Honor Frost Foundation

The Dive & Dig Podcast, focusing on maritime archaeology, began in 2020 and so far we have two five-part series presented by Bettany Hughes and Lucy Blue. We also have an an ‘in-depth series’, a news series and a special conference series. Click below to listen or search Dive & Dig on all major podcast platforms. Further down there is also more information on each series, as well as blog posts for the episodes for those wishing to find out more! Don’t forget to let us know what you think! Leave comments and feedback, or visit the Dive & Dig social media pages.

The latest five-part series explores maritime archaeology of the ancient world, from the Stone Age to the Roman period. Presented by historian, Professor Bettany Hughes, and maritime archaeologist, Dr Lucy Blue who journey across the Mediterranean and the Red Sea to explore one of the world’s largest archaeological digs, the most ancient underwater settlement in the Aegean, the world’s oldest artificial harbour and ancient shipwrecks lost beneath the waves.

Each episode focuses on a key site, from submerged prehistoric settlements to ancient shipwrecks, telling the stories of how people interacted with the sea, and what the archaeological remains can reveal about our past. This series was produced by the Foundation in collaboration with Sandstone Global, the first episode is being launched on the 15th October 2022 – World Archaeology Day, the following episodes will be released weekly.

Technological change over the last few decades has dynamically altered the way we are able to detect, access and document the remains of our past that lie beneath the waves. This first series will take you on an underwater adventure of discovery, richer and deeper than you might have imagined possible. Join Bettany and Lucy to explore the exciting worlds underwater archaeologists inhabit and the range of tools they use to investigate the watery past. They invite you into the hidden world of our shared, ancient past, thanks to maritime archaeologists, forensic scientists and groundbreaking technologies.

Dive & Dig explores these transformational tools used to discover, record and excavate shipwrecks and explore ancient ports – from the pioneering work of Honor Frost and her discoveries of ancient harbours, stone anchors and Punic warships – to deeper waters. Today, archaeologists are exploring even deeper. Lying at 110m beneath the sea off the island of Gozo, Malta, we join Dr Gambin and his team excavating a Phoenician shipwreck. And, as Robert Ballard, discoverer of the Titanic tells us; we can now reach depths formerly only dreamed of, as he pushes science to encourage technological advances.

In 2022 we launched our News Series, presented by Dr Lucy Blue, keeping you up to date with the latest projects, discoveries and updates from the world of maritime archaeology. So far we have heard about the astonishing discovery of a child’s tooth on a Phoenician Shipwreck, we have heard about the amazing work of the Beirut Port Project, the latest technology being used to examine coins from a royal shipwreck, and celebrated international women’s day by talking to some truly inspirational female maritime archaeologist’s.

In Series One we interviewed over 20 specialists in maritime archaeology, ocean exploration, conservation and scientific analysis. We decided to release some of these full interviews as part of an In Depth Series. The first 3 In-Depth podcasts focus on the world’s oceans, equally valuing the cultural and the natural heritage as a means of tackling climate change and building a sustainable future. In the second three we speak to experts on how they have used transformational tools to discover, record and interpret our maritime past.

This three part mini series brings you highlights from the International Congress for Underwater Archaeology (IKUWA), held in Helsinki in June 2022. Cathy Giangrande and Lauren Tidbury spoke to some fascinating researchers about their work, from Shipwrecks to prehistoric lake settlements, and from battles against treasure hunters to the opening of dive parks, we gained insights into some of the fascinating research being undertaken around the globe to better understand our maritime past.

Dr Lucy Blue co-presents the podcast, an experienced maritime archaeologist she is also the Maritime Archaeological Director of the HFF and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton.

Cathy Giangrande is an archaeological conservator and special advisor for culture working in the heritage sector. Cathy was an executive producer on the podcast series.

Professor Bettany Hughes presents the podcast, Bettany is an award-winning historian, author and broadcaster, who has devoted the last 25 years to the vibrant communication of the past.

Mark Rickards is the podcast producer, Mark is an experienced Radio and Podcast producer who has worked on numerous series for the BBC.

Lauren Tidbury is an experienced maritime archaeologist and works for the Foundation. Lauren was also an executive producer on the podcast series.

Honor Frost voice over was provided by Justine Midda. Justine studied English and Drama at Bristol University before going on to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

The first series was produced by Whistledown. Whistledown was founded over twenty years ago and is one of the UK’s leading independent audio production companies.

The second series was produced in collabooration with Sandstone Global, an award-winning production company with a diverse, internationalist team producing film and audio content for a wide range of outlets.