Spark - True Stories Live
by Spark Enterprises
Connecting people through true stories. Listen to stories taken from Spark's storytelling nights across the UK, incorporating our regular nights in London, Preston, Bristol, collaborations and specials. Like what you hear? Come to an event for the full experience - full details at stories.co.uk
Episodes
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Mysterious – Sophie & Akshay
True stories told live across the UK. This week, two stories on the theme Mysterious. Sophie’s quiet work-from-home morning turns chaotic when the police arrive at her door. Then, a frantic month of wedding planning leads Akshay to follow a trail of clues with an ending he did not see coming. For...
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Summer Nights Part 2 – Jesse & Kash
True stories told live across the UK. We loved the theme Summer Nights so much… we’re bringing you another episode! This week, Jesse shares a personal story about friendship and loss, and Kash takes us on a late-night wander through London — one that leaves him seeing the city, and his future, in…
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Summer Nights – Tom & Tanis
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the theme of Summer Nights. Tom takes us back to the Badger Club — a childhood world of plush toys, playground hierarchies and BIG choices. And Tanis shares how a simple trip to the laundrette turned into something else...
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Transformation – Daniel & Colin
This week’s theme isTransformation. Daniel discovers that nothing cements a friendship quite like some mushrooms of the magical kind, while Colin learns the hard way that not all dance floors are created equal. For info on all upcoming events visit stories.co.uk and click the events tab. Note…
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Rebellion – Connor & Audrey
THE SPARK PODCAST IS BACK! Did you miss us? Because we missed you! Kicking off a brand new series, this week’s theme is Rebellion. Connor shares his journey of growing up in a strict religious community in Ireland, discovering his identity, and finding his own way to break free, while Audrey…
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Public Humiliation - Nebiu & Holly
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the theme of ‘Public Humiliation’. Nebiu tells us about laughinstereotypes on a crowded bus and Holly explains how an ex flame reignited but in all the wrong ways. For info on all upcoming events and dates for our brand new...
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Faking It - Marie & Chris
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the highly relatable theme of ‘Faking it’. Marie tells us about the time she put her body through hell to impress a hot date and Chris recounts the time his ‘faking it’ saw a whole company crash and burn. For info on all...
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Weddings – Julie & Flemming
True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘Weddings’ themed episode we hear from Julie and Flemming. Julie takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as she talks us through her three contrasting marriages and Flemming tells us a story to remind us that you are never too old to find true love.…
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Simply the Best – Elle, Rachel & Scarlett
True stories told live across the UK. We kick off a brand new series with a bang – a birthday bang to be precise. Last year our beloved podcast turned ten years old... Yes ten! So to celebrate, we put on a best-of birthday bonanza at London’s prestigious Underbelly Festival Southbank. We invited...
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London - Jess & Eleanor
True stories told live across the UK. This week Spark London very fittingly hears two tales about London. Jess tells us about the time a stranger’s kindness helped her turn her life around and Eleanor reveals a time Buckingham Palace got her all hot under the collar - quite literally. BIG NEWS...
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Reunion - Dimitri & Rachael
True stories told live across the UK. This week we christened our new venue The Bill Murray in Angel with two fantastic stories on the theme of ‘Reunion’. Dimitri revels in the time he exacted perfect revenge on two friends and Rachael tells us about when she was locked outside in a very...
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Interruptions - Peter
True stories told live across the UK. We’ve seen and heard a lot at Spark - stories that have made us laugh, cringe, cry, gasp, pause for thought, rethink everything. I’d thought we’d seen it all to be honest but in January this year, Peter McCleave took to the stage and asked us to save his…
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Appearances - Alex
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present one story on the theme of ‘appearances’ from ex health and safety officer Alex. Alex confesses about a moment she let appearances get the better of her and explains why - although it happened twenty years ago - she regrets it to this...
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Passion - Steph & Lou
In this ‘Passion’ themed episode we hear from Steph and Lou. Steph talks candidly about life with borderline disorder and Lou takes us back to an innocent childhood discovery that made her feel like a right merchant banker. Thanks to event host Banke Adeyemo and event producer Charley Harrison.…
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Surprises Part 2 - Rosemarie & Rick
This week our ‘Surprises’ themed double bill concludes with stories from Rosemarie and Rick. Rosemarie takes us back to the early noughties and finding love online without the help of apps whilst Rick takes us even further back to the eighties and the time he was approached by an unsavoury...
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Surprises- David & Lucy
True stories told live across the UK. This ‘surprises’ themed episode has an unofficial sub-theme of ‘dating’ as we hear from two people about the surprises they’ve encountered when single. David takes us through the various funny mishaps he has had on dating apps and Lucy explains what love is...
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Overthinking - Jen & Holly
True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘overthinking’ themed episode we hear from Jen and Holly. Jen tells us how bodily functions on a date got her in the stickiest of situations and Holly explains why her first kiss ended up being with an 83 year old! Our open mic nights are a great way…
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Identity - Nicola & Andre
True stories told live across the UK. In this episode we hear from Nicola and Andre as they tells us stories on the theme of ‘Identity’. Nicola explains how having a famous sibling has seen her question herself and Andre gives his reasons for changing his name later on in life. Our open mic…
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SPECIAL: Awkward Age - Kate & Rachel
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of Awkward Age, as part of our collaboration with the Children’s Society. In a night of seriously awkward stories, Kate recalls the time too much vodka saw her crash and burn at her first ever pool party and…
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JERRY'S OPEN HOUSE SPECIAL: All in
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present five stories on the theme of ‘All in’ for a Jerry’s Open House Special. Gravy reminisces about getting his nickname, Charley tells us about the great lengths she went to for her best friend growing up, Dave talks about going full...
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SPECIAL: Nostalgia - Sasha & Lilith
True stories told live across the UK. This episode concludes our gal-dem collaboration double bill! In a night devoted to stories on the theme of ‘nostalgia’ from women and non binary people of colour, we hear from Sasha and Lilith. Sasha takes us back to the summers she spent in predominantly...
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SPECIAL: Nostalgia - Maiya & Priyal
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present the first of our gal-dem collaboration double bill! In a night devoted to stories on the theme of ‘nostalgia’ from women and non binary people of colour, we hear from Maiya and Priyal. Maiya tells us about experiencing racial bullying…
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Bad Timing - Ashleigh & Banke
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Bad Timing’. Ashleigh tells us about how bad timing caused her boyfriend to miss a very important appointment for them both. And Banke retells a time of bad timing and sexual assault. Thanks to all our…
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Miscommunication - Nadya & Chloe
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In this ‘Miscommunication’ themed episode, Nadya tells us about a childhood miscommunication involving Nelson Mandela and sibling rivalry and Chloe recounts the time her crush made a very embarrassing mistake. Our open mic nights are a great way of...
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Periods - Helen & Jinan
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Helen and Jinan got on stage at the Brixton Ritzy to tell stories on the theme of ‘Periods’... Yep, that’s right folks, MENSTRUATION. Helen recounts the time she was pranked by her period at a work conference and Jinan tells us...
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Friendship - Gigi & Caroline
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Friendship’. Gigi tells us about losing her best friend during the 90’s AIDs epidemic and Caroline recounts a time heartbreak cost her a friendship. Thanks to all our story tellers for a night of raw and...
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Crossing The Line - Maria & Beth
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Crossing The Line’. Maria reveals how the traumatic experience of stumbling upon a dead body helped her turn her life around and social worker Beth tells us about the time she had to swallow her pride in…
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SPECIAL: Feasts - Miranda & Ben
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of ‘Feasts’ for a Literary Festival Special. Miranda tells us how she changed someone’s day with a cheese sandwich and Ben recounts the time he was possessed by a woman at a dinner party.Special thanks to The...
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Holidays - Denis & Andre
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In July this year, Dennis and Andre got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories on the theme of ‘Holidays’. Denis tells us about trying and failing to ‘find himself’ in Uganda and Andre admits he still hasn't gotten over a trick his...
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Cutting Corners - Luke & Frances
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Cutting Corners’. Luke tells us about having toilet troubles in front of comedian Alan Carr and Frances recounts the lengths she went through to see her favourite band perform at Glastonbury. Thanks to...
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Adulthood - Callan, Ross & Mackenzie
True stories told live across the UK. This time three tales on the theme of ‘Adulthood’ from our night at the Hackney Attic. Callan tells us about her experience coming out as bisexual, Ross takes us back to when he got drunk for the very first time and Mackenzie recounts the moment a volcano...
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Promises - Scarlett, Brian & Abel
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In May this year, Scarlett, Brian and Abel got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories on the theme of ‘Promises'. Scarlett tells us about the time a very unlikely family member got a tattoo, Brian speaks about finally conquering a...
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Journeys - Errol & Dara
True stories told live across the UK. Today we have two stories from our night on the theme, ‘Journeys’. Errol takes us back twenty years to his life in prison and Dara recalls the time a religious-looking pastry helped her and her flatmates achieve their dreams. Thanks to: our storytellers,...
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Defining Moments - Kate & Elle
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In April this year, Kate and Elle both got up on stage at the Hackney Attic and told stories on the theme of 'Defining Moments.' Kate recounts what it was like getting a sudden reality check aged thirteen and Elle relives the moment she was expelled...
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SPECIAL: Migration - Daniel & Banke
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of 'Migration'. Daniel tells us what it was like working in an Afghani refugee camp in Greece and Nigerian-born Banke shares her thoughts on living in London post Brexit. Thanks to The Migration Collective for...
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Lessons - Charlotte & Margaret
True stories told live across the UK. Today we present two stories from our night on the theme, 'Lessons', where we invited back our favourite storytellers as part of the first Tellit Festival.Thanks to Dave Pickering for compereing the night, and to the producers Joanna Yates and Christina Friis...
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SPECIAL: London Podcast Festival (Part 2)
WARNING: the last story contains strong sex references.Neil Denny (Little Atoms), Felix Trench (Wooden Overcoasts) & Alix Fox (Close Encounters, The Modern Mann) offer us three more true stories from this year's London Podcast Festival.Plus! An extra special treat: Martin Austwick (Song By Song)...
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SPECIAL: London Podcast Festival 2016 (Part 1)
True stories told live across the UK. Podcast makers Azariah Williams (The Shapeshifters), Rhianna Dhillon (Back Row) and Dave Pickering (The Family Tree, Getting Better Acquainted), all tell their true stories on the theme of 'Uncharted Territory'.This night was recorded at the London Podcast...
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Bipolar Gigolo - Jools
True stories told at Spark's open mic nights and Encore showcases. Today, Jools tells an audience of strangers how he came to meet his first client whilst working as a gigolo in Bristol.To hear our back catalogue of 200 episodes FOR FREE - subscribe to the podcast via stories.co.uk/podcast.
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Regrets - Florian & Charley
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Florian and Charley both got up on stage and told these stories of 'D'oh!' - moments where they had an unforgettable moment of regret.Unplanned and totally raw, our open mic nights are a great way to get involved with Spark. For...
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Not A Boxer - Nira
More true stories, told live across the UK. Nira was always interested in numbers, but found his path of discovery blocked many times.Thanks to The Steve Sinnott Foundation for collaborating with Spark to make this night a success. You can support their work at...
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In Detention - Theresa
In June Spark presented stories of inspirational teachers and students; stories from educators and from people who have experienced education. In this first story from that night, Theresa tells us about a pupil that made her early life as a trainee teacher a living hell.Thanks to The Steve…
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Jealousy - Jess & Adrienne
True stories told live in the UK. Jealousy can completely over-take you, it can ruin a lot of things, and it can meddle when we least desire it. Are you the jealous type who always gets into trouble because of it? Or have you experienced jealousy first hand and in this case; how did it pan out?We...
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In A Pickle - Katie & Josh
Oh dear, here we go again: You’ve got yourself into a situation which you really don’t want to be in. Katie & Josh know how you feel, in these two true stories recorded live at the Hackney Attic in August 2016.SPECIAL OFFER: get a free audiobook of your choice with Spark, by using this link:...
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Summer Lovin' - George
This summer may seem like a distant memory, but for today's Sparkler it's far away from temporally and geographically.On a year break in Thailand, George meets his first love. But is she all that she seems?GIG ALERT: we're taking part in the Tellit Festival, where the story clubs of Britain unite...
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Episode 200: I Kiss You Tenderley - Esther
In this, our 200th episode, it's business as usual: true stories told live, from venues across the UK. Today, Esther describes how n unplanned trip across France became one of her most memorable summers.GIG ALERT: we'll be hosting a special show at the London Podcast Festival on Saturday 24th...
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Surprises - Beth, Joe & Joe
Three true stories told live in the UK, this time at our most recent open mic at the Brixton Ritzy.Remember that surprise party you planned, where the guest of honour never showed up? Or perhaps you realised at the worst imaginable time that you were going to be a parent: surprise!?Beth, Joe and...
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Stuck - Krishan & Raphael
Two more true stories of the kindness of strangers. Krishan discovers his mother unconscious, locked in the car. But who will help a fifteen year old in a hoodie break in?Then, Raphael is trapped in an elevator following an earthquake, with only the emergency operator for company.Thanks for…
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The Kindness of Strangers - Naqi
True stories told live in venues across the UK. Naqi is visually impaired, which leads him to encounter all sorts of strangers as he navigates the London Underground network.Thanks to Humans of London for co-hosting this night at the Exmouth Market Theatre, and to Charley Harrison, Meabh Ritchie...
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Intelligent Design - David
Connecting people through true stories. David told this story at our open mic at the Ritzy in Brixton, when the theme was 'Strangers.'Thanks to Christina Friis who produced this night and to Meabh Ritchie for recording the stories.For more episodes, and to attend a live night, be sure to check…
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About this show
Connecting people through true stories. Listen to stories taken from Spark's storytelling nights across the UK, incorporating our regular nights in London, Preston, Bristol, collaborations and specials. Like what you hear? Come to an event for the full experience - full details at stories.co.uk
Hosted by
Spark Enterprises
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