The first of The Screwtape Letters, along with the preface, will be published here on the channel as part of a new weekly series running until the end of the year.
Each Sunday we'll explore another letter from one of C. S. Lewis's most enduring works. Less than 10 minutes in length, I hope you will listen/re-listen, join in conversation, and share with others to explore the ideas.
Whether you're joining for the first time or returning to a familiar favourite, I look forward to your company on this random planet journey.
In our Western literature, there are many books that entertain, but considerably fewer which continue to challenge readers perceptions of reality decades after they were written. The Screwtape Letters have energised and inspired new audiences, with numerous allusions and sequels continuing to be published in the 21st century.
The thirty one letters themselves were originally published weekly in the Anglican periodical The Guardian during wartime from May to November 1941. In the book version published in 1942, C. S. Lewis explores temptation, distraction, pride, habits and human nature, through letters purportedly written by a senior Devil to his junior, an unusual perspective that is often humorous, yet unsettling and surprisingly relevant in our current age.
It has taken me a while to begin to record The Screwtape letters. As a child of the 60s, Screwtape's way of speaking has presented me with a challenge. We just don't hear these kinds of voices any more.
Senior Devil Screwtape could be considered a classic British patrician and often employs what might be considered (to modern ears) fairly arcane cadences when relaying his perceptions of the human condition. His methods of address I would suggest, reflect the vocal modalities of a considerable proportion of C. S. Lewis' 1940's audience and may not be dissimilar to those of his learned colleagues of the time.
When voicing the letters, I have found that a way into the readings is by adopting speech patterns dimly remembered from the radio as a child, which has nonetheless helped me greatly in unpacking some of the occasionally tortuous phrasing gleefully employed by Screwtape.
During the recording process, I also found that immediately listening back to phrases helped to open up vistas of understanding, which I would then try to reflect in subsequent passes.
The resulting process has been a lot of work but I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Each letter is less than ten minutes in length. I would be humbled and grateful if you would join me over the coming weeks, one letter at a time.
The Book Preface and Letter One premiere this Sunday at 11am and 11.05am respectively.
If you've read the book before, is there an episode or insight that has stayed with you?
Something a little different is coming to the channel. You might even call it random.
Over the past few months I've been working on a complete reading of a story that has interested me for years.
On Sunday 21st June, I'll begin a weekly journey through The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis and invite you to join me.
This remarkable and often surprising book takes the form of letters from a senior devil, Screwtape, to his inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Through satire, humour and sharp observation, Lewis explores temptation, distraction, human nature and the choices we make. (Perhaps you can understand why I'm drawn to it?!)
Rather than releasing everything at once, we'll explore the work one letter at a time, with a new instalment every Sunday at 11am.
Each letter can be listened to in under ten minutes, so I hope you can take a short reflective pause with me during the week.
Versions of the letters were originally published weekly, in wartime between May and November 1941. I couldn't quite match the dates so we'll be done by the end of the year.
To launch the series, both the Book Preface and Letter I will be available on the first day.
Whether you've read it before, listened to it, studied it, or simply heard of it, I'd be interested to know:
My Monkey Brain is driving me insane. Why did I choose to use an AI video generator to construct THREE different versions, then stitch them together?
Why didn't I go lo-tech, like I have been doing with my other uploads, and JUST BE ME? Perhaps it's because I let my monkey brain get the better of me.
At least the music and lyrics are all mine, ENTIRELY AI-FREE, and stem from years trying to find inner peace. This tune appeared in a meditative moment while waiting outside my mates house at 8 in the morning.
I developed the tune on our kid-friendly mid-2000s Yamaha PSR 275 keyboard, a Freecycle find from 20 years ago. For the vocal I used my Schoeps CMC-641 broadcast mic!
There then followed 3 months of plain old fashioned editing on my computer. I can testify to long hours getting the harmonies and vocals right since November.
Thank you to everyone who has commented and liked the song, I am very grateful for your support. If you haven't heard My Monkey Brain yet, please do check it out @randomplanet001 . You can always shut your eyes if the video's too distracting.
My family are now suggesting a second version with my original video idea...it involves me dancing around in a monkey mask...apologies in advance.
The inept canopy build continues, with "help" from One Sock the Fox.
Thank you for viewing my videos, I'm very grateful to everyone who takes the time out of their day. I'd love to claim I know what I'm doing, but I don't. Your feedback will be appreciated :D
I want to get these videos out faster but life and work are a balance, if you appreciate how long it takes to compile even a short video. Train To Jambusar https://youtu.be/Hx1daJhq9Wg?si=J9KYc... ended up taking me 4 years to complete because I was never free to sit down and focus with a dozen other things vying for attention.
That's why I've enjoyed doing this construction task because it's complex but not complicated.
The Portugal Wildfires of 2025 were the worst some had witnessed in Portugal in 60 years. No one was prepared for the intensity and duration of the fires, although the emergency services battled long and hard to contain the spread. In the end, the fire spread out of control to burn huge areas of countryside. Many crops were ruined, many will be deeply affected for years to come.
This video of the fires is available from today at 12pm.
Random Planet
Have you ever realised that your first impression of someone turned out to be completely wrong?
Letter IV explores why our assumptions can become more powerful than reality.
2 months ago |[YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Random Planet
Tomorrow at 11am we begin.
The first of The Screwtape Letters, along with the preface, will be published here on the channel as part of a new weekly series running until the end of the year.
Each Sunday we'll explore another letter from one of C. S. Lewis's most enduring works. Less than 10 minutes in length, I hope you will listen/re-listen, join in conversation, and share with others to explore the ideas.
Whether you're joining for the first time or returning to a familiar favourite, I look forward to your company on this random planet journey.
See you tomorrow morning.
3 months ago |[YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Random Planet
Why 'The Screwtape Letters'?
In our Western literature, there are many books that entertain, but considerably fewer which continue to challenge readers perceptions of reality decades after they were written. The Screwtape Letters have energised and inspired new audiences, with numerous allusions and sequels continuing to be published in the 21st century.
The thirty one letters themselves were originally published weekly in the Anglican periodical The Guardian during wartime from May to November 1941. In the book version published in 1942, C. S. Lewis explores temptation, distraction, pride, habits and human nature, through letters purportedly written by a senior Devil to his junior, an unusual perspective that is often humorous, yet unsettling and surprisingly relevant in our current age.
It has taken me a while to begin to record The Screwtape letters. As a child of the 60s, Screwtape's way of speaking has presented me with a challenge. We just don't hear these kinds of voices any more.
Senior Devil Screwtape could be considered a classic British patrician and often employs what might be considered (to modern ears) fairly arcane cadences when relaying his perceptions of the human condition. His methods of address I would suggest, reflect the vocal modalities of a considerable proportion of C. S. Lewis' 1940's audience and may not be dissimilar to those of his learned colleagues of the time.
When voicing the letters, I have found that a way into the readings is by adopting speech patterns dimly remembered from the radio as a child, which has nonetheless helped me greatly in unpacking some of the occasionally tortuous phrasing gleefully employed by Screwtape.
During the recording process, I also found that immediately listening back to phrases helped to open up vistas of understanding, which I would then try to reflect in subsequent passes.
The resulting process has been a lot of work but I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Each letter is less than ten minutes in length. I would be humbled and grateful if you would join me over the coming weeks, one letter at a time.
The Book Preface and Letter One premiere this Sunday at 11am and 11.05am respectively.
If you've read the book before, is there an episode or insight that has stayed with you?
3 months ago (edited) |[YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Random Planet
Have you read The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis?
4 months ago |[YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Random Planet
Something a little different is coming to the channel. You might even call it random.
Over the past few months I've been working on a complete reading of a story that has interested me for years.
On Sunday 21st June, I'll begin a weekly journey through The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis and invite you to join me.
This remarkable and often surprising book takes the form of letters from a senior devil, Screwtape, to his inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Through satire, humour and sharp observation, Lewis explores temptation, distraction, human nature and the choices we make. (Perhaps you can understand why I'm drawn to it?!)
Rather than releasing everything at once, we'll explore the work one letter at a time, with a new instalment every Sunday at 11am.
Each letter can be listened to in under ten minutes, so I hope you can take a short reflective pause with me during the week.
Versions of the letters were originally published weekly, in wartime between May and November 1941. I couldn't quite match the dates so we'll be done by the end of the year.
To launch the series, both the Book Preface and Letter I will be available on the first day.
Whether you've read it before, listened to it, studied it, or simply heard of it, I'd be interested to know:
What is your experience of The Screwtape Letters?
4 months ago (edited) |[YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Random Planet
My Monkey Brain is driving me insane. Why did I choose to use an AI video generator to construct THREE different versions, then stitch them together?
Why didn't I go lo-tech, like I have been doing with my other uploads, and JUST BE ME? Perhaps it's because I let my monkey brain get the better of me.
At least the music and lyrics are all mine, ENTIRELY AI-FREE, and stem from years trying to find inner peace. This tune appeared in a meditative moment while waiting outside my mates house at 8 in the morning.
I developed the tune on our kid-friendly mid-2000s Yamaha PSR 275 keyboard, a Freecycle find from 20 years ago. For the vocal I used my Schoeps CMC-641 broadcast mic!
There then followed 3 months of plain old fashioned editing on my computer. I can testify to long hours getting the harmonies and vocals right since November.
Thank you to everyone who has commented and liked the song, I am very grateful for your support. If you haven't heard My Monkey Brain yet, please do check it out @randomplanet001 . You can always shut your eyes if the video's too distracting.
My family are now suggesting a second version with my original video idea...it involves me dancing around in a monkey mask...apologies in advance.
7 months ago (edited) |[YT] | 2
View 2 replies
Random Planet
After reading a subscriber comment yesterday, I was shocked to learn of the untimely passing of Rory McLeod on 10th December 2025.
Like all who met Rory, or watched him perform, I am sad and I will miss him. This cannot compare with the loss his family and friends must be feeling.
I was fortunate to meet Rory two more times. He was as energetic, engaging and charming off stage as he was when performing.
Rory was and remains unique. What he had to say and share resonated deeply.
After posting the South Bank Club videos, these wonderful performances led to many subscribers joining this channel.
Thank you Rory. God Bless You.
10 months ago (edited) |[YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Random Planet
The inept canopy build continues, with "help" from One Sock the Fox.
Thank you for viewing my videos, I'm very grateful to everyone who takes the time out of their day. I'd love to claim I know what I'm doing, but I don't. Your feedback will be appreciated :D
I want to get these videos out faster but life and work are a balance, if you appreciate how long it takes to compile even a short video. Train To Jambusar https://youtu.be/Hx1daJhq9Wg?si=J9KYc... ended up taking me 4 years to complete because I was never free to sit down and focus with a dozen other things vying for attention.
That's why I've enjoyed doing this construction task because it's complex but not complicated.
11 months ago |[YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Random Planet
Shocked But Alive:
The Portugal Wildfires of 2025 were the worst some had witnessed in Portugal in 60 years. No one was prepared for the intensity and duration of the fires, although the emergency services battled long and hard to contain the spread. In the end, the fire spread out of control to burn huge areas of countryside. Many crops were ruined, many will be deeply affected for years to come.
This video of the fires is available from today at 12pm.
1 year ago |[YT] | 0
View 0 replies