Latest Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) is a various artist Poetry Podcast

co-hosted with ML Liebler (whose own podcast will follow next) features

some student and a fellow young creative writing faculty member.

Writers featured are:

Alexis Ball is a 20-year-old English and creative writing student at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. They are passionate about poetry and have been writing since they learned the alphabet. Alexis hopes to one day work for an editing and publishing company and possibly become a college professor later in life.

Nicholas Lowengruber I've been writing poetry since 2016 after reading an excerpt from Walden, but I didn't really know what I was doing until studying under poets at Wayne State University like ML and Robert Laidler. One of my biggest regrets so far is ever reading Ezra Pound; I how I wanted to be him growing up (except without being a fascist), and I still need to take time before I learn to appreciate the respect for imagery and the capability to take an object and look at it through many different lenses that Pound instilled in me. I'm wrapping up my third year at Wayne State University, double majoring in Philosophy and English; thinking too much is a curse, and I'm learning to work with it. Regarding my more current work, I'm an e.e. cummings devotee and continuing to learn to make poetry weird, turning towards the Language movement. Currently pondering Eve's morally questionable decision to leave Caleb trapped at the end of Ex Machina after everything that they went through.

young creative writing faculty member Robert Laidler.

Email address for each of the writers are:

mlliebler@aol.com, (ML Liebler)

Rtlaidle@wayne.edu,

hg8410@wayne.edu (Nick),

alexis.ball@wayne.edu

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) features making her debut, Amanda Crundall.

Amanda advises she "began to write again in January 2022 after her friends urged her to write down how she was feeling as a therapeutic outlet; so she did. She has rediscovered her creative self, amongst being a busy mummy and working life. Amanda works as a full time heart failure nurse specialist and is a single mother to two amazing children. Surprising many of her friends how she finds the time amongst such a busy life remains her best kept secret. You can find Amanda performing at her local spoken word events at Speak Out Scunny, The Confessional, Away with Words. Her debut performance was at Yada Yada Noise in February 2022 to whom she is more than grateful to; a special shout out to Alice & Mickey. She now proudly co-hosts 'Rabbiting On' spoken word group held at 'The Rabbit Hole' Independent bookshop, Brigg alongside poetry babe and partner in poetry Amy Garratt. Her poetry was featured in The Scroll Magazine during October 2022. In 2023, Amanda performed her poetry at The Festival of Love, D31 Art Gallery, Doncaster and Scunthorpe Pride on behalf of the Speak Out Scunny. She co hosted the spoken word stage at the No Limits Festival 2023 held at Normanby Hall, Scunthorpe. More recently, Amanda has taken to the radio waves and has featured both pre-recorded and 'live on air' for Phoenix Community Radio, Goole. Without this outlet and the support of friends and family, life would be a much darker place. This is her debut publication. Contact details: Email: Shewearsherheartonhersleeve@proton.me Facebook: 'She wears her heart on her sleeve' Twitter (X): Heartsleeve2024 Instagram: @AmandaCrundallPoet"

Latest up from Spoken Label features Patrick Widdess.

Patrick Widdess is the founder and presenter of Poetry Non-Stop. He was born in Cambridge and now lives in Norwich where he works as a production journalist and fills his time writing, podcasting, taking photos and performing improv comedy. Patrick’s poetry and prose has appeared in Agenda, Cake, The Interpreter’s House, The Guardian and Orbis among other publications. He has also written reviews and features for Clash Music, Drunken Werewolf, Local Secrets and others and has written for the BBC.
Originally from Cambridge Patrick now lives in Norwich where he works as a production journalist and freelance writer.

Links include: http://patrickwiddess-writer.weebly.com/

https://poetrynonstop.com/

Latest up from Spoken Label features the return of our friend, the amazing Grant Curnow. Grant Curnow is an alternative comedian/ tragic novelty folk singer – amateur time lord. Based in Manchester, Grant has performed 3 full length shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the PBH Fringe: Amateur Time Lord Hour (2016),  A New Folk (2018), and Salvador Dalek (20220. Currently touring Salvador Dalek throughout the UK and has played various comedy festivals (Leicester Comedy Festival, Faversham Fringe, Morecambe Fringe, Buxton Fringe, Greater Manchester Fringe). Grant is always found with a ukulele and his trusted comedy sidekick, Mini Dalek.  His debut album "Troubles of an Amateur Timelord" is out on seahorse records and can be streamed on Spotify "https://open.spotify.com/album/0XSU7Z3sS3burD46xAsops"

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features Dr Kate Jenkinson.

Dr Kate Jenkinson is scientist and poet reconciled and is one of a handful of LinkedIN Business Poets. She likes hats, writes about the many ones she wears (Mother, Daughter, Friend, Coach, entrepreneur) and she enjoys performing at open mics and slams since the pandemic made the poetry community more accessible. In 2022 she performed her TEDx talk Poetry Never Abandons Us and she enjoys attending and headlining events internationally.

Her work can be found in EyeFlash, Good DadHood, Steel Jackdaw, Flight of the Dragonfly and Feral (their first Mother/Daughter poetry and art collaboration).

Kate recently realised she was neurodivergent so this and her aphantasia is a feature of her recent work.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) featuring making her debut, the amazing Hannah Ledlie.

Hannah is an Edinburgh-born, Manchester-based writer, interested in form and futurism. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the BBC Young Writers’ Award, and in 2019 she was a winner of Penguin’s ‘Platform Pride’ poetry competition. Her work has featured in a number of publications, including Ambit, Gutter, and Magma. In 2022, Hannah completed her MSt in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford.

Her Instagram page is: https://www.instagram.com/hannahledlie/

her email address is: hannahledlie@gmail.com

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) features making his debut, Adrian Slatcher.

Adrian Slatcher was born in Staffordshire in 1967. He studied English at Lancaster University, and creative writing at the University of Manchester. He has co-edited several literary magazines, and is a trustee of Castlefield Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Manchester. His fiction has featured in a number of anthologies, including Best British Short Stories. He has published two poetry pamphlets: Extracts from Levona (2010) and Playing Solitaire for Money (2010).

This Podcast primarily talks about his debut stories collection Loners.

Loners is a collection of six stories by Adrian Slatcher, three of which are published for the first time. It also features images created by the artist Steven Heaton in response to the stories. The book is the second in a series of collaborations between writers and artists - the first, Interpolated Stories by David Rose and Leah Leaf, was published in 2022.

The stories vary widely in form, from ‘Last Testament of a Lighthouse Keeper’, ostensibly a written journal, to ‘sleeveless itchery and parched throat’, an unpunctuated monologue. While all six stories are about ‘loners’ in one way or another, it would be wrong to think of the characters as being without hope – in each case, their isolation is something they are trying to break out of, in search of redemption, often after some kind of trauma. The characters are loners out of either choice or circumstance, but it is never easy to be alone.

The book can be purchased here - https://www.confingopublishing.uk/loners

Adrian's website is https://adrianslatcher.wordpress.com/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Pdocast) making his debut features from Glossop, the amazing Danny McLoughlin

More about Danny can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthisthoughtandthat/

More about Danny can be found at:
https://lnkd.in/ef3Z8rCS
Email: dannyomc@gmail.com
He advises he orginates from the Liverpool and appeared at a number of poet events including the Frog & Bucket, Hove, and Chorlton etc over 20 years ago but then for many reasons didn't perform since, and is so making his tentative way back. A mix of the contemporary and the ageless.
His email is: dannyomc@gmail.com

Latest Podcast from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features Lynn Walton.

Lynn advises "I am a Salford based poet and some of my work centres on this inspiring city and nearby Manchester.

My work moves from serious to amusing to risqué. One of my favourite styles is fusing topics that don’t normally belong together.

I perform at a variety of events  and venues and occasionally on Salford City Radio, and have been published in several anthologies including one by Virago Press. Recently, I published some of my work in three booklets."

All three of her collections be purchased from

https://www.lynnwaltonpoet.co.uk/

She is also on facebook at:

Latest up from Spoken Label features the wonderful Nayma Chamchoun.

Nayma Chamchoun is a British Moroccan, a self taught writer and poet. Her writing is influenced by her cultural duality. She is interested in female voices in the diaspora community, the challenges they face within both communities and the taboos around mental health within their ancestral communities.
Nayma is an active member of London's vibrant Poetry and Spoken Word community, the international Poetry community online and has performed her work at several Poetry Open Mike events including the Grenfell 5 year Anniversary and had her work featured on West Wiltshire Radio & BBC Radio London several times.
Her published poetry collection COVID: THE WORDY WILDS OF A MIND UNDER LOCKDOWN is a cultural fusion poetry collection which explores themes of identity, duality, displacement, loss, race, feminism, culture, family, love and the search for inner peace as experienced alongside the effects of mental health, menopause, the pandemic and world events.

* Poetry contains topics not suitable for all *

The latest Spoken Label Session (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features Amy B Garratt. Amy advises she is "I’m the creator/co-host of a spoken word group ‘Rabbiting On’ based in The Rabbit Hole Bookshop in Brigg North Lincolnshire. I collaborated with the bookshop to run/compere the spoken word stage at ‘No Limits Festival’ at Normanby Hall in September 2022/2023. My poetry was included in ‘Of Earth And Sky’ 2021 installation by Luke Jerram which won an award (Hearts for the Arts) for ‘Best Arts Project’. I have also performed at The Festival Of Love in 2022/2023 at D31 Gallery Doncaster, Scunny Pride Festival August 2023, and The Truth To Power Cafe at Cast Theatre with Jeremy Goldstein/London Arts Project. I have had poems published in Dreich Magazine, HNDL, Written Off Publishing ‘Ey Up Again’ Anthology (formerly BentKey), and my own indie publication through Partnership Publishing ‘Sunlight Stripping Shadows Bare’ in 2021. A book of modern poetry, micro poems and prose." Amy's book can be found on Amazon.

....

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Label Podcast) and making his debut is the amazing Steve Pottinger. Steve is a poet, author, and workshop facilitator, and a founding member of Wolverhampton arts collective ‘Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists’.

His work has featured in poetry magazines and anthologies and he is a regular contributor to online poetry platforms. He has performed at Ledbury and StAnza poetry festivals and the Edinburgh Free Fringe, and in venues across the country, from Penzance to Orkney.In this Podcast. we are talking about Steve's new poetry book "Snapshots from the fall of home'.

More about Steve can be found at: https://stevepottinger.co.uk/#poetrypodcast

Latest up from Spoken Label (Actor / Artist / Poet Podcast) features the amazing Neil Bell. Neil is an actor and performance poet born in Oldham, Lancashire UK in 1970. and raised in the border town of Failsworth. Made in Manchester. His credits include roles in Dead Men's Shoes, Dune, Peterloo and Perky Blinders. His poetry book 'Clog' is now out. Some links include: https://cliveisagoodguy.com/ https://www.livebythespin.com/ https://www.clog.live/ https://www.cameo.com/neil.bell44 https://www.instagram.com/neil.bell44/ https://app.spotlight.com/7214-7838-3370 https://www.clog.live/neil-bell-actor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Bell_(actor) )

Latest Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) session featuring making his debut the amazing DK talking about his debut book "Off the Cuff" available from mini poetry press."Off the Cuff" is described as "a poetic gem that will strike a chord with readers of all ages. DK's compelling verse delves into the complexities of humanity, uncovering hidden truths and shedding light on what makes us human. Captivating and thought-provoking, this collection explores the nuances of our emotions and the depth of our connections. With a unique perspective and a gift for words, DK has crafted a collection that will linger long after the last page is turned. Off the Cuff is a must-read for anyone who values emotional authenticity and poetic mastery. Get ready to be inspired by one of the most exciting new voices in poetry today."

The book can be purchased from: https://shop.minipoetrypress.com/product/off-the-cuff

For more about DK go to: https://www.dk4poetry.com/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) making his debut is the wonderful K Scott Fuchs. K. Scott Fuchs is a novelist, poet, and performer. Time and Temperance is his first novel released; the follow-up prequel sequel, Mrs. Coleman of Coalbrookdale is set to be released in early 2024. He is also the author of the poetry compilations, Six Months in Wigan and Poetry from Ryecroft Hall which are also forthcoming. Time and Temperance is described as “Along the canals outside of Marple, England, a despondent and lonely soul crosses paths with Temperance Lee-a woman whose beauty and elegance is matched only by her warmth, intelligence, charm, and wit. Their connection is instant, a love that defies explanation. But Temperance harbours a secret, one that shadows her every step: she is not an ordinary woman and she is not from this time. In this electrifying split-time, dual-narrative saga that melds the Victorian era with the twenty-first century, love collides with the supernatural in a dramatic and action-filled tale of healing, redemption, and recovery. As a passionate and tumultuous romance unfolds, two souls from different times and places find that their love does not come without challenges and troubles; challenges and troubles that they must overcome together whilst they confront their past traumas. But it will take more than just time-it will take understanding, exploration, faith, and unwavering belief in the power of love. The book can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Temperance-K-Scott-Fuchs/dp/B0CQSRTF6X/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1704134383&refinements=p_27%3AK.+Scott+Fuchs&s=books&sr=1-2&text=K.+Scott+Fuchs

A joint episode with 'Spoken Label' (Author Chat Podcast) and Cloaked in the Shadows (Paranormal / Supernatural / Weird Podcast) about the changing face of society in relation to work with the added increase of A.I. in the workplace. Hosted by Andy N and Amanda Nicholson Contains backing music by Ocean in a Bottle

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features making her debut, the wonderful Jen Corcoran.

Jen Corcoran hails from Southport and describes herself as Northern, Feminist and Socialist. She is a mum of five, a local politician and the founder of Sefton Pride which saw the borough’s first march and festival in 2023. Her debut poetry collection Witch/Mother/Child/Lover was released via Bent Key Publishing later the same year and explores the different identities she, and women, hold and represent. Jen loves to write in many different forms and particularly enjoys writing work that inspires, entertains and informs. She has been sharing poems since October 2021 and has also been published in Bloody Hell Zine and Ey Up, an anthology of Northern poetry. You can find her on Instagram as @wrenverse

New from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features making her debut the wonderful Charlotte Faulconbridge. Charlotte is an autistic prize-winning poet, published author, and musician. After being diagnosed with a delbilating chronic illness in her early teens, Charlotte found peace within writing, processing her trauma and discovering strength and power in her pain has become the lifeblood of her work. Due to birth complications, she was left mute for most of her childhood and relied upon sign language for communication. Writing poetry has enabled Charlotte's voice to be heard, and she often performs her work in BSL to advocate for inclusion within the poetry community. Some links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...  / charlotterobynf  https://www.inclusivecreatives.co.uk/

* Contains language and topics not suitable for all *

new on Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) and last for 2023 features the return of our friend Clive Oseman

Clive Oseman is a multi slam winning spoken word artist, comedian, satirist, surrealist, story teller and workshop facilitator from Birmingham but currently based in Swindon, UK He has headlined and featured around the UK and internationally, with appearances at the New York City poetry festival and on spoken word stages at several UK music festivals.

More about Clive can be found at:

Clive Oseman Spoken Word (Facebook)

Clive Oseman (Facebook)

Clive_Oseman (twitter)

Oseman Clive (Instrgaram)

Oh Beehive (Facebook)

https://www.cliveosemanspokenword.com/

The latest Spoken Label Podcast (Spoken Word Podcast) features the return of our friend, the wonderful Jackie Morrey Grace.

Based in the Isle of Man, Jackie is a writer of YA Fantasy Fiction, Trombonist and Story-telling Performance Poet.

In this Podcast, we talk about Jackie's latest collection " There are Worse Places to Hide than Inside Secrets".

What has been said about Jackie's work "

Jackie’s work is incredible. Sweet, satisfying and explosive all at once. It’s like each poem is its own honeypot set to detonate – with a flow so captivating that the audience just drops their guard.’ Mark Grist. Teacher, poet, international rap battler and star of internationally acclaimed podcast, Mark Can’t Rap.

‘Sometimes a poet gets right under you skin from showcasing a memorable way of looping words into a masterpiece. Jackie Morrey-Grace is exactly that uniquely beautiful artist.’ Kelly Van Nelson. No 1 bestselling author of poetry collections, Graffiti Lane and Punch and Judy.

‘I was moved by how it not only gives the feeling of discovering an old tale re-wrought as a modern myth, but also the power of this soul-searching journey that wracks the brain, heart and body.’ Story From Stone author, Vicky Lloyd-West, reviewing On Ravensdale Hill for Isle of Man Newspapers."

More details about Jackie and her work can be found here - https://jackiemorreygrace.weebly.com/

Latest up on Spoken Label (Poetry / Author Podcast) from Capetown, South Africa features the wonderful Gavin Prinsloo.

Gavin’s Profile on Amazon advises he was “Born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa in 1968, I was raised in the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town receiving my schooling at Bergvliet High School in Cape Town, I matriculated in 1985.

I was raised by a foster family from the age of four, as a result of our family fracturing,

During the compulsory two years of military National Service, I joined the permanent force in the middle of 1987, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

I served until 1995, then entered the private security industry, eventually the Logistics industry, and ended up owning a small logistics business in 2016.

Suffice it to say, I was NOT a good businessman, and the company folded, as it was also heavily impacted by the worldwide pandemic, where, like so many worldwide, I lost my livelihood, my self-respect, and I think, my sanity.

In December 2019, I was diagnosed as bipolar, and to be honest, I think that was the best thing that ever could have happened.
I started writing as a catharsis, but eventually, it became a way of life for my everyday expression.

I wrote about 1300 pieces from poetry to flash fiction during 2020 and 2021 and decided to publish them on Amazon.

Reviews may be harsh as I am not an English expert, I tend to create viscerally, and in many genres.

All I can really say as a writer is that if any piece of my writing touches you in any way, I have succeeded in some way of affecting someone's life.

Writing has become my passion. I hope some of that passion reflects in my work if you should read any of my books.

To date, I reside in Tableview, Cape Town.”

His books can be bought on Amazon and he can be found on Tiktok (tiktok.com/@tiktoktok_35)  

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features the return of our friend, the neuro-diverse writer, poet and playwright, Sam Rapp gives us an update about what she has been up since we last spoke to.

Sam's book 'Rant Dyslexic me by Sam Rapp the dyslexic poet' is on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rant-Dyslexic-Me-Sam-Rapp/dp/1726167941

She is on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/s_rapp_the_dyslexic_poet_/

Her facebook page is here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064684000014

Latest Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) features Dr Vivien Sieber.

Dr Vivien Sieber worked in biosciences and Higher Education and has published over 100 articles and scientific papers. Kino and Kinder: A family’s journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust is based on research into her family history and the lives of the Kinder cared for by her grandmother. It is her first book. She lives in Oxford with her husband and dogs.

This Podcast talks about her debut novel " Kino and Kinder: A Family's Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust ".

Kino and Kinder the story of a European Jewish family's struggle to survive in the face of Nazi antisemitism and the Holocaust is brought into the spotlight. Vivien Sieber, reveals the terrible story through the lives and writings of the survivors, illustrating the struggle with more than eighty evocative historic photographs throughout. In 1915, Paula Ticho's family bought a cinema in Vienna. Run by Paula and her sister, Selma, two single Jewish women, the Palast Kino was a great success. As the Nazi Party rose to power in the 1930s antisemitism reared its ugly head and the wonderful cinema was forcibly taken over. Threatened by Hitler's rise to power, Paula sent her younger son, Peter, to safety in England to join his half-brother, Erich, before fleeing herself―a penniless refugee. As the world entered a state of war, Paula found herself a position as a matron at hostels in Tynemouth and Windermere, caring for twenty-five Jewish girls who had been evacuated from Europe by the famed Kindertransport. Sieber uses the girls' own descriptions of their lives and those around them to weave a heartrending tale. From the insidious rise of antisemitism during their childhood in Europe to the distress of leaving their families, adjusting to hostel life, and the trauma of surviving when most of their family perished, the accounts in this profound retelling are all at once distressing, enriching, and evocative. Combined with the myriad realities and experiences of the Tichos, a Jewish family fleeing from the atrocities of the Holocaust, and the eyewitness details about life in Vienna, Austria and Central Europe before World War Two and in post-war London, Sieber’s memoir/history of her own family provides the deepest, most powerful picture into what it was really like in those dark, deadly years.

More details about this can be found here: https://www.viviensieber.eu/

NB. Please note that this Podcast was recorded in two parts over successive weekends. Originally this was slated to be released separately but after some thought it was decided to release it all together as one Podcast to give it the context it deserved.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author Chat) features a special chat with Ellen Butler in discussing the art of writing and the aspects of getting from the idea phase to the goal line of publication on books. Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism.” Butler also writes historical spy fiction. Her WWII spy novel, The Brass Compass, recently won a 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award for historical fiction. Butler's latest release is the second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel. The novel is inspired by true events and recently won a 2023 Next Generation Indie Award for historical fiction. Reviewers call it “riveting " and “a thrilling adventure. More about Ellen can be found at: https://www.ellenbutler.net/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) making her debut is the wonderful Julia Webb.

Julia's bio advises that she grew up in "Thetford, a small town in rural Norfolk. Her first poetry collection Bird Sisters was published by Nine Arches Press in 2016. Her second collection Threat was published by Nine Arches in May 2019. Her third collection The Telling was published by Nine Arches in May 2022.

Julia lives in Norwich where she is a poetry editor for Lighthouse, teaches online and real world poetry courses, mentors writers, runs Norwich Stanza and works for Cafe Writers. In 2012 she was awarded a TLC free read, which you can read about here. In 2011 she won the Poetry Society’s Stanza competition and in 2018 she won the Battered Moons poetry competition. Her poem “Sisters” was highly commended in the 2016 Forward Prize. In 2016 she spent a month as writer in residence on Norwich Market."

Julis's books can be purchased from Nine Arches Press at https://ninearchespress.com/

Her website is https://juliawebb.org/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) making her debut is the wonderful Aakriti Kuntal.
Aakriti Kuntal is a poet and writer. Her work has been featured in Selcouth Station, The Hindu, Madras Courier, Tuck Magazine, Pangolin Review, and Visual Verse among others. She was also awarded the Reuel International Prize 2017 for poetry and was a finalist for the RL Poetry Award 2018.
She is a multidisciplinary artist, she dapples in visual, movement,
and other forms of experimental art that span the
molecular interstices of existence.
She can be contacted at:
www.facebook.com/aakriti.kuntal
twitter.com/AakritiKuntal
www.instagram.com/aakriti_kuntal/

** Contains topics not suitable for all * Latest up from Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) Podcast features the wonderful Judy Foreman. Judy is the author of “A Nation in Pain” (2014), “The Global Pain Crisis” (2017), and “Exercise is Medicine” (2020), all published by Oxford University Press, and “CRISPR’d” from Skyhorse Publishing (2022). She was a staff writer at the Boston Globe for 23 years and a health columnist for many of those years. Her column was syndicated in national and international outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Baltimore Sun and others. In this Podcast we talk primarily about her new memoir 'Let the More Loving One Be Me' which is described as "n this compelling tale, Judy Foreman reveals the terror she felt every night as a girl as she lay in bed frozen in dread, listening for her father’s footsteps coming down the hall. She recalls his mostly naked body, his stale smell, his silhouette in the bedroom doorway. Worse, in some ways, was her mother’s denial—her insistence that this man was wonderful, her refusal to acknowledge his drinking or his rage. It wasn’t until Foreman spent a high school summer as an exchange student with a Danish family that she began to see how unsafe her own family was; it wasn’t until she went to an all-women’s college that she realized that women had value. Ultimately, this book shows that with time and therapy, it is possible to heal from serious childhood trauma and lead a life of deep fulfillment, rewarding work and, most wonderfully, love. It is a book about the power of emotional courage to change one’s own inner and outer experience of the world, and about what matters most in life: cultivating healthy connections to other people." More about Judy can be found out on her website - https://judyforeman.com/

New from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) Podcast features from Morecombe, the excellent Trystan Lewis.

More details on Trystan can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/trystan.lewis OR https://www.facebook.com/trystansongs

A special Podcast today from Spoken Label (Artist Podcast) features Lance Roger Axt, Kenton Hall and Jack Bowman from the crew behind this full-cast audio drama.

London After Midnight is a full-cast audio drama, resurrecting the lost silent horror classic, directed by Tod Browning and starring Lon Chaney. Originally released in 1927, the film was lost in the notorious 1965 MGM vault fire.

Adapted here by Lance Roger Axt & Kenton Hall from the original screenplay by Waldemar Young & Tod Browning, it stars Art Malik in the role made iconic by Chaney, alongside a full cast.

This extra sized Podcast goes into the history of the original London After Midnight (An legendary lost silent film), the production of this audio re-imagining and so much more.

This shall be out as a Podcast shortly but it can be streamed/downloaded from

https://londonaftermidnightaudio.bandcamp.com/album/london-after-midnight

The latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) is the wonderful Emma K Lea.
Emma is a dyslexic poet, author and SEN specialist living in Stretford with her partner, daughter and rescue hens. She has started to record her writings as videos with the text on the screen to make her books more accessible to people who can't access them as traditional paperbacks for whatever reason. These read along audiobooks are available for free to anyone who wants them and has an internet connection. Emma has an MA in Inclusive Education and SEN. She works with home schooling families who's children cannot access either mainstream or specialist provision in schools and is incredibly proud of the progress 'her chiddlers' make. The chickens are a real conundrum. Emma doesn't like eggs.

Next up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features a lady who has been making a bit of a splash recently, Marigold Lately.
Marigold Lately was born in the Autumn of 2022 after a gestation period of more than 50 years. Since her birth she has performed at approaching 100 comedy and spoken word events throughout the Northwest.
Sorrowful and snarling - sharing tales and often surreal, comic commentary from someone ‘stuck on a pin’, wriggling, who is willing to share it.
Marigold is viciously gentle – straddling genres but never sitting on the fence.
She will be making her stage debut in her one-woman show 'Dirty Old Town' in November at the Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool.
‘Dirty Old Town’ is a dark, comic place where characters are not always quite what they seem.
The show is a combination of storytelling, stand up comedy and performance. Hilariously NOT funny.
Tickets for the show can be purchased here - ticketquarter.co.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=BA2EEBD1-13AB-488C-B628-CE012727616B&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=0427BB2C-351C-4E2B-824E-AB6CCFD44536
More details are here www.instagram.com/marigoldlately/  

The latest Podcast from Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) sees us return to meet an returning friend, the wonderful Rebecca Dharlingue to chat about her new novel 'The Map Colorist'.

Rebecca advises " In writing my first novel, The Lines Between Us, I returned to an early love, Spanish literature, which I studied in graduate school. The idea of setting part of my novel in seventeenth-century Spain, their Golden Age of literature, offered me the chance to explore a time and place with which many readers are unfamiliar, and to show some of the challenges for women particular to that time and place.

For my second novel, I decided to stay in the seventeenth century, as I find it fascinating. I wanted to show a woman doing something unusual for the time, and I hit upon the topic of cartography. In my research I soon learned that Amsterdam was the capital of map-printing at that time, so I had my setting. It was while I was exploring that world that I came across the work of map colorists. My protagonist was born.

I have worked in hospital administration and as a teacher of English as a Second Language to adults. I have been lucky to be involved with the same monthly book group, sharing our enchantment with literature, for over thirty years. I live in Oakland, California with my husband, Arthur, where we are fortunate to frequently spend time with our children and grandchildren.

I am member of Paper Lantern Writers, an author collective, and the Historical Novel Society."

Rebecca's Website which contains details of where to buy her book is https://rebeccadharlingue.com/

Making her debut today on Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features new to the Manchester (UK) Spoken Word Scene, the wonderful Zainab Ahmad perhaps better known as the Intangible Author talking about Zainab's debut poetry book "Edge of Salvation". The book is described as "Sometimes we find ourselves fighting for our lives at the bottom of a hole. It’s dark, damp, and you’re exhausted. You’re not exactly sure how you got there but you definitely fell. Do you stay there and wait for someone to save you or try climbing out? The wait could be endless and the climb is tough. This is the journey to the edge of salvation. Told through a series of poems about life, love, grief, and longing. All written at some point of this journey." The book can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edge-Salvati...

Zainab is on Instagram at:  theintangibleauthor  

Over to Leeds (UK) today for Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) with the amazing Fee Marshall making their debut.

More about Fee can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/felixorfee/

* Containing topics not suitable for all * Making her debut today on Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) is the wonderful Lilyth Coglan. Lilyth Coglan is a writer and poet from Hull in the UK. She writes short stories and poetry, about motherhood, mental health domestic abuse and life in general. Her work has been in local festivals and featured on BBC Sounds as well as her local broadcasting service BBC Look North. You can follow her on Twitter and on Instagram at Lilyth Poetry / Lilyth Coglan #poetrypodcast #podcast #spokenwordpodcast #spokenword .

Latest up from Spoken Label (Artist Podcast) making her debut is a dear friend of ours, the wonderful - the singer and artist Lou Ann Bardash. Lou Ann's bio advises "Originally from Effingham, IL, Lou Ann attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Music Business before moving to Nashville with her first series of original songs. She spent the next 18 years singing, playing music and making art. Since moving to Austin in 1999, she has exhibited and sold her work in coffee houses and restaurants, while also producing nonprofit workplace art installations at agencies such as Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid and United Way. Her 13-piece art series, Alzheimer’s Memories, was featured in a live tv show on Channel Austin, during which Lou Ann walked through the exhibit while discussing the story behind each painting. " Her website is https://www.louannbardash.com/ * As a bonus after the chat features - a song is included with Lou Ann and her husband Tom Ovans - a cover off Tom's song with Lou Ann singing 'Song for the Homeless' from an album both her and Tom are working on #TomOvans #LouAnnBardash #Artist #Art #ArtistPodcast #Podcast #ArtPodcast #SingerPodcast #Music #MusicPodcast #Texas

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Poetry Podcast) features the debut from Liverpool, Mary Fucking Poppins.

Mary is a working class writer/poet.

She makes the UK Literary zine Word Vomit and also hosts the Word Vomit Open Mic Poetry Night at Round The Corner, Liverpool.

She has recently bought out her debut collection "Hop on the Bad Foot and do the good thing'

Some links:

https://www.instagram.com/mary_fuckingpoppins/

https://strictlyunprofessional.bigcartel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/word.vomitzine/

https://falaun.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/falaunhc/

https://www.instagram.com/back_room_poetry/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Poetry Podcast) features the return of our friend, Kate Wilson talking about her new poetry collection 'The Impossibility of Love'. ‘The Impossibility of Love’ it is stated takes the reader on a journey through a gallery of Vincent Van Gogh’s best loved paintings. The poems in this collection draw inspiration from Van Gogh’s works of art, reflecting on themes of love, loss, and memory. This ekphrastic sequence evokes the blistering colour of Van Gogh’s work in wheatfields, on moonlit plazas, and under starry skies. In this landscape the poet finds hope and a potency of feeling which often borders on destructive. The paintings become both a means of escape and a way of deriving meaning as they intersect with the poet’s own experience. Writing to Van Gogh with great tenderness, Wilson presents the reader with a collection which can be read as an extended love letter to one of our greatest artists. She explores the tragic story of his life, posing the question: what does it mean to live with such intensity? The collection has being published by Bosporus Press but copies can be purchased from Kate directly at http://www.katejwilson.co.uk/#poetrypodcast #podcast #spokenword #poetry #podcast #spokenwordpodcast #vangogh #VanGoghpoetry

Today's Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) featuring a newcomer to the Manchester (UK) spoken word scene, Ecologist, Physicist, teacher and Speak Easy regular, Tom Butterworth. www.instagram.com/poetry.and.plants/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the wonderful Michelle Steiner, Michelle Steiner is a disability, writer, advocate, and paraeducator. She published articles on The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Recently she began a blog called Michelle’s Mission. Her photographs were featured in Word Gathering and Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in The United States with her husband and two cats. Her website is: https://www.michellesmission.net/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poet / Author Podcast) features our returning friend, Krystal Gypsy Orellano. A Tampa, Florida native, Krystal “Gypsy” Orellano Weldon is a spoken word poet, writer, and educator. She is known around the Tampa Bay community as an open mic artist, has been in features such as Pinot & Poetry: A Toast to Herstory and got her start at the USF Poets. Krystal is slowly transpiring as a creative nonfiction writer, being published in St. Petersburg College’s newspaper The Sandbox, Saint Leo University’s book the Sandhill Review and University of Westminster runner-up winner for the 2017 Mental Health Poetry competition. She has currently published three collections of poetry "The Evolution of Poetry", "Quench" and "Looking into the Reflection of a Biracial Afro-Latina". She is currently working on a novel called "The Lover’s Passion Lounge", her Memoir and a poetry / spoken word album. Her books can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BRBMHTGG/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) and featuring Amanda Nicholson as special guest features the debut of a longstanding friend of ours, Phoenix Andrews.

Phoenix advises he is a "writer living in West Sussex, UK. I started out as a musician, playing piano, writing and recording songs, but soon fell in love with writing poetry and short stories. This has since progressed into novels. I am passionate about writing in the genres of crime fiction and horror and my first published book, Blood Cells is pure testimony to this. Based around a small group of central characters, I have included a a dark element of conspiracy which, I have to confess, is another guilty pleasure of mine, however farfetched! Don't worry, I don't believe everything I read.

Blood Cells is the first in a series of novels centered around these characters, with a dark, supernatural theme running through them which goes high up to the top levels of government. I hope you enjoy the thrilling ride!"

He can be emailed at ppapublishing@gmail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091862503703

Tiktok @phoenixandrews

His book can be purchased on Amazon etc.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet chat) Podcast features from Buffalo, New York the amazing Stephen G. Eoannou.

He is the author off Yesteryear (SFWP 2023), Rook (Unsolicited Press 2022), and the short story collection Muscle Cars (SFWP 2015). He has been awarded an Honor Certificate from The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Best Short Screenplay Award at the 36th Starz Denver Film Festival, and the 2021 Eyelands International Book Award for Historical Fiction. Eoannou holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte and an MA from Miami University. He lives and writes in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, the setting and inspiration for much of his work.

His website is: https://www.sgeoannou.com/

New from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the amazong Margot McMahon. Margot is a lifelong environment, scuplter, paints human, plant and animals forms to say, through art that she hopes that help decisions be made be support life on earth. Margot is the author of 1) Mac and Irene: A WWII Saga, 2) IF TREES COULD TALK A National Book Award recipient (NFPW), and 3) AIRDRIE, and 4) RESIST!: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST that wERE published in 2021-22 (Aquarius Press.) She has been published in Chicago Magazine, World Book Encyclopedia, and Scholastic Magazine. In 2020, her essay, Sculpting Forms of Nature, was published in the Remembering Fifty Anthology: 50 Years of Women at Yale. The 2021 Anthology Shades of Positively Pandemic includes her short story Soul to Soul. Her THE FIFTH SEASON: THE CHICAGO TREE PROJECT, 2nd edition 2023 (2020 First Place Mate E. Palmer Book Award (IWPA)) is in its second edition and originates from Margot’s MIT Press published paper, Transforming Nature (2018). Soka Gakkai International (Tokyo, Japan) Arts and Culture award, National Sculpture Society and Barat College, and Rose Philippine Duchesne Society have awarded her. Margot has an Environmental Journalism degree from Hamline University and an MFA from Yale University. She has taught at Yale University, Yale Norfolk, The Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul University, and other institutions. More about Margot can be read at: https://margotmcmahon.com/ https://linktr.ee/margotmcmahon

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author Chat Podcast) features the awesome Molly Garcia. Molly Garcia lives in Spain with her partner of over 30 years, they have two grown-up children. Molly has worked in social care and the NHS since 1991 and uses her experiences to guide her writing and to create complex and realistic characters and backgrounds In this Podcast we talk primarily about her new novel "Willow Weeps" Willow Weeps is "It was 1993 when Andy last saw his sister, Willow, one minute he was holding her hand, and the next she was gone. Thirty years later, Andy has a family of his own, but he’s never forgotten his little sister. How could he? Her disappearance destroyed his family and ended his childhood, and with all the leads dried up and no new clues he’s had to accept that she’s gone forever. That’s until he’s contacted by a woman who claims to have a message for him from Willow, sceptical, but unable to resist trying anything Andy meets up with her. Cleo knows things that were never made public at the time, and Andy starts to think that just maybe, she really is in contact with Willow. When one of his childhood adversaries is found murdered Andy turns to the police officer in charge of the investigation at the time for help. DCI Unwin Phelps had reluctantly retired with Willow being his only cold, unsolved case. Offered the opportunity to finally find out what happened to her he agrees to get involved. Working with Cleo and Andy they don’t realise the danger they're in. Is Willow back and seeking revenge? If so, is she dead or alive, and why are those involved in the case being picked off, one by one? Andy will have to dig deep into a dark past he’d rather forget for the answers, but will finding out break him and those he loves?" We also talk about her short story collection 'Comeuppance: Dark & Twisted Tales' and talk about her series 'The Adam and Sarah series' and so, so much. Her websites include https://molly-garcia.square.site/. http://mollygarcia.com/ Her books can be purchased on Amazon and also heard on Audible.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Writer Podcast) features the amazing Eve Ginnsberg.

Eve describes herself as "I'm a 36 year old queer, jewish, disabled creative writer from Manchester. I started my career off as a creative, going to drama school in London to study theatre production. I then sold my soul to the devil and abandoned my creative roots, and became a manager for various big co-oporate companies. Fast forward fifteen years, and I find myself in lockdown 2020 Manchester. I am struggling with my disabilities and begin to start writing again. I performed a small handful of online shows, which were received well, so I decided to give it a bash and make the transition to actually performing in real life! Got a few dates coming up so very exciting stuff!"

Her Instagram page is: https://www.instagram.com/eveginnsberg

Latest up from Spoken Label (Writing / Artist Podcast) features the actor, the amazing Kenton Craig. In this Podcast, we discuss Kenton's acting career, his forthcoming radio play, the book "COMEUPPANCE - DARK AND TWISTED TALES" which he has just done the audible book on among so many other things. More about Kenton can be found at: https://www.spotlight.com/6691-6728-5978#podcast #radiopodcast #radio #acting #actorpodcast #actor

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Artist Podcast) features the wonderful Jamie Woods.

Jamie Woods is a writer from Swansea. He has had poetry in Poetry Wales, iamb, and Ink Sweat and Tears; short fiction in Evergreen Review and The Lonely Crowd; and his poem ‘Ring the Bell’ was commended in the Hippocrates International Prize for Poetry and Medicine 2021.

His debut pamphlet Rebel Blood Cells was published in Jun 2023 – you can order it from PunkDust.com

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the amazing J.P. Choquette.

J.P. Choquette writes suspense novels set in small towns and rural places. Her books, "turn pages, not stomachs," and frequently tie in the themes of art, nature, folklore, and psychology...along with an underdog theme. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

A Believer, wife, and mother (to one child and one psycho kitty), J.P. enjoys sipping hot beverages while reading great books, traveling, and spending time in nature when not writing.

For more information visit, https://jpchoquette.me/ Join the Reader's Club and get a free gift along with sneak peeks into her writing life, suspense book recommendations, and occasional book sales/freebies for club members.

Her website is: https://jpchoquette.me/

Latest Spoken Label (Author / Artist /Poetry Podcast) session features the return of our dear friend, the wonderful Alise Versella.

Alise Versella is a Pushcart-nominated, contributing writer for Rebelle Society whose work has been published in Circle Show, COG Magazine, Crack the Spine, Entropy, The Opiate, Penumbra Literary and Art Journal, Poydras Review, Ultraviolet Tribe, What Rough Beast, Steam Ticket, and Elephant Journal, among others As stated elsewhere by Kate Fuller "With dazzling formal range, these poems observe the social ills of the day, using images so beautifully real and painful that the line between the literal and figurative blurs in the way only art attuned to the universally truthful can. The rage and wildness observed and experienced in them, whether through the media or in a visit to the doctor’s office in a female body, serve as a balm to the injustices that only mortality might rectify: “perhaps the dead will breathe again,” writes Versella. Yet even in our “common stress dream” or the dream of “America,” the poet isn’t blind to the enduring spirit of not just the dead, but also the living: “the humpback whale returns to the Hudson, hope on his lips.” Hope–these poems, what these poems say–can be made from the wreckage."
More about Alise can be found on her website at: https://aliseversella.com/

The latest Spoken Label Session (Spoken Word / Poetry / Artist) Podcast features the wonderful Roz Ottery, originally from both Portsmouth and London but now based in Yorkshire.

This Podcast covers as well as Roz’s wonderful work her career of over 40 years in entertainment industrystry as a Juggler, Stilt Walker, Clown, introduced Singing Telegrams to the UK (including singing them for Tom O’Connor, Morecambe and Wise and Bob Geldof), joint work with John Lambert, director of Q20 on "The Circus of Mazelek" and then their own duo for over 20 years “Manji and Mo” into her poetry work where she has recently had work published in The Printed Words Anthology (Edited by Amanda Nicholson) ‘Nobody Left Behind’. More about Roz’s career can be read here:

https://sorchara.wordpress.com/2019/01/16/50-over-50-interviewees-roz-ottery-stilt-walker-and-clown/

She is on facebook as: https://www.facebook.com/roz.ottery

Nobody Left Behind the book Roz is featured on is here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobody-Behind-Printed-Words-Anthology/dp/B0BNKYKRCY/ref=sr_1_2?crid=20C2QZ7YCEW7X&keywords=amanda+nicholson&qid=1687073154&sprefix=amanda+nicholson%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2

Today's Spoken Label Podcast (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features our returning friend, Yvonne Reddick.

Yvonne Reddick is an award-winning writer, editor, ecopoetry scholar and climber.

She has received a Leadership Fellowship from the AHRC, the Poetry Society’s inaugural Peggy Poole Award,a Northern Writer’s Award and a Creative Futures Literary Award. Her work has appeared in The Guardian Review, Poetry Review and New Statesman, and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC North West Tonight.

She has published four pamphlets, including Translating Mountains (Seren, 2017), winner of the Mslexia Women’s Pamphlet Competition, and Spikenard (Laureate’sChoice, 2019), which was a poetry recommendation in the London Review of Books.

Our chat today covers mostly her first book length collection, Burning Season, published by Blood Axe.

Burning Season is a book about fire and survival, climate change and nature’s defiance. Yvonne Reddick’s understanding of climate change is uniquely personal: her father was a petroleum engineer, and many members of her family worked in the fossil fuel industry. The collection speaks of the paradox that her Dad’s gift to her was her love of nature and mountain landscapes.

Burning Season includes a series of vivid, moving and heartfelt poems that explore her grief following her father’s death in a hiking accident. These are set against a wider backdrop of ecological loss and heartbreak.

Yvonne's website is: http://yvonnereddick.org/

New from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Author / Poet Podcast) features Aqeel Parvez. Aqeel Parvez is a poet who lives in Leeds, UK. He is the author of numerous chapbooks including "The Streetlights Are Beckoning Nirvana" (Analog Submission Press). His work has been published among other places in 16 Pages Press, Sludge Lit, Horror Sleaze Trash, Back Patio Press, Saturday Night Bombers and is also one of the committee members of Bone Down, the literary affinity group. He can be found on as Instagram @ap.writer, & twitter @aqeelparvez

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry / Artist Podcast) features the wonderful Amy Langley.

Amy has been writing poetry since she was 5 years old; her first experience of writing poetry was when she stayed at her grandparents, who lived in Wiltshire, in the summer holidays; she used to have a little book next to her bed; she would hear the birds singing and be inspired to write.

Amy continued my writing throughout her childhood and recalls writing a poetry book and gifting it to one of her favourite primary school teachers.

Amy used to perform on Manchester’s open mic night scene when she was 18, a lot of it was freestyling however there was some pre-written material.

There was a little hiatus from performing but the stage soon came back to being a spotlight in Amy’s heart in 2017 when she began performing at The Wonder Inn in Manchester City centre. Then followed The Old Abbey Tap House in Hulme to further expanding to Dulcimer in Chorlton, Mind Over Matter in Camden, BYOB at Box Park in Wembley, Mind Over Matter in Ancoats, Pull Up Bar in Ancoats and has spoken at Sale Write Out Loud a few times.

One thing Amy is sure of; her love of writing and performing poetry; expressing herself through word allows her to set free thoughts, feelings & share experiences that can benefit those that take the time to listen.

More about Amy can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/amythepoet_/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features the awesome Caitlin Kendall.

Caitlin's work is magical, melodic and homely, whilst retaining an air of politically-charged attitude. Currently firmly ensconced in the far reaches of Northern England, she got her first Bent Key publication as part of our first period zine, Bloody Hell, and is a valued member of the Bent Key community. With poetry that zips together the turbulent journey of motherhood with a deep connection with the earth and nature wrapped in human emotion, her words will grab you by the wrist and pull you into another world.

More about Caitlin can be found here - https://www.bentkeypublishing.co.uk/caitlin-kendall

Her debut collection 'Nothing is yours' can be purchased here:

https://www.bentkeypublishing.co.uk/shop?page=2

Latest Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poetry Podcast) features the wonderful Sara Jayne.

Sara Jayne is an established singer, who grew up in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy. Having covered many popular bars and restaurants across South Manchester since 2019, Sara Jayne recently debuted her poetry performance at the much loved SpeakEasy poetry night. Sara Jayne Provides captivating vocals as a professional singer and thought-provoking poetry that aims to decode life and it’s many contradictions using wordplay.

Her Instagram feed is: https://www.instagram.com/sarajaynehaq/

Latest Episode from Spoken Label (Author/Poet/Storyteller Podcast) features the return of our friend, the storyteller Mark Jackson aka Keith's Brother.
Mark's bio says "In 2010 Mark started writing. After the initial euphoria of finding an outlet for that creative fire burning within since childhood, he soon realised that the world wasn't quite ready for his tales of Ian Brown drinking piss, cocaine-induced paranoia, The Stockholm Monsters, the inner workings of a massage parlor, of pretending to be Norman Whiteside in Las Vegas, selling snide football programs outside the Nou Camp, of being arrested wearing someone else's jeans and one about an auntie who looks a bit like Clint Boon.
He’s written non-fiction pieces for Vice website (which were really fiction - but they don't know that), a regular contributor to United We Stand Fanzine and occasionally reads at spoken word events around Manchester and Liverpool"
His website is: www.keithsbrother.com
His Pod Play 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' can be accessed via his website or found on Spotify, Itunes/Apple or Google Podcast.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Artist) Podcast features a dear friend of ours, the wonderful Eric Loveland Heath.

Eric Loveland Heath is vicariously a musician (E.L. Heath), owner of a tiny record label (Plenty Wenlock Records) and an author of short stories. He's also quite possibly Shropshire's only ondist. Eric has released a number of EPs and albums over nearly 20 years - including 2013's Welsh language album 'Tŷ' (released via epic45's 'Wayside and Woodland Recordings' label) - which was named album of the week by BBC Radio Cymru and Radio Foyle. He runs Plenty Wenlock Records with his partner Victoria, producing short runs of mainly intricately hand-fashioned releases by Heath, alongside others by friends and contemporaries. Eric is currently completing his first collection - 'The Arch and Other Stories' - inspired by the rural, the ritual and the obscure. In 2021 his debut short story 'THE COLISEUM' was published by the website Horrified, featuring in their 'Folk Horror - Horror Stories from Horrified - Volume 2' anthology. Plenty Wenlock Records - https://linktr.ee/plentywenlock Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELHeathuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/EL_Heath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.l.heath/

Latest up from Spoken Label in a full length episode features the wonderful Tuesday Tony talking about the relaunch of Tuesday Tony Presents.
Tuesday Tony presents ia a weekly spoken word (poetry) / music / comedy
/ half ared karaoke every Tuesday at the Thirsty Scholar and Zombie Shack, Manchester, UK.
The night is being relaunched on 31 January 2023 on a weekly basis.
Free entry sign up from 7pm.
Tony can be contacted on facebook at www.facebook.com/tuesdaytony.willambolton

Bonus Episode for Spoken Label of the book launch for "The scope of art and poetry'(edited by Daniel Kay and Mel Wardle Woodend). The book is described as "This anthology aims to raise money and awareness for disability charity Scope. The book contains a selection of poetry and art from both well-known and emerging poets and artists. In each piece the art has inspired the poetry. This is known as ekphrasis. The collection includes poems about living with a disability, as well as those that explore the social and political aspects of everyday lives. The anthology is a celebration of people's lives and experiences, and all proceeds from the book will go to Scope. Edited by Daniel Kay and Mel Wardle Woodend with cover art by Paul Riding. Published by Dream Well Writing Ltd - Staffordshire based publishers of dyslexia friendly books with worldwide distribution and an environmentally conscious ethos founded in 2017 by Mel Wardle Woodend Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2019 – 2022. https://www.dreamwellwriting.simplesite.com" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scope-Art-Poetry-Various-Authors/dp/173971055X/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1681328773&refinements=p_27%3AMel+Wardle+Woodend&s=books&sr=1-1

New from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Artist / Poetry Podcast) features Katy Naylor. Katy Naylor lives by the sea, in a little town on the south coast of England. She writes poetry, fiction and text adventure games in the time that falls between the cracks She has work published or upcoming in Outcast Press, The Bear Creek Gazette and Not Deer Magazine. She can be found on twitter @voidskrawl #poetry #spokenwordpodcast #spokenword #poetrypodcast

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast series) features the wonderful Caitlin McKenna whose debut collection "Now Say it back" has being published by Bent Key Publishing.

Her bio advises "Caitlin McKenna is incredibly talented. First appearing on our founder's radar during the On the Mic poetry evening at Leeds' Left Bank, her words are fierce, feminist and unapologetically confrontational. Barely edging into her twenties, she has taken the mantle of queer representative and run with it - delivering fast-paced wit, reflective short-form pieces and lengthier spoken pieces that force you to look at how we exist in society today."

Some links include:

https://www.bentkeypublishing.co.uk/caitlin-mckenna

https://www.instagram.com/caitisapoet/

https://www.instagram.com/bonedownlag/

https://linktr.ee/caitisapoet

https://caitcmckenna.journoportfolio.com/

https://www.bentkeypublishing.co.uk/product-page/now-say-it-back-caitlin-mckenna

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features from Stockport but originally Burnage, the brill Joy Wassell Tims.

Joy is a Stockport based writer. Her poetry has been published in various literary magazines including The North, Iota, and Dream Catcher. Both poetry and short stories have been published in Orbis.

In February 2022 she had two poetry pamphlets published by Bedford Falls Publications: Word Hoards and Shout. Both are available for purchase from the publisher.

Shortlisted for the Cinnamon Press Poetry pamphlet competition in 2017, her poems have been anthologised in Invisible Zoos, and Peterloo Poets, both 2019; Writing the Cathedral (2014) and Best of Manchester Poets (2013). Her first novel was shortlisted by North West Arts.

She is currently Writer-in -Residence at Burnage Library, running its monthly Burnage Writers group and organising their 'Wordsmith' open mic events.

Her website is https://joywasselltimms.co.uk/

Latest Spoken Label (Spoken Word Podcast) features the amazing Rhianna Levi

Rhianna Levi is a writer, teacher and academic based in Worcester, England. She holds the title of Worcestershire Poet Laureate 22/23, being the youngest poet ever to have the role. Alongside the publication of her debut poetry collection, Mortal Veins (2023), Rhianna has been published in numerous anthologies and literature mags. Rhianna has degrees from both the University of Worcester and Birmingham City University. As a writer and holistic educator, her work empathises the complexity of humanity and existentialism that in itself is a remarkable phenomenon.

Her debut book 'Mortal Veins' can be bought via Amazon where it is described as " Humanity has always had a complex relationship with the world around it, and yet it can also be a thing of beauty which inspires magic caressed in our palms. Explore the wonders of existence and thereafter inside mortal veins with poet Rhianna Levi. A debut poetry collection that brings our veins together as one."

Some words about Mortal Veins:

"Mortal Veins is a brave and bold debut collection that addresses difficult matters, confronting a plethora of problems that are all too familiar to many readers. An urgent new voice, Levi is writing into a growing canon of mental health and personal development poetry. A haunting, a fresh bruise, or a journey through recovery, there is something here for all." - Dr Charley Barnes, author of Copycat and Sincerely, Yours.

"This dramatic, dynamic debut collection explores fearlessly what it is to be human, other worldly and wild all at once. Passionate and profoundly affecting, these poems find language for those things that are both concrete and hollow in all of us and in doing so encourages us all to find language of our own." - Cathy Carson, creator of the one woman show Becoming Marvellous
"Rhianna Levi makes a striking debut in Mortal Veins. With poetry that provokes the relationship between linguistics and storytelling, Levi tackles existentialism, mental health and self-awareness whilst exploring the boundaries of language. Bold, thought provoking and distinctive." - Chloe Hanks, author of I Call Upon The Witches and May We All Be Artefacts

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Author Chat Podcast) features the wonderful Douglas Weissman.

Douglas writes " stories of friendship, of finding beauty in the grotesque, of finding magic in the mundane; stories about building bridges, about burning bridges, about growing trees, about turning trees into bridges, and the ways strangers find common ground. "

He advises his young adult series "and and New Adult novel were released by Epic Press in Fall 2016. "

His short stories have been published in 3 Elements Review, Wild Musette, Kingdoms in the Wild, Lamplit Underground, and I Must Be Off and was shortlisted in Glimmer Train's "Family Matters" writing contest in 2015. 

He is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at the University of San Francisco and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, fun-loving daughter, anxious dog, and indifferent cat.

His website is: https://www.douglasweissman.com/

The latest episode from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Author / Artist Podcast) is another bonus episode from the recent Ashley Edge book launch features Alice Gretton who delivered a fantastic supporting set.

Alice Gretton is an award winning spoken word artist, with their works spanning across the UK and reaching the USA. They produce Sunrose Arts Festival, joining us on 22nd and 23rd July. Their book, Fruit Salad and Rocket Ships, will be out in 2023.

Alice is on facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/alicerosegretton

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alicerosegretton/

https://www.instagram.com/thankyoufortonight/

https://www.instagram.com/sunroseartsfestival/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alice.gretton

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features the wonderful Tom S. Juniper recorded live in support of Ashley Edge during their recent book launch.

Tom S. Juniper (they/he) is a genderqueer autistic poet living in Sheffield. They have recently published a book of poems about monsters. They like doing slams and absolutely don't get overly competitive.

Some links for Tom include:

https://www.instagram.com/tom_s_juniper/

https://tomjuniper.poetry.blog/

https://twitter.com/tom_s_juniper?lang=en

https://twitter.com/tom_s_juniper?lang=en

Latest Spoken Label session features the wonderful Lisa Moore.

Lisa advises "As a spoken word poet and writer, I've been honing my craft for over a decade. From winning a spot at the prestigious Vault Festival in 2018 with my poem "You've Lost That Loving Feeling and It's Only Been Two Weeks," to being featured on various discussion panels, I've made a name for myself in the spoken word community.

In 2019, I was commissioned to write a piece for International Women's Week, titled "Silver Foxes." The piece highlighted the plight of female actors being pushed out of the acting industry at 45+. It was published by The Conversation in an article titled "Invisible Lives: Where are all the older women in film and TV?" and featured across social media. My poem "The Menopause Poem" has also been featured heavily on various platforms, including radio, and is regularly requested at conferences and menopausal events.

In 2022, I took my show "Woman on Mute" to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show explored the various stages of a woman's life and featured spoken word pieces fused with music, movement, and comedy. After a successful run, the show is now being developed for radio."

What people have said about Lisa:

"Critics have praised my work, with Write Angel calling it "an exploration of how it feels to be invisible and silenced as a woman. Powerful words delivered with killer conviction - a must-see!!" Henry Normal said "Lisa Moore is honest, accessible, and engaging. Moore please" and Luke Wright said "Tenacious, powerful, and bloody good company. Go spend some time with Lisa Moore!"

Lisa Moore is a spoken word artist whose writing is deeply steeped in that which makes us human and ‘gets us through’ - grit, love and dark humour! Her work is full of spirit and Mancunian dialect both springs off the page and delights on stage.” – Isabelle Kenyon, Writer and Managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press"

More about Lisa can be found at: https://lisamoore.uk/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) features the wonderful Kay Channon.

Kay Channon is a PhD Student. Her research focuses on re-telling The Hunger Games using the social, personal, and political issues she encountered during Covid 19.  She is also a Disability Arts Online blogger and qualified University Lecturer. She has a passion for philosophy and is a published Poet. Her debut poetry collection The Dark Side of Light was published in 2017. Some of her poems have also appeared in Online Magazines, such as the London Progressive Journal and I am not a silent poet. She is also a trained Makaton Signer and is currently taking online classes to gain a level One British Sign Language award. Outside of her PhD, she reads children’s literature as an Ambassador for Inclusive Minds. This company connects with publishers to seek guidance from those living with disabilities in order to provide a healthy and more accurate reading experience for younger people. Last year she was engaged in webinars with the NHS to raise awareness around complex health conditions and improve patient care.

Useful links:

1. Kay's disability arts online blog: https://disabilityarts.online/blog/author/kay-channon/

2. One of Kay's latest poems:

https://londonprogressivejournal.com/2022/09/02/division/

3. Kay's YouTube channel: (for Makaton signing and my Hunger Games film that have premiered so far with and without subtitles): 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb5z-wkw4KLuBWveZ_AOcQ

Bonus Episode from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features the magnificent Dee Dickens recorded live at the recent Ashley Edge live launch for Spoken Label with a great support slot.

Dee's bio advises "Dee Dickens lives on a mountain in Wales with her shedding familiars and

her wizard consort. She etches symbols onto dead trees to make people hallucinate. Sometimes she does that for other people under the Llais Newydd spell. Trainee adult, she loves ribs."

More about Dee can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/deedickenswriter/

https://deedickens.wordpress.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Dee-Dickens/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ADee+Dickens

https://twitter.com/thepontypoet

https://www.instagram.com/thepontypoet/

Latest up from Spoken Label is the wonderful Anne Delargy, author off "Rex My Love" and "Mermaids in My Basement".

Anne herself is retired and lives in Manchester, where she was born. She has been writing poems since she was six years old.

She was a labour councillor in tower hamlets, east London for 8 years. She has travelled widely in Europe and North America often on her own and speaks five languages.

Anne has worked as a legal clerk in soho, a copy editor of political publications, a technical writer on engineering magazines, a learning mentor for children with autism, a life coach and a tutor. She trained in Flamenco dance in London and Spain, and as a clown.

Her two books are available on Amazon.
She is on facebook at: www.facebook.com/anne.delargy.5

Audio version of the live event Spoken Label recently did from the book launch of Ashley Edge's recent book 'Those days, These Days' recorded last week.

Ashley's book advises "Ashley Edge was an out tomboy before it was cool. This retrospective introspective takes us through growing up, coming out and the adventures that took them through it all. In this collection, they look at love in every form. From exploring their sexuality to poems which declare heir everlasting love of football, this is a ferocious, sometimes furious but always bittersweet must-read that will have you hooked from start to finish.

The book can be purchased here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Days-These-Ashley-Edge/dp/B0BVPFYNNF?

Ashley is on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyedge.poet

Brand new from Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) features from originally Salford but now Denton, the amazing Roy Page talking about his debut book "Fifties Child" as well as his love of bands and painting / drawing and growing up and around Salford (UK) in the 1950s.   Roy's book can be purchased from him direct at: https://www.facebook.com/roy.page.1297

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry / Artist Podcast) features the amazing Karina Fiorini.

Karina is a poet and an environmentalist of Maltese origin, now based in France. I started writing poetry and short stories at the age of ten and been campaigning in favour of a better environment for over sixteen years.

Her poetry is marked by scraps of fragments, teasing rhythms and subtle colours, at times postmodern and minimalist. I am the founder and coordinator of the Luxembourg Poetry Group.

In 2022, Habiba  was highly commended by poet Joelle Taylor, judge for the Ledbury Poetry Competition. In 2021, the poem The Calling  featured in PEN International and PEN Malta's A Poetry Memorial for Daphne Caruana Galizia. My poem Ruts  placed third in The Mattia Family 15th International Poetry Competition in 2013. Twelve inky years  received a special mention by the Welsh Poetry International Competition in 2018, whilst La Moselle  was chosen as an editor's choice in the 2020 Hammond House International Literary Prize, awarded by the University Centre Grimsby. In 2020 I served as a judge for Stories of the Nature of Cities, New York.

She has undertook a MSc in Sustainable Development at the Imperial College and SOAS Univeristy and a BA in Geography at the University of Malta. She is now now reading for a BA in English with Philosophy at the University of London – Goldsmiths and Birkbeck, whilst working on her first poetry collection.

www.instagram.com/karinafiorinipoetry/
soundcloud.com/user-522234864
www.karinafiorini.com
twitter.com/karinafiorini?lang=en-GB

** Contains exclusive bonus track **

Latest Spoken Label session (Artist / Writer Podcast) features an exclusive interview and session with London born now Manchester based Folk Singer songwriter Alf Whitby.

Alf's alternative folk style revolves around a core of voice, guitar and piano, and draws influence from both traditional folk (Nick Drake) and more modern alternative styles (Sufjan Stevens).

Juxtaposition between tenderness and angst is a key element to Alf's songs, with dynamic shifts bringing the listener along on a meandering ride. Lyrically the songs began as a cathartic release of thoughts and feelings too often left buried inside, but this has evolved into more structured storytelling involving an array of characters and imagery.

More details about Alf can be found on his website: https://www.alfwhitby.com/

Latest Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast series) session features the amazing Scarlett Ward.

Scarlett advises "I have been writing poetry for 10 years, and was first published by Verve Poetry Press in 2019. In 2022 I was shortlisted for Women Poet's Prize, and I have come runner up in several prizes such as The Spellt poetry prize, verve prize and Wolverhampton literature festival. I ofted give poetry workshops to schools and have recently ran a series of workshops with the BBC and Verve Poetry Festival.

I set up my own publishing company called Fawn Press in 2021, and I work to discover emerging and under-represented writers in the community to produce their books. Fawn Press was nominated for a Saboteur award in 2022.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2021, when I fell into a coma and had to learn how to walk, talk, read, write and even eat again. I worked to overcome these challenges and now live with my chronic illness. I am passionate about raising awareness about this disease as I was misdiagnosed with "anxiety and period hormones" when I first started to display symptoms.

I am a queer writer, and find great strength in my poetry as a woman who loves women."

Some links about Scarlett:

https://www.instagram.com/scarlett.ward/

https://www.instagram.com/fawnpress/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCsE_lza7H0

https://vervepoetrypress.com/product/ache-scarlett-ward-pre-order-free-uk-pp/?v=79cba1185463

https://www.iambapoet.com/scarlett-ward-bennett

https://deardamsels.com/2021/10/13/my-therapist-asks-me-how-my-weeks-been/

https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/scarlett-ward-bennett/

https://www.fawnpress.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocGgKYJzZcs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eqpqwh/acts/a9j9xj

Latest Spoken label Podcast (Spoken Word / Author / Artist Chat Podcast) features features the amazing Alice Godliman

Alice is a poet, writer, performer and workshop facilitator based in Manchester, who’s performed for International Women’s Day and Reclaim the Night, as well as events around London, Manchester and at the Edinburgh Fringe. You can find more of her work in the anthology Let Me Know When You’re Home, as well as Blood Orange Tarot, Twist in Time Mag,

Alice's work is fierce, feminine, fancy and fragile all at once. Combining traditional poetic form with spells and magic, her upcoming collection is not to be missed - it really is a kind of magic.

Her debut collection "The Book of (Seeing Past the)" is published by Bent Key Publishing.

Alice can be found at @alicegodliman on Twitter or Instagram.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) features the brill Holly Bars.

Holly Bars is a mature student currently studying at the University of Leeds. Holly’s poems have been published since January 2021 by The Moth, Ink, Sweat & Tears, Fragmented Voices, Porridge, Anti-Heroin Chic, Visual Verse, Runcible Spoon, and more, as well as appearing in anthologies. Her debut collection, Dirty,is available from Yaffle Press.   Twitter: @holly_bars

Note… This podcast concerns itself with poems relating to childhood sexual abuse, child abuse, trauma and survivorship. Please keep this in mind as you read, and look after yourself however you need to, even if it means throwing this book at the wall. Please see poem Stay Sane for further suggestions. Samaritans are open 24/7.

Latest Spoken label Podcast (Spoken Word / Artist Podcast series) session features the wonderful Goodnighttheskye

She is described as a "I am a published poet and award-winning spoken word artist, whose work has been featured across print, radio and stage, from Radiophrenia Glasgow to The Blue Heron Review. I have led poetry and spoken word workshops with groups aged from 13 to 21, on themes such as identity, queerness, mental health and politics, and recently published three interconnected zines entitled A Posy For Balance, which can be purchased here.

Her website is: goodnighttheskye.com/"

**

Zoom launch for the charity book 'Nobody left behind' for the Mustard Tree.  The book can be purchased from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobody-Behind-Printed-Words-Anthology/dp/B0BNKYKRCY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15Z2UBA0AVGAL&keywords=nobody+left+behind&qid=1676760472&sprefix=nobody+left+behind%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1 

Thanks to the following readers:  

Amanda Nicholson 

Andy N 

Richard Harries 

Roz Ottery 

Rich Davenport 

Gordon Zola 

Ade Couper 

Clive Oseman

Short bonus episode tonight from myself (Andy N) in support off Richard Harries on his book launch back in December 2022.

Andy N is the author of nine  full length poetry collections, the most recent being 'from the diabetic ward' and numerous split poetry books, including 'run away with me in 7 words' with his wife Amanda Steel (Also known as Amanda Nicholson)

He is the co-host of Chorlton Cum Hardy's always welcoming Spoken Word Open Mic Night which meets on the 1st Thursday of each month and he does ambient music under the name of Ocean in a Bottle. 

He is also the host and  the creator of 'Spoken Label', a poet, writer and artist Podcast series also the paranormal, supernatural and just plain spooky Podcast series with his wife Amanda Nicholson 'Cloaked in the Shadows' and the readaround Podcast series 'Storytime with Andy and Amanda' also with Amanda.

His official website is onewriterandhispc.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Latest Spoken Label (Poetry / Writer / Artist Podcast) features the amazing Perry Gasteiger.

Perry Gasteiger (they/them) is a non-binary Canadian poet who focuses on the mundanity of existence through a lens of empathetic consideration. They enjoy exploring phenomenological ideas of lived experience and how they mold our understanding of ourselves and our world. By pushing the boundaries of their own experiences, Perry tries to find universalities in unique situations for people to connect through. Bringing attention to the extraordinary nature of life and pain, they juxtapose the beautiful and the deformed, the congruent and the discordant, and the comfortable and the anxious.

Perry draws much of their imagery from the landscapes of northern Ontario where they grew up, and severe bodily exploration and discomfort. They find the connection between human nature and the wider rhythms of the natural world especially intriguing, taking particular pleasure in dismantling the corporeal experience into its component parts and closing the gap between the controlled and the wild.

In this session, we talk about Perry's debut collection "Meditations for the Dead and Dying".This collection explores topics of self, identity, and relationship through a thorough undoing of the body. Tearing open the discomfort of corporeality, this brief selection is a feast of blood, bone, and flesh that will leave you hungry for more.

More about Perry can be found at: https://perrygasteiger.ca/

Latest Spoken Label (Artist / Writer Podcast series) features the excellent singer songwriter Raven Shelley.  

Raven Shelley is a self-described misfit who takes influence from the likes of Bob Dylan and Ani DiFranco to create her own style  of whimsical folk pop music.  Originally growing up in the south of France, Raven taught herself English literature from an early age, then going on to study the subject at University.  

From there her passion for writing poetic lyricism was born, with the artist commenting, “all the hurt, all the anger, all the love, everything that runs through she advises can be found somewhere in my lyrics, because to write something real, you have to pour yourself onto the page and into the songs. ” 

As soon as she moved to the UK from France she founded her own band, fronting the outfit as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist where she first cut her teeth playing her own original material.   

Making her introduction as a solo artist, in June this year (2022) she released her debut single “Sink in Solitude” via The Animal Farm imprint and since then has followed up with two more singles 'Do You Miss Me Yet?' and 'Erroneous Lives'.  

Raven can be found on social media at: https://www.instagram.com/ravenshelleymusic/or https://www.facebook.com/ravenshelleymusic/

NB. Erroneous Lives follows the interview. 

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Creative Podcast) is a special mini episode (Full length episode to follow in the Spring) features the wonderful Tuesday Tony talking about the relaunch of Tuesday Tony Presents.

Tuesday Tony presents ia a weekly spoken word  (poetry) / music / comedy

/ half ared karaoke every Tuesday at the Thirsty Scholar and Zombie Shack, Manchester, UK.

The night is being relaunched on 31 January 2023 on a weekly basis.

Free entry sign up from 7pm.

Tony can be contacted on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tuesdaytony.willambolton

The new Spoken Label Podcast features Jay Rose Ana. 

Jay is a poet, writer, storyteller, and performance artist, born and raised in the heart of the Black Country, West Midlands, UK talking about her debut poetry book "Whispers in the Wind".

Her website is https://www.jayroseana.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayroseana?lang=en-GB

Performed to a crowd of over 40 people at Chorlton Cum Hardy's Dulicmer, this recording is the live launch of 'Nobody left behind' a charity book for the Mustard Tree.

The book is described as "A collection of poetry, prose and non-fiction inspired by the cost-of-living crisis. Edited by Amanda Nicholson, with writing by over 30 poets and authors from around the UK. This anthology was produced to raise awareness of the experiences you rarely see in the mainstream media. All the profits go to Mustard Tree to support the important work they do.

Some of the pieces use dark humour to highlight the struggles people face, while others are more direct. They may not be easy to read, but perhaps they will inspire us all to do what little we can to help. Then, maybe we can make some small improvements to each other’s lives instead of judging people." 

The book can be bought on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobody-Left-Behind-Printed-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0BNK23NR9

Hosted and ran by Steve Smythe and Andy N, the night featured readings by the following readers in the book:

1st Half:

1) Amanda Nicholson

2) Scott Fellows

3) Steven Wailing (who read out a poem by John G Hall also)

4) Lucy Power

5) Phillip Burton

6) Linda Downs

7) Rosemary Moore

2nd Half:

1) Andy N

2) Michael Burton

3) April Manderson

4) Nigel Austell (who read out a poem also by Dorinda MacDowell) 

5) Phillip Carter

6) Gordon Zola (who read out a poem also by Eve Nortley)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) features the wonderful Natalie Easton author off “I’ll buy you a bird instead”.

Natalie Easton’s poems have appeared in such publications as Jet Fuel Review, Superstition Review, and tinywords. She was nominated for a Pushcart in 2014, and was a contributor at Bread Loaf in 2015. Her debut chapbook, I’ll Buy You a Bird Instead, is was releeased on Femme Salve Books on November 9th 2022.

“I’ll buy you a bird instead” is described as “In this intimate chapbook of poems, Natalie Easton examines the complexity of her relationship with her mother through a kaleidoscope of loss, grief, and love. The troubles of childhood are reexamined in adulthood, brought out and looked at with a new depth of understanding. This is a book that encourages the reader to look harder at the difficult moments, and find the gems hidden there.”
Some praise for “I’ll buy you a bird instead”:
“I’ll Buy You a Bird Instead is a complex cry of longing – from a ‘throat veined white like a cut strawberry’ – for the ever-disappearing mother. These poems are painted in the many colors of illness, healing, resentment, surprising humor, regret: ‘Go in, I will my former self. / Just for a glass of water.’ From caring for the parent in extremis (‘If you weren’t conscious in an hour, / then I should make a call’) to tending her body after death (‘For all I knew you felt it still’), from denial (‘I have tried to escape without / burying you’) to acceptance (‘Now that I’m alone I know / you’ll never stop returning to me’), Easton brings a mother-daughter relationship – both foundational and impossible – into razor-edge focus, side-by-side with its loss. Easton’s eye is unflinching, her portrayal of grief unstinting. The red bird glowing behind these poems – the parrot itself and the mother’s devotion, even mixed with betrayal – is a reminder that love can wreck us and still we can be ‘filled – like an urn – with its beauty.’”
—Laura Cherry, author of Haunts (Cooper Dillon Books)
“In forthright and gutting language, this collection looks resolutely at the ways in which we communicate with our past in mourning. This is a beautiful book that will break your heart.”
—Erin Elizabeth Smith, author of DOWN

“…these fierce and tender poems affirm that at the end of pain, what remains is wisdom. What remains is love.”
—Angela Narciso Torres, author of What Happens Is Neither

More about Natalie can be found here - www.natalieeastonpoetry.com

The book is available through femme salve books directly here -
femmesalvebooks.net/bird-instead-by-natalie-easton/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the wonderful Sophie Parkes.  Her bio advises She "was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire in 1985. Following degrees from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, Sophie is currently studying for a PhD in creative writing and folklore at Sheffield Hallum University.  She won a Northern Writers' Award in 2017 and has published a biography of musician, Eliza Carthy, and co-wrote the autobiography of endurance athlete Dave Heeley."  In this Spoken Label episode, we talk about her work with Mosley Writers and The Tameside Workshop in addition to her debut novel historical fiction ' Out of Human Sight'.  

Follow Sophie on twitter: @Sophparkes

Bonus Episode from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetrty Podcast) features a repeat of the set Amanda Nicholson did in support for Richard Harries's book launch in December 2023.

Amanda Nicholson is an author, poet, podcast co-host and copywriter. She has written several books as Amanda Steel, including Ghost of Me.
Amanda’s poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester. She Has a Creative Writing MA, and has had articles published by Jericho Writers, Reader’s Digest UK, Ask.com, and Authors Publish.

Her blog is: amandasteelwriter.wordpress.com

The latest session by Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) session the wonderful Joseph J Jordan, author of “ The Clima-Race” series.

The Clima-Race is described as “The year is 2100 and our planet has been ravaged by climate change but Isabel Hope believes there is a discovery that could save humanity. As CEO of Hope Incorporated she uses her power and wealth to help steer a new generation that could be the future of all humankind. However, she quickly encounters resistance, engulfing her twin sons, nineteen year old Elijah and Hajile who unknowingly find themselves at the centre of what could be the biggest leap in human evolution.

World leaders and corporate titans clash in this epic journey of destiny, loyalty, deception and heart breaking loss, as only the bravest will fight to save their family and humanity as one.”

Joseph’s author amazon page is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-J-Jordan/e/B08XNL8PKH/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Other links off Joseph's include:

https://twitter.com/joeyjacobjordan?s=21

https://www.facebook.com/josephjjordanofficial

http://www.instagram.com/joeyjacobjordan

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Artist Podcast) features the excellent Ashley Edge.

Ashley is a non-binary, autistic poet from the heart of England. They take great pleasure in opening the rusty can full of phobic critters, shining a laser on them and beating them with a poetic hammer. Prone to tugging at your soul with their tales of childhood trauma, Ashley is also able to produce the odd happy poem. Usually about cats.

They have been published in many anthologies over the years and won multiple slams. A fan of trying all poetic styles, on the stage and on the page. Due for release in February 2023, Ashley's collection, "Those Days, These Days", is a double-whammy. An exploration of their early life as a loud and proud queer, coming out and falling in love during Section 28, Ashley fast forwards to present times, being non-binary and the passions that keep them sane and fighting.

Facebook: observeandmuse with Ehjee

Instagram: observeandmuse_Ashley

Twitter: @AshleyEdgePoet

YouTube: ObserveandMuse Ashley

https://ashleyedgepoet.wordpress.com/

Today's Spoken Label Session (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) features the wonderful Michael Burton.

Michael Burton is from East Lancashire in the UK and his poems have been published most recently in The The Interpreter’s House, The Honest Ulsterman & Pennine Platform. He also writes and performs as NotAnotherPoet and is the vocalist in the band New Age of Decay. Their debut album can be found on all major streaming platforms.

Latest Spoken Label features the wonderful Judy Liu, author of the Vending Portal.

Judy’s work is inspired by her love of Marvel, sci-fi, old Taiwanese dramas, and ridiculous anime, Judy scribbles mini-stories wherever she can (and subsequently forgets them!). She graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas, studying history, Asian studies, and education. Judy is not unfamiliar with extensive writing, having published multiple pieces. She spent some time living in rural Japan before working in the legal and compliance sphere. With her debut novel The Vending Portal, Liu hopes to meaningfully add to Asian American literature to further enrich the YA genre.

Her debut book is the Vending Portal is described as “Memory fades, but Reminserum is forever.

It’s just a normal day for Mel and Sage. They’re walking home from school, when they come upon a battered vending machine of mysterious snacks. While examining it, the sisters are whisked away to another dimension by the seemingly innocuous machine. They encounter advanced memory-enhancing technologies, a strange new government, and an ominous secret behind it all. Follow Mel and Sage as they discover friendships, unravel an unknown family history, and brave a multitude of hazards to save a society in a world that was never theirs.

Judy Liu’s debut novel is a passion project motivated by a desire to explore the concept of a “perfect” society. In it, she explores both the fantasies and the frightening possibilities that can exist in a world of any design. The Vending Portal is a lightly distorted, funhouse mirror to reflect the pitfalls of our own society, seen through the innocent eyes of two young protagonists. “

The book can be bought on Amazon etc.

UK Amazon link is: /Vending-Portal-Judy-Liu-ebook/dp/B0BCH7FL9S

Judy's Instagram page is:
www.instagram.com/judyliu_author/

Latest from Spoken Label and our last session of the year features the magnificent Louise Fazackerley.

Louise’s work is described as “ work rooted in word-witchery and the working class, Louise explores the synergy between poetry, voice and movement in a way that makes the ugly beautiful and the mundane fantastical.  Winner of BBC Radio 3 ‘New Voices’, European Slam Finalist and support artist for punk legend Dr. John Cooper Clark, Louise is a true, Northern powerhouse. Welcome to her world of darkly humorous poetry. Previous poetry collections include The Lolitas and The Uniform Factory (Verve Poetry Press), Bird St. (The Secret Writers Club) and audio book, Council House Poetry (Nymphs & Thugs.) Louise has a degree in Theatre Studies and Creative Writing from Lancaster University and an MA in Creative Writing from Edge Hill University. She lectures and teaches creative writing in schools, prisons and universities. When she is not writing, Louise is loping around Wigan and wrangling two teenage daughters and two teenage cats. “

Louise’s latest book ‘pleasure dome which this sesison talks about ’ is described as: “Take your little feelings-junkie-self on a dash through the house of fun. Here is hedonism and anhedonia a.k.a 'the inability to feel anything' nothing? explored through lyric poetry and dystopian prose poetry. Here are the Romantic Poets. Here are some bands from the 1980's. Here is a bathroom. Here is a place where the super-rich get to use your organs instead of their own. Obvs. Think escapism, mothers guilt and drink- some of it set in an alternate dimension of distorted mirrors and super-fun balloons. Dilettantes and the discerning brain are welcome here. “

More about Louise can be found at: https://www.louisethepoet.co.uk/

Back with Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) today is our returning friend “Ilaria Passeri”

Ilaria Passeri is a Scottish-Italian writer-performer living in South Manchester. She works as a storyteller in schools, libraries, art centres, theatres and woodland areas. You can often find Ilaria under a tree telling stories with a rubber chicken and a crowd of giggling kids with their grown-ups — failing that, you may find her on a train lugging around a suitcase of puppets or in a sweaty pub room telling people all her secrets through a microphone. She performed her debut show ‘Lady Ilaria’s Drawers’ at The Hen and Chickens as part of the Camden Fringe Festival and received a four-star review. Before becoming a writer and storyteller, Ilaria was Mandy the CrimeSolving Monkey, Sparkle Chops the Elf, a Bar Crawl Babe, an Aperol Spritz Girl and she also worked in a call centre for three days. 

In this Spoken Label Session, we talk about her show from a few years back “Lady Ilaria’s drawers” and what led into her book ‘Tales of a confused Life’. 

Instagram @ilariathestoryteller 

Twitter @ilariapasseri

New from Spoken Label (Author / Artist / Poet Podcast) features the wonderful Martin Elder talking about his debut poetry book "Rewind / Replay"

Martin describes himself as "Writer Poet and Dr of Hope  the story so far.....as a spotty faced teenager back in the mists of time I once wrote a poem about the Vietnam war which has been thankfully lost. I then picked up a pencil again in my late thirties and  started writing short stories and subsequently  a couple of books. I followed this with an attempt at poetry . However a friend told me that he did not like them. (The poems that is) so I stopped. But the loss of a job back in 2012 stimulated me to write a poem again which was quickly followed by another and then another , sadly I haven't been able to stop pouring out a sea of babble and drivel since.  Having tried the public domain few times in 2014 I have continued to subject members of the unwitting public to my utterances and dribblings through open mic gigs in a variety of locations with very few rotten vegetables or eggs being thrown....so far"

More about Martin can be found at: https://www.writeoutloud.net/profiles/martinelder

His Email address to purchase a copy of his collection is: martin.d.elder@ntlworld.com

Latest Spoken Label session (Author / Artist Podcast series) features the brilliant Ed Davis discussing his new book ‘The Last Professional’. originally from Northern California but originally from Kanas City. 

‘The Last Professional’ focuses on a hobo, a wanderer, a madman; three characters hurtling toward a heart-wrenching climax where their way of life, and their lives, hang in the balance.

These freights let you ride, they don't let you go!

Lynden Hoover, a young man on the brink of a new beginning, cannot embrace it without confronting the traumas of his past. Help comes from The Duke, an old loner who calls America' s landscape his home. He clings to an honor code, but in fleeing from Short Arm, his merciless enemy, his code is being tested. The Duke mentors Lynden, enlisting old traveling friends to keep himself and his apprentice just ahead of Short Arm' s relentless pursuit. When two of those friends are murdered, the stakes become life or death.

Bonds are formed, secrets exposed, sacrifices made, trusts betrayed; all against a breathtaking American landscape of promise and peril. Three unforgettable characters, hurtling toward a spellbinding climax where pasts and futures collide, and lives hang in the balance. 

More about Ed can be read at his website: https://www.eddavisbooks.com/

Audio rip of the live Spoken Label Zoom launch containing the set Richard Harries did for the launch of his second poetry book "Iconic Tattoo' recorded live on Monday 28 November 2022.

Richard Harries (not to be confused with the Bishop of Oxford) is a well known spoken word artist with a considerable following on YouTube. He performs mainly in the North of England but concentrates on East Yorkshire, Hull and the surrounding area. One of his first poems, Pirate Izzy, was written for his Granddaughter; and thereafter he began writing and performing at Folk Clubs and Pubs.

In addition to several years at the Hull Freedom Festival he has been a popular feature at the Filey Folk Festival, Cottingham Springboard, and in venues in Leeds, Harrogate, York and Wakefield. Richard's historical poems have been published in American Journals and his war poems were read in Ypres 100 years after the first shot in the Battle of Bellewaarde in World War I. He was also a significant contributor to the Saboteur project Haunt.

Richard is often known as the Bard of Withernsea or the Activist Poet of Hull having written for the Action for Hull Group, The Wilberforce Society and supported campaigns to save the Lord line building and Beverlygate.

The book can be purchased from: https://www.stairwellbooks.co.uk/authors/richard-harries/ and all good booksellers etc