Spoken Label

Bonus Episode setting the scene for all being well a full length episode during our Autumn season is talking about the Midlands Fringe due to start soon is the lovely Charley McDermott.Charley is a Black Country poet published in BCU, Contemporary Literacy Horizon, SHINE, VERVE, Feast Zine and Speak Volumes Festival anthologies. She led the Zepaniah Forest Poetree Trial, has judged several poetry competitions, placed in Grande Slams, and performed headlines across the Midlands.Her freelancinb spans the arts, environment, and manufacturing, which is reflected in her poetry.She is part of AccessAbility Arts, hosts Sandwell Stanzas, and is currently working for Midlands Fringe.https://www.instagram.com/charley_mwc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyanthian/More about Midlands Fringe can be found at:https://www.midlandsfringe.co.uk/

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making her debut is the amazing Kaygo Meechan.Kaygo is a spoken word poet and student of creative writing, who in this podcast talks about her debut poetry collection 'In the Middle of Everything'.Kaygo advises that these poems in the collection were written between the ages of eighteen and nineteen in the space between growing up and becoming.Kaygo advises that their work explores the idea that even when your mind feels like it is ‘in the middle of everything,’ that same chaos can be shaped into something creative, something healing, something that makes sense in time.The book can be found here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H12GDYQK?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn16Md2Dv42KFMWYGo5l4zieju9uziJVYNcmSdNgFvzc0eMzEa88y5tONW9RE_aem_dfDRKxVIpq3eAh6hggjF9wMore details about Kaygo can be found here:https://www.instagram.com/dontsmile11/

Next up with another bonus episode recorded live at Lee McShane’s book launch is myself reading two short stories, one from my book ‘Threads’ from last year as A.E.Nicholson, and a second a version of which is from ‘Threads II’ which will be out towards the end of the year.My bio is:Pushcar Prize-nominated Andy N’s poetry collections include “Changing Carriages at Birmingham New Street” and “From the Diabetic Ward” and is the co-host of Chorlton’s Spoken Word night ‘Speak Easy’.He is in the bands Ocean in a Bottle and Polly Ocean, and his Podcast credits include Spoken Label and Not the TV Guide.His novels include ‘Birth’ and ‘Death’, and under his real name, A.E. Nicholson, a short story book called “Threads” and a novel “Last Orders”.https://linktr.ee/andynartist#poetry #shortstories #stories #story #minifiction #podcast

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the return of our friend K. Scott Fuchs. K. Scott Fuchs is a novelist, poet, spoken-word performer, actor, and performer originally from New York, now based in North West England.A PhD graduate in Creative Writing and Victorian Literature, he is the author of six novels, five poetry collections, and a short-story publication. He is the author of The Miss Temperance Lee Series withhis fourth and final instalment Lilac and Lightning releasedin 2026.His first novel Time and Temperance was released in 2023. His books are all available on Amazon.

Special Bonus Podcast from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features the return of our friend, Lee McShane live from his headline spot at his recent online launch of his new book ‘Raised in April’Lee McShane is a neurodivergent actor, filmmaker, published writer and poet. He is also a photographer and comedian. A fan of horror, surrealism, and the paranormal, he has been published in numerous anthologies by Poetic Edge Publishing, Black Eye Publishing, and the Morecambe Poetry Festival. He has performed at poetry open mics throughout the UK. His debut chapbook, The House Built From Shadows, was self-published on Halloween 2025 which is available on Amazon.His new chapbook, Raised in April, is the brainchild of Lee McShane and the pure anxiety he faced writing one or two each day. They range from mental health awareness poems and comedy ones to a few haikus, cinquains, and more.It is a chapbook full of range and different styles, and perfect if you want a quick read or an in-depth narrative.BOOK LINK: https://amzn.eu/d/05XKeAEk

* containing topics and language not suitable for all *A special bonus episode from Spoken Label (Poetry Chat) featuring our friend Hayley Lynn Gordon returning for a brief chat to talk about her debut poetry book "Lemonade Grenade" due out via Luain Press on 01 July 2026.Hayley's debut collection is described is described as "an explosion of love, joy, grief and pain. Both angry and tender, this collection - with its witchy undertones - is pumping with the punk poet’s spirit. “An articulate and relatable poet/spoken word artist twisting her words with tales of woe, joy and laughter” - Jay Lowe, Vinyl Scouse"The launch is in Liverpool on 18 July 2026 (Kazimier Gardens, Kabin Room) which me (Andy N) cannot wait to attend.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) featuresthe return of our friend, Richard Harries. Richard Harries, a well-known East Yorkshire performance poet based in Withernsea. Known for his poignant and comedic spoken-word performances across the North of England, he is often referred to as the "Bard of Withernsea" or the "Activist Poet of Hull". This Podcast covers his new book "The Black Dog Came to Stay" published by Scotland's Like a Blot from the Blue, deals intimately with his abusive childhood and teen years, the resulting mental health battles, and the journey toward thriving.The book can be purchased from:https://www.lulu.com/shop/richard-harries/the-black-dog-comes-to-stay/paperback/product-zmrpz48.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq5zAZ7Ofez-ybh2JcFGxup7NWQHOaZfd2M4QRZ7DesK6be3meA&page=1&pageSize=4Richard is on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/richard.harries.94

Another bonus episode today for Spoken Label (Poetry / Author Chat) features an exclusive chat with Jo from Urmston Books and Board Games. Urmston Books and Board Games is an independent family-run bookshop and board game cafe designed to celebrate stories, both for you and by you. Our family personally select and curate our favourite books, board games and baked goods, bringing people together in community-centred events.The episode today features a chat with Jo about Trafford's Celebration of Reading which is taking place on Saturday 6th June, 10:30am - 3:30pm at Urmston Library. Trafford’s Celebration of Reading is a day of free literary events held in Urmston Library, co-organised by Trafford Libraries and Urmston Books and Board Games. A blend between a book fair and festival, the event offers talks and workshops across all ages as well as a chance for local authors to exhibit their latest books and introduce them to a local audience.Tickets can be booked at: https://www.urmstonbooks.co.uk/celebration-of-readingUrmston Bookshop and Board Games can be at: https://www.urmstonbooks.co.uk/Entry to the event and book fair is entirely FREE and we'd love to see lots of you there, but spaces are limited for author talks and workshops, so do reserve your ticket in advance. Urmston Books and Board Games can be found at 72 Flixton Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 5ABUrmston Library is at 34 Golden Way, Urmston, Manchester M41 0NA

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making her debut, the amazing Alexis Quin.Alexis is a poet, writer, musician, and shamanic/Reiki practitioner originally from the United States, now based in Manchester with her wife Danielle and their two cats, Jade and Salem. Raised between New York and the American South, her relationship to language was shaped early through literature, music, queerness, spirituality, and the emotional landscapes that exist between people.Though classically trained in music with foundations in blues and jazz, poetry remains the art form most deeply connected to her soul. Influenced by writers such as E. E. Cummings, Walt Whitman, and Audre Lorde - alongside the lyrical intimacy of Meshell Ndegeocello - Alexis writes toward feeling rather than simple description. Her work explores love, longing, devotion, power dynamics, queer identity, spirituality, memory, and the ways human connection can transform us.Her poetry is often shaped by the people who have crossed her path as teachers, whether through tenderness, heartbreak, desire, or revelation. Alongside Danielle, she is currently developing a collaborative poetry collection tracing the chronology of their relationship - a love they often describe as ancient, oceanic, and timeless.Now rooted in Manchester’s vibrant creative community, Alexis continues building both her literary voice and spiritual practice, drawn to art that evokes emotion as viscerally as music itself.Instagram - Greyyylex and Rainbowreikishamanism

This was streamed live on my facebook page (Spoken Label) on 26 May 2026, a special bonus Podcast episode (Apologises for the cutting in and out of this episode in a few places).This special episode features on the 100th anniversary of Jazz Musician Miles Davis's birthday, a special chat with Stockport writer Andy Cash who has bought on the 26th May 2026, his debut collection, 'The Blue Flame' which brings to life Miles's life in poetry.An excellent collectionCheck it out here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1066661502?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_mwn_dp_9V344XJE6M384P7M43AN&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_mwn_dp_9V344XJE6M384P7M43AN&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_mwn_dp_9V344XJE6M384P7M43AN&bestFormat=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawSFX1pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBbG9FeE50dVVPVnZkb3Jmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh7-Vacu7hEyj8muvI7qKxuBaOJ-AF3PLGvkhPNHDSIjSJKbBHCJ_FWr0BH2_aem_qCdDc7ltqTN6Iq8I8E7d8Q

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features making his debut is, Stephen Small.Stephen has been writing fiction and non-fiction for many years alongside careers in academia, publishing, communications, and consulting.His debut novel, The Life and Death of Abercrombie Lyle, emerged from academic interests and private passions: a fascination with political power – and what people will do to get it; a love of Italy based on extensive travel and research; and a desire to write the kind of fast-paced, twisty mysteries and thrillers he enjoys reading himself.His writing is informed by a doctorate in Modern History and a BA in Politics, Philosophy & Economics, both from Oxford University, and an MA in History from the University of Michigan – as well the history of his own family of Irish immigrants to Liverpool in the early 20th century.Stephen has taught history and political thought in several US and UK universities, including UC Berkeley, Boston College, San Francisco State, and St. Mary’s University Twickenham. He has written several non-fiction works, including An Irish Century 1845-1945 and Political Thought in Ireland, 1776-1798, published by Oxford University Press.A native of Liverpool, Stephen now lives in Warrington with his wife and their dog, Sebastian.More details can be found at: https://www.stephensmall.co.uk/

New up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) and the second in a extended two part chat is with making their debut, Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ).Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ) is a neurodivergent author, poet, workshop facilitator and advocate from the North of England. She began her writing journey at seven. She weaves tales from her life experiences and explores themes such as autism, hope, love and loss. Her works include “Darkness & Light” (2020) and “Sins & Sunflowers: Second Edition” (2023). She has had her work recognised in both print and radio, including being longlisted for the Heroica Poetry Prize in 2024 and runner-up in the Happiful Poetry Prize in 2025.EJ has poems featured in various publications, including The Raven Review, The Anti-Misogyny Club Journal, Flare Lit Magazine and Ink Gladiator Press. She has performed her work live on BBC Radio Manchester, had poems featured on podcasts and performed her poetry across the UK. She currently facilitates an online workshop series called Holding Space (@holdingspaceforpoetry on Instagram) and is also working on her 3rd poetry book and other exciting creative projects. You can follow her at @emmajanepoetry on Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter, Threads of Hope, on Substack.

New up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) and the first in a extended two part chat is with making their debut, Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ).Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ) is a neurodivergent author, poet, workshop facilitator and advocate from the North of England. She began her writing journey at seven. She weaves tales from her life experiences and explores themes such as autism, hope, love and loss. Her works include “Darkness & Light” (2020) and “Sins & Sunflowers: Second Edition” (2023). She has had her work recognised in both print and radio, including being longlisted for the Heroica Poetry Prize in 2024 and runner-up in the Happiful Poetry Prize in 2025.EJ has poems featured in various publications, including The Raven Review, The Anti-Misogyny Club Journal, Flare Lit Magazine and Ink Gladiator Press. She has performed her work live on BBC Radio Manchester, had poems featured on podcasts and performed her poetry across the UK. She currently facilitates an online workshop series called Holding Space (@holdingspaceforpoetry on Instagram) and is also working on her 3rd poetry book and other exciting creative projects. You can follow her at @emmajanepoetry on Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter, Threads of Hope, on Substack.