Episode 8: Griot Gabriel

The incredible Griot Gabriel joins the Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast chat! Winner of the 2025 Forward Prize for the performance of his poem ‘Where I’m From’ Gabriel is a Manchester-based poet and youth worker. We talk about his journey into poetry, inspired by figures like Malcolm X and Tupac Shakur, and his work with diverse communities. We delve into the importance of faith, community, and creativity (including in sports!). We talk of poetry shining a light into dark places, and how he wants to use poetry to bridge gaps between opposing views and spark dialogue for empathy. Listen up about info on his upcoming eight-week poetry workshop at Contact Theatre.    Below are links for organisations and projects that we discussed: ‘Where I’m From’ (Griot Gabriel’s Forward Prize winning performance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv_TYFFGNSc  Forward Prize: https://forwardartsfoundation.org/poem/where-im-from/  The Poetry Place: https://www.the-poetryplace.com/  Contact Theatre: https://contactmcr.com/get-involved  Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca