Episode 198: The Baker Street Irregulars' New Wiggins

by Scott Monty August 15, 2020

"step up, Wiggins" [STUD]  

Earlier this year, Mike Whelan, BSI ("Vincent Spaulding") passed the gavel to Michael Kean, BSI ("General Gordon") as the latter assumed the position of "Wiggins," or head administrator of the Baker Street Irregulars. It was a momentous occasion, as Kean is only the sixth head of the BSI since its founding in 1934.

Burt and Scott had an opportunity to speak with Michael on a wide range of topics, including his Sherlockian origins (which were induced rather than pursued), his career in the publishing industry, early days in Sherlockian scions, and his role with the BSI Press.

Michael also takes us behind the scenes to give us the story of his selection as the next BSI, going back a number of years. We discuss his vision for the role of a literary society in the twenty-first century and more pointedly, the difficult decision to make the 2021 BSI Weekend a virtual affair.

Also covered is our upcoming 200th episode: we are looking for your feedback. And of course, the latest round of Canonical Couplets. We had a record number of submissions in the last episode; the prize this time is a copy of Sherlock Holmes: The Writings of John H. Watson, M.D., compiled by Edgar W. Smith and printed in 1962 by the Baker Street Irregulars. Entries are due by 11:59 pm EDT on August 29, 2020.

The Wiggins gavel exchange (photo credit: self)

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Download [Save As] | File size 36.3 MB, 1:22:02

ihearofsherlock · The Baker Street Irregulars' New Wiggins

Links

• This episode: ihose.co/ihose198
• The Baker Street Irregulars
• The BSI Press
• The Baker Street Journal
• Previous episodes referenced on this show:
• Episode 14 and Episode 15: Michael Whelan, Wiggins of the Baker Street Irregulars 
• Episode 71: A Conversation with the Head of the BSI
• Episode 196: Commissionaire: Julian Wolff and His Baker Street Irregulars

Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at ihose.co/flipsherlock as well as through our accounts on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Top photo credit: The Baker Street Irregulars via Ben Vizoskie
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