Spoken Label

Andy N

0.0 (0)
PERFORMING ARTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Spoken Label is a podcast series designed to interview and record sessions from authors, poets, artists, musicians etc in North West England and beyond. Formed in 2015 and ran / edited by Andy N, author of ‘Return to Kemptown’ and ‘The End of Summer’,it is always often to submissions from interested artists. Email: aen1mpo@yahoo.co.uk

3D AGO

Stephen Small (Spoken Label, May 2026)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features making his debut is, Stephen Small.Stephen has been writing fiction and non-fiction for many years alongside careers in academia, publishing, communications, and consulting.His debut novel, The Life and Death of Abercrombie Lyle, emerged from academic interests and private passions: a fascination with political power – and what people will do to get it; a love of Italy based on extensive travel and research; and a desire to write the kind of fast-paced, twisty mysteries and thrillers he enjoys reading himself.His writing is informed by a doctorate in Modern History and a BA in Politics, Philosophy & Economics, both from Oxford University, and an MA in History from the University of Michigan – as well the history of his own family of Irish immigrants to Liverpool in the early 20th century.Stephen has taught history and political thought in several US and UK universities, including UC Berkeley, Boston College, San Francisco State, and St. Mary’s University Twickenham. He has written several non-fiction works, including An Irish Century 1845-1945 and Political Thought in Ireland, 1776-1798, published by Oxford University Press.A native of Liverpool, Stephen now lives in Warrington with his wife and their dog, Sebastian.More details can be found at: https://www.stephensmall.co.uk/

42 min
MAY 16

Emma J Barlow (EJ) (Part 2) (Spoken Label, May 2026)

New up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) and the second in a extended two part chat is with making their debut, Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ). Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ) is a neurodivergent author, poet, workshop facilitator and advocate from the North of England. She began her writing journey at seven. She weaves tales from her life experiences and explores themes such as autism, hope, love and loss. Her works include “Darkness & Light” (2020) and “Sins & Sunflowers: Second Edition” (2023). She has had her work recognised in both print and radio, including being longlisted for the Heroica Poetry Prize in 2024 and runner-up in the Happiful Poetry Prize in 2025. EJ has poems featured in various publications, including The Raven Review, The Anti-Misogyny Club Journal, Flare Lit Magazine and Ink Gladiator Press. She has performed her work live on BBC Radio Manchester, had poems featured on podcasts and performed her poetry across the UK. She currently facilitates an online workshop series called Holding Space (@holdingspaceforpoetry on Instagram) and is also working on her 3rd poetry book and other exciting creative projects. You can follow her at @emmajanepoetry on Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter, Threads of Hope, on Substack.

38 min
MAY 12

Emma Jane Barlow (EJ - Spoken Label, May 2026 - Part 1)

New up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) and the first in a extended two part chat is with making their debut, Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ). Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ) is a neurodivergent author, poet, workshop facilitator and advocate from the North of England. She began her writing journey at seven. She weaves tales from her life experiences and explores themes such as autism, hope, love and loss. Her works include “Darkness & Light” (2020) and “Sins & Sunflowers: Second Edition” (2023). She has had her work recognised in both print and radio, including being longlisted for the Heroica Poetry Prize in 2024 and runner-up in the Happiful Poetry Prize in 2025.EJ has poems featured in various publications, including The Raven Review, The Anti-Misogyny Club Journal, Flare Lit Magazine and Ink Gladiator Press. She has performed her work live on BBC Radio Manchester, had poems featured on podcasts and performed her poetry across the UK. She currently facilitates an online workshop series called Holding Space (@holdingspaceforpoetry on Instagram) and is also working on her 3rd poetry book and other exciting creative projects. You can follow her at @emmajanepoetry on Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter, Threads of Hope, on Substack.

44 min
APR 23

Hayley Lynn Gordon (Spoken Label, April 2026)

* SHOW NOTES * this interview was recorded on Easter Sunday, due to other prioritise and future events, Giz A Word Collective have now decided to step down from the All Ears Expo on 3rd July. However please visit the All Ears Instagram for more information and ticket linkLatest up today from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features the return of our friend, Hayley Lynn Gordon. Hayley has been a regular performer around Merseyside in recent years and co-runs her own monthly night ‘Giz A Word'. Giz A Word platforms writers at all stages of their careers as well as offering an opportunity to connect with other creatives. This Podcast primarily talks about Hayley's forthcoming poetry book' Lemonade Grendade' will be available to buy on Amazon and selected independent books stores after its launch this summer. You can also visit @twistedtales.hlg19 and @gizaword.collective on Instagram for updates on Giz a Word poetry events and where to see Hayley Lynn Gordon live. * Post recording note * Hayley advises that since the Podcast was recorded, they have cancelled their scheduled their All Ears Poetry Expo date.

59 min
APR 15

Alistair Lawrie (Spoken Label, April 2026) (Re-edit)

* Re-edit * There was a unfortunate glitch in the second half of the Podcast during which Alistair reads out a wonderful poem called Elephants Don't Jump. In the sake of being fair, we agreed for Alistair to re-record said poem and it is presented as a bonus at the end of the Podcast. New from Spoken Label features making his debut is the amazing Alistair Lawrie. Alistair Lawrie is from Peterhead and now lives in Stonehaven. His short story “Delivery” won the William Soutar Prize in 2016 and his poem “Twists And Turns” won the McLellan Scots Poetry Prize in 2023. His poetry and short stories have been published in “The Interpreter’s House”, “The Poets’ Republic”, “Northwords Now”, “Lallans”, “Poetry Scotland” and various anthologies; he coedited the Scottish sea anthology “A Glimmer Of Cold Brine”. His poetry collection “Caal Cries” was published in 2023 by Drunk Muse Press. He runs weekly creative writing sessions for Mearns Writers. He writes in Doric and English, occasionally Scots “… but the words and the rhythms of those voices I heard as a boy breathe their lilt through all of it”This chat is about Alistair's new poetry book "Opent Petals" available from Drunk Muse Press which describes at the book as "following on from his acclaimed debut, Caal Cries – confirms his position as one of the most accomplished and entertaining poets writing in Scots today. Winner of the 2023 McLellan Scots Poetry Prize, he alternatives adeptly between Doric and English across a range of themes. Whether he’s recalling a telling childhood incident or casting a rueful eye over politics and culture, there is wit and insight aplenty in these poems that will resonate widely."

1h 29m
APR 10

Half Beard Half Poet (Spoken Label, April 2026)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features making his debut is the wonderful Half Beard Half Poet. A product of the early 2010s Mancunian poetry scene Half Beard Half Poet (then using the alias Benny-Jo Zahl) burned bright but briefly. Three years after discovering poetry in 2009 he was published as a member of the Working Verse collective alongside Kieren King and Dave Viney Via Flapjack press (The Prequel to the Sequel), co-wrote and performed two plays with Working Verse that debuted in the Lowery theatre (Amateur Thematics – 2012, Writer's Retweet – 2013) and co-hosted Bang Said The Gun: Manchester. In May 2014 at the Evidently poetry night in Salford he gave his last performance, until one fateful day in October 2023, when he walked into a therapist’s office holding notebook and pen… What some people have said about him: “The great ape swings again! I’ve admired these poems for years, but for too long they’ve not been on our stages. It’s amazing to see not only their return but also even more exciting, emotive, excellent new words coming from this engaging and inspired writer and performer. Yes, heavier than metal, and shining twice as brightly! – Dominic Berry, 2017 Glastonbury Festival Poet in Residence and winner of the Saboteur ‘Best Spoken Word Artist’ award 2020 and 2017. “I like the ones with the guinea pigs” – Kim Moores, Love of my life. “That’s pure gold” – Rupert Holmes, singer song writer of “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” upon hearing a performance of the poem on page 17. More details can be found here: https://halfbeardhalfpoet.co.uk/

1h 10m
APR 5

Krystal 'Gypsy' Orellano Weldon (Spoken Label, April 2026)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features the return of our friend, the amazing Krystal 'Gypsy' Orellano Weldon. Krystal “Gypsy” Orellano Weldon is a Tampa, Florida–based spoken word artist, poet, writer, and composition professor. As an educator, she teaches writing at the college level, where she is passionate about helping students find their voice, develop critical thinking skills, and use writing as a tool for self-expression and empowerment. Her work in the classroom reflects her broader mission to uplift diverse voices and create space for meaningful storytelling.Known throughout the Tampa Bay community for her presence in the open mic scene, Krystal has been featured in events such as Pinot & Poetry: A Toast to Herstory and began her artistic journey with the USF Poets. Her performances are rooted in authenticity, emotion, and cultural expression, resonating with a wide range of audiences.Her writing spans poetry and creative nonfiction, with publications in The Sandbox (St. Petersburg College’s newspaper), The Sandhill Review (Saint Leo University), and recognition as a runner-up in the University of Westminster’s 2017 Mental Health Poetry Competition.In addition to her academic and literary work, Krystal is currently in the process of producing a poetry album that blends spoken word with musical expression. She is also working on her upcoming novel, The Lover’s Passion Lounge, continuing to expand her voice across multiple creative platforms. * Contains as a bonus track - a song from Krystal's forthcoming album 'Gravity 105 BPM G Minor' *

44 min
MAR 28

Talin “Tally” Vartanian (Spoken Label, March 2026)

Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making her debut, the amazing Talin “Tally” Vartanian.Talin “Tally” Vartanian is a writer, actress, and photographer who resides somewhere in Los Angeles, CA.When she’s not struggling to keep her head above water, she loves to play video games, walk on hiking trails, and cook something new in her tiny kitchen.The Instagram feed, which we do an in-depth study on, can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/talinthepoet/

52 min

Spoken Label is a podcast series designed to interview and record sessions from authors, poets, artists, musicians etc in North West England and beyond. Formed in 2015 and ran / edited by Andy N, author of ‘Return to Kemptown’ and ‘The End of Summer’,it is always often to submissions from interested artists. Email: aen1mpo@yahoo.co.uk

Creator

Andy N
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

456
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Andy N