A LIFE IN SOUND

About A LIFE IN SOUND

From a council estate in Birmingham to the most remote corners of the Earth, Martyn Stewart has spent his life recording the voice of the natural world. This series takes listeners on an epic yet intimate journey through wild places, vanishing soundscapes and the extraordinary life of the man behind the microphone. Along the way come danger, wonder, solitude and devotion - but at its heart, this is a love story: to the planet, to the act of listening, and to the fragile beauty of a living world we stand to lose.

Publisher

THE LISTENING PLANET

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

11 Apr 2024

Latest episode

8 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Mar 2026

   An OBE, the King, and the Sounds of Britain

   In this special episode of A Life in Sound from The Listening Planet, Martyn Stewart returns to England for a journey that is at once deeply personal, profoundly nostalgic, and unexpectedly historic. Fresh from receiving an OBE from King Charles at Windsor Castle for services to nature, Martyn joins Amanda for an intimate conversation about honour, homecoming, and the soundscapes that first taught him how to listen. The episode begins with the extraordinary story of the award itself: the mysterious phone calls Martyn initially dismissed as a scam, the family intervention required to convince him the honour was real, and the surreal experience of arriving at Windsor Castle to discover that it would be the King himself conducting the investiture. For Martyn — a Birmingham-born son of the council estates who built a life documenting the disappearing voices of the natural world — the moment is almost impossible to comprehend. It is moving, funny and deeply human, revealing both his humility and his enduring disbelief at being recognised in this way. But this episode is about much more than ceremony. It is also a return to origins. Together, Martyn and Amanda journey back through England’s landscapes and through Martyn’s own memories: to the dawn chorus of his childhood, the bluebell woods that offered refuge and solace, and the rivers, forests, marshes and moorlands that shaped his earliest recordings. With extraordinary vividness, Martyn evokes the robin before dawn, the wren, the blackbird, the song thrush, the curlew, the kingfisher and the bittern, revealing not just what these places sound like, but what they mean. At the heart of the episode is Martyn’s idea of sound as a time machine. His vast archive allows him to travel back decades and hear the world as it once was — a world richer in birdsong, quieter in its human footprint, and more alive to the subtle textures of the natural world. When recordings from 50 years ago are set against contemporary returns to the same places, the contrast is both fascinating and devastating. The result is an episode that captures the beauty of England’s living soundscape while also confronting the losses brought by development, habitat change and modern noise. Travelling from the bluebell woods of Birmingham to the Peak District, the Wye Valley, Thetford Forest and the Norfolk Broads, Martyn builds an auditory map of England through memory, wildlife and wonder. Along the way, he reflects on the craft of sound recording, the patience it demands, and the heightened awareness required to truly hear what nature is saying. This is not only a story of birds and places, but of perception itself — of learning to listen beyond the obvious, and of what becomes possible when we do. Rich with humour, feeling and hard-won wisdom, this is an episode about belonging, recognition, loss and reverence. It is a portrait of England as heard through one of the world’s great wildlife sound recordists, and a reminder that the sounds of home can shape an entire life.

2. 

   8 May 2025

   Scandinavian Soundscapes – Ice, Storms, and the Dawn Chorus

   In this immersive journey through Scandinavia, legendary sound recordist Martyn Stewart and host Amanda Hill explore the raw, untamed beauty of the North. From the creaking glaciers of Norway to the geysers of Iceland and the thunderous storms of the Faroe Islands, Martyn shares stories from decades of fieldwork—mic’ing up waterfalls, surviving hurricane winds, and capturing the eerie, majestic songs of wolves, moose, and reindeer. They marvel at the choreography of humpback whale bubble-nett...

3. 

   8 Apr 2025

   Scotland: The Sound of Home

   Scotland: Where the Wind Remembers 📝 Episode Synopsis: In this deeply personal episode, Martyn Stewart takes us on an evocative journey through the soundscapes of Scotland—a land he calls home in heart, soul, and spirit. From the soft rustle of winds in the Lowlands to the haunting cries of curlews above Culloden Moor, Martyn reflects on his decades of recording, walking, and falling in love with Scotland’s wild places. We travel through the Borderlands, Highlands, and Islands, weaving throug...

4. 

   3 Apr 2025

   A Life in Sound – A Sonic Portrait of Martyn Stewart

   At 2 AM, Martyn Stewart knew exactly where he needed to be—on the beach, listening. The waves rolled in like an old song, wrapping around him in the way only nature can. For Martyn, sound has always been more than just something to hear. It’s been an escape, a refuge, a way to make sense of the world. As a child, it was the call of the wild that helped him through a turbulent home. As an adult, it has been his constant companion—through illness, through change, through life itself. In this so...

5. 

   5 Dec 2024

   Creative Conversation with ONR

   Martyn Stewart and ONR (Robert Shields) explore the intersection of nature and music, unlocking the secrets of the natural world's sonic potential.

6. 

   30 Aug 2024

   Biophonica Beats: Creative conversation with Peter Raeburn

   On August 30th 2024, 'We Are Biophonica' was launched out into the world. For the album, Peter Raeburn collaborated with Martyn Stewart and the Biophonica team. In this conversation, we learn more about the journey they went on together, how it all began and how this beautiful collaboration has transformed them both.Wind back to over a year ago and a serendipitous meeting in London at the Platoon offices. Pete shares that moment and how an unplanned meeting, all about natur...

7. 

   26 Aug 2024

   Biophonica Beats: Creative Conversations with Louis VI

   Join us for another A Life in Sound - Biophonica Beats special with Martyn Stewart and Rapper, DJ, Zoologist, Musician, Presenter| Reconnecting diaspora to 🌿| BBC Creator in Residence NHU | Musician Louis VI.Together, Louis and Martyn worked on his track Orange Skies as part of the United Nations Live 'Sounds Right' initiative where Nature was officially launched as an artist, Earth Day 2024. https://open.spotify.com/track/5g2SGvTGdCwTtu37KJskwrJoin them in conversation at they jo...

8. 

   23 Aug 2024

   Biophonica Beats: Creative Conversations with Peter Hall

   Have you ever felt the profound beauty and sorrow that nature's soundscapes can evoke? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Martyn Stewart from A Life in Sound and composer Peter Hall as they talk about their new collaboration through The Listening Planet's creative imprint, Biophonica, called Loved & Lost.‘Loved and Lost’ is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of our natural world and a poignant reflection on its fragility and potential degradation. Each track is a narrative, echoing t...

9. 

   3 Jun 2024

   Galapagos Adventures: Wild at Heart

   Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador in the open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among their most noted inhabitants, are like no other place on Earth. Home to a profuse array of unique wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval. Iguanas and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unfazed by our presence. Giant tortoises amble through our private camp, their golden eyes looking out from wizened faces. Inquisitive sea lions play with us in the clear turquoise water, as Galapagos penguins dart by and sea turtles glide past. Author Herman Melville, who visited the islands in 1841, shortly after Darwin's momentous visit, called them the "Enchanted Isles"—an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today. Prepare to be transported to these breathtaking Islands as Martyn recounts his unforgettable 2019 adventure.  In this episode, he shares his initial surprise at the bustling life on Santa Cruz and then quickly escapes to immerse himself in the diverse landscapes —from volcanic craters to serene mangrove forests of the remote and rugged Isabela Island. Picture the exhilarating yet rough ferry ride that led to encounters with frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and even Galapagos penguins. He vividly describes the island's lush mangroves, twisting vines, and pristine beaches that create a picture of an untouched paradise. Through personal anecdotes and observations, he paints a vibrant picture of the island's unique wildlife behaviors and captivating interactions. Lastly, he reflects on the complex balance between conservation and tourism. His experiences navigating the crowded and commercialized areas of Santa Cruz contrast sharply with the untouched beauty of Isabella, raising important questions about the impact of human presence. Despite these challenges, his passion for responsible eco-tourism shines through. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of preserving the Galapagos' natural splendor for future generations, punctuated by personal challenges and moments of awe. www.thelisteningplanet.com

10. 

    11 May 2024

    Wild Belize - Whispers of the Jungle

    Embark on an aural expedition with Martyn Stewart, as we traverse the lush landscapes of Belize, uncovering the rich tapestry of sounds that define this vibrant country.  We rapidly escape the buzz of Belize City for the serene seclusion of Pine Mountain Lodge. . Feel the pounding heart of the tropical thunderstorm, and chuckle along with Martyn's quirky mnemonic for the short-billed pigeon's call. Experience firsthand the acoustic challenges he encountered while recording the symphony of birdlife, bat calls in Orange Walk, and the enchanting nighttime frog chorus, all while reflecting on the dangers of bandit-populated roads that necessitate military escorts. As darkness blankets Central America, we're serenaded by nature's lullaby—the reliable cadence of sunset at six and the harmonious tunes of the melodious blackbird and the light-coloured thrush. This episode is more than just a sensory journey; it's an open invitation to immerse yourself in the environmental splendor of Belize, whether through the stories and sounds shared here or through the continuous echo of nature's symphony online and on social media. www.thelisteningplanet.com

11. 

    6 May 2024

    Embracing the Symphony of Life: A Journey Through Terminal Illness

    When Martyn Stewart first heard the word "cancer" in relation to his own health, his world was upended. Yet, as he reveals in our latest episode, it was the start of a journey that transformed his understanding of life, death, and the power of human resilience. We share a compelling and intimate conversation that transcends the typical narrative of struggle, focusing instead on Martyn's evolution through his battles with prostate cancer, his confrontation with mortality,  his unwavering determination to live each moment to its fullest despite the odds and the role that nature has provided throughout. The notion of mortality often casts a long shadow, but Martyn tries to keep us focussed on finding the light in the present. His story  is an ode to the sublime beauty found in life's simplicity. Listeners will be moved by his reflections on the environment, his drive to give back to the planet, and how even in the face of terminal illness, one can leave an indelible positive mark. As the episode unfolds, we traverse the diverse landscapes of despair and hope, pain and joy, and ultimately, acceptance. Martyn's yearning to capture nature's symphony is a testament to his passion for life, and his insights serve as a gentle reminder to appreciate the now, embracing the small wonders that each day brings. Join us for a conversation that's not only about facing the end but about the art of living meaningfully in the time that we have. www.thelisteningplanet.com

12. 

    23 Apr 2024

    Wild Costa Rica

    In this epsiode, Martyn Stewart, transplants his life from the verdant landscapes of Washington State to the lush tropics of Playa Pelada in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.  We'll be entranced by the dawn chorus, where howler monkeys and the symphony of birdsong announce the break of each day.  We'll then venture deep into the untamed heart of the Osa Peninsula and experience it's raw and untamed beauty.  From the songs of the melodious blackbird through to the haunting calls of the invasive cane toad and the gentle patter of rain on the lush foliage, listeners will experience the exhilarating challenge of capturing the rich tapestry of aural biodiversity.  Martyn's narrative offers a masterclass in the art of nature audio recording, where every sound, from a chirping bird to a distant thunderclap, contributes to the majestic symphony of the rainforest. As we wrap up our journey, we delve into the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and tourism. We confront the poignant realities of turtle conservation and the challenges of preserving habitats in Costa Rica. This episode invites you to surrender to the natural concert that surrounds us, urging you to immerse yourself fully in the wonder of it all. www.thelisteningplanet.com

13. 

    16 Apr 2024

    The Arctic Wildlife Refuge

    The Arctic Wildlife Refuge is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.  It's home to a wide range of wildlife, including iconic species such as polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, muskoxen, hundreds of migratory birds, and many others.  It also supports diverse habitats, from coastal lagoons and wetlands to alpine tundra and boreal forests. Sound ecologist Martyn Stewart is our guide through this acoustic wonderland. He shares his profound experiences from the heart of this awe-inspiring region, providing not just a rare glimpse into its untamed beauty but also an urgent narrative on the environmental and political challenges it faces. His stories bring the Arctic to life, from his first moments of isolation to his encounters with its diverse inhabitants, and the troubling reality of oil drilling's looming threat over this sanctuary. Venture with us into the realm of the Arctic tern's astonishing migration and stand witness to the caribou's ancient river crossings, as Martyn showcases the critical role the refuge plays in the lives of these wandering species. The silence that fills the space left by migrating birds is also a poignant reminder of the fragility of this ecosystem. With each anecdote, we're reminded of the Arctic's vibrant pulse and the importance of safeguarding its unique soundscape, a repository of our planet's rich biodiversity. As the episode draws to a close, we're prompted to consider the legacy we leave for future generations. The Arctic is not merely a distant, icy expanse—it's an integral part of our collective home, demanding our respect and protection. By joining us on this auditory adventure, we hope to foster a deep connection with the natural world, ensuring that the serenity and joy of the wild remain an enduring presence in our lives. Listen and let your heart be stirred by the call of the wild. www.thelisteningplanet.com

14. 

    12 Apr 2024

    An Activists Journey

    Since Martyn began his epic journey, 75% of the landscapes and soundscapes that he’s recorded have vanished, been silenced, or suffered significant degradation. Since the age of 8 years old, he has been an activist. Fighting to safeguard the natural world. This episode will take us from Vegas to Africa, into Montana then onto Taiji, to the Vatican and into Gadami. www.thelisteningplanet.com

15. 

    12 Apr 2024

    Around The World

    To introduce ‘A life in Sound’, Martyn circumnavigates the globe through 7 major themes. We’ll explore the sounds of his youth, what it is to feel Awe, Close calls in the Masai Mara, Activist encounters in Taiji, sounds he didn’t expect to record like the heartbeat of a tree, moments that almost got away from him… and all the way back to LOVE. Leaving Birmingham behind, Martyn began a global quest that led him to the most serene and startling sounds of the natural world. From his childhood memories filled with his mother's piano playing and the hooting of owls to his deep connection with nature, Stewart's narrative is as intricate as the soundscapes he records. His reflections on his introverted nature and the facade he puts on reveal a man who, despite his shyness, possesses a bold spirit driven by his profound love for the natural world. This episode transcends borders and connects the heart with the sounds of nature. Martyn guides us through an exploration that's not just about the wild environments he has captured but also about the journey of self-discovery that came with it.  From the untouched majesty of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, caribou migrations and grizzly bears through to an unforgettable adventure in the Masai Mara. Martyn’s tales are not limited to grand landscapes; they also include intimate encounters with the creatures of the planet. He shares moving stories of his dogs, the silent gratitude in their eyes, and the whisper of partnership formed with nature. These anecdotes emphasize the unspoken bond between humans and the environment and serve as a poignant reminder of our deep-rooted love for the Earth. The technical aspects of sound recording in the wild are not overlooked. Listeners are given a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the challenges and unexpected elements that come with capturing the perfect sound. From a crocodile encounter to the distressing experience of documenting dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan, Stewart does not shy away from the darker side of humanity and the emotional toll it takes on him. Every chapter of the podcast is interspersed with the authentic sense of Martyn’s voice and passion. His narration is compelling, drawing the listener into his world of sound and emotion. The stories he tells are a testament to his activism and the impact that a single person can have on raising awareness about environmental issues. www.thelisteningplanet.com

16. 

    11 Apr 2024

    The Beginnings

    For over 50 years, Martyn has travelled the world, microphone and recorder in hand (and insect repellent nearby). It’s a solitary, driven passion that he dates to his childhood “fascination” with the fauna and flora around him in the suburban Midlands.  It’s his dedication, however, that ultimately resulted in him being renowned as the David Attenborough of sound. In this episode we go back to where it all first began. www.thelisteningplanet.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,684

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

25

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

51

Contact A LIFE IN SOUND

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.