Oxford Lives

About Oxford Lives

Oxford is a wonderful city in which to live, and If you have the good fortune to call yourself a resident you are probably here because you value its incredible mix of people and cultures. However, whether local or visitor, your own personal network of friends and colleagues can only touch a small proportion of the fascinating people who call this place home. We set up this podcast to seek out some of the individuals that we find interesting and explore their lives and stories. They are not all celebrated or well-known, but what they do and what they think add another dimension to the familiar narrative of town, gown and tourism. Hopefully you will find it an insight and an introduction to interesting and unfamiliar parts of our community. So, relax and select someone from the cast below and get to know a bit more about a particular Oxford life. With Jeremy Allen Produced by Graeme Fry As a compliment to our podcast we have produced a self-guided tour where we look at Oxford's links to fantasy literature and the many writers who have lived and worked here. So if you find yourself in Oxford prepare to be whisked away to other worlds full of Hobbits, Orcs and parallel universes! https://voicemap.me/tour/oxford/literary-legends-and-landmarks-a-fantasy-fiction-tour-of-oxford

Publisher

Graeme Fry, Jeremy Allen

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Mar 2018

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

83 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Oxford Lives - Episode 80 with Dr Jon Xue Zhang

   In today's episode of Oxford Lives we speak to Dr Jon Xue Zhang, a man with a remarkable resume: actor, martial artist, stunt man, psychologist, musician, producer, writer. And that's for starters. Jon is best known as the Iconic Ram Man in the recent Masters of the Universe movie, and the loveable but lethal Blood Boots in the Netflix action-comedy The Brothers Sun. Jon has adapted his martial arts philosophy into a remarkable attitude to life. His unique insights can now be accessed in an inspiring new book, The Martial Heart, a roadmap to positive living. A highly articulate, genial and reflective man, this interview will lift your spirits. Links YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@jon_xue_zhang INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jonxuezhang/?hl=en THE MARTIAL HEART: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martial-Heart-Jon-Xue-Zhang/dp/1715225929 SUBSTACK: https://jonxuezhang.substack.com/

2. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Oxford Lives - Episode 79 with Tony Morris

   In today's episode of Oxford Lives, we interview publisher and historian Tony Morris. Tony's most recent books are Buddhism by Numbers and The Morris Oxford Mini-History of Oxford. Tony has produced a groundbreaking blogsite: Morris Oxford, an extremely accessible, easy-on-the-eye guide to our ever-rewarding city, packed with beautiful photographs and fascinating revelations. If this doesn't you out exploring the cobbled streets and hallowed quads, nothing will… LINKS MORRIS OXFORD: https://morrisoxford.co.uk/about/ MUD PIE BOOKS: https://mudpiebooks.com/books-authors/tony-morris/ OXFORD HISTORY TOURS: https://www.oxfordhistorytours.com/books/the-morris-oxford-mini-history-of-oxford

3. 

   20 May 2026

   Oxford Lives - Episode 79 with Jahan Rahman

   In today's appetising episode, we interview Jahan Rahman, owner of the Magic Café in East Oxford. Known for its wholesome vegetarian food and welcoming atmosphere, the café has become a local institution, serving scrumptious homemade fare for over three decades. Here Jahan tells us about the culinary delights on offer, along with practical details of maintaining such a thriving community hub. We also touch on a surprising connection with esteemed author, Zadie Smith. Sit back and prepare to salivate. LINKS: Website: https://the-magic-cafe.menu-world.com/#about Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id+100068670369575# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magic_cafe_oxford/ Reviews: https://the-magic-cafe.weeblyte.com/ https://veganeatsoxford.com/2017/07/15/magic-cafe-oxford-vegan/ https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/6559414.falling-charms/

Who has been a guest on Oxford Lives

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Colin Wade
• Jacquii John
• Jake Lynch
• Annabel McGoldrick
• Steve Lunn

Reach and audience

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

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

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

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

76

Contact Oxford Lives

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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