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The Mariner's Mirror Podcast

The Mariner's Mirror Podcast

Written by: The Society for Nautical Research and the Lloyds Register Foundation
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About this listen

 The world's No.1 podcast dedicated to all of maritime and naval history. With one foot in the present and one in the past we bring you the most exciting and interesting current maritime projects worldwide: including excavations of shipwrecks, the restoration of historic ships, sailing classic yachts and tall ships, unprecedented behind the scenes access to exhibitions, museums and archives worldwide, primary sources and accounts that bring the maritime past alive as never before. From the Society for Nautical Research, and the Lloyds Register Foundation. Presented by Dr Sam Willis.

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Episodes
  • To The Edge of the World: One woman. One ship. One astonishing true story.

    To The Edge of the World: One woman. One ship. One astonishing true story.
    Feb 16 2026
    The true story of Mary Ann Patten, a nineteen-year-old woman who, in the summer of 1856, took command of a clipper ship and navigated it around Cape Horn. What drives someone to leave behind security, reputation, and the expectations of society to sail into the unknown? In this episode, we explore To The Edge of the World with author Tilar Mazzeo—a gripping true story of adventure, obsession, and the irresistible pull of the sea. We discuss the extraordinary life at the heart of this book: a woman who refused to accept the limits placed on her and instead chose a life defined by risk, freedom, and relentless determination. Through treacherous waters, isolation, and moments of triumph and despair, Mazzeo paints a vivid portrait of what it means to chase a dream when the world insists you shouldn’t. Her journey is as much an inner reckoning as it is a physical voyage to the farthest reaches of the globe. Along the way, we discuss the book’s rich historical context, the emotional costs of ambition, and the complicated line between courage and obsession. This episode asks big questions about independence, belonging, and why the call of adventure can be so powerful that it demands everything in return. Whether you’re drawn to true stories of exploration, fascinated by lives lived outside convention, or simply curious about what lies beyond the horizon, this conversation will take you right to the edge of the world—and what it means to live there.

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    33 mins
  • The Glenlee: A Survivor of the Seven Seas

    The Glenlee: A Survivor of the Seven Seas
    Feb 2 2026
    This episode explores the fascinating history of the Glenlee, a tall ship built in Glasgow 1896 and restored by the Clyde Maritime Trust. Originally a cargo ship, the Glenlee survived fifteen voyages around Cape Horn and later served as a Spanish Navy training vessel during the fascist dictatorial rule of Francisco Franco. After being neglected, she was rescued and restored, showcasing Scotland's maritime heritage. To find out more Dr Sam Willis spoke with Lauren Henning, the Glenlee's learning and museum manager. They discuss the ship's construction, her role in various maritime adventures, links with Spain's fascist history, and her significance in Glasgow's maritime past. The conversation also highlights the ship's educational programs and the efforts to preserve its authenticity.

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    38 mins
  • The Naval Fiction Interviews: Katie Daysh, Hiram Nightingale and Arthur Courtney

    The Naval Fiction Interviews: Katie Daysh, Hiram Nightingale and Arthur Courtney
    Jan 19 2026

    Dr Sam Willis meets Katie Daysh, author of the acclaimed Nightingale & Courtney series. Her novels—rich with atmosphere, character, and emotional depth—have quickly earned a devoted following, and today we explore the world she’s so vividly created. Katie shares the inspirations behind her central figures, Hiram Nightingale and Arthur Courtney, exploring their powerful bond, the tensions of command, and the inner battles that shape them. We discuss the themes that give her books their distinct voice: trauma and recovery, the complexity of leadership, class and expectation, forbidden love, and the search for identity in an unforgiving world. Her stories shine a light on voices often overlooked in naval fiction, adding layers of humanity and nuance. We also explore the fascinating historical setting of her work—the Royal Navy of the last quarter of the eighteenth century, a period of revolution and shifting social structures. It’s an age of empire and upheaval, where duty and desire collide and where every decision at sea could mean survival or disaster. Katie brings this era to life with meticulous historical detail and a modern sensitivity that makes the past feel immediate and enthralling.


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    34 mins
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