Teacher Joseph's Sound Archive
Audio, video and spoken communication.
Part 4 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil begins farm work, senses the family’s grief, and takes his first steps toward writing. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, and belonging.
The small back room smelled faintly of pine boards and woodsmoke. Its single window was frosted at the edges, letting in only a sliver of moonlight. A narrow bed, a wooden chair, and a shelf were all it held, but after the ship’s hard benches and the cold hall in Halifax, it felt like his own corner of the world.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (4): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1104)”Part 3 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil reaches Robert Jefferey’s farm and meets the family who will shape his new life. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, and belonging.
Part 3: The Road to Halton Hills
The wagon creaked as it left the little platform behind. Neil sat beside his uncle, suitcase at his feet, fingers wrapped around the smooth stone in his pocket. The road stretched ahead in a long, frozen ribbon. Pine trees lined the edges, bare branches brushing the sky.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (3): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1101)”Companion background for Neil McTaggart’s Crossing: the real family history, Kilbirnie mill housing, and Scottish emigration context behind the fictional story.
Right, Today we’re going to talk about Neil McTaggart.
Now, some of you know that I’ve been writing a story, and you’ve been reading it on my blog and hearing it on YouTube.
Continue reading “The Real Neil McTaggart (Bio.) | The Man behind the Story Podcast 1099”Part 2 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil arrives in Halifax, travels west, and meets his uncle Robert in Ontario. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, and belonging.
by Joseph McTaggart
The ship groaned as it pushed into Halifax Harbour, cutting through a pale morning mist. Neil stood near the rail, coat buttoned high against the cold, his fingers wrapped around a small stone in his pocket. The stone was smooth and grey, polished by sea air and worry — a gift from his mother.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (2): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1097)”Part 1 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil leaves Scotland for Canada and begins the crossing that changes his life. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, and belonging.
Let’s be honest: British food doesn’t have the best reputation. Around the world, people make jokes about it—and often, those jokes are true. In the UK, we eat a lot of boring, brown food. We also have strange habits when it comes to meals. And worst of all? Most of us don’t even realise there’s a problem. We think we’re doing fine.
Continue reading “1084 British Food Explained: Why Is It So Bad?”