Interest talks

I offer a wide range of highly informative talks (both in person or online) on a range of topics derived from my own research. They are typically 45 minutes long, but timing can be tailored accordingly. They are ideal for cruise ships on sea days as well as clubs and associations in need of an entertaining lunch or dinner time speaker.

Scott or Shackleton - who was the greatest Antarctic explorer?

Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Henry Shackleton were two of Britain's greatest polar explorers, whose early days of Antarctic exploration where closely entwined. Later, they went their separate ways, each with a mission to reach the South Pole. But who was the most successful? In this talk I share their differing leadership styles as they directed their teams through their hazardous expeditions.

Shackleton's Antarctic Journeys

The March 2022 discovery of Shackleton's vessel "Endurance," 3000 metres below the surface of the Weddell Sea re-kindled interest in this remarkable explorer. Although his life at home and as an explorer was not entirely successful, he was able to demonstrate remarkable powers of leadership, enabling his team to survive highly adverse circumstances. Note: this talk is 90 minutes long and can be delivered in two parts if required (recommended).

Inside Alcatraz

Alcatraz has always fascinated me. Although known as a maximum security prison this only forms part of its long term history. I was motivated to research "The Rock" after seeing the movie "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood. In this talk I share its timeline, interesting features, and life as an inmate, through to the tourist attraction that it is today.

Heroes and Villains of the Titanic

This fascinating talk with a twist covers Titanic's journey from the moment she was conceived until after her demise. As with most catastrophes, blame is seldom apportioned to just one individual. I not only identify those responsible for Titanic’s misfortune but also those unsung heroes who came to the rescue.

The Titanic - What might have been

As with most catastrophes there are usually a number of factors to blame. The sinking of the Titanic was no exception. In this talk I reveal the blunders that contributed to her demise on 15 April 1912 and how they could have been avoided.

Chris Barnard - Surgeon Extrordinaire

In famously performing the world’s first heart transplant, South Africa’s Chris Barnard was far more than a talented heart surgeon. I share his contributions to medicine beyond his specialist field of cardiac surgery, not forgetting some of his notorious exploits with the opposite sex!

The Advent of Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery only became viable following the invention of the blood oxygenator, forerunner of what is today known as the heart lung machine. Walton Lillehei of the University of Minnesota was instrumental in its development and application. I share the role he and others played in advancing open heart surgery during the twentieth century.

The Rise and Fall of Concorde

Concorde flew through a period of ups and downs during her thirty year existence, leading to her withdrawal from service in 2003. I share her life's roller coaster ride including some of the lesser known factors that contributed to her demise.

The Crime of the 20th Century

The Great Train Robbery of 1963, dubbed "The Crime of the Century" was a brazen attack on the Glasgow to London mail train that used to convey huge quantities of bank notes. Sixteen gang members successfully stopped the train and relieved it of most of its precious cargo. In this talk I share how the robbery was planned and executed, followed by the tracking down and arrest of those responsible.

The Death Railway

In World War II, allied soldiers were captured by the Japanese during the invasion of South East Asian countries. Many were transported to Thailand and put to work on the Thai-Burma railway under terribly harsh conditions. I share the horrific details of the construction of what became known as the infamous "Death Railway" and its eventual demise.

The Amazing Cocount

The coconut tree is the most useful tree on this planet, with its trunk, foliage and fruit having a wide range of uses that benefit us in our daily lives. I share how the components of its fruit, when separated and processed yield a range of chemicals with unique properties. You’ll learn how these add value to our daily lives.

Vietnam's Wars

Over the centuries Vietnam experienced a number of wars, the most famous of course being America's encounter with the Viet Cong during the 50s and 60s. Prior to this there had also been several conflicts with French colonialists. Vietnams history is traced through these conflicts resulting in its independence and relative peace.

The Singapore Success Story

Singapore has one of the highest standards of living in the world, but not before a turbulent period within the Malayan (now Malaysia) Federation. The influential leader Lee Kuan Yew elevated his country from a backwater to first world status. Discover values contributing to Singapore's success, as I was fortunate enough to experience during my expat days living and working there.

Asian Etiquette - what they don't tell you in travel guides

This humorous account of how foreigners often "get it wrong" when interacting with Asians provides useful tips on key "need to know" aspects of appropriate behaviour, when travelling around Asia. I share insights into the value of being attuned to the differing ways of Asian cultures.

Surviving Chinese Etiquette

Wherever you travel in the world, and especially in Asia, one will inevitably end up interacting with Chinese. One way of establishing good relationships with Chinese (and other Asians) is being aware of, and compliant with their etiquette. Humorous but valuable stories relating to key aspects of Chinese etiquette are shared in this highly entertaining presentation.

A Gaijin in Japan

Follow the exploits of me, a Gaijin (foreign person) during my frequent trips to Japan on business and holiday purposes. Gain insights into the ways of life of ordinary working Japanese ("salary man") in the Land of the Rising Sun, through amusing but valuable accounts of his experiences.