Andy N
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
Back again with a proper review episode of Not the TV Guide, Beth, Grant and Andy offer reviews off: 1. Reacher (Season 4) 2. Wisdom of the Crowd (John Bishop quiz show) 3. Strictly Come Dancing Season 24 4. Celebrity Traitors (Season 2) 5. Dark Side of the Ring (Season 8) 6. Lanterns (Season 1) 7. X Men' 97 (Season 2) 8. (What are we watching next)
Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features the return of our friend, Saira Anwar. Saira Anwar is an award-winning poet, author, and spoken word artist. Her debut poetry collection, The Death of a Beautiful Dream, was released in January 2014 and went on to reach Amazon’s Top 20 Bestsellers list. She writes poetry and reflection on heartbreak, loss, self-abandonment, and rebuilding identity after emotional rupture. Her poetry has been published in 12 anthologies, and she has performed at events including MACFEST with Professor John McAuliffe, Poetry Bonanza with North-West Poets, and Word Central. She has also been featured twice on BBC Upload with BBC Radio Manchester. Her second book, Rising From Despair, is a powerful follow-up combining poetry, journalling prompts, and personal reflection, with space for readers to begin their own journey of healing. It won the Strange Inc. Book Awards 2025, it received a Five Star Award from the Open Book Awards 2026, and was a semi-finalist in the Indies Today Awards 2026.
The latest episode from Not the TV Guide features Grant, Andy and Beth doing a straight news episode, and as a warning, Grant starts swearing within about 45 seconds after reviewing Digger. (Yeah, he isn't a fan LOL). Other topics include lots and views about Doctor Who (lots), 1) Abandoned third season (Russell T Davies) 2) Aborted Christmas episode (Russell T Davies) 3) Billie Piper shooting talk on the conclusion 4) Who has bid for Doctor Who? 5) Matt Britian (The BBC) and A.I. created Doctor Who Episodes. 6) Lost Doctor Who episodes done as A.I. 7) Time (new Jimmy McGovern series starring David Tennant). 8) The Impossible Planet Doctor Who out on film / DVD 9) Tardis Crew 10) Rivals Season 2 Part 2 (out in November also starring David Tennant) and beyond that: 11) Celebrity Handcuffed 12) Star Trek News 13) Avengers: Endgame - Encore
* Contains topics not suitable for all * Latest up from Spoken Label (Music / Author Podcast) features the return of our friend Alicia Rose also known as Dogstar Rose talking about her debut novel ‘Felo De Se’. Alicia aka Dogstar Rose is described as “Dogstar Rose songs carry a slick edge of retributive punk, but beneath that roar a more dynamic force simmers. Each track a compact journey through momentary emotion: anger and irony dissolve into currents of fragile hope. Dogstar vocals move between sneer and sincerity, lending a lived-in urgency that never knowingly overstates its point. The sound is intentionally kinetic and rather than wallow in catharsis, Dogstar channels fleeting feelings into forward motion, making tension itself an engine. The result is music that rewards repeated listens—each play reveals new lyric nuance or an instrumental detail that reframes a single emotional moment into a shifting landscape. Played loud, the songs have immediacy of a streetwise manifesto; listened to closely, they read like intimate snapshots of a personal reckoning. The duality—punk’s abrasive clarity married to an undercurrent of momentum and introspection—is what gives Dogstar music its distinctive pulse.” Her novel as Alicia is described as “This is a tale of modern-day tragedy. It will prompt conversation about the human activity of suicide. Those who self-kill raise questions for us all. This book is thought-provoking, heart-breaking yet undoubtedly absorbing and gripping. As you read, a passage will open toward understanding how life can be chosen and death be controlled. This is the debut novel of Alicia Rose and has taken almost two decades to write, explore, re-live, re-write and fully understand the depths to which Suicide reaches. If you like thrills, spills, sabotage and the darker side of life then this book is for you.” More details can be found at: https://www.iamdogstar.com/ https://m.soundcloud.com/iamdogstar/popular-tracks
Latest up from Spoken Label is the fantastic ‘Charley’ with part 2 of an extended Podcast. Charlotte ‘Charley’ McDermott (she/they) is a poet from the Black Country, holds an MA in Writing, and has been published in multiple anthologies and magazines. She studied Beginner’s Entomology online in 2026 after visiting Manu Biological Station in October 2025. Working predominantly in writing and communications across the arts and environment sectors as a freelancer, she has worked with highly reputable organisations such as Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists on the Midlands Fringe, and Verve Poetry Festival as their Marketing Assistant. Charley played a key role in The Zephaniah Forest memorial project 2024-25, performed at Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival’s Dis Poetry April 2025, is Project Manager and host for Sandwell Stanzas since August 2025, was a judge for the Verve School Poetry Slam 2026, was commended in the Verve Poem of the Festival Competition 2026 and printed in its subsequent Stitching a Net to Hold Joy anthology, performed in the Dice Slam for Verve Sunday at Ledbury Poetry Festival 2026, and is a Co Director for AccessAbility Arts since August 2026. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charley_mwc/ LinkedIn: https:/www.linkedin.com/in/cyanthian/ Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/cyanthian/
Latest up from Spoken Label (Artist Podcast) making her debut is the wonderful Kahli Morris.Kahli Morris is a singer, dancer and actress with a unique and charismatic style. A captivating performer who brings the golden age of jazz and vintage glamour to life with every note, every move and every performance. Kahli delivers classic standards and reimagined gems with a magnetic stage presence and velvet-toned charisma. As a versatile actress and dancer, she weaves storytelling into movement, seamlessly blending old-school styles with contemporary sophistication. Whether she's embodying a character in a dramatic cabaret scene or sweeping across the stage in rhythm, her range is as dynamic as it is dazzling. Bringing an elevated experience to special occasions and events, Kahli has performed at jazz and cabaret clubs, classic car shows, Christmas light switch on events, weddings and birthdays and at residential and care homes. In addition to being a musician, Kahli is also a boudoir model and has featured in publications such as FHM, Bombshell Magazine and Retro Lovely Magazine. She has also been a Cover Girl Finalist for FHM. As an actress, she has appeared in two films, Dandilicious and Il Classico. * 5 star performances and 5 star reviews* As featured by La Vida Liverpool, Birkenhead News, Wirral Globe, Wirral Wave Radio, MSN News, IMDb and on the front pages of Bombshell, Lybell, Retro Lovely, Ilia, and many others Behind the scenes, she is a visionary cabaret producer and charismatic host, known for hosting unforgettable evenings that transport audiences to eras of decadence. Her productions blend music, theatre, dance, magic, comedy and psychological entertainment into immersive, mesmerising experiences and the audience becomes part of the magic. Whether commanding the stage under a vintage spotlight or orchestrating the spectacle from behind the curtain, Kahli is a true architect of ambiance — channeling classic allure. Links https://www.instagram.com/kahlimorris?igsh=aDJzN3pldm95ZGJ5&utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/share/1M7ybpkrgJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://youtube.com/@kahlimorrisvintagesinger?feature=shared
Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making his debut, David Hardy. David lives in Marple and is described as “David Hardy’s early literary endeavours comprised writing poems for friends and recording daily happenings and flights of the imagination. Covering a broad range of subjects, his work is infused with humour and pathos, light and dark. An occasional contributor to the American Music Magazine, Rock at Night, David is currently building up a following on the open mic circuit in Greater Manchester. He lives in Marple, Cheshire, and he enjoys both community activities and ‘soaking up’ the solitude in the Peak District.” This Podcast is primarily about his second poetry book ‘Heydays & Grey Days: 100 happy & sad poems from a feverish mind’ which is described as '“This is David Hardy’s second collection following the publication in 2023 of his first book Off-Beat Spark, Quirky Light & Dark Poems For Life’s Ups & Downs. Drawn from a fertile imagination and observations of daily life, his writing explores the human condition with irreverent humour and uncompromising honesty. One of his poems, ‘Musical Recollections’ was published in the American music magazine, Rock at Night, and he has opened for the band Death or Glory at gigs in the North West. He also performs at open mic evenings throughout Greater Manchester. David lives in Marple, Cheshire, and he enjoys his travels with the ‘Samuel Strollers’, a walking group whose members relish spending time in the Peak District to avoid otherwise snoozy Sundays.”
Latest up from Spoken Label is the fantastic ‘Charley’ with part 1 of an extended Podcast.Charlotte ‘Charley’ McDermott (she/they) is a poet from the Black Country, holds an MA in Writing, and has been published in multiple anthologies and magazines. She studied Beginner’s Entomology online in 2026 after visiting Manu Biological Station in October 2025.Working predominantly in writing and communications across the arts and environment sectors as a freelancer, she has worked with highly reputable organisations such as Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists on the Midlands Fringe, and Verve Poetry Festival as their Marketing Assistant.Charley played a key role in The Zephaniah Forest memorial project 2024-25, performed at Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival’s Dis Poetry April 2025, is Project Manager and host for Sandwell Stanzas since August 2025, was a judge for the Verve School Poetry Slam 2026, was commended in the Verve Poem of the Festival Competition 2026 and printed in its subsequent Stitching a Net to Hold Joy anthology, performed in the Dice Slam for Verve Sunday at Ledbury Poetry Festival 2026, and is a Co Director for AccessAbility Arts since August 2026.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charley_mwc/LinkedIn: https:/www.linkedin.com/in/cyanthian/ Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/cyanthian/
Back with Episode 6 of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV/Film Podcast)Beth, Grant and Andy N discuss the following: 1. Hulk Hogan: Real American2. Spider Noir3. Toy Story 5
Bonus Episode from Spoken Label, featuring the return of our friend Craig Snelgrove with a exciting new project 'Cooper Lee' Press'. Bridging the gap between craft development and published work, Cooper Lee is an independent press and school of writing and theory founded in 2025 by Dr Craig Snelgrove. (Dr) Craig Snelgrove is a writer from Manchester and PhD in Creative Writing. Author of the short story cycle Young Mancunians, Craig also specialises in editorial services, assisting people from a variety of backgrounds in writing fiction and non-fiction, ranging from memoir to therapy, full length books to professional papers. Cooper is a five-year-old Sprocker Spaniel from Stoke. Born on a farm, Cooper has lived with Craig and his partner, Jess, since he was six months old. He is a homely fellow, accompanying Craig in his work, though is often found sleeping on the job. More details about Cooper Lee Press can be found here: https://cooperleepress.co.uk/
Special bonus episode from Spoken Label features making her debut with a full length episode to follow is Xena Morgan from TBR Books Festival.Xena Morgan is a book content creator on TikTok, professional video editor and copy editor with a huge passion for championing independent authors and creatives.Through being part of the online book community, she has discovered countless independently published books and authors whose talent, creativity and passion deserve a much bigger spotlight.That experience ultimately inspired her to create TBR Book Festival, an independent Manchester book festival built around community, inclusivity, discovery and, most importantly, having fun of which it’s debut festival will be featured on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Band on the Wall in centre of Manchester. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tbr-book-festival-tickets-1964327619789
Back with Episode 5 of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV/Film Podcast), Beth, Grant and Andy N discuss the following: 1. The passing of Hayden Panettiere 2. Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan Podcast launching a new Podcast series, "Pondcast" 3. Reacher Season 4 - 1st 3 episodes 4. Good Omens 3 (Series / Film) 5. The Boys Season 5
Latest Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) features our returning friend,the wonderful Juliette Tomlinson.Juliette is the author of ‘Longford’ and ‘Sunnyside’ and the forthcoming ‘Clothorn’‘Longford is set in 1864, and the great city of Manchester was Cottonopolis, rising with the sound of industry, and the boom of a hundred mills. At the heart of its energies was John Rylands. ‘the greatest merchant prince the world has ever seen’. This is the story of an empire built by a true Manchester man, given meaning and worth by the extraordinary woman Enriqueta, who loved him and a partnership that left a huge mark on the city.The sequel ‘Sunnyside’ which is mostly covered in this podcast is described as “Following Longford: A Manchester Love Story, Sunnyside: A New Beginning, continues JulietteTomlinson’s sweeping Victorian family saga. From tragedy on the Cornish coast to the industrial heart of Manchester, the novel returns to the Rylands household at Longford, where orphanedchildren, unexpected motherhood, and acts of quiet philanthropy reshape fragile lives. Rich in atmosphere, this lyrical continuation explores class, inheritance, and the enduring legacies of loveand loss, revealing how compassion and community can forge hope across generations.’Juliette can be found on Instagram: www.instagram.com/longfordjr/The books can be purchased from Chorlton Bookshop directly, and also on Amazon, Waterstones etc
* Contains numerous bad language (Mostly Grant! LOL) * Back with the fourth episode of Season2 of Not the TV Guide (TV / Film Podcast), Andy N, Grant and Beth are back discussing the following: 1. Supergirl (including a lengthy rant by Grant LOL) 2. Little House on the Prairie 3. Ann Droid 4. Rivals Season 2 (Part 1) 5. Ballmory 6. Star Trek: Brand New Worlds (Episodes 1 to 3)
Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) latest up is the wonderful Pip Fowler. Pip Fowler (also known as Miss Airedale) is a UK-based poet, spoken-word performer, and singer-songwriter. Associated with the Glastonbury veterans Sentimentalists, he is celebrated for delivering darkly humorous and deathly serious poetry. His work—described as sardonic, acerbic, and warped—is often performed without music to maximize its emotional and resonant impact. Fowler is a prominent figure in the northern UK literary and acoustic scenes. He regularly performs at spoken-word open mic nights, with notable appearances at events like Northern Poetry Scene in Bolton, Live From Worktown, and the Words Among the Heather poetry series in Saddleworth. His eclectic performances blend acoustic musicianship with visceral, sometimes surreal and bitter storytelling.
* Contains numerous bad language (Mostly Grant! LOL)Back with the third episode of Season 2 of Not the TV Guide (TV / Film Podcast) sees Andy N, Grant and Beth are back discussing firstly a series of news involving Doctor Who, James Bond, The X Files and the future of Marvel TVbefore then diving into lengthy reviews of:1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day2. The Odyssey3. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Latest up from Spoken Label, featuring making his debut, is the grandnephew of Walt Disney, Tim Disney. Tim Disney is an artist and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. He has produced, written, or directed multiple award-winning feature films and documentaries which have appeared at Sundance, Telluride, SXSW and other festivals. He served as Chairman and CEO of VR pioneer Virtual World Entertainment, which was sold to Microsoft. Tim is an active investor in media and technology, and serves on multiple corporate boards, including Marginal Mediaworks and Dragonfly Therapeutics. In the not-for-profit sector, he is the founder of The Adamma Foundation and co-founder of World Connected. He served for twelve years as a Trustee of SCI-Arc and 29 years as a Trustee of CalArts, eight of them as Chairman of the Board. From 2021-2025 he served as Trustee and Board President of MOCA, and he currently serves as a member of the Global Leadership Council of The World Resources Institute among other projects. This Podcast we mostly talk about the graphic novel, he has co-created with JC Lacek and Vincent J. Dubourg, the A.R.C. The A.R.C is about a deadly virus and begins at the Concordia Centre in the heart of the Amazon, where a who's who of global elites from business, finance, fashion, entertainment, technology, and online activism have gathered for the Global Reinvestment For Tomorrow Conference (GRFT), promising to solve the problem of climate change once and for all. Very little problem-solving occurs before the GRFTers are infected with a lethal, highly contagious virus, dubbed Amazonian Recombinant Cytoneuropathy (A.R.C.). The A.R.C. virus has peculiar and unfortunate characteristics: it is wildly contagious but undetectable in its dormant phase; it is 100% lethal; and the kicker is ... it's activated by lying. This proves deeply problematic for a world drowning in an ocean of lies and misinformation. The GRFTers board their private jets and spread the virus worldwide. Chaos ensues. Most of The A.R.C. plays out on a supposedly "sustainable" cruise ship, The Veritas, where an unlikely band of passengers and crew members: a single mom and her teenage daughter, a born again preacher and his wife, the grizzled Norwegian ship captain, an underemployed photographer and her retired stockbroker father, a pack of libidinous business bros, an unscrupulous payday lending magnate and his Russian mail-order bride, and others, reckon with the spreading virus, survive a bloody attack, and together figure out what is driving the disease, and how to live alongside it. Some of them make it. Most of them don't.
Latest up from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making his debut is the wonderful Jack Henry. Jack Henry is a Wizard Skater and a Poet from Manchester. He writes emotionally driven stories that are about attempting to understand the ‘grey areas’ in life. His Skating is very artistic, as a method of expressing himself. He got into Wizard Skating because it allows him to combine multiple disciplines of inline skating into one. https://www.instagram.com/jackdoespoetry/ https://www.instagram.com/jackdoesskating/
Latest Bonus episode from Spoken Label (Poetry Podcast) features making her long overdue return is the wonderful Lauren Temple talking about an exciting new writing workshop she is running in Altrincham at Altrincham Town Hall via Oyez Arts. Lauren Temple (she/her) is a poet, performer, workshop facilitator and events producer from Manchester. She is a member of the poetry and performance collective Young Identity, producer of variety night Shenaigans at the Shed, runs monthly collage workshop at the Cosy Collage Club, and a fortnightly Poetry Club at Oyez Arts. Seeing herself primarily as a storyteller, Lauren often uses a narrative style that weaves fantasy with mundanity to examine our contemporary life. Lauren's work often focuses on queerness, feminism and mental health. Her workshops often involve playfulness, mixed media and mindfulness. Lauren has worked with organisations such as Manchester International Festival, Apples and Snakes, HOME theatre, and Manchester City of Literature. https://www.instagram.com/laurentemplepoet/
Latest up from Spoken Label features making her debut, the wonderful Anna Maria Stępień Anna was born in Tarnobrzeg (Poland, present Podkarpackie Region). An economist and an English philologist. In 2020, she graduated from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, where she studied specialized translation, for her post graduation. For over seventeen years, a teacher of English and also a translator; she loves her profession. Once, an accountant working for an international company. Now, an editor and an editorial secretary in World Taifas Literary Magazine (Romania), and also one of the coordinators of the Teerandaz International Festival of Poetry and Fiction (Dhaka, Bangladesh). Anna Maria writes poems, short stories, memoirs and anecdotes, both in Polish and in English. Acclaimed worldwide in artistic circles; her poems have been translated into other languages.