- 18
- Episodes
- 23
- Ratings
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Harford: An Oral History
Harford: An Oral History is a surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest, Wales - known locally as Harford. Each episode is a monologue from a different town inhabitant, recounting a moment from Harford's past: a disastrous bid to build the world's tallest building, a battle reenactment that spirals into a Cold War-era dictatorship, and more. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper (BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, The Now Show). Winner, Golden Lobes Best Scripted Comedy 2025. The Observer: "punchy 10- to 14-minuters" that "crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour." The Guardian: "strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists." New episodes monthly. Support the show: ko-fi.com/harford (ko-fi.com/harford). Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com (mailto:danhooper86@gmail.com) Cover image: Haverfordwest Castle by Roger Gittins, used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
- Publisher
- Dan Hooper
- Category
- comedy · fiction · fiction
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 4 Feb 2025
- Latest episode
- 27 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
27 Sept 2026
The Shortcut
After losing his job and saying nothing to his partner, a man tries to manufacture his own luck and ends up searching the fields of Harford for a better tomorrowa. To support the show visit (https://ko-fi.com/harford)https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) The Shortcut was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is "One and Only" by Pamela Yuen (https://linktr.ee/pamelayuen)https://linktr.ee/pamelayuen (https://linktr.ee/pamelayuen). Licensed under CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) You can contact Dan at harford.immobile592@passinbox.com. Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Jul 2026
The Interview
A man searches his past for the perfect job interview answer. You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Jun 2026
The Leader
A civically minded archivist is thrust into the limelight as the new leader of Harford. But soon starts to wonder who is really pulling the strings. This episode was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Raised by Wolves by Tellsonic. You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com (mailto:danhooper86@gmail.com). To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 May 2026
The Change
A self help guru returns to Harford to share his wisdom. But the question is, is he ready to learn from the town? This episode was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Atlantis Particles by Johann Erickson. If you like the show, please rate and review it, share it with a friend or consider supporting the show here https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Mar 2026
The Competition
A man dreams of a better life but is held back by his family. Then one day he wins a competition that sets him on a new path and into a world of the elites. You can support the show by visiting https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford), sharing the show with a friend or rating and reviewing it. Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10 to 14 minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Feb 2026
The Corporation
A man starts to understand the influence companies have over his life. But instead of fighting it, he decides to embrace it, and opens himself up to market forces. You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Jan 2026
The Mascot
The town rallies around a new mascot. But the man in the suit starts to think that maybe the reason he’s been selected for the role isn’t as simple as it once appeared. The Mascot was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Sylvan Harmony by Syntropy Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Dec 2025
The Drift
THE DRIFT: A man lies awake at night, thinking about his life. He starts to suspect the problem isn’t him, it’s the system. Everything seems to function, but nothing actually works. The Drift was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is The illusion of choosing by polar nights. You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Nov 2025
The Meeting
The Meeting: A man in crisis seeks guidance from a mysterious figure in a kaftan. But his search for personal growth causes serious problems. The Meeting was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Analog Dreams by Blue Saga You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Oct 2025
The Bomb
The Bomb: The corrupting influence of local politics takes its toll on a man. His plan to protect the town gets out of hand and a small lie has geopolitical consequences. The bomb was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Cosmic Psychiatry by Brendon Moeller You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Harford: An Oral History is a monthly surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiraled into real conflict. Written, produced and performed by Dan Hooper Winner: Golden Lobes — Best Scripted Comedy. The Observer said “These punchy 10- to 14-minuters crackle with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”and The Guardian described the show “Strange little monologues brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists.” Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=show_page&utm_campaign=show_support) Written, produced & performed by Dan Hooper. Contact: danhooper86@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Sept 2025
The Stag
The Stag: A best man turns a stag do into a philosophical examination of both freedom and bondage. This episode was written and performed by Dan Hooper. The music is Oppression by Amaranth Cove and Blue by Shinji Wakasa. You can contact Dan at danhooper86@gmail.com. To support the show visit https://ko-fi.com/harford (https://ko-fi.com/harford) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
25 Jun 2025
The Library
Dan Hooper narrates a fictional hostage situation at a local library, exploring themes of personal resolution for a negotiator in this episode.
21 May 2025
The Portal
THE PORTAL: A wannabe estate agent is tasked with selling an unsellable property. They succeed, but in Haverfordwest, every deal comes with strings attached, and the devil really is in the detail. Music: Desert Wind by Tellsonic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Apr 2025
Reenactment
A battle reenactment spirals out of control, leading to a Cold War-era dictatorship in a small Welsh town. What begins as historical homage turns into a ruthless regime of paranoia, propaganda, and gulags by the Happy Shopper. Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS via Pixabay If you’d like to support Harford, go to https://bit.ly/harfordpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Mar 2025
The Abduction
ABDUCTION: A disgraced tabloid journalist flees to Haverfordwest, hoping to rebuild his career. But when his fabricated UFO sightings spiral out of control, he finds himself at the centre of a media frenzy. Desperate measures are taken. The town is forever changed. Music by NaturesEye via Pixabay If you’d like to support Harford, go to https://bit.ly/harfordpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Feb 2025
The Tower
A town planner’s dream turns into a nightmare when he crosses the wrong developers. As Haverfordwest expands under his watch, mobsters, superstition, and civic ambition collide, leading to an architectural disaster that threatens to consume the town itself. Music: Tyrant Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License If you’d like to support Harford, go to https://bit.ly/harfordpod (https://bit.ly/harfordpod) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Feb 2025
The Funeral
A group of teenagers find a new hangout spot—the local crematorium. Years later, one of them returns, becoming entangled in a long-buried family feud, a mistaken funeral, and an overly convoluted cover-up. Music by Denis-Pavlov-Music via Pixabay If you’d like to support Harford, go to https://bit.ly/harfordpod (https://bit.ly/harfordpod) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Feb 2025
Harford: An Oral History Trailer
Harford: An Oral History—a surreal comedy podcast uncovering the strange and forgotten history of Haverfordwest. In each episode, a town inhabitant recounts their role in a key moment of its past—from a disastrous attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle reenactment that spiralled into real conflict. Written and performed by Dan Hooper. Launching 20th February 2025 with two episodes, followed by new episodes every month. Music by RelaxingTime via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 2 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 21 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 23
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 0
Contact Harford: An Oral History
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