Raised by Writers: The Stories That Made Us Who We Are

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Tom Percival, Kirsty Woods & Esther Brown

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:35:58 +0200

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 2

In this episode we are choc-full of celebrities whether they come from the world of writing, illustration, bookselling or teaching.

Our author & illustrator guest Tom Percival navigates us down some dark alleys with his three choices of books from his childhood, before filling us in on the latest projects he's working on.

We're also joined by the wonderful Kirsty Woods of Kibworth books who recommends another wonderful picture book from the Read for Empathy collection.

To top things off we also have Instagram favourite Esther Brown, curator of 'Mrs Brown's Bookbox' on Instagram. She chooses a 'scrambled' title for us to enjoy!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Bunny's First Birthday by A.J McGregor and W.Perring

Kirsty - The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick, Mevan Babakar and Yas Imamura

Tom - Tim and the Hidden People by Sheila McCullach, The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper & The Devil on the Road by Rober Westall

Esther - Scrambled Legs by Jahanna N.Malcolm

USEFUL LINKS

Tom Percival

WEB:www.tom-percival.com/

INSTA: @tompercivalbooks

Kibworth Books

Bookshop

Kirsty Woods

Insta : @homelovinguk

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Dominic Berry, Sarah Mears & Paul Heaton

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:49:59 +0100

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 2

Recorded at the Ramsbottom Come Together Festival somewhere between the toilets and the fire esacpe (Oh the glamour!) my guest this week is the fantastic Dominic Berry (AKA Dommy B) - we delve into the brilliant books his Mum introduced him to, the graphic novels he loved as a child and the books he was terrified by - but loved. We also take a few meandering turns through politics, autism and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's the perfect discussion.

I also speak this week to Sarah Mears about another book in the Read for Empathy Collection and we get a book recommendation all the way back to the 60's with former teacher Paul Heaton. Jump in your time capsules kids - we're off to the library!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Imogen - The Boy I Love by William Hussey

Dom - He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Magic House series by Joe Austen, The Deptford Mice by Robin Jarvis & Green Smoke by Rosemary Manning

Paul H - The Happy Venture Series by Fred J Schnoell

USEFUL LINKS

Dominic Berry

WEB: www.dominicberry.net

INSTA: @thepoetdominic

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Imogen Bond & Jade Marley

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:42:04 +0100

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 1 Marty: Doc, are we back? Airplane comes screeching onto the screen Doc: We're back! Yup, it took a little longer than planned but we're here with metaphorical bells on. Our author guest to kick off the new series is the wonderful Rashmi Sirdeshpande and she has chosen some stonkingly good books from her youth to discuss. Rashmi also tells us of her love of libraries as a child and what's next on the horizon from her too! February also sees the publication of the brand new 'Read for Empathy' collection and i'm delighted to welcome back the Chief Exec of EmpathyLab to talk about one of her picks from the new list. AND we hear from Jade, MFL teacher at Tottington High School with her pick from childhood. We don't do things by halves around here! BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Paul -Harry's Mad by Dick King Smith. Imogen - The Doughnut Club by Christina Rahim Rashmi - Please Mrs Butler, by Allan Ahlberg, The Usborne Adventure Series and The DK Eyewitness series Jade - Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel USEFUL LINKS Rashmi Sirdeshpande WEB: www.rashmisirdeshpande.com INSTA: @rashmiwriting EmpathyLab WEB: www.empathylab.uk INSTA: @empathylabuk Paul Jenkins WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Episode 10 - Hannah Gold & Mari Bowen

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:55:04 +0200

EPISODE 10

And so - the end is near. And now we face...the final curtain. :(

But don't cry too much we'll be back in a few months with season 2.

What? One last MASSIVE episode? Oh, ok then.

Today's guest is the brilliant Hannah Gold talking about her brilliant books and three choices of her own that she read when she was younger. From rats, lions and ducks came the stories of whales, turtles, bears & huskies that we know and love from Hannah's back catalogue. Hannah also speaks candidly about her worries that she was somehow 'not good enough' before her first book deal and opens up on the insecurities you can have has as a young writer.

Mari Bowen will also be filling us in on a her choice from the Read for Empathy collection - a Catherine Johnson classic.

We also pay tribute to the inimitable Brian Patten, who sadly signed off his final stanzas this week. What an inspiration to me and so many more. Raised by Writers, inspired by writers. The words live on. :)

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul -Gargling with Jelly by Brian Patten.

Mari - Race to the Frozen North by Catherine Johnson

Hannah - Mrs Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H by Robert C.O Brien, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.Lewis and The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

USEFUL LINKS

Hannah Gold

WEB: https://www.hannahgold.world/

INSTA: @hannahgold_author

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Episode 9 - S.F. Said, Helen Mulligan & Simon Hunt

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 11:29:56 +0200

EPISODE 9

The penultimate episode in the series? How did we get so close to the end of the book? What's going to happen to the characters? Will there be a sequel?!? Yes. We announced that last week Pay at the attention you at the back!

This week, we're talking all things cats, tigers, geese and trees. It's a fine combination. S.F.. Said joins me to discusses the books that influenced him but also highlights the importance of storytelling, fable and reading in our lives. And he talks about his cat. What's not to love?

As for geese, Helen Mulligan has that covered with her recommendation from the Read for Empathy collection this week as we meet 'The Meanest Goose on Earth'

Lastly, our teacher guest this week chooses a book that we've had on the pod before - proving yet again that despite the fact that Enid Blyton is not the 'trendiest' of authors to discuss - they clearly hold very firm memories for anyone who came across their books in childhood. (Me included!)

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul -1984 by George Orwell

Helen - Gordon, The Meanest Goose on Earth by Alex Latimer

S.F.Said - The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss, Watership Down by Richard Adams and The Tyger by William Blake

Simon - The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

USEFUL LINKS

S.F.Said

WEB: www.sfsaid.com

INSTA: @whatsfsaid

Simon Hunt

INSTA: @mrhuntfromthefront

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Episode 8 - Attie Lime, Rashmi Sirdeshpande & Andrea Humberstone

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:49:46 +0200

EPISODE 8

We motor on into a giant of an episode with not one but two brilliant authors? More bang for your buck. Which is an even better deal when you consider this baby is free.

Attie Lime, poet and author of Blue Jelly & Strawberries is my guest as we go through the books that have stayed with her since childhood and shaped the poet she has become. We also chat about her upcoming Chrsitmas collection "A welly full of Christimas" and her involvement with the Swadlincote Festival of Words.

But as if that wasn't enough we also speak to the fantastic Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her 2023 book "We've Got This" - the six step guide to developing your empathy superpower she wrote in collaboration with EmpathyLab. Rashmi will be back in series 2 (Yes, it's official - we're having a series 2!) to chat about her won books from childhood.

Finally, our teacher guest, Andrea Humberstone introduces me to a book that had gone under my radar - and it sounds like its right up my street. Time to do a trawl of the old t'internet to find me a copy methinks!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul -Stories from Rainbow

Rashmi -We've Got This by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Juliana Eigner

Attie - The Puffin Book of Funny Verse, The Enormous Turnip and Mr Strong by Roger Hargreaves.

Jennifer - The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott Odell

USEFUL LINKS

Attie Lime

WEB: www.attielime.co.uk/

INSTA: @attielime

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

WEB: www.rashmisirdeshpande.com

INSTA: @rashmiwriting

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Episode 7 - Patrice Lawrence, Miranda McKearney & Jennifer Young

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 19:53:59 +0200

EPISODE 7

Episode 7 already? Unbelievable. But what a week. To say that our guest this week is a legend is a little bit of an understatement. Author of Orangeboy, Needle, Our Story Starts in Africa and of course the Elemental Detectives series, Patrice Lawrence is one of the most powerful authors in UK Children's literature. A former journalist, Patrice has numerous accolades including winning the Waterstones book prize & the Bookseller Prize in 2017 & being elected as a fellow to the Royal Soicety of Literature in 2023.

Patrice chooses some fabulous titles and lets us peep behind the curtain of her early reading experiences, growing up in Brighton in the 60's and 70's.

Miranda McKearney, formerly of the Reading Agency and co-founder of EmpathyLab discusses her choice(s) from the Read for Empathy collection and our teacher guest, Jennifer Young manages to pick out our first double of the series.

Blyton clearly still holds a place in people's hearts!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - The Conker as Hard as a Diamond by Chris Powling

Miranda - The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lydia Brankovic and The Cat who Couldn't be Bothered by Jack Kurland

Patrice - The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, The Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton and The Didakoi by Rumer Godden.

Jennifer - The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

USEFUL LINKS

Patrice Lawrence

WEB: www.goodreads.com/author/show/646810.Patrice_Lawrence

INSTA: @lawrencepatrice

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Episode 6 - Joshua Seigal, Rebecca Horswill & Samantha Nunnery

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:05:51 +0200

EPISODE 6

Over halfway through the series now and today Paul meets the brilliant award winning poet, Joshua Seigal. Author of Who Let the Words Out?, I Don't Like Poetry and Little Lemur Laughing to name but three, Joshua is a twice winner of the Laugh Out Loud award as well being chosen as the Reading Rocks award winner in 2024.

We chat about his first brush with poetry being read to as a child through to his explorations of his teenage years alongside a very famous keeper of diaries.

Rebecca Horswill is the Communications and Design Officer for EmpathyLab with a background herself in chlidren's book illustration. It's no surprise that she's chosen an amazing picture book to talk about. Out teacher recommendation this week comes from Samantha Nunnery, who is our first sixth form teacher on the pod. Sam takes us back to a book that has been with her since the age of 7.

Prepare to go down the rabbit hole!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - The Sonnets of William Shakespeare

Rebecca - Grandad's Star by Frances Tosdevin, Illustrated by Rhian Stone

Joshua - There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr Seuss, There Are a Lot of Weirdos in Our Neighbourhood by Colin McNaughtonand The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend

Samantha - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

USEFUL LINKS

Joshua Seigal

WEB: https://www.joshuaseigal.co.uk/

INSTA: @joshuaseigal

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Episode 5 - Danny English, Jenny Ford & Ed Finch

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:00:52 +0200

EPISODE 5

This week Paul gets out and about with the 'Nature Connected Storyteller' Danny English. Author of books such as 'The Happiness Tree' and 'Tales of the Timeless Forest' Danny is rarely found indoors, sharing his love of the natural world with families across the North West of England and beyond. We talk about his early brushes with nature books (and pigeons) and how a magazone subscription as a boy probably shaped his future before he even was even out of short trousers.

Jenny Ford, a former Headteacher and the lead in bringing secondfary level empathy education to Wales chooses a book for us from the Read for Empathy collection and the brilliant Ed Finch has an 'ordinary' book to share with us in our teacher recommendation section.

It's non-stop action around these parts we tells ya!

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Talking in Whispers by James Watson

Jenny - The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros

Danny - A series of unidentified wildlife encyclopedias, The Eagle Annual from some time in the 80's and The Storyteller Magazine

Ed - Ordinary Jack by Helen Cresswell

USEFUL LINKS

Danny English

WEB: https://www.dannyenglish.co.uk/

INSTA: @natureconnectedstoryteller

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Episode 4 - Karl Nova, Caroline Scott & Victoria Jane

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:45:35 +0200

EPISODE 4

In this episode Paul is joined by the multi-talented, multi-discipline, multi-award winning poet and hip hop artist, Karl Nova. After winning the CLIPPA prize in 2018 for his debut collection Rhythm and Poetry Karl has gone from strength to strength - releasing a second collection in 2021 -The Curious Case of Karl Nova. His music and lyrics are both upbeat and incisive - giving the reader or listener a window on what has been a very unique life.

Born in London, moving to Lagos at the age of 7 and then returning as he turned 18 - Karl gives a wonderful insight into growing up in both the UK & Nigeria - and his book choices from his youth totally reflect this.

Caroline Scott, a former deputy head, co-founder of EmpathyLab and specialist in inclusive education joins us to talk about her experiences of sharing the Read for Empathy collection with her grandaughter and we hear from Victoria - a brand new, fresh out of the box teacher who chooses a classic to share. (Congratulations on getting your RQT status Victoria!)

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Ramona Forever by Beverley Cleary

Caroline - Luna Loves Gardening by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

Karl -Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe, The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin

Victoria - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

USEFUL LINKS

Karl Nova

WEB: https://karlnovaworld.wordpress.com/

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6YrVMG1ucMkO2nUGdLsbFw

INSTA: @karlnova

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Episode 3 - Catherine Johnson, Kirsten Grant & Jon Biddle

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 20:33:45 +0200

EPISODE 3

In this episode we meet acclaimed author and screenwriter Catherine Johnson. She's a winner of a host of literary awards and has produced classics such as Race to the Frozen North, Queen of Freedom and Sawbones. Her next book will focus on the life of the actor, dance and SPY Josephine Baker - so she is no stranger to drama, literary twists and bringing great stories of history to life.

Catherine talks with fondness of her reading experiences at primary school, with some inspirational teachers and recounts how non-fiction and TV has influenced her writing as well the wonderful tales she found in stories. .

Kirsten Grant from EmpathyLab joins the pod to chat about a brilliant picture book and Reading for Pleasure guru Jon Biddle is our teacher guest this week. Jon tells us about his first experience of choosing his own adventure with a book discovered at his local library.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Roger Red Hat by Sheila McCullagh

Kirsten - A Better Best Friend by Olivier Tallech

Catherine -The Golden Treasury of Poetry an anthology selected by Louis Untermeyer, The Armada book of Facts for Girls, Half Magic by Edward Eager

Jon - The Citadel of Chaos by Steve Jackson

USEFUL LINKS

Catherine Johnson

WEB: https://www.catherinejohnson.co.uk

INSTA: @catherinebeccajohnson

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Episode 2 - Ian Eagleton, Sarah Mears & Mari Bowen

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:01:39 +0200

EPISODE 2

Our second episode features Ian Eagleton, a former primary school teacher turned writer who has received widespread acclaim for his books Nen & the Lonely Fisherman, The Boy who Cried Ghost, Violet's Tempest and Glitter Boy.

Ian tells us of how his reading diet as a child helped to shape his writing in the future and how his early sense of looking for the magical and a personal sense of 'feeling different' has had an influence on his own character creations. We also (as you would expect) chat about THAT tweet from Mariah Carey.

Sarah Mears, co-founder of EmpathyLab & Programmes Director for Libraries Connected joins us to recommend a book from the Read for Empathy collection and our teacher guest this week is Mari Bowen. Mari tells us of her love for a particular children's favourite and how hearing it read to her inspired her 30 years (so far!) in the classroom as a teacher.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Don't Forget the Bacon by Pat Hutchins

Sarah - Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Ian -The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson, Harvey Angell by Diana Hendry, This Place Has No Atmosphere by Paula Danzinger

Mari - Elmer by David McKee

USEFUL LINKS

Ian Eagleton

WEB: https://thereadingrealm.co.uk

INSTA: @ian.eagleton

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Episode 1 - Jo Cotterill, Imogen Bond & Robert Cooley

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 06:54:16 +0200

EPISODE 1

In this, our first episode we speak to Jo Cotterill, author of a Library of Lemons, Jelly, A Storm of Strawberries and her hugely successful collaboration with Esme Higgs - The Starlight Stables Gang.

Jo reflects on her choices of books as a child, which led her on to a career in performance and helped develop her own sense of empowerment as an adult.

Our guest from EmpathyLab in this episode is Managing Director Imogen Bond who tells us about her love of picture books in particular and our teacher reflection comes from recently retired Year 2 teacher Robert Cooley, who chooses a book given to him by one of his own teachers.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Paul - Mr Majeika by Humphrey Carpenter

Imogen - April's Garden by Isla McGuckin, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

Jo - Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Montgomery, The Ordinary Princess by M.M Kaye, The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown

Robert - The Goalkeepers Revenge and Other Stories by Bill Naughton

USEFUL LINKS

Jo Cotterill

WEB: www.jocotterill.com

INSTA: @jocotterillbooks

EmpathyLab

WEB: www.empathylab.uk

INSTA: @empathylabuk

Paul Jenkins

WEB: www.pauljenkinspoet.co.uk

INSTA: @teacherwriterPJ

For any enquiries about the podcast contact Paul on pauljenkinspoet@gmail.com

Raised by Writers (c) is a Double Rainbow production

Waffle Ep 89 - George Wilson

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:37:12 +0200

This week Paul talks to Grange Hill actor George Wilson about those early days as a working child actor and the longer terms ramifications. He talks openly about his struggles with mental health which have lead to his autobiography, From Grange Hill to Bioplar, to Back Again.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 01.07.2021

Enhance your podcast experience with George's musical selections:

Lynard Skynard - Sweet Home Alabama

The Beatles - Norwegian Wood

U2 - Angel of Harlem

Waffle Ep 88 - Ian Eagleton

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 19:00:32 +0200

This week Paul talks to previous guest Ian Eagleton about how the Reading Realm has developed since their first interview a year ago and about his amazing new children's book, Nen and the Lonely Fisherman, all about acceptance and representation.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 23.05.2021

Enhance your podcast experience with Ian's musical selections:

Morcheeba - The Sea

Tori Amos - Silent All These Years

Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby

Waffle Ep 87 - Spencer Leigh

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:30:27 +0200

This week ahead of bob Dylan's 80th birthday, Paul talks to biographer Spencer Leigh and his previous works on the likes of Simon and Garfunkle and Pete Best and his latest book, Bob Dylan: Outlaw Blues.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 09-05-2021

Enhance your podcast experience with Spencer's musical choices:

Bob Dylan - Blowin' In The Wind

Bob Dylan - Make You Feel My Love

Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone

Waffle Ep 86 - Henry Normal

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:02:58 +0200

This week Paul talks to writer, producer and poet Henry Normal about his huge influence on the British TV comedy scene with his work with the likes of Steve Coogan and Caroline Ahern. They also discuss his upcoming interview series for Flapjack Press and he reads a piece of his own brilliant poetry.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 22-07-2021

Enhance your podcast experience with Henry's musical selections:

I Am Kloot - Northern Skies

Bob Marley - Three Little Birds

Talking Heads - And She Was

Waffle Ep 85 - Justin Coe

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:44:17 +0200

This week, ahead of Fathers' Day, Paul chats to writer and performance-poet Justin Coe about his collection, 'The Dictionary of Dads', fatherhood and performing.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 17.06.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Justin's music choices:

Suzanne Vega - The World Before Columbus

Billy Bragg - Tank Park Salute

Tom Gray - You and Me

Waffle Ep 84 - Jeffrey Weissman

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:37:58 +0200

This week Paul fulfills a life long dream and interviews a member of the Back to the Future team. Jeffrey Weissman, Marty McFly in BTTF II & III regales us with stories from the set, his work training other actors and life as an alum from one of the world's most beloved movie franchises.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 10.06.21

Enhance your podcast experience by listening to Jeffrey's musical choices:

Snakefinger - The Model

Heaven 17 - Temptation

Brian Eno - Deep Blue Day

Waffle Ep 83 - Barbara C. Morden

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:50:08 +0200

This week Paul learns all about the work and life of 20th Century Artist Laura Knight by speaking to biographer, Dr. Barbara C. Morden

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 30.05.21

Enhance your podcast experience by listening to Barbara's musical choices:

Mary Poppins Cast - Let's Go Fly A Kite

Boris Giltburg - Schuman's Carnaval, op.9

Frank Sinatra - Send In The Clowns

Waffle Ep 82 - Cath Howe on Empathy Day

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:19:53 +0200

This week Paul talks with amazing children's author Cath Howe and the pupils of Golden Grove Primary School in Pembroke. They ask her some insightful questions on how to write and they discuss in detail Empathy Day.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 06.06.21

Enhance your podcast experience with the pupils' musical choices

The Beatles - Help

Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky

Julie Andrews - My Favourite Things

Waffle Ep 81 - Melanie Southworth

Fri, 21 May 2021 15:02:31 +0200

This week, ahead of Paul's Virtual Climb up Everest he talks to Melanie Southworth about her amazing personal Everest stories. From failed attempts, through illness at base camp to success, she retells the events that are leading to her first book. 'Breathe'

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 25.04.21

Enhance you podcast experience with Melanie's music choices:

David Lee Roth - Just Like Paradise

AC/DC - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)

Kool and the Gang - Celebration

Waffle Ep 80 - Matt Goodfellow

Fri, 21 May 2021 14:21:29 +0200

This week, Paul talks to to poet, Matt Goodfellow about his transition from would be rock star to teacher to poet and he reads form his latest collection: "Bright Bursts of Colour"

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 18.04.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Matt's music choices:

Doves - Carousels

The Charlatans - Here Comes a Soul Saver

Frightened Rabbit - Head Rolls Off

Waffle Ep 79 - Sara Kedge

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:55:07 +0200

This week Paul talks to Sara Kedge, co-editor of "Neurodiverse Entrepreneurial Awesomeness: An Anthology Of Stories From Brilliant Entrepreneurs With Amazingly Different Brains Who Are Forging Their Own Way"

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 04.04.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Sara's music choices:

George Harrison (The Beatles) - Here Comes the Sun

Michael Jackson - Come Together

Amos Lee - Sweetpea

Waffle Ep 78 - Alan Dapré

Thu, 20 May 2021 12:10:45 +0200

This week, Paul talks to writer of radio, TV and BRUM legend, Alan Dapré about writing for children's television.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 28.03.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Alan's music selections:

The Monkees - Theme Song

E.L.O. - Mr. Blue Sky

Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop the Feeling

Waffle Ep 77 - Tony Curry

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:56:22 +0200

This week Paul talks to poet Tony Curry about his brand new collection We Kid Ourselves as well as his open mic night, Word Central.

Enhance your podcast experience with Tony's music choices:

BADBADNOTGOOD - Time Moves Slowly

The Smiths - William, It Was Really Nothing

Bill Wells & Adam Moffat - The Copper Top

Waffle Ep 76 - Richard Hayden

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:30:24 +0200

This week Paul talks to Stoke based writer, Richard Hayden about his his new book, Folly on the Hill; the first part of a fantasy trilogy.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 14.03.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Richard's music selections:

Ed Sheeran - Castle on a Hill

Zac Efron & Hugh Jackman - The Other Side

Shakira - Try Everything

Waffle Ep 75 - Abigail Collins

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 13:34:34 +0200

This week Paul talks to first time author Abigail Collins about her hilarious debut novel Everybody's Doing It centered around the modern dating scene as well as her other life as a cabaret and circus performer.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 07.03.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Abi's music selections:

Wham! - Club Tropicana

Jim Gipson - Johnny Rotten in LA

Shirley Bassey - I Am What I Am

Waffle Ep 74 - Laura Hadland

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:00:06 +0100

This week Paul talks to writer Laura Hadland about her latest book 50 Years of CAMRA: Celebrating 50 years of the Campaign for Real Ale. They talk about how she came to write such a book and they do a live beer tasting.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 28.02.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Laura's music selections:

Sham 69 - Hurry Up Harry

They Might Be Giants - The Beer Song

George Thorogood - 1 Bourbon 1 Scotch 1 Beer

Waffle Ep 73 - Keith Miles & Jackie Lees

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:01:41 +0100

This week Paul talks to Keith Miles and Jackie Lees about their shared passion for the music of Bob Dylan and how it led to them co-writing a book; Bob Dylan In London: Troubadour Tales.

First broadcast on 104.7 Rossendale Radio on 21.02.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Keith and Jackie's musical choices and Paul's intro choice:

David Bowie - Song for Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan - Tomorrow Is A Long Time

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues

Bob Dylan - Changing of the Guards

Waffle Ep 72 - Sharon Brown

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:04:28 +0100

This week Paul talks to local first time published writer Sharon Brown about her transition from classroom to poet and she reads from her debut collection, 'If It's Making You Smile, It's Doing You Good'

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 07.02.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Sharon's musical choices:

Vanessa Williams - Colors of the Wind

Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga - Shallow

Angela Lansbury - Everything's Coming Up Roses

Waffle Ep 71 - Claire Balkind

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:49:03 +0100

In this week's episode, Paul talks to Claire Balkind, founder of the Facebook group, 'Family Lockdown Tips and Ideas' which went viral during 2020 and how that has lead to her publishing her first book.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 31.01.21

INCLUDES BONUS CONTENT

Enhance your podcast experience with Claire's musical choices:

Walk The Moon - Shut Up And Dance

Earth Wind and Fire - September

Waffle Ep 70 - Keith Hutson

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:35:58 +0100

This week Paul talks to writer for stage, screen and television, Keith Hutson about his writing for soaps, working with Carol Ann Duffy and returning to his poetry roots with his new book.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 24.01.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Keith's musical choices:

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising

Edvard Grieg - Morning

Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now

Waffle Ep 69 - Paul Neads

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:58:16 +0100

This week, Paul talks to editor of Manchester based publishers Flapjack Press Paul Neads about how they have adapted and retained book launches throughout lock down, the range of writers on their books and their open mic night Word Central.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 17.01.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Paul's music selections:

Carter the Unstoppable Sex-Machine - Lean On Me

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Christine

Teardrop Explodes - Reward

Waffle Ep 68 - Andy West

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 22:22:07 +0100

This week Paul talks to Andy West, broadcast journalist, Big Brother contestant and now author about his upcoming book, 'The Spirit Engineer'

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 10.01.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Andy's music selections:

Thea Gilmore - This Is How You Find The Way

Shirley Bassey - As Long As He Needs Me

Katherine McPhee & Megan Hilty - Let Me Be Your Star

Waffle Ep 67 - Ebony Errington-Beech

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:18:50 +0100

This week Paul talks to amazing young poet Ebony Errington-Beech about her debut collection, Poems I Grew In My Garden. They talk about her route to publishing, working with an illustrator and about how sales of the book are funding her Plant a Tree With Ebony Campaign.

First Broadcast on Rossendale Radio 03.01.21

Enhance your podcast experience with Ebony's music selections:

Micheal Jackson - Billy Jean

Culture Club - Karma Chameleon

The Beatles - Penny Lane

Waffle Ep 66 - John Hegley

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:54:19 +0100

This week Paul has the privilege of talking to one of his poetry heroes, John Hegley. They talk about his work, his love of music and his belief in both being great aids to better mental health.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 27.12.20

Enhance you podcast experience with John' musical choices:

Kirsty MacColl - A New England

Rudresh Mahanthappa - Ring Of Fire

Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier

Waffle Ep 65 - Wilson

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:36:55 +0100

This week Paul has the pleasure of talking to singer-songwriter Wilson about his song writing inspirations, performing live and we hear his brand new track, Broken Soul.

For more of Wilson's music, check out his Bandcamp page

Enhance your podcast by listening to Wilson's Music selections below:

Pearl Jam - Given To Fly

Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun

The Doors - Riders On The Storm

Waffle Ep 64 - Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 14:15:52 +0100

This week Paul chats to Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin, poet, actor and comedian. They talk about missing the thrill of live performance during lock down, his award winning stand up shows and we hear from his latest book, Tiny Badger.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 29.11.20

Enhance you podcast experience with Bróccán's music choices:

Daði Freyr - Think About Things

Teach-In - Ding-A-Dong

Dick Gaughan - Tom Paine's Bones

Waffle Ep 63 - Sarah Barton

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 13:58:14 +0100

This week Paul talks to Sarah Barton and ex teacher who now works for the Pupil Referral Unit with excluded children. They talk about her teaching past and how a boat trip away with her won children has inspired her to publish her first children's book, Bobby Bitmore.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 22.11.20

Enhance your podcast experience with Sarah music choices:

Take That - The Flood

Calvin Harris - Summer

Haley Westenra - Heaven

Waffle Ep 62 - Dorothy Mitchell

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 18:43:27 +0100

This week Paul talks to local Rossendale legend Dorothy Mitchell. She is well known in the valley for her tireless work for Rossedale Hospice and its fundraising and for her long history of nursing which she has now written a book a bout entitles "Old Nursing Times"

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 15.11.20

Enhance your podcast experience with her music choices below:

Wings - Mull of Kintyre

Michael Ball - Love Changes Everything

Nana Mouskouri - My Friend the Sea

Waffle Ep 61 - Rosie Garland

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 19:50:09 +0100

This week Paul talks to novelist, poet, suffragette and all round creative wunderkind, Rosie Garland. They talk about her novels, her position as Writer in Residence of the Rylands Library and we hear experts from hr beautiful new poetry collection, "What Girls Do In The Dark".

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 08.11.20

Enhance your podcast experience with Rosie's musical choices:

The Chicks - Long Way Round

Cocteau Twins - Pearly Dewdrops' Drops

Motorhead - Ace of Spades

and check out Rosie's band, the March Violets here

Waffle Ep 60 - Lucardo Rawtenstall

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 18:57:03 +0100

This week Paul talks to Simon and Molly from Lucardo Escape Rooms in Rawtenstall. They discuss how modern Role Playing Games have become the new form of storytelling, how the business has had to adapt during the Covid crisis and they launch an brand new competition on Rossendale Radio. Follow this link throughout November for a chance to win.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 01.11.20

Enhance your podcast with our guests' musical choices:

Urban Cookie Collective - The Key The Secret

The Killers - Mr Brightside

Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Waffle Ep 59 - Thick Richard

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 19:57:13 +0100

This week Paul chats to irreverent poet Thick Richard about his new collection, Read 'Em and Weep. He talks about the change in performance styles during the lock-down period, his work with the likes of Kate Tempest and Radio 6 Music and he reads his work in his own inimitable style.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 25.10.20

Enhance your podcast experience with his musical choices:

The Maytals - Just Tell Me

Delaney Davidson - Lackie's Men

Go! Team - Cookie Scene

Waffle Ep 58 - Book Talk Special - Kids Only

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 13:41:18 +0100

This week, Paul hosts another Book Talk Special, but this time, it's Kids Only! He speaks to three little book-worms about their favourite book and they chat about why reading is important to them.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 18.10.20

Enhance your podcast experience with our guests's musical choices:

Esther - Katy Perry - Firework

Evan - Shotgun - George Ezra

Edward - Gold - Spandau Ballet

Daniel - Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Waffle Ep 57 - Simon Hunt

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 15:36:40 +0200

This week Paul chats to teacher and first time author Simon Hunt about his brand new book Delilah Rose the Bogey Princess He talks about his inspiration (his daughter) and the instigators behind getting it published (his class) as well as the difficulties of teaching during the Covid crisis.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 11.10.20

Enhance your podcast experience with Simon's musical choices below:

Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight Tonight

The Who - Baba O'Riley

M83 - Interstellar Outro

Waffle Ep 56 - Richard Easton

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:26:08 +0200

This week Paul talks to Richard Easton about his debut, but long time coming poetry collection, "Words, Thoughts and Observations". He talks about his love of the environment and his long service in the Police force and how it has shaped his work. He also reads from the collection.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 104.7 FM 04.10.20

Enhance your podcast experience with Richard's musical choices here:

Madonna - Live to Tell

U2 - One Tree Hill

Gary Numan - I Die, You Die

Waffle Ep 55 - Jack Forrest, Bury Youth Theatre

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:17:44 +0200

In this week's episode, Paul chats to Bury Youth Theatre leader, Jack Forrest about how they have adapted their sessions to comply with COVID guidelines and about how the pandemic has affected theatre in general. They also bond over a shared love of a certain movie.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 27.09.20

Enhance your listening experience with Jack's musical selections:

McFly - No Worries

The Proclaimers - Sunshine On Leith

Huey Lewis and the News - The Power of Love

Waffle Ep 54 - Zoë Sîobhan Howarth-Lowe

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 19:42:16 +0200

This week, Paul is joined on the phone by poet Zoë Sîobhan Howarth-Lowe who talks about her second collection 'I Have Grown Two Hearts', all about motherhood.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 104.7FM 20.09.20

Enhance your listening experience with her music choices.

Pharrell - Happy

The Huckleberries - Tipsy Goblin

AC/DC - Thunderstruck

Waffle Ep 53 - Marissa Moore

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 18:40:29 +0200

This week Paul chats to entertainment entrepreneur Marissa Moore about her sister projects, Tailspin Theatre and her children's party company Wish Upon A Star which offers special appearances from Disney Princesses.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 13.09.20

Enhance your enjoyment of the podcast with Marissa's music choices:

Charles and Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight

Meghan Trainor - Better When I'm Dancin'

Waffle Ep 52 - Rossendale Players

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:12:13 +0200

This week, Paul chats to the chair of local theatre company, the Rossendale Players, David West. He talks about their growth from the early days as a small ensemble to buying their own theatre, his thoughts on the future of local entertainment groups and how putting on a production really is a team effort.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 06.09.20

Enhance your enjoyment of the podcast by listening to David's music choices here:

Toto - Africa

Neil Young - Four Strong Winds

Simon and Garfunkel - Homeward Bound

Waffle Ep 51 - Punk In Drublic

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:13:21 +0200

This week's episode was recorded at Salford's Punk In Drublic, with excerpts of live comedy from Harriet Dyer and Ash Preston and poetry from Rebecca Roy, Thick Richard and Reece Williams.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 30.08.20

Enhance the podcast with our guests' musical choices.

The Bluebells - Young At Heart

Kojey Radical - Water

The Chicks - March

Waffle Ep 50 - Rosa Wright

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 18:28:48 +0200

This week, Waffle celebrates its first birthday by catching up with its very first guest, poet Rosa Wright. She tells us how she has spent the last 12 months and how the COVID restrictions have impacted on her own but celebrates the launch of her new collection, For All My Mothers

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 23.08.20

Enhance your podcast experience with Rosa's 3 music choices.

The Beatles - From Me To You

The Spice Girls - Mama

Altered Images - Happy Birthday

Waffle Ep 49 - Tahira Rehman

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 22:07:44 +0200

This week Paul chats to young poet Tahira Rehman. She talks about the difficulties of first time self-publishing, her own podcast and we hear excerpts from her poetry collection, Mirages to Reality.

First broadcast on Rossendale Rdio 16.08.20

Enhance you listening experience with Tahira's music choices:

Coldplay - Yellow

Coldplay - The Scientist

Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Waffle Ep 48 - Geneviève Walsh

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 17:31:40 +0200

This week Paul chats to Yorkshire based poet Geneviève Walsh about their two open mic nights, Spoken Weird and Spoken Queered, how music suffuses into their poetry and we hear about their upcoming collection.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 09.08.20

Enhance this week's podcast with Geneviève's music choices.

Waffle Ep 47 - Graeme Hawley

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 19:48:15 +0200

This week Paul talks to actor Graeme Hawley about his many roles including his villainous role in Coronation Street and they talk learning lines and the future of British Theatre.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 104.7 FM

Listen to Graeme's music choices here:

Beach Boys - God Only Knows

Nicola Benedetti (Vaughn Williams) - A Lark Ascending

Badly Drawn Boy - Once Around the Block

Waffle Ep 46 - Haili Hughes

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 16:00:22 +0200

This week, Paul chats to teacher and author Haili Hughes about her fascinating new book, Preserving Positity: Choosing to stay in the classroom and banishing a negative mindset. They talk about what it is to be a teacher in modern times and her long history as a journalist.

First broadcast in Rossendale Radio 26.07.20

Haili's song choices are here for you to enhance your experience.

Prince - Let's Go Crazy

Kate Bush - This Woman's Work

Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye

Waffle Ep 45 - Book Talk, with Laura, Aimee & Robert

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 19:44:22 +0200

This week Paul hosts a special Book Talk episode and talks to three very different readers about their current book choices; from Laura delving into the minds of villains, Robert waxing lyrical about the history of vinyl records and 10 year old Aimee charms us with her current favourites.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 104.7FM 19.07.20

If you would like to listen to their music choices, you can find them here.

Laura: 'Bittersweet Symphony' by the Verve

Aimee: 'Just Got Paid' by Sigala, Ella Eyre & Meghan Trainor

Robert: 'Tusk' by Fleetwood Mac

Waffle Ep 44 - Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:04:26 +0200

This week Paul talks to author and comedy writer, Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch about coming up through the ranks of television comedy writing and the new installment of her fantasy fiction Darkwood Trilogy.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 12.07.20

If you’ve enjoyed the chat about the music today, you can find links to our guest’s chosen tracks here:

‘Run with Us’ - Lisa Lougheed

‘Clouds and Starlight’ - Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture

‘Xanadu’ - ELO

Waffle Ep 43 - Andrew Knight-Hill PhD

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:10:47 +0200

This week Paul has a fascinating chat about where sound ends and music begins with Andrew Knight-Hill PhD, Senior Lecturer in Sound Design and Music Technology at the University of Greenwich, about his new book, Sound & Image: Audiovisual Practice and Aesthetics.

Samples used with kind permission: Incandescence, Andrew Knight-Hill and Mmabolela, Nikki Sheth

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 05.07.20

Waffle Ep 42 - Robert Steventon

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:31:09 +0200

This week, Paul chats to poet Robert Steventon about his open-mic might Punk in Drublic, how writing helps his mental health and we hear some of his new works.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 28.06.20

Waffle Ep 41 - Coral Rumble

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 17:58:59 +0200

This week Paul talks with award winning children's poet Coral Rumble about her transition from teacher to poet and hear excerpts from her new collection.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 21.06.20

Waffle Ep 40 - James Frith

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 18:28:42 +0200

This week, Paul chats to political campaigner James Frith about speech-writing for parliament, his books about his time as a novice Member of Parliament and the joys of getting to perform at Glastonbury with his band.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 14.06.20

Waffle Ep 39 - Amy Willoughby on Empathy Day

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:48:43 +0200

This week, ahead of Empathy Day on June 9th, Paul chats to assistant head and English teacher Amy Willoughby about working with Empathy Lab and the hows and whys of teaching empathy in schools.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 07.05.20

Waffle Ep 38 - Sadie Davidson

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 17:10:05 +0200

This week Paul talks with poet Sadie Davidson about how she found her way to poetry as a new mother, her work to promote the work of the less privileged and her award-winning project Life Behind Bards.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 31.05.20

Waffle Ep 37 - Tiernan Douieb

Sun, 31 May 2020 15:55:35 +0200

This week, Paul gets the chance to chat to old friend and comedy king Tiernan Douieb about writing stand up, working along side some of TV's favourite comedians and encouraging kids to get up and be funny.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 25.05.20

Waffle Ep 36 - Valerie Dewhurst

Sun, 24 May 2020 16:08:33 +0200

This week, Paul chats with school librarian and disco lover, Valerie Dewhurst.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 17.05.20

Waffle Ep 35 - Rose Condo

Sun, 17 May 2020 16:15:01 +0200

In this week's episode, Paul chats to Canadian performance poet Rose Condo about her work, being nominated for awards and her love of all thing Joss Whedon.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 10.05.20

Waffle Ep 34 - Poems For A Pandemic

Tue, 05 May 2020 14:12:58 +0200

This week Paul talks to young writers whose work has been selected to part of a new anthology, Poems For A Pandemic, along with the book's curator, Angela Marston.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 03.05.20

Waffle Ep 33 - Neal Zetter

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:33:56 +0200

This week Paul talks to poet Neal Zetter about his children's poetry his love of punk and creating new superheroes and villains.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 26.04.20

Waffle Ep 32 - Jo Cotterill

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 20:20:36 +0200

This week Paul has the immense pleasure of talking with award winning children's writer Jo Cotterill about her early days in drama, why she loves writing for younger readers and the pleasures and pitfalls of writing new work for a beloved franchise.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 19.04.20

Waffle Ep 31 - Joshua Seigal

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:26:09 +0200

This week, whilst still maintaining social distancing, Paul talks award-winning professional poet, performer and educator Joshua Seigal

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 12.04.20

Waffle Ep 30 - Laura Chepner

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:24:48 +0200

This week on Waffle, Paul chats to teacher, writer and vegan restaurateur Laura Chepner

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 05.04.20

Waffle Ep 29 - Richard O'Neill

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:21:26 +0200

This week, still interviewing via phone lines due to the Corona virus lock-down, Paul chats with Richard O'Neill about his writing, his love of music and being an advocate for Men's Health.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 104.7 FM on 29.03.20

Waffle Ep 28 - Dominic Berry

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 18:10:38 +0200

This week Paul has the absolute pleasure of talking to fellow poet Dominic Berry about his work with children, being a Glastonbury poet in residence and how music and lyrics are some of his greatest inspirations.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 22.03.20

Waffle Ep 27 - Benjamin Guilfoyle

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 13:46:48 +0100

This week, Paul circumnavigates lockdown with a telephone interview with the Woolly Hat Poet and primary school teacher, Benjamin Guilfoyle. They discuss World Book Day, being creative whilst working in education and we hear some of his wonderful poetry.

First broadcast 15.03.20 on Rossendale Radio.

Waffle Ep 26 - World Book Day with Old Hall Primary School

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:16:13 +0100

This week Paul celebrates world book day with the students and teachers of Old Hall Primary School in Bury and gets their feelings and opinions on what the day means to them and why they want to celebrate.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 08.03.20

Waffle Ep 25 - Paul Davies of UkePunk

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 19:36:55 +0100

This week Paul chats with Paul Davis of Uke Punk about his influences as a song writer and punk ukelele performer and he performs some of his original work.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 23.02.20

Waffle Ep 24 - Booktalk Phone In

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:20:24 +0100

This week Paul chats to fellow Rossendale Radio presenters about their reading habits and their favourite books.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 16.02.20

Waffle Ep 23 - Long Lee Primary School

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:28:46 +0100

This week Paul has the pleasure of working with Long Lee Primary School in Keighley doing poetry workshops. We hear from the teachers and the children themselves about how the workshops work and integrate the curriculum and what skills they are secretly learning underneath all the fun.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 09.02.20

Waffle Ep 22 - Empathy Lab

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 12:19:06 +0100

This week Paul is back out on the road talking about fascinating new work from the Empathy Lab who are working with schools to encourage reading for not just literacy but also social awareness and empathy.

He talks to teachers in Wales who are integrating the programme into their curriculum and the team behind the project.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 02.02.20.

Waffle Ep 21 - Adam Chase

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 14:44:05 +0100

This week Paul talks to teacher Adams Chase about how to engage children with literacy and encourage them to with their own writing.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 26.01.20

Waffle Ep 20 - Emma Speed

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 23:45:04 +0100

This week Paul talks to Emma Speed about her long career working in radio, tv and the time she got to interview Princess Leia.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 12.01.20

Waffle Ep 19 - Rowan Ardill 202020

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 19:18:04 +0100

This week Paul chats to Rowan Ardill about his serious fundraising endeavor of 202020 running 20 marathons in 20 days in 20 different cities in the hopes of raising £20,000 fin aid of homelessness, as well as his work with Parkrun and Ramsbottom Running Club.

Paul also reads some of his own running inspired poetry.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 05.01.20

Waffle Ep 18 - Best of 2019

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 18:11:40 +0100

To mark the end of 2019 Paul has hand selected some highlights from the Waffle interviews from the past year.

Highlights include live music, a young grime artist and moving remembrance poetry from th'owd chap.

Waffle Ep 17 - Ian McMillan

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 11:27:32 +0100

This week Paul was privileged enough to meet up with poet, journalist and BBC broadcaster, Ian McMillan at the 'unfurling' of a new poetry exhibit focusing on Dementia awareness.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 22.12.19

Waffle Ep 16 - Ian Eagleton

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 13:08:58 +0100

This week sees Paul chat to Ian Eagleton, teacher and creator of The Reading Realm, a new literacy app for younger readers, about books, apps and Mariah Carey.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 15.12.19

Waffle Ep 15 - Tony Horne

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 16:54:25 +0100

This week Paul chats to fellow Rossendale Radio presenter Tony Horne about his other life as a ghost writer and what it means to be anonymous in the publishing world.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 08.12.19

Waffle Ep 14 - Elke Lowe & Sean Smith

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 18:41:32 +0100

This week Paul speaks with young vocalists and songwriters Elke Lowe and Sean Smith who have very different styles but share a common bond; they were both students of Paul's from his teaching days.

First Broadcast on Rossendale Radio 01.12.19

Waffle Ep 13 - Sir John Thursby Community College

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 18:28:58 +0100

This week Paul squeezes 3 people into the studio to chat to Stephanie Byatt from Sir John Thursby Community College and her students Waleeja & Eshan about their experiences with the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 24.11.19

Waffle Ep 12 - Andy N and Amanda Steel

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:14:51 +0100

This week's Episode sees Paul joined by writing couple Andy N and Amanda Steel about their individual and divergent writing styles and how they come together to write joint pieces.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 17.11.19

Waffle Ep 11 - George Melling

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 21:04:01 +0100

This Remembrance week Paul talks to "Th' Owd Chap", poet George Melling about his unique journey into writing and his touching reminiscences of his family.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 10.11.19

Waffle Ep 10 - Helen Nugent

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 17:43:13 +0100

This week Paul talks to Helen Nugent about how she got in to journalism, writing for publications such as the Guardian and her online magazine, Northern Soul.

First Broadcast on Rossendale Radio 03/11/19

Waffle Ep 9 - Matt Rynn

Sat, 02 Nov 2019 23:42:19 +0100

This episode Paul talks to singer songwriter Matt Rynn about his influences and what inspires him to write.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 27.10.19

Waffle Ep 8 - Steven Taylor (+ bonus feature)

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 18:16:59 +0100

This week Paul talks to fellow poet Steven Taylor about how he approaches his poetry and the performance elements.

Bonus feature is a never before heard segment on Zambian teacher and inspirational singer songwriter Milz.

Interview with Steven Taylor first broadcast on Rossendale Radio 20/10/19.

Song by Milz used with kind permission.

Waffle Ep 7 - Jo Watson

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 13:23:36 +0200

This week Paul chats with Jo Watson about writing for other people as a copywriter and the every day applications of writing that we might take for granted.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on 13/10/19

Waffle Ep 6 - Zoe Siobhan Howarth-Lowe

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 12:28:16 +0200

This week Paul chats to fellow poet Zoe Siobhan Howarth-Lowe about the highs and lows of getting published and the what it's like to be a performance poet when you're an introvert.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 6/10/2019

Waffle Ep 5- Simon Hunt

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 16:56:03 +0200

Waffle Episode 5 - This week Paul talks to school teacher Simon Hunt about writing poetry with children and the international effects it can have.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio on September 29th 2019.

Waffle Ep 4 - Christopher Moriarty

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:54:10 +0200

This week Paul talks to Christopher Moriarty about re-working some Dr Seuss, his time in education and setting up portals for other poets.

First broadcast on Rossendale Radio 15th September 2019.

Waffle Ep 3 - Sharon Lowe

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 18:38:12 +0200

This week Paul chats with Sharon Lowe about her writing, performance and her work on the Wigan Diggers Festivals.

First Broadcast on Rossendale Radio 08.09.19