Apples and Snakes: The Podcast
by Apples and Snakes
Through conversations and performances from award-winning poets, rappers and artists such as Caleb Femi, Kat François and Eklipse, Yomi will explore what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist.Each episode – released in two parts – will give a greater insight into the journeys of some of the UK’s most celebrated voices.
Episodes
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S4 EP 10 | Sophia Thakur
Internationally acclaimed award-winning artist, best-selling author and performance poet - Sophia Thakur shines in this live recorded episode of the Apples and Snakes Podcast. Sophia has performed shows all over the world and tickets are always in high demand, usually selling-out within hours of...
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S4 EP 9 | Suli Breaks
Suli Breaks exudes confidence and knows how to captivate an audience.His TEDxHousesofParliament speech, viewed over 300,000 times, showcases his ability to captivate audiences with his words. His reputation as a powerful speaker has led to invitations to prestigious events such as the United...
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S4 EP 8 | El Crisis
Word. Power. Sound. These are the connotations synonymous with El Crisis. Known for his fusion of rap, chant, gospel, song and storytelling, El Crisis has been described as a “modern day Griot and Bard” and has a substantial catalogue of works that spans over 67 pieces. In this episode, the...
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S4 EP 7 | Reece Williams
Reece Williams is a Mancunian poet of Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage whose debut collection ‘This Kind of Black’ was released this year. He has performed internationally and is celebrated for his works that speak as much in performance as they do on page. He often wrestles with being British,...
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S4 EP 6 | Keith Jarrett
In a previous Apples and Snakes’s blogs, Keith Jarrett wrote “I got into performance poetry by accident – and it’s probably the best accident I’ve had”. Since then, he produced his collection ‘Selah’ and poetry pamphlet’ I Speak Home’. His writing regularly explores race, faith, sexuality and...
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S4 EP 5 | Zakariye Abdillahi
Young artist, member of Roundhouse Poetry Collective and Hippodrome Origins, Zakariye Abdillahi talks with Yomi about being present and patient within poetry. His works often touch on the overlaps between masculinity, faith, and building a career in poetry at your own pace. His gentleness is...
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S4 EP 4 | Travis Alabanza
Poet. Performer. Cultural changemaker. In just a few years Travis Alabanza has become one of the most exciting young performance artists in the queer arts scene. In this episode, Travis joins Yomi to unpack how poetry has sparked their wider creativity from fashion and theatre to fearless...
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S4 EP 3 | Salena Godden
Her poems are gritty and fierce, and she is a bold and fearless author, memoirist, broadcaster and poet of Jamaican-Irish heritage. Salena Godden and Yomi get to grips in an intimate conversation around the duality of the artist - from writing monster to gigging monster, and the solitude of...
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S4 EP 2 | Dean Atta
Filmmaker, poet and writer for all ages, award-winning Dean Atta is also a member of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen and a patron of LGBT+ History Month. He encourages writers to lean all the way into topics they love, no matter how small or niche. His works are celebrated for tackling themes of racism…
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S4 EP1 | Kareem Parkins Brown
Kareem Parkins Brown joins Yomi and together they share how humour, grief and real life have influenced his writing. Kareem’s work often touches on nostalgia and friendship, with surrealism playing a major role in his existential poetry talk show. He performs his poem ‘What I’ve Learned (after…
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S3 EP20 | Amen Noir - Maintaining Presence
In the final episode of the season, Amen Noir and Yomi talk on the spoken word scene over the years and what gives strength to presence on stage, they touch on music and the power of harnessing your vulnerability. They discuss the importance of archiving in documenting the Black British cultural...
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S3 EP19 | Belinda Zhawi - Connecting to your voice
Yomi is joined by Belinda Zhawi where they delve into how Belinda uses sound and voice in her work to transport audiences. They discuss the influences that fed into their craft and the legacies and contexts that come into storytelling. Belinda shares her poem ‘Sin Blue Note’ Apples and Snakes…
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S3 EP18 | Asmaa Jama - Honour your words
In this episode, Yomi is joined by Asmaa Jama. They talk about the interdependencies that writing and visuals have had on Asmaa’s work and creative journey. They discuss the importance of embodying and honouring your words through your work, allowing yourself to take up space and reach audiences....
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S3 EP17 | Emmanuel Sugo - 'Its a natural language'
Join Yomi and Emanuel Sugo as they discuss the intersection of poetry, fitness, and cultural storytelling and the many other doors that poetry has opened for them. Emmanuel shares his poem ‘Diamonds Are Forever remixed by A Series of Unfortunate Events known as Kim Kardashian.’…
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S3 EP16 | Vanessa Kisuule - The power of performance
This week, Yomi speaks to Vanessa Kisuule where they talk on the transformative power of performance. This episode delves into evolution of craft, the balance between page and stage and the profound impact of community and collaboration, discussing the richness of voices that are reshaping the...
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S3 EP15 | Muneera Pilgrim - Witness your journey
In this week's episode, Muneera Pilgrim joins Yomi in discussing her experience as a poet, coming from a hip hop background. They touch on the journey you take in seeing your worth and believing in yourself and how they were able to embody that. Muneera shares her poem 'Dear Boy’ Apples and...
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S3 EP14 | Jeremiah Brown - Its a journey
In our latest episode, Yomi speaks to Jeremiah about his poetry journey, touching on the various mediums that Jeremiah has experimented with through his work. They talk on exploring poetry commercially, navigating poetry as a multidisciplinary artist and how you find yourself through these...
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S3 EP13 | Courtney Conrad - Keeping the faith
This week, Courtney joins Yomi in discussing what keeps them going. They touch on the value of community, taking things at your own pace and not limiting yourself. Courtney walks through different moments that have been pivotal, exploring religion, culture and other elements that feed into your...
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S3 EP12 | Roger Robinson on being unapologetically you
In this week’s episode, Yomi speaks to Roger about his experience in different poetry scenes. They talk on the different dynamic talent that Roger has encountered and how it has highlighted the value of individuality. Roger discusses his relationship with music and how balancing different crafts...
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S3 EP11 | BREIS - Its important to feel seen
In our latest episode Yomi talks with Breis about balancing his life as a poet, author, hip hop educator and MC. They discuss business in poetry and Breis reflects on some of his proudest moments and how his work and outlook have evolved over time. Breis shares his poem ‘Only Human’ Apples and...
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S3 EP10 | Miss Jacqui - It takes a lot of heart
In this week's episode Yomi and Miss Jacqui discuss social influences, being a multidisciplinary artist and accessibility in the industry. Miss Jacqui talks about being human and how her work highlights the emotions that we all feel but don’t know how to articulate. Miss Jacqui reads the poem...
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S3 EP09 | Ragz CV - It's all about the community
Yomi talks to Ryan about the power of community and the importance of supporting young people. Ryan plays homage to those who have fed into finding his purpose, whilst also speaking on the frustrations he experienced that have fuelled him towards his path. Ryan reads his poem ‘Don't let the ends…
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S3 EP08 | Joshua Idehen - You gotta get your hands dirty
This week, Yomi and Joshua discuss the “urgency” of writing. Joshua explores the impactful moments in his artistic career. Reminiscing on the integral people he’s met along the way, from poetry nights to performing to the King of Sweden on national television. Joshua reads his poem ‘Its closing...
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S3 EP07 | Roy McFarlane - You've got to speak your truth
In this episode, Yomi and Roy recognise the people and the environments that have created the poetry scene today. They talk on the process of publishing and how to maintain your voice and access rawness as you progress. Roy reads his poem ‘To the Heron who stood with me in the ruins of another...
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S3 EP06 | Showing up with PA Bitez
Yomi speaks to PA Bitez on the power of the alter ego and being able enter the scene saying it all. They discuss the various entry points encountered, taking them into poetry and how cultures have impacted the vitality of their writing. PA Bitez reads her poem ‘Thunder Music’ Apples and…
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S3 EP05 | Anthony Joseph - When you say ”I’m a poet” it’s a huge thing
In this episode, Yomi speaks to T.S Eliot prize winning Anthony Joseph on what it means to be a poet and the various transitions through that journey. Anthony touches on the different landscapes he’s encountered, from firstly being on stage in a rock band in the 80s to traveling the world and the...
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S3 EP04 | Ty’rone Haughton - I’m not owed an audience
This week Yomi speaks with Ty’rone Haugton, founder and artistic director of Literati Arts,a non profit that promotes the art of poetry / spoken word and its role in community organising and healing. Ty’rone explores the sacrifices he has made to follow his path in poetry, the impact of Tupac and...
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S3 EP03 | Tolu Agbelusi - Sometimes, we just have to get it done.
In this week's episode, Yomi and Tolu talk about the various pressures, obstacles and communities they have encountered over the years. They discuss the late writing nights, juggling work and writing and the complexity of trusting your voice. Tolu shares her poem ‘Things I can't say’ Apples and...
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S3 SP02 | At risk of being excellent with Shirley May
In this week's episode, Yomi and Shirley discuss Shirley's journey to poetry. From freestyling to crafting poems and how poets that she had poured so much into, finally helped her layout and push her own collection. Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by…
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S3 EP 01| Malika Booker - Live and Direct from The Roundhouse
For our first episode of this brand new season, Yomi talks live with Malika Booker as part of our 40th Birthday Celebrations at Roundhouse. Yomi and Malika talk about poetry, lessons and the rituals that have formed a big part of their lives and writing journey. Malika shares her poem ‘Jesus in…
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S2 EP06 | Does your curiosity feed your creativity?
Our final episode of the season has us back with Kenny Baraka and John Bernard about the work that poets do when it comes to reaching those that are labelled "Hard to Reach". Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
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S2 Ep 5 | Let’s talk the tings
For our penultimate episode of the season, Yomi speaks with Kenny Baraka and John Bernard about the work that poets do when it comes to reaching those that are labelled "Hard to Reach". Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
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S2 Ep 4 | This me being quite polite
Welcome to the second part of our conversation with Josephine 'Realitie' Rollins and Adrian B. Earle talking about what it is like to experience the UK poetry scene as someone with a disability. Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
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S2 Ep 3 | If I say I’m good, I’m lying.
This episode, Yomi chats with Josephine 'Realitie' Rollins and Adrian B. Earle talking about what it is like to experience the UK poetry scene as someone with a disability. How does it manifest in the work and what is it like during a performance. Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi...
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S2 Ep 2 | Dust yourself off and try again.
We are back for the second part of the convo with with Be Manzini and Tanaka Fuego discussing personal and artistic wellbeing. What does it look like when create wellbeing spaces for themselves? What can you do to create your own safeguarding boundaries? Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by...
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S2 Ep 1 | Hey, How you doing?
For our first episode this season, Yomi talks with Be Manzini and Tanaka Fuego. Artists spend so much time creating wellbeing sessions for others but what does it look like when you do that same thing for yourself? What can you do to create your own safeguarding boundaries? Apples and Snakes:The...
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Season 2 Ep 0 | What we have coming up.
WE ARE BACK!! Welcome to season 2 of Apples and Snakes: The Podcast! Have a listen here to find out what you are in store for. Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios. Thanks for listening to Apples and Snakes: The Podcast! If you enjoyed...
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Ep 10 | The importance of owning and telling our own stories Part 2: This space is therapy.
For this seasons final episode, we come back to the conversation between our host Yomi Sode, Kat Francois and Reece Williams They talk about they therapy that exists in Black poets having the space and scope to tell their own stories and spend some time considering how we can make platforms for...
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Ep 9 | The importance of owning and telling our own stories Part 1: The great unlearning
In the penultimate episode of season one, host Yomi Sode talks about the importance of owning and telling our own stories with Kat Francois and Reece Williams. They discuss bravery, worrying about how people will receive your authentic voice, how it is a fight for Black poets being able to tell...
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Ep 8 | Poetry in Education Part 2: It comes down to understanding the words and the lines
Back with host Yomi Sode and guests Casey Bailey and Que to continue the conversation around Poetry in education. This time they talk about access points to poetry and how we need to consider, more carefully, how to make poetry accessible and relatable to audiences that don’t see themselves or...
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Ep 7 | Poetry In Education part 1: Man‘s a poet now.
And we’re back!! In this episode our host Yomi Sode talks to Casey Bailey and Que AKA Quethewolf about poetry in education and some of the unlearning that we have all had to do because of the way that we poetry has been taught to us. Has the curriculum made poetry unattractive to many children…
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Ep 6 | National Voices part 2: Creating space for development and growth
We come back to our conversation with our host Yomi Sode and Khadijah Ibrahiim and Malaika Kegode discussing the importance of including regional voices when we talk about Black British poets. Spaces for development and growth are so important when poets are just starting out as the scene can…
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Ep 5 | National Voices Part 1: 'But I'm a poet as well"
In this episode our host Yomi Sode talks to Khadijah Ibrahiim and Malaika Kegode about the importance of including regional voices in the conversations about the landscape of Black British Poetry. Khadijah talks about her poetry journey, why she founded Leeds Young Authors and Malaika discusses…
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EP 4 | Music Part 2: 'When poets write we conjure worlds and cast spells"
Returning to the conversation of music and poetry, Yomi Sode continues to talk with Zena Edwards and Eklipse about music and poetry and the colonial implications that surround the page vs stage conversation. They talk about how Black poets are breaking the barriers that have been put in place…
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EP 3 | Music Part 1: 'Sometimes our stories need music'
In this episode our host Yomi Sode talks to Zena Edwards and Eklipse about the use of music when it comes to poetry and what that means to the Black community as well as the isolation it can cause in the wider poetry community. Zena shares some stories about her journey over the past two decades...
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EP 2 | Publishing Part 2: 'We do it so our community lives forever'
As we return to the conversation of Publishing, in this episode, our host Yomi Sode talks with Caleb Femi and Nii Ayikwei Parkes about the the uniqueness of the point in time we are experiencing. Are poets are the true rock stars of the literary world? Why are there so many strange expectations…
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EP 1 | Publishing Part 1: 'I'm just tryna be like you bro!'
In this episode our host Yomi Sode talks to Nii Ayikwei Parkes and Caleb Femi about Publishing when it comes to Black British Poets. Nii is celebrating 20 years since he founded Flipped Eye Publishing and Caleb has just been shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize. They talk about the...
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EP 0 | Welcome to Apples and Snakes: The Podcast
Welcome to the first series of our new Podcast. This season, we will be focusing on what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist. In this episode our season host, Yomi Sode, talks with series Producer, Natalie Fiawoo about her journey into poetry and why it was important…
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About this show
Through conversations and performances from award-winning poets, rappers and artists such as Caleb Femi, Kat François and Eklipse, Yomi will explore what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist.Each episode – released in two parts – will give a greater insight into the journeys of some of the UK’s most celebrated voices.
Hosted by
Apples and Snakes