Best Cultureword Podcasts (2025)

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Hard Pressed: Just Lately, I Realised 24:29

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17d ago24:29

24:29

The 1948 British Nationality Act gave the status of Citizen to people residing in the Commonwealth countries, encouraging many to move to the UK, seeking a better life. Just Lately, I Realised, published by Gatehouse Books in 1985, captures stories of the West Indian migrants who had settled in Greater Manchester during this period. In this episode…

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Hard Pressed: The Representation Ripple Effect 40:03

1M ago40:03

40:03

A first-hand account of the profound impact that indie presses have. Writer Neil Campbell went from browsing magazine’s in Manchester’s Central Library to a decades long writing career – all catalysed by the city’s small presses. This episode is a frank discussion between Neil and Cultureword’s Pete Kalu. Warning: Contains strong language. Episode …

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Hard Pressed: Citizen 32 42:25

1M ago42:25

42:25

‘Annoy the people who should be annoyed, inspire the people who should be inspired’ John G Hall, one of the founders of Citizen 32 magazine, is passionate about politically conscious literature. In this episode you’ll hear John speaking on the origins of Citizen 32 and the ongoing need for a radical political arts magazine. John was recorded in May…

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Hard Pressed: Cheers Ta 25:09

1M ago25:09

25:09

Hear from the quintessential Manc Mike Garry about his poetic origins and how he started his press Cheers Ta in the early 2000s, publishing poetry with a distinctly live feel. Mike was in conversation with Cultureword’s Pete Kalu in February 2025. Hosted by Radhaika Kapur Episode credits: Title music by Jowonio The Hard Pressed heritage project is …

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Hard Pressed: Nailah 46:50

1M ago46:50

46:50

Being seen, being heard, being visible. Nailah writing group and magazine was formed in the 1980s by a group of women in Moss Side searching for a place to express themselves and heal from the struggles facing their community. In this episode you’ll hear from 3 key members: Pauline Omoboye, Angi Weir and Elaine Okoro. Hosted by Ella Otomewo and Rad…

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Hard Pressed: Contemporary writers respond part 2 9:14

2M ago9:14

9:14

We got contemporary writers to respond to the work in Manchester's radical presses. Here Sujata Pillai finds unlikely inspiration in the doyenne of Manchester's queer and spoken word scenes - Chloe Poems. Hosted by Heena Patel Episode credits: Title music by Jowonio The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Than…

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Hard Pressed: Contemporary Writers Respond Part 1 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

We got contemporary writers to respond to the work in Manchester's radical presses. Poet Abhijeet Singh talks to Peter Kalu about the inspiration for his new pieces 'Remnant', 'Aubade' and 'Précis'. Hosted by Heena Patel. Follow Abhijeet: https://www.instagram.com/lucknownumaa/ The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritag…

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Hard Pressed: Shagged by the Modern Cultural Multiplicity 26:10

2M ago26:10

26:10

Mongrel Press put out the merest handful of chapbooks and spoken word CDs. But it had bite and did what it set to do. Co-founder Peter Kalu tells poet and editor Martin De Mello what it achieved in its short life. Hosted by Heena Patel The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks To National Lottery Players …

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Hard Pressed: Lifetimes 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

It's the 1970s. You're the tenant of an overlooked overspill estate on the outskirts of Manchester and you've just lost a housing dispute with the local authorities. What do you do? Write of course. Greg Wilkinson talks about how his community development work on the estate led to the publication of a group autobiography and a writing development o…

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Hard Pressed: Suitcase Stories 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

Suitcase Books gave Black and Asian writers from northern England the space to express their complex intersectional identities and the things that mattered to them in poetry and fiction. Founders Tariq Mehmood and Peter Kalu unpack the story behind this press. Hosted by Heena Patel. Links to The Bloods triptych One Drop by Pete Kalu: https://www.an…

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Hard Pressed: For the Love of the Live Scene 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

The radical presses of nineties and noughties Manchester were entwined with its live poetry scene. In this episode we talk to people who knew its undisputed king, the late great Diké Omeje. Thanks to Yvonne McCalla, Peter Kalu, Chanje Kunda and Michelle Odugu. Hosted by Heena Patel. Hard Pressed is a podcast and project telling the story of the Man…

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From Teen Angst to Climate Change Warrior 24:43

1y ago24:43

24:43

How can artists contribute to tackling the environmental crisis? Hear from inspired artist Maya Chowdhry, as she takes us through her creative odyssey from reluctant teen to pioneering, seed-planting, eco-music cultivating international poet. A must for all those wanting to write us into a greener world 🌍 Follow Maya: https://www.instagram.com/maya…

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Non-Stop Naomi: On Boxing and Lyrics 22:07

1y ago22:07

22:07

Do you have lots of ideas but struggle to harness your energy? In Episode 9 of Black Writers: After Hours talented young musician-poet Naomi Kalu spins us through her enthusiasms for boxing, music and lyrics composition; describing how she has managed to excel across forms. If you want a masterclass from a champion in juggling different talents and…

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Slaying Writing Myths...with Desiree Reynolds 35:22

1y ago35:22

35:22

Have you ever been discouraged by the thought ‘I need to learn how to write well’? Hear Desiree Reynolds as she deals with this and many other ball-and-chain writing myths that can stop you from writing freely. Play this episode to be enlightened, motivated and freed of your writing demons! Desiree Reynolds is a South Londoner up North. Her first n…

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Mental Health, Singing and Survival...with Cheryl Martin 22:10

1y ago22:10

22:10

Balancing your mental health and creative pursuits can be tricky. Creative wellspring Cheryl Martin charts her own path in this episode: hear how she creates fabulous work in verse, song and theatre, whilst navigating the ups and downs of life. If you want some invaluable tips and examples on maintaining that vital balance, don’t miss this episode.…

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Embracing the Ridiculous with Billie Meredith 22:59

1+ y ago22:59

22:59

When you find the world both funny and dizzyingly serious, how do you write about it? Join Billie Meredith as she tells us of her writer’s journey - one that takes in Tim Minchin, her musical family and keeping merry while writing about life’s absurdities. Learn how to keep motivated and embrace the humour in the bleak, in this episode. Follow us o…

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The Jesus Christ Superstar Novelist...with Annette Reis Dunne 16:39

1+ y ago16:39

16:39

How do you translate your creativity across artforms? Is it possible to succeed in wildly different disciplines? Annette Reis Dunne has managed just that. An opera singer cum novelist, she has previously sung for the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber & published a children’s novel ‘Dream the Red Earth’. If you want to make a similar leap or simply hear …

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Playing with Joy...with afshan d'souza lodhi 25:35

1+ y ago25:35

25:35

Everyone wants more joy in their life. And how better to achieve that than by making your writing practice a place of joy? Join the fabulous afshan d’souza-lodhi, as she describes her process, how she dodges dysphoria, embraces her sexuality and finds the erotic in colonial mangoes. We’ll hear about her journey across film, poetry and live performa…

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Battling Imposter Syndrome & Setbacks with Cherrelle Anne 35:08

1+ y ago35:08

35:08

Do you sometimes battle impostor syndrome – feel you are just not cut out for creativity, or struggling to make space in your busy life? Join pastry chef and fabulous poet Cherrelle Anne as she tells us of her inspiring journey though relationship breakdowns, business crashes, lockdown crises and more – to finding her poetry mojo. If you want to kn…

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The Courage to Say 'Yes' with SuAndi 21:31

1+ y ago21:31

21:31

Do you get daunted by your writing projects, and feel hesitant about taking the next step? Tune in to this episode in which internationally famous librettist, poet and playwright, SuAndi explains her journey from humble beginnings, by daring to say yes. A must-listen for those summoning up the courage to take the plunge in a new direction. Read mor…

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Writing & Stilt-Walking with Pete Kalu 9:35

1+ y ago9:35

9:35

Is getting published your goal? Join us for this new series and learn how to find your pathway to publishing success. Black Writers: After Hours is a literary salon in the form of a podcast – we’ll be meeting a pastry chef turned poet, lyricists, a radical playwright, and a creative climate champion In this first episode, Radhaika meets bona fide c…