“Spirit of the Hall” features engaging conversations with some of St Edmund Hall’s most fascinating alumni, fellows and staff. Hosted by Olly Belcher (nee Donnelly), President of the SEH Association for alumni, this podcast provides a special opportunity for current and past members of Teddy Hall to share how that unique spirit has shaped their insights and experiences in politics, academia, business, entertainment, technology and more. Join us as we lead the way and shine a light on some of those who make Teddy Hall - and other Oxford Colleges - the great institutions that they are.
In the first episode of Series Six hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Lord William Hague, the Chancellor of Oxford University, a role he describes as “the honour of his life”. As well as the Chancellor, Lord Hague is a “Visitor” to Teddy Hall, a role that is great fun until there is trouble! Lord Hague is renowned for his 26 years in British politics and served as Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001. He returned to frontline politics under David Cameron, serving as Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014, and subsequently as Leader of the House of Commons until stepping down from Parliament in 2015.
Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.
4 Jun 2026
John Milloy
In the final episode of Series Five, hear Olly Belcher, past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with John Milloy who came up to the Hall in 1990 as an MCR student to do his Doctor of Philosophy in Modern History. John absolutely loved his time at Teddy Hall and particularly enjoyed being the MCR Steward. After Teddy Hall, John returned to Canada and immediately got involved in politics, ultimately working for the Prime Minister! He then turned to the ballot box himself and was a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, surviving three elections until he retired from politics in 2014.
Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.
14 May 2026
Robert Macaire
In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association in conversation with Robert Macaire, who came up to the Hall in 1984 to read Modern History. Rob rowed in the first eight and was one of the founding members of the much loved Syndicate! After Teddy Hall, he joined the Ministry of Defence and then the Foreign Office where his first posting was to Romania. Following postings to Washington DC and to Nairobi as British High Commissioner, Rob was appointed as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iran. He then spent time in the private sector before turning his hand to the third sector with his recent appointment as CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy meaning a return to Kenya.
Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
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