. Subscribe for regular podcasts from Leigh Turner. <a href="https://rleighturner.com/diplomacy-and-the-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog on which this podcast is based</a> here.

1. Diplomacy and the media

American historian Barbara Tuchman came up with an elegant formula relevant to keeping things in perspective in today's bad news saturated internet age. You may even find her law helps you. You can read the post on which this short podcast is based at my rleighturner.com blog. Happy listening. 

American historian Barbara Tuchman came up with an elegant formula relevant to keeping things in perspective in today's bad news saturated internet age. You may even find her law helps you. You can <a href="https://rleighturner.com/tuchmans-law-or-always-look-on-the-bright-side-910/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">read the post on which this short podcast is based</a> at my <a href="http://rleighturner.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rleighturner.com</a> blog. Happy listening.

23. Why Tuchman's law could change your life 

"The Second Phial" is a complete short story set in the Moscow of 1993. It is a horror story - I hope.  This podcast is not suitable for children. Friends sometimes ask me: 'where do your ideas come from?' When they read, or listen to, "The Second Phial", they tend to ask 'I don't want to know where you get your ideas from'. Don't read it if you are easily disturbed. But please do subscribe to my podcasts either way! I lived in Moscow from 1992 to 1995, heading up the Economic Section of the British Embassy. I met a lot of scientists, and witnessed how they struggled to survive in the chaos that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. But "The Second Phial" springs entirely from my imagination. You can read the blog on which this episode is based, including the full story, on my rleighturner.com blog. Happy listening.

"The Second Phial" is a complete short story set in the Moscow of 1993. It is a horror story - I hope.  This podcast is not suitable for children. Friends sometimes ask me: 'where do your ideas come from?' When they read, or listen to, "The Second Phial", they tend to ask 'I don't want to know where you get your ideas from'. Don't read it if you are easily disturbed. But please do subscribe to my podcasts either way! I lived in Moscow from 1992 to 1995, heading up the Economic Section of the British Embassy. I met a lot of scientists, and witnessed how they struggled to survive in the chaos that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. But "The Second Phial" springs entirely from my imagination. You can read <a href="https://robertpimm.com/the-2nd-phial-moscow-1993/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the blog on which this episode is based</a>, including the full story, on my <a href="http://rleighturner.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rleighturner.com</a> blog. Happy listening.

22. A Horror Story for Christmas

Leigh Turner writing

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Best Parenting Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!