We spoke to the team behind the show – Tash and Adam from Aunt Nell, and Executive Producer Dale Taylor-Gentles from The Love Tank – to find out a bit more about how it came to be…

What was your introduction to podcasting as a listener?

Aunt Nell: At Aunt Nell we all started listening to podcasts years ago. Some of long-time favs are Short Cuts, Bad Gays, Dreamboy, You’re Wrong About, Making Gay History. We’ve always been drawn in by the stories that aren’t being told elsewhere and by voices you rarely hear.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Aunt Nell: This is such a difficult question, because our podcasts take inspiration from different sources, probably because each podcast series we make has its own unique combination of features. For sound design and storytelling we are constantly inspired by the work of Axel Kacoutié, Falling Tree Productions, a one-off series years ago called Dreamboy, and immersive BBC series like Ecstasy: The Battle Of Rave and Acid Dream: The Great LSD Plot.

For documentary work, it’s things like Making Gay History, some of the Tortoise Media series, some of the stuff Pushkin — and a new series on housing called Dwelling.

What would you like to see more of in the podcast space?

Aunt Nell: It would be great to see more opportunity to make original content in the podcast space, with the closing of the Audio Content Fund it is harder and harder for independent podcasters to be truly creative and focus on the stories that they want to share outside of the celebrity stratosphere.

Why did you decide that audio was right for sharing these stories?

Dale: I think the idea to do a podcast came about through spending time with the people you hear in the episodes. As the lead for the overall project that researches the health and wellbeing needs of queer migrant men and queer men of colour, I was fortunate enough to spend time both individually and in groups with them all in other outputs of the project, such as our day of workshops and events, and this allowed me to hear their stories of their joys, struggles and successes.

Each of their stories taught me something meaningful and resonated with me in ways unexpected. This planted a seed for me and my colleagues that we should create a space in which all these amazing people could talk about their experiences as queer migrants and queer people of colour navigating the city. From there we came together with those same people and built upon this idea to what eventually became our podcast.

What have you enjoyed most in making this podcast?

Dale: What I have enjoyed most is all the collaboration between myself, the Aunt Nell team and all the people who shaped the podcast and appeared on the episodes. Throughout the creative process, many interesting and important questions of identity and what connects were raised. It forced us to reflect on our place in the world and set the foundations for the rich conversations you hear within the episodes. I think we all came away from the experience prouder and taller than when we started this journey.

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

More information on the collective and the project of Queer Roots and Routes can be found here. All our podcasts at Aunt Nell here and more on The Love Tank here.

Listen to Queer Roots and Routes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Queer Roots and Routes: Gorgeous, fierce, supergay and revolutionary appeared first on POD BIBLE.

To be considered, budding podcasters based in the UK — and who don’t already have a podcast — need to apply via an online application. Applicants should introduce themselves and their podcast idea, alongside a 60-second audio statement explaining why they should be picked for the Acast Amplifier incubator.

Acast and a panel of ambassadors — featuring fan-favourite podcasters from the Acast Creator Network alongside other industry experts — will judge the entries and choose three winning creators. Applications are open from today, January 25, and closing at 00:00 GMT on March 14.

Panellists include Adam Buxton (The Adam Buxton Podcast), Chanté Joseph (writer, creator of How Not To Be Racist), Pete Donaldson (Football Ramble), Dane Baptiste (comedian, host of Dane Baptiste Questions Everything), Niellah Arboine (Growing Up With gal-dem), Tash Walker and Shivani Dave (The Log Books), Leanne Levers & Roshan Roberts (Dope Black Women), Scroobius Pip, Stu Whiffen and Adam Richardson (Pod Bible), Imriel Morgan (Content is Queen), Chal Ravens (Novara Media, Crack Magazine), and Sophie MacAskill (Curtis Brown)

Winning applicants will have their first three episodes fully produced, along with their podcast’s branding including artwork and music. They’ll also receive a £2,500 grant each, to continue to fund their show, plus a free lifetime subscription to Acast’s top hosting plan, and bespoke support and free equipment from Acast and its partners – including Shure, Pirate Studios, and Crack Magazine’s creative agency CC Co. To cover all bases, from production to branding and monetisation, winners will also receive mentoring from Acast.

Sam Shetabi, UK Content Director from Acast, said: “This really is the opportunity of a lifetime for three people with a story to tell. They’ll get unparalleled support and advice from industry big-hitters, including mentorship from some top podcasters who’ve been there and done it.

“We want to provide tomorrow’s podcast creators with everything they could possibly need to get their ideas out into the world, and I can’t wait to hear their applications. We’re about to uncover the next great British podcast.”

Adam Buxton, host of The Adam Buxton Podcast, said: “Hello Adam Buxton here. Podcasting is a great way to make genuine connections with an audience whether you’re recording a chat on your phone or creating intricate soundscapes, dealing with serious subjects or providing relief from everyday stress by being silly, and I’m very happy to encourage new voices and new ideas to emerge with the help of Acast’s Amplifier programme. I’m excited to hear who’s out there.”

Imriel Morgan, CEO of Content is Queen: “I believe podcast incubators are the future of talent development in the podcasting industry. We need to create risk-free environments for creators from all backgrounds to innovate and pivot. It’s been core to my work for the last seven years so I’m very excited to join the Acast Amplifier judging panel and hear all of the niche and wonderful ideas that come from the applicants.”

Pete Donaldson, host of Football Ramble: “I’m really excited to hear pitches from fresh voices in the space through the Acast Amplifier.  It’s often said that podcasts have a very low bar of entry, but great ideas can often get buried under poor production, planning and the like. I’m honoured to be able to help Acast give new podcasts the very best start.”

Chanté Joseph, writer and creator of How Not To Be Racist: “I’m a huge fan of podcasts, I probably listen to more podcasts than music. Every week I try to find a new series to listen to that will help me to discover a new idea and expand my worldview. I’m so excited to sit on this panel and be a part of aiding the next generation of talented podcasters. I can’t wait to listen to all of the ideas and get lost in their stories.”

Acast Amplifier follows the launch of Aclass Essentials, a free online resource to equip anyone who wants to start their own podcast with the knowledge they need to produce great, original audio content from home.

Visit www.acastamplifier.com for more information and to apply today.

The post Acast launches Acast Amplifier to discover the next generation of UK podcasters appeared first on POD BIBLE.

When we started the Pod Bible Podcast back in July 2019, we weren’t entirely sure how long it would last. Was there a market for a podcast about podcasts? Would podcasters want to spend their time recommending other shows for people to listen to? We needn’t have worried. The Pod Bible Podcast has been a joy to work on over the past few years and I’m always blown away by the passion shown by podcast hosts, not only for their own shows but for the podcasts they listen to. Podcasters are famous for their love of talking, and lets not forget that most of them started out as podcast listeners, so getting people to reveal their favourites while letting us behind the curtain of their own shows has been a relatively easy (and very enjoyable) job.  

Now we’ve reached our century (Ep 100 with Sweet Bobby out now!) I wanted to take a look back at some of my favourite guests, including hosts of shows I’ve always admired or recording sessions that were particularly memorable. So have a read, have a listen and be sure to get in touch with your favourites over on Twitter.

#001 – No Such Thing As A Fish

Long before we’d secured any studio time and the prospect of recording online was yet to be considered, Stu Whiffen and I met up with NSTAAF’s Dan Schreiber in an empty club in Shoreditch. It was the first ever Pod Bible Podcast recording and I have to admit to being really nervous on the day. Here was me, a bedroom podcaster with a modest number of listeners, sitting with a vastly experienced podcaster who’s show has over half a million subscribers. As expected though Dan was a total pro and afterwards offered to hook us up with more big names in the industry. He’s remained a big supporter of all we do and we loved having him and the rest of the Fish team on the cover of issue #018 back in December.

#003 – Football Ramble

As a Ramble listener since 2008 this was a big moment for me. Not only did we get to meet and chat to some of the guys who’s voices I’ve heard every week for over a decade, we also got to visit their offices and record in their studio. As we’d only just started the show this was very much a ‘pinch me’ moment at the time and it did not disappoint. The Ramble are also one of only two shows who’ve appeared on the Pod Bible Podcast twice, with Kate and Vish appearing on episode #069 to tell us about their new extended lineup. 

#009 – Johnny Vaughan

I was an avid watcher of the Big Breakfast back in the 90’s, watching the show through all its iterations, but let’s be honest here, Johnny Vaughan was the best presenter that show had by far. So as you can imagine I was incredibly excited (and more than a little nervous) to meet with Johnny to discuss his Radio X podcast, and recording live with him in Leicester Square’s Radio X studio really added to the occasion. Johnny kept me waiting but when he arrived he was an absolute whirlwind who barely let me get a word in edgeways, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less.

#012 – Off Menu

The first one on the list to be recorded at the very plush Acast studios on Old St, fellow Pod Bible founder Scroobius Pip and I sat down with James and Ed shortly after they’d finished recording their episode with Kamil Nanjani. Obviously it was a joy to meet them both and to discuss their show but what impressed me the most was the amount of free food they’d been sent that their producer Ben had brought in for them to take home. Given Off Menu was only 35ish episodes deep at this point I can only imagine how much free stuff they’re getting sent now. An unsurprisingly fun chat, made all the better by having the opportunity to champion pomegranate seeds to a sceptical Ed and Pip.

#018 – Run Pod

Although I can’t admit to being an avid listener to RunPod I had to include this one as working with Jenni Falconer was an absolute dream. We recorded at the Global studios in Leicester Square (where she’d been on air with Heart FM since 4am) and admitted to feeling a little under the weather at the time. As soon as the mics were live however, she switched into the uber professional broadcaster that she is and I remember being incredibly impressed. This one also sticks in the memory as I had to sprint across London to get there on time and it was a very hot day. Not a good look when you turn up at the studio covered in sweat but there you go.

#032 – The Last Bohemians / #033 – Films To Be Buried With

Recorded in February 2020, these two episodes were recorded together on stage at Kings Place in London for our first (and to date, last) ever live show. Speaking to Kate Hutchinson from The Last Bohemians and Brett Goldstein from Films To Be Buried With on stage together was so much fun and it felt like a big deal to be recording the Pod Bible Podcast in front of a live audience for the first time. Little did we know that live shows would be put on hold almost immediately afterwards…

#048 – The Receipts

The first time I was made aware of The Receipts was when handing out issues of an early Pod Bible at the Underbelly Festival at the South Bank. There I was, handing out mags to a seemingly endless stream of people entering the main venue, totally unaware of who was performing at the time. As the show started and the crowd went wild I quickly discovered who they were watching and instantly added them to my download list. Fast forward a few months and there I am at home chatting to Tolly, Audrey and Milena over zoom about their juggernaut of a show, admiring the chemistry and love that’s abundantly obvious whenever they’re together. After we recorded I asked them if they’d like to be on the cover of the next magazine and to date their issue remains one of our most popular releases.

#054 – Maddie’s Sound Explorers

For any parents of young children, Maddie Moate is most likely a popular figure within their households. Her ‘Do You Know?’ TV show on CBeebies has been a firm favourite with my daughter for a while now and I’m not afraid to admit I’m a big fan too, so when Maddie released her own podcast I was quick to contact her agent to invite her onto the PBP. What followed was a lovely conversation with one of our most enthusiastic guests yet. Sound Explorers is a wonderful podcast for children of all ages and Maddie is the perfect host. As we recorded this one on Zoom I cheekily asked Maddie to say hello to my daughter so I could play the video back to her later that day. Unfortunately I’d managed to stop the recording just before this so I had nothing to show. However, when I mentioned this to Maddie’s agent afterwards she was quick to speak to Maddie who swiftly sent over a personalised video message that my daughter cherishes to this day!

#055 – Simon Mayo’s Books Of The Year

As a long term listener to Simon Mayo, albeit predominantly via his BBC 5Live film podcast with Mark Kermode, I was incredibly excited when the opportunity came to speak to him about his Books Of The Year podcast. I was also incredibly nervous. This guy is a broadcasting legend, having first started at Radio 1 back in 1986, so the old imposter syndrome was thriving as Simon joined my zoom call. As is often the case with these things, I shouldn’t have worried. Simon was kind, interesting and engaged throughout. During the chat about his show, Simon himself touched on imposter syndrome and after the record I mentioned how I’d been suffering myself before speaking with him. He quickly put me at ease by telling me how all the best people suffer from the syndrome and how the people who probably don’t get it, the likes of Donald Trump or Boris Johnson, are the ones who should have something to worry about. That advice has stuck with me since and I’ll always have Simon to thank for making me that little bit calmer on future recording days.

#059 – Masala Podcast

I went into this one with only a passing knowledge of the Masala Podcast, a show that was born through Spotify’s Sound Up programme that featured host Sangeeta Pillai discussing subjects often considered taboo within South Asian culture. I’ll admit to believing this show wasn’t for me but was quickly blown away by Sangeeta’s personality, her passion for her podcast and her determination to create a platform for underrepresented people from her culture. Since recording this episode Sangeeta has become a firm friend of Pod Bible’s, appearing in Issue #014 of the magazine and guesting on the How To Make A Podcast series we created for Himalaya. She’s also guested on another of my podcasts and is always a joy to deal with.

#070 – The Log Books

The Log Books was another podcast I hadn’t delved into properly before I’d met the team behind it, but was instantly intrigued to listen to more episodes afterwards. It’s also one of my favourite stories in terms of how the podcast came together and how the people behind it (Tash Walker, Adam Zmith and Shivane Dave) came together to collaborate on the project. One of the highlights of talking to so many podcasters is finding ones who are clearly so passionate about the subject matter they’ve decided to talk about and are able to use their multitude of talents to spread the word to people who are as yet unaware. The Log Books is probably my favourite example of that.

#079 – Cuddle Club

I was intrigued before going into this podcast with comedian Lou Sanders. Was she as charmingly bonkers as she appeared on screen? Yes. Yes she was, and I had a brilliant time talking to her. Sometimes it takes a little while for a guest to open up or stray away from the pre prepared answers they’ve given a hundred times, but chatting to Lou felt like chatting to someone I’d known for years. I’ve said it before on the show but since moving exclusively to remote records I’ve often found that guests feel more comfortable when recording in the surroundings of their own home, and Lou was no exception. One of the funniest conversations I’ve had, even though we had to cut an awful lot of it out!

#082 – The Joe Wicks Podcast

I’ve been doing Joe Wicks workouts for about five years now and in part have him to thank for keeping me both physically and mentally healthy during the pandemic. While I used to enjoy his quirky cooking vids on instagram when he first started out, it was a joy to see him reach national treasure status by becoming the “nations PE teacher” during lockdown. For many, Joe’s podcast was a classic example of a celebrity stuck at home with nothing better to do but I was surprised by the depth of some of the conversations he had with the likes of Fearne Cotton, Sir Tom Jones and Russell Brand. Although my chat with Joe felt more like being part of a press junket, it was still a pleasure to chat with him and be able to thank him for inspiring me and my daughter to continue to keep fit and active over the past couple of years. 

#086 – Zombiemum

Every so often I’ll go into a podcast record believing that the subject matter of the show I’ll be discussing isn’t really aimed at me, and more often than not I’ll come away berating myself for being so close minded. This was a prime example of that. Zombiemum is a show about the psychological effects of having, raising and being children, focusing specifically on host Laura Dockerill’s experience with postpartum psychosis. Although I am a parent, I’ve never been inclined to listen to parenting podcasts and part of me thought the subject matter may be too heavy of a listen. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Firstly, Laura is possibly the warmest and most lovely guest I’ve had on the show and did an amazing job of explaining what she’d been through and the idea behind the podcast. Secondly, the show itself featured some incredible conversations that although may not be fully relevant to my experience, taught me a lot about the human condition and if anything increased my empathy for others, something podcasts can do a phenomenal job of overall. Possibly my favourite conversation since starting this podcast. 

#093 – Dane Baptiste Questions Everything

While Zombiemum helped increase my empathy, Dane Baptiste Questions Everything is easily the podcast that has educated me the most over the past few years. Hosted by Dane Baptiste alongside producer Howard Cohen, each episode features three different questions discussed by Dane, Howard and a special guest. The variety of subjects discussed alongside the wide range of guests ensures that each episode offers up something new and keeps you fuelled with fascinating facts and opinions to pass off as your own next time you see your mates. I’d tried to arrange this one a few times before we finally got together for episode #093 and I was not left disappointed. Dane and Howard were great company and at times I had to remember that I wasn’t listening to an episode of their show but was their to ask them questions myself!

So there we go, 100 episodes down, loads of fabulous guests and I cannot wait to see who else we get to speak to over the course of the next 100 episodes. Obviously there were so many more I could have included on this list but no one wants to hear me go on for ever. Thanks for indulging me and please get in touch if there’s a show that has yet to feature that you’d like us to speak to!

The post 100 Episodes of the Pod Bible Podcast appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Now we’re halfway through Pride month, we thought we’d share their recommendations of the best shows available from the LGBTQ+ community right now…

TRANS 20:20s

Created by writer and filmmaker Juliet Jacques, Trans 20:20s takes a look at what it’s like to be a twenty-something trans, non-binary or gender diverse person in the year 2020. Released at the back end of the year, this podcast, which is available on Soundcloud, allows for an insight into the human experience of these marginalized individuals. Each interview offers new perspectives on government legislation, media representation, and possibly the largest topic of the year, lockdown, and how each of these things has and does affect them and others within our community. The project was commissioned by Studio Voltaire in partnership with Gendered Intelligence as part of Desperate Living C-19.

BUSY BEING BLACK

Josh Rivers sits at the helm of this podcast, with an aim of exploring how to make the most of queer Black life. There’s a richness of conversation featuring the likes of Lady Phyll, Jeffery Williams, Travis Alabanza and countless others. Last year, with funding from the European Cultural Foundation, Busy Being Black presented a series of conversations exploring queer Black solidarity across Europe during the Covid-19 crisis, and featured first-listens to a new multimedia  Anthology/Appendix’ series by Isaiah Lopaz, which explores themes of migration, faith and belonging.

BITTEN PEACH POD

Hosted by non-binary writer and director, ShayShay, Bitten Peach Pod is the queer Asian talk show that asks ‘real life’ Queer Asians the dreaded question… “where are you really from?” which results in some heartwarming and much-needed conversations. ShayShay has a beautiful energy that works perfectly as they speak to a rich variety of guests about their lives, their culture, their art and their Asian icons. It’s supported by gender-diverse, Pan-Asian artist collective, The Bitten Peach, who put on gag-worthy shows in queer venues across London – so be sure to check them out!

CALL ME MOTHER

Journalist and author of upcoming book ‘The Transgender Issue’, Shon Faye, hosts this beautiful series from Novel, talking to unsung and lesser-heard older LGBTQ+ trailblazers. We don’t hear from our LGBTQ+ elders enough in the podcast world, and this series seeks to change that, with guests including performance artist and gender theorist, Kate Bornstein, sexual health and HIV activist, Marc Thompson and actor-politician-activist, Michael Cashman to name a few. Episodes are all under 30 minutes making them easily digestible, and you’ll come away feeling educated, empowered and (if it fits!) grateful to be queer. Listen now >>

BOTTOMING

Ok, we know we’re being cheeky, but we couldn’t list our favourite LGTBQ+ podcasts without sharing our own audio child. Bottoming is the LGBTQ+ mental health podcast, discussing rock bottoming and beyond, not sex. Birthed out of our own troubles with mental health, we wanted to open up the conversation to the rest of the community and further afield, to normalise healthy discussions about our mental states. Released fortnightly, we interview guests about their mental health journeys, reflect on our own, and hope to offer practical advice related to reaching out for support. After this year, we all need it. You’re doing amazing sweetie.

Notable mentions:

SOME FAMILIES

TWO TWOS PODCAST

FLUID

UNERASED: THE HISTORY OF CONVERSION THERAPY IN AMERICA

THE LOG BOOKS

TWO SCOOPS

The post POD IS LOVE // 11 of the best LGBTQ+ podcasts for Pride Month appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Back in November of 2020 Adam caught up with Tash, Adam & Shiv from The Log Books to discuss how the podcast came about and why it’s such a rewarding project to work on.

Read our interview with Tash from Issue #007 of Pod Bible Magazine

The post Pod Bible Podcast – The Log Books appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Adam is on deck to calmly show you through the weeks podcast proceedings, with guests including the hosts of Our Voices In The NHS, The Log Books and 90’s Baby Show!

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS GUESTS!

Our Voices In The NHS • Acast • Spotify

The Log Books • Acast • Spotify

90’s Baby Show • Acast • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS!

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

The post #078 • Our Voices In The NHS • The Log Books • 90s Baby Show appeared first on POD BIBLE.

During LGBT History Month, on February 25th, Acast experts will be joined by comedian Suzi Ruffell and The Log Books producer Shivani Dave to inspire the next generation of podcasters

Aclass: Queer Voices is a free workshop for new and aspiring podcasters in the LGBTQ+ community, and it will take place on Zoom on Thursday, February 25, from 6:30 – 8:30pm GMT. Anyone can sign up now to secure a spot.

Hosted by Acast, the power source of podcasting globally, Aclass: Queer Voices is the latest in the company’s Aclass event series; created to celebrate and amplify voices from underrepresented communities in podcasting, and enable the next generation of podcasters.

The event is being held during LGBT History Month, an annual month-long celebration and observance of LGBT history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Acast believes podcasts are uniquely able to amplify underrepresented voices, and those that are less heard in other mainstream media. Open-to-all and with low-barriers to entry, Acast wants to encourage LBGTQ+ creators to share their story through thought-provoking conversation, interviews, comedy, history, politics, and so much more.

Joining Acast at the workshop is critically acclaimed comedian Suzi Ruffell, and host of Out With Suzi Ruffell: a podcast about the inspiring lives of LGBTQ+ people, featuring guests such as Joe Lycett, Gok Wan and Steph McGovern. As well as Shivani Dave, BBC Radio presenter and producer of The Log Books: a podcast that explores Britain’s queer history through the records from the LGBT+ helpline Switchboard, and the winner of Best New Podcast at the British Podcast Awards 2020.

Attendees will hear from successful podcasters and industry experts, who’ll be sharing their experiences of developing shows, and real-world advice for making a start in the audio industry as LGBTQ+ creators. The session will be jam-packed with tips, tricks, and thought-provoking discussions for budding podcasters to help them create and develop their own podcasts.

 Sam Shetabi, Content Director at Acast, says:

“Aclass helps us to adapt the podcast landscape for the better, by giving new podcasters the insider tips and tricks we’ve learned from years of experience supporting and nurturing audio creators. It’s especially exciting to launch our next Aclass during LGBT History Month alongside Shivani Dave from The Log Books on the panel — the show is a graduate of our very first Aclass in 2019, and we couldn’t be prouder that a podcast that celebrates Britain’s LGBT+ history earnt such incredible acclaim. Both Shivani and Suzi are outstanding creators, and we’re excited to welcome them at Aclass: Queer Voices, for LGBTQ+ storytellers to learn and be inspired.”

Aclass will take place virtually on Zoom, Thursday February 25, from 6:30 – 8:30pm GMT. To register attendance, sign up here.

— END —

For more podcast news, follow Pod Bible on Twitter, and sign up to our newsletter for weekly podcast news, bonus recommendations and the latest magazine sent straight to your inbox!

The post Acast announce Aclass: Queer Voices, a free virtual podcast workshop appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Adam is here with you for another week of podcast news, interviews and recommendations, this week featuring full on chat with Rhod & Sian from THE FROTH, Adam from THE LOG BOOKS and Alex from OUR VOICES IN THE NHS! Follow and listen on all links below… ENJOY!

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS GUESTS!

The Froth • Acast • Spotify

The Log Books • Acast • Spotify

Our Voices In The NHS • Acast • Spotify

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS RECOMMENDATIONS!

Bad Gays • Acast • Spotify

This American Life • Acast • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS!

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

The post #075 • The Froth • The Log Books • Our Voices In The NHS appeared first on POD BIBLE.

With inspiration taken from the work and stories that have come from Switchboard, an LGBT+ helpline that’s been in operation since 1974, The Log Books podcast has had quite an auspicious start. Natasha Walker, co-chair at Switchboard and producer of The Log Books, chats to us once again about re-opening the Logbooks for season 2 of the show.

So, what’s it been like making the podcast?

We absolutely loved working on The Log Books podcast. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, reading and listening to all these amazing stories and memories. We have all learnt so much about LGBTQ+ history, which is of course our history with all three of us (Producers – Tash, Adam and Shivani) identifying as LGBTQ+. I think it would be fair to say that this is one of the best things we have ever worked on and Season Two has been even better! We started as colleagues but are now the best of friends!

From left to right, Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Smith from The Log Books podcast celebrating their British Podcast Awards win.

It may not have been a surprise to many of us – but it did prove to be a shock for the team – The Log Books won Best New Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.

It was so amazing! We were completely overwhelmed and not expecting it at all, when they announced we had won and then the doorbell rang we just didn’t know what to do. It felt so amazing to win the Best New Podcast 2020 award not only because we are all independent podcasters and freelancers, but also because we are sharing LGBTQ+ history, which is so often ignored and untold. To have the podcast recognised as the Best New Podcast of 2020 meant so much to us and shows a really positive shift in society – this isn’t just Britain’s LGBTQ+ history, it’s Britain’s history full stop.

Can you give us a bit of a recap of what the podcast is about and what’s in the first season?

The Log Books is a podcast all about the history of LGBTQ+ life in Britain as noted by volunteers at the helpline Switchboard. Each episode centres around log book entries made by the volunteers who staffed the phones from the charity’s very first day. As a helpline for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity and sexuality, Switchboard has been hearing about, and helping, queer life since 1974. We have spoken to over 50 contributors for the podcast, who have memories and lived experiences of the themes we cover. Season One covered 1974 to 1982, with stories ranging from police entrapping gay men meeting for sex in toilets, to women losing custody of their children for being lesbians, to people kicked out of pubs for wearing pro-gay badges and those struggling with their gender identity before anyone had the right language to help them.

The log books laugh and cry with the real lives of runaways and disco-dancers, with isolated fishermen phoning to chat and people unsure about how to have sex.

The first Switchboard log book – photo by Imogen Forte, Switchboard’s Archive at Bishopsgate Institute

Given the subject matter, there may have been an inevitability to a second season. Thankfully we do have one! What can we hear in this much awaited second season?

Season Two runs through the years 1983 to 1991 and takes up eleven episodes, including a three-part series focusing on the HIV/AIDS crisis. As the country was gripped by growing HIV infections, calls to Switchboard reached unprecedented volumes and intensity. The log books at Switchboard are a unique chronicle of this major health crisis — containing stories from those years that have never been told before.

In this season you hear interviews with patients and healthcare professionals, such as Leigh, a young gay man who began caring for people with AIDS-defining illnesses as soon as he started to work as a nurse.

Also, long-term survivors with difficult but uplifting stories, such as the life-affirming wisdom of George who has spent 35 years trying to keep his infection at bay by calling it ‘sleeping dragon’.

A Switchboard volunteer on a call – photo courtesy of Switchboard’s Archive at Bishopsgate Institute

We also have memories of Switchboard volunteers who took the hardest calls and faced down people who did not want to step into the Switchboard offices for fear of ‘catching AIDS’.

But so much more than a health crisis happened from 1983 to 1991. Britain’s LGBTQ+ communities felt more and more under attack from tabloids and social hostility, with Margaret Thatcher’s government capitalising on this by passing legislation that banned the “promotion of homosexuality”. We’ll hear from a young lesbian teacher, Catherine, whose students scratched insults into her car, and others who were watching the Six O’Clock News when lesbian activists invaded the BBC studio to call for an end to persecution. Other stories in the season include migration to the UK of people fleeing more homophobic countries, state clampdowns on obscenity including a Customs raid on a bookshop, and how Switchboard volunteers used humour to get through these dark times.

Adam Smith, Shivani Dave, Tash Walker, producers of The Log Book – photo by Imogen Forte

What’s the reaction been like to the podcast, both from audiences and also from you all who work on the show?

It’s been so positive, which means so much to us and it’s wonderful to hear people’s thoughts, see their reviews online and read their messages. We felt a real responsibility to not only share this LGBTQ+ history, but also do justice to all the wonderful contributors we interviewed who shared their memories and all those who have called and volunteered for Switchboard. We wouldn’t be here today because of them, their lives and stories live on in the log books and now in the podcast too.

Like any cause and podcast with a social conscience, finding new audiences is key, so why do we all need to listen and take part in this conversation?

As a society we all have to strive to be better allies, to not make the same mistakes that we have made in the past, to learn to evolve so that we move towards a more equal society for all. Looking back through the log books, we learn so much about how the LGBTQ+ communities have got to where we are today, the discrimination, the victimisation, the love, the support, the strength – it’s all part of who we are today, as queer people, as allies, as people. You have to learn from the past, to understand what community, allyship and support really mean. The stories will make you laugh, cry and some… from sex, to police raids, to censorship – it’s all there!

Find season one and two of The Log Books on Acast, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts from.

The post Re-opening The Log Books with Natasha Walker appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Adam is right here with you for another week of podcast news and interviews, this week featuring full on chat with presenters and hosts of RULE NOT THE EXCEPTION, THE LOG BOOKS and SELF CARE CLUB podcasts! Follow and listen on all links below… ENJOY!

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS GUESTS!

Rule Not The Exception • Apple Podcasts • Spotify

The Log Books • Acast • Spotify

Self Care Club • Acast • Spotify

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS RECOMMENDATIONS!

Making Gay History • Acast • Spotify

Scary Stories • Acast • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS!

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

The post #072 • Rule Not The Exception • The Log Books • Self Care Club appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Adam and Stu join forces to present you with a whole heap of absolute podcast gold, as always, with a healthy selection of chat and recommendation to enrich your listening diet. This week they are joined by the Log Books gang, and later joined for recommendations by Nick Helm and Nathaniel Metcalfe (Fan Club) and Dan (Desert Island Dicks)!

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS GUESTS!

The Log Books • Acast • Spotify

Nick Helm & Nathaniel Metcalfe’s Fan Club • FUBAR Radio • Spotify

Desert Island Dicks • Acast • Spotify

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS RECOMMENDATIONS!

Life In The Stocks • Acast • Spotify

Fitbet • Apple Podcasts • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS!

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

The post #070 • The Log Books • Fan Club • Desert Island Dicks appeared first on POD BIBLE.

“Celery is really good for bone-breaking”- Ruth, Wrap Party with Prime Video

This edible bit of gore comes from the Wrap Party, where hosts Rhianna Dhillon and Michael Leader interview the incredible foley artist, Ruth Sullivan. The series interviews those who have a crucial role in creating the magic that brings a film to life but is otherwise unrecognised in the grand scheme of things. In this episode, they ask Ruth how she would sound a murder scene, which comes with a surprising response! She stabs watermelons and cabbages, plays with oranges to provide that fleshy sound, and uses celery to replicate the snapping of bones, all to recreate the horrific sounds that we see on screen.

Catch up on the Wrap Party where you can get a glimpse of how cinematic masterpieces come together.

“I could care less about the Kardashians. Mary Robinson is my favourite influencer. ”- Pooja, Mothers of Invention

Climate Justice podcast Mothers of Invention got a facelift for their unforgettable season finale. Youth climate activists Xiye Bastida and Pooja Reddy took over from regular hosts Mary Robinson, Maeve Higgins and Thimali Kodikara. The women were joined by fellow activists Jamie Margolin and Brianna Fruean as they discussed their hopes, dreams and fears about climate change ahead of the US election. 

Listen to Mothers of Invention, Season 3, Episode 7 ‘We May Be Small But Our Impact Is Huge’.

“I seem to be going down a bit of rabbit hole of reading about really horrific people.”- Gabe, You Heard it Here First

Audible editor Gabe Flemming joins the Audible review podcast You Heard it Here First, to recommend a book he’s been loving. This chestnut was how he opened his review of Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates. The book is all about incels (aka involuntary celibates), men’s rights activists, pick up artists, Mike Pence and other dastardly men who for some reason hate women. Thankfully the rest of the episode has just a smidge more lightness to it.

Listen to Series 2, Episode 6, ‘The Spectacle of Life and Death’ on You Heard It Here First.

“She seemed pleased that she caught an STI as it proved that she was sexually active” – June Jennings

The Doc Exchange host, June Jennings spoke to the directors behind the award-winning docufilm Crip Camp, Nicole Newnham and Jim Lebrecht. Host June is referring to a woman called Denise, who features in the film and lives with Cerebral Palsy.  It sums up the rebellious and joyous spirit that carries on throughout the film as well as exploring severe injustices. Nicole and Jim share that tropes around disability are usually very tragic and never equate to things like sex and eroticism. With this in mind, Nicole and Jim wanted to represent these characters as living life to the fullest, despite the boundaries society’s placed on them.

Listen to Episode 2 of The Doc Exchange to find out Nicole and Jim’s top documentary picks.

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Imriel Morgan is Founder and CEO of Podcast Agency Content is Queen. Imriel is a Marketing Maven and cultural innovator in the podcasting industry. Imriel’s mission to make podcasts inclusive, affordable and accessible.

The post Overheard In The Studio // #002 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

“A fanny a day keeps the AIDs away”
– Tash, The Log Books

This homophobic advertising slogan was overheard in a soon to be released episode of the new series of The Log Books. The trio behind the podcast will be picking up where they left off in 1983 all the way through to 1991, when the country was gripped by a major health crisis. Calls to LGBT charity Switchboard were at their peak based on the increasing number of entries in the log books from this time. 

Catch up on your Queer History with The Log Books

“Therapy is not going to make me happy…”
– Shay, All In Due Time

This heartbreaking and poignant statement comes from the All in Due Time podcast, which regularly see’s the two hosts both in their very early twenties battle with their mental health. Tears were shed in this episode as they talk about their struggles to access therapy and how unaffordable it can be for young people. In addition to that they recognise that therapy is not a cure-all for their problems. It’s worth listening to if you’re experiencing mental health issues alone and want to find helpful coping strategies while you sit on a therapy waiting list. 

Catch up on All in Due Time Season 2

“Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people”
– Magid Magid

In response to a stickler for rules and tradition, Magid Magid with his groundbreaking victory to becoming Lord Mayor, openly admitted to defying the rules and expectations that defined the careers of those that came before him. I caught up with Magid Magid for Wanna Be’s Black History Month special. If you don’t know, Magid Magid is the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield and MEP for Yorkshire and Humber. As the youngest ever elected Mayor of Somali descent he has defied the odds to excel in his career.

Listen to episode 111 As If By Magic of Wanna Be with Magid Magid 

“Who isn’t getting to reproduce?”
– Kathryn Medien

Surviving Society hosts Chantelle and Tissot welcomed Academic Kathryn Medien onto their podcast to talk about Internal Border Control. The conversation is fascinating as you hear how Kathryn went down a research rabbit hole of migrant maternity healthcare. Given the climate, this episode is a timely and necessary listen for anyone that wants to stay on top of conversations around migration, the NHS and healthcare inequality.

Listen to 103 Internal Border Controls & NHS Charges of Surviving Society with Kathryn Medien

Imriel Morgan is Founder and CEO of Podcast Agency Content is Queen. Imriel is a Marketing Maven and cultural innovator in the podcasting industry. Imriel’s mission to make podcasts inclusive, affordable and accessible.

The post Overheard In The Studio // #001 appeared first on POD BIBLE.