Best National Centre For Writing Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep#108:Walking vs Hiking and Who You Are? 31:26

3d ago31:26

31:26

Producer’s note: Hi everyone, Executive Producer Matt here, just wanted to slide in here quickly and say that we recorded this panel a while ago, so you might hear some familiar voices! Just wanted to say a quick thank you to Irina, Andrew, Ruonan and Alex for all their effort in recording this panel! We hope you like it. We’ve gone digging and we …

1
Writing narrative non-fiction with Dan Richards & Edward Parnell 58:02

9d ago58:02

58:02

In this episode of The Writing Life, we’re joined by writers and NCW Academy tutors Dan Richards and Edward Parnell to discuss the process of researching, writing, and publishing narrative non-fiction books. Dan Richards is a writer and journalist who specialises in travel, memoir, and culture. He has taught at Bristol University, and currently tut…

1
How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett 50:31

23d ago50:31

50:31

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discuss craftivism, a form of activism and collective empowerment that is centered on practices of craft. Sarah P Corbett is an activist, author, speaker, and the founder of Craftivist Collective. She is k…

1
Writing for performance with HighTide 43:23

1M ago43:23

43:23

In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola Werenowska and Norwich-based folk musician Georgia Shackleton to discuss writing for performance. Nicola and Georgia were central to the development of Suffolk-based theatre company HighTide’s touring s…

1
Writing poetry with Martin Figura 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing poetry, and how things make their way into his poetic imagination. Martin Figura was born in Liverpool and lives in Norwich. His collections include The Little Book of Harm (Firewater Press, 2000), Ah…

1
Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner 51:43

2M ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby Weiner to discuss their new book Reintroducing Harriet Martineau: Pioneering Sociologist and Activist, which explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts…

1
Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identity in fiction. Michael Donkor was born in London to Ghanaian parents. He studied English at Wadham College, Oxford, followed by a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. His first novel, Hold, was l…

1
Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood 59:08

3M ago59:08

59:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women. Naomi Wood is the award-winning author of three novels, including the bestselling Mrs. Hemingway. Her stories have been published in the Mid-American Review, Washington Square Review, Joyland and Stylist, and …

1
Ep107# Net Zero & Bullsh*t: Corporate Sustainability Metrics with Dr Matthew Archer 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

This week Emma Quilty sat down with Matthew Archer, Assistant Professor at Maastricht University to discuss his brand new NYU Press book Unsustainable: Measurement, Reporting, and the Limits of Corporate Sustainability. In this brilliant and incisive new book, Matthew Archer weaves together ethnographic fieldwork conducted among a wide array of sus…

1
Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang 59:40

4M ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang about the quirks of virtual residencies, and how their expectations compared to reality. We were delighted to host them from June to December 2023, in a virtual residency generously su…

1
Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the grotesque body. Heather Parry was born in Rotherham and lives in Glasgow. She has won the Bridge Award for an Emerging Writer, Cove Park's Emerging Writer Residency and the Laxfield Literary Launch Pr…

1
World Anthropology Day With Dr Noel Salazar 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

This week Sean Heath sat down with Noel B. Salazar, Professor of Anthropology at KU Leuven to discuss the celebration of Anthropology Day(s). Their conversation covered the initiation of world anthropology day by the American Anthropological Association and touched on national celebrations of anthropology day, as well as the potential for a World A…

1
TFS 2024 Update: We are Recruiting! 2:07

5M ago2:07

2:07

A brief update on the state of TFS project and a call for new contributors to the team.By Your Familiar Strangers

1
Writing and chronic illness with Polly Atkin 40:32

5M ago40:32

40:32

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Emerging Translator Mentorships Programme Manager Annie speaks with author Polly Atkin about writing with a chronic illness. Polly Atkin is a multi-award-winning writer, essayist and poet. She is the author of the poetry collections Basic Nest Architecture, which won a Northern Writers' Award, and Much With …

1
Writing for younger audiences with Chip Colquhoun 51:30

5M ago51:30

51:30

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with author and NCW mentor Chip Colquhoun about oral storytelling and writing for younger audiences. An NCW Associate Artist, Chip is a storyteller and children’s author. He’s trained teachers through the Department for Education’s English Hub, young creatives through Rathbone …

1
Writing modern noir with Margot Douaihy 48:48

6M ago48:48

48:48

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie speaks with American author Margot Douaihy about the development of the noir genre in crime writing. Margot Douaihy is the author of several noir titles including the mystery novel Scorched Grace, the inaugural title of Gillian Flynn Books. Douaihy is originally from Scranton,…

1
Johannes Kuhnen, MAKE Award finalist 17:11

6M ago17:11

17:11

Host Lisa Cahill chats with master metalsmith Johannes Kuhnen. Johannes Kuhnen is one of the pioneers of anodised aluminium metalwork. In this episode, Johannes explains why he finds anodising annoying, and his design process. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on his MAKE Award entry, Remnant Green. Johannes Kuhnen is one …

1
Writing unreliable narrators with Hannah Vincent 50:23

6M ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, Head of Programmes and Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Hannah Vincent about point of view and different types of narration. Hannah Vincent is a novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her first novel, Alarm Girl was published in 2014 and her second, The Weaning in 2018. Her 2020 short…

1
Csongvay Blackwood, MAKE Award finalist 20:39

7M ago20:39

20:39

Host Lisa Cahill chats with partners in life and work, Csilla Csongvay and Matt Blackwood. In this episode, Csilla and Matt share the inspirations behind their work, what it takes to enter an award, and how they made a single sculpture from 100 pieces of clay. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on their work, Walk the Line …

1
Into the contemporary poetry archive 44:19

7M ago44:19

44:19

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW CEO Peggy Hughes speaks to four dazzling voices in contemporary poetry. On Wednesday 22 November, Jay Bernard, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Gail McConnell and Joelle Taylor gathered to celebrate the launch of exciting new poetry archive collection, ‘Towards a Centre for Contemporary Poetry in the Archive'. This p…

1
Julie Blyfield, MAKE Award finalist 20:04

7M ago20:04

20:04

Host Lisa Cahill chats with contemporary jeweller Julie Blyfield. Hear how Julie's MAKE Award entry is inspired by love and loss. Julie Blyfield is a South Australian artist renowned for her work inspired by collected botanical specimens and forms. Using the traditional metalsmithing techniques of chasing and repoussé, Blyfield makes intricately te…

1
High Tea with Mrs Woo, MAKE Award finalist 22:23

7M ago22:23

22:23

Meet clothing designers High Tea With Mrs Woo. Rowena, Angela and Juliana Foong are three sisters who run a clothing label that focuses on sustainability and ethical production and who collaborate on design, making, mending and more. In this episode, you'll hear comments from MAKE Award judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes. And find ou…

1
How to Write a Script with Molly Naylor 59:09

7M ago59:09

59:09

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer and theatre director Jen Dewsbury speaks with writer, performer and NCW Academy tutor Molly Naylor about the craft of scriptwriting. Molly Naylor is the co-creator and writer of Sky One comedy After Hours. Her plays have been toured nationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. She wrote and performed …

1
MAKE Award winner, ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa 21:57

7M ago21:57

21:57

Meet the winner of the Inaugural MAKE Award, ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa. Vipoo tells us about the themes that inspire his work, the process of making the winning piece Diverse Dominion Deities, his strategic approach to the MAKE award, and Vipoo's ongoing charity project 'Clay For'. Hear comments from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian …

1
Series 3: Behind the scenes of the MAKE Award 1:52

8M ago1:52

1:52

Series 3 introduces the winner, four finalists and the judges of Australia’s newest and richest award for contemporary craft - the MAKE Award. This major new national award by us, the Australian Design Centre, celebrates innovation in contemporary craft and design. Over five episodes you’ll meet winner Vipoo Srivilasa and finalists the Foong Sister…

1
In conversation with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin 47:04

8M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble spoke to bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin about his new standalone short thriller The Rise. Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960 and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982. He is the internationally bestselling author of the Inspector Rebus and De…

1
The craft of life writing with Fiona Mason 43:05

8M ago43:05

43:05

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, former NCW CEO Chris Gribble caught up with author Fiona Mason to discuss her memoir 36 Hours and the craft of life writing. Originally from the Midlands, Fiona Mason now lives between the salt marshes of the east of England, and the Ariege Pyrenees in southwest France where she's renovating a house with…

1
Writing Short Stories with Yan Ge 43:47

9M ago43:47

43:47

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland caught up with writer and NCW Academy tutor Yan Ge to discuss the process of writing short stories. Yan is a fiction writer, writing in both Chinese and English, and is the author of thirteen books in Chinese, including five novels. She has received numerous awards and was na…

1
Music and translation with Kalaf Epalanga & Daniel Hahn 1:02:39

9M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

This episode of The Writing Life features musician and writer Kalaf Epalanga and writer, editor and translator Daniel Hahn on the process of writing and translating Kalaf’s exhilarating debut novel, Whites Can Dance Too. They were interviewed by NCW Programme Manager Rebecca DeWald. Kalaf Epalanga is a musician and writer. Best known internationall…

1
Ep#106: MeTooAnthro and the Witch Hunt trope 1:21:38

9M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode makes mention of Sexual Assault and sexual violence. In this episode we walk about MeToo anthropology from the lens of fieldwork and within the academy itself. Familiar Stranger Emma Quilty sat down with anthropologists Holly Walters and Margaret Czerwienski to talk about the MeToo collective and its i…

1
Priscilla Morris on writing resistance and community in Black Butterflies 49:27

10M ago49:27

49:27

In this episode we’re bringing you a conversation with debut novelist and creative writing teacher Priscilla Morris. Priscilla’s first novel Black Butterflies is the author’s personal response to the war that devastated her mother’s hometown of Sarajevo, Bosnia, in the former Yugoslavia, from 1992-1996. Priscilla spoke to NCW Communications Assista…

1
Working Class Noir with Tom Benn 57:46

10M ago57:46

57:46

In this episode of The Writing Life, we are joined by author, screenwriter and lecturer Tom Benn to discuss his latest novel, Oxblood. Set in 1980s South Manchester, Benn's blazing novel of female solidarity and the legacy of male violence centres on three generations of women at the heart of an underworld family. It won the 2022 Sunday Times Charl…

1
Writing Real People in Memoir with Katy Massey 34:54

11M ago34:54

34:54

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki Maitland speaks with writer, editor and workshop leader Katy Massey about the process of writing real people in memoir. Katy was a journalist for many years before studying for an MA and PhD in Creative Writing. Her memoir, Are We Home Yet? was published in 2020 and praised by Bernard…

1
How to Write Suspense Fiction with Claire McGowan 50:11

11M ago50:11

50:11

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble caught up with Claire McGowan to discuss how she got started as a writer, her route(s) into publishing and how she’s maintained and developed a career in writing across a range of genres and over a lengthy period of time. Claire McGowan published her first novel in 2012, and has…

1
Writing a Biography with Patrick Barkham 42:06

12M ago42:06

42:06

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer Patrick Barkham about the process of writing his new book The Swimmer, and how he found ways to ‘hear’ the voice of an author whose work he knew well, but who he never met. Patrick Barkham is an award-winning author and natural history writer for the Guardian.…

1
Life as a Poet - with Raymond Antrobus 57:19

12M ago57:19

57:19

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with writer, poet and educator Raymond Antrobus in an interview which was recorded ahead of his performance at the City of Literature weekend 2023. City of Literature takes place in May each year and is a National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival partners…

1
#31. Manuela Moser: from a creative writing PhD to festival management 26:52

12M ago26:52

26:52

This episode features an interview of Dr Manuela Moser, Festival Director for the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. Manuela discusses the wide range of tasks her role implies, and reflects on how she got where she is in her career.By Dr. Alice Dubois

1
#30. Eliza McKee: working at the National Archives 25:52

12M ago25:52

25:52

This episode features an interview of Dr Eliza McKee, Principal Researcher Northern Ireland Records at The National Archives UK. Eliza discusses her transition from PhD to her current role, what she does, and how her experience at the National Archives fits in her wider career and research.By Dr. Alice Dubois

1
#29. Mark Coughlan, Roy Bitrus and Rebecca Lutton: Careers for engineers 1:26:15

1y ago1:26:15

1:26:15

This episode is the recording of a panel discussion on career options for postdocs and PhDs outside academia, including entrepreneurship, focusing on individuals with a range of engineering backgrounds. it features Dr Mark Coughlan, R&D Physicist at Andor Technology, Dr Roy Bitrus, Director of Sales at TenzorGEO Ltd and Co Chair AFBE UK Scotland, a…

1
Ep#105 Podstudies: Dr Ian Cook on the Future of Academia & Podcasts 50:45

1y ago50:45

50:45

The podcast is back! This week, we've challenged ourselves to be as meta as possible, with a podcast, about podcasting, released by an academic podcast! Try saying that after a wine or two. Familiar Stranger Tim and Sean sat down with Dr Ian Cook, who has recently released his book "Scholarly PodcastingWhy, What, How?", which actually interviewed s…

1
Writing About Historical Figures with Victoria Mackenzie 49:16

1y ago49:16

49:16

In this episode of The Writing Life, National Centre for Writing’s Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly Ainley caught up with Victoria Mackenzie after her event in Norwich to discuss her debut novel For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain, the joys and pitfalls of researching historical periods, and how you communicate this to con…

1
#28. Deborah Cox, Billy Hunter and Suha Dadou: research careers in the life sciences 1:12:02

1y ago1:12:02

1:12:02

This episode is the recording of a panel discussion on career options for life sciences postdocs and PhDs outside of academia, focusing on research roles in the public sector, start-up companies and big pharma. it features Dr Deborah Cox, Managing Director at Lagan Valley Scientific, Dr Billy Hunter, Senior Marine Chemist at Agri-Food and Bioscienc…

1
#27. Claire McCartan, Bethany Waterhouse-Bradley and Jade Berman: Careers in social sciences and policy 1:22:13

1y ago1:22:13

1:22:13

This episode is the recording of a panel discussion on career options for postdocs and PhDs in the public sector or non-governmental organisations, focusing on policy-related roles in the health-, social- and environmental-sciences. It features Dr Claire McCartan, Senior Researcher at the Northern Health & Social Care Trust, Dr Bethany Waterhouse-B…

1
Working with a Translator - with Caroline Lamarche and Katherine Gregor 45:28

1y ago45:28

45:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Manager Rebecca DeWald had the pleasure of talking with Katherine Gregor and Caroline Lamarche about the process of writing and translating The Memory of the Air, a novella by Caroline which explores a universal experience of gender and sexual violence and challenges common notions of victimhood. T…

1
#26. Keziah Davison: Career opportunities beyond academia & how to navigate the transition 43:20

1y ago43:20

43:20

In this episode, Dr Keziah Davison (Life Sciences Executive Search Consultant at Cranmore Executive Search) provides her insight as a clinical psychologist and biotech headhunter on navigating the identity shift that comes with making significant career changes. She also outlines the types of opportunities available to PhD/Postdoctoral Researchers …

1
In conversation with Max Porter at the Book Hive 41:47

1y ago41:47

41:47

On this episode of The Writing Life, we are delighted to welcome Max Porter back to Norwich! Max was here in April for an event hosted by The Book Hive to celebrate the publication of his latest novel, Shy. NCW Executive Director Peggy Hughes settled in for a cosy chat with Max upstairs in The Book Hive. Their expansive conversation covers the spec…

1
Interviewing difficult subjects with Richard Balls 52:11

1y ago52:11

52:11

On this episode of The Writing Life, we speak to news journalist turned non-fiction writer and biographer Richard Balls about interviewing difficult subjects. Richard is the author of three books: A Furious Devotion: The Life of Shane MacGowan; Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story, and Sex & Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll: The Life of Ian Dury. In this convers…

1
In Conversation with British-Nepali Writer and Translator Rabi Thapa 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

A conversation from the archive! National Centre for Writing’s Kate Griffin talks to writer, translator and editor Rabi Thapa. Kate is our Associate Head of Programmes and Rabi stayed in the Dragon Hall cottage as part of our Visible Communities programme in June 2021. Rabi is a British-born Nepali writer and translator. He is also the Editor of La…

1
Ep#104 We let ChatGPT write this title: ""ChatGPT: The Future of AI-Assisted Conversations" 36:30

1y ago36:30

36:30

It’s been a while…We’re back, this time with Familiar Strange Emma leading a panel on AI and specifically Chat GPT. This week, Emma is joined by Familiar Strangers Matt and Sean to discuss some of the advancements of ChatGPT and what it means for us as academics and human creativity. Matt dives into how his poetry has been informed by AI and Sean r…

1
The Martineau Lecture with Kit De Waal 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

As part of the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival we run a series of events called City of Literature. A central part of our programme is the Harriett Martineau Lecture which celebrates the legacy of a remarkable, world-changing woman by inviting globally-renowned radical speakers to respond to her life and work. In 2022, we were excited to welcom…

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