'Ruined by a Mermaid's Curse: The Sea, Superstition, and Loss in a Yorkshire Legend from Staithes' at Sirens: Women and the Sea, Keynote/Plenary by Invitation (Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, 2025)
'A Mermaid’s Curse: Egg-Broth, Inundation and Economic Decline in a Yorkshire Legend from Staithes' at English Seminar Series (University of Liverpool, 2025)
‘Mermaids of the British Isles and Ireland: Sirens of Sin and Salvation’ at Imaginative Landscapes and Otherworlds 2024: The Liminality of Water and Aqueous Realms (Canterbury and Exeter, 2024)
'Back to the Future: History and Onomancy in Wellcome Library MS 8004, a Fifteenth-Century Scientific and Prognostic Compendium' at The 10th Medieval Chronicle Conference, by Invitation (Nancy, France, 2023)
Practical Collaboration Between Tv and Academia - What We Need at AHTV Roundtable, by Invitation (London, 2023)
'The Brut Tradition' at The 9th International Conference on The Medieval Chronicle, by Invitation (Virtual University of Poznań, 2021)
'The Middle English Prose Brut' at The Brut in New Troy 2021 Online Conference, by Invitation (University of Queen Mary, London, 2021)
'Highlighting History' at AHTV Roundtable at AHRC and Edinburgh Television Festival, by Invitation (University of Edinburgh, 2021)
'Women in Academia' at International Women's Day, Keynote/Plenary by Invitation (Redgrave Court, 2020)
Shipwrecks and How to Avoid Them, by Invitation (Somerville College, Oxford, 2017)
Research Seminar, by Invitation (Trinity College, Dublin, 2015)
Agincourt 1415-2015, by Invitation (University of Liverpool, 2015)
Syon to Agincourt: 1415 and Beyond, by Invitation (University of Hull, 2015)
Research Seminar, by Invitation (Centre for the Study of the Middle Ages, University of Birmingham, 2015)
Organiser of 7th International Medieval Chronicle Conference (University of Liverpool, 2014)
20th International Medieval Congress, by Invitation (University of Leeds, 2013)
Medieval Books, by Invitation (Lancashire Archive, 2013)
Spring Talks, by Invitation (Lancashire Archives, 2013)
Oxford/Cambridge International Chronicles Symposium, by Invitation (University of Oxford, 2012)
5th International Medieval Chronicle Conference, by Invitation (University of Belfast, 2008)
Theories and Practices of Editing Symposium, by Invitation (University of Liverpool, 2008)
AHRC Manuscripts and Printed Books Colloquium, by Invitation (University of Bangor, 2007)
Organiser of Individual and Group Identity in the Middle Ages (University of Liverpool, 2007)
Political Consciousness & the Literary Mind in Late Medieval England, Keynote/Plenary by Invitation (Keio University, Tokyo, 2006)
Harlaxton Symposim, by Invitation (Harlaxton, 2005)
4th International Medieval Chronicle Conference, by Invitation (University of Reading, 2005)
2nd Nowton Court Colloquium on the History of the Book and Digitisation, by Invitation (University of Cambridge, 2004)
The Fifteenth Century Conference, by Invitation (University of Keele, 2003)
Research Seminar, by Invitation (The Institute of Historical Research, London, 2002)
3rd International Medieval Chronicle Conference, by Invitation (University of Utrecht, 2002)
37th International Congress on Medieval Studies at Kalamazoo, by Invitation (University of Michigan, 2002)
Research Seminar, by Invitation (University of Hull, 2002)
Leeds International Medieval Congress (University of Leeds, 2000)
Organiser of Ethnic and Regional Identities in the Middle Ages (University of Hull, 2000)
Editorships
Liverpool University Press (Invited Editorial Advisory Board Member, 2012 - present)
'Japanese Merfolk and the Strange Case of the Feejee Mermaid', by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Viktor Wynd Museum, 2025)
'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Medieval Treasure' at 'Into the Wyld', a festival of contemporary art by Material Matters, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, 2024)
‘Medieval Mermaids: Sirens of Shipwreck, Salvation and Folklore’, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Viktor Wynd Museum, 2024)
'Mermaids Across the Millennia', by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, The Viktor Wynd Museum, 2023)
The Mermaid Chronicles (Exhibition, Adam Art Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand, 2022)
Things in Jars with Jess Kidd at Liverpool Literary Festival, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Online, 2020)
Mermaid History: The Lure in Context at British Film Institute's Musicals Season: Screening of The Lure, by Invitation (Film Screening, The Old Market, Hove, 2019)
Things in Jars at Liverpool Literary Festival, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Victoria Gallery and Museum, 2019)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Performance, University of Liverpool, 2018)
Performance of Renaissance Fantastic Voyages at Under the Moon (Exhibition, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, 2018)
The Little Mermaid at British Academy Literature Week (Performance, British Academy, 2017)
'Daughters of the Deep: Mermaids in Literature and Art’ at Being Human Festival 2016 (Performance, Walker Gallery, Liverpool, 2016)
The Little Mermaid at Being Human Festival 2016 (Performance, Walker Gallery, Liverpool, 2016)
Mermaid and Pirate Tales at Being Human Festival 2016 (Performance, Walker Gallery, Liverpool, 2016)
Festival Advocate for Liverpool Hub of Being Human 2016 (Performance, Being Human Festival, 2016)
Being Human Festival Launch, by Invitation (Performance, Senate House, London, 2016)
Being Human Festival Showcase, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Senate House, London, 2016)
Mermaids in Their Element at Women on the Waterfront Festival, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Merseyside Maritime Museum, 2016)
Robin Hood’s May Day Adventure at Tudor Times (Performance, The National Trust: Speke Hall, 2016)
Humans, Animals and Supernatural Encounters in the Middle Ages at Being Human Festival 2015 (Talk/Lecture, Walker Gallery, Liverpool, 2015)
Bisclavret at Being Human Festival 2015 (Performance, Walker Gallery, Liverpool, 2015)
Women in Leadership, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, University of Liverpool, 2015)
Mermaids in Their Element at Light Night, by Invitation (Talk/Lecture, Culture Liverpool/Merseyside Maritime Museum, 2015)
Working Group for Being Human Festival Activities (University, 2015 - 2016)
Development of 'Join the Adventure' (university promotional film) (University, 2015 - 2016)
Steering Committee for Academic Book Week (University, 2015 - 2016)
Faculty Research Outcomes Group Member (Faculty, 2014 - 2015)
Director of PG Research (2014 - 2015)
Fire Officer for English (School / Institute, 2014 - 2015)
Organiser and Chair of Staff-Student Seminar Series (School / Institute, 2012 - 2013)
Panel Member for AHRC BGP1 Awards (Faculty, 2012 - 2013)
Northwest Consortium AHRC BGP2 Funding Bid: English Pathway (School / Institute, 2012 - 2013)
Progress Committee (School / Institute, 2009 - 2010)
Learning and Teaching Committee (School / Institute, 2009 - 2010)
E-learning advisor (2009 - 2010)
Level One Coordinator (School / Institute, 2009 - 2010)
Cognate Subject Representative for AHRC Block Grant Partnership interviews (Faculty, 2009 - 2010)
Mitigating Circumstances Committee (School / Institute, 2009 - 2010)
Internal Peer Reviewer of Teaching (School / Institute, 2008 - 2009)
Subject Representative for English (University, 2008 - 2009)
Co-organiser of the LCMRS Seminar Series (Faculty, 2008 - 2009)
Treasurer for Liverpool Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Faculty, 2008 - 2009)
School Coordinator for ESRC funded Net Generation Survey (School / Institute, 2007 - 2008)
Internal Periodic Review Representative for School of English (School / Institute, 2006 - 2007)
Media Appearances
Feature: 'This Seaside Village's Mermaid Myth is Still Growing', BBC News (June 2025)
Feature: 'The Sea Shall Flow to Jackdaw's We'll Old English Mermaid Legend Traced Back Centuries'. Cited in feature by James Felton, IFL Science (June 2025)
Feature: “Mermaids Of Staithes” Legend Likely Centuries Older Than Previously Thought', Raw News (June 2025)
Broadcast: 'Winter Special', CBS News, with Gil Gross (2024)
Broadcast: 'Christmas Traditions', BBC Radio Merseyside, Tony Snell Show (2024)
Broadcast: Prom 5 Live Interval Coverage of Zemlinsky's 'The Mermaid', BBC Radio 3 Proms (July 2024)
Broadcast and podcast: Mythical Creatures (episode 5 'Mermaids') with Rhianna Pratchett, BBC Radio 4 (2023)
Broadcast: 'Christmas Traditions', BBC Radio Merseyside, Phill Munns Show (2023)
Interview: British Mermaids, Country Life (2023)
Broadcast: Interview about Disney's The Little Mermaid, BBC Radio 4, World at One (2023)
Broadcast and Podcast: 'Mermaids, Caribbean Tales and Copyright', BBC Radio 3 Freethinking (2023)
Broadcast and Podcast: 'The Little Mermaid', The Princess Podcast, BBC Radio 4 (2023)
Feature: 'How Man Tricked into Buying World's Most Expensive Mermaid Lost his Fortune', Guinness World Records (2023)
University Challenge Christmas Special, BBC 2 (2022)
Presenter: 'Game of Thrones and History', BBC Radio 3 Arts and Ideas Podcast (2022)
Vodcast: 'The Mermaid Chronicles Exhibition', Adam Art Gallery (2022)
Interview: 'Legends of the Sea', Breathe Magazine (2021)
Podcast: 'Monsters and Marvell’s Part III: The Mermaid’s Tale', Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Object Podcast, (2020)
Vodcast: 'Mermaids', Royal Museums Greenwich at Home Vodcast 'Ships, Sea and Stars' (2020)
Podcast: 'Mermaids and History',, Cleopatra's Bling Podcast (2020)
Podcast: ‘How Mermaids Protect People From Illness’, The Mermaid Podcast, Cinderley (2020)
Broadcast: Digging Up Britain's Past, Channel 5 (2019)
Presenter: Film Introduction to 'The Lure', British Film Institute (2019)
Interview: ‘The African Mermaid Before Disney’, The Philadelphia Inquirer (2019)
Interview: ‘Disney Defends ‘Little Mermaid’ Casting’, The Atlanta Constitution (2019)
Interview: 'Africa Celebrated Black MermaidsLong Before Disney and #NotMyAriel', The Washington Post (2019)
Interview: Feature on mermaids, The New Issue (2019)
Feature: 'From Unicorns to Beastly Farts', Times Higher Education (2019)
Feature: 'John Hardyng: Henry V’s Secret Agent‘, BBC History Magazine (2019)
Feature: 'What Medieval History Tells Us About Game of Thrones (and how it might end…)', Liverpool University News (2019)
Feature: 'My Favourite Place: Rome, Italy', BBC History Magazine (2019)
Broadcast: 'Divided Britain' with Tony Livesey, BBC Radio Five Live (2019)
Interview: Feature on King Arthur and the Kid Who Would be King, Vera. Virgin In Flight Magazine (2019)
Interview: The Kid Who Would be King, Worldwide Media (2019)
Feature: 'Mermaids and Where to Find Them', The Big Issue (2019)
Interview: 'Drawn to Scales', The Big Issue (2019)
Interview: 'Did Mary, Queen of Scots Really Wear All of Those Earrings?', The Cut (2018)
Broadcast: 'The Appeal of Mermaids', TalkRadio (2018)
Interview: 'Why is Fish Sex so Hot Right Now? (Because Apparently It is)', The Spinoff (2018)
Interview: ‘The Fishy but Eternal Allure of the Merman’, The Boston Globe (2018)
Interview: 'The Return of the Mermen', The Boston Globe (2018)
Podcast: 'Mermaid's Through the Ages', The Mermaid Podcast, Cinderly (2018)
Broadcast: 'Trade, Davos, Ocean Travel and Mermaids', BBC Radio 3 (2018)
Broadcast: 'The Mystery of Mermaids', ABC Radio National Australia (2018)
Feature: 'Anniversaries: 14 April 1471 Warwick the Kingmaker is Slain in Battle', BBC History Magazine (2018)
Interview: 'Game of Thrones: Who is the True Heir?', BBC News (2017)
Podcast: 'History of Christmas Traditions', University of Liverpool Podcast (2017)
Broadcast: 'Medieval Christmas Traditions', BBC Radio Merseyside (2017)
Broadcast: Britain's Ancient Tracks with Tony Robinson, Channel 4 (2017)
Broadcast: 'Mermaids', Radio New Zealand (2017)
Interview: 'Real Life Mermaids of Britain', BBC 3 (2017)
Broadcast: 'Mermaids', BBC Radio 2 (2017)
Podcast: 'Why Do We Love Mermaids?', University of Liverpool Podcast (2017)
Interview: 'King Arthur and Dozmary Pool', BBC Radio Georgey Spanswick Tonight (2017)
Broadcast: 'Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur', BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester (2017)
Broadcast: Storytelling and Folklore, BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester (2017)
Interview: 'The Mermaid Isles Project', The Thinkers' Garden (2017)
Interview: ‘Penis Harvest and Killer Rabbits’, The Ottawa Citizen. Also published in five other outlets: The Calgary Herald, The Montreal Gazette, The Windsor Star, The Leader Post and The Edmonton Journal. (2017)
Feature: 'St Valentine’s – A Minor Day in a Medieval Calendar packed with Festivals', The Conversation (2017)
Feature: 'Why We Can't Resist the Lure of Mermaids', The Conversation (2017)
Interview: 'Academics’ New Year’s Resolutions: From Actual Self to Ideal Self', Times Higher Education (2017)
Feature: 'Five Fantastic Medieval Beasts and Where to Find Them', BBC Radio 3 (2016)
Feature: 'A History Buff’s Guide to Game of Thrones', The Big Issue (2016)
Interview: 'Mermaids and the Maritime Imaginary', Being Human (2016)
Interview: 'What’s the Deal with That #MermaidLife Thing?', Vice (2016)
Feature: 'London’s Bloody Tower Plays Host to Game of Thrones Season Five', The Conversation (2015)
Broadcast: 'Shakespeare's Chronicle Sources', BBC Radio 3 (2016)
Broadcast: Being Human Debate at FACT on 'Man and Animals', BBC Radio 3 (2016)
Broadcast: Agincourt 600th Anniversary Feature, BBC Breakfast (2015)
Broadcast: Agincourt 600, BBC News (2015)
Broadcast: Agincourt 600, BBC Five Live (2015)
Broadcast: Oak Tree, Nature's Greatest Survivor, BBC 4 (2015)
Broadcast: Castle Builders TV Series, UKTV (2015)
Interview: 'Where the Wild Things Lurk', Do Not Disturb Magazine (2015)
Presenter: 'Medieval Christmas', BBC Radio 3 Freethinking (2014)
Broadcast: 'Historical Halloween', BBC Radio Merseyside (2014)
Broadcast: 'Agincourt 599th Anniversary', BBC Radio Kent (2014)
Presenter: 'Henry V's Spy and Scottish Independence', BBC Arts (2014)
Interview: 'Eureka! Historians Share Their Experiences', The History Vault (2014)
Presenter: 'Medieval Christmas', BBC Radio 3 (2013)
Presenter: 'The Real Game of Thrones: Power in 15th-Century England', BBC Radio 3 (2013)
Broadcast: 'St George and Englishness', BBC One Breakfast (2013)
Broadcast: Liverpool: An Insider’s Guide, University of Liverpool (2013)
Broadcast: 'Transitions', BBC Radio 3 (2013)
Broadcast: 'Mermaids', BBC Radio 3: Words and Music (2013)
Presenter: 'The Appeal of King Arthur', BBC Radio 3 (2013)
Interview: 'Five Minutes With...', The History Vault (2013)
Broadcast: 'Medieval Lancashire', BBC Radio Lancashire (2013)
Interview: 'Medievalist Shares Ripe Fruit of the Penis Tree', Times Higher Education Supplement (2013)
Interview: 'New Generation Thinkers', The Champion (2013)
Interview, 'Play from Medieval Chester to be Revived at Albert Dock', The Liverpool Echo (2013)
Broadcast, The Chester Noah Play, Bay TV (2013)
Broadcast: 'The Chester Noah Play', BBC Radio Merseyside (2013)
Broadcast: Interview on Medieval Drama, BBC Radio Merseyside (2012)
Broadcast: Interview on Medieval Guilds, Preston FM (2012)
Organisations I have been associated with
CBS News (2024)
BBC Proms (2024)
Williamson Art Gallery and Museum (2024)
Material Matters (2024)
BBC Radio 4 (2023 - present)
BBC Radio 3 (2013 - present)
Guinness World Records (2022 - 2023)
BBC 2 (2022)
Adam Art Gallery, New Zealand (2022)
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2021)
English Heritage: Warkworth Castle (2021)
National Maritime Museum (Royal Museums Greenwich) (2019 - 2020)
British Film Institute (2019)
Channel 5 (2019)
BBC History Magazine (2018 - present)
ABC Radio National, Australia (2018)
Liverpool Cathedral (2018)
The British Academy (2017)
Sky News (2017 - present)
Channel 4 (2017)
BBC Radio 2 (2017)
Radio New Zealand (2017)
BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester (2017)
Times Higher Education (2013 - 2019)
BBC Radio Merseyside (2012 - present)
The Walker Gallery, Liverpool (2012 - 2016)
Mocha TV (2013 - 2015)
Merseyside Maritime Museum (2013 - 2016)
Cottrell Music (2013 - 2019)
National Trust: Speke Hall (2014 - 2016)
Being Human: Festival of the Humanities (2015 - 2016)
FACT (2016)
Central Library, Liverpool (2016)
The Big Issue (2016 - 2018)
Penguin Books (2016 - 2017)
Scholastic Publishing (2016)
BBC Five Live (2015 - 2019)
BBC 4 (2012 - 2016)
BBC News (2013 - 2017)
BBC One Breakfast (2013 - 2016)
Furnace TV (2015)
Halfyard TV (2015)
Springfield Montessori Nursery (2014 - 2015)
National Trust, Rufford Old Hall (2013 - 2014)
Everyman Theatre, Liverpool (2013 - 2015)
Matchlight TV (2013 - 2014)
BBC Arts (2014)
Green Bay TV (2014)
Lady Lever Art Gallery (2014)
Disney-ABC Domestic Television (2014)
Lancashire Archive (2012 - 2013)
Spike Theatre (2013)
The British Library (2012)
Ormskirk Parish Church (2012)
Preston Arts Festival and Lancashire Archive (2012)
Liverpool University Drama Society (2012 - 2017)
Professional Body Memberships
Heritage Institute (Affiliated Researcher, 2025 - present)
Liverpool Institute for Sustainable Coasts and Oceans (Member, 2022 - present)
The International Arthurian Society (British Branch) (Member, 2022 - present)
Society for International Brut Studies (Member, 2021 - present)
Royal Historical Society (Fellow, 2019 - present)
Medieval Chronicle Society (Vice-President, 2017 - present)
Medieval Chronicle Society (Member, 2002 - present)
Liverpool Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Steering Committee Member, 2013 - present)
Arts and Humanities Research Council (Peer Review College Member, 2010 - 2014)
Medieval Song Network (Member, 2012 - present)
Early English Drama and Performance Network (Member, 2012 - present)