The nomination seemed like a good excuse to catch up with host Marc Thompson and Producer Hana Walker Brown to learn more about how the show was made…

Pod Bible: Congratulations on the recent British Podcast Awards nomination! How does it feel to see this show nominated?

Marc: It feels fantastic and such an honour to be nominated for this award and to be on such an incredible list. I’m really proud that my passion project has been recognised alongside so many great podcasts that I listen to myself.

Hana: Its always nice to be recognised for the work you’ve done, especially with such a small team. We’re up against big budget and even bigger team productions. “We Were Always Here” was made by Marc and I with the support of our production assistant Rory Boyle so it really shows what is possible – and no women were murdered for this storyline!

I believe We Were Always Here was the first series of Broccoli’s ‘Documentary’ stream. I’ve been wondering which came first: the idea for a stream of short-run series, or the idea for WWAH?

Hana: Both kind of happened simultaneously, my background is documentary so it was really important to me that we had a dedicated space for docs that could be include any number of subjects, producers, series – just a space to be adventurous or introduce new voices bound only by the broccoli ethos of telling stories that empower. I got an email from Marc through our mutual friend who had connected us for a series of Anthems. He wanted to make a show about the UK HIV Epidemic and was asking for me for advice on where to pitch it. As soon as I read it, I knew I had to make it and felt there was no other company that could his story justice in the way he wanted to tell it so I said don’t pitch it, we’ll take it and that was that!

What was the collaboration like between Marc as Host and Hana as Producer? Did you silo your roles or was there collaboration on all aspects?

Hana: It was a really collaborative project– obviously there are things that we both brought to the table – Marc’s rich history and connections to the community and my storytelling and sound design skills and sensibility – together we were responsible for creating a space not just for Marc’s story but the stories of all the people that feature as well as the community as a whole that could bring to the fore those unheard voices to the fore and ensure their history was documented. We trusted each other implicitly which I think is important and actually, we both cared about these people and these stories which definitely helps.

Hana told me on Twitter that “I interviewed @marct_01 for hours and built the narrative from his ridiculously eloquent answers.” Do you know how many hours of conversation between the two of you was recorded?

Marc: I think Hana and I probably recorded around 6-8 hours maybe between just us!

Hana: We have a responsibility as doc makers to tell the “truth” of any situation and to me that starts with the words of the narrator which have to feel authentic and I think the only way you can do that is through interviewing. Yes, it’s a bit of a heavier lift than just feeding someone words on a script but it allows a much deeper intimacy and connection to the person’s story so I wouldn’t do it any other way. Also, Marc is a phenomenal storyteller so it made my job a lot easier!

Marc: And also outside of our interviews we recorded 80 hours of interviews with individuals who made up the bulk of the narrative of the podcast it was really refreshing to get to sit in the interview seat as well and ask the questions I was really interested in and to learn so much about friends and colleagues and allies.

There are a couple more big budget podcasts about or incorporating HIV that have come out this month – A Positive Life and Love In Gravity – I wonder if you’ve had a chance to listen yet?

Marc: I haven’t had a chance to listen to any of the new podcasts yet. I wish them really well. I welcome them as it’s great that we’re finally hearing all of these narratives about the HIV epidemic. It adds to the wider canon of British history and LGBTQ+ history so I think it’s great that they’re out there.

Follow-on question – why do you think this topic is being picked up more at the moment?

Marc: I think the HIV epidemic story is being picked up right now because its 40 years since the first cases were identified and it’s really important this anniversary is marked in various ways. We don’t have a memorial to those we lost in the UK, so this is a great opportunity to remember that history and the people we lost, and to also to remind ourselves that HIV hasn’t gone away, that we still have work to do to end new HIV transmissions and support the lives of people who continue to live with HIV in the UK and globally.

Hana: I agree- and while this year has put HIV back into the mainstream consciousness due to the anniversary and the popularity of shows like “It’s a Sin” it really needs to continue. As Marc said we recorded over 80 hours of interviews for this which we are handing over to Bishops Gate queer archive this autumn – all audio and transcripts and episodes – so that they live on beyond the podcast as a resource. A lot of the retellings of this history have been through a predominantly white lens so we wanted to ensure that these voices don’t get lost.

Listen to We Were Always Here on Broccoli’s Documentaries Stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about? 

We’re best friends, blogger Amanda Millie and screenwriter Amelia Fergusson. So, what do you do when you don’t have a name for your podcast? Un-name it of course. Our podcast is Name To Be Determined:  we get together in Amanda’s London Hackney abode to talk sh*t. Literally! Okay, maybe literally is the wrong word. But, if you’re like us and love a good chit chat on topics ranging from being kidnapped at birth (yes, that happened to Amanda) to nearly being roped into joining a religious cult, to crazy dating stories, and motherhood (yes, we’re also mothers!) you’ll love Name To Be Determined. We are no holds barred and not afraid to say the opinions that some people may have but are too scared to vocalise themselves. 

What was the first podcast you ever listened to? 

Amelia’s first podcast was Casefile and the first one Amanda ever listened to was the first season of Serial with the Adnan case.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place? 

We have always had some funny discussions and some interesting life experiences and we wanted to share them with a wider audience. (Surely we’re not the only ones who’ve experienced what we have). We wanted to be able to share our passion on a platform where we had creative control and could put out something that we love.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from? 

3ShotsofTequila is one we like. From an audience perspective we really enjoy Small Town Murder and have been listeners of their podcast since inception. We love small town murder and 3ShotsofTequila because you can just tell that they are being authentic and try to themselves. They’ve all managed to build successful brands based on being who they are. They’re also all super funny and we love to laugh.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast? 

We haven’t really got round to inviting guests yet. But if we could have one guest that would excite the both of us, it would be Dave Chapelle. He is the king of comedy in our eyes, and we have spent so many lazy Sunday afternoons in our younger days, just binge watching his videos.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster? 

Preparation is key, having talking points. And the importance of editing! Also, to not be scared to be our authentic selves. There’s so much political correctness these days! At its core, our podcast is just two friends talking about a range of topics that interest us without any filters.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast? 

Our first episode, Where we’re meant to be, is quite poignant as it introduces us in a way that allows us to ponder on how the moment of recording may never have happened at all. Amanda was kidnapped at birth and Amelia was returned to social services as a baby. From a cosmic perspective, we were certainly supposed to come together in this life. We also discuss our own journeys in motherhood. So, overall a great introduction to us both!

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you? 

Check out the show via https://kite.link/nametobedetermined or find us on Instagram @nametobedeterminedpodcast & @mandsmillie

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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Stay with me here. You really haven’t heard it all when it comes to talking about race.

CA Davis, host of A Latto Thought. Photo by Joe Martinez Photography.

I imagine that you’ve been signposted to a few podcasts on this subject this year, and the usuals do the rounds – for good reason, we need them. But perhaps you’re tired of ‘learning.’ I get it. I think that we have reached a stalemate when it comes to race-based podcasts, which happens when any subject is thrust into the forefront of our everyday lives in a short space of time.

Following the BLM protests this summer we were overwhelmed with reading lists, more lists on how to be antiracist and podcast recommendations (my own show included). And I did wonder what everyone did with all this information. It was a lot to process. Maybe too much. And now it’s all died down, maybe it’s time to reflect on what content is not only available, but also dynamic and accessible. Podcasting needs to improve the dialogue on race and make the content more diverse, not only in terms of who is hosting, but also in terms of the content they cover. We don’t have too many podcasts on race – but they seem to be at each end of a spectrum with nothing bridging the gap.

We have shows that share personal accounts of racism – the anecdotal stories. We have the heavyweight conversations telling historical accounts of how we’ve got to where we are and what we need to do about it – the serious and instructive shows.

What’s missing is the engaging content that accompanies you through the events that have created the complex structures and misconceptions surrounding race, alongside real stories of people who were affected by these events… without leaving you feeling exhausted by the end of it. If you’ve yet to find a show like this, I’ve found one for you.

CA Davis, Host of A Latto Thought. Image by Joe Martinez Photography.

A LATTO thought is hosted by filmmaker, digital storyteller and producer, CA Davis. CA works at Northwestern University in a small department that supports humanities research and pedagogy. His role is to take professors’ research and locate the stories within their work to create films that both academic and non-academic audiences can enjoy.

CA takes you on a huge ride through some of the most important events in the history of racial stereotyping, including – importantly – contemporary mixed-race misconceptions. In the episode ‘takin’ it back’ you will hear why we have achieved a “false sense of progress” regarding mixed-race people (especially those in positions of power). Our bodies are used as momentary vapours to veil over the truth about how much we have progressed, in part due to the ‘cultural firsts’ such as electing a Black president and a Black female Vice President, or having a Black Royal Family member. Yet, these individuals are mixed-raced. And it’s mixed-race bodies that are wrongly used as markers of a racially progressive society.

In the latest episode ‘kinfolk, not skinfolk’, CA draws you right into the falsehoods of DNA testing until you are rewinding to hear every word. Just as you’ve grasped a new and complex idea, he pulls you right out of feeling comfortable with a thud of a great bassline, witty quip and lighter chat. The balance of sound, narration and the super-high, cinematic production quality, makes it an engaging listen.

A LATTO Thought is stimulating and educational. You’ll finish the show feeling contemplative but energised. That’s a rare thing in this genre of podcasts.

Listen to A LATTO Thought on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and on the A LATTO Thought website.

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Lou Mensah founded Shade Podcast to create a safe space for rigorous & inclusive conversations on Representation within the Arts.

Before launching Shade Lou worked on various commissions as a photographer, including stills for Directors Anthony Minghella & Sundance winner Marc Silver plus Mike Figgis; gaining awards for her work from Nick Knight and the late Alexander McQueen.

Launched just over a year ago, Shade Podcast has been received well by both the audience and press. Miranda Sawyer (The Guardian) said of Shade “Every episode gave me something new to think about. Inspiring!” – whilst Esquire has listed Shade as one of the ‘Best 2020 Podcasts you can listen too.”

Season 4 is due to be launched in Jan 2021. Listen on Acast, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

Read more reviews by the Pod Bible team.

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about? 

My name is Cherise Hamilton-Stephenson. I am a presenter and producer born and raised in South London, embedded in UK culture. I have a passion for contemporary politics and social issues, and committed to platforming underrepresented, diverse and minority voices. The disconnect between traditional news and minority Millennials/Gen-Z, the feeling is that their stories were not being platformed and this inspired me to create my podcast Interconnected Voices. Interconnected Voices takes you behind the news headlines and combines insightful political commentary with personal stories from a wide variety of underrepresented, diverse and minority voices. I tell their stories through a mixed-media format of visual and audio.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to? 

Scene on Radio – I was hooked from the first episode, exploring the relationship between race, class and sports in American Society. I was intrigued by the interesting facts and the archive footage that was sourced. The hosting was informal, making it an easy listen, coupled with a sensitive approach to contributors who shared their stories on difficult topics.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place? 

I became bored of consuming news that I could not relate to. I also felt that the reporting did not explore how issues and topics would affect young people. Starting a podcast was a good way for me to combine my passion for giving a voice to those presently voiceless, utilising my journalism and radio production skills to connect with young audiences that no longer consume news through traditional channels.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from? 

Before I created Interconnected Voices, I listened to a few politics podcasts to get a general idea of formatting, such as, Gaslit Nation. However, I would say that feedback from my listeners really helped me to develop the mix media style and contemporary format of Interconnected Voices. I was keen to have strong visuals and branding to capture people’s attention.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast? 

I really admire female political commentators, with strong points of view and a desire to make equality the norm in our society. I would love to interview Afua Hirsh, broadcast journalist and author platforming issues on race, class and gender. It would be great to gain her point of view on how to improve the criminal justice system and race relations in the UK.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster? 

I have learnt two big lessons: consistency is key; as humans we create habits. The best way to build a listenership is to consistently put out content, as much as you can. Also, have fun! The best thing about creating audio is the freedom to change your format, style, and sound, experimenting with different interview styles to fit your chosen topic; evolving your podcast and not letting it become stagnate. For example, my new series ‘Black Voice Collections’ is a series of anecdotes and reflections portraying the realities of being Black and British – the highs, the lows and all that’s in between. The episodes are a completely different style to series 1 & 2, they are 3 – 6 minute long episodes with beautifully designed soundscapes and fire promo videos for each episode created by Bridey Addison-Child and Phoebe Langley Gussin.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast? 

Each podcast series has a different theme, topics and production style; therefore, I feel there’s an episode for everyone. However, I would say Series 2, Episode 3, ‘The Universal Credit Trap’, is an insightful episode highlighting how the UK’s benefit system affects minority millennials/Gen-Z. It’s a perspective that is not often given a platform in mainstream media. Also, in this episode, we executed Interconnected Voice’s production style with an eclectic mix of archive, soundscape and balanced narrative.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you? 

They can find out more about me on my personal Instagram: @ailliyah_cherisex and Twitter: @AilliyahCherise. For Interconnected Voices episodes and exclusive content, they can follow @interconnected_voices on Instagram.

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