EP 183 | The Return of Bullwinkle

This episode starts with food — pasta, bolognese, and questionable culinary choices — before opening into a candid conversation about fatherhood, family, purpose, and growing up.

We reflect on becoming a parent, how priorities shift, the pressures of modern life, work, money, and why family can feel grounding in uncertain times. The conversation then moves into British history and etymology, exploring where counties, shires, and place names come from, alongside Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Norman England, and the roots of the English language.

Relaxed, thoughtful, and wide-ranging — a very Pandora’s Box episode.

In this episode of Pandora’s Box, we’re joined by George Wakeman, creator of the hugely popular Instagram page Extinct Animal Facts and upcoming author.

George takes us on a fascinating journey through deep time, exploring some of the most extraordinary prehistoric creatures ever to walk the Earth — from trilobites with crystal eyes to armoured dinosaurs, saber-toothed predators, and the legendary megalodon.

We also discuss why extinct animals capture our imagination, the mysteries still hidden in the fossil record, and George’s mission to make palaeontology accessible and exciting for everyone.Broadcast live on Aspen Waite Radio every Monday at 9pm.