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The Family Tree

When podcast producer Dave Pickering is approached by his dad with a mystery from the life of a long-forgotten friend, he decides to investigate it in the only way he knows how: by having conversations. Mark Sullivan, who went missing 15 years ago, has been found dead. His body still has the arm he should have lost in a car accident and seems to have died eight years before he disappeared. In a series of 12 episodes, Dave tries to uncover this mystery through conversations with Mark’s family and friends. As he gets to know them, his questions lead to more questions… the mystery runs deeper than anyone imagined. The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.
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Now displaying: October, 2016
Oct 30, 2016

Before their scheduled meeting, Reverend Beech leaves a message for Dave asking him to meet him at St James’ Park. There are “one or two things it might be useful for you to see,” he says. In this episode, Dave finally gets some answers.*

*If you’re new to The Family Tree, we suggest going back to Episode 1 before you listen to this. From here on, there’ll be spoilers you can’t unknow!

The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.

Oct 28, 2016

Today’s Cutting comes in two parts. After hearing Nathan’s concerns about the conflict between live action role play and table top gaming, Dave investigates this issue with the table top role-playing gamers from The Rusty Quill Gaming Podcast and LARPers, Zoe Prosser and Gary Blake. In the second half of the show, Dave focuses on some of Nathan’s other interests and speaks to the makers of the documentary, The Truth Is Out There, Dean Haglund (from The X-Files) and Phil Leirness, about conspiracy theories and other-worldly views.

The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to showcase listener theories about the mystery. If you have a theory about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show.

Find our Guests!

Zoe Prosser & Gary Blake: Zoe & Gary on Getting Better Acquainted

Rusty Quill: The Rusty Quill Gaming Podcast, Rusty Quill Twitter

Dean Haglund & Phil Leirness: The Truth is out There, Chillpak Hollywood Hour, Dave on Chillpak Hollywood Hour, Chillpak Hollywood Hour Twitter, The Lady Killers

Oct 23, 2016

After his previous two conversations, Dave’s pleased to find that Mark’s second son, Nathan, is much more willing to talk about his father’s disappearance than his other children. Back in the Sullivan family home, Dave discovers that Nathan has some interesting theories about what might have happened to Mark.

The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.

Oct 20, 2016

Having personal conversations in public is always a risky business, but Dave is particularly aware that his guests this week were under sixteen. With Melissa and Melanie’s well-being at the front of his mind, he reaches out for guidance and advice. In this week’s Cutting, Dave explores issues of privacy, sharing your private life publically, navigating the internet as a young person, and sex and education. He talks to journalist, broadcaster and sex educator, Alix Fox; writer and sex blogger, Girl on the Net, and podcasters Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn from One Bad Mother.

The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to showcase listener theories about the mystery. If you have a theory about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show.

Find our Guests!

Alix Fox: Close Encounters podcast, The Modern Mann podcast

Girl on the Net: Twitter, books

Biz Ellis & Theresa Thorn: One Bad Mother podcast, One Bad Mother Twitter

Also mentioned: Brook, BISH

Oct 16, 2016

Dave thought it was awkward speaking to Ben, but it turns out that was nothing compared with speaking to Mark’s teenage daughters, Melissa and Melanie. Nervously sitting down with the twins in the family home, Dave didn't expect it to be easy, but he was surprised to find they were less happy about giving an interview than he'd been led to believe.

The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.

Oct 13, 2016

Picking up on some of the themes of this week’s episode of The Family Tree, Dave speaks to founder of Media Diversified, Samantha Asamadu; Nikesh Shukla, editor of the brilliant state-of-the-nation essay collection, The Good Immigrant and poet and journalist, Musa Okwonga about issues around representation and lived experience in fiction, drama and the media.

The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to showcase listener theories about the mystery. If you have a theory about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show.

Find our Guests!

Samantha Asamadu: Media Diversified, The Feminist Filmmaker, twitter

Nikesh Shukla: The Good Immigrant , twitter

Musa Okwonga: twitter

Oct 9, 2016

Dave talks to Mark’s eldest son, Ben, and his partner, Kora. With their daughter Mia playing in the room next door, the couple host Dave in their busy kitchen. He said he was happy to talk, but Ben is more defensive than Dave – or Kora – anticipated.

The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.

Oct 6, 2016

In Mark Sullivan’s absence, Dave is aware of the dangers of discussing issues without involving those affected by them. Mark’s decision to become a vegan was one that shaped the life of both himself and his family, so Dave talks to Sonja Todd and Charlie Philips about their experiences living in the world as vegans.  Another issue that affected Mark deeply was the loss of his arm in a car accident. Dave speaks to poet, theatre maker, comedian and community arts worker Jackie Hagan about her experiences as an amputee.

The Family Tree's Cuttings discuss the real issues raised in the show with special guests from podcasting, journalism and the arts. They are also a space to showcase listener theories about the mystery. If you have a theory about what happened to Mark, you can call 0203 290 0592. Please be aware that your message may be played on the show.

Find our Guests!

Sonja Todd: Erwin (a comic about Erwin Blumenfeld)

Charlie Phillips: The Guardian, Article about PopCo

Jackie Hagan: Some People Have Too Many Legs (The Frog and Bucket, Manchester 23/10/16)

Oct 2, 2016

Having spoken to Reverend Beech, Dave contacts Mark Sullivan’s family. His widow, Jane, agrees to come on the show to discuss their relationship and her feelings about the mystery. Dave talks to her in the family home surrounded by pictures of her family.

The Family Tree is a magical realist drama about family, belonging, change and identity.

 

 

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