In this episode we had a chat with wonderful author, poet and performer Paul Cookson. We talked to Paul about transitioning from full time teacher to full time poet, the unexpected success of his massive lockdown inspired poetry project, and a second career of sorts in music featuring surprise collaborations with some childhood heroes along the way…

In this episode we had a chat with Keith from local band the Quicksilver Kings. We talked to Keith about the ins and outs of the songwriting process, the crossover between music and poetry plus the music scene in Hull and what makes the city so special.

In this episode we had a chat with author and poet June Wentland who despite not being based in the city anymore is still a proud Hull girl through and through as you’ll hear. We talked to June about making the transition from poetry to novels, her first book ‘Foolish Heroines’ and the influence of magical realism, plus what she’s been enjoying rea…

In this episode we had a chat with prolific children's author Steve Skidmore. We talked to Steve about the importance of getting kids into reading and entertaining them in the process, being part of a literary double act, diversity in fiction and storytelling with an interactive twist.

In this episode we had a chat with storyteller and author Cat Weathrill. We talked to Cat about her connections to Hull, trying and failing at acting before discovering the tremendous captivating power of storytelling, learning to ride a motorbike and the importance of trying new things.

In this episode we had a chat with local illustrator and artist Eleanor Tomlinson. You may be aware of Eleanor through her drawing of the Queen and Paddington bear which went viral during the Jubilee celebrations this summer. We talked to Eleanor about getting started in art, her passion for nature and animals and of course the effects, both good a…

In this episode we had a conversation with Robert Pearce AKA ‘Mama G’ who is a wonderful year round pantomime dame entertaining families up and down the country with storytelling sessions about being who you want and loving who you are. We talked to Robert about the origins of Mama G, always wanting to a dame and the power of pantomime and storytel…

In this episode we had a chat with local crime writer Nick Quantrill - be sure to check out his website - nickquantrill.co.uk - or follow him on twitter for more info about his books and news on latest releases. We talked to Nick about setting novels in your home city, going from short stories to full length books, organising fiction festivals, and…

In this episode we chatted to shadow puppet master Drew Colby about teaching Hollywood royalty the tricks of the trade, travelling the world, and the joys of a minimalist performance. Plus we talk to our colleague Becky about favourite books and films with a focus on the escapism offered by the created worlds of science fiction and fantasy.…

In this episode we had a conversation with local writer and musician Russ Litten about all sorts of fascinating bits and bobs, including becoming a writer via being a lyricist in a band, stumbling into working on a Hollywood blockbuster (and why that’s not all it’s cracked up to be), inspiring prisoners, ‘method’ inspiration and whether a lack of i…

In this bumper episode we had a conversation with children’s author and illustrator Chloe Inkpen, local radio personality and mediaeval musical maestro Wolfy O’Hare and our wonderful colleague Hannah about musicals and books to have a good cry to. First up we chatted to Chloe Inkpen about following in the footsteps of - and working alongside her fa…

In this episode we had a chat with local writer Louise Beech. She has six books published so far including some inspired by fascinating events from her friends and families real lives, as you’ll discover during the course of our conversation. Head over to her website louisebeech.co.uk for full details on all of her books as well as old newspaper co…

In this episode we had a chat with John Beney who along with Freddie Garland form local dance troupe Ten Foot Dance. Head over to their website tenfootdancecompany.com to find out more and see some examples of their work. We talked to John about his Billy Elliot style transition from rugby player to professional dancer, breaking down the stereotype…

In this episode we had a chat with children’s author extraordinaire Michelle Robinson, writer of over 40 books full of all sort of colourful characters, with titles like ‘The Day the Banana went Bad’, ‘When Jelly had a Wobble’ and ‘There’s a Lion in my Cornflakes’. She’s got more coming out all the time too so make sure to check out her website ove…

In this episode we had a conversation with musical super pairing Frankie and Pete who together are Mambo Jambo as well as our colleague Ellen, organiser of the Big Malarkey Children's Literature Festival about her childhood and enduring fascination for the magic of fairy tales. Mambo Jambo describe themselves as an ’Acoustic Roots Duo’ and take ins…

In this episode we had a conversation with Ruby and Sam, who together are local theatre company The Herd. They write and produce wonderful plays and immersive interactive theatre for young audiences both locally and nationally. As well as chatting about some of the amazing work they’ve done, we talked about learning as you go and learning from your…

In this episode we had a conversation with author Tom Palmer who writes wonderful historical fictions as well as sporting adventure books about football and rugby for children and young people. We talked about how someone who didn’t like reading as a child ended up as an author, some of the fascinating research trips he’s been on to prepare for his…

In this episode we talk to artist and illustrator Calvin Innes about some of the amazing large scale projects he's been involved with, getting started in art and the importance of arts education, including learning from your mistakes. We also get to know some of the library team better as we chat to our resident sci-fi geek extraordinaire Matt abou…

And we're off! In the inaugural episode of the new Hull Libraries Podcast we talk to award winning writer Phil Earle. Phil is a Hull born and bred author of over 15 books for children and young adults as well as an all round top chap. We chatted about lockdown life, his latest books and the roundabout route he took to get into writing via a career …