Spoken Label

Latest up from Spoken Label is the fantastic ‘Charley’ with part 1 of an extended Podcast.Charlotte ‘Charley’ McDermott (she/they) is a poet from the Black Country, holds an MA in Writing, and has been published in multiple anthologies and magazines. She studied Beginner’s Entomology online in 2026 after visiting Manu Biological Station in October 2025.Working predominantly in writing and communications across the arts and environment sectors as a freelancer, she has worked with highly reputable organisations such as Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists on the Midlands Fringe, and Verve Poetry Festival as their Marketing Assistant.Charley played a key role in The Zephaniah Forest memorial project 2024-25, performed at Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival’s Dis Poetry April 2025, is Project Manager and host for Sandwell Stanzas since August 2025, was a judge for the Verve School Poetry Slam 2026, was commended in the Verve Poem of the Festival Competition 2026 and printed in its subsequent Stitching a Net to Hold Joy anthology, performed in the Dice Slam for Verve Sunday at Ledbury Poetry Festival 2026, and is a Co Director for AccessAbility Arts since August 2026.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charley_mwc/LinkedIn: https:/www.linkedin.com/in/cyanthian/ Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/cyanthian/

Back with Episode 6 of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV/Film Podcast)Beth, Grant and Andy N discuss the following: 1. Hulk Hogan: Real American2. Spider Noir3. Toy Story 5

Bonus Episode from Spoken Label, featuring the return of our friend Craig Snelgrove with a exciting new project 'Cooper Lee' Press'.Bridging the gap between craft development and published work, Cooper Lee is an independent press and school of writing and theory founded in 2025 by Dr Craig Snelgrove.(Dr) Craig Snelgrove is a writer from Manchester and PhD in Creative Writing. Author of the short story cycle Young Mancunians, Craig also specialises in editorial services, assisting people from a variety of backgrounds in writing fiction and non-fiction, ranging from memoir to therapy, full length books to professional papers. Cooper is a five-year-old Sprocker Spaniel from Stoke. Born on a farm, Cooper has lived with Craig and his partner, Jess, since he was six months old. He is a homely fellow, accompanying Craig in his work, though is often found sleeping on the job.More details about Cooper Lee Press can be found here:https://cooperleepress.co.uk/

Special bonus episode from Spoken Label features making her debut with a full length episode to follow is Xena Morgan from TBR Books Festival.Xena Morgan is a book content creator on TikTok, professional video editor and copy editor with a huge passion for championing independent authors and creatives.Through being part of the online book community, she has discovered countless independently published books and authors whose talent, creativity and passion deserve a much bigger spotlight.That experience ultimately inspired her to create TBR Book Festival, an independent Manchester book festival built around community, inclusivity, discovery and, most importantly, having fun of which it’s debut festival will be featured on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Band on the Wall in centre of Manchester.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tbr-book-festival-tickets-1964327619789

Back with Episode 5 of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV/Film Podcast), Beth, Grant and Andy N discuss the following: 1. The passing of Hayden Panettiere 2. Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan Podcast launching a new Podcast series, "Pondcast" 3. Reacher Season 4 - 1st 3 episodes4. Good Omens 3 (Series / Film)5. The Boys Season 5

Latest Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features our returning friend,the wonderful Juliette Tomlinson.Juliette is the author of ‘Longford’ and ‘Sunnyside’ and the forthcoming ‘Clothorn’‘Longford is set in 1864, and the great city of Manchester was Cottonopolis, rising with the sound of industry, and the boom of a hundred mills. At the heart of its energies was John Rylands. ‘the greatest merchant prince the world has ever seen’. This is the story of an empire built by a true Manchester man, given meaning and worth by the extraordinary woman Enriqueta, who loved him and a partnership that left a huge mark on the city.The sequel ‘Sunnyside’ which is mostly covered in this podcast is described as “Following Longford: A Manchester Love Story, Sunnyside: A New Beginning, continues JulietteTomlinson’s sweeping Victorian family saga. From tragedy on the Cornish coast to the industrial heart of Manchester, the novel returns to the Rylands household at Longford, where orphanedchildren, unexpected motherhood, and acts of quiet philanthropy reshape fragile lives. Rich in atmosphere, this lyrical continuation explores class, inheritance, and the enduring legacies of loveand loss, revealing how compassion and community can forge hope across generations.’Juliette can be found on Instagram: www.instagram.com/longfordjr/The books can be purchased from Chorlton Bookshop directly, and also on Amazon, Waterstones etc

* Contains numerous bad language (Mostly Grant! LOL) *Back with the fourth episode of Season2 of Not the TV Guide (TV / Film Podcast), Andy N, Grant and Beth are back discussing the following:1. Supergirl (including a lengthy rant by Grant LOL)2. Little House on the Prairie 3. Ann Droid 4. Rivals Season 2 (Part 1)5. Ballmory 6. Star Trek: Brand New Worlds (Episodes 1 to 3)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) latest up is the wonderful Pip Fowler.Pip Fowler (also known as Miss Airedale) is a UK-based poet, spoken-word performer, and singer-songwriter. Associated with the Glastonbury veterans Sentimentalists, he is celebrated for delivering darkly humorous and deathly serious poetry. His work—described as sardonic, acerbic, and warped—is often performed without music to maximize its emotional and resonant impact.Fowler is a prominent figure in the northern UK literary and acoustic scenes. He regularly performs at spoken-word open mic nights, with notable appearances at events like Northern Poetry Scene in Bolton, Live From Worktown, and the Words Among the Heather poetry series in Saddleworth. His eclectic performances blend acoustic musicianship with visceral, sometimes surreal and bitter storytelling.

* Contains numerous bad language (Mostly Grant! LOL)Back with the third episode of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV / Film Podcast) sees Andy N, Grant and Beth are back discussing firstly a series of news involving Doctor Who, James Bond, The X Files and the future of Marvel TVbefore then diving into lengthy reviews of:1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day2. The Odyssey3. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Latest up from Spoken Label, featuring making his debut, is the grandnephew of Walt Disney, Tim Disney.Tim Disney is an artist and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. He has produced, written, or directed multiple award-winning feature films and documentaries which have appeared at Sundance, Telluride, SXSW and other festivals. He served as Chairman and CEO of VR pioneer Virtual World Entertainment, which was sold to Microsoft. Tim is an active investor in media and technology, and serves on multiple corporate boards, including Marginal Mediaworks and Dragonfly Therapeutics. In the not-for-profit sector, he is the founder of The Adamma Foundation and co-founder of World Connected. He served for twelve years as a Trustee of SCI-Arc and 29 years as a Trustee of CalArts, eight of them as Chairman of the Board. From 2021-2025 he served as Trustee and Board President of MOCA, and he currently serves as a member of the Global Leadership Council of The World Resources Institute among other projects.This Podcast we mostly talk about the graphic novel, he has co-created with JC Lacek and Vincent J. Dubourg, the A.R.C. The A.R.C is about a deadly virus and begins at the Concordia Centre in the heart of the Amazon, where a who's who of global elites from business, finance, fashion, entertainment, technology, and online activism have gathered for the Global Reinvestment For Tomorrow Conference (GRFT), promising to solve the problem of climate change once and for all. Very little problem-solving occurs before the GRFTers are infected with a lethal, highly contagious virus, dubbed Amazonian Recombinant Cytoneuropathy (A.R.C.). The A.R.C. virus has peculiar and unfortunate characteristics: it is wildly contagious but undetectable in its dormant phase; it is 100% lethal; and the kicker is ... it's activated by lying. This proves deeply problematic for a world drowning in an ocean of lies and misinformation. The GRFTers board their private jets and spread the virus worldwide. Chaos ensues. Most of The A.R.C. plays out on a supposedly "sustainable" cruise ship, The Veritas, where an unlikely band of passengers and crew members: a single mom and her teenage daughter, a born again preacher and his wife, the grizzled Norwegian ship captain, an underemployed photographer and her retired stockbroker father, a pack of libidinous business bros, an unscrupulous payday lending magnate and his Russian mail-order bride, and others, reckon with the spreading virus, survive a bloody attack, and together figure out what is driving the disease, and how to live alongside it. Some of them make it. Most of them don't.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making his debut is the wonderful Jack Henry.Jack Henry is a Wizard Skater and a Poet from Manchester. He writes emotionally driven stories that are about attempting to understand the ‘grey areas’ in life.His Skating is very artistic, as a method of expressing himself. He got into Wizard Skating because it allows him to combine multiple disciplines of inline skating into one.https://www.instagram.com/jackdoespoetry/https://www.instagram.com/jackdoesskating/

Latest Bonus episode from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making her long overdue return is the wonderful Lauren Temple talking about an exciting new writing workshop she is running in Altrincham at Altrincham Town Hall via Oyez Arts.Lauren Temple (she/her) is a poet, performer, workshop facilitator and events producer from Manchester.She is a member of the poetry and performance collective Young Identity, producer of variety night Shenaigans at the Shed, runs monthly collage workshop at the Cosy Collage Club, and a fortnightly Poetry Club at Oyez Arts.Seeing herself primarily as a storyteller, Lauren often uses a narrative style that weaves fantasy with mundanity to examine our contemporary life. Lauren's work often focuses on queerness, feminism and mental health. Her workshops often involve playfulness, mixed media and mindfulness.Lauren has worked with organisations such as Manchester International Festival, Apples and Snakes, HOME theatre, and Manchester City of Literature.https://www.instagram.com/laurentemplepoet/

Latest up from Spoken Label features making her debut, the wonderful Anna Maria StępieńAnna was born in Tarnobrzeg (Poland, present Podkarpackie Region). An economist and an English philologist. In 2020, she graduated from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, where she studied specialized translation, for her post graduation. For over seventeen years, a teacher of English and also a translator; she loves her profession. Once, an accountant working for an international company. Now, an editor and an editorial secretary in World Taifas Literary Magazine (Romania), and also one of the coordinators of the Teerandaz International Festival of Poetry and Fiction (Dhaka, Bangladesh). Anna Maria writes poems, short stories, memoirs and anecdotes, both in Polish and in English. Acclaimed worldwide in artistic circles; her poems have been translated into other languages.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) with a new bonus episode recorded during the recent Lee McShane making her debut (with hopefully a full length episode to follow in the Autumn) is the amazing Lisa Morrison.Lisa Morrison is a passionate photographer and writer whose work captures emotion, nature, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Living with autism, ADHD, and epilepsy has shaped her unique perspective, allowing her to notice details others often miss. Her photography focuses on connection, atmosphere, and storytelling, from quiet landscapes to lively street scenes. Lisa also enjoys writing poetry inspired by nature, resilience, and personal experiences. Through both words and images, she aims to create work that feels honest, expressive, and deeply human. Her creative voice reflects empathy, curiosity, and a strong appreciation for the world and people around her.

Latest up from Spoken Label with another bonus episode, the amazing DK with a addtional, special bonus set recorded recently at the book launch of Lee McShane.DK is a Midlands–based poet, music producer, and accessibility advocate whose work blends creativity with lived experience. A wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, DK creates powerful poetry exploring identity, disability, and social justice. They are a multiple slam winner, recipient of the Best Open Mic award at the Fluent in Both Awards, and a finalist in the Some-Antics Slam. Their 2025 collection Writing My Own Story Means reflects themes of resilience and empowerment. As co-founder of AccessAbility Arts, DK delivers inclusive workshops and talks, using art to challenge perceptions, amplify marginalised voices, and inspire meaningful social change.

Following on from last week's return to Not the TV Guide (TV Review Podcast) episode 2, again featuring Andy N, Grant and Beth carries on examies the rumoured growing list of studios, showrunners and industry figures rumoured to be circling the property of Doctor Who and asks the bigger question: who is actually positioned to take charge of the Whoniverse next. The trio also explore the creative, financial and political pressures shaping the tender process, and turn a sharper lens on the real reasons behind the show’s cancellation, separating industry fact from fan‑forum fiction.It’s a lively, incisive follow‑on episode: part speculation, part analysis, part affectionate frustration — and a clear-eyed look at how one of TV’s most enduring franchises found itself at a crossroads.

The long‑awaited return of Not the TV Podcast (TV Review / Film Review Podcast) is finally here.After a break, Andy N, Grant and Beth kick off Season 2 with the first half of a two‑part deep dive into the current state of Doctor Who.This opening episode explores the show’s unexpected move to being put out to tender, digs into the real reasons behind its cancellation, and unpacks the swirl of rumours surrounding the studios, creatives and industry figures reportedly interested in taking the reins.A sharp, thoughtful conversation to mark the start of a new season — and a big moment in the Whoniverse.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the return of our friend the wonderful Heidi Hindi Chadwick.Heidi Hinda Chadwick helps people reconnect with what makes them feel most alive. She’s a writer, speaker, performer, facilitator, consultant and cultural thinker with a twenty-year background in creativity, human development, nervous system intelligence work, and embodied leadership.Heidi Hinda writes short stories, novellas, and essays exploring the macabre, and the intricacies of human experience, often drawing on folklore, psychology, body horror, femgore, twisting fairytales and exploring midwifing your midlife and contemporary anxieties.Heidi Hinda’s debut novella, The Story of the Deer Woman, was published February 2026 via Lemon Jelly Press. She’s been published in Agave, SheHub, Conscious Dancer, GoDates, The Solitude Diaries, and Elephant Journal, and one of her stories has previously appeared on the horror podcast CreepyPod.She writes regularly on Substack and is a Tarot reader.Links:Substack ~ https://heidihinda.substack.com/Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/heidihinda/Website ~ https://www.heidihindachadwick.com/To Purchase The Book ~ https://www.lemonjellypress.com/shop/p/the-story-of-the-deer-woman

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.