The first episodes in the series were released on Monday, 24 March, and the next episodes in the series will be released regularly thereafter.. The podcast tackles texts on the Welsh A level syllabus, and does so in a fun and entertaining way. The project is in partnership with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the National Library of Wales.
In the first two episodes, which have already been released, Jerry and Richard discuss two classics, the novel Un Nos Ola’ Leuad (One Moonlit Night) by the author Caradog Prichard and the novel Martha, Jack a Sianco (Martha, Jack and Sianco) by the author Caryl Lewis, you can listen to these episodes here.
"This series tackles texts that are on the A level Welsh syllabus. So, it's an opportunity to listen, to enjoy hearing a few things that are different and hopefully inspire you as you revise and tackle your A Level work," said Jerry.
Two series have been completed and 62 episodes have been released over two years, attracting thousands of followers and receiving a silver award in the British Podcast Award for the best Welsh language podcast in 2023. There have been interesting and light conversations between the pair about subjects ranging from the most ancient Welsh literature to Pedair Cainc y Mabinogi (The Four Branches of the Mabinogi) to Ellis Wynne's classic, Gweledigaethau’r Bardd Cwsg (Visions of the Sleeping Bard). As Richard says about the essence of the podcast Yr Hen Iaith (The Old Language):
"The American from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jerry Hunter, seeks to educate me, a Welshman from central Anglesey, about the richness of his own language's literature."
Jerry and Richard met at Aberystwyth University in 1986, after Jerry had come to Wales to pursue an MPhil in Welsh. Richard was completing his degree in International Politics, and the two have been close friends ever since. Jerry had been attempting to convince his friend to learn more about Welsh literature for many years, and Richard finally agreed and suggested doing so in the form of a podcast - and that's how recording began with Yr Hen Iaith (The Old Language).
Both are now familiar faces in Wales, and masters of their craft. Jerry Hunter has been Professor of Welsh at Bangor University since 2003. His research is very diverse and he has published on Welsh literature from all periods, from the Middle Ages to contemporary literature. He is a prolific author who has won the Book of the Year award and the Prose Medal of the National Eisteddfod, and has presented and co-scripted three documentary series for S4C.
Richard Wyn Jones is a commentator on Welsh politics and a very familiar voice in the media. He is Director of Cardiff University's Welsh Governance Centre. His work focuses on Welsh politics, devolved politics in the UK and nationalism. In addition, he is regarded as one of the founders of Critical Security Studies.
The podcast is available initially on AM, and is also available on YouTube and other podcast apps. Many of the episodes have been filmed in the National Library, and you will see some of the main literary treasures of Wales as we explain their relevance to the A level course.
