Have A Kind Word With Yourself: The Podcast

“Books have always been these magical things to me.” This was a truly uplifting chat with author Sairish Hussain. We talk about finding inspiration in everyday life, and the huge importance of self-compassion, curiosity, solitude, and rest. We share a huge love of books and how, as Sairish says, “You have to be a reader to be a writer.”   Instagram: @sairish.hussain Books: https://harpercollins.co...

“Notice when people are being kind and they're acknowledging the importance of other creatives.” Football somehow keeps getting mentioned! But in this chat with acclaimed poet Culain Wood, it totally works. I speak with Culain about connections, community, and variety in his creative work. We talk about bigging up other artists (see the giant list of links below!) and celebrating those who have in...

“Do the thing that’s instinctive to you.” I chat with TS Eliot Prize winning poet and author Joelle Taylor. Our discussion goes on the most brilliant tangents and tributaries about analog creativity, empathy, lesbian representation - particularly on her current tour of her stunning collection “Maryville” - and the deep, lasting value of friendships. There is some mature language in our chat, so a...

"Poetry comes from that kind act of observation." I chat with Nick Barley, founding Director of the National Poetry Centre. We talk about facilitating other peoples’ creativity, the value of modelling kindness, meeting angelic cyclists in Spain, and how we write poetry to make sense of ourselves in the world. National Poetry Centre: www.nationalpoetrycentre.org.uk Edinburgh International Book Fest...

Hey listeners, it's Rose from Have A Kind Word With Yourself: The Podcast. It's June 2026. It's Pride Month. It's raining a lot in Manchester, and it's pretty tough in the world. So, perhaps Season Two of Have A Kind Word With Yourself: The Podcast can offer a bit of soothing space where you can listen to chats about creativity, kindness, and connection. This season, I'll speak with amazing people...

It's the final episode of Season One ... and what a treat it is! I chat with the wonderful Eleonora Rosca - a musician and music therapist from Romania. Ellie and I have been friends and creative collaborators for years, and she's making huge strides in her music therapy work. We recorded in January -- when Ellie was fresh off of a supervision course in Bristol -- and the ripples of vulnerability,...

What an honour to speak with Ivan Wadeson, Executive Director of Manchester City of Literature! I'm so grateful for the time we had to reflect on art, audience connections, community and kindness! We relate about being library-loving kids, and how we’ve gotta keep libraries as kind and democratic spaces. Plus, hear Ivan promote the upcoming Festival of Libraries in Greater Manchester, June 10-14,...

Can a podcast be delicious? This episode definitely is! I chat with Constance Menzies, owner of Chocolatier Constance Popp in Winnipeg, Canada. Her shop is the first cacao-bean-to-bar maker and her scrumptious food has featured at prestigious events (and in my suitcase every time I visit Winnipeg!) We discuss her journey into chocolate making, and how important relationships and community have bee...

The incredible Griot Gabriel joins the Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast chat! Winner of the 2025 Forward Prize for the performance of his poem ‘Where I’m From’ Gabriel is a Manchester-based poet and youth worker. We talk about his journey into poetry, inspired by figures like Malcolm X and Tupac Shakur, and his work with diverse communities. We delve into the importance of faith, community,...

Tune in for this delightful chat with Carys Nelkon, a senior leader in climate justice and youth development. A self-proclaimed creative problem-solver, Carys shares her experiences at Arts Emergency and her current work in education. We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of nuance in activism, the joy of crafting, and the significance of rest. Below are links for organisations and...

I speak with the wonderful Sharena Lee Satti, a Bradford-based poet and educator who is aiming to be unapologetically herself this year! We chat about her journey, starting with Simon Widdop's support at a Wakefield festival, and her current work with the Sisterverse Festival. We celebrate small acts of kindness, like pausing for self-care and connecting with others, and taking a moment to breathe...

This episode brings a joyful chat with Blue Saint, a Liverpool-based rapper and poet from the Democratic Republic of Congo. We delve into our creative processes, and the importance of storytelling and curiosity. Blue speaks enthusiastically about intentional kindness, and how honesty (with consideration and care) is a powerful tool for connection.   Below are links for organisations and projects t...

In this episode, I’m joined by two guests - acclaimed poets / creative practitioners Tina Sederholm and Ciarán Hodgers. We explore self-compassion, curiosity, and using kindness as a tool for overcoming challenges. Tina and Ciarán share highlights of their ‘Mourning Pages’ programme, and they share a few phrases that are gems of reminders for self care.    Below are links for some of the things th...

In this episode, I chat with Paul Beeson, a Scottish stage and screen actor known for his work in "The Crown" and his co-creation of theatre shows "A War of Two Halves" and "Sweet FA." We discuss creativity, mental health, and the unexpected links between football and theatre. Paul shares his personal experiences with depression and the impact of positive encouragement and collaboration. Paul co-h...

In this discussion, I chat with Amie Kirby, a working-class, queer, and disabled woman from Manchester. Amie shares her passion for grassroots activism and community engagement, and dreams of more commonplace acts of kindness.   Below are links for organisations and projects that we discussed:   Arts Emergency: www.arts-emergency.org   Big Flame: https://wcml.org.uk/get-involved/big-flame-inspirin...

It's the very first episode! I speak with Kieren King, an acclaimed poet and producer.  Kieren takes us through his journey from a filing clerk to a renowned poet, and the value of community and connection along the way. We talk about his new book, "Spit and Sawdust" as well as the importance of embracing messiness as creatives, the need to actively support the arts, and advocating for an inclusiv...

Coming to your ears soon, this podcast from Rose Condo explores how we can keep kind, creative and connected. In each episode, Rose chats with a fellow creative about how they keep thriving and connected in their work.